Plasma β-endorphin levels in obese and non-obese patients with polycystic ovary disease

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of body weight on circulating plasma levels of β-endorphin and insulin in women with polycystic ovary disease (PCOD) ,as well as the correlation between the plasma levels of β-endorphin and insulin. One-hundred and sixty-seven consecutive subjects with PCOD were recruited ,117 of whom had normal weight (body mass index (BMI) < 25) while 50 were obese (BMI > 25). A venous blood sample was taken and plasma concentrations of β-endorphin ,insulin ,gonadotropins ,prolactin ,progesterone ,17β-estradiol ,estrone ,androgens ,dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were measured. Mean β-endorphin and insulin plasma levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in obese PCOD women than in non-obese ones. Correlation analysis showed a positive association between insulin and β-endorphin ,β-endorphin and BMI (and weight) ,insulin and BMI (and weight) ,and a negative correlation was found between insulin and SHBG. A weak association was found between-endorphin and luteinizing hormone (LH) in peripheral plasma. Stratified and linear regression analysis showed that plasma-endorphin concentrations correlate more with BMI than with insulinemia.     

Inappropriate secretion of human placental lactogen and beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin by cancer of the uterine cervix

Human placental lactogen (hPL) and the β-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) were studied in serum samples of (a) 45 patients with cancer of the uterine cervix, (b) 30 normal men, and (c) 30 normal nonpregnant women. Sera of 27 of 45 (60%) and 13 of 32 (41%) patients with cervical cancer were positive for hPL and β-hCG, respectively. hPL and β-hCG were not detectable in sera of normal subjects mentioned above. Serum hPL was detected with similar incidence in patients with cancer of cervix of grades II, III, and IV (FIGO classification) whereas β-hCG was found with increasing incidence in association with increasing clinical grades. That Serum hPL was not detectable in normal or nonneoplastic conditions and its high incidence in cervical cancer patients indicate its possible use as marker in cancer of cervix.     

非孕妇和孕妇子宫肌与外周血淋巴细胞β_2－受体相关性研究

目的观测非孕妇和正常孕妇子宫肌与外周血淋巴细胞β２－肾上腺素能受体（β２－ＡＲ）结合量的变化及两者的相关性。方法以［３Ｈ］－ＤＨＡ（３Ｈ－双氢心得舒）为放射配基，分别测定１０例行子宫切除术的非孕妇及１０例剖宫产者子宫肌和外周血淋巴细胞β２－受体结合量。结果１．非孕妇子宫肌与外周血淋巴细胞β２－ＡＲ结合量呈良好相关性（ｒ＝０．７５６８，Ｐ＜０．０１）。２．孕妇子宫肌与外周血淋巴细胞β２－ＡＲ结合量亦呈良好相关性（ｒ＝０．８５２９，Ｐ＜０．０１）。３．孕妇子宫肌与淋巴细胞β２－ＡＲ结合量均较非孕妇组明显下降。结论淋巴细胞β２－ＡＲ结合量可以反映并监测子宫肌β２－ＡＲ结合量的变化，作为细胞生物学指标指导围产期医学管理和临床治疗。     

妊娠中、晚期血清瘦素、β-hCG及ADAM12水平的变化及其与子痫前期发生的关系

目的：探讨妊娠中、晚期妇女血清瘦素、人绒毛膜促性腺激素β亚单位（β-hCG）及解整合素-金属蛋白酶12（ADAM12）的水平变化及这些指标对子痫前期（PE）发生的预测价值。方法：选择2007年6月—2008年5月在福建省妇幼保健院定期产检和住院分娩的189例妊娠妇女,分别测定妊娠中期（20～24周）和妊娠晚期（30～34周）血清瘦素、β-hCG、ADAM12的浓度,其中25例发展为PE者为病例组,164例正常妊娠者为正常组。根据受试者工作特征（ROC）曲线确定预测界限值。结果：①妊娠中期病例组血清β-hCG、ADAM12浓度显著高于正常组（P＜0.001）。②妊娠晚期病例组血清瘦素、β-hCG、ADAM12浓度明显高于正常组（P＜0.001）。③病例组妊娠晚期血清瘦素、β-hCG及ADAM12水平均较妊娠中期升高（P＜0.05）,正常组妊娠晚期血清瘦素水平较妊娠中期升高（P＜0.001）, 而血清β-hCG与ADAM12水平2组间差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。④妊娠中期以血清β-hCG≥32 μg/L、血清ADAM12≥818 μg/L为预测界值,两者联合阳性预测值为82.61%,高于单项阳性预测值（P＜0.05）。两者联合ROC曲线下面积与单项ROC曲线下面积比较差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。⑤妊娠晚期以血清瘦素≥23 μg/L、血清β-hCG≥37 μg/L及血清ADAM12≥900 μg/L为预测界值,三者联合阳性预测值达92.31%,高于单项阳性预测值（P＜0.05）。三者联合ROC曲线下面积大于单项β-hCG及瘦素ROC曲线下面积（P＜0.05）,但与单项ADAM12曲线下面积差异无统计学意义（P＜0.05）。⑥联合妊娠中、晚期血清β-hCG预测PE发生的阳性率为81.25%;联合妊娠中、晚期血清ADAM12预测PE发生的阳性率为90.48%,均比单一指标的阳性预测值高。结论：检测妊娠中、晚期妇女血清β-hCG及ADAM12水平可作为PE发生的有效预测指标;联合多项指标并动态监测可进一步提高对PE发生的阳性预测值及准确率。     

