Biomedical subjects

A Rebolledo

Publications and source records attributed to A Rebolledo.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

Voltage-activated sodium current is inhibited by capsaicin in rat atrial myocytes.

The effects of capsaicin, the active principle of hot pepper genus Capsicum, were studied on voltage-activated, tetrodotoxin-sensitive Na+ currents in isolated rat atrial cells using the patch clamp technique in the whole-cell configuration. 0.4 and 4 microM of capsaicin produced a significant tonic block on voltage-activated Na+ current (I(Na)) evoked by a depolarizing step to -40 mV from a holding potential of -100 mV (49 +/- 7% n = 11, P < 0.05 and 72 +/- 13% n = 4, P < 0.05 respectively). We didn't observe any use-dependent block of capsaicin in our experimental conditions. Capsaicin slowed the time decay of inactivation of I(Na), and increased the time constant of the recovery of inactivation. Capsaicin and tetrodotoxin (TTX) depressed contractility of isolated electrically driven left rat atria, being the depression of maximal velocity of force development (dF/dt(max)) with respect to control values of 19 +/- 3% at 1 microM of capsaicin and 22 +/- 2% at 1 microM of TTX. These results show an inhibitory effect of capsaicin on I(Na) in isolated atrial cells that may modify the electrical and contractile function of the rat heart.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Influence of calcitonin gene-related peptide release on pH-induced mechanical depression in rat atria.

Rat atria is richly innervated by sensory nerve fibers that release CGRP when stimulated either by capsaicin or acid pH. We studied the physiological relevance of acid pH-induced CGRP release on changes in atrial contractility and relaxation produced by lowering the pH. Isolated atria electrically paced at 2.77 Hz were exposed to a 10-minute period of metabolic acidosis (pH=6.73+/-0.01, n=28) after: 1) CGRP release induced by capsaicin 0.5 microM; 2) blockage of CGRP release with ruthenium red (RR) 5 microM; 3) no pretreatment; and 4) CGRP receptor blockage with CGRP(8-37) 1 microM. Contractility and relaxation were significantly less depressed by acid pH when CGRP release was prevented by RR or CGRP receptor activation was blocked by CGRP(8-37). The results suggest that CGRP release and the activation of CGRP receptors may be physiologically involved in contributing to the depression of contractility and relaxation induced by acid pH in rat atria.

Acids↗

PubMed2001

Insulin preincubation effects on rat vessel contractile responses: role of the endothelium.

The effect of contractions elicited with ET1 and AVP after preincubating rat aortic and tail artery rings with a hyperinsulinemic dose (3 nM) of insulin were studied. Insulin preincubation (120 min), in the presence of 0.1 mM L-NAME, depressed contraction of aortic rings to 0.01 microM ET1 (132 +/- 6 vs. 161 +/- 9 mg/mm2 in control, n = 25; p < 0.05) and to 1 microM AVP (84 +/- 7 vs. 110 +/- 9 mg/mm2 in control, n = 16; p < 0.05), but did not modify 45Ca influx to the cell. Insulin-induced relaxation was inhibited by indomethacin 10 microM, an antagonist of prostaglandin synthesis, and also by blockade of insulin receptors with 30 microM genistein. A short insulin preincubation (15 min) did not modify ET1 contractions. In rat tail artery, insulin preincubation (120 min) increased the force developed by ET1 (847 +/- 45 vs. 596 +/- 99 mgF/mgW in controls, n = 14) by stimulating TXA2 release and/or actions. In summary, the present results suggest that endothelial factors are involved in both the vasoconstrictor and vasodilator effects of insulin on rat vessels.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Insulin preincubation effects on rat vessel contractile responses: role of the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

