Preterm delivery induced by LPS in syngeneically impregnated BALB/c and NOD/SCID mice

Strategies of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation with or without previous toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) blocking were pursued to investigate the mechanism of LPS-induced preterm delivery in syngeneically impregnated BALB/c and non-obese diabetic (NOD)/LtSz-scid/scid (NOD/SCID [severe combined immunodeficiency] for short) mice. The LPS-stimulated mice were killed at the beginning of preterm labor and pooled placentas were collected in each mouse. Cell surface expression of TLR4, CD80, and intracellular TNF-alpha in placenta CD45(+) cell population was determined by flow cytometry. It displayed that preterm delivery could be induced by LPS in BALB/c, while the NOD/SCID seemed to be resistant to LPS induction. TLR4 expression was not changed in either BALB/c or NOD/SCID mice upon LPS-stimulation, but the CD45(+)CD80(+) cell percentage was elevated in both groups. The CD45(+)TNF-alpha(+) cell percentage was increased merely in BALB/c after the stimulation, while no such trend was observed in NOD/SCID mice. In BALB/c, the effect of LPS on CD80 and TNF-alpha expression could be abrogated by previous TLR4 blocking, subsequently prevent LPS-induced preterm delivery. In another design, NK cell blocking was performed at earlier stage of gestation by injections of anti-asialo GM1 antiserum (ASGM1). It appeared that LPS-induced preterm delivery could be partially prevented by this blocking in BALB/c mice. Such data, together with the diversity of sensitivity to LPS induction observed in BALB/c and NOD/SCID mice, imply that LPS interacts with TLR4, triggers the mobilization of CD45(+)CD80(+) cells, results in elevated production of inflammatory cytokines, and finally results in preterm delivery. In addition, NK cells may be involved in the signaling cascade, and the lack of functional NK cells in the NOD/SCID may be why these mice appeared to be less sensitive to LPS-induced premature labor.     

Induced abortion frequency in Ankara,Turkey, before and after the legal regulation of induced abortion

Objective To determine the effects of the 1983 law that legalized induced abortion on the number and place of abortions, and on the use of family planning (FP) methods before and after abortion, and to determine the demographic characteristics and reproductive health features according to the order of abortion.

Method This study included 2455 married, widowed or divorced women presenting at Mother and Child Health-Family Planning Centres in Ankara. A questionnaire was used for data collection.

Result Nearly three out of 10 (28.7%) of the women had undergone at least one induced abortion. In the age groups 45–54 and 55–64, 49 and 37.3%, respectively, had had one or more terminations of pregnancy (TOPs). The induced abortion rate increased following the enacting of the law. In the 15–24 and in the 55–64 age group, 55.6 and 89%, respectively, of the women had been aborted by a private physician. Before the index pregnancy, 63.1% were not using contraception compared with 37.3% thereafter. The rate of use of FP increased after the law was passed.

Conclusion Although the most common reason for having an abortion was unwanted pregnancy in all age groups and nearly 60.0% of the women aged less than 55 reported that they were not using any FP method at the time of the TOP, the proportion of women having undergone at least one of these procedures increased after the law was passed, indicating that abortion is used as a FP method.     

Plasma prolactin concentrations and copulatory behavior after salsolinol injection in male rats

Purpose

The dopamine-derived endogenous compound, R-salsolinol (SAL), was recently identified as a putative endogenous prolactin (PRL)-releasing factor. However, how SAL influences copulatory behavior is unknown. In this study, we examined the relationship between SAL and copulatory behavior in male rats.

Methods

Male Sprague-Dawley rats administered SAL were exposed to female rats in estrus, the plasma PRL concentration was measured, and the behavioral frequency and time during copulatory behavior were noted.

Results

In the control and SAL groups, plasma PRL concentrations at 15 min before exposure to the female were 7.3 ± 2.0 and 8.0 ± 1.5 ng/ml, respectively. Moreover, plasma PRL concentrations in males immediately after exposure to the female were 7.4 ± 1.2 and 68.0 ± 5.9 ng/ml, respectively (P < 0.05). All (8/8) of the control animals ejaculated in the presence of the female, whereas only 33% (2/6) of the SAL group ejaculated. An increasing tendency for mount latency and intromission latency and a decreasing tendency for intromission frequency were observed in the SAL group.

Conclusions

Copulatory behavior was inhibited in male rats after SAL injection, suggesting that SAL is a copulatory behavior inhibiting factor.     