The inhibin-βC subunit is down-regulated, while inhibin-βE is up-regulated by interferon-β1a in Ishikawa carcinoma cell line

Introduction

Inhibins are important regulators of the female reproductive system. Recently, two new inhibin-subunits βC and βE have been described, although, their function is still quite unclear. Interestingly, there is an association between interferon and TGF-β expression. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine expression changes of inhibin-βC and -βE subunits in endometrial Ishikawa carcinoma cell line after stimulation with interferon-β1a.

Materials and methods

The Ishikawa cell line was cultured until confluence was observed (after 2 days). After adding interferon-β1a (1,000 IE/ml), Ishikawa cells were analyzed for inhibin-βC and -βE subunits by RT-PCR. The fibroblast cell line BJ6 served as negative control. Experiments were performed in triplicates.

Results

The endometrial adenocarcinoma cell line Ishikawa synthesized the inhibin- βC and -βE subunits. The fibroblast cells BJ6 did not demonstrate an inhibin -βC and -βE mRNA expression, while inhibin-βC subunit is down-regulated and inhibin-βE is up-regulated in Ishikawa carcinoma cell line after stimulation with interferon-β1a in Ishikawa.

Discussion

We demonstrated for the first time a functional relationship between interferon and the novel inhibin-βC and -βE subunits. It might be possible that interferon exerts a possible apoptotic function through the βE-subunit, while, by down-regulating the βC isoform, cell proliferation is inhibited. However, the precise function of the novel βC- and βE-subunits are still not known in human endometrial tissue and a possible association with interferon is still unclear and warrants further research.     

妊娠早期孕妇血清瘦素、β-hCG及融合素α(ADAM12)水平与自然流产发生的相关性研究

目的:探讨妊娠早期妇女血清瘦素、人绒毛膜促性腺激素β(β-hCG)及融合素-α(ADAM12)的浓度变化及这些指标对自然流产发生的预测价值。方法:分别测定172例妊娠妇女(其中自然流产者20例)及非妊娠健康妇女48例,妊娠组在孕10～12周时分别测血清瘦素、β-hCG、ADAM12的浓度。瘦素、β-hCG采用ELISA法测定,ADAM12采用时间分辨荧光免疫分析方法测定,预测界限值根据ROC曲线确定。结果:①在妊娠早期自然流产患者血清β-hCG、瘦素、ADAM12水平低于正常妊娠者,差异显著(P<0.001);自然流产组、正常妊娠组β-hCG、瘦素水平均高于非妊娠组,差异显著(P<0.05)。②妊娠早期以血清瘦素≤11 ng/ml、血清β-hCG≤22 IU/ml及血清ADAM12≤335 ng/ml为预测界值,其预测自然流产发生的曲线下面积、灵敏度、特异度、阳性预测值(PPV)及阴性预测值(NPV)分别为:79.60%、90.00%、71.71%、29.51%和98.20%;91.00%、85.00%、87.50%、47.22%和97.79%;78.40%、80.00%、78.75%、48.48%和94.03%。③根据ROC曲线图确定临界值:以血瘦素≤11 ng/ml、血β-hCG≤22 IU/ml为预测界值,两者联合灵敏度75%,特异度96.05%,阳性预测值71.43%,阴性预测值96.69%,两者联合预测阳性率显著高于单项血清β-hCG及瘦素预测率(P<0.05)。④根据ROC曲线图确定临界值:以血β-hCG≤22 IU/ml、血ADAM12≤335 ng/ml为预测界值,两者联合灵敏度75%、特异度95%,阳性预测值78.95%,阴性预测值93.83%,两者联合预测阳性率显著高于单项血清β-hCG及ADAM12预测率(P<0.05)。结论:妊娠早期,检测孕妇血瘦素、β-hCG及ADAM12,可作为自然流产发生的有效预测指标;联合多项指标可进一步提高对自然流产发生的阳性预测率及准确率。     

