RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Although nerves and vessels of the penis play important role in erection, there are few studies on their development in human fetus. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to analyze, quantitatively, in the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum, the development of the nerves and vessels in the fetal penis at different gestational ages. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-six fresh, macroscopically normal human fetuses aged from 13 to 36 weeks post-conception (WPC) were used. Gestational age was determined by the foot length criterion. Penises were immediately fixed in 10% formalin, and routinely processed for paraffin embedding, after which tissue sections from the mid-shaft were obtained. We used immunohistochemical staining to analyze the nerves and vessels in the corpus cavernous and in the corpus spongiosum. These elements were identified and quantified as percentage by using the Image-J software. RESULTS: The quantitative analysis showed that the percentage of nerves varied from 3.03% to 20.35% in the corpora cavernosa and from 1.89% to 23.88% in the corpus spongiosum. The linear regression analysis indicated that nerves growth (incidence) in the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum correlated significantly and positively with fetal age (r2=0.9421, p<0.0001) and (r2=0.9312, p<0.0001), respectively, during the whole fetal period studied. Also, the quantitative analysis showed that the percentage of vessels varies from 2.96% to 12.86% in the corpora cavernosa and from 3.62% to 14.85% in the corpus spongiosum. The linear regression analysis indicated that vessels growth (appearance) in the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum correlated significantly and positively with fetal age (r2=0.8722, p<0.0001) and (r2=0.8218, p<0.0001), respectively, during the whole fetal period studied. In addition, the linear regression analysis demonstrated a more intense growth rate of nerves in the corpus spongiosum during the 2nd trimester of gestation, when compared with nerves in the corpora cavernosa. In addition, the linear regression analysis demonstrated a more intense growth rate of vessels in the corpus spongiosum when compared with the corpora cavernosa, during the whole fetal period studied. CONCLUSIONS: In the fetal period, the human penis undergoes major developmental changes, notably in the content and distribution of nerves and vessels. We found strong correlation between nerves and vessels growth (amount) with fetal age, both in the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum. There is significant greater proportional number of nerves than vessels during the whole fetal period studied. Also, nerves and vessels grow in a more intense rate than that of the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum areas.
Assuntos
Idade Gestacional , Pênis , Humanos , Masculino , Pênis/irrigação sanguínea , Pênis/embriologia , Pênis/inervação , Feto/irrigação sanguínea , Feto/embriologia , Imuno-Histoquímica , Desenvolvimento Fetal/fisiologiaRESUMO
Maternal Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy has been associated with severe intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), placental damage, metabolism disturbances, and newborn neurological abnormalities. Here, we investigated the impact of maternal ZIKV infection on placental nutrient transporters and nutrient-sensitive pathways. Immunocompetent (C57BL/6) mice were injected with Low (103 PFU-ZIKVPE243) or High (5 × 107 PFU-ZIKVPE243) ZIKV titers at gestational day (GD) 12.5, and tissue was collected at GD18.5 (term). Fetal-placental growth was impaired in male fetuses, which exhibited higher placental expression of the ZIKV infective marker, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2α), but lower levels of phospho-eIF2α. There were no differences in fetal-placental growth in female fetuses, which exhibited no significant alterations in placental ZIKV infective markers. Furthermore, ZIKV promoted increased expression of glucose transporter type 1 (Slc2a1/Glut1) and decreased levels of glucose-6-phosphate in female placentae, with no differences in amino acid transport potential. In contrast, ZIKV did not impact glucose transporters in male placentae but downregulated sodium-coupled neutral amino acid 2 (Snat2) transporter expression. We also observed sex-dependent differences in the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP) and O-GlcNAcylation in ZIKV-infected pregnancies, showing that ZIKV can disturb placental nutrient sensing. Our findings highlight molecular alterations in the placenta caused by maternal ZIKV infection, shedding light on nutrient transport, sensing, and availability. Our results also suggest that female and male placentae employ distinct coping mechanisms in response to ZIKV-induced metabolic changes, providing insights into therapeutic approaches for congenital Zika syndrome.
