Digital Commons Network^™

Body Mass Index, Prebiotic Supplementation During Pregnancy And Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Risk: An Effect Modification Analysis From A Randomised Controlled Trial, Rachelle A. Pretorius, Thomas R. Sullivan, Summer V.M. Walker, Johan Garssen, Jeffrey A. Keelan, Desiree Silva, Susan L. Prescott, Debra J. Palmer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Prebiotic dietary supplementation has been shown to improve glucose homeostasis in type 2 diabetes patients. The aim of this analysis was to determine whether pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) modifies the effect of prebiotic supplementation from mid-pregnancy on reducing the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: In a double-blinded, randomised controlled trial, pregnant women < 21 gestational weeks were randomly assigned (1:1) to consume daily prebiotics (14.2 g galacto-oligosaccharides and fructo-oligosaccharides) or placebo (8.7 g maltodextrin) powder. An effect modification analysis was performed to assess the heterogeneity of the effect of prebiotic supplementation in relation to pre-pregnancy BMI on GDM diagnosis. Results: Between June 2016 and November 2021, 329 women were assigned to the prebiotic group (50.4%), and 323 (49.5%) were assigned to the placebo group. Overall, 288 of 652 women (44.2%) were classified as overweight/obese prior to pregnancy (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²). The distribution was balanced, with 146/329 (44.4%) randomised to the prebiotics group and 142/323 (44.0%) in the placebo group. Pre-pregnancy BMI modified the effect of prebiotic supplementation, with the intervention reducing GDM rates in women with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m^{2 …}

Internet Use And Decision-Making Processes Among Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study, Ayça Balmumcu, Endam Çetinkaya Ak, Sabriye Uçan Yamaç

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic restricted access to in-person health services, especially in rural areas. This increased reliance on the internet for health information and decision-making was particularly notable among pregnant women. This study aimed to investigate the role of internet use in decision-making among pregnant women.

Methods: This analytical, cross-sectional study examined 384 pregnant women living in a rural district of Turkey who attended family health centers for prenatal care. Data were collected using the Internet Decision-Making Scale in Pregnancy and a questionnaire assessing internet use patterns during the pandemic.

Results: Pregnant women demonstrated …

Hyperadhesive Von Willebrand Factor Contributes To Pathogenesis Of Preeclampsia, Yajuan Wang, Chenyu Wang, Katie L Houck, Xiaoli Gao, Yuanyuan Chen, Xin Xu, Xue Zhao, Miguel A Cruz, Shu Zhang, Chester Q Li, Fengxia Xue, Min Li, Swati Shree, Jing-Fei Dong, Cha Han

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Background: Preeclampsia is the most common complication of pregnancy, significantly affecting maternal and fetal health, and is characterized by placental and systemic endotheliopathy. Patients with preeclampsia have elevated levels of VWF (von Willebrand Factor), which is associated with poor clinical outcomes. However, whether VWF serves as a marker for endotheliopathy or contributes to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia remains poorly understood.

Methods: We investigated the role of hyperadhesive VWF in the development of preeclampsia by studying patients, evaluating mouse models, and performing in vitro experiments.

Results: We show that patients develop VWF- and fibrin-rich thrombosis in the placenta and have significantly …

Incretin-Based Medications In Women And Reproduction: A Systematic Scoping Review And Consensus Guidelines For Clinical Practice, Kate Maslin, Jill Shawe, Sinead Blowers, Michael Ceulemans, Kathryn Hart, Sam Schoenmakers, Amihai Rottenstreich, Heather Hopper, Mojca Jensterle, Angela C. Flynn

School of Nursing and Midwifery

Introduction: Pregnancy concurrent with incretin-based medications is contraindicated due to unknown risk of teratogenicity, as is breastfeeding. The aim of this systematic scoping review was to investigate potential risks and benefits of incretin-based medications in relation to preconception, pregnancy, and postnatal health, and to propose expert guidelines for clinical practice.Methods: An international expert multidisciplinary group was formed. Research questions relevant to women's reproductive health and incretin-based medications were refined collaboratively, utilizing a lifecourse approach. A systematic search was undertaken on July 23, 2025, across several databases and grey literature sources. Primary data from human studies were prioritized above animal studies. …

Childbirth Experiences Of The Bangladeshi Immigrant Women In South Florida, Tahsina Ferdous

