ABSTRACT
The aim of this systematic review was to examine the available scientific literature on ultrasound-detected fetal liver changes in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to explore the potential of these markers to inform clinical management and improve outcomes. A total of four articles investigating fetal liver changes in GDM pregnancies were selected. The studies varied in methodology, gestational age studied, and diagnostic criteria for GDM. Fetal liver indices, such as fetal liver length and fetal liver volume, emerged as potential markers for identifying GDM and predicting adverse outcomes. Studies suggest an association between fetal liver changes and GDM, with implications for both maternal glycemic control and fetal metabolic adaptation. Variability in study methodology highlights the need for standardized approaches to assess fetal hepatic indices and their correlation with GDM outcomes.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Increased DNA damage is associated with early events in carcinogenesis. The foetus may be more susceptible to effects of environment by transplacental exposure. We aimed to evaluate DNA damage in cells from umbilical cord (arteries and vein) and maternal blood from pregnant women. METHODS: Fifty eight pregnant women and their offspring were included in this study. They were submitted to an interview to obtain information about personal history, clinical history, and lifestyle habits. Other Information was obtained from medical records. The samples were prepared for Single Cell Gel/Comet assay and Cytokinesis-block Micronucleus Cytome (CBMN-Cyt) assay. RESULTS: Correlation between DNA damage frequency by Comet assay from newborns and their mothers was statistically significant and was significantly associated with nulliparity and more than 1 h of second stage of labour (umbilical vein and maternal blood). A positive MNi relationship was noticed for age (mother's blood) and inappropriate birth weight for gestational age (maternal blood). When multivariate statistical analyses were applied to measure the degree of association between variables that influenced DNA damage markers in the first evaluation, inadequate birth weight and pregnant weight gain were associated with MNi frequency in maternal and newborns blood, respectively. DISCUSSION: Significant associations between DNA damage in newborns and pregnant women, and birth and pregnancy events suggest molecular evidence of transplacental genotoxic effects. However, a potentially increased risk of degenerative diseases, such as cancers, in this population should be carefully investigated by further prospective cohort studies.
