The association between serum metalloproteinase concentration, obesity, and hormone levels in reproductive-aged women

Introduction: Increased levels and activity of some matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are described in obesity-related vascular diseases. Factors that influence MMP blood concentration are still being investigated. This research aims to evaluate the concentration of most types of MMPs: collagenases (MMP-1, -3, -8, -13), matrilysin (MMP-7), gelatinase (MMP-9), and metalloelastase (MMP-12) in serum of women in reproductive age in relation with their body mass index (BMI), age, oestradiol, and progesterone concentrations. Material and methods: Blood samples were taken from 54 healthy reproductive-aged women with normal menstrual cycles. The weight and height of all women were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Concentration of MMP-1, -3, -7, -8, -9, -12, and MMP-13 was evaluated using a Procarta Immunoassay Kit. Serum concentrations of oestradiol and progesterone were evaluated by immunochemiluminescence (32 in the proliferative and 20 in the secretory phase of menstrual cycle). The results of the study were statistically calculated using Pearson, Spearman, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: Positive correlation between MMP-7, -8, -9, -12, and -13 levels and BMI was demonstrated. Significantly higher concentrations of MMPs were found especially in obese women compared to women with normal BMI. In healthy, regularly menstruating premenopausal women, MMP levels did not correlate with oestradiol and progesterone concentrations. Conclusions: The results suggest that body mass can influence MMP serum concentration in women with regular menstrual cycles

Risk factors associated with neonatal infectious and respiratory morbidity following preterm premature rupture of membranes

Objectives: Preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM) is associated with the increased risk of chorioamnionitis, foetal exposure to inflammation, and respiratory complications in preterm neonates. The aim of the study was to identify patients at highest risk of developing neonatal infectious and respiratory morbidity following pPROM and preterm birth. Material and methods: It was a retrospective cohort study including 299 consecutive patients in singleton pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes and giving birth between 22nd and 36th gestational week. Analysed factors included maternal characteristics, obstetric history, gestational age at pPROM and at delivery, latency and management. Multivariate logistic regression models were applied in order to identify risk factors for severe infectious and respiratory neonatal complications. Results: Earlier gestational age at pPROM is associated with increased probability of developing early-onset neonatal sepsis and pulmonary hypertension. Earlier gestational age at birth and lower birth weight were independent factors associated with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. Positive cervical culture was identified as a risk factor for acute neonatal respiratory failure. Conclusions: Gestational age at pPROM, gestational age at birth and birth weight were the leading factors influencing the risk of developing neonatal infectious and respiratory morbidity following preterm premature rupture of membranes

COVID-19 Pandemic-Related Anxiety in Pregnant Women

The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak influenced general and mental health worldwide. The objective of this study was to assess the anxiety level during the COVID-19 pandemic among pregnant women and compare it between COVID-infected and non-infected groups. We prospectively assessed the daily routine and anxiety level using a bespoke questionnaire and GAD-7 scale validated for pregnant women. With logistic regression, we established possible risk factors of generalized anxiety disorder spectrum and main causes of concern. The dataset included 439 responders of our survey. Of which, 21% had COVID-19 infection during pregnancy; 38% were screened for possible generalized anxiety disorder and the proportion was higher in women who suffered from COVID-19 (48% vs. 35%, p = 0.03). Pre-pregnancy anxiety or depression diagnosis and intentional social contact avoidance increased the risk of anxiety (aOR 3.4 and 3.2). Fetal wellbeing was the main concern for 66% of the responders. The COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions substantially altered daily lives of pregnant women, exaggerating the prevalence of anxiety compared with the pre-COVID-19 studies (38% vs. 15%). COVID-19 infection during pregnancy was associated with increased levels of generalized anxiety scores. Patient-tailored psychological support should be a mainstay of comprehensive antenatal medical care in order to avoid anxiety- and stress-related complications

Value of short exercise and short exercise with cooling tests in diagnosis of recessive form of myotonia congenita (Becker disease) — are sex differences important?

Introduction: In myotonia congenita (MC), activation with exercise or cooling can induce transient changes in compound motor action potential (CMAP) parameters, thus providing a guide to genetic analysis.Material and methods: We performed the short exercise test (SET) and the short exercise test with cooling (SETC) in 30 patients with genetically confirmed Becker disease (BMC) to estimate their utility in the diagnosis of BMC.Results: Although we observed a significant decrease in CMAP amplitude immediately after maximal voluntary effort in both tests in the whole BMC group, in men this decline was significantly smaller than in women, especially in SET.Clinical implications/future directions: In men with a clinical suspicion of BMC, a small decrease in CMAP amplitude in SET together with a typical decline in SETC does not exclude the diagnosis of BMC. Our results show a sex-specific difference in chloride channel function in BMC, which needs further investigation

Endoglin Expression and Microvessel Density as Prognostic Factors in Pediatric Rhabdomyosarcoma

(1) Background: The study proposed to analyze microvessel density (MVD) in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) based on the expression of angiogenesis markers and define its prognostic role in this group of patients. (2) Methods: The study included forty-nine pediatric patients diagnosed with RMS. Tumor tissue expression of CD31, CD34, and CD105 was analyzed. MVD was calculated and correlated with clinical RMS prognostic parameters. (3) Results: CD31, CD34, and CD105 are expressed in all RMS cases. MVD/CD105 was significantly higher in the RMS group than in the control group. The mean and median values of MVD/CD105 in RMS were lower than MVD/CD31 and MVD/CD34. MVD/CD105 was significantly higher in patients with alveolar RMS and those with metastatic disease. Patients with higher levels of MVD/CD105 had a higher risk of death (HR = 1.009). (4) Conclusion: CD105 is a relevant angiogenesis marker in pediatric RMS, and MVD/CD105 is an independent risk factor of short overall survival in children with RMS