Efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in gestational diabetes mellitus: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.

BACKGROUND: Trials have examined on the benefits of vitamin D supplementation in pregnant women. OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to evaluate whether oral vitamin D supplements, when given to pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), would improve maternal and neonatal outcomes, compared with no treatment or placebo. METHOD: We performed a systematic review following Cochrane methodology, and randomized trials were included where pregnant women with GDM received vitamin D supplementation versus placebo/no treatment or vitamin D and calcium versus placebo/no treatment. Primary outcomes were preeclampsia, preterm birth, cesarean delivery, gestational hypertension, and adverse events related to vitamin D supplementation. The search strategies were applied to the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, and CENTRAL. Similar outcomes in at least two trials were plotted using Review Manager 5.3 software. The quality of evidence was generated according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). RESULTS: The total of 1224 references were identified, eleven trials were potentially eligible, and six were included in this review (totaling 456 women). The meta-analysis of frequency of cesarean deliveries did not show significant differences between groups, none of the trials evaluated the remaining primary outcomes. For secondary outcomes, our results suggest that vitamin D supplementation in pregnant women with GDM may reduce newborn complications such as hyperbilirubinemia, polyhydramnios (RR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.23 to 0.68; RR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.89; respectively), and the need for maternal or infant hospitalization (RR: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.98; RR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.23 to 0.69). However, the evidence was of low or very low quality. CONCLUSION: We did not find moderate or high quality evidence indicating that vitamin D supplementation, when compared with placebo, improves glucose metabolism, adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes related to GDM in pregnant women.

Maternal adipokines and insulin as biomarkers of pregnancies complicated by overweight and obesity.

BACKGROUND: Maternal obesity is associated with several adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study was conducted aiming to evaluate maternal levels of adipokines and insulin in pregnancies complicated by overweight and obesity and its correlations with maternal and fetal outcomes. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 72 mother-newborn pairs. Mothers were classified as having normal weight (n = 23), overweight (n = 18), and obesity (n = 31). Maternal adiponectin, leptin, resistin and insulin levels at the end of pregnancy were compared among groups and correlated with maternal and perinatal outcomes. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and correlation tests, with a p value <0.05 being considered as significant. RESULTS: Obese pregnant women showed higher leptin levels (p = 0.0021). Leptin levels were positively correlated with prepregnancy body mass index-BMI (r = 0.57), gestational (37 or 38 weeks of gestation) BMI (r = 0.39), hypertension (r = 0.27), and hyperglycemia (r = 0.30), and negatively associated with newborns' abdominal circumference (r = -0.25). Adiponectin concentrations were negatively correlated with gestational BMI (r = -0.29) and newborns' cephalic circumference (r = -0.27) and positively correlated with birth weight (r = 0.23). Insulin concentrations correlated positively with prepregnancy BMI (r = 0.38), gestational BMI (r = 0.24) and maternal hyperglycemia (r = 0.26). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the relationship between markers of obesity and maternal-fetal outcomes. Maternal insulin and adipokines levels showed an independent relationship with mother and newborns outcomes, respectively. In this studied population, the results indirectly reinforce the importance of maternal weight control before and during pregnancy to avoid adverse outcomes to mother and their newborns.

Contamination index. A novel parameter for metal and pesticide analyses in maternal blood and umbilical cord.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the contamination index of metals and pesticides in pregnant women, and to relate this to perinatal outcomes. METHODS: Descriptive, retrospective, exploratory study, developed from existing secondary data analyses at Level III maternity center. A total of 40 mothers with their newborns (NB), living in a rural area in Botucatu- Brazil and surrounding region. Blood samples from mothers and newborn were collected to determine the total contamination index for metals and pesticides. The concentrations of each metal and each pesticide were determined in blood samples of mothers and their newborns by Rudge's results. After obtaining these concentrations, the total contamination index in mother and NB was calculated, along with its correlation with clinical parameters of NB. RESULTS: There was no correlation (p> 0.05) between maternal contamination index with NB clinical parameters, and NB contamination index versus NB clinical parameters. CONCLUSION: The maternal contamination index of metals and pesticides was not related to perinatal outcomes, but it could be used as baseline parameter in future toxicological studies, regarding to long-term toxic characteristics as persistent organic pollutants, its long half-lives, bioacumulative, and expected to impose serious health effects on humans.

