Search Results (1,345)

SARS-CoV-2 has an affinity for binding to the human Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor through cleavage and conformational changes at the S1–S2 boundary and the receptor binding domain of the spike protein, which is also the most variable part of SARS-CoV-2. This study aimed to investigate the expression of Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), spike protein, and CD68+ markers in placental tissue to demonstrate a possible correlation with the level of systemic oxidative stress biomarkers in patients who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy. A prospective clinical cohort study was designed to investigate the presence of CD68+ macrophages, ACE2, and spike proteins in placental tissue using immunohistochemical methods and to compare these results with oxidative stress from our previous study. Spike and CD68+ macrophages’ immunoreactivity were more pronounced in the placental tissue of patients from the SARS-CoV-2 group. Placental tissue spike protein and CD68+ immunoreactivity correlate with maternal and fetal Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive (TBARS) levels. This study has confirmed that spike protein expression in placental tissue is associated with the newborn’s stay in intensive neonatal care. Therefore, immunoreactivity analysis for the Spike antigen is important in detecting newborns at risk of early neonatal complications. Full article

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a significant global health concern, affecting millions of people worldwide, particularly sexually active adolescents and young adults. These infections, caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi, can have profound implications for women’s reproductive health and fertility. This review explores the role of vaginal and uterine infections in women’s infertility, focusing on the most common pathogens and their impact on reproductive outcomes. Bacterial infections, such as those caused by intracellular bacteria (Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma, and Chlamydia), Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and bacterial vaginosis, are among the most prevalent causes of infertility in women. Studies have shown that these infections can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, tubal occlusion, and endometrial damage, all of which can impair fertility. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, in particular, is a significant cause of genital tuberculosis and infertility in high-incidence countries. Viral infections, such as Human papillomavirus (HPV) and Herpes simplex virus (HSV), can also affect women’s fertility. While the exact role of HPV in female infertility remains unclear, studies suggest that it may increase the risk of endometrial implantation issues and miscarriage. HSV may be associated with unexplained infertility. Parasitic infections, such as trichomoniasis and schistosomiasis, can directly impact the female reproductive system, leading to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and other complications. Fungal infections, such as candidiasis, are common but rarely have serious outcomes related to fertility. The vaginal microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining reproductive health, and alterations in the microbial balance can increase susceptibility to STIs and infertility. Probiotics have been proposed as a potential therapeutic strategy to restore the vaginal ecosystem and improve fertility outcomes, although further research is needed to establish their efficacy. In conclusion, vaginal and uterine infections contribute significantly to women’s infertility, with various pathogens affecting the reproductive system through different mechanisms. Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and preventive measures are essential to mitigate the impact of these infections on women’s reproductive health and fertility. Full article

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are a cervid species native to the Americas with ecological, social, and economic significance. Managers must consider several factors when working to maintain the health and sustainability of these wild herds, including reproduction, particularly pregnancy and recruitment rates. White-tailed deer have a variable reproductive capacity, with age, health, and habitat influencing this variability. However, it is unknown whether chronic wasting disease (CWD) impacts reproduction and, more specifically, if CWD infection alters a female deer’s probability of pregnancy. Our study addressed this question using data from 9783 female deer culled in northern Illinois between 2003 and 2023 as part of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ ongoing CWD management program. Multilevel Bayesian logistic regression was employed to quantify the relationship between pregnancy probability and covariates like maternal age, deer population density, and date of culling. Maternal infection with CWD was found to have no significant effect on pregnancy probability, raising concerns that the equal ability of infected and non-infected females to reproduce could make breeding, which inherently involves close physical contact, an important source of disease transmission between males and females and females and their fawns. The results also identified that female fawns (<1 year old) are sensitive to county-level deer land cover utility (LCU) and deer population density, and that there was no significant difference in how yearlings (1–2 years old) and adult (2+ years old) responded to these variables. Full article

