Oxidative stress in maternal milk and cord blood in gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Reduced antioxidant defenses may reflect a poor protective response against oxidative stress and this may be implicated in progression of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Oxidative stress induced by hyperglycemia plays a major role in micro and macrovascular complications, which imply endothelial dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: Our aim in this study was to investigate the association between GDM and oxidative stress markers measured in plasma, with regard to revealing changes to total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) among mothers showing impairments in oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs). DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective study at a university hospital in Turkey. METHODS: The study group consisted of 50 mothers with GDM, and 59 healthy mothers served as controls. Umbilical cord blood samples were taken from all mothers during delivery and breast milk samples on the fifth day after delivery. TAC, TOS, thiol and disulfide levels were measured. RESULTS: No statistically significant relationship between the blood and milk samples could be found. An analysis on correlations between TAC, TOS and certain parameters revealed that there were negative correlations between TOS and total thiol (r = -0.386; P < 0.001) and between TOS and disulfide (r = -0.388; P < 0.001) in milk in the control group. However, these findings were not observed in the study group. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggested that a compensatory mechanism of oxidative stress was expected to be present in gestational diabetes mellitus and that this might be ameliorated through good glycemic regulation and antioxidant supplementation.

IL-6 and IL-10 levels in the umbilical cord blood of newborns with a history of crack/cocaine exposure in utero: a comparative study / Níveis de IL-6 e IL-10 no sangue de cordão umbilical de recém-nascidos com história de exposição intrauterina ao crack/cocaína: um estudo comparativo

Introduction Prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) is associated with neurobehavioral problems during childhood and adolescence. Early activation of the inflammatory response may contribute to such changes. Our aim was to compare inflammatory markers (IL-6 and IL-10) both in umbilical cord blood and in maternal peripheral blood at delivery between newborns with history of crack/cocaine exposure in utero and non-exposed newborns. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 57 newborns with a history of crack/cocaine exposure in utero (EN) and 99 non-exposed newborns (NEN) were compared for IL-6 and IL-10 levels. Sociodemographic and perinatal data, maternal psychopathology, consumption of nicotine and other substances were systematically collected in cases and controls. Results After adjusting for potential confounders, mean IL-6 was significantly higher in EN than in NEN (10,208.54, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1,328.54-19,088.55 vs. 2,323.03, 95%CI 1,484.64-3,161.21; p = 0.007; generalized linear model [GLM]). Mean IL-10 was also significantly higher in EN than in NEN (432.22, 95%CI 51.44-812.88 vs. 75.52, 95%CI 5.64-145.39, p = 0.014; GLM). Adjusted postpartum measures of IL-6 were significantly higher in mothers with a history of crack/cocaine use (25,160.05, 95%CI 10,958.15-39,361.99 vs. 8,902.14, 95%CI 5,774.97-12,029.32; p = 0.007; GLM), with no significant differences for IL-10. There was no correlation between maternal and neonatal cytokine levels (Spearman test, p ≥ 0.28 for all measures). Conclusions IL-6 and IL-10 might be early biomarkers of PCE in newborns. These findings could help to elucidate neurobiological pathways underlying neurodevelopmental changes and broaden the range of possibilities for early intervention.

