Browsing by Subject "Pregnancy"

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Open Access
Asymmetric dimethylarginine concentrations are elevated in women with gestational diabetes
(2010) Akturk, M.; Altinova, A.; Mert I.; Dincel, A.; Sargin, A.; Buyukkagnici, U.; Arslan, M.; Danisman, N.
As shown in the previous studies, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is related to endothelial dysfunction, whereas high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hCRP) is the marker of inflammation. In our study, we investigated ADMA, hCRP, and homocysteine concentrations in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) during late pregnancy. Fifty-four women with GDM and 69 women with NGT between 32 and 39 weeks of gestation were included in this study. ADMA, hCRP, homocysteine, lipid parameters, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, insulin, and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were measured. The plasma ADMA concentrations were significantly higher in GDM patients than in NGT subjects (P = 0.03) and the hCRP levels were also significantly increased in GDM group when compared with those in the NGT group (P = 0.008). However, plasma homocysteine levels did not differ between the groups (P = 0.4), while HOMA-IR, insulin, and triglyceride levels were higher in the GDM group than in the NGT group (P = 0.001, 0.002, and 0.02, respectively). The ADMA concentrations in the third trimester were positively correlated with the glucose levels the 50-g glucose challenge test (GCT) during 24-28 weeks in the whole group (r = 0.21, P = 0.02). Our results demonstrate that ADMA and hCRP are elevated in women with GDM during late pregnancy. Further studies are needed to clarify the significance and the underlying mechanisms of the elevated ADMA and hCRP levels in women with GDM. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.
Open Access
Biological properties of extracellular vesicles and their physiological functions
(Taylor & Francis, 2015) Yáñez-Mó, M.; Siljander, P. R. M.; Andreu, Z.; Zavec, A. B.; Borràs, F. E.; Buzas, E. I.; Buzas, K.; Casal, E.; Cappello, F.; Carvalho, J.; Colás, E.; Cordeiro-Da, S. A.; Fais, S.; Falcon-Perez, J. M.; Ghobrial, I. M.; Giebel, B.; Gimona, M.; Graner, M.; Gursel, I.; Gursel, M.; Heegaard, N. H. H.; Hendrix, A.; Kierulf, P.; Kokubun, K.; Kosanovic, M.; Kralj-Iglic, V.; Krämer-Albers, E. M.; Laitinen, S.; Lässer, C.; Lener, T.; Ligeti, E.; Line, A.; Lipps, G.; Llorente, A.; Lötvall, J.; Manček-Keber, M.; Marcilla, A.; Mittelbrunn, M.; Nazarenko, I.; Nolte-'t Hoen, E. N. M.; Nyman, T. A.; O'Driscoll, L.; Olivan, M.; Oliveira, C.; Pállinger, E.; Del Portillo, H. A.; Reventós, J.; Rigau, M.; Rohde, E.; Sammar, M.; Sánchez-Madrid, F.; Santarém, N.; Schallmoser, K.; Ostenfeld, M. S.; Stoorvogel, W.; Stukelj, R.; Grein V. D. S.G.; Helena,ü V. M.; Wauben, M. H. M.; De Wever, O.
In the past decade, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been recognized as potent vehicles of intercellular communication, both in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. This is due to their capacity to transfer proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, thereby influencing various physiological and pathological functions of both recipient and parent cells.While intensive investigation has targeted the role of EVs in different pathological processes, for example, in cancer and autoimmune diseases, the EV-mediated maintenance of homeostasis and the regulation of physiological functions have remained less explored. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the physiological roles of EVs, which has been written by crowd-sourcing, drawing on the unique EV expertise of academia-based scientists, clinicians and industry based in 27 European countries, the United States and Australia. This review is intended to be of relevance to both researchers already working on EV biology and to newcomers who will encounter this universal cell biological system. Therefore, here we address the molecular contents and functions of EVs in various tissues and body fluids from cell systems to organs. We also review the physiological mechanisms of EVs in bacteria, lower eukaryotes and plants to highlight the functional uniformity of this emerging communication system.
Open Access
Extremely skewed X-chromosome inactivation patterns in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion
(Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia, 2006) Bagislar, S.; Ustuner, I.; Cengiz, B.; Soylemez, F.; Akyerli, C. B.; Ceylaner, S.; Ceylaner, G.; Acar, A.; Ozcelik, T.