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

This qualitative research was conducted among Bangladeshi immigrant women living in South Florida who have given birth here. Twenty Bangladeshi immigrant women were selected using the snowball sampling method from various cities in South Florida. The unit of analysis was the individual Bangladeshi immigrant woman, focusing on her experiences and behavior during pregnancy and childbirth. Semi-structured interviewing and case study methods were used for data collection. The results reveal the coping strategies and the navigation process of socio-cultural transition from non-mother to mother, and the Bangladeshi traditional views regarding beliefs, rituals, and practices of Bangladeshi immigrant women regarding their pregnancy …

Effects Of Maternal Vitamin D Supplementation During Pregnancy And Lactation On Immune Development In Offspring: A Systematic Review, Kurnia Maidarmi Handayani, Ghaniyyatul Khudri, Laura Zeffira, Widia Sari

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Background: Vitamin D, a fat-soluble prohormone, is essential for skeletal health and plays a key role in immune regulation. Deficiency is common among pregnant and lactating women, raising concerns as fetal and neonatal vitamin D status relies entirely on maternal stores. Insufficiency during these periods is linked to preterm birth, low birth weight, and immune-mediated disorders. This review examines the effects of maternal vitamin D supplementation on the immune development of offspring.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251117397). Experimental rodent studies published between 2019 and 2022 that investigated maternal vitamin …

Neighbourhood Social Vulnerability And Preterm Birth Risk Among Infants With Trisomy 21: A Statewide Analysis, Fatima R Sheriff, Renata H Benjamin, Qian Xiao, Jenil Patel, Charles Shumate, Alejandra Fernandez, A J Agopian

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Residing in socioeconomically vulnerable areas is known to be associated with increased preterm birth (PTB) risk in the general population. However, the relationship between social vulnerability and PTB remains unexplored among infants with trisomy 21, who experience more than twice the PTB rate of the general population.

Objectives: The primary objective was to examine the association between maternal socioeconomic vulnerability, as measured by the SVI, and PTB among infants with trisomy 21.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study among infants with trisomy 21 born in Texas (1999-2018). We examined the association between neighbourhood vulnerability, measured by Social Vulnerability …

The Effect Of Flaxseed Oil On Fertility, Mohammad F. Albadran, Ahmed B. Abdulwahid, Assad H. Eissa, Nehaya M. Al-Aubody, Shaymaa F. Abbas, Zainab M. Mohammed

Hilla University College Journal For Medical Science

Background: Infertility can be defined as the inability to conceive pregnancy when sexually active and not having used any contraception in 12 months. Flaxseed oil has wide-spectrum applications in health. It has been receiving special interest in infertility treatment.

Objectives: This research aimed to determine the impact of flaxseed oil on the fertility of mice.

Methods: It involved seventy-five mice. These mice were sex-separated and randomly classified into three groups; one group served as a control group, and the other two groups were exposed to flaxseed oil extract at a dose of 60 mg/Kg body weight/day or 120 mg/Kg body …

Comparative Efficacy Of Controlled Internal Drug Release And Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Sponges On Ovulatory Follicle Growth In The Ovsynch Protocol During The Breeding Season In Cyclic Nili Ravi Buffaloes, Muhammad Binyameen, Ali Husnain, Saba Anwar, Muhammad Waseem, Muhammad Saleem

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The objective of the experiment was to compare the dominant follicle size, growth rate of the dominant follicle, estrus response, plasma progesterone concentration, and pregnancy in Nili Ravi buffaloes synchronized by controlled internal drug release (CIDR; 1.38 g) and medroxyprogesterone acetate sponge (MPAS; 250 mg) in the ovulation synchronization (OvSynch) protocol. The experiment had a randomized complete block design. Buffaloes (n = 42) were blocked by parity, body weight, body condition score, and ovarian status, and, within the block, they were randomized to receive either CIDR or MPAS and that day was considered day 0 of the experiment. On days …

Maternal Prenatal Anxiety And Risk Of Preterm Birth And Low Birthweight: Evidence From A Cumulative Meta-Analysis With Stability Thresholds, Bereket Duko, Desta, Biniyam Sahiledengle, Yohannes Tekalegn Efa, Tenaw Tiruye, Lisa Whitehead, Gavin Pereira, Amanuel Tesfay Gebremedhin