Introdução A exposição pré-natal à cocaína está associada a problemas neurocomportamentais durante a infância e adolescência. A ativação precoce da resposta inflamatória pode contribuir para tais alterações. Nosso objetivo foi comparar marcadores inflamatórios (IL-6 e IL-10) no sangue do cordão umbilical e no sangue periférico materno na hora do parto, entre recém-nascidos expostos ao crack intraútero e recém-nascidos não expostos. Métodos Neste estudo transversal, 57 recém-nascidos expostos ao crack intraútero (RNE) e 99 recém-nascidos não expostos (RNNE) foram comparados quanto aos níveis de IL-6 e IL-10. Dados sociodemográficos e perinatais, psicopatologia materna, consumo de nicotina e outras substâncias foram sistematicamente coletados em casos e controles. Resultados Após o ajuste para potenciais confundidores, a média de IL-6 foi significativamente maior nos RNE em comparação aos RNNE [10.208,54, intervalo de confiança (IC95%) 1.328,54-19.088,55 versus2.323,03, IC95% 1.484,64-3.161,21; p = 0,007; modelo linear generalizado (MLG)]. A média ajustada de IL-10 foi significativamente maior nos RNE do que nos RNNE (432,2189, IC95% 51,44-812,88 versus 75,52, IC95% 5,64-145,39, p = 0,014; MLG). Medidas pós-parto ajustadas de IL-6 foram significativamente maiores nas mães que usaram de crack/cocaína (25.160,05, IC95% 10.958,15-39.361,99 versus 8.902,14, IC95% 5.774,97-12.029,32; p = 0,007; MLG), sem diferenças significativas para IL-10. Não houve correlação entre níveis maternos e neonatais de citocinas (teste de Spearman, p ≥ 0,28 para todas as medidas). Conclusões IL-6 e IL-10 podem ser biomarcadores precoces da exposição pré-natal a cocaína em recém-nascidos. Esses resultados podem ajudar a elucidar as vias neurobiológicas subjacentes a alterações do desenvolvimento e aumentar a gama de possibilidades para intervenção precoce.

Validación del sistema UMELISA HBsAg PLUS utilizando muestras de suero de cordón umbilical / Validation of UMELISA HBsAg PLUS system based on umbilical cord serum samples

Introducción: la selección y el desarrollo de métodos analíticos siempre ha sido un tema importante para los laboratorios de ensayo. Para adoptar un método se hace necesario validarlo, porque el objetivo de la validación es probar la aptitud de los métodos, así como la competencia del laboratorio para realizar determinado ensayo. El sistema UMELISA HBsAg PLUS no contempla dentro de su aplicación el empleo de muestras de suero obtenidas a partir de sangre del cordón umbilical, sin embargo, con este tipo de muestra se certifica el uso de la placenta como materia prima. Objetivo: teniendo en cuenta la necesidad de demostrar que el cambio no afecta los parámetros de desempeño del sistema, se hizo su validación para muestras de suero de cordón umbilical. Métodos: se emplearon tres paneles de muestras en los estudios de especificidad, concordancia con el sistema de referencia Hepanostika HBsAg Uni-Form II, robustez, precisión a dos niveles de repetibilidad (intraensayos) y precisión intermedia (interensayos), y límite de detección. Resultados: la validación del sistema mostró los siguientes indicadores: especificidad y concordancia del 100 porciento, sistema robusto frente a los cambios de temperatura entre 35 y 38 °C, elevada precisión intraensayos (4,65 porciento) e interensayos (CV menores que 20 porciento), límite de detección correspondiente a una dilución de 1/10 000. Conclusiones: los resultados demostraron que el sistema UMELISA HBsAg PLUS se puede emplear para la detección de HBsAg en muestras de suero de cordón umbilical

Introduction: the selection and the development of analytical methods have always been an important issue for testing laboratories. The adoption of a method requires validation because the objective is to prove the capability of a method as well as the competencies of the laboratory to make an specific assay. The range of applications of UMELISA HbsAg PLUS system does not include the use of serum samples taken from the umbilical cord blood; however the use of placenta as raw material is certified with this kind of sample. Objective: to validate this system for umbilical cord serum sample taking into account the need of proving that this change does not affect the performance parameters of the system. Methods: three panels of samples were used to study specificity, agreement with the reference system Hepanostika HbsAg Uni-Form II, robustness, precision at two levels of repeatibility (intrassay) and intermediate precision (interassay) and detection limit. Results: validation of the system showed the following indicators: specificity and agreement of 100 percent, robust system against temperatures changes between 35 and 38 °C, high intraassay precision (4.65 percent) and interassays (VC less than 20 percent), detection limit corresponding to 1/10 000 dilution rate. Conclusions: obtained results showed that UMELISA HbsAg PLUS system may be used to detect HBsAg in umbilical cord serum samples

