Impact of Surfactant Protein-A on Immunomodulatory Properties of Murine and Human Breast Milk.

OBJECTIVES: Human milk reduces the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Prior studies have demonstrated that exogenous surfactant protein-A (SP-A) modulates intestinal inflammation, reduces NEC-like pathology in SP-A-deficient (SPAKO) pups, and may contribute to breast milk's immunomodulatory potential. We hypothesize that SP-A is present in milk and impacts inflammatory responses in the terminal ileum of neonatal mice. METHODS: Human milk was collected at postpartum days 1-3 and 28. Mouse milk was collected at postpartum days 1-10. SP-A was detected in milk through immunoprecipitation and western blot analysis. The impact of murine wild-type (WT) milk on SPAKO pup ileum was evaluated in a model of intestinal inflammation via cross-rearing experiments. Terminal ileum was evaluated for inflammatory cytokine and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) mRNA expression via quantitative real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS: SP-A was detected in human milk and wild type (WT) mouse milk, but not in SPAKO mouse milk. Expression of TLR4, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α was decreased in SPAKO pups reared with WT dams compared to SPAKO pups reared with SPAKO dams, with a peak effect at day of life 14. When inflammation was induced using a lipopolysaccharide-induced model of inflammation, expression of TLR4, IL-1ß, IL-6, CXCL-1, and TNF-α was significantly lower in SPAKO pups reared with WT dams compared to SPAKO pups reared with SPAKO dams. CONCLUSIONS: SP-A is present in human and murine milk and plays a role in lowering inflammation in murine pup terminal ileum. Both baseline inflammation and induced inflammatory responses are reduced via exposure to SP-A in milk with the effect amplified in inflammatory conditions.

Docosahexaenoic acid-rich algae oil supplementation on breast milk fatty acid profile of mothers who delivered prematurely: a randomized clinical trial.

Preterm infants are deficient in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a fatty acid (FA) associated with an increase in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). In two previous randomized control trials, DHA supplementation did not reduce the risk of BPD. We examined the breast milk FA profile, collected 14 days after birth, of mothers who delivered before 29 weeks of gestation and who were supplemented with DHA-rich algae oil or a placebo within 72 h after birth as part of the MOBYDIck trial. Milk FA were analyzed by gas chromatography. The total amount of FA (mg/mL) was similar in both groups but the supplementation increased DHA (expressed as % of total FA, mean ± SD, treatment vs placebo, 0.95 ± 0.44% vs 0.34 ± 0.20%; P < 0.0001), n-6 docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) (0.275 ± 0.14% vs 0.04 ± 0.04%; P < 0.0001) and eicosapentaenoic acid (0.08 ± 0.08% vs 0.07 ± 0.07%; P < 0.0001) while decreasing n-3 DPA (0.16 ± 0.05% vs 0.17 ± 0.06%; P < 0.05). Supplementation changed the ratio of DHA to arachidonic acid (1.76 ± 1.55% vs 0.60 ± 0.31%; P < 0.0001) and n-6 to n-3 FA (0.21 ± 0.06% vs 0.17 ± 0.04%; P < 0.0001). DHA-rich algae supplementation successfully increased the DHA content of breast milk but also included secondary changes that are closely involved with inflammation and may contribute to changing clinical outcomes.

Hydroxyurea Exposure in Lactation: a Pharmacokinetics Study (HELPS).

Lactation is contraindicated for women with sickle cell anemia receiving hydroxyurea therapy, despite sparse pharmacokinetics data. In 16 women who were lactating volunteers, we documented hydroxyurea transferred into breastmilk with a relative infant dosage of 3.4%, which is below the recommended 5%-10% safety threshold. Breastfeeding should be permitted for women taking daily oral hydroxyurea.

Mammary Dysbiosis and Nipple Blebs Treated With Intravenous Daptomycin and Dalbavancin.