输卵管积水妇女种植窗期子宫内膜胞饮小泡及部分种植因子的变化

目的:探讨输卵管积水对种植窗期子宫内膜胞饮小泡及种植因子integrinβ3、MUC1及LIF表达的影响。方法:选择接受IVF治疗的20例输卵管积水妇女(积水组)及21例因男性因素所致不孕的妇女(对照组),在种植窗期间通过扫描电镜观察子宫内膜表面胞饮小泡的形态、密度,免疫组织化学分析种植因子integrinβ3、MUC1及LIF的表达。结果:对照组成熟期胞饮小泡所占比例以及胞饮小泡的密度与积水组相比无统计学差异(P>0.05)。integrinβ3、LIF及MUC1在正常对照组的腺上皮细胞和腔上皮细胞中的表达强度均明显高于积水组,integrinβ3在间质细胞中表达亦明显高于积水组。结论:integrinβ3、MUC1及LIF受积水的影响较胞饮小泡更为敏感,先于子宫内膜表面超微结构受到改变,可能是造成胚胎种植率下降的主要原因之一。     

Concentrations of luteinizing hormone--human chorionic gonadotropin, beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, cortisol, and testosterone in cord sera and their correlations

Luteinizing hormone-human chorionic gonadotropin (LH-hCG), beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, cortisol, and testosterone were determined and correlated with each other in 62 samples of cord serum. Cortisol levels in male cord serum were significantly higher than those in female cord serum. Regression analysis showed a significant positive correlation between LH-hCG or β-hCG levels and testosterone levels in male cord serum. These data suggest that there are sex differences in the maturation of the fetal pituitary-gonadal axis.     

Elevated Serum Levels of Interleukin-15, Interleukin-16, and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in Women With Preeclampsia

ObjectivesWe sought to investigate the relationship between serum levels of interleukin 15 (IL-15), interleukin 16 (IL-16), and human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) in women with a normal pregnancy and with preeclampsia, and their association with disease severity. We also wished to calculate the accuracy of these markers in diagnosing the disease and predicting its severity.Materials and MethodsThe study was conducted at Al Fayoum University in Cairo between December 2006 and September 2007. Thirty-two primigravid women with preeclampsia (preeclamptic group) scheduled for Caesarean Section were recruited and matched for age and duration of pregnancy with 35 normotensive primigravid women (control group). Of the preeclamptic women, 18 had severe preeclampsia, and 14 had mild preeclampsia. Blood sampling was performed for assays of serum IL-15, IL-16, and β-hCG.ResultsSerum concentrations of IL-15, IL-16, and β-hCG were significantly greater in preeclamptic women than in normotensive pregnant women (P < 0.001). Moreover, they were significantly higher in women with severe preeclampsia than in mild cases (P < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between serum IL-15, IL-16, and β-hCG among all groups. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and overall accuracy of serum β-hCG in predicting preeclampsia were 56.25%, 91.43%, 85.71%, 69.57%, and 74.63%, respectively. These values for IL-15 were 94.44%, 89.8%, 77.27%, 97.78%, and 91.04%, respectively, and for IL-16, the values were 88.89%, 95.92%, 88.89%, 95.92%, and 94.03%, respectively.ConclusionSerum levels of IL-15, IL-16, and β-hCG were significantly increased in preeclamptic women compared with normotensive women, and these levels correlated with disease severity. However, serum IL-15 and 16 had a greater overall accuracy than β-hCG in diagnosing severe preeclampsia.     

Could first-trimester assessment of placental functions predict preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction? A prospective cohort study

Objective: To examine the role of first-trimester uterine artery Doppler, serum β-hCG and pregnancy-associated placental protein-A (PAPP-A) in prediction of preeclampsia and IUGR.

Methods: A total of 100 pregnant women in the 11–14 weeks’ gestation were examined using uterine artery Doppler, serum β-hCG and PAPP-A. All women were followed-up for development of preeclampsia or IUGR.

