Unveiling resilience: coelomic fluid bacteria's impact on plant metabolism and abiotic stress tolerance.

Earthworms' coelomic fluid (CF) has been discovered to possess properties that promote plant development. In particular, the earthworm's coelomic fluid-associated bacteria (CFB) are the primary factor influencing the plants' response. To investigate this, we used bacteria isolated from the CF and selected based on different plant growth-promoting traits, in a mesocosm ecosystem that includes plants. This experiment aimed to assess their impact on the metabolism of plants growing under abiotic stress environments (alkaline soil and nitrogen (N), phosphate (P), and potassium (K) deficit) and compare the lipid profiles of plants under the various treatments. We used seven different bacterial species isolated from the CF of Aporrectodea molleri and as a plant model Zea mays L. For the metabolomic analysis method, we used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry lipidomic. After observing the metabolomic profiles, we found that a few molecular pathways are involved in how plants react to bacterial biostimulants. The bacterial isolates belonging to Pantoea vagans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus paramycoides, and Bacillus thuringiensis have led to a significant increase in synthesizing several metabolites belonging to various chemical categories. Contrary to predictions, abiotic stress did not cause a drop in the composition and concentration of lipids in plants treated with the CFB, demonstrating the rigidity of the protective mechanisms. The statistical analysis based on the Pearson method revealed a positive significant correlation between plant growth parameters (length of the aerial part, surface of the leaves, and biomass) and some metabolites belonging to fatty acids, carboxylic acids, benzene derivatives, and alkanes. Moreover, the standard metabolic components of all treatments in much higher concentrations during bacterial treatments than the control treatment suggests that the bacteria have stimulated the overexpression of these metabolic components. According to these results, we could assume that plants treated with CFB exhibit an adaptability of abiotic stress defense mechanisms, which may be attributed to the upregulation of genes involved in lipid biosynthesis pathways.

Effect of mode of delivery on postpartum health-related quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to explore the impact of mode of delivery on health-related quality of life in mothers. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between May and August 2022 on healthy singleton pregnant women aged between 18 and 45 years. Data on socio-demographic variables, clinic features, pregnancy and birth characteristics, and neonatal outcomes were collected. Health-related quality of life was assessed by using EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 1,015 healthy pregnant women were included. The EQ-5D-5L index score was higher in those with regular sleep patterns (p<0.001), those who did physical activity (PA) during pregnancy (p<0.001), those who received spousal support (p<0.001), and those with very good and good perceived health (p<0.001). EQ-5D-5L index and EQ-5D-5L-VAS scores were lower in those with unplanned pregnancy, those who preferred cesarean section, those who had cesarean section, those who underwent episiotomy, and those who admitted to the intensive care unit (p<0.001). Emergency cesarean section and elective cesarean section had the lowest and second lowest health-related quality of life mean scores, while normal vaginal deliveries had the highest health-related quality of life mean scores, respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study showed that health-related quality of life was higher after vaginal delivery than after cesarean section. In addition, spousal support, regular sleep pattern, and PA during pregnancy play an important role in maternal health-related quality of life.

Impact of anthro-metabolic indices and gestational weight gain on maternal and neonatal outcomes: a prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of anthro-metabolic indices on maternal and neonatal outcomes. METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted on healthy mother-baby pairs between January 1, 2023 and July 1, 2023. Detailed sociodemographic information was collected through an interview with the mother. Clinical, biochemical, obstetric, fetal, and neonatal outcomes were abstracted from hospital medical records. Anthropometric measurements were obtained from the examination of mother-baby pairs. RESULTS: A total of 336 healthy mothers-children pairs were included. Mothers of newborn ≥4000 g had higher gestational age (p=0.003), body mass index (p=0.003), gestational weight gain (p=0.016), waist circumferences (p=0.002), and hip circumferences (p=0.001). gestational weight gain was associated with the mode of delivery (p=0.023). waist-to-hip ratio (p=0.005), gestational weight gain (p=0.013), and a body shape index (p<0.001) were associated with longer length of hospital stay. Age (p<0.001) and inter-pregnancy interval (p=0.004) were higher in pre-pregnancy underweight/obese mothers. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that maternal waist circumferences (AUC: 0.708, p=0.005), maternal weight (AUC: 0.690, p=0.010), and hip circumferences (AUC: 0.680, p=0.015) were sufficient to predict macrosomia (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated a significant association between gestational weight gain and cesarean delivery, prolonged hospital stay, and macrosomia. It was also found that maternal body mass index, waist circumferences, and hip circumferences during pregnancy were associated with macrosomia. On the contrary, no significant relationship was found between maternal anthro-metabolic characteristics and maternal-fetal and birth outcomes.

