Several pathophysiological mechanisms have been proposed in
the development of pregnancy complications, including
endothelial dysfunction, an inflammatory pathway and oxidative
stress. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the
correlation between proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and
dual cytokine IL-10 in the mother’s peripheral blood and systolic
blood pressure, risk of preeclampsia and low birth weight in
gestational diabetes (GDM). We observed 40 women with GDM
divided into a gestational hypertension group (n=20) and
comparison group (n=20) with normal blood pressure. We found
a significant positive correlation between TNF-α; IL-6; IL-10
levels and systolic blood pressure (SBP) in the second trimester
(p<0.001; p<0.001; p<0.001); the third trimester (p<0.001;
p<0.001; p<0.05). We also proved correlations for diastolic blood
pressure (DBP) during the second; third trimester (p<0.001;
p<0.001; p<0.001); (p<0.001; p<0.001; p<0.0015). We
demonstrated a statistically significant positive association
between high TNF-α group and preeclampsia risk in the third
trimester (p=0.04). We also determined the negative correlation
in the second trimester between birth weight and TNF-α; IL-6,
IL-10 levels (p<0.05; p<0.001; p<0.001). To conclude, our data
highlight the importance of cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 in
blood pressure regulation. In addition, high levels of TNF-α have
been associated with increased risk of preeclampsia. We found
a significant negative correlation between levels of TNF-α, IL-6,
IL-10 and birth weight.
a_1 We sought to examine the association between maternal erythrocyte omega-3, omega-6 and trans fatty acids and risk of preeclampsia. We conducted a case-control study of 170 women with proteinuric, pregnancy-induced hypertension and 185 normotensive pregnant women who delivered at Harare Maternity Hospital, Harare, Zimbabwe. We measured erythrocyte omega-3, omega-6 and trans fatty acid as the percentage of total fatty acids using gas chromatography. After multivariate adjustment for confounding factors, women in the highest quartile group for total omega-3 fatty acids compared with women in the lowest quartile experienced a 14 % reduction in risk of preeclampsia (odds ratio 0.86, 95 % confidence interval 0.45 to 1.63). For total omega-6 fatty acids the odds ratio was 0.46 (95 % confidence interval 0.23 to 0.92), although there was suggestion of a slight increase in risk of preeclampsia associated with high levels of arachidonic acid. Among women in the highest quartile for arachidonic acid the odds ratio was 1.29 (95 % confidence interval 0.66 to 2.54). A strong statistically significant positive association of diunsaturated fatty acids with a trans double bond with risk of preeclampsia was observed. Women in the upper quartile of 9-cis 12-trans octadecanoic acid (C18:2n6ct) compared with those in the lowest quartile experienced a 3-fold higher risk of preeclampsia (odds ratio = 3.02, 95 % confidence interval 1.41 to 6.45). Among women in the highest quartile for 9-trans 12-cis octadecanoic acid (C18:2n6tc) the odds ratio was 3.32 (95 % confidence interval 1.55 to 7.13)., a_2 Monounsaturated trans fatty acids were also positively associated with the risk of preeclampsia, although of much reduced magnitude. We observed a strong positive association of trans fatty acids, particularly diunsaturated trans fatty acids, with the risk of preeclampsia. We found little support for the hypothesized in verse association between omega-3 fatty acids and preeclampsia risk in this population. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, were comparatively lower in Zimbabwean than among US pregnant women. Given the limited inter-person variation in omega-3 fatty acids among Zimbabwean women, our sample size may be too small to adequately assess the relation in this population., K. Mahomed, M. A. Williams, I. B. King, S. Mudzamiri., and Obsahuje bibliografii a bibliografické odkazy
The microcirculation, like all physiological systems undergoes modifications during the course of pregnancy. These changes aid the adaption to the new anatomical and physiological environment of pregnancy and ensure adequate oxygen supply to the fetus. Even though the microcirculation is believed to be involved in major pregnancy related pathologies, it remains poorly understood. The availability of safe and non-interventional technologies enabling scientists to study the intact microcirculation of the pregnant patient will hopefully expand our understanding. In this article we review the physiological changes occurring in the microcirculation during pregnancy and the role of the microcirculation in gestational related pathologies. We will also describe the available techniques for the measurement and evaluation of the microcirculation. Lastly we will highlight the possible fields in which these techniques could be utilized to help provide a clearer view of the microcirculation in the pregnant woman., I. Abdo, R. B. George, M. Farrag, V. Cerny, C. Lehmann., and Obsahuje bibliografii