Telomeres are protective DNA sequences located at chromosome ends, essential to maintaining genomic stability. This narrative review examines how maternal lifestyle factors during pregnancy influence fetal telomere length (TL). Positive associations have been identified between offspring’s TL and maternal consumption of nutrients such as vitamins C and D, folate, and magnesium. Additionally, adherence to a Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity during pregnancy are correlated with increased placental TL, supporting fetal genomic integrity. Conversely, maternal dietary patterns high in carbohydrates, fats, or alcohol, as well as exposure to triclosan and sleep-disordered breathing, negatively correlate with offspring’s TL. Maternal infections may also shorten TL through heightened inflammation and oxidative stress. However, evidence regarding the impact of other lifestyle factors—including maternal stress, smoking, caffeine intake, polyunsaturated fatty acid consumption, obesity, and sleep quality—remains inconsistent. Given that shorter telomere length has been associated with cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as certain types of cancer, these findings highlight the vital importance of maternal health during pregnancy in order to prevent potential adverse effects on the fetus. Further studies are required to elucidate the precise timing, intensity, and interplay of these influences, enabling targeted prenatal interventions to enhance offspring health outcomes. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to describe the perinatal and neonatal outcomes of chronic abruption oligohydramnios sequence in the Kanto region of Japan. Methods: This survey was conducted at 123 perinatal centers affiliated to this area. Data on the experience of managing chronic abruption oligohydramnios sequence between 1 January 2017, and 31 December 2022, were collected and analyzed. Results: Among the 82 cases of chronic abruption oligohydramnios sequence that were included in this study, there were seven miscarriages, five artificial abortions, and 70 deliveries beyond 22 gestational weeks (singleton: 68; twin: 2). In 82 patients, vaginal bleeding was the initial symptom of chronic abruption oligohydramnios sequence (88%). The mean gestational duration at the initial symptom onset was 17.3 ± 5.0 weeks. Of the 68 singleton pregnancies delivered after 22 gestational weeks, the mean gestational duration at delivery was 25.2 ± 2.8 weeks. In patients with chronic abruption oligohydramnios sequence, the mean white blood cell count at diagnosis and mean of the maximum white blood cell count during pregnancy were 11,589 ± 2885 and 15,357 ± 4745/μL, respectively; and the mean C-reactive protein at diagnosis and mean of the maximum C-reactive protein during pregnancy were 1.0 ± 1.2 and 2.0 ± 2.1 mg/L, respectively. Chorioamnionitis was identified in 43 patients (63%). All neonates were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Of the 68 singleton neonates, 5 died immediately after birth. Conclusions: Chronic abruption oligohydramnios sequence is a rare perinatal complication that is possibly associated with infections, such as chorioamnionitis, and linked to adverse perinatal and neonatal outcomes. Full article

Introduction: Renal malacoplakia is a rare chronic granulomatous disease, often associated with immunosuppression and persistent Gram-negative infections, particularly Escherichia coli. Case Presentation: We present a case involving a 31-year-old woman with hypertension, gestational diabetes, and prior uterine curettage after labor induction for preeclampsia at 23 weeks. She developed urinary sepsis post-procedure. Imaging revealed bilateral nephromegaly, while laboratory tests showed acute kidney injury (KDIGO stage III), anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Blood and urine cultures grew Escherichia coli. Renal biopsy confirmed malacoplakia, demonstrating PAS-positive Michaelis–Gutmann bodies and Von Hansemann cells. The patient responded to prolonged antibiotic therapy and supportive care. Discussion and Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering renal malacoplakia in patients with atypical urinary tract infections and nephromegaly, particularly in obstetric settings. Histopathological confirmation is essential, and timely treatment with intracellularly active antibiotics can lead to favorable outcomes. Early diagnosis is critical to prevent irreversible renal damage. Full article

This study was conducted in Armenia and included 32 pregnant women with TV infection and 30 healthy controls. The vaginal virome includes viruses that infect human cells and unicellular eukaryotes such as Trichomonas vaginalis (TV). Among these are Trichomonas vaginalis viruses (TVVs), double-stranded RNA viruses from the Totiviridae family, and giant DNA viruses that replicate in protozoa. This study investigated the presence of TVVs and giant protozoan viruses in pregnant women with trichomoniasis in Armenia and explored their potential associations with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Vaginal and urethral samples were collected from 32 pregnant women with confirmed TV infection and 30 healthy pregnant controls. TVVs and giant viruses (Marseilleviridae, Mimiviridae, Phycodnaviridae) were detected using qRT-PCR. Viral RNA and DNA were extracted from clinical samples and TV cultures, followed by quantification and gene expression analysis. Selected TVVs were visualized via scanning electron microscopy. All TV-positive women carried at least one TVV strain, with 94% harboring multiple TVV types and TVV4 being the most common. TV infection was significantly associated with preterm birth and premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Giant viruses were identified in all TV-positive cases but in only 40% of controls. Marseilleviridae gene expression was observed in TV cultures, suggesting possible interactions. These findings highlight a potential role for protozoan viruses in reproductive complications and warrant further investigation. Full article