In the present work, we studied the possible mechanisms involved in the insulin-induced acceleration of ET1 contractions. We observed a shortening of the half-life needed to achieve maximal developed force (t(1/2)) at 10(-7) M ET1 in rat aortic rings preincubated for 120 min with 3 nM insulin (control 380 +/- 15 s vs. 319 +/- 8 s with insulin, n = 28, p < 0.05). A tyrosine kinase linked receptor was involved in this effect because it was abolished by 30 microM genistein. Endothelium denudation and 10 microM indomethacin treatment did not effect this insulin effect, suggesting its independence of endothelial-derived factors. The effect was still present when the only source of Ca2+ was intracellular (t(1/2) values in the absence of external Ca2+: control 467 +/- 68 s vs. 213 +/- 28 s with insulin, n = 16, p < 0.05), but was blunted if the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ source was suppressed by exposure to 10 microM thapsigargin or 10 microM ryanodine. Preincubation with insulin did not potentiate either SR 45Ca2+ uptake or contractions evoked by caffeine-sensitive SR Ca2+ release. Since 30 microM cheleritrine abolished insulin-induced acceleration of ET1 contractions, we propose that the hormone might enhance a signal pathway related to PKC in order to produce a faster Ca2+ release from the SR.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Short-term streptozotocin-induced diabetes induces blood pressure decrease associated with reduced aortic (45)Ca(2+) uptake and selective depression of the sustained noradrenergic contraction.

To test the hypothesis that diabetes can selectively affect the intracellular and extracellular components of the noradrenergic vascular response in rats, we studied changes in blood pressure, in vitro vascular contraction and (45) Ca(2+) uptake in experimental diabetes induced by injection of 60 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ). One week after induction of diabetes mean blood pressure decreased significantly from 106 +/- 3 mmHg to 89 +/- 2 mmHg. After incubation in Ca(2+) =1.6 mM, contraction of STZ aortic rings to 10(- 7) M of norepinephrine was preserved in its intracellular component (Control: 231 +/- 28, STZ: 274 +/- 22 mgForce/mgTissue, NS) but depressed in its extracellular component (Control: 277 +/- 24, STZ: 133 +/- 33 mgForce/mgTissue, P<0.05). Uptake of (45) Ca(2+) in the same rings was depressed in both components. Norepinephrine contractions due to extracellular Ca(2+) (prior depletion of norepinephrine-sensitive Ca(2+) stores) unexpectedly exhibited a initial component whose magnitude in control rings was similar to the response due to intracellular Ca(2+) (extra: 503 +/- 65 mg, intra: 411 +/- 30 mgForce/mgTissue), and was not depressed in STZ preparations (399 +/- 62 mgForce/mgTissue). The sustained contraction to norepinephrine in extracellular Ca(2+) was significantly reduced in STZ aortas (1163 +/- 92 vs. 528 +/- 95 mgForce/mgTissue). We conclude that: 1) Short-term streptozotocin-induced diabetes features reduced blood pressure along with deficient aortic (45) Ca uptake and contraction to norepinephrine, and 2) Only the sustained phase of the norepinephrine contraction, dependent on extracellular Ca(2+), was depressed in the diabetic rats and could possibly be associated with the observed fall in blood pressure.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

[Diet, smoking and reproductive history as risk factor for cervical cancer].

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies have suggested that smoking, nutrition and sexual patterns are major risk factors for cervical cancer. AIM: To study the association between food consumption patterns, smoking and sexual behavior and the risk of cervical cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A matched case control study of 170 cases and 340 controls. Food and nutrient intakes were assessed by a food frequency questionnaire considering 58 antioxidant rich food items. Median daily intake of vegetables, fruits, antioxidant vitamins and fiber was calculated. A conditional logistic regression model was used to determine odds ratios associated with variations in nutritional intake and no nutritional factors (age at first delivery, parity, body mass index, family history of cancer and smoking). RESULTS: High intakes of vegetables, fruits, beta carotene, vitamin C, E and fiber were associated with a lower risk of cervical cancer (Odds ratios ranging from 0.56 to 0.78). The risk for cancer was inversely associated with the age at first delivery and directly associated with the total number of pregnancies and smoking. Multivariate analysis model showed a protective effect for vegetable and vitamin E consumption (odds ratio of 0.6 with confidence intervals of 0.5 to 0.8 p < 0.001) and a higher risk associated to smoking (odds ratio 2.8, confidence intervals 1.5-5.5 p < 0.002) and a younger age at the first delivery (odds ratio 3.37 confidence intervals 2-5.3 p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Cervical cancer is associated with reproductive and food consumption behaviors. A higher intake of vegetables and foods rich in vitamin E can reduce its risk.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Structural and functional aspects of the human saphenous vein used as aorto-coronary graft in myocardial revascularization].

