Placental Apoptosis in Small for Gestational Age Babies: A Comparison between Swedish and Pakistani Populations
Pages 99-107
Shahzad Akram, Eleni Simatou, Jan-Bernd Stukenborg, Lars Hagenäs, Zulfiqar A. Bhuttaand Olle Söder

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-4247.2014.03.02.5

Published: 30 May 2014

Abstract: Background: Foeto-placental growth is regulated by a complex balance of growth promoting and growth inhibiting factors and hormones, namely the insulin-like growth factors (IGF) and the intracellular caspase proteins. Changes in the IGF-axis appear to affect this balance, with deficiencies possibly triggering apoptosis.

Aim: To ascertain levels of apoptosis in the placenta of infants born small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA), comparing samples from two population groups, Pakistani and Swedish, in an attempt to better understand the mechanism behind foetal-placental growth restriction.

Methods: Placental samples were taken immediately following delivery in both Karachi and Stockholm. In total 36 samples were included for further analysis (Pakistani: SGA n = 12, AGA n = 12; Swedish: SGA n = 7, AGA n = 5). Protein extraction was conducted for cell-death ELISA, and the remaining tissue samples were then paraffin embedded for further immunohistochemical and immunoflourescent analysis, looking at the apoptotic proteins, p53, caspase 8, and caspase 3. Furthermore, we compared maternal and newborn anthropometry between populations.

Results: A higher apoptotic index, for caspase 8 and caspase 3, was seen in the Pakistani samples, as compared to the Swedish samples (p<0.01). TUNEL assays showed higher levels of apoptosis in the Pakistani population as compared to the Swedish population (p<0.01). Cell death ELISA analysis showed greater apoptotic activity in placenta from the Pakistani population as compared to the Swedish groups (p<0.05) as well as increased apoptotic activity in the SGA groups as compared to the AGA groups within each population (ELISA, p<0.05). No differences were seen in p53 levels as assessed by immunohistochemistry. Pakistani mothers were, on average, shorter than their Swedish counterparts (p<0.01).

Conclusion: Increased apoptotic activity in placenta of the Pakistani population, as compared to their Swedish counterparts, may be associated with decreased foetal-placental growth seen in this population, particularly in babies born SGA. These findings, along with previously published results of the IGF-axis, and birth weight outcomes, suggests that lower IGF levels may be involved in the extracellular triggering of apoptosis, through caspase 8. This may further suggest a possible mechanism of foetal-placental growth restriction.

Analysis of the Caloric and Macronutrient Content of Meal Options Offered to Children at Popular Restaurant Chains
Pages 108-113
Andrea L. Deierlein, Kelley Coffman and Luz Claudio

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-4247.2014.03.02.6

Published: 30 May 2014

Abstract: Background: Previous research suggests that consumption of foods from restaurants is associated with poor dietary quality and adverse health outcomes. There are few studies that examine the nutrient content of children’s meal options offered at both sit-down and fast-food chain restaurants. The main objective was to describe the average energy and nutrient profiles of meal options on children’s menus at chain restaurants in the United States (US) and compare them to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Methods: The sample consisted of 13 sit-down and 16 fast-food restaurants ranked within the top 50 US restaurant chains in 2009 (meal nutrient content was accessed in 2010). There were 421 and 275 meal options listed on children’s menus from sit-down and fast-food restaurants, respectively. Descriptive statistics are presented for calories, fat, saturated fat, protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and sodium.

Results: In general, nutrient contents of children’s meal options at sit-down and fast-food restaurants were similar. Meal options accounted for large percentages of the recommended daily intakes of calories, fat, saturated fat, and sodium and small percentages of the recommended daily intakes of fiber, carbohydrate, and protein for children. More than half of children’s meals at these restaurants exceeded recommendations for fat and saturated fat.

Conclusions: Children’s meal options at sit-down and fast-food restaurant chains that complied with the US Dietary Guidelines were limited. The majority of the meal options had fat, saturated fat and sodium contents that exceed recommendations, while providing low amounts of fiber.