MicroRNA expression profiles in very preterm infants with patent ductus arteriosus - a pilot study

June 2025, published in Neonatology

This pilot study examined microRNA profiles in 25 very preterm infants to identify potential biomarkers for hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA). We found significant downregulation of hsa-miR-218-5p in umbilical cord blood of infants who developed hsPDA compared to those with spontaneous ductus closure, suggesting microRNAs may serve as early predictive biomarkers to guide clinical management of this condition in preterm infants.

Photo by Gerhard Berger

MicroRNA Signatures in Umbilical Cord Blood of Neonates Exposed to Maternal SARS-CoV-2 Infection during Pregnancy

March 2025, published in Neonatology

We analyzed microRNA expression in umbilical cord blood from 58 neonates of SARS-CoV-2-infected mothers compared to 41 healthy controls. We identified 50 differentially expressed miRNAs enriched in inflammatory pathways involving IL-6 and IL-10, revealing molecular mechanisms underlying fetal immune responses to maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy.

Effects of DHEA and DHEAS in Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury

December 2024, published in Antioxidants

This study investigated the neuroprotective potential of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate ester (DHEAS) in a neonatal mouse model of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. Although treatment with various doses (0.1, 1, and 10 µg/g) showed no statistically significant neuroprotective effects at the tested time points, the absence of toxic or adverse effects demonstrates their safety profile and provides a foundation for optimizing dosing strategies and delivery methods in future neonatal neuroprotection research.

Young hearts, early risks: novel cardiovascular biomarkers in former very preterm infants at kindergarten age

September 2024, published in Pediatric Research

This pilot study evaluated novel cardiovascular biomarkers in former very preterm infants (< 32 weeks' gestation) compared to term-born controls at kindergarten age. Former preterm infants exhibited significantly elevated plasma concentrations of intact fibroblast growth factor-23 (iFGF-23) and secretoneurin, with iFGF-23 levels inversely correlating with descending aorta distensibility. These findings suggest iFGF-23 and secretoneurin hold promise as cardiovascular biomarkers for early risk stratification and preventive intervention in preterm-born children.

Factors Influencing Breast Milk Antibody Titers during the Covid Pandemic: An Observational Study

July 2024, published in Nutrients

This prospective study quantified anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in breast milk samples from 140 mothers with positive SARS-CoV-2 tests during pregnancy or peripartum. Anti-Spike S1 receptor-binding domain immunoglobulins were highly prevalent in colostrum (72.0% IgA, 86.0% IgG, 41.7% IgM) and decreased as milk matured, with higher titers observed in mothers with both natural infection and vaccination, those with moderate to severe infections, and variations across preterm births and different virus waves, underscoring the importance of breastfeeding for passive immunity during pandemics.

Breast milk anti-S1RBD immunoglobulin concentrations throughout lactation: An observational report

October 2023, published in Acta Paediatrica

This brief report examined long-term breast milk anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels in four mothers who conceived during lactation. An unexpected increase in anti-Spike S1 receptor-binding domain immunoglobulins (particularly IgA and IgG) was observed with conception of a new pregnancy, resembling colostrum-like immunologic composition independent of re-infection or vaccination, suggesting pregnancy itself may boost passive immunity transfer through breast milk.

Investigation of secretoneurin as a potential biomarker of brain injury in very preterm infants: A pilot study

April 2023, published in PLoS One

This pilot study measured secretoneurin concentrations in very preterm infants (<32 weeks' gestation) at birth, 48 hours, and 3 weeks of life, correlating findings with neuroimaging and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years. While secretoneurin levels differed from term-born neonates and did not distinguish imaging-confirmed brain injury, umbilical cord blood and 3-week measurements correlated with and predicted Bayley-III motor and cognitive scores, suggesting potential as a prognostic rather than diagnostic biomarker of preterm brain injury.

Photo by Gerhard Berger

Publications