The human saphenous vein (HSV) is currently used as a graft in coronary revascularization as well as in some other vascular beds, namely those of the inferior limbs. Since a significant proportion of HSV grafts develop stenosis, many studies have focused on the factors that could promote graft failure. This article reviews the results on structural and functional features that might be concurrent in the production of saphenous vein graft stenosis. The reactivity of HSV to several physiological agonists is analyzed, including those derived from the endothelium with contractile or relaxing properties, since these are relevant inducers of graft spasm and/or modifiers of the expression of graft factors involved in either tissue growth or thrombotic-atherosclerotic processes. Mechanisms that regulate vascular smooth muscle contractile state, in particular the activity of K+ channels of the plasma membrane, are described.

Coronary Artery Bypass↗

PubMed2000

Kinetics and mechanisms of the reactions of 4-nitro- and 3-nitrophenyl 4-methylphenyl thionocarbonates with alicyclic amines and pyridines

The reactions of the title thionocarbonates (1 and 2, respectively) with a series of secondary alicyclic amines and pyridines are subjected to a kinetic investigation in 44 wt % ethanol-water, 25.0 degrees C, ionic strength 0.2 M (KCl). Under amine excess over the substrates pseudo-first-order rate coefficients (k(obsd)) are obtained for all the reactions. Those of the alicyclic amines with the two substrates show nonlinear upward plots of k(obsd) vs [amine], except the reactions of piperidine, which exhibit linear plots. For these reactions a reaction scheme is proposed with two tetrahedral intermediates, one zwitterionic (T(+/-)) and the other anionic (T(-)), with a kinetically significant proton transfer from T(+/-) to an amine to give T(-). From an equation derived from the scheme the rate microcoefficients are obtained through fitting. The rate coefficient for formation of T(+/-) (k(1)) is larger for 1 compared to 2, which can be explained by a stronger electron-withdrawal of 4-nitro in 1 than 3-nitro in 2, which leaves the thiocarbonyl carbon of 1 more positive and, therefore, more susceptible to nucleophilic attack. For the pyridinolyses of both thionocarbonates the plots of k(obsd) vs [amine] are linear, with the slope (k(N)) independent of pH. The Bronsted plots (log k(N) vs pyridine pK(a)) for these reactions are linear with slopes beta = 0.9 and 1.2 for the pyridinolysis of 1 and 2, respectively. These slopes are consistent with a mechanism through a T(+/-) intermediate on the reaction path, whereby decomposition of T(+/-) to products is the rate-determining step. The k(N) values are larger for the reactions of 1 than those of 2. This is attributed to a larger equilibrium formation of T(+/-) and a larger expulsion rate of the nucleofuge from T(+/-) in the reactions of 1 compared to those of 2.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2000

The antineoplastic agent paclitaxel (Taxol) increases contractile activity in human saphenous veins and human mammary arteries.

Effects of the antineoplastic agent paclitaxel (Taxol) were studied on contractions of isolated human saphenous vein (HSV) and mammary artery (HMA). Peak force developed by vascular segments with cumulative concentrations of physiologic agonists was enhanced by paclitaxel, producing a shift to the left of dose-response curves. Paclitaxel 1 microM decreased ED50 (in microM) for norepinephrine from 1.01 +/- 0.24 to 0.20 +/- 0.06 (n = 16, p < 0.05) in HSV and from 1.30 +/- 0.30 to 0.51 +/- 0.21 (n = 15, p < 0.05) in HMA and for 5-hydroxytriptamine from 0.64 +/- 0.19 to 0.21 +/- 0.07 (n = 20, p < 0.05) in HSV. Paclitaxel 1 microM also significantly increased the peak force of contractions elicited by endothelin-1 0.01 microM in HSV. In contrast, it did not affect contractions evoked by KCl 80 mM. These results show that paclitaxel produces a hyperreactivity in human vessels challenged by physiologic agonists, which suggests that administration of paclitaxel to patients could augment peripheral resistance and increase blood pressure.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic↗

PubMed2000

[Breast cancer risk factors in women in Santiago, Chile].