Validation of a symphysis-fundal height chart developed for pregnancy complicated by diabetes and hyperglycemia: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: The present study validates a symphysis-fundal height chart (SFH-chart) for pregnant women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and mild gestational hyperglycemia (MGH) attending at the Diabetes and Pregnancy Reference Service of the Botucatu Medical School, UNESP, Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate the performance of the specific FHC in predicting small (SGA) and large (LGA) for gestational age newborns (NB). We evaluated 206 pregnant women with DM2, GDM or MGH and their NB. The last symphysis-fundal height measure, taken at birth, was used to determine the sensitivity index (Sens), specificity index (Spe), positive prediction value (PPV), negative prediction value (NPV) and accuracy in predicting SGA and LGA. The gold standard was the Lubchenco birth weight/gestational age ratio evaluated at birth. RESULTS: The mothers showed adequate glycemic control; 91.3 % of all pregnant women achieved HbA1c < 6,5 % in the third trimester. The SFH-chart tested achieved 100 % of Sens and NPV in predicting both SGA and LGA, with accuracy of 90.3 % (85.5; 93.6) and 91.8 % (87.2; 94.8), respectively, for predicting SGA and LGA newborns. CONCLUSIONS: The Basso SFH-chart showed high performance in predicting both SGA and LGA newborns of DM-2, GDM and MGH mothers, with better performance than the national reference SFH-chart. These findings support the internal validation of the Basso SFH-chart, which may be implemented in the prenatal care of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Reference Service-Botucatu Medical School/UNESP.

Maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by overweight and obesity.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity are associated with pregnancy complications and adverse perinatal outcomes, posing short and long-term risks for maternal and child health. This study evaluated maternal, delivery and neonatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by overweight and obesity. METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional study included 258 pregnant women. According to prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), participants were classified as normal weight, overweight, or obese. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test and analysis of variance followed by the Tukey test. Logistic regression was performed to calculate odds ratios and 95 % confidence intervals (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Most women ≥ 35 years old were overweight (22.7 %) and obese (27.6 %). Prepregnancy diabetes was significantly associated with obesity (15.7 %, p < 0.000). Obese women showed the lowest weight gain (9.6 ± 7.5Kg). Overweight and obese women practiced physical exercise more frequently (p = 0.010) than normal weight women. A greater proportion of obese mothers (13.4 %) had large for gestational age babies (p = 0.021), with higher thoracic circumference (33.6 ± 2.0 cm) and abdominal circumference (31.6 ± 2.3 cm). Obesity increased the risk of developing hypertension (OR = 7.0; 3.1-15.9), hyperglycemic disturbances (OR = 5.5; 2.9-10.6) and HbA1c ≥ 6.5 % (OR = 3.7; 1.2-11.1). The infants born to obese mothers had longer hospital stay (3.9 ± 3.9 days) (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Our results confirm that obesity in pregnancy can lead to adverse outcomes, and underscore the importance of identifying and treating inadequate weight status during pregnancy.

Contamination index. A novel parameter for metal and pesticide analyses in maternal blood and umbilical cord

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To evaluate the contamination index of metals and pesticides in pregnant women, and to relate this to perinatal outcomes. METHODS: Descriptive, retrospective, exploratory study, developed from existing secondary data analyses at Level III maternity center. A total of 40 mothers with their newborns (NB), living in a rural area in Botucatu- Brazil and surrounding region. Blood samples from mothers and newborn were collected to determine the total contamination index for metals and pesticides. The concentrations of each metal and each pesticide were determined in blood samples of mothers and their newborns by Rudge's results. After obtaining these concentrations, the total contamination index in mother and NB was calculated, along with its correlation with clinical parameters of NB. RESULTS: There was no correlation (p> 0.05) between maternal contamination index with NB clinical parameters, and NB contamination index versus NB clinical parameters. CONCLUSION: The maternal contamination index of metals and pesticides was not related to perinatal outcomes, but it could be used as baseline parameter in future toxicological studies, regarding to long-term toxic characteristics as persistent organic pollutants, its long half-lives, bioacumulative, and expected to impose serious health effects on humans.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in non-diabetic, pregnant Angolan women according to four diagnostic criteria and its effects on adverse perinatal outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors for type 2 diabetes (Type2 DM) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and its prevalence varies based on region, population, and sex. Newborns of women with MetS have a greater risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. This study explores the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in non-diabetic, pregnant Angolan women and the adverse perinatal outcomes associated with it. METHODS: This cross-sectional study collected the demographic, anthropometric and clinical data of 675 pregnant women in the maternity ward of General Hospital in Huambo, Angola. Metabolic syndrome was defined using four criteria: the third report of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel (ATPIII), the Joint Interim Statement (JIS), and definitions by both Bartha et al. and Chatzi et al. RESULTS: The crude prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 36.6 % based on the JIS definition, 29.2 % based on NCEP ATPIII, 12.6 % based on Chatzi et al. and 1.8 % based on Bartha et al. In general, the prevalence of adverse perinatal outcomes was 14.1 %. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome, depending on the criteria used, and thus a great need to harmonize the criteria and cutoff points. Perinatal adverse outcomes were higher in pregnant women with metabolic syndrome.