Results: A total of 94 women completed the study of which 7 (7.4%) developed complications. Uterine artery PI and RI were significantly higher whereas serum β-hCG and PAPP-A levels were significantly reduced in patients who developed complications when compared with those who did not. Uterine artery PI had the highest sensitivity (100%) but a low specificity (56% and 45%) in prediction of preeclampsia and IUGR, respectively. Adding PAPP-A to uterine artery PI elevated the specificity into 94.44% and 95.51%, respectively. Combined PI and β-hCG elevated the specificity into 88.89% and 89.89%, respectively.

Conclusion: Our study suggests that first-trimester uterine artery impedance, as measured by Doppler ultrasound as well as low serum biomarkers (β-hCG and PAPP-A) can be used for prediction of preeclampsia and IUGR. The most sensitive is uterine artery PI. Adding β-hCG to PI improves specificity in prediction of both preeclampsia and IUGR. Uterine artery PI plus PAPP-A is the best combination for prediction of both preeclampsia and IUGR     

妊娠中、晚期血清瘦素、β-hCG及ADAM12水平的变化及其与子痫前期发生的关系

目的：探讨妊娠中、晚期妇女血清瘦素、人绒毛膜促性腺激素β亚单位（β-hCG）及解整合素-金属蛋白酶12（ADAM12）的水平变化及这些指标对子痫前期（PE）发生的预测价值.方法：选择2007年6月-2008年5月在福建省妇幼保健院定期产检和住院分娩的189例妊娠妇女,分别测定妊娠中期（20～24周）和妊娠晚期（30～34周）血清瘦素、β-hCG、ADAM12的浓度,其中25例发展为PE者为病例组,164例正常妊娠者为正常组.根据受试者工作特征（ROC）曲线确定预测界限值.结果：①妊娠中期病例组血清β-hCG、ADAM12浓度显著高于正常组（P＜0.001）.②妊娠晚期病例组血清瘦素、β-hCG、ADAM12浓度明显高于正常组（P＜0.001）.③病例组妊娠晚期血清瘦素、β-hCG及ADAM12水平均较妊娠中期升高（P＜0.05）,正常组妊娠晚期血清瘦素水平较妊娠中期升高（P＜0.001）,而血清β-hCG与ADAM12水平2组间差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）.④妊娠中期以血清β-hCG≥32 μg/L、血清ADAM12≥818 μg/L为预测界值,两者联合阳性预测值为82.61%,高于单项阳性预测值（P＜0.05）.两者联合ROC曲线下面积与单项ROC曲线下面积比较差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）.⑤妊娠晚期以血清瘦素≥23 μg/L、血清β-hCG≥37 μg/L及血清ADAM12≥900 μg/L为预测界值,三者联合阳性预测值达92.31%,高于单项阳性预测值（P＜0.05）.三者联合ROC曲线下面积大于单项β-hCG及瘦素ROC曲线下面积（P＜0.05）,但与单项ADAM12曲线下面积差异无统计学意义（P＜0.05）.⑥联合妊娠中、晚期血清β-hCG预测PE发生的阳性率为81.25%;联合妊娠中、晚期血清ADAM12预测PE发生的阳性率为90.48%,均比单一指标的阳性预测值高.结论：检测妊娠中、晚期妇女血清β-hCG及ADAM12水平可作为PE发生的有效预测指标;联合多项指标并动态监测可进一步提高对PE发生的阳性预测值及准确率.     

Effect of ampicillin or amoxycillin administration on plasma and urinary estrogen levels during normal pregnancy

Urinary estrogen excretion and plasma levels of conjugated and unconjugated 17β-estradiol and estriol were measured in 10 healthy, pregnant women before, during and after a 5-day course of orally administered ampicillin (2 g/day) or the same dose of amoxycillin.On the second and third day of ampicillin treatment the plasma level of conjugated estriol and the urinary estrogen level were lower than pretreatment values, but then returned to basal values despite continuing treatment. Plasma concentrations of conjugated and unconjugated 17β-estradiol and of unconjugated estriol did not show any significant change during treatment. Hormone changes in women on amoxycillin were qualitatively similar to but smaller and less consistent than those induced by ampicillin. The results indicate (1) that the use of amoxycillin instead of ampicillin in pregnancies that require estrogen monitoring of feto-placental function, has little clinical advantage, and (2) that the adverse effect of therapeutic doses of ampicillin (and amoxycillin) on estrogen levels during pregnancy may be less important than is commonly assumed.     

