PREGNANCY PROTEIN RESEARCH

PREGNANCY PROTEIN RESEARCH

Contents

Preface

Research and Reviews

Chapter I Pregnancy Proteins as Markers for Preeclampsia

Abstract

Introduction

1. Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (HCG)

1.1. Physical and Chemical Characteristics

1.2. Function

1.3. Physiological Pregnancy

1.4. HCG in Preeclampsia

1.4.1. First Trimester

1.4.2. Second Trimester

1.4.3. Third Trimester

1.4.5. Evaluation of HCG Measurement in Preeclampsia

2. Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A

2.1. Physical and Chemical Characteristics

2.2. Function

2.3. Physiological Pregnancy

2.4. PAPP-A in Preeclampsia

2.4.1. First Trimester

2.4.2. Second and Third Trimester

2.4.3. Evaluation of PAPP-A Measurement in Preeclampsia

3. Placental Protein 13 (PP13)

3.1. Physical and Chemical Characteristics

3.2. Function

3.3. Physiological Pregnancy

3.4. PP13 in Preeclampsia

3.4.1. First Trimester

3.4.2. Second and Third Trimester

3.4.3. Evaluation of PP13 Measurement in Preeclampsia

4. Pregnancy-Specific β1-Glycoprotein (PSβG/SP1)

4.1. Physical and Chemical Characteristics

4.2. Function

4.3. Physiological Pregnancy

4.3.1. PSβG/SP1 in Preeclampsia

4.3.2. Second and Third Trimester

4.3.3. Evaluation of PSβG/SP1 Measurement in Preeclampsia

Conclusion

References

Chapter II Pregnancy in Buffalo Cows

Abstract

Introduction

Reproductive Seasonality in Buffalo Species

Anoestrus

The Out-of-Breeding-Season-Mating (OBSM) Method

Early Embryo Development

Implantation

Placenta

Embryonic Mortality in Buffalo Cows

Treatments for Preventing Embryonic Mortality in Buffalo Species

Buffaloes Reproductive Ultrasonography

Conclusion

References

Chapter III The Dialogue between Blastocyst hCG and Endometrial hCG/LH Receptor: Impact in Implantation and Placentation

Abstract

Introduction

Steps of Implantation

Apposition

Adhesion

Trophoblast Invasion

Uterine Receptivity

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

The LH/hCG Receptor (LH/hCG-R)

hCG- LH/hCGR System: An Intimate Embryo-Endometrial Dialogue

The hCG – LH/hCGR System and Initiation of Pregnancy: Pro-Implantatory Roles

hCG and Angiogenesis

Role in the Maternal Tolerance of the Fetal Allograft

Conclusion

Acknowledgments

References

Short Communications

Short Communication A Gamma Interferon Production Correlates Negatively with Plasma Levels of Pregnancy-Associated Glycoprotein-1 (PAG-1) During Gestation in Dairy Cows Naturally Infected with Neospora CANINUM

Abstract

Introduction

Materials and Methods

Cattle and Herd Management

Pregnancy Diagnosis and Blood Sample Collection

Plasma Antibodies against N. Caninum

Plasma IFN-γ

PAG-1 Radioimmunoassay

Statistical Analyses

Results

Discussion

Conclusion

Acknowledgments

References

Short Communication B Concentrations of Pregnancy-Associated Glycoproteins in Water Buffaloes Females (Bubalus Bubalis) During Pregnancy and Postpartum Periods

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Research Site and Experimental Animals

2.2. Experimental Design and Sampling of Blood

2.3. RIA for PAG Estimation

2.4. Data Analysis

3. Results

3.1. Correlation between the PAG Concentrations Detected by the Three PAG-RIA Systems

3.2. PAG Profiles

Discussion

Acknowledgments

References

Short Communication C The Role of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) in Gestational Trophoblastic Disease

Abstract

Introduction

Epidemiology and Pathophysiology

Clinical Features of GTD

Investigation and Diagnosis

Staging and Scoring Systems

Treatment

Low Risk Patients

Low Risk Salvage

High Risk

High Risk Salvage

Follow Up

The Future

References

Short Communication D Fusogenic Syncytin-1 and Transcription Factor Glial Cells Missing-A: Presumed Regulators in Human Placental Physiology and Pathophysiology

Abstract

Introduction

Syncytin-1, a Placental Fusogenic Protein

Transcription Factor GCMa (Glial Cells Missing A)

Connexin 43, a Putative Effector Molecule

Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs)

Clinical context: Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

Syncytin and GCMa: Alterations Inin Pre-Eclampsia Andand UUnder Hypoxia

Syncytin Receptor, the Amino Acid Transporter ASCT2

Interaction of Syncytin-1 with Apoptosis Elements

Excursion: Mouse Placenta

Conclusion

References

Index

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