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: We conducted cumulative meta-analyses to quantify the degree to which maternal prenatal anxiety impacts preterm birth (PTB) and low birthweight (LBW), and to identify when findings reached stability, enabling confident recommendations for early interventions. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL (EBSCO), ProQuest, and the Cochrane Library from database inception to May 7, 2025. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Inverse variance weighted random-effects cumulative meta-analysis was performed to pool adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with sequential inclusion of newly published studies. Stability thresholds were computed to assess sufficiency …

Global, Regional And National Burden Of Maternal Haemorrhage (2000–2021) And Projections To 2050 In 204 Countries And Territories, Mulat Ayele, Bereket Duko, Tenaw Tiruye, Paul R. Ward, Lillian Mwanri, Gavin Pereira, Tegene Atamenta Kitaw, Biruk Beletew Abate, Eyob Shitie Lake, Abebaw Alamrew, Aynalem Yetwale, Gizachew Yilak, Befkad Derese Tilahun, Chalie Mulugeta, Tadele Emagneneh, Amanuel Tesfay Gebremedhin

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: To estimate the global, regional and national burden of maternal haemorrhage (2000–2021) and its 2050 projections in 204 countries and territories. Design: This study systematic analysis of the burden of maternal haemorrhage sourced data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study. We estimated the incidence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), years lived with disability (YLDs) and years of life lost (YLLs) due to maternal haemorrhage. Changes in the burden from 2000 to 2021 were computed using AAPC. To detect statistically notable changes in the trends of maternal haemorrhage metrics between 2000 and 2021, Joinpoint regression analysis using …

Screening Tools For Maternal Mental Health In Africa: A Systematic Review, Joyce Jebet, Irene Mageto, Benard Mutwiri, Abednego Ongeso, Ruth Wagathu, Rose Maina, Denis Munene, Kawira Kithuci, Peter Gatiti

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background:

Maternal health during pregnancy and the postnatal period encompasses mental health, which is a key aspect in enhancing a positive outcome. Despite screening for other possible complications during pregnancy and the postnatal period, very little attention has been paid to screening for mental health. Screening is a key tool in early diagnosis and, eventually, timely diagnosis and management in cases where complications arise.

Aim:

This study aimed to assess the available maternal mental health screening tools and compare the outcome on their utilization during pregnancy and postnatal periods in the African continent.

Methodology:

This was a …

Assessing Impact Of Heat Waves On Pregnancy And Lactation Amidst Climate Change: A Scoping Review., Susan Anyango, Grace Nakate

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background: The escalation of heat waves, attributed to climate change, represents a global public health concern, with pregnant
and lactating women identified as particularly vulnerable due to Physiological and hormonal changes.

Aim: To review the existing research on the effects of heat waves on pregnancy and lactation, identifying potential health risks and outcomes.

Methods: A structured search across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was conducted using terms related
to heat waves, pregnancy, lactation, and climate change. Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed empirical
studies in English.

Results: Heat waves are linked to increased risks of preterm labor, low …

Managing Maternal Anemia In Pregnancy: The Role Of Iron-Rich Foods And Supplementation, Carli Dibler

InnovateHER Meeting 2026

Anemia during pregnancy is a large public health concern, which often leads to independent risk factors for fetal and maternal outcomes including postpartum hemorrhaging, cesarean sections, blood transfusions during and after the labor process, hysterectomies, preterm birth, and infectious diseases. Six level I-III studies were analyzed using the John Hopkins nursing evidence-based practice model. Findings showed that by using a combined approach of dietary intake and supplementation overall leads to better fetal and maternal outcomes compared to supplementation alone.

What Is The Role Of The Gut Microbiome In Modulating Immune Tolerance And The Development Of Allergic Disease In Infants?, Priyal Gajera

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction: The infant gut microbiome plays a critical role in immune system development during the early-life “window of immune education.”¹ Microbial colonization influences immune tolerance through mechanisms such as regulatory T-cell (Treg) induction, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and mucosal immune regulation. Disruptions in this process (dysbiosis) are associated with increased risk of allergic diseases, including food allergy, atopic dermatitis, and asthma. Environmental and maternal factors such as delivery mode, antibiotic exposure, and feeding practices significantly impact microbial composition and immune outcomes.²

Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed with search terms related to the gut microbiome, …

Maternal Fish Intake In The Year Prior To Conception And Birth Defects, National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997-2011, Dorothy Kim Waller, Zeyu Miao, Renata H Benjamin, Richard Finnell, Nithya Lakshmi Mohan Dass, Eirini Nestoridi, Marcia C De Oliveira Otto, Julie Peterson, Tunu Ramadhani, Mark A Canfield

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Epidemiologic data on the association between maternal fish intake and birth defects are sparse. Our objective was to assess associations between maternal fish intake and 52 different birth defects, most of which have not been assessed previously.