Trichosanthin, a Chinese medicine for the medical treatment of ectopic pregnancy with high levels of β-hCG

This was a retrospective study of the effectiveness of trichosanthin (TCS), an active component isolated from the Chinese herb root tuber of Trichosanthes kirilowii on 140 cases of ectopic pregnancy with higher levels of β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) managed with a single dose of TCS treatment. Trichosanthin has been used for medical treatment of ectopic pregnancy in China since the 1980s. This study was performed in a major teaching hospitals in China. The mean pretreatment level of β-hCG in the TCS treatment group was 3387.57 IU/L. The success rate of TCS treatment was 85% (119 of 140) which was similar to methotrexate (MTX) treatment. In 86 women with a high level of β-hCG (over 2000 IU/L), the success rate was 80.08% when treated with TCS. Of this group, 26 women who had a high level of β-hCG (over 5000 IU/L) showed a success rate of 73%. The level of β-hCG on days 4, 7, and 10 in TCS group was significantly decreased. This study has shown that TCS may be an option for the medical treatment of unruptured ectopic pregnancy or an option for the treatment of ectopic pregnancy with higher levels of β-hCG than currently recommended for medical management with MTX.     

Endocrine,neuroendocrine and behavioral effects of oral dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate supplementation in postmenopausal women

Aging in women and men is characterized by a progressive decline of circulating dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels and its sulfate ester (DHEAS). The improvement of wellbeing described in postmenopausal women treated with DHEA suggests that this steroid may exert specific actions on the central nervous system (CNS). The postmenopausal period is associated with several neuroendocrine modifications. The decrease of circulating levels of β-endorphin is considered a hormonal marker of those changes. The aim of the present study was to investigate neuroendocrine and behavioral effects of three months of DHEAS supplementation in postmenopausal women.

Postmenopausal women (n = 22) were divided in three groups: the first group was treated with oral DHEAS (n = 8) (50 mg/day) ,the second treated with the same dose of oral DHEAS + transdermal estradiol (n = 8) (DHEAS) 50 mg/day ,estradiol 50 μg/patch) and the third with transdermal estradiol alone (n = 6) (50 μg/day). Before and after 1 ,2 and 3 months of therapy ,the following circulating steroid and protein hormone levels were evaluated: DHEA ,DHEAS ,androstenedione ,testosterone ,estrone ,estradiol ,17-hydroxyprogesterone ,sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) ,follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ,luteinizing hormone (LH) ,β-endorphin ,growth hormone (GH) and Cortisol ,and a Kupperman score was performed. Before and after treatments ,plasma β-endorphin levels were evaluated in response to three neuroendocrine tests: (a) clonidine ,an a₂-presynaptic adrenergic agonist (1.25 mg IV); (b) naloxone ,an opioid receptor antagonist (4 mg IV) and (c) fluoxetine ,a serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor (30 mg PO).

In both groups of women treated with DHEAS ,mean basal serum DHEA ,DHEAS ,androstenedione ,and testosterone levels significantly increased after treatment ,while no changes were shown in the group receiving estradiol alone. Serum estradiol ,estrone ,GH and plasma β-endorphin levels significantly increased progressively for the three months of treatment ,with higher levels for estrone and estradiol in subjects receiving estradiol alone or plus DHEAS. Serum SHBG ,Cortisol ,and 17-hydroxyprogesterone did not show significant variations under any treatment. Serum LH and FSH levels showed a significant decrease in groups treated with estradiol alone or plus DHEAS at the second and third months. The Kupperman score showed that all treatments were associated with similar and progressive improvement. Before therapy clonidine ,naloxone and fluoxetine stimuli failed to modify circulating β-endorphin levels. After each of the treatments ,the β-endorphin response was completely restored and was similar ,independent of the kind of therapy.

Restoration of the β-endorphin response to specific stimuli suggests that DHEAS and/or its active metabolites modulates the neuroendocrine control of pituitary β-endorphin secretion ,which may support the therapeutic efficacy of the DHEAS on behavioral symptoms.     

Prevention of cardiovascular risk in women who had hypertension during pregnancy after 36 weeks gestation

Objective. The aim of our study was to investigate a possible correlation between the expression of the placenta-secreted hormones, β-subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin (βhCG) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), during the first trimester screening and the development of preeclampsia. Methods. A total of 155 patients between 11 + 0 and 13 + 6 weeks of gestation were enrolled in this study. PAPP-A and βhCG levels were measured using the KRYPTOR® system. Results. The serum levels of βhCG were significantly higher in pregnancies which subsequently developed preeclampsia. The PAPP-A concentration did not differ significantly in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia than in uncomplicated pregnancies. Conclusion. These results might contribute to developing new tests in the prediction of preeclampsia.     