Assuntos
Desenvolvimento Fetal , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Placenta , Transdução de Sinais , Infecção por Zika virus , Zika virus , Animais , Feminino , Infecção por Zika virus/metabolismo , Infecção por Zika virus/virologia , Gravidez , Camundongos , Placenta/metabolismo , Placenta/virologia , Masculino , Desenvolvimento Fetal/fisiologia , Complicações Infecciosas na Gravidez/virologia , Complicações Infecciosas na Gravidez/metabolismo , Nutrientes/metabolismo , Transportador de Glucose Tipo 1/metabolismoRESUMO
This study aims to evaluate the phytochemical properties of Bauhinia holophylla (Bong.) Steud leaf extract, and their impact on maternal reproductive and fetal development in diabetic rats. For this, adult female Wistar rats (100 days of life) received streptozotocin (40 mg/Kg, intraperitoneal) for induction of diabetes, were mated and distributed into four groups: Nondiabetic; Nondiabetic given B. holophylla; Diabetic; and Diabetic given B. holophylla. The plant extract was given by gavage at increasing doses: 200, 400, and 800 mg/Kg. At day 21 of pregnancy, liver and blood samples were obtained for oxidative parameters and biochemical analysis, respectively. The uterus was removed for maternal-fetal outcomes. Phytochemical analysis showed a high content of phenolic components and biogenic amines. B. holophylla extract did not alter the glycemic levels but improved the lipid profile in diabetic animals. Besides that, the number of live fetuses and maternal weight gain were decreased in Diabetic group, and were not observed in animals treated. The group Diabetic treated presented a higher percentage of fetuses classified as adequate for gestational age compared to the Diabetic group. However, the treatment with plant extract caused embryo losses, fetal growth restriction, and teratogenicity in nondiabetic rats. Thus, the indiscriminate consumption requires carefulness.
Assuntos
Bauhinia , Diabetes Mellitus Experimental , Hipoglicemiantes , Extratos Vegetais , Ratos Wistar , Animais , Feminino , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Extratos Vegetais/química , Bauhinia/química , Gravidez , Diabetes Mellitus Experimental/tratamento farmacológico , Hipoglicemiantes/farmacologia , Ratos , Compostos Fitoquímicos/farmacologia , Compostos Fitoquímicos/análise , Desenvolvimento Fetal/efeitos dos fármacos , Estreptozocina , Glicemia/efeitos dos fármacos , Glicemia/análise , Folhas de Planta/químicaRESUMO
Herein, we present a thorough examination of the impact of maternal nutrition on fetal and infant neurodevelopment, focusing on specific nutrients and their critical roles in perinatal and pediatric health. Through a comprehensive narrative review of the literature, this study highlights the importance of a balanced maternal diet rich in nutrients like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), folic acid, iron, and iodine in shaping children's neurological functions. Key findings underscore the influence of maternal nutrition during pregnancy and the peri-gestational period on children's cognitive, motor, speech, and socio-emotional development. Deficiencies in essential nutrients, such as DHA, are linked to adverse long-lasting outcomes such as premature birth and intrauterine growth restriction, where a suitable intake of iron and folic acid is vital to prevent neural tube defects and promote healthy brain development. We highlight areas requiring further investigation, particularly regarding iodine's impact and the risks associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy. In conclusion, this research sheds light on our current understanding of maternal nutrition and child neurodevelopment, offering valuable insights for health professionals and researchers.