Sepse neonatal precoce: níveis de citocinas no sangue de cordão umbilical no diagnóstico e durante o tratamento / Early-onset neonatal sepsis: cord blood cytokine levels at diagnosis and during treatment

OBJETIVO: Avaliar parâmetros clínicos, laboratoriais e citocinas séricas em 55 neonatos que desenvolveram sepse precoce. MÉTODOS: Avaliamos os parâmetros clínicos dos neonatos relacionados com sepse precoce. No dia do diagnóstico de sepse e 48 horas após, foram realizados o leucograma diferencial e a dosagem de proteína C reativa e glicemia. As citocinas IL-1β, IL-10, IL-6 e TNF-α foram determinadas no sangue do cordão, no dia do diagnóstico de sepse, 48 e 96 horas após o início do tratamento. RESULTADOS: O tempo de internação dos neonatos foi inversamente proporcional ao peso no nascimento. Os parâmetros clínicos foram variados, especialmente a temperatura corpórea. Alterações de glicemia foram frequentes, principalmente a hipoglicemia. A alteração de hemograma mais prevalente foi a leucopenia, devido principalmente à neutropenia. Os níveis de proteína C reativa se mostraram correlacionados com o índice neutrofílico. Observamos uma correlação positiva entre os níveis de TNF-α e IL-10 entre o curso da sepse precoce e os níveis observados no cordão umbilical. CONCLUSÕES: As alterações clínicas e laboratoriais entre os neonatos com sepse são variadas. Neonatos que apresentam elevações no padrão de citocinas no momento do parto permanecem com seus níveis elevados durante o processo infeccioso.

OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical and laboratory parameters and serum cytokine levels in 55 neonates who developed early-onset sepsis. METHODS: Clinical parameters associated with early-onset neonatal sepsis were assessed. White blood cell differential and serum C-reactive protein and glucose levels were measured upon diagnosis of sepsis and 48 hours later. IL-1β, IL-10, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were measured in cord blood samples obtained on the day of diagnosis and from samples collected 48 and 96 hours after treatment onset. RESULTS: Among newborns with early-onset sepsis, the length of hospital stay was inversely correlated with birth weight. Clinical parameters varied widely, especially body temperature. Blood glucose changes - particularly hypoglycemia - were common. Leukopenia, usually due to neutropenia, was the most prevalent change in blood cell count. C-reactive protein levels correlated with the immature-to-total neutrophil ratio. Serum TNF-α and IL-10 levels measured early in the course of sepsis were positively correlated with those detected in cord blood. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and laboratory parameters varied widely among neonates with sepsis in this sample. In neonates who presented with increased cytokine levels at birth, this abnormality persisted throughout the infectious process.

Serum copper and zinc levels in mothers and cord blood of their newborn infants with neural tube defects: A case-control study.

Objectives: To measure the cord blood and maternal serum levels of folic acid, vitamin B12, zinc, copper, selenium and lead in infants born with neural tube defect (NTD), and to examine a possible relationship between the nutriture of these micronutrients and occurrence of neural tube defect. Design: Case-control study. Methods: Maternal serum and cord blood samples were obtained at delivery from 70 healthy mothers and 74 mothers who had a newborn with NTD. Results: The mean (± SD) maternal serum zinc level in the NTD group was significantly lower than that of the control group (835.6 µg/L ±333.8 µg/L vs. 1035.7 µg/L ± 299.8 µg/L, P=0.004, respectively). The mean maternal and cord serum copper levels in the NTD group were significantly higher when compared to the control group (2831.1 µg/L ± 1017 µg/L vs. 2402 µg/L ± 744.2 µg/L; P=0.03; and 789.8 µg/L vs 517.2 µg/L, P<0.001, respectively). There was a negative correlation between the cord levels of folic acid and copper in the NTD group with the respective maternal serum levels (r=-0.289; P=0.018). Conclusions: High maternal serum levels of copper and lower level of zinc during pregnancy associated with NTD in newborn.