Plant growth-promoting bacteria isolated from earthworms enhance spinach growth and its phytoremediation potential in metal-contaminated soils.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of metal-tolerant plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) isolated from the chloragogenous tissue of Aporrectodea molleri, which represents a unique habitat. Our objectives were to investigate their effects on the growth of Spinacia oleracea under heavy metal stress and assess their potential for enhancing phytoremediation capabilities. The experiment was conducted in an alkaline soil contaminated with 7 mg kg-1 of cadmium, 100 mg kg-1 of nickel, 150 mg kg-1 of copper, 300 mg kg-1 of Zinc, and mg kg-1 of 600 Manganese. The results showed that heavy metal stress considerably diminished root (42.8%) and shoot length (60.1%), biomass (80%), chlorophyll content (41%), soil alkaline (45%), and acid (51%) phosphatases (42%) and urease (42%). However, soil inoculation with bacterial isolates remarkably improved plant growth. Soil bioaugmentation increased spinach growth (up to 74.5% for root length, up to 106.3% for shoot length, and up to 5.5 folds for fresh biomass) while significantly increasing soil enzyme activity and NPK content. Multivariate data analysis indicated that soil inoculation with Bacillus circulans TC7 promoted plant growth while limiting metal bioaccumulation, whereas Pseudomonas sp. TC33 and Bacillus subtilis TC34 increased metal bioaccumulation in spinach tissues while minimizing their toxicity. Our study confirms that earthworms are a reservoir of multi-beneficial bacteria that can effectively improve phytoremediation efficiency and mitigate the toxic effects of heavy metals on plant growth. Further studies are needed to investigate the long-term effects and feasibility of using these isolates as a consortium in field applications.

Impact of anthro-metabolic indices and gestational weight gain on maternal and neonatal outcomes: a prospective observational study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of anthro-metabolic indices on maternal and neonatal outcomes. METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted on healthy mother-baby pairs between January 1, 2023 and July 1, 2023. Detailed sociodemographic information was collected through an interview with the mother. Clinical, biochemical, obstetric, fetal, and neonatal outcomes were abstracted from hospital medical records. Anthropometric measurements were obtained from the examination of mother-baby pairs. RESULTS: A total of 336 healthy mothers-children pairs were included. Mothers of newborn ≥4000 g had higher gestational age (p=0.003), body mass index (p=0.003), gestational weight gain (p=0.016), waist circumferences (p=0.002), and hip circumferences (p=0.001). gestational weight gain was associated with the mode of delivery (p=0.023). waist-to-hip ratio (p=0.005), gestational weight gain (p=0.013), and a body shape ındex (p<0.001) were associated with longer length of hospital stay. Age (p<0.001) and inter-pregnancy interval (p=0.004) were higher in pre-pregnancy underweight/obese mothers. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that maternal waist circumferences (AUC: 0.708, p=0.005), maternal weight (AUC: 0.690, p=0.010), and hip circumferences (AUC: 0.680, p=0.015) were sufficient to predict macrosomia (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated a significant association between gestational weight gain and cesarean delivery, prolonged hospital stay, and macrosomia. It was also found that maternal body mass index, waist circumferences, and hip circumferences during pregnancy were associated with macrosomia. On the contrary, no significant relationship was found between maternal anthro-metabolic characteristics and maternal-fetal and birth outcomes.

