Association between proNGF receptors and apoptotic factors in human placentae.

INTRODUCTION: Earlier studies have shown higher apoptosis in the pre-term placenta as compared to term. However, the exact mechanisms triggering these are not completely understood. Studies in neuronal and non-neuronal tissues have shown that the precursor form of NGF (proNGF) triggers apoptosis through preferential activation of p75NTR and sortilin receptors. We therefore, investigated placental expression of proNGF, mature NGF, p75NTR, co-receptor sortilin and their association with apoptosis. We further compared the levels of pro-protein convertase, furin between samples having high and low proNGF: mature NGF ratio. METHODS: Placenta samples were collected from women delivering at term (≥37 weeks; n = 41) and preterm (<37 weeks; n = 44). The protein levels of NGF, proNGF, p75NTR, Bax, Bcl-2 and furin were estimated by ELISA. Mean values of variables between different groups were compared using the independent sample t-test and associations were studied by Pearson correlation analysis. RESULTS: The placental mature NGF, proNGF and p75NTR protein levels were comparable between groups. Bax: Bcl-2 ratio was higher in preterm (p < 0.05) compared to term placenta. p75NTR was positively associated with Bax levels and sortilin levels were positively associated with p75NTR in whole cohort as well as individual groups. DISCUSSION: The higher Bax: Bcl-2 ratio in preterm placenta suggests the sensitivity to apoptosis. There were no differences in levels of NGF, proNGF, p75NTR, sortilin, and furin between groups. The observed associations between p75NTR, sortilin and Bax suggest that p75NTR and sortilin mediated signalling may be involved in the mechanisms leading to higher apoptosis in preterm placentae.

Determinants of early initiation of breastfeeding in The Gambia: a population-based study using the 2019-2020 demographic and health survey data.

BACKGROUND: Early initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of life prevents neonatal and infant mortality. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Target 3.2 aims to reduce neonatal mortality and under 5 mortality globally. The decline in the early initiation of breastfeeding in The Gambia coincides with deviations from the SDGs, due to poor indicators of child survival. Our work studied the determinants of early initiation of breastfeeding in The Gambia. METHODS: We used the 2019-2020 Gambia Demographic Health Survey (GDHS) conducted across all regions of the country. Since our population of interest was children born two years preceding the study, we only included children less than 24 months of age, living with an eligible respondent. Thus, a weighted sample of 5691 mother-child pairs was applied in the analysis. We reported summary statistics of individuals' sociodemographic, obstetrics and antenatal, household, and community-level factors. A logistic regression model was used to determine associations between early initiation of breastfeeding and covariates. RESULTS: The prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding was 64.3% (n = 3659). Mothers who had secondary education or higher educational level had higher odds of early initiation of breastfeeding (AOR 1.22; 95% CI 1.07, 1.40). Regions with rural population notably Lower and Central and Upper River Region had lower odds of early initiation of breastfeeding [Mansakonko (AOR 0.37; 95% CI 0.26, 0.15), Kerewan (AOR 0.26; 95% CI 0.19, 0.36), Kuntaur (AOR 0.39; 95% CI 0.28, 0.54), Janjanbureh (AOR 0.48; 95% CI 0.35, 0.66) and Basse (AOR 0.64; 95%CI 0.49, 0.85)]. Also, women in the high quintile of the wealth index were more likely to initiate breastfeeding early (AOR 1.29; 95% CI 1.06, 1.57). Four or more antenatal care visits did not increase early initiation of breastfeeding. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the analyses demand affirmative action to improve maternal education, reduce poverty and inequality and empower rural communities in The Gambia. The IYCF component in antenatal care needs to be strengthened. Programs and policies on IYCF must resonate to address determinants of timely breastfeeding initiation to chart progress towards the SDG.

Targeting NUPR1 for Cancer Treatment: A Risky Endeavor.

NUPR1 is a transcription factor that has attracted great attention because of its various roles in cancer. Several studies were carried out to determine its molecular targets and mechanism of action to develop novel therapies against cancer. Here, we shed light on the role of NUPR1 in different types of cancer. NUPR1 regulates a complex network of pathways that may be affected by its silencing, which can cause varying effects. Its role in some types of cancer has been reported but remains incompletely understood, whereas its roles in other types of cancers have not been reported yet. Therefore, targeting NUPR1 for cancer treatment remains challenging and risky.