[DRD2/ANKK1 Taq IA polymorphism and early infant temperament].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether there is an association between DRD2/ANKK1 Taq IA polymorphism and early infant temperament. METHODS: DRD2/ANKK1 Taq IA polymorphism (rs1800497) was determined using polymerase chain reaction-ligase detection reaction (PCR-LDR) techniques in 149 Chinese Han infants from Changsha City. Their mothers were asked to complete the Early Infant Temperament Questionnaires (EITQ) when the infants were 1 to 4 months old (mean: 2.75 months). There were three genotypes found in these infants: C/C, T/T and C/T. The subjects were subdivided into T-carrier (CT, TT) and non-T-carrier (CC) groups for statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were no differences in the temperament style distribution between the T-carrier and non-T carrier groups. There were also no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the score of the nine temperament dimensions. CONCLUSIONS: DRD2/ANKK1 Taq IA polymorphism is not associated with early infant temperament.

[Relationship between the levels of estradiol and monoamine neurotransmitters and postpartum depression].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship of estradiol (E(2)), monoamine neurotransmitters 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine (DA) and postpartum depression. METHODS: Totally 342 women within 42 days after childbirth were assessed with Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS), Beck depression inventory (BDI), and general health questionnaire (GHQ). Above or equal to 13 of overall score of EPDS was the diagnosis standard of postpartum depression, and the women tested were divided into depression group and normal group accordingly, using the reagent box of radio immunoassay to test estradiol and 5-HT and DA level in the serum. RESULTS: (1) Incidence: the incidence of postpartum depression was 16.7% (57/342). The highest incidence occurred in patients above 35 (22.2%); the incidence among women under 23 years old was lowest (12.5%), with a significant difference between them (P < 0.01); the incidence in persons with a bachelor degree and above (21.3%) was higher than that of persons with a lower degree of education (7.9%), with a significant difference between the two groups. (2) Biological indicator: the levels of E(2), and 5-HT in depression group (64.39 +/- 0.22) pmol/L, (1.09 +/- 0.21) micromol/L were significantly lower than those in the normal group (126.18 +/- 0.47) pmol/L, (2.67 +/- 0.36) micromol/L (P < 0.01); whereas the level of DA in depression group (5.21 +/- 0.54) micromol/L was significantly higher than that in the normal group (3.16 +/- 0.98) micromol/L (P < 0.01). (3) The levels of E(2) and 5-HT were negatively correlated with the score of EPDS, BDI, GHQ (P < 0.05); but the level of DA was positively related to the scores of EPDS and BDI (P < 0.05), while it had no relationship with GHQ (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation scales such as EPDS, BDI, and GHQ should be used to screen for postpartum depression. The measurement of estradiol and monoamine neurotransmitter (5-HT, DA) level can be used as biological objective indicators for prevention and treatment of postpartum depression.

[Meconium-stained amniotic fluid and intra-amniotic infection].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between meconium-stained amniotic fluid and Fifty-six women of cesarean section with intact membrane and intra-amniotic infection. METHODS: without parturient were divided into 3 groups according to the property of amniotic fluid (no meconium, I to approximately II degree meconium stainedness, and III degree mecomium stainedness). The content of interleukin-6 in amniotic fluid was measured with ELISA. The infiltration of inflammatory cells in the placenta and its membrane was determined by the pathological diagnosis. The neonatal Apgar score and puerperial infection after the surgery were analyzed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the content of IL-6 in amniotic fluid and in the infiltration of inflammatory cells among the 3 groups. But the rate of neonatal asphyxia in the meconium-stained cases was significantly higher than that without meconium. CONCLUSION: Meconium-stained amniotic fluid is a marker of fetal distress, but it is not related to intra-amniotic infection.