Effect of mode of delivery on postpartum health-related quality of life

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to explore the impact of mode of delivery on health-related quality of life in mothers. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between May and August 2022 on healthy singleton pregnant women aged between 18 and 45 years. Data on socio-demographic variables, clinic features, pregnancy and birth characteristics, and neonatal outcomes were collected. Health-related quality of life was assessed by using EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 1,015 healthy pregnant women were included. The EQ-5D-5L index score was higher in those with regular sleep patterns (p<0.001), those who did physical activity (PA) during pregnancy (p<0.001), those who received spousal support (p<0.001), and those with very good and good perceived health (p<0.001). EQ-5D-5L index and EQ-5D-5L-VAS scores were lower in those with unplanned pregnancy, those who preferred cesarean section, those who had cesarean section, those who underwent episiotomy, and those who admitted to the intensive care unit (p<0.001). Emergency cesarean section and elective cesarean section had the lowest and second lowest health-related quality of life mean scores, while normal vaginal deliveries had the highest health-related quality of life mean scores, respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study showed that health-related quality of life was higher after vaginal delivery than after cesarean section. In addition, spousal support, regular sleep pattern, and PA during pregnancy play an important role in maternal health-related quality of life.

Effects of oxytocin induction on early postpartum hemorrhage, perineal integrity, and breastfeeding: a case-control study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the postpartum hemorrhage, perineal integrity, and breastfeeding results of mothers who underwent oxytocin induction in the first stage of labor in the early postpartum period. METHODS: This single-center observational case-control study was conducted in the obstetric unit of a public hospital in Istanbul. The study sampling included 44 pregnant women who received oxytocin induction (case group) and 44 pregnant women who did not receive oxytocin (control group). The Personal Information Form, LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool, Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale, Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, and Approximation Scale, and Postpartum Hemorrhage Collection Bag were used in data collection, and pad follow-up was carried out. RESULTS: The amount of hemorrhage in the first 24 h of the postpartum period and the mean Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, and Approximation Scale score were significantly higher in the case group. While 47.7% of the oxytocin-induced women had 1st or 2nd, and 11.4% had 3rd or 4th degrees of lacerations, 20.5% of the control group had 1st or 2nd, and 2.3% had 3rd or 4th degrees of lacerations. There was no significant difference between the mean scores of the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale and LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool in both groups. CONCLUSION: According to the study findings, it was determined that oxytocin induction administered in the first stage of labor increased hemorrhage and perineal trauma in the early postpartum period but did not affect the results of breastfeeding. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT04441125.

Effects of oxytocin induction on early postpartum hemorrhage, perineal integrity, and breastfeeding: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the postpartum hemorrhage, perineal integrity, and breastfeeding results of mothers who underwent oxytocin induction in the first stage of labor in the early postpartum period. METHODS: This single-center observational case-control study was conducted in the obstetric unit of a public hospital in Istanbul. The study sampling included 44 pregnant women who received oxytocin induction (case group) and 44 pregnant women who did not receive oxytocin (control group). The Personal Information Form, LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool, Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale, Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, and Approximation Scale, and Postpartum Hemorrhage Collection Bag were used in data collection, and pad follow-up was carried out. RESULTS: The amount of hemorrhage in the first 24 h of the postpartum period and the mean Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, and Approximation Scale score were significantly higher in the case group. While 47.7% of the oxytocin-induced women had 1st or 2nd, and 11.4% had 3rd or 4th degrees of lacerations, 20.5% of the control group had 1st or 2nd, and 2.3% had 3rd or 4th degrees of lacerations. There was no significant difference between the mean scores of the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale and LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool in both groups. CONCLUSION: According to the study findings, it was determined that oxytocin induction administered in the first stage of labor increased hemorrhage and perineal trauma in the early postpartum period but did not affect the results of breastfeeding. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04441125.

