Preterm birth remains to be one of the most prevalent obstetric complications worldwide. Since there are multiple etiological factors associated with this disease process, an integrative literature search in PubMed and Scopus databases on possible mechanism of action and effect of bisphenols on exposure on human or animal placental samples in preterm birth was conducted. From 2332 articles on initial literature search, 63 studies were included for full data extraction. Altogether, several pathways were shown to be possibly affected by bisphenols, leading to dysregulations in structural and endocrine foundation in the placenta, potential induction of senescence and failure of decidualization in the decidua, and possible propagation of inflammation in the fetal membranes. Combined, these actions may eventually counteract bisphenol-induced relaxation of the myometrium and promote contractility alongside fetal membrane weakening. In totality, these individual impairments in gestation-critical processes may lead to failure of maintenance of pregnancy, and thus effecting preterm birth.

Preterm birth remains a problem globally, as multiple factors contribute to its etiology and pathogenesis. One such factor is the exposure to environmental toxicants, in which recent literature has described contributory roles in disease progression. This study aims to show research trends and collaborations in papers related to environmental toxicants and preterm birth through a bibliometric analysis to determine hot spots for research as well as to identify already established themes that can point to policy making and development. Using the Scopus database, we were able to identify 956 original research articles from 72 countries between 1955 and 2021; bibliographic information was exported, analyzed, and visualized using Bibliometrix and VOSviewer. There was an annual growth of research and reporting in this area, which significantly increased within the last two decades. The top countries that have published on this topic include the USA (n = 343), China (n = 103), and Australia (n = 43), with strong international collaboration in reports from China. Top journals for publication include Environmental Research (n = 53), Environmental Health Perspectives (n = 47), and Environment International (n = 46). Previous literature focused on establishing toxicants that are significantly associated with preterm birth, with current research focusing on molecular mechanisms of environmental toxicants. Overall, our bibliometric analysis gives a scoping view of the existing research landscape in terms of environmental health and preterm birth.

Preeclampsia is one of the major hypertensive diseases of pregnancy. Genetic factors contribute to abnormal placentation. The inadequate transformation of cytotrophoblasts causes failure of maternal spiral arteries’ remodeling and results in narrow, atherotic-prone vessels, leading to relative placental ischemia. This study aims to explore the possibility of identifying dysregulated gene networks that may offer a potential target in the possible prevention of preeclampsia. We performed a weighted gene correlated network analysis (WGCNA) on a subset of gene expression profiles of placental tissues from severe preeclamptic pregnancies. We identified a gene module (number of genes = 402, GS = 0.35, p = 0.02) enriched for several G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-related genes with significant protein–protein molecular interaction (number of genes = 38, FDR = 0.0007) that may play key roles in preeclampsia. Some genes are noted to play key roles in preeclampsia, including LPAR4/5, CRLR, NPY, TACR1/2, and SFRP4/5, whose functions generally relate to angiogenesis and vasodilation or vasoconstriction. Other upregulated genes, including olfactory and orexigenic genes, serve limited functions in the disease pathogenesis. Altogether, this study shows the utility of WGCNA in exploring possible new gene targets, and additionally reinforces the feasibility of targeting GPCRs that may offer intervention against development and disease progression among severe preeclampsia patients.

In the Philippines, Baguio City – known as the “City of Pines” – holds the country’s major source of temperate climate vegetables. With increased dietary awareness, the consumption of plant foods rich in antioxidants has become relevant. Twenty-nine methanolic extracts from Baguio-produced plant foods were evaluated for antioxidant potential using DPPH, ferric reduction antioxidant power (FRAP), metal chelation, superoxide anion, nitric oxide, hydroxyl radical scavenging activities, MTT reduction, and phytochemical tests. Fagopyrum tataricum leaves, Vaccinium myrtoides fruit, and Morus alba fruit showed the most effective DPP radical, concentration-dependent reducing power, but low metal chelating activity. Solanum tuberosum tuber (22.86±63.26%) showed effective concentration-dependent chelating activity at 125 μg/mL. Citrus aurantium fruit (26.77±9.24%) and Raphanus raphanistrum root (41.13±0.11%) demonstrated an effective scavenging activity against superoxide anions at 45.5 μg/mL. Significant nitric oxide scavenging activity was observed in some fruits. Brassica oleracea Cab leaves (54.36 ± 2.38%) showed the highest inhibitory activity against hydroxyl radicals at 166.7 μg/mL. Phytochemical analyses showed that most plant samples revealed the presence of glycosides, terpenes/terpenoids, and steroids/phytosterols, while few contained phenolic and tannin components. These phytochemicals may explain the dual behavior as an antioxidant or a prooxidant observed. Thus, determining food antioxidant component types and their concentration is necessary to maximize the potential to scavenge oxidants.

Atuna racemosa Raf, locally known as “tabon-tabon” in the Philippines, is a fruit-bearing tree used as a souring agent for native Filipino dishes in Mindanao. Previous reports have shown its antimicrobial efficacy. However, limited studies have demonstrated its antioxidant potential. The study determined the phytochemical components of A. racemosa methanol fruit extract and evaluated its antioxidant profile using various in vitro systems. The antioxidant profile of A. racemosa methanol fruit extract was determined by radical scavenging (DPPH, superoxide radical, hydroxyl radical), reducing capacities (FRAP and MTT), and chelation activities. Methanol fruit extract of A. racemosa demonstrated a potent DPP radical inhibition comparable to ascorbic acid. It has also exhibited concentration- dependent hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and reducing power. However, low iron chelation and superoxide anion inhibition were observed, even at the highest concentration. Qualitative phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, steroids, terpenes/terpenoids, quinones, anthraquinones, flavonoids, phenolics, and tannin compounds, which may explain A. racemosa strong antioxidant behavior. These findings indicate that A. racemosa holds strong antioxidant potential, making it a vital natural antioxidant source that could be efficiently used in treating oxidative stress conditions.