Methods: Using logistic regression, data was analyzed for 29,242 mothers of infants with birth defects and 10,973 mothers of control infants who participated in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS) and delivered between 1997 and 2011. We focused on associations between mothers who reported high fish intake of 2 or more servings of fish per week for the year prior to …

Maternal Low-Sodium Diet Impairs Hippocampal Neurogenesis And Cognition In Adult Mouse Offspring., Xingrao Ke, Connie C. Grobe, Justin L. Grobe, Wei Yu, John J. Reho, Kaela Varberg, Robert H. Lane, Jeffrey L. Segar

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Sodium (Na) homeostasis is critical for organ and cell function. Although low maternal Na intake during gestation is associated with low offspring survival rates and birth weights, the long-term impact on neurocognitive function is not known. Identifying a relationship between perinatal Na dysregulation and adult behavioral and cognitive outcomes may be important given the prevalence of both dysnatremias and neurocognitive impairment in preterm infants. This study aimed to determine the association between maternal low Na intake (LSI) and hippocampal-dependent behaviors in mice. C57BL/6J dams were fed a standard (0.30%) or low (0.04%) Na diet from postnatal day 0 until postnatal …

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Individuals With Low Literacy And Perinatal Depression: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Eliza Kleban, Ashleen Lee, Aminata Koroma, D Taylor Hendrixson, Joshua Duncan, Mark J Manary, Kevin B Stephenson

2020-Current year OA Pubs

IMPORTANCE: Perinatal depression is common in sub-Saharan Africa, yet treatment gaps are substantial. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective but relies on written materials.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a culturally adapted CBT intervention delivered by lay counselors to women with perinatal depression in rural Sierra Leone.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This study was an individually randomized, outcomes assessor- and investigator-blinded, clinical trial of an adapted CBT intervention vs enhanced usual care. The trial was conducted in 6 government-run antenatal clinics in Pujehun District, Sierra Leone, which has limited infrastructure, low literacy, high maternal undernutrition, and no perinatal mental …

Preterm Birth Increases Susceptibility To Hyperglycemia-Induced Kidney Injury With Sex-Specific Differences In Structural And Molecular Responses, Rachel K Dailey, Aleksandra Cwiek, Logan C Hamil, Sage Timberline, Ayyappa Kumar Sista Kameshwar, Masako Suzuki, Jaya Isaac, Kimberly Deronde, Mark Conaway, Kevin M Bennett, Edwin J Baldelomar, Matthew R Hoch, Kimberly J Reidy, Jennifer R Charlton

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Preterm birth increases the long-term risk of diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD), yet its impact on diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is unclear. We previously showed that male preterm mice with diabetes develop early features of DKD, including reduced podocyte density, decreased renin expression, activation of angiogenesis pathways, and impaired endothelial-podocyte signaling. Here, we examine whether preterm birth similarly accelerates DKD progression in female mice and compare structural and transcriptomic outcomes in the females to the prior male cohort to assess sex-specific differences.

METHODS: Preterm mice were delivered by Caesarean section at 19 days post conception (dpc) and term …

Breastfeeding Education Preferences Of Pregnant People With Low Incomes, Megan Kindred

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Background: The proportion of infants breastfed at 1 year in the United States remains below the Healthy People 2030 goal. Longer breastfeeding durations are important due to dose-response benefits, but disparities are greater among those with low incomes. Prenatal breastfeeding education (PBE) interventions can increase breastfeeding duration. Additionally, incentivization and gamification can be used to increase use of educational technology but are underexplored in this domain. Prior studies examining PBE format preferences do not reflect currently available technology. PBE format preferences of childbearing people should be reexamined.