Influencia de la altura en la eritropoyesis del recien nacido / Influence of the height in erythropoiesis newborn

Objetivo. Estudio de la influencia de la hipoxia de la altura sobre la eritropoyesis del recien nacido através del análisis de valores hematológicos. Población. Trescientas muestras de sangre venosa de cordon umbilical de niños nacidos vivos a término y 300 muestras de sangre venosa periférica de mujeres gestantes del Hospital de la Mujer de La Paz a 3600 msnm. Métodos. Los estudios se realizaron con contador automatico Micros 60 y por técnicas manuales. Resultados. Los valores hematológicos de las gestantes normales comparados con sus similares habitantes a nivel del mar son estadísticamente diferentes; mientras que los valores hematológicos de los recien nacidos en la altura comparados con los del nivel del mar, son estadísticamente similares. Conlusión. La eritropoyesis de los recien nacidos en la altura es independiente de los factores maternos y del ambiente hipóxico presente a 3600 msnm, probablemente por la función protectora que ejerce la placenta.

Co-transplantation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promotes Human CD34+ Cells Engraftment in a Dose-dependent Fashion in NOD/SCID Mice

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have recently been identified and characterized in humans. Moreover, MSC secrete cytokines that can support hematopoietic progenitor growth. In the present study, we evaluated whether the efficacy of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is improved by their co-transplantation with MSC, and whether this is positively correlated with the dose of infused MSCs. Accordingly, irradiated NOD/SCID mice were transplanted with 1x10(5) human CD34+ cells in the presence or absence of culture expanded MSCs (1x10(6) or 5x10(6)). We evaluated human hematopoietic cell engraftment by flow cytometry and assessed MSC tissue distributions by fluorescence in situ hybridization. We found that CD45+ and CD34+ cell levels were significantly elevated in a dose-dependent manner in cotransplanted mice 4 weeks after transplantation. The engraftments of CD33+ and CD19+ cells also increased dose-dependently. However, the engraftment of CD3+ cells did not increase after co-transplantation with MSCs. Human Y chromosome+ cells were observed in multiple tissues and were more frequently observed in mice co-transplanted with 5x10(6) rather than 1x10(6) MSCs. These results suggest that MSCs are capable of enhancing hematopoietic cell engraftment and distribution in multiple organs in a dose-dependent fashion.

Carrier screening and prenatal detection of chronic granulomatous disease in Iran

To develop an application that is simple and reliable using the nitroblue tetrazolium [NBT] method that clearly differentiates chronic granulomatous disease [CGD] patients with heterozygous carriers in groups suspected with CGD. This study was carried out in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences from October 2002 and March 2004. The study included 260 samples consisting of 123 children [2-24 months] and 106 neonates [<2 months], either suspected with bacterial infection or are immunodeficient, and 31 cord blood samples. Fifty healthy adult individuals were also diagnosed as normal control. Neutrophil reduction of NBT can be stimulated in vitro by protein kinase agonists such as phorbol myristate acetate [PMA], resulting to superoxide anion release. The PMA is an exceptionally powerful stimulant and when we used it in conjunction with adherence of glass slides, it causes transformation of nearly 100% of all normal neutrophils, and reduces NBT to formazan deposits. Of 260 blood samples, 12 unrelated CGD patients and 16 carriers of X-linked or autosomal recessive CGD patients were diagnosed. The carriers had a range of 15-75% stimulated neutrophils. We have established a PMA-stimulated NBT test for the detection of CGD patients, which clearly differentiate the CGD patients from heterozygote carriers. The results in the cord fetal blood samples indicate that this test may be used for antenatal diagnosis of affected boys, carrier females and autosomal recessive variants of CGD. The technique is simple, fast, inexpensive, and requires only a few microliters of blood

Impact of gestational diabetes on lipid profiling and indices of oxidative stress in maternal and cord plasma

