39 research outputs found

    Hypoxia inducible factors (HIF1α and HIF3α) are differentially methylated in preeclampsia placentae and are associated with birth outcomes

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    Preeclampsia is a placental vascular pathology and hypoxia is known to influence placental angiogenesis. Hypoxia Inducible Factors (HIF1α and HIF3α) mediate the response to cellular oxygen concentration and bind to hypoxia response element of target genes. However the mechanism regulating above activity is not well-understood. We investigated if placental DNA methylation (DNAm) and expression of HIF1α and 3α genes are altered and associated with pre-eclampsia, placental weight and birth outcomes. Using a cohort comprising women with preeclampsia [N = 100, delivering at term (N = 43) and preterm (N = 57)] and normotensive controls (N = 100), we analysed DNAm in HIF1α and 3α, and their mRNA expression in placentae, employing pyrosequencing and quantitative real-time PCR, respectively. We observed significant hypermethylation at cg22891070 of HIF3α in preeclampsia placentae compared to controls (β = 1.5%, p = 0.04). CpG8 in the promoter region of HIF1α, showed marginally significant hypomethylation in preterm preeclampsia compared to controls (β = - 0.15%, p = 0.055). HIF1α expression was significantly lower in preterm preeclampsia compared to controls (mean ± SE = 10.16 ± 2.00 vs 4.25 ± 0.90, p = 0.04). Further, DNAm in HIF1α promoter region was negatively associated with its expression levels (β =  - 0.165, p = 0.024). Several CpGs in HIF1α were negatively associated with placental weight and birth outcomes including birth weight (β range =  - 0.224-0.300) and birth length [β range =  - 0.248 to - 0.301 (p < 0.05 for all)]. Overall, we demonstrate altered DNAm in HIF1α and HIF3α in preeclampsia placentae, also associated with various birth outcomes. Correlation of DNAm in HIF1α and its expression suggests a possible role in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. Further investigations on interactions between HIF1α and HIF3α in preeclampsia would be interesting

    Role of vitamin D in influencing angiogenesis in preeclampsia

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    Objective: Vitamin D plays a key role during pregnancy and is involved in implantation and maintenance of pregnancy. Its deficiency is associated with pregnancy complications like preeclampsia, characterized by abnormal angiogenesis.Method: The current article summarises studies examining the role of vitamin D in pregnancy, with special emphasis on preeclampsia.Results and conclusion: An imbalance in pro- and anti-angiogenic factors is reported in women with preeclampsia. Cell culture studies have demonstrated that vitamin D can influence the process of angiogenesis. However, the role of maternal vitamin D in influencing placental angiogenesis in preeclampsia is unclear and needs to be explored

    Role of maternal nutrition and oxidative stress in placental telomere attrition in women with preeclampsia

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    Background:Maternal nutrition influences the growth and development of the fetus and influences pregnancy outcome. We have earlier demonstrated altered maternal nutrition and increased oxidative stress in women with preeclampsia. Oxidative stress is known to be associated with reduced telomere length and short telomere aggregates. Increased telomere attrition leads to increased cellular senescence and tissue ageing. Methods:The present review focuses on the role of maternal nutrition and oxidative stress in telomere attrition in preeclampsia. Results and Conclusion:Future studies need to examine the association between maternal nutritional status in early pregnancy, oxidative stress and telomere attrition in preeclampsia

    Factors influencing home-purchase decision of buyers of different types of apartments in India

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    Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present partial results of a survey conducted in Pune, India. Its aim is to determine the importance of factors, other than the buyer-related factors, that influence the purchase of a flat/apartment, of buyers of different types of flats/apartments. Design/methodology/approach The author follows three hypotheses for recent buyers of three different types of flats/apartments, namely, 1 BHK, 2 BHK and 3 BHK (where 1, 2 and 3 indicate the number of bedrooms, H stands for hall and K stands for kitchen. Thus 1 BHK designates a flat/apartment with one bedroom, a hall and a kitchen). A total of 284 respondents from buildings located on the outskirts of Pune city participated in the questionnaire survey for this study. Ten factors have been considered. Findings From this study, it is concluded that price is significantly the most important factor for buyers of 1 BHK, followed by product, and then followed by location. For 2 BHK buyers, there is no single significantly most important factor. For 3 BHK buyers, there is no single significantly most important factor and the two most important factors are product and location. Research limitations/implications The results of this study show that buyers of different types of flats/apartments give different types of importance to the influencing factors. This study of buyer behavior will be helpful for the marketers of real estate companies, as they can identify the most important factors for various categories of buyers and implement those accordingly. Originality/value This study is the first to analyze the importance of the influencing factors for buyers of different types of flats/apartments. Also, it is the first to analyze the home-buying behavior for flats/apartments constructed in the outskirts, where most of the new constructions are taking place. This study will be useful to all the stakeholders of the housing industry. </jats:sec
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