Oxidative stress status and placental implications in diabetic rats undergoing swimming exercise after embryonic implantation.

The potential benefits and risks of physical exercise on fetal development during pregnancy remain unclear. The aim was to analyze maternal oxidative stress status and the placental morphometry to relate to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) from diabetic female rats submitted to swimming program after embryonic implantation. Pregnant Wistar rats were distributed into 4 groups (11 animals/group): control-nondiabetic sedentary rats, control exercised-nondiabetic exercised rats, diabetic-diabetic sedentary rats, and diabetic exercised-diabetic exercised rats. A swimming program was used as an exercise model. At the end of pregnancy, the maternal oxidative stress status, placental morphology, and fetal weight were analyzed. The swimming program was not efficient to reduce the hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress. This fact impaired placental development, resulting in altered blood flow and energy reserves, which contributed to a deficient exchange of nutrients and oxygen for the fetal development, leading to IUGR.

DNA damage and its cellular response in mother and fetus exposed to hyperglycemic environment.

The increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a key role in pathogenesis of diabetic complications. ROS are generated by exogenous and endogenous factors such as during hyperglycemia. When ROS production exceeds the detoxification and scavenging capacity of the cell, oxidative stress ensues. Oxidative stress induces DNA damage and when DNA damage exceeds the cellular capacity to repair it, the accumulation of errors can overwhelm the cell resulting in cell death or fixation of genome mutations that can be transmitted to future cell generations. These mutations can lead to and/or play a role in cancer development. This review aims at (i) understanding the types and consequences of DNA damage during hyperglycemic pregnancy; (ii) identifying the biological role of DNA repair during pregnancy, and (iii) proposing clinical interventions to maintain genome integrity. While hyperglycemia can damage the maternal genetic material, the impact of hyperglycemia on fetal cells is still unclear. DNA repair mechanisms may be important to prevent the deleterious effects of hyperglycemia both in mother and in fetus DNA and, as such, prevent the development of diseases in adulthood. Hence, in clinical practice, maternal glycemic control may represent an important point of intervention to prevent the deleterious effects of maternal hyperglycemia to DNA.

Oxidative Stress in Maternal Blood and Placenta From Mild Diabetic Rats.

The aim of the present study was at evaluating the effects of oxidative stress in blood and placenta of mild diabetic Wistar rats. At birth, Wistar rats received citrate buffer (nondiabetic group, n = 15) and another group received streptozotocin (100 mg/kg, subcutaneous) to induce mild diabetes (diabetic, n = 15). The glycemia of these pregnant adult female rats were evaluated at days 0, 7, 14, and 21 of pregnancy, and at term pregnancy, the blood and placental samples were collected for oxidative stress measurements. The mild diabetes caused glycemia superior to 120 mg/dL during pregnancy, increased superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase activities, and malondialdehyde levels in the blood, and catalase activity in the placenta. Thus, mild diabetes increased activities of antioxidant substances aiming at defending against the exacerbated oxidative stress but were not enough. The placenta also answered to diabetic milieu and increased antioxidant defense, showing that even a mild hyperglycemia was enough to cause placental and maternal blood changes.

Does hyperglycemia in pregnancy change fetal kidney growth? A longitudinal prospective study.

