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Parente E, Colannino G, Bilotta G, Espinola MSB, Proietti S, Oliva MM, Neri I, Aragona C, Unfer V. Effect of Oral High Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid (HMWHA), Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), Magnesium, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin D Supplementation in Pregnant Women: A Retrospective Observational Pilot Study. Clin Pract 2023; 13:1123-1129. [PMID: 37736936 PMCID: PMC10514820 DOI: 10.3390/clinpract13050100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background-Pregnancy represents a nutritional challenge, since macro- and micronutrients intake can affect mother' health and influence negative outcomes. The aim of this retrospective pilot study is to evidence whether the oral supplementation with high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMWHA), in association with alpha lipoic acid (ALA), magnesium, vitamin B6 and vitamin D, in pregnant women, could reduce adverse effects, such as PTB, pelvic pain, contraction and hospitalization. Methods-Data were collected from n = 200 women treated daily with oral supplements of 200 mg HMWHA, 100 mg ALA, 450 mg magnesium, 2.6 mg vitamin B6 and 50 mcg vitamin D (treatment group) and from n = 50 women taking with oral supplements of 400 mg magnesium (control group). In both groups, supplementation started from the 7th gestational week until delivery. Results-Oral treatment with HMWHA, in association with ALA, magnesium, vitamin B6 and vitamin D in pregnant women, significantly reduced adverse events, such as PTB (p < 0.01), pelvic pain and contractions (p < 0.0001), miscarriages (p < 0.05) and admission to ER/hospitalization (p < 0.0001) compared with the control group. Conclusions-Despite HMWHA having been poorly used as a food supplement in pregnant women, our results open a reassuring scenario regarding its oral administration during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Isabella Neri
- Obstetrics Unit, Mother Infant Department, University Hospital Policlinico of Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | | | - Vittorio Unfer
- UniCamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy
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Sharma N, Watkins OC, Chu AHY, Cutfield W, Godfrey KM, Yong HEJ, Chan SY. Myo-inositol: a potential prophylaxis against premature onset of labour and preterm birth. Nutr Res Rev 2023; 36:60-68. [PMID: 34526164 PMCID: PMC7614523 DOI: 10.1017/s0954422421000299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of preterm birth (PTB), delivery before 37 completed weeks of gestation, is rising in most countries. Several recent small clinical trials of myo-inositol supplementation in pregnancy, which were primarily aimed at preventing gestational diabetes, have suggested an effect on reducing the incidence of PTB as a secondary outcome, highlighting the potential role of myo-inositol as a preventive agent. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms by which myo-inositol might be able to do so remain unknown; these may occur through directly influencing the onset and progress of labour, or by suppressing stimuli that trigger or promote labour. This paper presents hypotheses outlining the potential role of uteroplacental myo-inositol in human parturition and explains possible underlying molecular mechanisms by which myo-inositol might modulate the uteroplacental environment and inhibit preterm labour onset. We suggest that a physiological decline in uteroplacental inositol levels to a critical threshold with advancing gestation, in concert with an increasingly pro-inflammatory uteroplacental environment, permits spontaneous membrane rupture and labour onset. A higher uteroplacental inositol level, potentially promoted by maternal myo-inositol supplementation, might affect lipid metabolism, eicosanoid production and secretion of pro-inflammatory chemocytokines that overall dampen the pro-labour uteroplacental environment responsible for labour onset and progress, thus reducing the risk of PTB. Understanding how and when inositol may act to reduce PTB risk would facilitate the design of future clinical trials of maternal myo-inositol supplementation and definitively address the efficacy of myo-inositol prophylaxis against PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Sharma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Oliver C Watkins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anne H Y Chu
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - W Cutfield
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Keith M Godfrey
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre and NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Hannah E J Yong
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shiao-Yng Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
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Petca A, Bot M, Maru N, Calo IG, Borislavschi A, Dumitrascu MC, Petca RC, Sandru F, Zvanca ME. Benefits of α-lipoic acid in high-risk pregnancies (Review). Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1232. [PMID: 34539828 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