To study the effect of gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM] on indices of oxidative stress and lipid profiles in maternal and cord blood samples. Blood samples were collected from 40 normal pregnant women and 46 women with GDM during the period 1998 through to 1999 at the Armed Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The GDM patients were subdivided into 2 groups: patients receiving insulin treatment [GDM-I, N=19] and patients under control diet [GDM-D, N=27]. Plasma a- and y-tocopherols were estimated by high-performance liquid chromatography, whereas malondialdehyde [MDA] was analyzed by fluorometry. Serum lipids [low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and total lipids] were determined by enzymatic colorimetry using automated clinical analyzer. The results of lipid profiles in maternal serum showed no significant difference between GDM patients and controls; however, all the lipid constituents except total cholesterol were significantly reduced in the cord blood of GDM patients as compared to control subjects. a-tocopherol levels in the maternal plasma were not significantly different among the 3 groups, whereas, cord plasma a-tocopherol was significantly decreased in both GDM-D and GDM-I. Maternal y-tocopherol was found to be significantly increased in GDM-D and only insignificantly increased in GDM-I, but the cord y-tocopherol showed no appreciable changes. The level of MDA was 3-fold higher in maternal plasma as compared to cord plasma. However, neither the maternal plasma nor cord plasma showed significant differences in MDA levels between GDM patients and normal pregnant women. A significant depletion of a-tocopherol in the cord blood of GDM patients is indicative of a possible oxidative stress in their fetuses. Further studies are warranted to examine a wider range of biochemical parameters to evaluate the potential risks of oxidative damage

Congenital hypothyroidism in Iran.

OBJECTIVE: Following elimination of iodine deficiency in Iran, the program of screening for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) was established in 1998. The descriptive findings of the study are reported here. METHODS: From February 1998 to June 2001, cord blood spot samples from 8 hospitals and a rural birth center in Tehran and Damavand were collected and tested for TSH measurement using a two-site IRMA method. TSH values > or = 20 microU/mL were recalled. The diagnosis of CH was confirmed using age adjusted reference values for serum TSH and T4 levels. RESULTS: Of 20107 screened neonates, 256 had cord TSH values > or = 20 microU/mL (recall rate: 1.3%) and 22 showed hypothyroidism (1:914 live births). History of maternal ingestion of drugs and dietary goitrogens were negative and minimal, respectively. 15 out of 21 CH neonates had parental consanguinity. The odds ratio of CH occurrence in blood-related to non-related marriages was 6.9 (CI=1.82-25.87). Thyroid dysgenesis occurred in 10 neonates; 1:2011 births. Urinary iodine excretion was between 12-22 (n=3) and 40-42.5 (n=5) microg/dL in 10 eutopic neonates (2 not assessed). CONCLUSION: Parental consanguinity and iodine excess could be the causative factors for the high incidence of CH.

Extrauterine Incubation of Fetal Goats Applying the Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation via Umbilical Artery and Vein

The fetus is an unstable subject for an isolated physiological and biochemical study. To study the fetus in a controlled and stable environment, a trial was done using 12 goat fetuses. Extrauterine incubation system was devised using an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation system. The system consisted of a venous reservoir with a servo-controlled roller pump and a membrane oxygenator. The extra-corporeal circuit and membrane oxygenator were primed with the maternal whole blood of 200 mL. Fetal umbilical cords was exposed by Cesarean section. Fetal umbilical arterial blood was drained via the drainage cannula. The drained blood was perfused to the oxygenator by the roller pump. The highly oxygenated and decarboxylated blood was returned to an umbilical vein via the perfusion catheter. The blood flow rate was controlled manually using a roller pump. Fetal heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram were continuously recorded. Gas analysis of drained and perfused bood was performed hourly. With this system, the fetuses were able to survive under fairly stable physiological condition for periods of up to 34 hr. The extrauterine incubation system used in this study could therefore be a encouraging future experimental model in researching the artificial placenta for premature fetuses.