Assuntos
Desenvolvimento Infantil , Desenvolvimento Fetal , Fenômenos Fisiológicos da Nutrição Materna , Humanos , Gravidez , Feminino , Desenvolvimento Fetal/efeitos dos fármacos , Desenvolvimento Fetal/fisiologia , Desenvolvimento Infantil/efeitos dos fármacos , Desenvolvimento Infantil/fisiologia , Iodo/deficiência , Iodo/administração & dosagem , Dieta/métodos , Lactente , Recém-Nascido , Encéfalo/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Encéfalo/efeitos dos fármacos , Ácido Fólico/administração & dosagem , Estado Nutricional , Ácidos Docosa-Hexaenoicos/administração & dosagemRESUMO
Oxidative stress (OS) and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) are at the genesis of placental disorders observed in preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, and maternal hypothyroidism. In this regard, cationic manganese porphyrins (MnPs) comprise potent redox-active therapeutics of high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, which have not been evaluated in metabolic gestational diseases yet. This study evaluated the therapeutic potential of two MnPs, [MnTE-2-PyP]5+ (MnP I) and [MnT(5-Br-3-E-Py)P]5+ (MnP II), in the fetal-placental dysfunction of hypothyroid rats. Hypothyroidism was induced by administration of 6-Propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU) and treatment with MnPs I and II 0.1 mg/kg/day started on the 8th day of gestation (DG). The fetal and placental development, and protein and/or mRNA expression of antioxidant mediators (SOD1, CAT, GPx1), hypoxia (HIF1α), oxidative damage (8-OHdG, MDA), ERS (GRP78 and CHOP), immunological (TNFα, IL-6, IL-10, IL-1ß, IL-18, NLRP3, Caspase1, Gasdermin D) and angiogenic (VEGF) were evaluated in the placenta and decidua on the 18th DG using immunohistochemistry and qPCR. ROS and peroxynitrite (PRX) were quantified by fluorometric assay, while enzyme activities of SOD, GST, and catalase were evaluated by colorimetric assay. MnPs I and II increased fetal body mass in hypothyroid rats, and MnP I increased fetal organ mass. MnPs restored the junctional zone morphology in hypothyroid rats and increased placental vascularization. MnPs blocked the increase of OS and ERS mediators caused by hypothyroidism, showing similar levels of expression of HIFα, 8-OHdG, MDA, Gpx1, GRP78, and Chop to the control. Moreover, MnPs I and/or II increased the protein expression of SOD1, Cat, and GPx1 and restored the expression of IL10, Nlrp3, and Caspase1 in the decidua and/or placenta. However, MnPs did not restore the low placental enzyme activity of SOD, CAT, and GST caused by hypothyroidism, while increased the decidual and placental protein expression of TNFα. The results show that treatment with MnPs improves the fetal-placental development and the placental inflammatory state of hypothyroid rats and protects against oxidative stress and reticular stress caused by hypothyroidism at the maternal-fetal interface.
Assuntos
Hipotireoidismo , Inflamassomos , Proteína 3 que Contém Domínio de Pirina da Família NLR , Estresse Oxidativo , Animais , Gravidez , Feminino , Ratos , Hipotireoidismo/tratamento farmacológico , Hipotireoidismo/metabolismo , Proteína 3 que Contém Domínio de Pirina da Família NLR/metabolismo , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos , Inflamassomos/metabolismo , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Placenta/metabolismo , Placenta/efeitos dos fármacos , Placentação/efeitos dos fármacos , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Estresse do Retículo Endoplasmático/efeitos dos fármacos , Desenvolvimento Fetal/efeitos dos fármacos , Manganês , Metaloporfirinas/farmacologia , Chaperona BiP do Retículo EndoplasmáticoRESUMO
We aimed to measure the association between Trypanosoma cruzi infection in pregnancy and reduced fetal growth in the absence of T. cruzi congenital transmission. We conducted a cross-sectional study of secondary data of all singleton live births between 2011 and 2013 in five hospitals from Argentina, Honduras, and Mexico. We excluded newborns with T. cruzi infection. Noninfected pregnant people were those without any positive rapid tests. The main study outcomes were birth weight, head circumference, and length for gestational age and sex. Logistic regression models were adjusted for country, age, education level, and obstetric history. Of the 26,544 deliveries, 459 (1.7%) pregnant people were found by rapid tests to be positive for T. cruzi. Of these, 320 were positive by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and 231 had a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Uninfected newborns from T. cruzi-infected pregnant people were more likely to have birth weights below the 5th and 10th percentiles and head circumferences below the 3rd and 10th percentiles. Among T. cruzi-infected pregnant people diagnosed by PCR, the odds ratios were 1.58 for birth weight below the 10th percentile (95% CI, 1.12-2.23) and 1.57 for birth weight below the 5th percentile (95% CI, 1.02-2.42). Higher T. cruzi parasitic loads in pregnancy had a stronger association with reduced fetal growth (both in birth weight and head circumference), with an odds ratio of 2.31 (95% CI, 1.36-3.91) for a birth weight below the 5th percentile. The association shows, irrespective of causality, that newborns of pregnancies with T. cruzi have an increased risk of reduced fetal growth. We recommend further studies to assess other potential confounders and the causality of these associations.