α-Lipoic acid (ALA) is a natural molecule that is inconsistently synthesized by the human body and must be provided from exogenous sources, such as food and dietary supplements. Once absorbed, the oxidized form of ALA is transformed into its reduced form, dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA). ALA/DHLA exert direct and indirect antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and fine immunomodulatory effects. ALA/DHLA reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-17), while increasing the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10). They also inhibit cyclooxygenase 2, thereby decreasing the secretion of prostaglandin E2 and nitrogen oxide, and reducing the risk of miscarriage in the first trimester of pregnancy. In patients at risk of abortion, administration of ALA from the first trimester has shown efficacy by accelerating subchorionic hematoma resorption, with a significant decrease in the accompanying abdominal pain. ALA has been proven to be efficient in maintaining the length of the cervix and keeping it closed following one episode of premature labor. Preeclampsia is a dysfunction caused by abnormal placentation and an excessive maternal inflammatory response, leading to extreme hypoxia in the placental bed and exaggerated oxidative stress, with release of oxygen free radicals. Oxidative stress plays a key role in the development of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. The hypothesis of antioxidant supplementation may play an essential part in disease prevention and fetal neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Petca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Elias Emergency University Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Bot
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Elias Emergency University Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Nicoleta Maru
- Department of Anatomy, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ioana Gabriela Calo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Elias Emergency University Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea Borislavschi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Elias Emergency University Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai Cristian Dumitrascu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Razvan-Cosmin Petca
- Department of Urology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Urology, 'Prof. Dr. Th. Burghele' Clinical Hospital, 050659 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florica Sandru
- Department of Dermatology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Dermatology, Elias Emergency University Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mona Elena Zvanca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Elias Emergency University Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
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Kumar D, Moore RM, Sharma A, Mercer BM, Mansour JM, Moore JJ. In an in-vitro model using human fetal membranes, α-lipoic acid inhibits inflammation induced fetal membrane weakening. Placenta 2018; 68:9-14. [PMID: 30055672 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2018.06.305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We established an in-vitro model for the study of human fetal membrane (FM) weakening leading to pPROM. In this model, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a critical intermediate for both tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF; modeling infection/inflammation) and thrombin (modeling decidual bleeding/abruption)-induced weakening. Thus, inhibitors of FM weakening can be categorized as targeting GM-CSF production, GM-CSF downstream action, or both. Most progestogens inhibit both, except 17-α hydroxyprogesterone caproate which inhibits FM weakening at only one point, GM-CSF production. α-lipoic acid (LA), an over-the-counter dietary supplement, has also been previously shown to inhibit TNF and thrombin induced FM weakening. OBJECTIVE To determine the point of action of LA inhibition of FM weakening. METHODS FM fragments were mounted in Transwell inserts and preincubated with/without LA/24 h, then with/without addition of TNF, thrombin or GM-CSF. After 48 h, medium was assayed for GM-CSF, and FM fragments were rupture-strength tested. RESULTS TNF and thrombin both weakened FM and increased GM-CSF levels. GM-CSF also weakened FM. LA inhibited both TNF and thrombin induced FM weakening and concomitantly inhibited the increase in GM-CSF in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, LA inhibited GM-CSF induced FM weakening in a concentration dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS LA blocks TNF and thrombin induced FM weakening at two points, inhibiting both GM-CSF production and downstream action. Thus, we speculate that LA may be a potential standalone therapeutic agent, or supplement to current therapy for prevention of pPROM related spontaneous preterm birth, if preclinical studies to examine feasibility and safety during pregnancy are successfully accomplished.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Kumar
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Robert M Moore
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Anudeepa Sharma
