• Development and Reproduction
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.263-273
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• 2018

Aquaporin (AQP) 3, a facilitated transporter of water and glycerol, expresses in placenta and fetal membranes, but the detailed localization and function of AQP3 in placenta remain unclear. To elucidate a role of AQP3 in placenta, we defined the expression and cellular localization of AQP3 in placenta and fetal membranes, and investigated the structural and functional differences between wild-type and AQP3 null mice. Gestational sacs were removed during mid-gestational period and amniotic fluid was aspirated for measurements of volume and composition. Fetuses with attached placenta and fetal membranes were weighed and processed for histological assessment. AQP3 strongly expressed in basolateral membrane of visceral yolk sac cells of fetal membrane, the syncytiotrophoblasts of the labyrinthine placenta and fetal nucleated red blood cell membrane. Mice lacking AQP3 did not exhibit a significant defect in differentiation of trophoblast stem cells and normal placentation. However, AQP3 null fetuses were smaller than their control litter mates in spite of a decrease in litter size. The total amniotic fluid volume per gestational sac was reduced, but the amniotic fluid-to-fetal weight ratio was increased in AQP3 null mice compared with wild-type mice. Glycerol, free fatty acid and triglyceride levels in amniotic fluid of AQP3 null mice were significantly reduced, whereas lactate level increased when compared to those of wild-type mice. These results suggest a role for AQP3 in supplying nutrients from yolk sac and maternal blood to developing fetus by facilitating transport of glycerol in addition to water, and its implication for the fetal growth in utero.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.63 no.8
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• pp.329-334
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• 2020

Background: Birth asphyxia is a leading cause of neonatal mortality. Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels may have a predictive role in the identification and prevention of hypoxic disorders, as they increase in cases of ischemia of the liver, heart, brain, bowel, and kidney. Purpose: This study aimed to assess the value of IMA levels as a diagnostic marker for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Methods: Sixty newborns who fulfilled 3 or more of the clinical and biochemical criteria and developed HIE as defined by Levene staging were included in our study as the asphyxia group. Neonates with congenital malformation, systemic infection, intrauterine growth retardation, low-birth weight, cardiac or hemolytic disease, family history of neurological diseases, congenital or perinatal infections, preeclampsia, diabetes, and renal diseases were excluded from the study. Sixty healthy neonates matched for gestational age and with no maternal history of illness, established respiration at birth, and an Apgar score ≥7 at 1 and 5 minutes were included as the control group. IMA was determined by double-antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of a cord blood sample collected within 30 minutes after birth. Results: Cord blood IMA levels were higher in asphyxiated newborns than in controls (250.83±36.07 pmol/mL vs. 120.24±38.9 pmol/mL). Comparison of IMA levels by HIE stage revealed a highly significant difference among them (207.3±26.65, 259.28±11.68, 294.99±4.41 pmol/mL for mild, moderate, and severe, respectively). At a cutoff of 197.6 pmol/mL, the sensitivity was 84.5%, specificity was 86%, positive predictive value was 82.8%, negative predictive value was 88.3%, and area under the curve was 0.963 (P<0.001). Conclusion: IMA levels can be a reliable marker for the early diagnosis of neonatal HIE and can be a predictor of injury severity.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.177-187
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• 1996

We studied the effects of fish oil supplementation with low does on the lipid concentration and fatty acid of plasma and the fatty acid composition of plasma phospholipid and erythrocyte of lactating women. The subjects, 18 lactating women, who were exclusively breast-fed their babies were classifed into a control group and 2 fish oil groups according to dose; the subjects of fish oil groups were supplemented with 1.96g/d or 3.92g/d of fish oil, respectively for 2 weeks from 10 to 12 weeks postpartum. All subjects consumed their usual diet at home. Blood sample were collected at the final day of experiment. The plasma HDL-cholesterol level increased significantly by fish oil supplementation. The concentrations of DHA (docesahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) in the plasma PC(phosphatidylcholine) and PE (phosphatidylethanolamine)of fish oil groups tended to increase, but not significant. However, the concentrations of DHA and EPA of PC and PE in erythrocyte were not affected by fish oil supplementation. These results demonstrate that fish oil supplementation with low dose does not change the concentration of plasma lipid as well as fatty acid composition in plasma PC and PE and red blood cell obviously. However the increase of plasma HDL-cholesterol level, the reduction of atherogenic index(AI) and the tendency of increase of DHA and EPA concentrations in plasma PC and PE indicate that there may be some beneficial effects on maternal lipid metabolism if fish oil intakes were increased.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.443-448
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• 1996