INTRODUCTION: Mammary dysbiosis, also known as subacute mastitis, may be associated with nipple blebs. These overlapping diagnoses represent a challenging clinical scenario during lactation. Little research has been published on etiology, management strategies, and outcomes of these concurrent diagnoses. MAIN ISSUE: We document the treatment and outcome of a patient who presented with left-breast dysbiosis and nipple blebs and whose milk culture grew multi-drug-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. She was treated safely and effectively with intravenous daptomycin and dalbavancin. This has not been described previously in the lactation literature. MANAGEMENT: The 35-year-old lactating gravida 3, para 3 patient presented at 6 months postpartum to a breast surgery clinic with a 1-week history of worsening deep left-breast pain, blebs, and recurrent plugging. She was afebrile and she had no erythema or induration on her breast exam. A culture of her milk grew multi-drug-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and she was referred to infectious disease for assistance with intravenous antibiotic therapy. She continued to feed expressed milk throughout treatment and demonstrated complete resolution of symptoms 8 weeks later. CONCLUSIONS: We report that in patients with a multi-drug-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-positive human milk culture and a clinical presentation of mammary dysbiosis and nipple blebs, intravenous daptomycin and dalbavancin may be an effective treatment.

Classificação de risco dos medicamentos usados na internação para o parto na amamentação: coorte de nascimentos de Pelotas/2015 / Breastfeeding and risk classification of medications used during hospitalization for delivery: 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort

RESUMO: Objetivo: Classificar os medicamentos usados durante o parto quanto aos riscos na amamentação, utilizando diferentes fontes e verificando suas discordâncias. Métodos: Estudo transversal inserido na coorte de nascimentos de Pelotas de 2015. Coletaram-se informações sobre o uso de medicamentos, classificando-os quanto ao risco de acordo com: manual do Ministério da Saúde (MS), Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), classificação de Newton e Hale e Academia Americana de Pediatria (AAP). Resultados: Participaram 1.409 mães, utilizando 14.673 medicamentos, sendo 143 fármacos diferentes, dos quais 28 tiveram classificação de risco na amamentação discordante. Entre aqueles com classificação discordante estão morfina (64%), classificada pela AAP e OMS como compatível e pelo MS e por Newton e Hale como criterioso; hioscina (23%), criterioso pelo MS e compatível (A) pela AAP; e metoclopramida (18%), compatível pelo MS, de efeitos desconhecidos (D) pela AAP e evitado de acordo com a OMS. Do total de medicamentos, 49,7% foi classificado como compatível com a amamentação. Quase a totalidade das mulheres utilizou ocitocina (97,4%), seguida de lidocaína (75%), cetoprofeno (69%), cefalotina (66%) e diclofenaco (65%), classificados como compatíveis. Conclusão: Houve amplo uso de medicamentos pelas mães durante a internação para o parto, a maioria deles classificada no mesmo grau de risco, e quase a metade classificada como compatível com a amamentação, porém houve discordância entre as fontes para 19,6% dos medicamentos analisados, o que pode colocar em risco a saúde do lactente ou deixar dúvida quanto ao uso do medicamento ou à prática da amamentação.

ABSTRACT: Objective: To classify the drugs used during childbirth in relation to risks in breastfeeding, by using different sources of information and determining their disagreements. Methods: Cross-sectional study, within the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort. Information about the use of drugs was collected, classified and compared regarding risk according to: 1) Brazil Ministry of Health Manual (MS), 2) World Organization (WHO), 3) Newton and Hale's classification and 4) American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Results: A total of 1,409 mothers participated, and they had used 14,673 medicines, with 143 different drugs, of which 28 showed discordant classification with regard to breastfeeding risk. These 28 drugs included the following: morphine (64%), classified by AAP and WHO as compatible and as judicious use use by MS and Newton and Hale; hyoscine (23%), classified as judicious use by MS and compatible (A) by AAP; and metoclopramide (18%), classified as compatible by MS, of effects unknown (D) by AAP, and should be avoided according to WHO. Of the total drugs, 49.7% were classified as compatible during breastfeeding. Almost all women used oxytocin (97.4%), followed by lidocaine (75%), ketoprofen (69%), cephalothin (66%) and diclofenac (65%), which were classified as compatible. Conclusion: There was extensive use of drugs by mothers in labor during admission, most of the drugs being classified at the same risk and almost half classified as compatible with breastfeeding. However, there was disagreement between the sources for 19.6% of the drugs analyzed, which could endanger the infant's health or leave doubts about the use of the drug or breastfeeding.