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Brian M Mercer
- Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Joseph M Mansour
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - John J Moore
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA; Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Micili SC, Goker A, Kuscu K, Ergur BU, Fuso A. α-Lipoic Acid Vaginal Administration Contrasts Inflammation and Preterm Delivery in Rats. Reprod Sci 2018; 26:128-138. [PMID: 29631479 DOI: 10.1177/1933719118766266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
α-Lipoic acid (ALA) is a safe natural molecule involved in the immunomodulation of many physiological processes. Orally administered ALA has been reported to treat several inflammatory pathologies and support pregnancy. Our study aimed at testing ALA vaginal administration in female Wistar rats evaluating its tissue distribution (experiment I), impact on implantation process (experiment II), and effectiveness in contrasting induced preterm birth (experiment III). In experiment I, rats were intravaginally treated with 50 mg/kg or 500 mg/kg ALA, or with a physiologic solution, for 4 days. α-Lipoic acid distribution in uterus and cervical tissues was evaluated by immunohistochemical analyses. In experiment II, rats received intravaginally the above treatments for 5 days, then they were mated and, if pregnant, included in the experiment to evaluate both implantation rate and the content of implantation mediators in uterus tissues. In experiment III, pregnant rats were pretreated with placebo or with vaginal ALA for 4 days and then induced to delivery with mifepristone plus PGE2 on the 19th day of pregnancy. The delivery time was recorded, and the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected in the uterine tissues by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry was also performed. Results showed that vaginal ALA was well absorbed and distributed. The treatment did not affect the implantation process and was able to significantly revert mifepristone plus prostaglandin E2 effects, delaying the timing of delivery and significantly decreasing mRNA synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. We provide for the first time new information on vaginal ALA use, even during pregnancy, opening a perspective for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serap Cilaker Micili
- 1 Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Asli Goker
- 2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Kemal Kuscu
- 2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Bekir Ugur Ergur
- 1 Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Andrea Fuso
- 3 Department of Surgery "P. Valdoni," Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
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The physiology of fetal membrane weakening and rupture: Insights gained from the determination of physical properties revisited. Placenta 2016; 42:59-73. [PMID: 27238715 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 03/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Rupture of the fetal membranes (FM) is precipitated by stretch forces acting upon biochemically mediated, pre-weakened tissue. Term FM develop a para-cervical weak zone, characterized by collagen remodeling and apoptosis, within which FM rupture is thought to initiate. Preterm FM also have a weak region but are stronger overall than term FM. Inflammation/infection and decidual bleeding/abruption are strongly associated with preterm premature FM rupture (pPROM), but the specific mechanisms causing FM weakening-rupture in pPROM are unknown. There are no animal models for study of FM weakening and rupture. Over a decade ago we developed equipment and methodology to test human FM strength and incorporated it into a FM explant system to create an in-vitro human FM weakening model system. Within this model TNF (modeling inflammation) and Thrombin (modeling bleeding) both weaken human FM with concomitant up regulation of MMP9 and cellular apoptosis, mimicking the characteristics of the spontaneous FM rupture site. The model has been enhanced so that test agents can be applied directionally to the choriodecidual side of the FM explant consistent with the in-vivo situation. With this enhanced system we have demonstrated that the pathways involving inflammation/TNF and bleeding/Thrombin induced FM weakening overlap. Furthermore GM-CSF production was demonstrated to be a critical common intermediate step in both the TNF and the Thrombin induced FM weakening pathways. This model system has also been used to test potential inhibitors of FM weakening and therefore pPROM. The dietary supplement α-lipoic acid and progestogens (P4, MPA and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone) have been shown to inhibit both TNF and Thrombin induced FM weakening. The progestogens act at multiple points by inhibiting both GM-CSF production and GM-CSF action. The use of a combined biomechanical/biochemical in-vitro human FM weakening model system has allowed the pathways of fetal membrane weakening to be delineated, and agents that may be of clinical use in inhibiting these pathways to be tested.
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