Assuntos
Peso ao Nascer , Doença de Chagas , Trypanosoma cruzi , Humanos , Feminino , Gravidez , Doença de Chagas/transmissão , Doença de Chagas/epidemiologia , Doença de Chagas/congênito , Estudos Transversais , Honduras/epidemiologia , Argentina/epidemiologia , Trypanosoma cruzi/isolamento & purificação , Adulto , México/epidemiologia , Recém-Nascido , Complicações Parasitárias na Gravidez/epidemiologia , Masculino , Adulto Jovem , Retardo do Crescimento Fetal/epidemiologia , Retardo do Crescimento Fetal/parasitologia , Desenvolvimento FetalRESUMO
The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of maternal cardiometabolic markers trajectories (glucose, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP)) with estimated fetal weight trajectories and birth weight in Mexican pregnant women without medical complications. Cardiometabolic marker trajectories were characterized using group-based trajectory models. Mixed-effect and linear regression models were estimated to assess the association of maternal trajectories with estimated fetal weight and birth weight. The final sample comprised 606 mother-child dyads. Two trajectory groups of maternal cardiometabolic risk indicators during pregnancy were identified (high and low). Fetuses from women with higher values of TG had higher weight gain during pregnancy ( ß ^ = 24.00 g; 95%CI: 12.9, 35.3), were heavier at the sixth month ( ß ^ =48.24 g; 95%CI: 7.2, 89.7) and had higher birth weight ( ß ^ = 89.08 g; 95%CI: 20.8, 157.4) than fetuses in the low values trajectory. Fetuses from mothers with high SBP and DBP had less weight in the sixth month of pregnancy ( ß ^ = - 42.4 g; 95%CI: - 82.7, - 2.1 and ß ^ = - 50.35 g; 95%CI: - 94.2, - 6.4), and a higher DBP trajectory was associated with lower birth weight ( ß ^ = - 101.48 g; 95%CI: - 176.5, - 26.4). In conclusion, a longitudinal exposition to high values of TG and BP was associated with potentially adverse effects on fetal growth. These findings support the potential modulation of children's phenotype by maternal cardiometabolic conditions in pregnancies without medical complications.
Assuntos
Doenças Cardiovasculares , Desenvolvimento Fetal , Humanos , Feminino , Gravidez , Peso ao Nascer , Aumento de Peso , Triglicerídeos , Doenças Cardiovasculares/etiologiaRESUMO
The aim of this study was to investigate the growth and development of animals produced from demi-embryos and compare them with whole embryos from fetus to adult life. To achieve this, calves produced from fresh demi-embryos and whole embryos were individually transferred and monitored from 60 days of pregnancy until slaughter at 550 days. Ultrasound scans were conducted on fetuses at 60 and 90 days to evaluate the biparietal, abdominal, umbilical cord, orbital, and aorta diameters. Subsequently, morphological traits of newborn calves were measured at 0, 7, and 21 days (N = 18). Live weight was recorded at birth, weaning, and every 30 days thereafter until slaughter at 550 days. The growth curve of each group was modeled using logistic regression, and the factors of the respective functions were compared. As early as 60 days of pregnancy, ultrasound evaluations revealed no morphometric differences between fetuses produced from demi-embryos and those from whole embryos. This lack of differentiation persisted in the morphometric evaluations of newborns up to 21 days of age, as well as in live weight and the growth curve from birth to slaughter. Moreover, there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of rib eye area and fat thickness evolution. Consequently, individuals from demi-embryos exhibited no discernible disparities to those whole embryos in growth and development from 60 days of gestation, through birth, and into adulthood.