Nicotinamide for photoprotection and skin cancer chemoprevention: A review of efficacy and safety.

Nicotinamide is a water-soluble vitamin B3 derivative that has many roles in medicine. This review examines the role of nicotinamide in dermatology and its actions in preventing photoageing and skin cancers in humans. Nicotinamide prevents ultraviolet radiation (UV) from reducing ATP levels and inhibiting glycolysis, thus preventing the UV radiation-induced energy crisis. This enhances DNA repair and reduces UV-induced suppression of immunity. Randomised controlled clinical trials have also shown that nicotinamide reduces transepidermal water loss and the development of new non-melanoma skin cancers in high-risk humans. This review also examines nicotinamide's safety profile.

Is Breast Best? Examining the effects of alcohol and cannabis use during lactation.

Maternal drug use during lactation may have adverse effects on the health of their children. Two common drugs used during this period are alcohol and cannabis. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, Nursing and Allied Health, and Google Scholar with the following search terms: marijuana, cannabis, THC, alcohol, ethanol, breastfeeding, lactation, and breastmilk. The search strategy was restricted to papers since the year 2000, and limited to English language journals. Reference lists were also used to capture any articles that were missed from the database searches. In total, 19 articles were found related to alcohol and breastfeeding (n = 17 original research papers; n = 2 systematic reviews), and 4 articles were specific to cannabis (n = 2 original papers; n = 2 systematic reviews). The most common outcomes associated with alcohol consumption and breastfeeding included changes in sleep patterns, reduced milk production and flow, lower milk intake, and impaired immune function. Maternal outcomes related to cannabis consumption included panic attacks, delayed response time, increased heart rate, reduced short-term memory, dizziness, and impaired motor performance; infant outcomes associated with maternal cannabis use and breastfeeding were reduced muscular tonus, poor sucking, and growth delay and restriction. Mothers should be advised to refrain from substance use during the lactation period for the health and safety of their children.

The perception of pre- and post-natal marijuana exposure on health outcomes: A content analysis of Twitter messages.

The prevalence of marijuana use during pregnancy ranges from 3-30% , and most of this is for recreational purposes. Marijuana exposure during pregnancy has been linked with low birth weight babies and other adverse child health outcomes. Twitter is a popular news and social networking outlet, and is frequently used to access information about population health and behavior. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the types of messages disseminated on Twitter about marijuana use and infant and maternal health. The secondary objective was to describe the reported health outcomes associated with prenatal and postnatal marijuana use. Tweets were collected from the inception of Twitter (2006) until April 2017. If tweets included links, these links were examined to investigate the source of the message and to clarify the user's intent. In total, 550 tweets were captured, with most tweets (77.6%) having a neutral tweet tone, suggesting uncertainty about the health effects associated with pre- and post-natal marijuana exposure. The sources attached to the original tweets, however, were more likely to report on negative health outcomes. The most common health outcomes associated with prenatal marijuana exposure were: poor brain development (27.3%), inadequate development of the nervous system (23.6%), low birth weight (23.3%), poor behavioral outcomes (21.0%), and infant memory issues (19.3%). The inverse association between marijuana use and the quality and quantity of milk produced by the mother was the most commonly reported tweet for the lactation period.

Fish oil supplemental dose needed to reach 1g% DHA+EPA in mature milk.

INTRODUCTION: Erythrocyte (RBC) DHA+EPA is considered optimal at 8g%. Mothers with lifetime high fish intakes exhibiting this status produce milk with about 1g% DHA+EPA. We established DHA+EPA supplemental dosages needed to augment RBC DHA+EPA to 8g% and milk DHA+EPA to 1g%. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pregnant women were randomly allocated to DHA+EPA dosages of: 225+90 (n=9), 450+180 (n=9), 675+270 (n=11) and 900+360 (n=7) mg/day. Samples were collected at 20 and 36 gestational weeks and 4 weeks postpartum. RESULTS: Linear regression revealed needed dosages rounded at 750mg/day to reach 8g% RBC DHA+EPA and 1000mg/day for 1g% milk DHA+EPA. RBC DHA+EPA increment depended on baseline values. There was no effect on milk AA, but milk EPA/AA ratio increased. CONCLUSION: Women with an RBC DHA+EPA status of 5.5g% need 750 and 1000mg DHA+EPA/day to reach 8g% RBC DHA+EPA at the pregnancy end and 1g% mature milk DHA+EPA, respectively.

