RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: Monochorionic-triamniotic (MCTA) triplet pregnancies following artificial reproductive technologies are uncommon. We report a case in which one of two transferred embryos differentiated into an MCTA triplet. This study aimed to investigate the potential factors contributing to MCTA triplet pregnancy. CASE REPORT: A 39-year-old woman underwent her second frozen embryo transfer with hatching blastocysts, which resulted in the detection of an MCTA triplet on ultrasonography. She delivered by cesarean section at 32 weeks of gestation, resulting in the birth of three live male infants. Her medical history and in vitro fertilization treatment were reviewed to identify potential causes. CONCLUSION: The etiology of MCTA triplet pregnancy remains multifactorial. In the presented case, prolonged in vitro culture to the blastocyst stage and inner cell mass splitting were potential contributing factors. Further research is needed to fully understand the complexity of MCTA triplet pregnancy.
Asunto(s)
Transferencia de Embrión , Embarazo Triple , Humanos , Femenino , Embarazo , Adulto , Transferencia de Embrión/métodos , Taiwán , Fertilización In Vitro/métodos , Masculino , Cesárea , Recién Nacido , Amnios , Ultrasonografía PrenatalRESUMEN
By use of a cell model, we found that high levels of androgen reduce connexin43 expression and impair gap junction intercellular communication between human granulosa cells through the androgen receptors. High levels of androgen may impair folliculogenesis and in turn lead to ovulatory dysfunction in polycystic ovary syndrome patients.
Asunto(s)
Andrógenos/farmacología , Conexina 43/metabolismo , Células de la Granulosa/efectos de los fármacos , 8-Bromo Monofosfato de Adenosina Cíclica/farmacología , Línea Celular , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Regulación hacia Abajo/efectos de los fármacos , Femenino , Células de la Granulosa/metabolismo , Humanos , Folículo Ovárico/efectos de los fármacos , Folículo Ovárico/metabolismo , Folículo Ovárico/fisiología , Síndrome del Ovario Poliquístico/etiología , Síndrome del Ovario Poliquístico/metabolismo , Testosterona/análogos & derivados , Testosterona/farmacologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Expression of cell adhesion molecules on the endothelium and the attachment of monocytes to endothelium may play a major role in the early atherogenic process. AIM OF THE STUDY: We investigated the effects of carnosic acid on the adhesion of U937 cells to IL-1beta-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), as well as on the expression of adhesion molecules. RESULTS: Our data showed that pretreatment with 10 and 20 micromol/l carnosic acid significantly reduced the number of U937 cells adhering to IL-1beta-treated HUVECs. In addition, we found that 20 micromol/l carnosic was more effective than 10 micromol/l carnosic acid at inhibiting expression of cell adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin), the nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB subunits p65 and p50, and the production of ROS in IL-1beta-stimulated HUVECs. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that carnosic acid inhibits IL-1beta-induced ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-selectin expression in HUVECs through a mechanism that involves NFkappaB. We propose that the reduction in binding of human monocytic cell line U937 to IL-1beta-treated HUVECs is due to the anti-inflammatory properties of carnosic acid.