Fetal fibronectin levels are elevated in maternal plasma and amniotic fluid of patients with severe preeclampsia

Article Abstract:

Preeclampsia appears to increase fetal fibronectin levels. Preeclampsia is known to be a factor in abnormal placental development. Fetal fibronectin is believed to play a role in the adherence of the placental cells to the uterine lining cells. Three groups were compared: 20 first-time mothers with severe preeclampsia, 20 healthy first-time mothers not in labor and matched to the preeclamptic women for gestational length, and 20 healthy first-time mothers in early labor with term fetuses. Maternal blood samples were drawn, amniotic fluid samples were taken from the healthy laboring mothers and from the preeclamptic mothers when they went into labor, and fetal blood samples were taken from the umbilical cord after birth. Fetal fibronectin concentrations were elevated in maternal blood of preeclamptic women before labor and after birth compared with healthy women. Amniotic fluid levels of fetal fibronectin were also higher in preeclamptic women. Fetal blood levels were similar between preeclamptic and healthy mothers. This suggests that excess fetal fibronectin originates at the junction of maternal and fetal tissues and not within the fetus.

Preeclampsia, Fibronectins

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Soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors in maternal plasma and second-trimester amniotic fluid

Article Abstract:

Two soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors, p55 and p75, may be present in the blood of pregnant women and in amniotic fluid in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors are thought to prevent harmful effects of tumor necrosis factor, such as producing too many diseased cells, which happens in tumors. Tumor necrosis factor may be beneficial during pregnancy as it facilitates growth and control functions related to the fetus and placenta. Researchers analyzed blood samples from 61 healthy pregnant women taken at the time of amniocentesis and at delivery. Concentrations of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors rose from the second to the third trimester, perhaps to counter the increase in tumor necrosis factor during the same period.

Pregnancy, Cell receptors, Tumor necrosis factor

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The effect of aspirin and indomethacin on prostacyclin and thromboxane production by placental tissue incubated with immunoglobulin G fractions from patients with lupus anticoagulant

Article Abstract:

Aspirin therapy may prevent recurrent miscarriages caused by antiphospholipid antibodies by inhibiting the production of thromboxane. Lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibody are two antiphospholipid antibodies associated with recurrent miscarriage. Thromboxane causes blood vessels to constrict and causes platelets to clot. Researchers compared the effects of aspirin and of indomethacin, two nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, on lupus anticoagulant in placental tissue samples from normal pregnancies. Indomethacin inhibited prostacyclin but not thromboxane production. Aspirin inhibited thromboxane production. Aspirin may prevent recurrent miscarriage and lessen preeclampsia by inhibiting thromboxane production in the placenta.

Placenta, Thromboxanes, Aspirin, Prostacyclin, Indomethacin

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