HIV infection and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), particularly preeclampsia (PE) with severe features, are leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide. This study investigates the role of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and prostacyclin (PGI2) concentrations in endothelial impairment in normotensive pregnant versus PE women within an HIV endemic setting in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. The study population (n = 84) was grouped according to pregnancy type, i.e., normotensive (n = 42) and PE (n = 42), and further stratified by HIV status. Clinical factors were maternal age, weight, blood pressure (both systolic and diastolic) levels, and gestational age. Plasma concentrations of ADMA and PGI2 were measured using the enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Differences in outcomes were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis test together with Dunn’s multiple-comparison post hoc test. The non-parametric data were presented as medians and interquartile ranges. Gravidity, gestational age, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly different across the study groups where p < 0.05 was deemed significant. Furthermore, the concentration of ADMA was significantly elevated in PE HIV-positive vs. PE HIV-negative (p = 0.0174) groups. PGI2 did not show a significant difference in PE compared to normotensive pregnancies (p = 0.8826) but was significantly different across all groups (p = 0.0212). An increase in plasma ADMA levels was observed in the preeclampsia HIV-negative group compared to the normotensive HIV-negative group. This is linked to the role played by ADMA in endothelial impairment, a characteristic of PE development. PGI2 levels were decreased in PE compared to the normotensive group regardless of HIV status. These findings draw attention to the importance of endothelial indicators in pathogenesis and possibly early prediction of PE development. Full article

Background and Objectives: Preterm birth and stillbirth are primary adverse pregnancy outcomes. Research during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed reductions in preterm birth in some countries, while stillbirth rates increased or remained unchanged. These findings suggest the presence of preventable risk factors associated with changes in physical activity and lower exposure to community-acquired infections due to lockdown measures, altered social interaction patterns or reduced access to antenatal care. Assessing seasonal variation may offer insights into whether lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 lockdown period influenced preterm birth rates. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study used data from the electronic medical records of Bihor and Sibiu counties. Preterm deliveries (<37 weeks) and stillbirths during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020 and 2021) were compared with the corresponding pre-pandemic (2018 and 2019) and post-pandemic (2022 and 2023) period. Preterm birth rates during summer and winter in the pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic years were analyzed. A comparison with rates during strict lockdown was made. Results: Out of 52,021 newborn infants, 4473 were born preterm. Preterm birth rates remained stable across all three periods (p = 0.13), and no significant seasonal pattern was identified (p = 0.65). In contrast, stillbirth rates increased notably during the strict lockdown period, with the median incidence almost doubling compared to other periods (0.87%, p = 0.05), while remaining unchanged during the rest of the pandemic (p = 0.52). Conclusions: Our study found that preterm birth rates remained unaffected by the pandemic and lockdown periods, while stillbirths increased significantly during the strict lockdown. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining access to timely antenatal care during public health emergencies to prevent adverse perinatal outcomes. Full article

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a ubiquitous glycosaminoglycan with distinct biological functions, dependent on its molecular weight. High-molecular-weight HA (HMWHA) primarily exhibits structural and anti-inflammatory roles, whereas low-(LMWHA) and very low-molecular-weight HAs (vLMWHA) actively participate in tissue regeneration and angiogenesis. This review highlights the pivotal roles of HA across the female reproductive lifespan, emphasizing how molecular weight dictates its therapeutic potential. In gynecology, LMWHA effectively alleviates symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, restores vaginal architecture, and mitigates complications following pelvic radiotherapy, improving both tissue integrity and patient quality of life. vLMWHA shows promise in enhancing viral clearance and lesion regression in human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. In obstetrics, HMWHA plays crucial roles in implantation, immunotolerance, and embryogenesis and maintains cervical barrier integrity to prevent ascending infections and preterm birth. Moreover, emerging clinical evidence supports oral HMWHA supplementation for reducing pregnancy complications, such as threatened miscarriage, subchorionic hematomas, and preterm delivery. This review underscores the necessity of considering HA’s molecular weight to optimize interventions in gynecological and obstetric care, offering tailored strategies to support women’s health throughout their lives. Full article

Background: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, managing acute infections in symptomatic individuals, regardless of vaccination status, has been widely debated and extensively studied. Even more concerning, however, is the impact of COVID-19 on pregnant women—especially its effects on fetuses and newborns. Several studies have documented complications in both expectant mothers and their infants following infection. Methods: In our previous works, we provided scientific evidence of the bacteriophage behavior of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2). This demonstrated that a well-defined combination of two antibiotics, amoxicillin and rifaximin, is associated with the same statistics for subjects affected by severe cases of SARS-CoV-2, regardless of vaccination status. We considered the few cases in the literature regarding the management of pregnancies infected with SARS-CoV-2, as well as previous data published in our works. In this brief case series, we present two pregnancies from the same unvaccinated mother—one prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and the other during the spread of the Omicron variant—as well as one pregnancy from a mother vaccinated against COVID-19. We describe the management of acute maternal infection using a previously published protocol that addresses the bacteriophage and toxicological mechanisms associated with SARS-CoV-2. Results: The three pregnancies are compared based on fetal growth and ultrasound findings. This report highlights that, even in unvaccinated mothers, timely and well-guided management of symptomatic COVID-19 can result in positive outcomes. In all cases, intrauterine growth remained within excellent percentiles, and the births resulted in optimal APGAR scores. Conclusions: This demonstrates that a careful and strategic approach, guided by ultrasound controls, can support healthy pregnancies during SARS-CoV-2 infection, regardless of vaccination status. Full article