The effect of prepregnancy body mass index on birth weight,preterm birth,cesarean section,and preeclampsia in pregnant women

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the impact of maternal prepregnancy BMI on birth weight, preterm birth, cesarean section, and preeclampsia among pregnant women delivering singleton life birth.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of 4397 women who gave singleton birth in Tehran, Iran from 6 to 21 July 2015, was conducted. Women were categorized into four groups: underweight (BMI?2), normal (BMI 18.5–25?kg/m²), overweight (BMI 25–30?kg/m²) and obese (BMI >30?kg/m²), and their obstetric and infant outcomes were analyzed using both univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

Results: Prepregnancy BMI of women classified 198 women as underweight (4.5%), 2293 normal (52.1%), 1434 overweight (32.6%), and 472 as obese (10.7%). In comparison with women of normal weight, women who were overweight or obese were at increased risk of preeclampsia (odds ratio (OR)?=?1.47, 95% CI?=?1.06–2.02; OR?=?3.67, 95% CI?=?2.57–5.24, respectively) and cesarean section (OR?=?1.21, 95% CI?=?1.04–1.41; OR?=?1.35, 95% CI?=?1.06–1.72, respectively). Infants of obese women were more likely to be macrosomic (OR?=?2.43, 95% CI?=?1.55–3.82).

Conclusion: Prepregnancy obesity is a risk factor for macrosomia, preeclampsia, and cesarean section and need for resuscitation.     

The long-term effects of superovulation on fertility and sexual behavior of male offspring in mice

Purpose

To evaluate the long-term effects of superovulation on fertility and sexual behavior of male offspring in mice.

Method

The mice were superovaluted, and the fertility of male offspring (F1 generation and F2 generation) were evaluated in terms of the percentage of plugs and pregnancies, serum testosterone concentrations, and sperm motility. Furthermore, the sexual behavior of male offspring and sex ratio (F1 generation and F2 generation) were measured.

Results

There were no significant differences in the percentage of plug and pregnancies, serum testosterone concentrations, sperm motilities and sex ratio between the offspring in naturally conceived group and superovulation groups (both F1 generation and F2 generation). The sperm hyperactivity at 90 min after incubation of F1 generation in naturally conceived group were higher than that of F1 generation in superovulation group, but the differences did not reach statistical significance. The offspring produced by superovaluted oocytes (both F1 generation and F2 generation) did not exhibit significant alterations in sexual behavior.

Conclusions

No significant alterations were found in fertility and sexual behavior of male offspring in mice produced by superovaluted oocytes compared with those of naturally conceived offspring.     

Bacteria-induced or bacterial product-induced preterm parturition in mice and rabbits is preceded by a significant fall in serum progesterone concentrations

Bacterial products are thought to induce labor by stimulating the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins in gestational tissues, leading to the onset of preterm parturition. Progesterone withdrawal is a prerequisite of parturition in many species. Yet a role for progesterone in the mechanisms responsible for preterm parturition, in the setting of infection, is unclear. The current studies were conducted to determine if a fall in serum progesterone concentrations occurs before the onset of bacterial product-induced preterm parturition in animals.

Accordingly, pregnant mice at day 15 (70% gestation) were injected i.p. with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 50 μg/mouse) and timed-pregnant rabbits were inoculated transcervically with a suspension of E. coli to cause an ascending intrauterine infection. Control animals in both groups received equal volumes of sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution. Blood specimens were collected at regular intervals and serum progesterone levels were determined by RIA. Within 14 h of LPS administration, mice delivered their pups. The median concentrations of serum progesterone were significantly lower at 1 h, 4 h, 10 h, and at the onset of preterm parturition (11–12 h) after LPS injection, compared to that in animals given PBS. Similarly, E. coli-inoculated rabbits delivered 1–2 days posttranscervical inoculation and demonstrated 60% decrease in serum progesterone within 12–24 h of inoculation compared to those given PBS. Parturition in both control groups occurred at term, following typical progesterone withdrawal. It is concluded that LPS administration to pregnant mice and ascending intrauterine infection in pregnant rabbits is associated with a dramatic fall in serum progesterone concentrations prior to the onset of parturition.     