The effects of Taheebo on the diabetic-piegnant rats and their fetus was investigated. It has been reported that diabetic condition of the pregnant rats can affect the process of liver formation and damage the respiratory function in the fetus. Therefore we investigated the effects of Taheebo on the prevention of liver damage and respiratory failure in the fetus and those results were compared with that of dexamethasone (DXM). In pregnant rats, streptozotocin(STZ, 45 mg/kg, 0.01 M citrate buffer) was injected into the pregnant rats on the third day of pregnancy. Methanol extracts of Taheebo(500 mg/kg p.o.) was administered once daily during pregnancy. DXM (10 $\mu\textrm{g}$/g i.p.) was injected into the pregnant rats in 16th and 18th days of pregnancy. Body weights were measured and fetal number and abortion rate in pregnancy rats were determined. Lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio in amniotic fluid and malondialdehyde, glycogen, triglyceride, protein and cholesterol levels in the liver homogenate were determined. Also blood glucose level was analyzed. Body weights of maternal rats were increased in the all groups except the DXM group. Fetal number of the Taheebo treated group was similar to the control group, and a significant increase in the body weights of fetus was observed in the STZ treated group and the Taheebo treated group compared with the control group. Blood glucose of fetus produced hypoglycemia in the control group and hyperglycemia in the diabetic-pregnant rats. The protein and cholesterol levels in fetus liver were significantly increased in the DXM treated group compared with the control group. Triglyceride content was significantly increased in all groups compared with the control group. Liver malondialdehyde level of fetus in the STZ treated group was similar to the control group. Glycogen level was significantly increased in the all groups compared with the control group. Methanol extract of Taheebo showed hypoglycemic effect on the pregnant rats. However, we could not observe any hypoglycemic effect on the fetus. There's no difference between the control and Taheebo treated group in terms of the levels of triglyceride, cholesterol, protein and glycogen in the fetus liver. Further study to identify the effect of Taheebo on the fetus is under investigation.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.133-138
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• 2021

Osteopetrosis refers to a group of genetic skeletal disorders characterized by osteosclerosis and fragile bones. Osteopetrosis can be classified into autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked forms, which might differ in clinical characteristics and disease severity. Autosomal recessive osteopetrosis, also known as malignant osteopetrosis, has an earlier onset, more serious clinical symptoms, and is usually fatal. We encountered a 1-day-old girl who was born full-term via vaginal delivery, which was complicated by meconium-stained amniotic fluid, cephalo-pelvic disproportion, and nuchal cord. Routine neonatal care was provided, in addition to blood tests and chest radiography to screen for sepsis, as well as skull radiography to rule out head injuries. Initial blood tests revealed hypocalcemia, which persisted on follow-up tests the next day. Radiographic examinations revealed diffusely increased bone density and a "space alien" appearance of the skull. Based on radiographic and laboratory findings, the infantile form of osteopetrosis was suspected and genetic testing for identification of the responsible gene. Eventually, a heterozygous mutation of the T cell immune regulator 1, ATPase H+ transporting V0 subunit a3 (TCIRG1) gene (c.292C>T) was identified, making this the first reported case of neonatal-onset malignant osteopetrosis with TCIRG1 mutation in South Korea. Early-onset hypocalcemia is common and usually results from prematurity, fetal growth restriction, maternal diabetes, perinatal asphyxia, and physiologic hypoparathyroidism. However, if hypocalcemia persists, we recommend considering 'infantile of osteopetrosis' as a rare cause of neonatal hypocalcemia and performing radiographic examinations to establish the diagnosis.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.62 no.5
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• pp.166-172
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• 2019

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate vitamin D status at birth in very-low-birth-weight infants (VLBWIs: <1,500 g) and to determine the association between vitamin D level and respiratory morbidity. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital between November 2013 and November 2017. We collected blood samples and data on respiratory morbidity from 230 VLBWIs on the first day of life. Patients who were transferred to other hospitals (n=19), died before 36 weeks of gestational age (n=18), or whose blood samples were not collected immediately after birth (n=5) were excluded. Finally, 188 patients were enrolled. VLBWIs with different vitamin D levels were compared with respect to demographic features, maternal diseases, respiratory morbidities, and other neonatal diseases. Results: The mean serum vitamin D level, as measured by 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), was $13.4{\pm}9.3ng/mL$. The incidence of vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was 79.8%, and 44.1% of preterm infants had severe vitamin D deficiency (<10 ng/mL). Logistic analysis shows that a low serum 25(OH)D level (<20 ng/mL) was a risk factor for respiratory distress syndrome (odds ratio [OR], 4.32; P=0.010) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (OR, 4.11; P=0.035). Conclusion: The results showed that 79.8% of preterm infants in this study had vitamin D deficiency at birth. Low vitamin D status was associated with respiratory morbidity, but the exact mechanism was unknown. Additional studies on the association between vitamin D level and neonatal morbidity are required.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.66 no.3
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• pp.228-238
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• 2023