Investigation of the relationship between depression, cyberchondria levels and the quality of life of female students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This study aimed to explore the correlation between cyberchondria levels, depression risk, and the quality of life among female students amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The research was conducted with 534 female students enrolled in a public university. Participants were asked to complete a Personal Information Form, Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and "Short Form-36 (SF-36)" questionnaire. The findings from the multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the level of cyberchondria increased the depression risk by 0.06 times among students. Additionally, nonsmokers were found to have a depression risk that was 4.06 times lower than smokers. A negative and weak correlation was observed between the total score of the CSS and the SF-36 survey. Based on the study's results, it can be concluded that the participants exhibited a moderate level of cyberchondria. Moreover, the study revealed a decreased quality of life and an increased risk of depression in participants as their level of cyberchondria increased. In order to mitigate the adverse impact of current and future health crises, it is imperative to prioritize organizing educational programs aimed at enhancing the e-health literacy level among female students, along with interventions to manage cyberchondria behaviors.

Earthworm Aporrectodea molleri (oligochaeta)'s coelomic fluid-associated bacteria modify soil biochemical properties and improve maize (Zea mays L.) plant growth under abiotic stress conditions.

This study evaluated the impact of Aporrectodea molleri's coelomic fluid-associated bacteria (CFB) on Zea mays L. growth and soil biochemical characteristics under abiotic stress conditions, including alkaline soil (pH = 8) and nitrogen (N), phosphate (P), and potassium (K) deficit. Compared to maize cultivated in uninoculated soil, the effect of CFB on boosting plant growth under abiotic stress was notably exceptional. Different CFB treatments increased significantly root and shoot length by 50% and 21%, respectively. Furthermore, the presence of isolates in soil resulted in a significant increase in plant fresh and dry weights (of up to 113% and 91% for roots, and up to 173% and 44% for shoots), leaf surface (78%), and steam diameter (107%). Overall, soil inoculation with CFB significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced chlorophyll and water content in the plant compared to the untreated soil. Despite the soil's alkaline condition, CFB drastically boosted soil quality by increasing nutrient availability (up to 30 ppm for N, 2 ppm for P, and 60 ppm for K) and enzyme activity (up to 1.14 µg p-NP h-1 g-1 for acide phosphatase, 9 µg p-NP h-1 g-1 for alkaline phosphatase and 40 µg NH4-N 2 h-1 g-1 for urease), throughout the early stages of the growth period. Interestingly, alkaline phosphatase concentrations were substantially greater in treatments with different isolates than acid phosphatase. Furthermore, the principal component analysis showed that the inoculation with bacteria strains CFB1 Buttiauxella gaviniae and CFB3 Aeromonas hydrophila had a significantly better stimulatory stimulatory and direct influence on maize growth than the other isolates had a substantial effect on soil's biochemical features. Thus, we assumed that the beneficial contribution of earthworms in the rhizosphere might be attributed in large part to associated microorganisms.

Psychometric properties of the quality nursing care scale-turkish version: a methodological study.

AIM: To analyze the psychometric properties of the Quality Nursing Care Scale in Turkish Language. BACKGROUND: The quality of health services and nursing care effectively improves safe patient outcomes and reduces costs in healthcare organizations. There is a need for valid and reliable tools in order to use for evaluating the quality of nursing care. METHODS: The methodological and cross-sectional study included 225 nurses working in a research and training hospital. Content validity, construct validity, item analysis, and internal consistency analysis were used. RESULTS: The content validity index of the scale was 0.96. The item-total score correlation values of the items were 0.72 and higher. The factor loads of the items ranged from 0.42 to 0.90. Different from the original scale, Turkish form consisted of three sub-dimensions. The fit indices were acceptable or very good. The Cronbach's alpha internal consistency coefficient was 0.99. CONCLUSION: The Quality Nursing Care Scale was valid and reliable with its three-factor structure in Turkish Language. It may be used for measuring the quality of care in the aspects of nurses.

Effects of skin-to-skin contact on afterpain and postpartum hemorrhage: A randomized controlled trial.