The effects of a lipid-based nutrient supplement and antiretroviral therapy in a randomized controlled trial on iron, copper, and zinc in milk from HIV-infected Malawian mothers and associations with maternal and infant biomarkers.

We evaluated effects of antiretroviral (ARV) therapy and lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNSs) on iron, copper, and zinc in milk of exclusively breastfeeding HIV-infected Malawian mothers and their correlations with maternal and infant biomarkers. Human milk and blood at 2, 6, and 24 weeks post-partum and blood during pregnancy (≤30 weeks gestation) were collected from 535 mothers/infant-pairs in the Breastfeeding, Antiretrovirals, and Nutrition study. The participants received ARV, LNS, ARV and LNS, or no intervention from 0 to 28 weeks post-partum. ARVs negatively affected copper and zinc milk concentrations, but only at 2 weeks, whereas LNS had no effect. Among all treatment groups, approximately 80-90% of copper and zinc and <50% of iron concentrations met the current adequate intake for infants at 2 weeks and only 1-19% at 24 weeks. Pregnancy haemoglobin was negatively correlated with milk iron at 2 and 6 weeks (r = -.18, p < .02 for both). The associations of the milk minerals with each other were the strongest correlations observed (r = .11-.47, p < .05 for all); none were found with infant biomarkers. At 2 weeks, moderately anaemic women produced milk higher in iron when ferritin was higher or TfR lower. At 6 weeks, higher maternal α-1-acid glycoprotein and C-reactive protein were associated with higher milk minerals in mildly anaemic women. Infant TfR was lower when milk mineral concentrations were higher at 6 weeks and when mothers were moderately anaemic during pregnancy. ARV affects copper and zinc milk concentrations in early lactation, and maternal haemoglobin during pregnancy and lactation could influence the association between milk minerals and maternal and infant iron status and biomarkers of inflammation.

Marijuana and Breastfeeding: Applicability of the Current Literature to Clinical Practice.

With recent legalization of marijuana in numerous U.S. states, the risk of marijuana exposure via breast milk is a rising concern. This review analyzes the available human and animal literature regarding maternal use of marijuana during lactation. The findings can be categorized into four areas of analysis: effects of marijuana on the mother, transfer into milk, transfer to the offspring, and effects on the offspring. Human and animal data have reported decreased prolactin levels as well as potential maternal psychological changes. Animal and human studies have reported transfer into milk; levels were detected in animal offspring, and metabolites were excreted by both human and animal offspring. Further, animal data have predominately displayed motor, neurobehavioral, and developmental effects, whereas human data suggested possible psychomotor outcomes; however, some studies reported no effect. Despite these results, many human studies were marred by limitations, including small sample sizes and confounding variables. Also, the applicability of animal data to the human population is questionable and the true risk of adverse effects is not entirely known. There are large gaps in the literature that need to be addressed; in particular, studies need to focus on evaluating the short- and long-term consequences of maternal marijuana use for the infant and the potential for different risks based on the frequency of maternal use. Until further evidence becomes available, practitioners need to weigh the benefits of breastfeeding for mother and child, with the potential influence of marijuana on infant development when determining the infant's most suitable form of nutrition.

