Utilizing Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography with Phosphatidylserine Microbubbles to Detect Placental Inflammation in...

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Medical Imaging
• Reproductive Biology

Background:

• Early detection of pregnancy complications like placental inflammation is crucial for reducing maternal and fetal risks.
• Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) offers a non-invasive method to visualize vascular spaces using microbubbles.
• Targeted microbubbles can specifically probe physiological pathways, enhancing diagnostic capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of CEUS with phosphatidylserine microbubbles (MB-PS) for monitoring placental inflammation.
• To evaluate MB-PS CEUS in a relevant animal model (rhesus macaques) of human placental health.
• To correlate CEUS findings with established placental inflammation markers.

Main Methods:

• Pregnant rhesus macaques on a high-fat diet, with or without testosterone exposure, were studied.
• Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) utilizing phosphatidylserine microbubbles (MB-PS) was performed.
• MB-PS signal intensity was quantified and correlated with placental inflammation markers, including selectin p and angiopoietins.

Main Results:

• Testosterone exposure led to increased MB-PS signal intensity in the maternal placental microcirculation.
• Testosterone also increased placental weight and decreased angiopoietin 2 (ANGPT2) immunoreactivity.
• A significant inverse correlation was observed between MB-PS signal intensity and ANGPT2 levels.

Conclusions:

• CEUS with MB-PS effectively monitors placental parameters in a relevant animal model.
• This technique shows potential for identifying pregnancies at risk of placental vascular compromise.
• MB-PS CEUS may serve as a valuable tool in managing high-risk pregnancies.