This study determined the effects of skin-to-skin contact between the mother and the infant during the third stage of labor on postpartum hemorrhage and pain. This assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted with primiparous women. Skin-to-skin contact interventions between the infants and their mothers occurred for 30 min after birth (n = 34), whereas the infants in the control group were provided routine care (n = 34). Data were gathered using a Personal Information Form, the Visual Analog Scale-Pain, postpartum bleeding follow-up bags, and records of blood oxytocin and beta endorphin levels. There was no significant difference in beta-endorphin levels in both groups (p = 0.771), whereas it was determined that the 30th min oxytocin level was significantly higher in the intervention group (The Visual Analog Scale-Pain score at the postpartum sixth hour was significantly lower in the intervention group. It was found that skin-to-skin contact made at the third stage of labor reduced the amount of postpartum hemorrhage. The results of this study suggested that skin-to-skin contact intervention may have beneficial effects on postpartum pain and postpartum hemorrhage in the early postpartum period.

Hesitancy towards a COVID-19 vaccine among midwives in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional web-based survey.

INTRODUCTION: One of the most significant barriers to social immunization, which is critical in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, is vaccine hesitancy or rejection. The purpose of this study was to determine the acceptance, hesitancy and barriers to COVID-19 vaccines among midwives in Turkey. METHODS: A total of 806 midwives participated in the cross-sectional study, which was conducted online from November 2020 to January 2021. The data were collected by using an Introductory Information Form, Anti-Vaccination Scale - Short Form, and Attitudes to the COVID-19 Vaccine Scale. RESULTS: In all, 17.2% of the midwives in the study had a history of COVID-19 infection, which was confirmed by a PCR test; 69% were exposed to COVID-19 patients; 36.8% had a person diagnosed with COVID-19 with PCR in their family; and 18.1% had a relative die due to COVID-19. In the study, 16.8% of midwives considered getting the COVID-19 vaccine, while the majority (48.8%) stated they would get the vaccine once vaccine safety was established, while 10.5% stated that they did not wish to receive the vaccine. Insufficient phase studies of COVID-19 vaccine studies (75.6%) and insufficient control due to imported COVID-19 vaccines developed (48.1%) were among the most important determinants of COVID-19 vaccine reluctance. CONCLUSIONS: The potential acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccines by the study midwives was found to be low. The knowledge, confidence and attitude of midwives toward vaccines are important determinants of patients' vaccine acceptance and recommendation.

The relationship between mode of delivery and postpartum depression.

PURPOSE: Postpartum period is a critical interval in which the woman is under risk for psychiatric disorders including postpartum depression (PD). This study was performed to investigate the impact of the mode of delivery on the occurrence of PD in primiparous mothers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This correlational study was performed on 244 primiparous women (aged 15-49 years) in 17 primary health-care centers. Sociodemographic, obstetric, and PD-related data were gathered using questionnaires and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) on the 1st and 3rd months after delivery. The questionnaires were administered to all primiparous mothers who were registered to the relevant health-care center. Questionnaires were administered by the researcher for 25-30 min with face-to-face interview technique. RESULTS: Comparison of EPDS scores on the 1st and 3rd months indicated that there was a remarkable decline over time (Z = 11.112, P = 0.001). There was an inverse association between educational level and EPDS scores on the 3rd month (P = 0.037). On the other hand, no significant relationship was detected between age groups, occupation, income, place of accommodation, and EPDS scores. Evaluation of the relationship between obstetric features and EPDS scores revealed that desired and performed modes of delivery, induction, episiotomy, and spinal anesthesia were not linked with EPDS scores. The postpartum behavior (χ 2 = 10.315; P = 0.035) and feeding method of infants (χ 2 = 6.109; P = 0.013) were associated with EPDS scores on the 1st month, but not with EPDS scores on the 3rd month. CONCLUSION: Effective measures must be established for early recognition of factors affecting the occurrence of PD. Health planners and policymakers must spend their efforts for promotion of the knowledge and attitudes of mothers during pregnancy. Identification of factors for PD necessitates implementation of multicentric, controlled trials on larger series.

Drug and Chemical Glucosidation by Control Supersomes and Membranes from Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf) 9 Cells: Implications for the Apparent Glucuronidation of Xenobiotics by UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A5.

