Akio Masumoto

Different profiles of circulating angiogenic factors and adipocytokines between early- and late-onset pre-eclampsia.

Please cite this paper as: Masuyama H, Segawa T, Sumida Y, Masumoto A, Inoue S, Akahori Y, Hiramatsu Y. Different profiles of circulating angiogenic factors and adipocytokines between early‐ and late‐onset pre‐eclampsia. BJOG 2010;117:314–320.

Elevated level of serum retinol‐binding protein 4 in pregnancy‐induced hypertension

Aim:  Recent progress in adiposcience has revealed several important adipose‐tissue‐originated factors, so‐called adipokines. Retinol‐binding protein 4 (RBP4), a protein expressed and secreted by adipocytes, has been identified as a novel regulator of insulin resistance. Physiological insulin resistance occurs during the pregnancy of mammals to accommodate fetal growth, and it has been suggested that insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia might also be associated with pregnancy‐induced hypertension (PIH). In order to shed light on the role of RBP4 during pregnancy, we attempted to assess RBP4 levels during pregnancy. Fetal growth could be affected by aberrant regulation of RBP4 levels in fetal circulation per se, so we examined the RBP4 levels in cord blood samples of growth restricted cases.

Effects of intermittent high glucose on BeWo choriocarcinoma cells in culture

Aim:  The aim of this study was to investigate the cellular effects of intermittent high glucose on the human BeWo placental choriocarcinoma cell line, used as a model of the effects of glucose fluctuation in diabetic pregnancies.

Relation between neonatal jaundice and oncostatin M, hepatocyte growth factor and soluble gp130 levels in umbilical cord.

Objectives. Oncostatin M (OSM), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and soluble glycoprotein 130 (sgp130) have been demonstrated to be involved in fetal liver development. In this study, we examined the relation between neonatal jaundice and OSM, gp130 or HGF levels in umbilical cord blood. Design. A cross‐sectional study of 160 neonates born at Okayama University Hospital. Setting. Tertiary referral center serving a population of three million. Methods. The serum concentrations of OSM, HGF and sgp130 in umbilical venous cord blood were measured and compared with the clinical records of these neonates. Results. The HGF level was correlated to both gestational week (p = 0.007) and birthweight (p = 0.015), as well as to total bilirubin on Day 1 (p = 0.032). In preterm neonates, the HGF levels were lower in neonates who received phototherapy (photo group) than in those who did not receive phototherapy (non‐photo group) (p = 0.002). In contrast, in term neonates, OSM levels were lower in the photo group than in the non‐photo group (p = 0.0003). Conclusions. These findings suggest that the phototherapy requirement for neonatal jaundice may be associated with lower umbilical HGF concentration in preterm neonates and with lower umbilical OSM concentration in term neonates.

Successful management of anti-Jra alloimmunization in pregnancy: A case report

Background: Hemolytic disease of the fetus/newborn due to Jra immunization is very rare and considered to be mild, and only routine obstetrical care is recommended for pregnant women sensitized to the Jra antigen. Case Report: A 20-year-old nulliparous woman was referred to our hospital for perinatal management. Her indirect Coombs test was positive for anti-Jra antibody (1:64). At 33 weeks’ gestational age, we observed that fetal growth was mildly restricted and the peak systolic velocity of the fetal middle cerebral artery (PSV-MCA) was above the upper limit of the reference range (1.55 multiples of the median). Amniocentesis was also carried out and the ΔOD450 value was in the lower mid-zone of the Liley curve. We continued to carefully observe the patient because we observed PSV-MCA values within 1.50–1.60 multiples of the median and no other findings of fetal anemia. She vaginally delivered a female infant weighing 2,136 g at 37 weeks’ gestational age. The infant received treatment with both iron and recombinant erythropoietin without developing hyperbilirubinemia and blood transfusion. Conclusion: PSV-MCA should be monitored for the detection of fetal anemia, even in pregnant women sensitized to some antigens for which only routine obstetrical care is recommended.