Background: The role of extremely skewed X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) has been questioned in the pathogenesis of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) but the results obtained were conflicting. Aims: We therefore investigated the XCI patterns in peripheral blood DNA obtained from 80 patients who had RSA and 160 age-matched controls. Methods: Pregnancy history, age, karyotype, and disease information was collected from all subjects. The methylation status of a highly polymorphic cytosine-adenine-guanine repeat in the androgen-receptor (AR) gene was determined by use of methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme HpaII and polymerase chain reaction. Results: Skewed XCI (> 8 5% skewing) was observed in 13 of the 62 patients informative for the AR polymorphism (20.9%), and eight of the 124 informative controls (6.4%) (P = 0.0069; χ 2 test). More importantly, extremely skewed XCI, defined as > 90% inactivation of one allele, was present in 11 (17.7%) patients, and in only two controls (P = 0.0002; χ 2 test). Conclusions: These results support the interpretation that disturbances in XCI mosaicism may be involved in the pathogenesis of RSA.
Open Access
Medicalization discourse and modernity: contested meanings over childbirth in contemporary Turkey
(Taylor & Francis Inc., 2010) Cindoglu, D.; Cengiz, F. S.
In this article, we explore the increasing medicalization of birth and the surge in Caesarean sections in order to examine how this phenomenon relates to the dominant modernization discourse on women's lives in contemporary Turkey. We analyze women's modes of resistance and conformity to medicalization of birth through qualitative data from 15 focus groups of Turkish women as well as from physicians and midwives. We found out that Turkish women generally submit to medicalized birth, despite unpleasent experiences of hospital birth. We argue that the discourse of modernization and traditional patriarchy both play a role in women's submission to medicalization of birth; and we demonstrate the patterns through which these discourses collaborate in establishing the meaning of childbirth in Turkey. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Open Access
Na+/I-symporter and type 3 iodothyronine deiodinase gene expression in amniotic membrane and placenta and its relationship to maternal thyroid hormones
(2013) Akturk, M.; Oruc, A.S.; Danisman, N.; Erkek, S.; Buyukkagnici, U.; Unlu, E.; Tazebay, U.H.
Placental type 3 iodothyronine deiodinase (D3) potentially protects the fetus from the elevated maternal thyroid hormones. Na+/I- symporter (NIS) is a plasma membrane glycoprotein, which mediates active iodide uptake. Our objectives were to establish the distribution of NIS and D3 gene expressions in the placenta and the amniotic membrane and to investigate the relationship between placental D3 and NIS gene expressions and maternal iodine, selenium, and thyroid hormone status. Thyroid hormones, urinary iodine concentration (UIC), and selenium levels were measured in 49 healthy term pregnant women. NIS and D3 gene expressions were studied with the total mRNA RT-PCR method in tissues from maternal placenta (n = 49), fetal placenta (n = 9), and amniotic membrane (n = 9). NIS and D3 gene expressions were shown in the fetal and maternal sides of the placenta and amniotic membrane. Mean blood selenium level was 66 ± 26.5 μg/l, and median UIC was 143 μg/l. We could not demonstrate any statistically significant relationship of spot UIC and blood selenium with NIS and D3 expression (p > 0.05). Positive correlations were found between NIS and thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) (r = 0.3, p = 0.042) and between D3 and preoperative glucose levels (r = 0.4, p = 0.006). D3 and NIS genes are expressed in term placenta and amniotic membrane; thus, in addition to placenta, amniotic membrane contributes to regulation of maternofetal iodine and thyroid hormone transmission. Further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between maternal glucose levels and placental D3 expression and between TBG and placental NIS expression. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York.
Open Access
Progesterone change in the late follicular phase affects pregnancy rates both agonist and antagonist protocols in normoresponders: a case-controlled study in ICSI cycles
(Taylor & Francis, 2016) Demir, B.; Kahyaoglu, I.; Guvenir, A.; Yerebasmaz, N.; Altinbas, S.; Dilbaz, B.; Dilbaz, S.; Mollamahmutoglu, L.