Single women's experiences of premarital pregnancy and induced abortion in Lombok, Eastern Indonesia

Induced abortion is widely practiced in Indonesia by both married and unmarried women. This paper draws on ethnographic research, conducted between 1996 and 1998, which focused on reproductive health and sexuality among young single women on the island of Lombok in Eastern Indonesia. While abortion for married women is tacitly accepted, especially for women with two or more children, premarital pregnancy and abortion remain a highly stigmatised and isolating experience for single women. Government family planning services are not legally permitted to provide contraception to single women and their access to reproductive health care is very limited. Abortion providers were highly critical of unmarried women who sought abortions, despite their willingness to carry out the procedure. The quality of abortion services offered to single women was compromised by the stigma attached to premarital sex and pregnancy. Women who experienced unplanned premarital pregnancy faced personal and familial shame, compromised marriage prospects, abandonment by their partners, single motherhood, a stigmatised child, early cessation of education, and an interrupted income or career, all of which were not desirable options. Young women were only able to legitimately continue premarital pregnancy through marriage. In the absence of an offer of marriage, single women necessarily resorted to abortion to avoid compromising their futures.     

A survey of providers’ knowledge, opinions, and practices regarding induced abortion in Jamaica

Objective

To determine the stance of providers in Jamaica regarding the suggested change in abortion law and proposal to train providers.

Methods

A face-to-face anonymous survey of 35 obstetrician-gynecologists (Obs) and 228 general practitioners (GPs) in Kingston was used to assess knowledge, opinions and practice.

Results

Demand for abortion was high: 94.7% of GPs and 100% of Obs had been asked to perform an abortion. Although 50.7% of GPs and 70.6% of Obs had performed abortions, 81.2% and 88.6%, respectively, had referred women to another provider. Training was more likely for Obs (65.7% versus 52.2%; P < 0.001). Patient assessment was appropriate, but written guidelines, counseling, and social services referral were uncommon. More Obs knew the laws (62.9% versus 42.5%; P = 0.052). Most participants did not agree to abortion under any circumstance, but only 25.3% had moral or religious objections, and only 9.4% refused to perform abortions because they were illegal. Most providers felt that abortions should be made more accessible, and almost all felt that abortions should be performed only by Obs.

Conclusion

Demand for abortions is high in Jamaica, but many doctors refer clients to another provider. Patient assessment is good, but support services need improvement.     

全身炎症反应综合征患儿血清内毒素与脂多糖结合蛋白脂多糖受体及肿瘤坏死因子 α的检测分析

目的观察全身炎症反应综合征(SIRS)患儿血内毒素、脂多糖结合蛋白(LBP)、脂多糖受体(sCD14)及肿瘤坏死因子 α(TNF α)水平的变化，探讨内毒素、LBP/CD14系统及TNF α在SIRS发病中的作用以及与病情严重程度的关系。 方法2000 09—2004 09对河北省人民医院儿科就诊的62例SIRS患儿分别采用鲎试剂动态比浊定量测定法、酶联免疫试验进行血内毒素、LBP、sCD14及TNF α的定量测定,并对部分患儿进行动态观察。 结果SIRS组内毒素、LBP、sCD14的水平均明显高于健康对照组，多器官功能障碍综合征(MODS)组明显高于非MODS组，且LBP、sCD14的质量浓度均随内毒素水平升高而升高，两者呈显著正相关。动态研究发现，恶化后内毒素、LBP、sCD14及TNF α水平明显高于恶化前，且TNF α分别与LBP和sCD14呈显著正相关。将患儿血sCD14均值在不同范围进行分组比较发现,随sCD14水平的升高,SIRS患儿合并MODS的例数增多,病死率亦随之上升。 结论全身炎症反应时内毒素血症可能是刺激机体合成和释放LBP、CD14的重要因素之一，而LBP、CD14又可增敏内毒素效应，进一步刺激机体产生大量炎症因子，介导组织损伤。而且，sCD14水平与MODS的发生、发展密切相关，动态监测其变化对SIRS患儿的病情转归有一定的预警意义。     

血清中钙、镁、锌及血红蛋白与妊娠高血压综合征发病关系的研究

目的 了解妊高征妇女血清中钙、镁、锌及血红蛋白的含量与妊高征发病的关系。方法 采用Olympus Au400全自动生化分析仪及COULTER．AC．T．drift．R全自动血球计数仪测定血清中钙、镁、锌及血红蛋白的含量。妊高征组58例，正常孕妇70例为对照组。结果 妊高征孕妇血清中钙含量明显低于对照组（P〈0．05），而镁含量明显高于对照组（P〈0．05），两组的锌与血红蛋白含量无差异。结论 血清中钙、镁离子的含量与妊高征发病密切相关。     