Serum zinc and copper levels in the maternal blood and cord blood of neonates.

Estimation of serum zinc and copper in the maternal blood and cord blood of neonates was carried out to correlate the trace metals in the neonates and their mothers in relation to gestational age and birth weight. Sixty-five healthy neonates, both term and preterm and their mothers were selected. This cross sectional study was done at Azimpur Maternity Centre, Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Chemistry Division, Atomic Energy Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 1997 to June 1998. The estimation of trace metals was carried out by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The mean serum zinc levels in the maternal blood and cord blood were 0.47 +/- 0.24 microgram/ml and 0.85 +/- 0.33 microgram/ml respectively and the mean copper levels in the maternal blood and cord blood were 1.37 +/- 0.62 micrograms/ml and 0.31 +/- 0.32 microgram/ml respectively. Cord blood zinc level was significantly higher and cord blood copper level was significantly lower than the corresponding maternal blood levels. There was no significant correlation between gestational age and serum zinc levels in the cord or maternal blood. But significant inverse correlation was found between gestational age and serum levels of copper in the maternal and cord blood.

Study of hematopoietic progenitor cells, hematological values and lymphocyte subsets in cord blood: application for cord blood transplantation.

Hematological values, lymphocyte subsets and hematopoietic progenitor cells from normal term cord blood samples were studied, compared with normal adult blood, and analysed to determine whether a single collection of cord blood is sufficient for transplantation in adults. The parameters were assayed by automatic cells counter, flow cytometry and semisolid cell culture. All of the hematological values except RBC and MCHC were higher than in normal adult blood. Sex had an influence on RBC, Hb, Hct, Plt and reticulocyte counts. For lymphocyte subsets, all of the absolute CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ counts and T helper: suppressor ratio were higher than those of adult blood. All of the hematopoietic progenitor cells in cord blood were also higher than in adult blood. The mean volume of cord blood for each collection was 80.75 +/- 4.81 ml and the mean numbers of nucleated cells, CFU-GM and CD34+ were 13.51 +/- 0.38 x 10(8) cells, 4.33 +/- 0.66 x 10(5) colonies and 42.65 +/- 7.00 x 10(5) cells respectively. This 80 ml of cord blood would contain sufficient marrow repopulating cells for a recipient weighing about 20 kg. Recently developed technology, including ex vivo expansion may even permit transplants in adults.

Fetal metabolism.

Normal reference ranges for apolipoprotein A-I, apolipoprotein A-II, apolipoprotein B, total triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol + chylomicron, plasma glucose, total protein, albumin and globulin were determined from 25 fetal plasma samples between 21-39 weeks' gestation. Pure fetal blood was obtained by cordocentesis under continuous ultrasound guidance. They were referred to us for advanced maternal age and a previous chromosomal aneuploidy baby. All these biochemical parameters excepts total protein and albumin showed no change with gestational age. These normal values of fetal metabolism will improve our knowledge of physiology and help to determine the specific values of a test in fetal pathology.

Acidos grasos poliinsaturados de cadena larga en eritrocitos de prematuros alimentados por vía enteral con leche humana de pretérmino o con una fórmula convencional / Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in erythrocytes of preterm babies enterally feed with maternal milk or with a convencional formula