Effects of maternal medication use on NGF and IL-6 levels in human breast milk.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of maternal medications on nerve growth factor (NGF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in human breast milk (HBM). METHODS: A total of 30 samples of HBM were collected after consent from consecutively born term newborns. NGF and IL-6 concentrations were analyzed using ELISA assays from R&D Systems. The HBM samples were centrifuged, and the clear portion of the HBM after discarding the fat was analyzed and cytokine data were expressed as NGFC or IL-6C. Ten samples of HBM, which were not centrifuged, were also used in ELISA assays and cytokine data were expressed as NGFF or IL-6F. RESULTS: After exposure to NSAIDs (7636 ± 9610, mean ± SD, pg/mL), the NGFC levels in HBM were significantly higher as compared to those who were exposed to narcotics (522 ± 1000) (p = 0.008). NGFC and IL-6C levels positively correlated with each other in HBM (R = 0.194 p < 0.0001). NGFC levels (360 ± 237) were significantly lower than NGFF levels (888 ± 751) (p < 0.0001). IL-6F was higher than IL-6C levels without statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Further studies are warranted to elucidate effect of maternal medications on cytokine changes in HBM and effect of these cytokine changes on newborn gastrointestinal milieu.

Efeitos do uso de fortificante do leite humano em recém-nascidos pré-termo de muito baixo peso / Efectos del uso de fortificante de la leche humana en recién nacidos pretérmino de muy bajo peso / The effects of using the human breast milk fortifier in pre-term of very low weight newly born

RESUMO O leite materno é o alimento ideal para qualquer recém-nascido devido à sua composição nutricional balanceada e à sua capacidade de gerar imunidade. Seu uso tem sido muito incentivado nas Unidades de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) e Unidades Intermediárias (UI), sendo ofertados tanto o leite materno extraído diretamente do seio materno, quanto o proveniente de bancos de leite humano. Dessa forma, este estudo teve como propósito acompanhar e comparar recém-nascidos com e sem o uso de aditivo fortificante do leite materno, em UTI neonatal. O estudo foi observacional do tipo coorte, com grupo controle, realizado em uma maternidade pública, nas unidades de terapia intensiva e terapia intermediária neonatais. Foram acompanhados 26 recém-nascidos pré-termo, divididos em dois grupos, um deles constituído por 13 recém-nascidos em aleitamento materno exclusivo (grupo controle) e outro composto por 13 recém-nascidos em uso de leite materno, com aditivo fortificante. Para a análise de dados, foi utilizada estatística descritiva simples, calculando-se distribuições de frequências, cálculo das médias, desvio-padrão e realizações dos testes estatísticos. O ganho de peso médio no período do estudo foi significativamente maior no grupo que recebeu leite materno com aditivo. Em relação ao comprimento e ao perímetro cefálico não foram observadas diferenças estatísticas significativas entre os grupos. Constata-se que o uso de aditivo no leite materno humano cru ou processado proporciona melhor ganho de peso, favorecendo a recuperação do estado nutricional.

RESUMEN La leche materna es el alimento ideal para cualquier recién nacido debido a su composición nutricional balanceada y a su capacidad de generar inmunidad. Su uso ha sido muy fomentado en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos y Unidades Intermediarias, siendo ofertadas, tanto la leche materna, extraída directamente del seno materno, como la proveniente de bancos de leche humana. El propósito del estudio fue el de acompañar y comparar a los recién nacidos con y sin el uso de aditivo fortificante de la leche materna, en UCI neonatal. Este estudio fue observacional del tipo cohorte, con grupo control, realizado en una maternidad pública, en las unidades de cuidados intensivos y cuidados intermediarios neonatales. Fueron acompañados 26 recién nacidos pretérmino, divididos en dos grupos, uno de ellos constituido por 13 recién nacidos en lactancia materna exclusiva (grupo control) y otro compuesto por 13 recién nacidos en uso de leche materna, añadido de aditivo fortificante. Para el análisis de datos fue utilizada estadística descriptiva simple calculando distribuciones de frecuencias, cálculo de los promedios, desviación típica y realizaciones de las pruebas estadísticas. El aumento de peso promedio en el período del estudio fue significativamente mayor en el grupo que recibió leche materna con aditivo. En relación a la longitud y al perímetro cefálico no fueron observadas diferencias estadísticas significativas entre los grupos. Se constata que el uso de aditivo en la leche materna humana cruda o procesada proporciona mejor aumento de peso, favoreciendo la recuperación del estado nutricional.