PURPOSE: To measure fetal renal volume in normoglycemic and hyperglycemic pregnancies. METHODS: A longitudinal prospective study was conducted and included 92 hyperglycemic and 339 normoglycemic pregnant women attended at the prenatal service of a hospital from Rio de Janeiro State. Ultrasound examinations were performed to estimate gestational age at baseline and the kidney volume was estimated using the prolate ellipsoid volume equation. RESULTS: Fetal kidney volume growth between normoglycemic and hyperglycemic pregnancies are significantly different. The fetal kidney volume growth in pregnancy is positively correlated with gestational age explained by these predictor equations, by group: normal renal volume = exp (6.186 + 0.09 × gestational week); hyperglycemic renal volume = exp (6.978 + 0.071 × gestational week) and an excessive growth pattern for hyperglycemic pregnancies may be established according to gestational age. CONCLUSION: This is important for early detection of abnormalities in pregnancy, particularly in diabetic mothers.

Azadirachta indica treatment on the congenital malformations of fetuses from rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Azadirachta indica A. Juss, popularly known as neem, presents medicinal and insecticide properties. However, the repercussions of the neem maternal treatment on fetal development should be investigated. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluated the effects of Azadirachta indica (neem) on the frequency of congenital malformations in fetuses from rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pregnant rats were randomly distributed into three experimental groups: NT=non-treated; TOil=treated with neem seed oil (1.2 mL/day); TAP=treated with active principle of Azadirachta indica (azadirachtin-1.0 mg/mL/day). The neem oil (1.2 mL/day) or azadirachtin (1.0 mg/mL/day) treatments were orally administered throughout pregnancy. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 7, 14 and 20 of pregnancy. Oral glucose test tolerance (OGTT) was performed at day 17 of pregnancy for estimation of total area under the curve (AUC). At term, the fetuses were collected and external and internal (visceral and skeletal) malformations were analyzed. RESULTS: The data showed that the dams treated with neem seed oil and Azadirachtin had no significant change in glucose levels and AUC. It was also verified that neem oil treatment contributed to increase the frequency of malformation/variation, in particular the visceral in their fetuses, while neither significant result was observed in TAP group. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, neem seed oil treatment administered during pregnancy caused abnormalities in rat fetuses, showing teratogenic effect but the Azadirachtin (active principle) presented no impairment in the fetuses.

[Translational research in gestational diabetes mellitus and mild gestational hyperglycemia: current knowledge and our experience]. / Pesquisa translacional em diabetes melito gestacional e hiperglicemia gestacional leve: conhecimento atual e nossa experiência.

Maternal diabetes constitutes an unfavorable environment for fetal-placental and embryonic development. It is has important repercussion in modern obstetrics, since it is associated to an increased risk of neonatal and maternal morbidity, and it still is a significant medical challenge. The increased occurrence of diabetes worldwide, the increase in diabetes type 2 in women at reproductive age and the crossed generation of intrauterine programming for diabetes type 2 are the bases for the growing interest in utilization of diabetic experimental samples, with the aim to acquire knowledge about the mechanisms that induce development alterations in gestational diabetes. Several studies have shown the benefits of diabetes prevention, with interventions in lifestyle, metabolic improvement and control of cardiovascular risk factors to substantially prevent the complications of this devastating disease. Despite these findings, the recent revolution in the scientific knowledge, and the infinite number of new therapies for diabetes, there is still a large gap between what was learned through research and what is really done in public, clinical and community health. The negative economic impact of this complacency in people, families, and national economies is alarming. It is expected that translational research in the binomial diabetes and pregnancy are implemented in centers of excellence, in both basic and applied research, and complemented by multicenter clinical studies, conducted in a pragmatic way to increase the level of scientific evidence with more reliable diagnostic and propaedeutic resources.

Does hyperglycemia in pregnancy change fetal kidney growth?: a longitudinal prospective study / A hiperglicemia na gravidez altera o crescimento renal fetal?: um estudo prospectivo longitudinal

PURPOSE: To measure fetal renal volume in normoglycemic and hyperglycemic pregnancies. METHODS: A longitudinal prospective study was conducted and included 92 hyperglycemic and 339 normoglycemic pregnant women attended at the prenatal service of a hospital from Rio de Janeiro State. Ultrasound examinations were performed to estimate gestational age at baseline and the kidney volume was estimated using the prolate ellipsoid volume equation. RESULTS: Fetal kidney volume growth between normoglycemic and hyperglycemic pregnancies are significantly different. The fetal kidney volume growth in pregnancy is positively correlated with gestational age explained by these predictor equations, by group: normal renal volume = exp (6.186+0.09×gestational week); hyperglycemic renal volume = exp (6.978+0.071×gestational week) and an excessive growth pattern for hyperglycemic pregnancies may be established according to gestational age. CONCLUSION: This is important for early detection of abnormalities in pregnancy, particularly in diabetic mothers.