Accumulating evidence indicates that several human UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes catalyze both glucuronidation and glucosidation reactions. Baculovirus-infected insect cells [Trichoplusia ni and Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9)] are used widely for the expression of recombinant human UGT enzymes. Following the observation that control Supersomes (c-SUP) express a native enzyme capable of glucosidating morphine, we characterized the glucosidation of a series of aglycones with a hydroxyl (aliphatic or phenolic), carboxylic acid, or amine functional group by c-SUP and membranes from uninfected Sf9 cells. Although both enzyme sources glucosidated the phenolic substrates investigated, albeit with differing activities, differences were observed in the selectivities of the native UDP-glucosyltransferases toward aliphatic alcohols, carboxylic acids, and amines. For example, zidovudine was solely glucosidated by c-SUP. By contrast, c-SUP lacked activity toward the amines lamotrigine and trifluoperazine and did not form the acyl glucoside of mycophenolic acid, reactions all catalyzed by uninfected Sf9 membranes. Glucosidation intrinsic clearances were high for several substrates, notably 1-hydroxypyrene (∼1400-1900 µl/min⋅mg). The results underscore the importance of including control cell membranes in the investigation of drug and chemical glucosidation by UGT enzymes expressed in T. ni (High-Five) and Sf9 cells. In a coincident study, we observed that UGT1A5 expressed in Sf9, human embryonic kidney 293T, and COS7 cells lacked glucuronidation activity toward prototypic phenolic substrates. However, Sf9 cells expressing UGT1A5 glucosidated 1-hydroxypyrene with UDP-glucuronic acid as the cofactor, presumably due to the presence of UDP-glucose as an impurity. Artifactual glucosidation may explain, at least in part, a previous report of phenolic glucuronidation by UGT1A5.

Basal and apical regulation of VEGF-A and placenta growth factor in the RPE/choroid and primary RPE.

PURPOSE: Members of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family are strongly involved in pathological processes in the retina, such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Cells of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) constitutively secrete VEGF-A, and the secretion of placental growth factor (PlGF) has also been described. RPE cells are strongly polarized cells with different secretome at the apical and basal side. In this study, we evaluated the basal and apical regulation of VEGF-A and PlGF secretion in RPE/choroid explants and primary RPE cells. METHODS: RPE/choroid tissue explants were prepared from porcine eyes and cultivated in modified Ussing chambers, separating apical (RPE) and basal (choroid) supernatant. Primary RPE cells were also prepared from porcine eyes and cultivated on Transwell plates. Explants and cells were treated with inhibitors for VEGFR-2 (SU1498), p38 (SB203580), and the transcription factors nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and SP-1 (mithramycin), respectively. VEGF-A and PlGF content was evaluated with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, western blots were performed. RESULTS: In the RPE/choroid, VEGF-A can initially be found on the apical and basal sides with significantly more pronounced secretion on the basal side. VEGF-A secretion is differentially regulated on the apical and basal sides, with the inhibition of SP-1 and NF-κB showing strong effects apically and basally after 24 h and 48 h, the inhibition of p38 displaying its effect mainly on the basal side with some effect apically after 48 h, and the inhibition of VEGFR-2 reducing the secretion of VEGF only on the apical side at 24 h and 48 h. In the RPE cell culture, similar effects were found, with inhibition of NF-κB or SP-1 displaying a strong decrease in VEGF-A on both sides, and p38 inhibition displaying only an inhibitory effect on the basal side. In contrast, an apical effect of VEGFR-2 inhibition was not found. However, the western blot experiments exhibited a significant decrease in the VEGF-A protein under SU1498 treatment. In the RPE/choroid organ cultures, PlGF was initially found mainly on the basal site with only minute amounts of PlGF found apically. NF-κB and SP-1 were strongly involved in PlGF regulation apically and basally, while VEGFR2 and to a lesser degree p38 displayed some regulation at the basal site. In the primary RPE cell culture, PlGF was not found on the apical or basal side. CONCLUSIONS: VEGF-A and PlGF were constitutively secreted and regulated by the RPE/choroid complex, with PlGF secreted mainly by the choroid. Although the transcription factors NF-κB and SP-1 were involved in apical and basal regulation of both growth factors, VEGFR-2 displayed a strong polarity, with regulation of apical VEGF-A and basal PlGF secretion.