ABSTRACT Breast milk is the ideal food for any newborn regarding the balanced nutritional composition and its ability to generate immunity. Its use has been greatly encouraged in intensive care units and Intermediate Unit, both the milk extracted directly from the mother's womb, as the one from the milk bank. The purpose of the study was to monitor and to compare infants with and without use of breast milk fortifier in neonatal intensive care unit. It was an observational cohort study with a control group, performed in a public hospital, in intensive care units and neonatal intermediate unit. They were followed 26 preterm infants, divided into two groups consisting of 13 preterm infants in exclusively breastfed (control group) and 13 preterm infants in use of breast milk fortifier with additive added. The average weight gain was significantly higher in the group receiving breast milk containing additive. In relation to the length and head circumference, significant differences were not observed. For data analysis, we used simple descriptive statistics by calculating frequency distributions, calculation of averages, standard deviation and achievements of the statistical tests. The average weight gain during the study period was significantly higher in the group receiving breast milk with additives. Regarding the length and head circumference, statistical differences were not significant between groups. It appears that the additive used in raw or processed human breast milk provides better weight gain, facilitating recovery of nutritional status.

What is the basis for a genetic approach in neonatal disorders?

Gene-environment interactions likely account for some degree of the variance in response rates that are clinically observed with antenatal corticosteroids, breast milk prophylaxis, surfactant administration, early recognition and treatment of sepsis, utility of non-invasive ventilation, and judicious exposure to supplemental oxygen. While these therapies and practice guidelines have significantly decreased overall neonatal mortality in the NICU, they have not made a marked impact on the frequency and severity of conditions such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), necrotizing enterocolitis, and periventricular leukomalacia. One possible explanation is that genetic factors in the neonate modulate response to external intervention or preventative agents, culminating in variable levels of injury and different degrees of resolution and repair. Gene-environment explanations are supported by the observed heritability of BPD in twin studies, but they do not differentiate the interactions between neonate and offending toxin or pathogen, from interactions between neonate and intervention or therapeutic agent. Likely, both kinds of interactions are important in determining outcome.

Surveying Lactation Professionals Regarding Marijuana Use and Breastfeeding.

BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding is associated with substantial benefits for both the child and mother. Most guidelines state that women who use illicit drugs should not breastfeed. Although this recommendation has traditionally included marijuana, this drug's changing legal status and the limited scientific research regarding marijuana's effect on breastfeeding and the nursing child may lead to varying recommendations made by lactation professionals to clients who use marijuana. Additionally, to our knowledge, there are no data estimating the prevalence of marijuana use among breastfeeding women, making it unclear how common it is. This study assessed recommendations around breastfeeding and marijuana use and estimated the prevalence of marijuana use among breastfeeding women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A convenience sample of lactation professionals who practice throughout New England and were attending the 2014 Vermont Lactation Consultant Association conference was offered the opportunity to complete a five-item survey. RESULTS: Of 120 conference attendees, 74 completed the survey. Forty-four percent reported their recommendations around breastfeeding and marijuana use depended on factors like the severity of maternal use. Another 41% reported recommending continued breastfeeding because the benefits outweigh the harms. The remaining 15% reported recommending that a woman should stop breastfeeding if she cannot stop using marijuana. Survey completers estimated that 15% (1,203/7,843) of their breastfeeding clients in the past year used marijuana. CONCLUSIONS: Lactation professionals vary widely in their recommendations to breastfeeding clients who use marijuana. The estimate of prevalence also suggests this is a relatively common issue. More research is needed to assess the generalizability of these findings.