Objective: The aim of the presented study is to investigate the impact of progesterone change in the late follicular phase on the pregnancy rates of both agonist and antagonist protocols in normoresponders.Study design: A total of 201 normoresponder patients, who underwent embryo transfer were consecutively selected. 118 patients were stimulated using a long luteal GnRH agonist protocol and 83 using a flexible antagonist protocol. The level of change in late follicular phase progesterone was calculated according to the progesterone levels on the hCG day and pre-hCG day (1 or 2 days prior to hCG day) measurement.Results: Clinical pregnancy rates were comparable between long luteal and antagonist group (35.6 and 41%, respectively). The incidence of progesterone elevation on the hCG day was 11% in long luteal and 18% in antagonist group (p = 0.16). In pregnant cycles, p levels both on the hCG day and pre-hCG day measurement were significantly higher in antagonist than agonist cycles (p = 0.029, p = 0.038, respectively). The change of p level was statistically significant in non-pregnant cycles both for the agonist (-0.17 ± 0.07; 95% CI: -0.29 to -0.37) and antagonist groups (-0.18 ± 0.07; 95%CI: -0.31 to -0.04).Conclusions: Late follicular phase progesterone levels were stable during the cycles of pregnant patients irrespective of the protocols and were shown to be higher in pregnant patients in antagonist cycles when compared to agonist cycles.
Open Access
Skewed X chromosome inactivation in blood cells of women with scleroderma
(John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2005) Özbalkan, Z.; Baǧişlar, S.; Kiraz, S.; Akyerli, C. B.; Özer H. T. E.; Yavuz, Ş.; Birlik, A. M.; Çalgüneri, M.; Özçelik, T.
Objective. Scleroderma (SSc) is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology. The disease is 3-8 times more frequent in women than in men. The role of X chromosome inactivation (XCI) in the predisposition of women to autoimmunity has been questioned. Until now this has not been illustrated experimentally. This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that disturbances in XCI mosaicism may be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease in female patients with SSc. Methods. Seventy female SSc patients and 160 female controls were analyzed for the androgen receptor locus by the Hpa II/polymerase chain reaction assay to assess XCI patterns in DNA extracted from peripheral blood cells. Furthermore, skin biopsy samples were obtained from 5 patients whose blood revealed an extremely skewed pattern of XCI, and the analysis repeated. Since microchimerism in SSc was reported, Y chromosome sequences were investigated in all samples. Results. Skewed XCI was observed in DNA from peripheral blood cells in 35 of 55 informative patients (64%), as compared with 10 of 124 informative controls (8%) (P < 0.0001). Extreme skewing was present in 27 of the patient group (49%), as compared with only 3 of the controls (2.4%) (P < 0.0001). However, XCI was random in all skin biopsy samples. The potential contribution of microchimerism to the random XCI pattern is highly unlikely based on the medical histories of the patients. Conclusion. Skewed XCI mosaicism may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of SSc.
Open Access
Teaching L’Opéra-Mouffe (1958)
(Intellect, 2022) Kennedy-Karpat, Colleen
This article describes the advantages of teaching Agnès Varda’s early short film L’Opéra-Mouffe, known in English as Diary of a Pregnant Woman, in an introductory course on film form. This award winning, sixteen-minute film offers a compelling demonstration of the core characteristics of the essay film, along with readily teachable examples of visual metaphor, cinematography, sound, and editing. Its cultural and auteurist contexts can also complement a variety of curricular topics, including the French New Wave and Left Bank creators, post war France, and feminist filmmaking. Finally, its focus on Varda’s personal experience of pregnancy also makes L’Opéra-Mouffe an ideal vehicle to introduce radical feminist pedagogies that recognize and value personal experience as a valid way of knowing about the world.
Open Access
Visfatin concentration is decreased in women with gestational diabetes mellitus in the third trimester
(2008) Akturk, M.; Altinova, A.E.; Mert I.; Buyukkagnici, U.; Sargin, A.; Arslan, M.; Danisman, N.
Our aim is to investigate visfatin concentration and its relationship to glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin resistance, lipid parameters, and neonatal birth weight in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). In our study group, there were 47 women with GDM and 31 women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) between 33-39 weeks of gestation. Plasma visfatin levels were significantly decreased in pregnant women with GDM compared to those with NGT (p=0.001). Homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels were higher in the GDM group than in the NGT group (p=0.006). In all subjects, plasma visfatin levels were negatively correlated with HOMA-IR, post-prandial blood glucose, triglycerides, and VLDL cholesterol (p<0.05). We did not observe any statistically significant correlation between the plasma visfatin levels and the selected parameters in the GDM group, but in the NGT group plasma visfatin levels were negatively correlated with HOMA-IR (r=-0.36, p=0.04). There was no correlation between visfatin concentrations and fetal birth weight in either group (p>0.05). By regression analysis, having GDM was found to be the only significant determinant (t=3.5, p=0.001) of visfatin concentration (R=0.39, r2=0.15). We conclude that women with GDM have significantly decreased visfatin concentrations in the third trimester. Future studies are required to establish the exact role of visfatin in the pathogenesis of GDM. ©2008, Editrice Kurtis.