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV), a retrovirus associated with severe conditions such as leukemia/lymphoma and myelopathy, exhibits variable global prevalence, with higher rates observed in regions such as northeastern Brazil and sub-Saharan Africa. While intrauterine transmission can occur via viral expression in placental tissue and contact with umbilical cord blood, the predominant route is vertical transmission through breastfeeding. Diagnostic testing, particularly serological screening with ELISA and confirmatory methods such as Western blot and PCR, is essential for early detection during pregnancy. The implementation of prenatal screening programs, as seen in Japan and Brazil, has proven effective in reducing vertical transmission by guiding interventions such as breastfeeding cessation in infected mothers. Beyond clinical implications, the psychosocial impact on affected pregnant women highlights the need for an interdisciplinary approach. Although the association between HTLV infection and adverse obstetric outcomes remains controversial, studies suggest increased risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and other neonatal complications. Given the importance of early diagnosis and prevention, universal prenatal screening protocols represent a critical strategy to reduce viral transmission and its long-term consequences. Full article

Congenital Chagas disease (CCD) is caused when Trypanosoma cruzi crosses the placental barrier during pregnancy and reaches the fetus, which can lead to serious consequences in the developing fetus. Current treatment is carried out with nifurtimox or benznidazole, but their effectiveness is limited, and they cause side effects, requiring the search for new therapeutic strategies. In this sense, many studies have demonstrated the potential of different compounds of the Copaifera genus in the control of parasitic diseases. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effect of oleoresin (OR) and leaf hydroalcoholic extract (LHE) of Copaifera multijuga on Trypanosoma cruzi infection in human villous trophoblast cells (BeWo line) and human placenta explants. Treatment with both compounds reduced invasion, proliferation, and release of trypomastigotes. Furthermore, OR and LHE affected the trypomastigotes and amastigote morphology, compromising their ability to invade and proliferate in BeWo cells, respectively. Also, treatment with OR decreased ROS production in infected BeWo cells, while LHE induced an increase. In addition, both compounds induced pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine production. In human placental explants, both compounds also decreased T. cruzi infection, in addition to inducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Thus, both OR and LHE of C. multijuga control T. cruzi infection at the human maternal–fetal interface, highlighting the possible therapeutic potential of these compounds for the treatment of CCD. Full article

Background/Objectives: Endocrine disruptors (EDs) are xenobiotic chemicals that disrupt hormone signaling and homeostasis within the human body. Accumulative evidence proposes that EDs could affect systemic hormone balance and local microbial communities, including the female genital tract (FGT) microbiome. The FGT microbiome, and especially the vaginal microbiota, contributes significantly to reproductive health maintenance, defense against infection, and favorable pregnancy outcomes. Disruption of the delicate microbial environment is associated with conditions like bacterial vaginosis, infertility, and preterm birth. Methods: The present narrative review summarizes the existing literature on EDs’ potential for changing the FGT microbiome. We discuss EDs like bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and parabens and their potential for disrupting the FGT microbiome through ED-induced hormone perturbations, immune modulation, and epithelial barrier breach, which could lead to microbial dysbiosis. Results: Preliminary evidence suggests that ED exposure–microbial composition changes relationships; however, robust human evidence for EDs’ changes on the FGT microbiome remains scarce. Conclusions: Our review addresses major research gaps and suggests future directions for investigation, such as the necessity for longitudinal and mechanistic studies that combine microbiome, exposome, and endocrine parameters. The relationship between EDs and the FGT microbiome could be critical for enhancing women’s reproductive health and for steering regulatory policies on exposure to environmental chemicals. Full article

Autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren’s syndrome show pronounced sex disparities in prevalence, severity, and clinical outcomes, with females disproportionately affected. Emerging evidence highlights sex-based differences in immune and inflammatory responses as key contributors to this bias. Genetic factors—including sex chromosomes, skewed X chromosome inactivation, and sex-biased microRNAs—as well as sex hormones and pregnancy modulate gene expression and immune cell function in a sex-specific manner. Additionally, sex hormone-dependent epigenetic modifications influence the transcription of critical immune regulators. These genetic and hormonal factors collectively shape the activation, differentiation, and effector functions of diverse immune cell types. Environmental factors—including infections, gut microbiota, environmental chemicals and pollutants, and lifestyle behaviors such as diet, smoking, UV exposure, alcohol and caffeine intake, physical activity, and circadian rhythms—further modulate immune function and autoimmune disease pathogenesis in a sex-dependent manner. Together, these mechanisms contribute to the heightened risk and distinct clinical features of autoimmunity in females. A deeper understanding of sex-biased immune regulation will facilitate the identification of novel biomarkers, enable patient stratification, and inform the development of sex-specific diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for autoimmune diseases. Full article