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a serious concern for preterm infants and can predispose such infants to brain injury and poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. IVH is particularly common in preterm infants. Although advances in obstetric management and neonatal care have led to a lower mortality rate for preterm infants with IVH, the IVH-related morbidity rate in this population remains high. Therefore, the present review investigated the pathophysiology of IVH and the evidence related to interventions for prevention. The analysis of the pathophysiology of IVH was conducted with a focus on the factors associated with cerebral hemodynamics, vulnerabilities in the structure of cerebral vessels, and host or genetic predisposing factors. The findings presented in the literature indicate that fluctuations in cerebral blood flow, the presence of hemodynamic significant patent ductus arteriosus, arterial carbon dioxide tension, and impaired cerebral venous drainage; a vulnerable or fragile capillary network; and a genetic variant associated with a mechanism underlying IVH development may lead to preterm infants developing IVH. Therefore, strategies focused on antenatal management, such as routine corticosteroid administration and magnesium sulfate use; perinatal management, such as maternal transfer to a specialized center; and postnatal management, including pharmacological agent administration and circulatory management involving prevention of extreme blood pressure, hemodynamic significant patent ductus arteriosus management, and optimization of cardiac function, can lower the likelihood of IVH development in preterm infants. Incorporating neuroprotective care bundles into routine care for such infants may also reduce the likelihood of IVH development. The findings regarding the pathogenesis of IVH further indicate that cerebrovascular status and systemic hemodynamic changes must be analyzed and monitored in preterm infants and that individualized management strategies must be developed with consideration of the risk factors for and physiological status of each preterm infant.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.82-93
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• 2013

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between peripheral blood leukocyte differential - Granulocyte rate, Lymphocyte rate and its calculated Granulocyte/Lymphocyte ratio - and the obstetric variables. Methods: From 270 cases of women who were in the postpartum care center attached to Won-Kwang Korean Medical Hospital, 36 cases met exclusion criteria. On the obstetric variables of 234 cases, peripheral blood leukocyte differential - Granulocyte rate, Lymphocyte rate and its calculated Granulocyte/Lymphocyte ratio - was analyzed. In the postpartum care center, the obstetric variables were asked of 234 cases of women, and who measured leukocyte differential. Results: Mean granulocyte rate and lymphocyte rate of peripheral blood leukocyte differential showed statistically significant difference from those in healthy people and was high. There was statistically significant difference in granulocyte/lymphocyte ratio according to mood of delivery, parity and period passed from childbirth. But whether postpartum women with anemia or not, maternal age and gender of neonate were not associated with granulocyte/lymphocyte ratio, and which was not significantly correlated with gestational age and neonatal birth weight. Conclusions: These findings suggest that activation of the sympathetic nervous system in postpartum women is higher than in healthy people. And granulocyte/lymphocyte ratio was influenced by mood of delivery, parity and period passed from childbirth. In future, more studies or surveys, with less bias, for the relation between peripheral blood leukocyte differential and the obstetric variables are required.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.295-306
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• 2007

The growth and health of the fetus and neonate are directly influenced by the nutritional and physiological status of sows. Sows are often under catabolic conditions due to restrict feeding program during pregnancy and low voluntary feed intake during lactation. The current restrict feeding program, which aims at controlling energy intake during gestation, results in an inadequate supply of dietary protein for fetal and mammary gland growth. Low voluntary feed intake during lactation also causes massive maternal tissue mobilization. Provision of amino acids and fatty acids with specific functions may enhance the performance of pregnant and lactating sows by modulating key metabolic pathways. These nutrients include arginine, branched-chain amino acids, glutamine, tryptophan, proline, conjugated linoleic acids, docosahexaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid, which can enhance conception rates, embryogenesis, blood flow, antioxidant activity, appetite, translation initiation for protein synthesis, immune cell proliferation, and intestinal development. The outcome is to improve sow reproductive performance as well as fetal and neonatal growth and health. Dietary supplementation with functional amino acids and fatty acids holds great promise in optimizing nutrition, health, and production performance of sows and piglets. (Supported by funds from Texas Tech, USDA, NLRI-RDA-Korea, and China NSF).

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.71-75
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• 2015

Porcine salmonellosis is an economically important disease affecting the global pig industry today. Salmonella (S.) Typhimurium is highly contagious and may rapidly spread within pig populations of herd. To investigate the prevalence of porcine salmonellosis in Jeju, a total of 12,885 blood sera of 96 pig farms from 2009 to 2012 were analyzed by microplate agglutination test. Antibodies to S. Typhimurium were detected in all of pig farms tested in Jeju Province, and the mean of seropositive rate of individual pig was 18.8%. The mean seropositive rate of S. Typhimurium in sows (46.7%) was 7 times higher than that of weaned or growing pigs (6.7%). The lowest seropositive rate (3.0%) was detected in 40 day-old pigs, and this result might be closely associated with the marked decrease of maternal passive immunity. The seropositive rate in winter (42.7%) was higher than in other seasons.