Objetivo: estudiar el efecto de alimentar prematuros sanos con peso adecuado para la edad gestacional (RNPrT-AEG) con una fórmula convencional (FC) que no aporta ácidos grasos poliinsaturados de cadena larga o con leche humana de pretérmino (CMPrT), sobre el contenido de ácidos grasos de cadena larga en los fosfolípidos de sus eritrocitos al tercer día de vida. Método: se comparó la composición porcentual de los ácidos grasos saturados, monoinsaturados y poliinsaturados, de la fracción fosfolípidica de eritrocitos, en RNPrT-AEG en sangre de cordón y al tercer día de vida, después de ser alimentados por vía enteral con FC o CMPrT. Así mismo se compararon los resultados con los obtenidos en recién nacidos de término (RNT) alimentados con leche humana de término (CMT). Resultados: tanto los RNPrT-AEG alimentados con FC como con CMPrT disminuyeron los niveles de ácidos grasos monoinsaturados al tercer día de vida (17,8 y 17,5 vs 19,2 por ciento, respectivamente, p < 0,05). Los RNPrT-AEG alimentados con CMPrT mantuvieron el contenido de ARA y DHA (12,6 y 4 vs 12,1 y 3,6 por ciento respectivamente), en tanto que los alimentados con FC disminuyeron significativamente el ácido araquidónico y docosahexaenoico (11,5 y 3 vs 12,1 y 3,6 por ciento respectivamente, p < 0,05), y todos los ácidos grasos poliinsaturados de cadena larga (mayor igual 20 C; PCL), en sus eritrocitos. Al comparar al tercer día de vida los RNPrT vs RNT alimentados con calostro materno, los eritrocitos de los pretérmino tienen significativamente menos contenido de ARA y DHA (12,6 vs 13; 4 por ciento y 4 vs 4,7 por ciento, respectivamente, p < 0,05). Conclusión: el calostro materno de pretérmino permite mantener mejor el contenido de PCL a los 3 días de vida que la alimentación con una fórmula convencional, sin llegar a los niveles de PCL contenidos en eritrocitos de RNT alimentados con CMT. Los requerimientos nutricionales de los PCL de RNPrT-AEG, que deban alimentarse por vía enteral o parenteral, o que no puedan alimentarse con calostro materno, podrían cubrirse proporcionándoles precozmente fórmulas cuya cantidad y composición lipídica se asemeje a la del calostro de madres con parto prematuro

Informe preliminar: niveles de leptina sérica e índice de masa corporal en neonatos y su modificación tras la pérdida fisiológica de peso / Neonatal seric levels of leptine and corporal mass index, how they modified after physiologic weight loss: preliminary report

Objetivo. Describir el nivel sérico de leptina en neonatos a término macrosómicos, adecuados para la edad gestacional y con retardo del crecimiento intrauterino, al nacer y después de la pérdida fisiológica de peso y evaluar su correlación con el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y el pliegue cut neo tricipital(PCT).Diseño. Estudio clínico controlado.Población. 30 neonatos de ambos sexos. Metodología. Se midió por radioinmunoensayo los niveles séricos deleptina en sangre de cordón umbilical en neonatos a término macrosómicos (n=10), apropiados para la edad gestacional (AEG) (n=10) y con retardo de crecimiento intrauterino (RCIU)(n=10).A los 7 días postnatales se colectó nuevamente una una muestra de sangre de cada neonato de los 3 grupos. Los niveles séricos de leptina fueron determinados nuevamente.Resultados. Los niveles séricos de leptina en sangre del cordón umbilical se encontraron significativamente aumentados en neonatos macrosómicos, comparado con los niveles séricos de los neonatos con RCIU. Se encontró que los niveles séricos de leptina est n altamente correlacionados con IMC (r=0.60,n=30),con el PCT(r=0.65,n=30) y con el peso al nacer(r=0.66,n=30) y tanto los niveles de leptina como la correlación con el IMC,PCT y peso, disminuyen en relación directa con la pérdida fisiológica de peso. Conclusiones. Los niveles séricos de leptina se correlacionan directamente con la masa de tejido adiposo al nacer y disminuyen en relación directa con la pérdida fisiológica de peso

Vitamina A e retardo de crescimento intra-uterino / Vitamin A and intrauterine growth retardation

Objetivos: Comparar os níveis de vitamina A nos sangues materno e do cordäo umbilical de 356 mäes que geraram bebês com retardo de crescimento intra-uterino (RCIU) e 356 mäes que geraram bebês adequados para a idade gestacional (AIG), identificar a possível associaçäo entre os níveis de vitamina A e o RCIU e a correlaçäo entre os níveis de vitamina A nos sangues materno e do cordäo. Materiais e Métodos: As mäes incluídas no estudo foram recrutadas de 4 hospitais de Campinas, SP, onde em média 1350 bebês nascem ao mês. Os recém-nascidos foram classificados como tendo RCIU de acordo com a classificaçäo de Lubchenco e a gestacional foi avaliada pelo método de Capurro. A concentraçäo plasmática de vitamina A foi determinada pelo método de "high performance liquid chromatography" (HPLC)...