Purpose: This purpose of this study is to: (1) identify PBE format preference …

A Bilingual Ai-Based Chatbot For Nutrition Education In A Food Is Medicine Intervention For High-Risk Pregnant Women: Design And Development Study, Lorena Macias-Navarro, Nalini Ranjit, Gregory W Bounds, Brendon A Providence, Yesmeena Shmaitelly, Naomi M Tice, Shreela V Sharma

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Conversational agents (artificial intelligence [AI]-based chatbots) offer a novel approach to health interventions by providing personalized, adaptive interactions that improve over time based on user engagement. In nutrition education, given the wide variation in knowledge, skills, and abilities across participants, AI-based chatbots have the potential to enhance accessibility, engagement, and behavior change. Food is Medicine (FIM) interventions, which aim to improve food security and diet quality among multicultural, at-risk populations, often face challenges related to sustained engagement and use.

Objective: This paper describes the design, development, and iterative refinement of a bilingual AI-driven nutrition chatbot integrated into an FIM …

Response Of Reticulocyte And Red Blood Cell Indices To Single-Dose Intravenous Iron In Pregnant Women With Moderate Iron Deficiency Anemia: Secondary Analysis Of The Rapidiron Trial, Manjunath S. Somannavar, Sudhir Mehta, Dharmesh Kumar Sharma, Seema Mehta, Yogeshkumar S, Umesh Charantimath, Benjamin E. Leiby, Michael K. Georgieff, Zubair H. Aghai, Ashalata Mallapur, Umesh Ramadurg, Radha Sangavi, Praveen Patil, J. P. Akshaykirthan, Rupsa C. Boelig, Mrutyunjaya B. Bellad, Richard J. Derman

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy is a significant health concern. Reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent (Ret-He) and immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF) are emerging as early markers, yet their response to different iron therapies in pregnancy is underexplored.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether intravenous single-dose iron administration produces a more favorable effect on reticulocyte indices than oral iron therapy in anemic pregnant women.

METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of the RAPIDIRON Trial, a multicenter, three-arm randomized controlled trial comparing ferric carboxymaltose (FCM), ferric derisomaltose (FDM) and standard oral ferrous sulfate. Reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent (Ret-He), Immature Reticulocyte Fraction (IRF) and other red blood …

Identifying Delays Impacting Maternal And Perinatal Deaths Using A Facility-Based Death Audit Review System Integrated With Community Engagement: A Mixed Methods Study, Zahid Memon, Wardah Ahmed, Shah Muhammad, Sajid Soofi, Shanti Chouhan, Arjumad Rizvi, Paul Barach, Zulfiqar A. Bhutta

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Pakistan's persistently high maternal (178 per 100 000 livebirths) and neonatal (41 per 1000 livebirths) mortality ratios are compounded by lack of reliable data on the root causes and preventable risk factors, which hinders their effective use in improving care and progress toward safe, high-quality services. We sought to identify system delays impacting maternal and perinatal deaths using a facility-based death audit review system integrated with community engagement for implementing actionable solutions.

METHODS: We used a mixed methods, concurrent parallel study design at three secondary level healthcare facilities in District Matiari, Sindh, Pakistan. We reviewed 319 cases that included …

A Historical Analysis Of The Development Of Prenatal Care In The U. S., Kristen Montgomery Phd, Cnm, Aprn, Shelby Greene Bsn, Rn, Lauren Griffin Bsn, Rn, Destiny Lewis Bsn, Rn, Lauryn Lewis Bsn, Rn, Bryleigh Newberry Bsn, Rn, Brittany Scott Bsn, Rn

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Purpose: This paper examines the historical development of prenatal care in the United States, tracing its evolution from informal, home—based management to structured, evidence-based systems that are central to maternal and fetal health.

Aims: The specific aim of this project was to determine how prenatal care evolved in the United States.

