This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Recent studies have demonstrated reduced telomerase activity in placenta of fetuses that exhibit intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). The hypothesis is that, as a consequence of low telomerase in IUGR placenta, telomeres in the IUGR placenta may be prematurely lost or shortened, which may lead to accelerated senescence and exacerbate growth arrest of this tissue.
The specific aim i s to analyze telomere length in cord blood samples and placenta samples to obtain preliminary data demonstrating the investigator s capacity to perform this analysis. Clinical Research Center nurses assisted Co-Principal Investigator in the collection, extraction and preparation of placental and cord blood samples for this study. As required for the protocol, a total of 10 samples were collected. The study population included pregnant women admitted to the Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children (KMCWC) under the care of Dr. Millar undergoing normal vaginal delivery or elective primary or repeat cesarean section. Placental and umbilical cord tissue were collected, identified by Dr. Millar as either IUGR or Non-IUGR , processed, and assigned a numerical code to ensure anonymity of the samples. No patient identifiers were collected, used or disclosed in this study. Following collection, the anonymous placental tissue and cord blood specimens were transported by Principal Investigator, to his laboratory. Dr. Allsopp is currently performing DNA extraction and Southern analysis of telomere length on the samples obtained. Study results are pending completion of this analysis. This study serves as the basis for future research which could lead to the development of new methods of diagnosis and new clinical therapies to treat IUGR. This initial study will provide the investigators with an opportunity to demonstrate competence in the methods for analysis of telomere length and serve as preliminary data for the development of future protocols on its association with IUGR.
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