Alpha-thalassemia incidence in southern Thailand by restriction endonuclease analysis of globin DNA from placental blood at Songklanagarind Hospital.

The incidence of alpha-thalassemia has been studied previously based on the levels of Hb Barts' in cord blood. This method is an inadequate indicator of alpha-thalassemia. Thus in this study we use DNA analysis to get more accurate data. Hb Barts' was detected in placental blood samples from 15.5% of 375 infants born at Songklanagarind Hospital. The white blood cell DNA of 300 samples was studied for alpha-globin gene deletions by hybridization of DNA fragments digested by the restriction endonuclease Eco RI with specific 32P-labled zeta-globin gene probe. The incidence of alpha-thal 2 and alpha-thal 1 traits were 12.0% and 4.3%, with the gene frequencies 0.0650 and 0.0217 for -alpha/and --/, respectively. The incidence of HB CS trait was 5.8%, with the gene frequency of 0.0292 for alpha cs alpha/. We also found that the incidence of the triplicated zeta and triplicated alpha were 14.7 and 1.0%, with the gene frequencies of 0.0733 and 0.0050 for zeta zeta zeta/and alpha alpha alpha/, respectively. The DNA lesion of alpha-thalassemia in the south is similar to the study of Tanphaichitr et al (1988) in central Thailand. Knowledge of alpha-globin gene deletion would be useful for prenatal diagnosis of Bart's hydrops to prevent toxemia of pregnancy in the south of Thailand.

Study of serum zinc in neonates and their mothers in Shimla hills (Himachal Pradesh).

Serum zinc level in cord blood of 159 neonates was estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The cases were classified according to birth weight and gestation of babies as Term appropriate for date (TAFD), Term small for date (TSFD), Term large for date (TLFD), Preterm appropriate for date (PAFD), Preterm small for date (PSFD) and Preterm large for date (PLFD). The zinc level were also estimated in mothers of these groups at the time of delivery, and compared with cord blood levels of those in non-pregnant mothers. Mean serum zinc level in infant born full term AFD, full term SFD, full term LFD, preterm AFD, preterm SFD and preterm LFD were 79.6 +/- 17.8 micrograms/dl, 58.2 +/- 13.4 micrograms/dl, 84.1 +/- 21.1 micrograms/dl, 81 +/- 25.2 micrograms/dl, 51.2 +/- 51.7 micrograms/dl and 76 +/- 14.7 micrograms/dl respectively. The maternal zinc levels in respective groups were 67 +/- 9.6 micrograms/dl, 56.5 +/- 7.5 micrograms/dl, 63.6 +/- 14.4 micrograms/dl, 62.7 +/- 21.1 micrograms/dl, 54.5 +/- 5.4 micrograms/dl, and 58.2 +/- 2.7 micrograms/dl. The mean serum zinc values in mothers and babies in birth weight group ranging from 1500-2000 gm were 55.3 +/- 4.3 micrograms/dl and 60 +/- 23.1 micrograms/dl, 2001-2500 gm were 59.5 +/- 11.3 and 65.8 +/- 17 micrograms/dl, 2501-3000 gm were 69.2 +/- 9.5 and 84.7 +/- 14 micrograms/dl, 3001-3500 gm were 65.8 +/- 12.7 micrograms/dl, 82.2 +/- 20.8 micrograms/dl and 3501 and above were 70.5 +/- 8.2 micrograms/dl and 85 +/- 14.3 micrograms/dl respectively. Statistically significant low zinc levels were observed in SFD babies and their mothers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)