Methods: A historical methods approach was used. Historical documents were reviewed using PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar to find relevant resources. Relevant articles were reviewed by the research team and analyzed for components regarding the development of prenatal care. All members of the research team reviewed the articles and …

Effects Of A Major Disruption On Mental Health Of Pregnant Women In South Carolina, Lizmarie Maldonado

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Mental health conditions are a leading cause of death among pregnant and postpartum women, and untreated mental health conditions are associated with adverse maternal and birth outcomes. Major disruptions, such as pandemics, hurricanes, or wildfires, create unprecedented challenges and may impose additional stressors during an already vulnerable time. Community or medical care disruptions during such events may lead to adverse health outcomes. This dissertation seeks to characterize the impact of a recent major disruption on mental health outcomes among pregnant women using administrative claims data for all births in South Carolina in 2019 and 2020. By leveraging unique data sources, …

Psychosocial Mediators Of A Physical Activity And Dietary Intervention In Pregnant Women With Overweight Or Obesity, Meghan Baruth, Sarah Wilcox, Jihong Liu, Rebecca Schlaff

Faculty Publications

Background

Mediation analyses provide insight into both ‘pieces’ of the mediation chain; they allow us to look into the ‘black box’ that is behavior change. They allow researchers to better understand the ‘how’ of an intervention’s effects and/or the ‘why’ behind why an intervention worked or did not work. The lack of publications in pregnant populations highlights the need for additional studies to be conducted and published. The purpose of this study is to examine the psychosocial mediators of physical activity and dietary outcomes in a sample of pregnant women with overweight or obesity participating in the Health in Pregnancy …

Comparison Of Levels Of Bmi, Stress, And Depression Of Women During The Prenatal Period Relative To Their Activity Levels, Kalayna King

Honors Theses

This study aimed to analyze the relationships between activity levels, Body Mass Index (BMI), stress levels, and depression symptoms in obese pregnant women in Arkansas. Two separate exercise intervention studies were combined in this analysis to ultimately give a sample size of 293 pregnant women who were randomized into standard of care group (control) and an exercise group (treatment/experimental) (n = 115 and n = 178, respectively). Women in the control groups were instructed to independently continue to follow the physical activity guidelines recommended by their gynecologist, whereas the experimental groups participated in a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise …

Endocrine Roles Of Vitamin D In Female Reproduction: Mechanisms And Clinical Implications, Azza Alsuwaidi, Fatme Alanouti, Dimitrios Papandreou

All Works

Vitamin D a fat-soluble steroid hormone signals through Vitamin D Receptors (VDRs) located throughout the ovaries, uterus, placenta, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland, influencing immune regulation and female reproductive physiology. This review of studies from 2013-2025 found consistent associations between low vitamin D status and various disorders in women of childbearing age. In Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), deficiency correlates with higher symptom severity, and evidence shows that supplementation significantly reduces total PMS scores, particularly improving mood-related domains. For uterine pathologies such as fibroids, endometriosis, and adenomyosis, low vitamin D status is linked to increased risk and severity. Repletion trials suggest antifibrotic and …

Estimation Of Hepcidin Level And Its Correlation With Iron State In Pregnant Women, Ghufran Mohammed Hussein, Nibras Yahya Hussein

Al-Qadisiyah Medical Journal

This study aimed for determination of serum hepcidin level and its association with ?iron ?state in pregnant women with and without anemia. ?This study comprises ?86 pregnant women divided into two groups, the first ?group comprises 49 pregnant women without iron deficiency ?anemia?, the second group comprises 37 pregnant women with iron ?deficiency anemia. ?Blood was drawn from all pregnant women for determination of serum ferritin and hepcidin concentrations. The results establish a significant decrease in serum ferritin ?and hepcidin concentrations in pregnant women with anemia as paralleled with pregnant women without anemia. The outcomes of linear regression analysis demonstrate …

Preliminary Evidence Of Blood Dna Methylation Changes In Pregnant Women Adhering To A Mediterranean Diet, Grace Tavelli, Nikki Schultz, Joanna Brisbane, Nina Kresoje, Samantha Lodge, Jeremy K. Nicholson, Nicola J. Armstrong, Desiree Silva, Nina D’Vaz, David Martino

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background/Objectives: Consumption of a Mediterranean diet (MD) has been associated with reduced incidence of non-communicable diseases and reduced overall mortality, with epigenomic effects representing plausible mediators. The aim of this pilot study was to explore potential epigenetic associations between DNA methylation markers in blood and adherence to an MD in pregnancy. Methods: Fifty-two pregnant women with high or low adherence to an MD throughout pregnancy, who participated in the BioMood ORIGINS study, were selected using an extremes-of-exposure design. DNA methylation (DNAm) profiles from whole blood were generated using the TWIST human methylome panel. We conducted both genome-wide and candidate gene-based …