Teratoma formation of human embryonic stem cells in three-dimensional perfusion culture bioreactors.

Teratoma formation in mice is today the most stringent test for pluripotency that is available for human pluripotent cells, as chimera formation and tetraploid complementation cannot be performed with human cells. The teratoma assay could also be applied for assessing the safety of human pluripotent cell-derived cell populations intended for therapeutic applications. In our study we examined the spontaneous differentiation behaviour of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in a perfused 3D multi-compartment bioreactor system and compared it with differentiation of hESCs and human induced pluripotent cells (hiPSCs) cultured in vitro as embryoid bodies and in vivo in an experimental mouse model of teratoma formation. Results from biochemical, histological/immunohistological and ultrastuctural analyses revealed that hESCs cultured in bioreactors formed tissue-like structures containing derivatives of all three germ layers. Comparison with embryoid bodies and the teratomas revealed a high degree of similarity of the tissues formed in the bioreactor to these in the teratomas at the histological as well as transcriptional level, as detected by comparative whole-genome RNA expression profiling. The 3D culture system represents a novel in vitro model that permits stable long-term cultivation, spontaneous multi-lineage differentiation and tissue formation of pluripotent cells that is comparable to in vivo differentiation. Such a model is of interest, e.g. for the development of novel cell differentiation strategies. In addition, the 3D in vitro model could be used for teratoma studies and pluripotency assays in a fully defined, controlled environment, alternatively to in vivo mouse models.

Plasma purine turnover metabolites in women with normal pregnancy and pregnancy complicated with induced hypertension as compared to fetal well-being indices.

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between maternal plasma purine bases levels and fetal well-being indices. The research included pregnant women with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and women with physiologic pregnancy between 32nd and 41st week of gestation. To characterize the pregnant women, their age, number of gestations, and blood pressure values were used. To evaluate condition of the fetus, the values of biophysical profile and FHR tracing were assessed. The purine bases (hypoxanthine, xanthine and uric acid) concentrations in plasma were determined using high pressure chromatography. Hypoxanthine levels, oxypurine pool, hypoxanthine to xanthine molar ratio and the ratio of uric acid to the oxypurine pool were significantly different in patients with PIH in comparison with women with physiologic pregnancy. It was found that increased adenyl nucleotide catabolism in the PIH group can be related to fetal well-being indices, particularly to FHR tracings. Increased percentages of suspected and pathologic FHR tracings were found in patients with PIH in comparison with physiologic pregnancy. The unfavorable influence of increased metabolism of adenyl nucleotides on the condition of the fetus was further confirmed by significant negative correlation between the oxypurine pool and the FHR tracings. The multiple regression analysis choosing the optimal subgroup of independent variables showed significant correlation between the parameters describing the well-being of the fetus and newborn and the levels of inosine, uric acid and xanthine. In the group of women with physiologic pregnancy, the most significant correlation was found in the diastolic blood pressure and hypoxanthine levels.

[Ultrasonographic evaluation of yolk sac in early pregnancy]. / Ultrasonograficzna ocena pecherzyka zóltkowego we wczesnej ciazy.

Ultrasound diagnosis of yolk sac in early pregnancy. In cross-sectional study pregnant patients were analyzed by means of endovaginal ultrasound. Yolk sac diameter was analyzed to assess its growth in early pregnancy. Linear growth of sac diameter was observed (at 31 day of the cycle 0.4 mm at 72nd day of the cycle 4.8 mm).

[Transvaginal ultrasound in evaluation of the uterine cervix during pregnancy]. / Ultrasonografia przezpochwowa w ocenie szyjki macicy w ciazy.

127 pregnant patients between 20 and 37 week of gestation were studied. Cervical estimation was done by using transvaginal ultrasonography. An accurate estimation was possible in all investigation patients. Statistically significant distinctions in uterine cervical length during pregnancy progress were noticed (p < 0.05). However, differences in cervical with were not perceived (p = 0.3). Interdependence of the duration of pregnancy upon the cervical length and width were calculated. Obtained findings could be applicable in preterm labor prognosis.

[Evaluation of blood flow in the middle cerebral artery of the fetal brain during normal pregnancy using color doppler]. / Ocena przeplywu krwi w tetnicy srodkowej mózgu plodu we wczesnej ciazy prawidlowej, przy zastosowaniu kolorowego Dopplera.

Transvaginal color Doppler ultrasonography was performed to analyze fetal cerebral blood flow in 62 singleton noncomplicated pregnancies. Pulsatility index and peripheral flow impedance index in middle cerebral artery were measured. Pulsatility and peripheral flow impedance indexes decrease was observed. Obtained values may be used as a reference for future investigation.

[Doppler ultrasound evaluation of fetal renal arteries in normal pregnancy]. / Ocena dopplerowska tetnic nerkowych plodu w ciazy prawidlowej.

Normal values of the pulsatility index in the fetal renal arteries in a group of 65 uncomplicated pregnancies were established. The measurements were obtained between 28 and 40 weeks of gestation. The values of pulsatility index may be used as a reference for further investigation of pathologic pregnancies.

[Levels of thyroid hormones during pregnancy and in the perinatal period. II. Levels of iodothyronine in blood serum during cesarean section and puerperium]. / Stezenie hormonów tarczycy podczas ciazy oraz w okresie økoloporodowym. Czesc II. Stezenie jodotyronin w surowicy krwi podczas ciecia cesarskiego i w pologu po cieciu cesarskim.

Analysis of T4, T3 and rT3 concentration in blood serum of 27 women during and after caesarean section was performed. Estimation of hormones using RIA was done. Changes of levels of analysed hormones differed from this found during normal delivery. Periferral conversion of T4 is discussed as a potential source of different levels of T3 and rT3.

[Thyroid hormone levels during pregnancy, labor and puerperium]. / Stezenie hormonów tarczycy podczas ciazy oraz w okresie okoloporodowym. Czesc I. Steenie hormonów tarczycy w przebiegu ciazy prawidlowej oraz podczas porodu samoistnego.

Concentration of thyroxine triiodothyronine and reverse-triiodothyronine in serum blood of 30 pregnant women were estimated, like a longitudinal study from 5 to 41 week of pregnancy. Significant increase of concentration of all hormones was observed. We presented also estimation of iodothyronines in blood serum in labor and non-complicated puerperium. We found increase of T3 concentration immediately after delivery, and decrease of level of all hormones in puerperium.

[Use of the "color doppler" technique in diagnosing ovulation]. / Zastosowanie techniki "kolorowego Dopplera" w diagnostyce owulacji.

Graafian follicle growth and development and Doppler flow analysis of blood vessels in the wall of the follicle, was analyzed. Twelve patients with primary infertility were observed between days 12 to 15 of the cycle. Analysis of resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) of the wall vessels was performed. Statistically significant difference in RI and PI indices in preovulatory and post-ovulatory period was observed.