Effects of induction of general and regional anesthesia for cesarean section on maternal plasma β-endorphin levels

Plasma β-endorphin was measured in 40 healthy pregnant women undergoing cesarean section. Group 1 patients (N = 14) received general anesthesia by rapid-sequence induction and endotracheal intubation with curare, thiopental, and succinylcholine. Anesthesia was maintained with nitrous oxide, oxygen, and muscle relaxant until delivery. Group 2 patients (N = 26) received regional anesthesia (spinal, 14, and epidural, 12). Maternal blood samples were drawn from indwelling venous catheters prior to and after induction of either general or regional anesthesia. Plasma β-endorphin was determined by radioimmunoassay following silicic acid extraction and gel chromatography. In the 14 patients who underwent general anesthesia, the mean (±SEM) plasma β-endorphin increased significantly (p < 0.025) from 46 ± 7.4 to 111.6 ± 8.9 fmol/ml. There was no significant change in plasma β-endorphin level of the 26 patients who underwent regional anesthesia; β-endorphin levels averaged 44.5 ± 5.1 and 47.6 ± 4.8 fmol/ml prior to and after induction of anesthesia, respectively. These data demonstrate that plasma β-endorphin concentrations are elevated following induction of general anesthesia but not with induction of regional anesthesia, which suggests that less stress is associated with regional than with general anesthesia induction in patients undergoing cesarean section.     

First trimester serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D,free β-human chorionic gonadotropin,and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A in Spanish women

Background.?Vitamin D has been implicated in embryo/placental development and growth; however information in this regard is limited or unavailable.

Objective.?To assess 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), free β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) and pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) status during pregnancy.

Methods.?Serum 25(OH)D, β-hCG, and PAPP-A levels were measured in the first trimester of otherwise healthy Spanish pregnant women (n?=?488). Rho Spearman coefficients were calculated to determine correlations between analytes.

Results.?Median serum 25(OH)D levels for the entire sample was 27.4?ng/ml (interquartile range?=?12.1). 25(OH)D levels were insufficient (20–29.99?ng/ml) and deficient (<20?ng/ml) in 40.6% and 23.2%, respectively, in relation to ethnics, body mass index values, tobacco use, and season/gestational age at blood sampling. β-hCG and PAPP-A levels significantly correlated (r²?=?0.47) yet neither of them with 25(OH)D levels. Despite this, the three analytes significantly correlated with gestational age at sampling.

Conclusion.?First trimester 25(OH)D, β-hCG, and PAPP-A levels increase with gestational age; however, placental peptides do not correlate with vitamin D levels, suggesting a non-placental 25(OH)D production. More research is required in this regard.     

Plasma levels of unconjugated estrogens in normal and diabetic pregnancies

Plasma ether-extractable estrogens were determined by radioimmunoassay which, based upon utilization of an antibody toestradiol-17β-hemisuccinate-bovine serum albumin, measured predominantly estradiol. Then 287 plasma samples from 215 normal pregnancies and 93 samples from 14 pregnant diabetic women were analyzed. The plasma estrogen (“estradiol”) concentrations found in the 14 diabetic patients fell within the range of levels observed in normal pregnant women at comparable periods of gestation. Serial plasma estrogen levels measured in one diabetic patient did not fall concomitantly with a decrease in urinary estriol/creatinine ratios determined simultaneously, suggesting that further evaluation is required before plasma estrogen assays may be accepted for clinical management.     

Plasma prostaglandins during the intravenous infusion of angiotensin II in pregnant women

The possible relation between prostaglandin production and the sensitivity of pregnant women with pregnancy-induced hypertension to the pressor effects of angiotensin II was investigated. Plasma prostaglandin levels were determined in four groups of women before, during, and after intravenous infusion of angiotensin II. Concentrations of the stable metabolites of prostaglandin E₂, prostaglandin F_2α, and prostaglandin I₂ (prostacyclin) were quantified by specific radioimmunoassays in the plasma of nonpregnant women, women pregnant in the late third trimester, and women pregnant in the late third trimester with either pregnancy-induced or chronic hypertension. Plasma prostaglandin concentrations did not change significantly during angiotensin II infusion in any of the four groups of women. Levels of the prostacyclin metabolite, however, were significantly higher in the hypertensive pregnant women than in the normotensive pregnant women.