Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 5, 2026
09:26
Transabdominal Ultrasound for Pregnancy Diagnosis in Reeves' Muntjac Deer
Published on: January 7, 2014
10.9K
Can hair steroids predict pregnancy longevity?
Anat Schonblum1, Liat Arnon1, Eyal Ravid2
1The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002, Israel.
Reproductive Biology
|September 17, 2018
Summary
Maternal hair cortisol and testosterone levels in early pregnancy can help predict pregnancy duration. Higher first-trimester cortisol is linked to longer pregnancies, especially in smokers, indicating potential biomarkers for predicting birth timing.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Preterm delivery poses risks to infant development, necessitating early prediction methods.
- Identifying biomarkers for pregnancy longevity is crucial for preventing adverse outcomes.
- Maternal hair steroids offer a retrospective window into hormonal status during early gestation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if maternal hair testosterone (pre-conception) and cortisol (first trimester) can predict pregnancy duration.
- To explore the role of these steroids as potential biomarkers for pregnancy longevity.
- To assess the influence of pre-conception smoking on the relationship between steroids and gestation length.
Main Methods:
- Recruitment of 125 pregnant women and collection of hair samples.
- Quantification of steroid hormones (testosterone and cortisol) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.
- Statistical analysis using General Linear Models to predict gestational length based on hormonal levels and smoking status.
Main Results:
- A model including first-trimester cortisol, pre-conception testosterone, and smoking status predicted 13% of the variance in gestation length (R² = 0.130, p = 0.007).
- First-trimester cortisol was the strongest predictor, with higher levels associated with increased probability of full-term delivery.
- The effect of cortisol on gestation length was more pronounced in smokers compared to non-smokers.
Conclusions:
- Maternal hair steroids, particularly first-trimester cortisol, show potential as biomarkers for predicting pregnancy longevity.
- The predictive value of hair steroids is influenced by factors such as smoking status.
- Further research into hair steroid analysis could aid in the early identification of at-risk pregnancies.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Hair Cells
45.0K
Hair cells are the sensory receptors of the auditory system—they transduce mechanical sound waves into electrical energy that the nervous system can understand. Hair cells are located in the organ of Corti within the cochlea of the inner ear, between the basilar and tectorial membranes. The actual sensory receptors are called inner hair cells. The outer hair cells serve other functions, such as sound amplification in the cochlea, and are not discussed in detail here.
45.0K
01:16Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair and Hair Follicles
4.5K
Hair and hair follicles are integral components of the integumentary system. Hair is a filamentous structure composed mainly of a protein called keratin. It is found on the surface of the skin throughout the body, except for areas such as the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Hair is a keratinous filament growing out of the epidermis. It is primarily made of dead, keratinized cells. Hair strands originate at the epidermal penetration called the hair follicle. The hair shaft is the part...
Hair is a keratinous filament growing out of the epidermis. It is primarily made of dead, keratinized cells. Hair strands originate at the epidermal penetration called the hair follicle. The hair shaft is the part...
4.5K
02:27Predicting Molecular Geometry
45.9K
VSEPR Theory for Determination of Electron Pair Geometries
45.9K
01:03Prediction Intervals
3.4K
The interval estimate of any variable is known as the prediction interval. It helps decide if a point estimate is dependable.
However, the point estimate is most likely not the exact value of the population parameter, but close to it. After calculating point estimates, we construct interval estimates, called confidence intervals or prediction intervals. This prediction interval comprises a range of values unlike the point estimate and is a better predictor of the observed sample value, y.
However, the point estimate is most likely not the exact value of the population parameter, but close to it. After calculating point estimates, we construct interval estimates, called confidence intervals or prediction intervals. This prediction interval comprises a range of values unlike the point estimate and is a better predictor of the observed sample value, y.
3.4K
01:07End Point Prediction: Gran Plot
1.2K
A Gran plot is used to predict the equivalence volume or endpoint of a potentiometric or acid-base titration without reaching the endpoint. Typically, titration data is collected as a function of the titrant's volume up to a point less than the equivalence volume and then transformed into a linear format. The straight line is extended to the x-axis, indicating the necessary titrant volume to achieve the equivalence point.
For potentiometric titration, the Gran plot is created by plotting...
For potentiometric titration, the Gran plot is created by plotting...
1.2K
01:13Sensitivity, Specificity, and Predicted Value
1.3K
In healthcare diagnostics, laboratory tests play a crucial role in identifying and diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions. However, interpreting test results is not always straightforward. An abnormal test result does not always confirm the presence of a disease, just as a normal result does not guarantee its absence. To assess the reliability of these diagnostic tools, healthcare practitioners rely on two key statistical indicators: sensitivity and specificity.
Sensitivity is the...
Sensitivity is the...
1.3K