Involvement of reactive oxygen species in brominated diphenyl ether-47-induced inflammatory cytokine release from human extravillous trophoblasts in vitro.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are widely used flame retardant compounds. Brominated diphenyl ether (BDE)-47 is one of the most prevalent PBDE congeners found in human breast milk, serum and placenta. Despite the presence of PBDEs in human placenta, effects of PBDEs on placental cell function are poorly understood. The present study investigated BDE-47-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and its role in BDE-47-stimulated proinflammatory cytokine release in a first trimester human extravillous trophoblast cell line, HTR-8/SVneo. Exposure of HTR-8/SVneo cells for 4h to 20µM BDE-47 increased ROS generation 1.7 fold as measured by the dichlorofluorescein (DCF) assay. Likewise, superoxide anion production increased approximately 5 fold at 10 and 15µM and 9 fold at 20µM BDE-47 with a 1-h exposure, as measured by cytochrome c reduction. BDE-47 (10, 15 and 20µM) decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential by 47-64.5% at 4, 8 and 24h as assessed with the fluorescent probe Rh123. Treatment with 15 and 20µM BDE-47 stimulated cellular release and mRNA expression of IL-6 and IL-8 after 12 and 24-h exposures: the greatest increases were a 35-fold increased mRNA expression at 12h and a 12-fold increased protein concentration at 24h for IL-6. Antioxidant treatments (deferoxamine mesylate, (±)α-tocopherol, or tempol) suppressed BDE-47-stimulated IL-6 release by 54.1%, 56.3% and 37.7%, respectively, implicating a role for ROS in the regulation of inflammatory pathways in HTR-8/SVneo cells. Solvent (DMSO) controls exhibited statistically significantly decreased responses compared with non-treated controls for IL-6 release and IL-8 mRNA expression, but these responses were not consistent across experiments and times. Nonetheless, it is possible that DMSO (used to dissolve BDE-47) may have attenuated the stimulatory actions of BDE-47 on cytokine responses. Because abnormal activation of proinflammatory responses can disrupt trophoblast functions necessary for placental development and successful pregnancy, further investigation is warranted of the impact of ROS and BDE-47 on trophoblast cytokine responses.

Safety of cosmetic dermatologic procedures during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Safety of cosmetic procedures in pregnant women has not been extensively studied. Maternal and fetal health risks are important to consider in any procedure performed. With the increasing popularity of cosmetic procedures, dermatologic surgeons will be faced with scenarios necessitating knowledge regarding the safety of such procedures during pregnancy. Furthermore, dermatologic surgeons may inadvertently perform cosmetic procedures during the first trimester, before the patient is aware of the pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety of cosmetic procedures during pregnancy and the postpartum period. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A literature search of PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted of all English-language articles published from 1960 through 2012. RESULTS: Definitive recommendations on the safety of procedures such as chemical peels, injectables, fillers, and most laser therapies during pregnancy cannot be made. The safety of onabotulinum toxin usage is well documented in the neurology literature, although isolated events of miscarriage have been reported with high doses of toxin in women with a previous history of miscarriage. Carbon dioxide laser therapy for genital condylomas has considerable evidence supporting its safety during pregnancy. CONCLUSION: There is a lack of controlled trials addressing the safety of cosmetic procedures during pregnancy and postpartum periods. It is advisable to delay elective cosmetic procedures until after the baby is born.

Breastfeeding promotion for management of neonatal abstinence syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature about the association between breastfeeding and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) severity, need for pharmacologic treatment for NAS, and length of hospital stays in neonates with in-utero exposure to methadone or buprenorphine opioid replacement therapy. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, CINAHL, and Medline were searched for articles published between January 1990 and April 2013 using the terms opioid dependency in pregnancy, neonatal abstinence syndrome, methadone, buprenorphine, neonatal length of stay, breastfeeding, methadone in breast milk, buprenorphine in breast milk, swaddling, and rooming-in. STUDY SELECTION: Inclusion criteria included studies written in English on the topic of breastfeeding for management of NAS. DATA EXTRACTION: The author independently reviewed each article. DATA SYNTHESIS: Breastfeeding can effectively decrease NAS symptoms because methadone and buprenorphine are transferred to the breast milk. Maternal contact while breastfeeding also plays a role in ameliorating the NAS symptoms. Interventions that also support breastfeeding in the treatment of NAS include skin-to-skin contact, swaddling, and rooming-in. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the benefits of breastfeeding for opioid-dependent pregnant women and their neonates will enable clinicians to safely recommend breastfeeding for long-term health of these high-risk women and their infants. This review of the effects of in-utero exposure to opioids on infant development can assist clinicians to more effectively support opioid-dependent women to breastfeed their infants.