ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Advances in genomics and molecular biology have led to the discovery of a large group of uncharacterized long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Emerging evidence indicated that many lncRNAs function in multiple biological processes and its dysregulation often causes diseases. Recent studies suggested that almost all regulatory lncRNAs interact with biological macromolecules such as DNA, RNA, and protein. LncRNAs regulate gene expression mainly on three levels, including epigenetic modification, transcription, and posttranscription, through DNA methylation, histone modification, and chromatin remodeling. LncRNAs can also affect the development of diseases and therefore be used to diagnose and treat diseases. With new sequencing and microarray techniques, hundreds of lncRNAs involved in reproductive disorders have been identified, but their functions in these disorders are undefined.</p><p><b>DATA SOURCES</b>This review was based on articles published in PubMed databases up to July 10, 2017, with the following keywords: "long noncoding RNAs", "LncRNA", "placentation", and "reproductive diseases".</p><p><b>STUDY SELECTION</b>Original articles and reviews on the topics were selected.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>LncRNAs widely participate in various physiological and pathological processes as a new class of important regulatory factors. In spermatogenesis, spermatocytes divide and differentiate into mature spermatozoa. The whole process is elaborately regulated by the expression of phase-specific genes that involve many strains of lncRNAs. Literature showed that lncRNA in reproductive cumulus cells may contribute to the regulation of oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo development.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>LncRNA has been found to play a role in the development of reproduction. Meanwhile, we reviewed the studies on how lncRNAs participate in reproductive disorders, which provides a basis for the study of lncRNA in reproduction regulation.</p>
ABSTRACT
<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Prenatal lead and cadmium exposure will not only influence the mother' organ systems, but also will provide an environment that may influence the fetus and neonate in a harmful way.In the present study, we detected the blood lead levels (BLLS) and cadmium levels for the duration of pregnancy and 6-12 weeks after delivery and to analyze the influencing factors of BLLs in healthy pregnant women.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A cohort study survey was carried out. We recruited 174 healthy pregnant women without pregnancy or obstetric complications or abnormal pregnancy outcomes as the gravida group, and 120 healthy non-pregnant women as the control group.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The lead concentrations in the three pregnancy trimesters and in the postpartum period were: (5.98 ± 2.43), (5.54 ± 2.01), (5.59 ± 1.97), and (6.76 ± 1.74) µg/dl; and (6.75 ± 2.13) µg/dl in the control group. The cadmium concentrations in the three pregnancy trimesters and postpartum period were 1.61 ± 0.45, 1.63 ± 0.46, 1.64 ± 0.49, and 1.67 ± 0.57. We found that the BLLs in the gravida group were lower than in the control group during all three trimesters. Occupations, supplement nutritional elements (dietary supplements and nutritional (food) elements), and the time of house painting could affect BLLs in pregnant women. Lead-related occupations, using cosmetics, and living in a house painted more recently than one year previously are risk factors of high BLLs among pregnant women, while calcium, iron, zinc, and milk supplements are protective factors.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>These findings may help people, especially pregnant women, to reduce lead exposure via supplements of calcium, iron, zinc, and milk or avoiding contacting risk factors.</p>
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Cadmium , Blood , China , Cohort Studies , Environmental Monitoring , Lead , Blood , Prenatal DiagnosisABSTRACT
The present study demonstrated that bone marrow cells from diabetic rats were able to form cell clusters expressing insulin,C-peptide,glucagon,somatostatin and islet amyloid .polypeptide,and other genes associated with development and function of islets such as glucose transporter-2,glucokinase,glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor,PDX-1,Ngn3,NeuroDl,Pax-6 and NKX2.2 genes.These islet-like cells might be derived from adult stem cells in bone marrow.