凝集素受体WGA、RCA和ECL在米非司酮流产绒毛及蜕膜组织中表达的研究

目的:通过麦胚凝集素(WGA)受体、蓖麻凝集素(RCA)受体和鸡冠珊瑚树凝集素(ECL)受体在米非司酮流产的绒毛及蜕膜组织中的表达,探讨米非司酮的抗早孕机理。方法:以生物素标记的凝集素WGA、RCA和ECL为探针,应用亲和组织化学染色法检测3种凝集素受体在米非司酮流产组(实验组)和人工流产组(对照组)早孕绒毛及蜕膜组织上皮细胞及其间充质细胞的分布。结果:实验组WGA受体、RCA受体和ECL受体在蜕膜组织上皮细胞的表达比对照组均显著降低(P0.01)。实验组ECL受体在绒毛上皮的表达显著低于对照组(P0.01),实验组WGA和RCA受体在绒毛上皮细胞的表达与对照组无显著差异(P0.05)。实验组3种凝集素受体在绒毛及蜕膜的间充质细胞的表达,与对照组无显著差异(P0.05)。结论:米非司酮可能通过下调蜕膜上皮组织中WGA受体、RCA受体和ECL受体的表达,阻碍胚胎发育而导致流产。     

Expression profiling of vitamin D receptor in placenta, decidua and ovary of pregnant mice

Objectives

The presence of vitamin D receptor (VDR) and the identification of localized vitamin D3 synthesis in placenta and decidua implicate the importance of vitamin D3 in reproductive function. There is, however, no data on the expression profile of VDR in the mouse placenta and endometrium throughout the pregnancy period.

Study design

In the present work expression of VDR in reproductive tissues of pregnant mice at different gestational phases has been addressed. Expression of VDR was determined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.

Results

The results showed that VDR mRNA and protein were expressed in decidua, placenta and ovary throughout the pregnancy. VDR gene expression in placenta was significantly elevated in late pregnancy when compared to that of mid pregnancy. Additionally, VDR expression level in decidua rose significantly as pregnancy progressed from early to mid stages. VDR expression in decidua of pregnant mice was higher in comparison to endometrium of non-pregnant mice. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that VDR protein is consistently expressed by luminal and glandular epithelial cells of decidua, giant cells, glycogen rich cells and labyrinth cells of placenta and by almost all follicular cell types of ovary. Surveying the expression of VDR at the protein level by Western blotting confirmed PCR results.

Conclusion

It seems that expression of VDR in reproductive organs is finely tuned during pregnancy indicating its eminent role in reproductive biology.     

The risk of intra-amniotic infection, inflammation and histologic chorioamnionitis in term pregnant women with intact membranes and labor

Objective

A previous study has demonstrated that term labor is associated with an increased risk of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity, intra-amniotic inflammation and histologic chorioamnionitis. This study was performed to determine when the risk of intra-amniotic infection, inflammation and histologic chorioamnionitis begins to increase during the course of labor.

Study design

Amniotic fluid (AF) was obtained from 926 term singleton pregnant women with intact membranes during cesarean section. AF was cultured for aerobic, anaerobic bacteria and genital mycoplasmas. An AF white blood cell (WBC) count was determined. Patients were divided into five groups according to the absence or presence of regular uterine contractions and the degree of cervical dilatation. Intra-amniotic inflammation was defined as an AF WBC ≥19/mm³. Histologic chorioamnionitis was defined as the presence of acute inflammatory changes in the extra-placental membranes or the chorionic plate of the placenta, and funisitis was diagnosed in the presence of neutrophil infiltration into the umbilical vessel walls or Wharton’s jelly.

Results

(1) The more advanced the cervical dilatation, the greater the risk of intra-amniotic infection and/or inflammation and histologic chorioamnionitis; (2) The risk of intra-amniotic infection and/or inflammation increased after the cervix began to dilate (7.8% in group 1 [without regular uterine contractions] vs. 18.3% in group 2 [regular uterine contractions and cervical dilation ≤1 cm], p < 0.01); (3) however, histologic chorioamnionitis was significantly more common in women in group 3 than in group 2 (4.2% in group 2 [regular uterine contractions and cervical dilatation ≤1 cm] vs. 23.1% in group 3 [regular uterine contractions and a cervical dilatation of 2-3 cm], p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The risk of intra-amniotic infection and/or inflammation increases after the cervix begins to dilate and that of histologic chorioamnionitis increases after the cervix dilates 2 cm in term pregnant women with regular uterine contractions with intact membranes.     

Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA in brain damage induced by lipopolysaccharide and intermittent hypoxia-ischemia in neonatal rats

AIM: The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and intermittent hypoxia-ischemia (HI) on brain damage in neonatal rats. METHODS: Seven-day-old Wistar rats were injected with saline or LPS (1 mg/kg), and then underwent left common carotid artery ligation followed by a repetitive 8% hypoxia (2.0-4.5 min) at 10-min intervals 10 times. The rats were divided into three groups: LPS with HI (LPS/HI, n = 46), saline with HI (HI alone, n = 42) and LPS alone (n = 16). Seven days later, brains were assessed for neuronal damage and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA expression. RESULTS: Neuronal damage in the ligated side was significantly higher in LPS/HI than the other two groups (P < 0.01). The expression of iNOS and COX-2 mRNA was observed in the affected brain in LPS/HI, which corresponded well to histologic neuronal loss. CONCLUSIONS: LPS enhanced intermittent HI brain damage in immature animals. The expression of iNOS and COX-2 mRNA is considered to be associated with perinatal brain injury processes.     

Substituting human chorionic gonadotropin by gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist to trigger final follicular maturation,during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation,results in less systemic inflammation

Background.?To investigate the degree of systemic inflammation, as reflected by serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, associated with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist for the induction of final follicular maturation.

Design.?Prospective, observational study.

Setting.?An in vitro fertilization (IVF) unit of an academic medical center.

Patients.?Twenty-four women undergoing COH and IVF with the flexible GnRH antagonist protocol were prospectively assigned to receive hCG or GnRH agonist for the induction of final follicular maturation.

Methods.?Blood was drawn three times during COH for measurement of sex-steroid and CRP levels: the day on which adequate suppression was obtained (Day-0); the day of or prior to administration of hCG (Day-hCG); and (3) the day of ovum pick-up (Day-OPU). Levels were compared among the three time points in the two groups.

Results.?No between-group differences were observed in terms of patient age, gonadotropin dosage, duration of stimulation or number of oocytes retrieved. Serum CRP levels were significantly higher on Day-OPU than on Day-hCG and Day-0, but the difference was significant only in the hCG group (p<0.03 for both). The percentage change in CRP levels after hCG administration (Day-OPU vs. Day-hCG) (96%) was higher than that after GnRH administration (23%).

Conclusion.?Administration of GnRH agonist in patients undergoing COH for IVF yields a lesser degree of systemic inflammation, as reflected by CRP levels, than hCG.     

The haemodynamic, renal excretory and hormonal changes induced by resting in the left lateral position in normal pregnant women during late gestation

Objective  To characterise the haemodynamic, renal-electrolyte and hormonal parameters in normal near-term pregnancy.
Design  Observational prospective case-series study.
Setting and population  Eleven women with normal pregnancies at 35–39 weeks gestation.
Methods  Following baseline laboratory assessments and placement of a right-atrial catheter, serial measurements were obtained for 2 hours in the supine position (SP) followed by a change to the (LLP) and subsequent observations for 2 hours.
Main outcome measures  Blood pressure (BP), central venous pressure (CVP), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma aldosterone (ALDO), diuresis, creatinine clearance, sodium and potassium excretion.
Results  In the SP, the subjects' BP remained stable while their CVP decreased. In the LLP, the subjects' systolic and diastolic BP consistently decreased by about 15 mmHg and their CVP increased within the first 60 minutes. ANP levels doubled in the subjects while they rested in the LLP, whereas the subjects' PRA and ALDO levels decreased by half compared with when they rested in the SP. In the LLP, the subjects' creatinine clearance significantly increased by 12% and their sodium excretion and diuresis increased by 38% and 59% respectively.
Conclusion  Rest in the LLP induces systemic and intra-renal haemodynamic and hormonal changes that may play a central physiological role in the renal excretory response to restore excessive sodium/water retention in late pregnancy.     

Tourette综合征患儿情绪问题和适应行为及视感知功能研究

目的探讨Tourette综合征(TS)患儿的情绪问题、社会适应能力和视感知功能。 方法采用儿童社交焦虑量表(SAS)、儿童抑郁自评量表(DSRS)、儿童适应行为量表(SAB)和本顿视觉保持测验(BVRT)，对2003年10月至2004年12月武汉市儿童医院收治的48例8~12岁TS患儿的焦虑、抑郁、适应行为和视感知功能进行测试，并与46名正常儿童相比较。 结果TS组的SAS总分和DSRS总分均明显高于对照组儿童(P<0.01)；在SAB测试中，TS组的独立功能因子及社会/自制因子T分明显低于对照组儿童(P<0.01)，而适应行为商和认知功能因子T分与对照组相比差异无显著性意义(P>0.05)；TS组的BVRT测试中所有正确得分及错误得分与对照组相比差异均无显著性意义(P>0.05)。 结论TS患儿存在焦虑、抑郁和社会适应能力低下，其独立生活、社会交往及自制能力差，而视感知功能正常。