OBJETIVO: O estudo foi desenvolvido para medir o volume renal fetal em gestações normoglicêmicas e hiperglicêmicas. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo longitudinal, incluindo 92 gestantes hiperglicêmicas e 339 normoglicêmicas que procuraram o serviço pré-natal de um hospital no estado do Rio de Janeiro. A ultrassonografia foi realizada para estimar idade gestacional e volume renal foi estimado utilizando a equação de volume elipsoide. RESULTADOS: O crescimento fetal e os volumes renais entre gestações normoglicêmicas e hiperglicêmicas são estatisticamente distintos. O aumento do volume renal fetal na gravidez é correlacionada com a idade gestacional, de acordo com as seguintes equações preditores, por grupo: volume renal normal = exp (6,186+0,09×semana de gestação); e volume renal hiperglicêmico = exp (6,978+0,071×semana de gestação). CONCLUSÃO: Estes dados são importantes para detecção precoce de anormalidades na gravidez, principalmente em mães diabéticas.

Pesquisa translacional em diabetes melito gestacional e hiperglicemia gestacional leve: conhecimento atual e nossa experiência / Translational research in gestational diabetes mellitus and mild gestational hyperglycemia: current knowledge and our experience

O diabetes materno constitui um ambiente desfavorável para o desenvolvimento embrionário e feto-placentário. É uma repercussão de importância na obstetrícia moderna, visto que está associado a um risco aumentado de morbidade materna e neonatal e continua a ser um desafio médico significativo. O aumento mundial na incidência do diabetes, o aumento do diabetes tipo 2 em mulheres em idade reprodutiva e a geração cruzada da programação intrauterina do diabetes tipo 2 são as bases para o interesse crescente na utilização de modelos experimentais diabéticos, a fim de obter conhecimento sobre os mecanismos que induzem as alterações de desenvolvimento no diabetes gestacional. Vários estudos têm demonstrado os benefícios da prevenção do diabetes com intervenções no estilo de vida, melhora metabólica e controle de fator de risco cardiovascular para evitar substancialmente as complicações devastadores da doença. Apesar desses achados e a revolução recente no conhecimento científico e infinidade de novas terapias do diabetes, continua a haver uma grande lacuna entre o que foi aprendido por meio da pesquisa e o que é feito na prática da saúde pública, clínica e comunitária. O iminente impacto econômico negativo dessa complacência nos indivíduos, nas famílias e nas economias nacionais é alarmante. Espera-se que a pesquisa translacional no binômio diabetes-gravidez seja implementada em centros de excelência tanto de pesquisa básica como aplicada e complementada por estudos clínicos multicêntricos, conduzidos de forma pragmática para aumentar o nível de evidência científica com recursos diagnósticos e propedêuticos mais confiáveis.

Maternal diabetes constitutes an unfavorable environment for fetal-placental and embryonic development. It is has important repercussion in modern obstetrics, since it is associated to an increased risk of neonatal and maternal morbidity, and it still is a significant medical challenge. The increased occurrence of diabetes worldwide, the increase in diabetes type 2 in women at reproductive age and the crossed generation of intrauterine programming for diabetes type 2 are the bases for the growing interest in utilization of diabetic experimental samples, with the aim to acquire knowledge about the mechanisms that induce development alterations in gestational diabetes. Several studies have shown the benefits of diabetes prevention, with interventions in lifestyle, metabolic improvement and control of cardiovascular risk factors to substantially prevent the complications of this devastating disease. Despite these findings, the recent revolution in the scientific knowledge, and the infinite number of new therapies for diabetes, there is still a large gap between what was learned through research and what is really done in public, clinical and community health. The negative economic impact of this complacency in people, families, and national economies is alarming. It is expected that translational research in the binomial diabetes and pregnancy are implemented in centers of excellence, in both basic and applied research, and complemented by multicenter clinical studies, conducted in a pragmatic way to increase the level of scientific evidence with more reliable diagnostic and propaedeutic resources.

