Maternal serum TXNDC5 levels and thiol/disulfide homeostasis in preeclamptic pregnancies

Thioredoxin Domain Containing 5 (TXNDC5): Friend or Foe?

This review focuses on the thioredoxin domain containing 5 (TXNDC5), also known as endoplasmic reticulum protein 46 (ERp46), a member of the protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) family with a dual role in multiple diseases. TXNDC5 is highly expressed in endothelial cells, fibroblasts, pancreatic β-cells, liver cells, and hypoxic tissues, such as cancer endothelial cells and atherosclerotic plaques. TXNDC5 plays a crucial role in regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and antioxidative stress. Its potential significance in cancer warrants further investigation, given the altered and highly adaptable metabolism of tumor cells. It has been reported that both high and low levels of TXNDC5 expression are associated with multiple diseases, such as arthritis, cancer, diabetes, brain diseases, and infections, as well as worse prognoses. TXNDC5 has been attributed to both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive features. It has been concluded that in cancer, TXNDC5 acts as a foe and responds to metabolic and cellular stress signals to promote the survival of tumor cells against apoptosis. Conversely, in normal cells, TXNDC5 acts as a friend to safeguard cells against oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Therefore, TXNDC5 could serve as a viable biomarker or even a potential pharmacological target.

Maternal Epilepsy and Umbilical Cord Blood Oxidative Stress Level

INTRODUCTION

We investigated the effect of epilepsy on cord blood oxidative stress status.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty (n = 30) pregnant women with epilepsy and thirty (n = 30) healthy controls enrolled in this case control study. Albumin and IMA values and dynamic thiol/disulfide parameters were measured.

RESULTS

Decreased native thiol and total thiol levels were found in the epilepsy group when compared to the control group (p: 0.001, p: 0.002). Higher IMA (p: 0.036) and lower albumin cord levels (P < 0.001) were measured in the epilepsy group with respect to the control group. Apgar scores at 1 and 5 miutes were lower in the epilepsy group (respectively; p = 0.012, p = 0.010). A negative correlation was found between IMA and cord pH value (r = 0.288 p = 0.034).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that epilepsy may alter thiol disulfide homeostasis and IMA levels.

Evaluation of Fetal Serum Thiol/Disulfide Homeostasis and Ischemia-Modified Albumin Levels in Fetal Distress

Aim: We investigated the association of fetal serum thiol/disulfide homeostasis and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels with fetal distress (FD). Methods: Umbilical cord blood for native thiol, total thiol, disulfide, albumin, and IMA analysis was obtained from 44 pregnant women over 34 weeks gestation undergoing cesarean section due to non-acute FD, and from 61 healthy pregnant women who underwent elective cesarean section Results: Native thiol and total thiol levels were significantly lower in the FD group (p = 0.02 and p = 0.014, respectively). Although disulfide/native thiol and disulfide/total thiol ratios were higher in the FD group, the difference was statistically insignificant (p = 0.805). The IMA levels were significantly higher in the FD group (p = 0.013). Conclusion: The thiol-disulfide homeostasis shifts toward the oxidant direction during the FD pathogenesis and the increased IMA levels may be the best indicator of an underlying non-acute ischemic condition.