Assuntos
Animais Recém-Nascidos , Animais , Bovinos/embriologia , Feminino , Gravidez , Desenvolvimento Fetal/fisiologia , Transferência Embrionária/veterinária , Ultrassonografia Pré-Natal/veterinária , Fertilização in vitro/veterinária , Desenvolvimento Embrionário/fisiologiaRESUMO
La membrana amniótica (MA), ubicada en el lado interno de la placenta fetal, ha sido objeto de múltiples investigaciones para intentar dilucidar su papel embriológico y su potencial celular terapéutico. Actualmente las limitaciones del estudio en fetos humanos hacen que parte de su funcionamiento sea una incógnita, sin embargo algunos estudios clínicos y básicos nos dan luz sobre su papel en la médica moderna. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de la literatura desde 1960 hasta 2022, empleando bases de datos como PubMed, SciELO y Scopus, siendo incluidos un total de 50 artículos y dos textos de embriología. El objetivo de esta revisión narrativa fue sintetizar la información sobre la angiogénesis y su importancia clínica. La información recopilada permitió evidenciar que las propiedades de curación de la piel del feto se deben a factores intrínsecos del feto, y a que las células epiteliales amnióticas humanas poseen una diferenciación similar a las células madre embrionarias, con la capacidad de diferenciación similar al de las células mesenquimales, resaltando su importancia clínica por sus características regenerativas. En conclusión, el desarrollo embrionario humano sigue siendo relativamente inexplicable, pero su conocimiento ha permitido grandes avances, que podrían ser útiles en terapias de regeneración, reparación de tejidos y órganos lesionados.
The amniotic membrane, located on the inner side of the fetal placenta, has been the subject of multiple investigations to try to elucidate its embryological role and its therapeutic cellular potential. Currently, the limitations of the study in human fetuses mean that part of its functioning is unknown, however, some clinical and basic studies shed light on its role in modern medicine. A bibliographic review of the literature was carried out from 1960 to 2022, using databases such as PubMed, SciELO and Scopus, including a total of 50 articles and two embryology texts. The objective of this narrative review was to synthesize information on angiogenesis and its clinical importance. The information collected made it possible to show that the healing properties of the fetal skin are due to intrinsic factors of the fetus, and that human amniotic epithelial cells have a differentiation similar to embryonic stem cells, with the differentiation capacity similar to that of mesenchymal cells, highlighting their clinical importance due to their regenerative characteristics. In conclusion, human embryonic development remains relatively inexplicable, but its knowledge has allowed great advances, which could be useful in regeneration therapies, repair of injured tissues and organs.
Assuntos
Humanos , Feminino , Placenta/embriologia , Âmnio/embriologia , Desenvolvimento FetalRESUMO
Poor fetal growth affects eating behavior and the mesocorticolimbic system; however, its influence on the hippocampus has been less explored. Brain insulin sensitivity has been linked to developmental plasticity in response to fetal adversity and to cognitive performance following high-fat diet intake. We investigated whether poor fetal growth and exposure to chronic hyperpalatable food in adulthood could influence the recognition of environmental and food cues, eating behavior patterns, and hippocampal insulin signaling. At 60 days of life, we assigned male offspring from a prenatal animal model of 50% food restriction (FR) to receive either a high-fat and -sugar (HFS) diet or standard chow (CON) diet. Behavioral tests were conducted at 140 days, then tissues were collected. HFS groups showed a diminished hippocampal pAkt/Akt ratio. FR-CON and FR-HFS groups had higher levels of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3, compared to control groups. FR groups showed increased exploration of a novel hyperpalatable food, independent of their diet, and HFS groups exhibited overall lower entropy (less random, more predictable eating behavior) when the environment changed. Poor fetal growth and chronic HFS diet in adulthood altered hippocampal insulin signaling and eating patterns, diminishing the flexibility associated with eating behavior in response to extrinsic changes in food availability in the environment.