Prevalence of urinary incontinence and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction in primiparae two years after cesarean section: cross-sectional study.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: There is uncertainty in the literature regarding the theory that obstetric events and pelvic floor injuries give rise to lower risk of subsequent urinary incontinence among women delivering via cesarean section than among women delivering vaginally. The objective of this study was to assess the two-year postpartum prevalence of urinary incontinence and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction and the factors responsible for them. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study, conducted in a public university. METHODS: 220 women who had undergone elective cesarean section or vaginal childbirth two years earlier were selected. Their urinary incontinence symptoms were investigated, and their pelvic floor muscle dysfunction was assessed using digital palpation and a perineometer. RESULTS: The two-year urinary incontinence prevalences following vaginal childbirth and cesarean section were 17% and 18.9%, respectively. The only risk factor for pelvic floor muscle dysfunction was weight gain during pregnancy. Body mass index less than 25 kg/m 2 and normal pelvic floor muscle function protected against urinary incontinence. Gestational urinary incontinence increased the risk of two-year postpartum urinary incontinence. CONCLUSION: Gestational urinary incontinence was a crucial precursor of postpartum urinary incontinence. Weight gain during pregnancy increased the subsequent risk of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, and elective cesarean section did not prevent urinary incontinence.

Prevalence of urinary incontinence and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction in primiparae two years after cesarean section: cross-sectional study / Prevalência de incontinência urinária e disfunção muscular do assoalho pélvico em primíparas dois anos após parto cesárea: estudo transversal

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE There is uncertainty in the literature regarding the theory that obstetric events and pelvic floor injuries give rise to lower risk of subsequent urinary incontinence among women delivering via cesarean section than among women delivering vaginally. The objective of this study was to assess the two-year postpartum prevalence of urinary incontinence and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction and the factors responsible for them. DESIGN AND SETTING Cross-sectional study, conducted in a public university. METHODS 220 women who had undergone elective cesarean section or vaginal childbirth two years earlier were selected. Their urinary incontinence symptoms were investigated, and their pelvic floor muscle dysfunction was assessed using digital palpation and a perineometer. RESULTS The two-year urinary incontinence prevalences following vaginal childbirth and cesarean section were 17% and 18.9%, respectively. The only risk factor for pelvic floor muscle dysfunction was weight gain during pregnancy. Body mass index less than 25 kg/m 2 and normal pelvic floor muscle function protected against urinary incontinence. Gestational urinary incontinence increased the risk of two-year postpartum urinary incontinence. CONCLUSION Gestational urinary incontinence was a crucial precursor of postpartum urinary incontinence. Weight gain during pregnancy increased the subsequent risk of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, and elective cesarean section did not prevent urinary incontinence. .

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO É ainda controversa na literatura a teoria de que eventos obstétricos e traumas no assoalho pélvico representariam menor risco para mulheres submetidas ao parto cesárea do que para aquelas submetidas a parto vaginal, no tocante a subsequente incontinência urinária. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de incontinência urinária e disfunção muscular do assoalho pélvico dois anos após o parto e os fatores responsáveis por elas. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL Estudo transversal conduzido em universidade pública. MÉTODOS Foram selecionadas 220 mulheres dois anos após parto cesáreo eletivo ou parto vaginal. Foram avaliados sintomas de incontinência urinária e disfunção muscular do assoalho pélvico por palpação digital e perineômetro. RESULTADOS A prevalência de incontinência urinária dois anos após parto vaginal e cesárea foi de 17% e 18,9% respectivamente. O único fator de risco para disfunção muscular do assoalho pélvico foi o ganho de peso durante a gestação. Índice de massa corporal inferior a 25 kg/m 2 e disfunção muscular do assoalho pélvico normal foram fatores de proteção contra incontinência urinária. Incontinência urinária na gestação aumentou o risco de incontinência urinária dois anos pós-parto. CONCLUSÃO Incontinência urinária gestacional foi um precursor crucial de incontinência urinária pós-parto. O ganho de peso durante a gestação aumentou o risco posterior de disfunção muscular do assoalho pélvico e o parto cesárea eletivo não foi uma ação de prevenção para a ...

Diabetic rats exercised prior to and during pregnancy: maternal reproductive outcome, biochemical profile, and frequency of fetal anomalies.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of exercise prior to or during pregnancy on maternal reproductive outcome, biochemical profile, and on fetal anomaly frequency in a rat pregnancy model utilizing chemically induced diabetes. Wistar rats (minimum n = 11 animals/group) were randomly assigned the following groups: group 1 (G1), sedentary, nondiabetic; G2, nondiabetic, exercised during pregnancy; G3, nondiabetic, exercised prior to and during pregnancy; G4, sedentary, diabetic; G5, diabetic, exercised during pregnancy; and G6, diabetic, exercised prior to and during pregnancy. A swimming program was utilized for moderate exercise. On day 21 of pregnancy, all rats were anesthetized to obtain blood for biochemical measurements. The gravid uterus was weighed with its contents, and the fetuses were analyzed. The nondiabetic rats exercised prior to pregnancy presented a reduced maternal weight gain. Besides, G2 and G3 groups showed decreased fetal weights at term pregnancy, indicating slight intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). In the diabetic dams, the swimming program did not have antihyperglycemic effects. The exercise applied only during pregnancy caused severe IUGR, as confirmed by reduced fetal weight mean, fetal weight classification, and ossification sites. Nevertheless, exercise was not a teratogenic factor and improved the rats' lipid profiles, demonstrating that the exercise presented possible benefits, but there are also risks prior and during pregnancy, especially in diabetic pregnant women.

Effect of oral supplementation of the linoleic and gammalinolenic acids on the diabetic pregnant rats

The aim of this work was to evaluate the direct protective action of oral fatty acid supplementation against the deleterious effect of hyperglycemia on maternal reproductive outcomes; fetal growth and development on female Wistar rats. The animals were distributed into four experimental groups: G1= non-diabetic without supplementation (Control group); G2= non-diabetic treated with linoleic (LA) and gammalinolenic acid (GLA) (1 mL of Gamaline-V/day); G3= diabetic without supplementation and G4= diabetic treated with LA and GLA. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (40 mg/kg). At day 21 of pregnancy, the gravid uterus was weighed and dissected to count the dead and live fetuses, resorption, implantation, and corpora lutea numbers. The fetuses were analyzed for external and internal anomalies. The treatment with Gamaline-V supplementation to diabetic rats interfered in the maternal reproductive outcome (reduced number of live fetuses and embryonic implantation); however, it protected the deleterious on the incidence of congenital anomalies caused by hyperglycemia.

Treatment with Azadirachta indica in diabetic pregnant rats: negative effects on maternal outcome.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The role of Azadirachta indica (neem) against Chagas disease and its antibiotic and antidiabetic action have been demonstrated in non-pregnant animals. However, the effects of neem on lipid metabolism and oxidative stress during pregnancy remain to be investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Azadirachta indica (neem) on maternal reproductive performance and biochemical parameters in non-diabetic and streptozotocin-induced mild diabetic rats (MD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pregnant rats were randomly distributed into six experimental groups: ND=non-treated non-diabetic (n=13); NDOil=non-diabetic treated with 1.2 mL/day neem seed oil (n=12); NDPA=non-diabetic treated with 1.0mg/mL/day azadirachtin (n=12); D=non-treated diabetic (n=13); DOil: diabetic treated with neem seed oil (n=12), and DPA=diabetic treated with azadirachtin, n=13. Treatment with either neem oil (1.2 mL/day) or azadirachtin (1.0mg/mL/day) was orally administered throughout pregnancy. Glucose test tolerance (GTT) was performed at day 17 of pregnancy and used as an inclusion criterion. At term pregnancy, maternal reproductive outcomes, lipid profile and oxidative stress status were assessed. RESULTS: Treatment with neem oil and azadirachtin during pregnancy (1) had no hypoglycemic and anti-hyperglycemic effects on non-diabetic and diabetic rats, respectively; (2) affected OGTT glycemic levels in diabetic rats; (3) increased the proportion of fetuses classified as small for pregnancy age (SPA) in all groups; and (4) did not interfere with the lipid profile in non-diabetic dams. Neem oil reduced the rate of total cholesterol and NEFA in diabetic animals. Both neem oil and azadirachtin increased lipoperoxidation, characterized by increased MDA levels in non-diabetic rats. CONCLUSION: Both neem seed oil and azadirachtin impaired intrauterine development and altered antioxidant/oxidative status during pregnancy.