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies suggest a relation between breast cancer, diet and life styles. AIM: To analyze the association between food patterns, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption and breast cancer risk in women of Santiago. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A case-control study design (170 cases and 340 controls), matched by age and sex, was used. Through a food frequency questionnaire the average daily intake of vegetables, fruits, beta-carotene, vitamin A, C, E and fiber was analyzed. Other exposures to non-nutritional risks (parity, smoking, cancer history) were also studied. Conditional logistic regression was calculated to determine the odds ratio associated with variations in food and nutrient intake and non-nutritional factors. RESULTS: Cases had a greater BMI and a higher prevalence of obesity than controls (p < 0.02). No differences were observed in either group food patterns. The ORs for breast cancer associated with obesity and alcohol consumption were 1.65 (95% CI 1.06-2.64) and 1.61 (95% CI 1.06-2.54) respectively (p < 0.05). Multiparity had a protective effect with 0.66 less risk (95% CI 0.44-0.99). No protective effect associated to a greater intake of vegetables, fruits or natural antioxidants was observed. Multivariate analysis model disclosed obesity as a risk factor (OR 1.79, p < 0.02) and parity > or = 4 as protective (OR 0.62, p < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: This study does not support a protective role for natural antioxidants against breast cancer but indicate a weak association with obesity.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Role of a Ca2+-activated K+ current in the maintenance of resting membrane potential of isolated, human, saphenous vein smooth muscle cells.

Calcium-activated potassium currents were studied in dissociated smooth muscle cells from human saphenous vein (HSV) using the patch-clamp technique in the whole-cell configuration. The average measured resting membrane potential (Vm) was -41+/-2 mV (n=39), when the cells were dialysed with an intracellular pipette solution (IPS) containing 0.1 mM ethyleneglycol-bis(beta-aminoethylether)-N,N,N', N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) (IPS-0.1 mM EGTA). When the EGTA concentration was increased to 10 mM (IPS-10 mM EGTA) Vm became significantly less negative: -13+/-2 mV (n=23, P<0.05). These results suggest that 10 mM EGTA reduces a calcium-dependent current involved in the maintenance of Vm. Depolarizing voltage steps up to +60 mV from holding potentials of -60 mV resulted in large (1-10 nA) time- and voltage-dependent outward currents. The amplitudes of total whole-cell current densities measured at voltages above -20 mV were significantly greater in the cells dialysed with IPS-0.1 mM EGTA than in those dialysed with IPS-10 mM EGTA. In the cells dialysed with IPS-0.1 mM EGTA, 0.1 mM tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA) and 50 nM iberiotoxin (IBTX), which selectively block large conductance Ca2+-activated potassium channels (BKCa), diminished the total current recorded at +60 mV by 45+/-14% (P<0.05, n=5) and 50+/-6% (n=8, P<0.05), respectively. These blockers at the same concentrations did not affect the total current in cells dialysed with IPS-10 mM EGTA. When tested on intact HSV rings, both 0.1 mM TEA and 50 nM IBTX elicited vessel contraction. We conclude that BKCa channels present in HSV smooth muscle cells contribute to the maintenance of the Vm and sustain a significant portion of the total voltage-activated, outward current. Finally, BKCa channels appear to play a significant role in the regulation of HSV smooth muscle contractile activity.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

Mechanical properties of human saphenous veins from normotensive and hypertensive patients.

BACKGROUND: Different reactivities of saphenous vein grafts in hypertensive and normotensive patients could lead to differences in the postoperative patency of the grafts. METHODS: In saphenous vein rings isolated from remnants of aorta-coronary grafts obtained from hypertensive and normotensive patients we studied the length-tension relationship; response to high levels of potassium, norepinephrine, and epinephrine; and relaxation in response to calcium deprivation. RESULTS: The rings from hypertensive patients were stiffer and developed more force (grams force/grams weight) than the rings from normotensive subjects to 80 mmol/L potassium (59+/-16 versus 25+/-5, p < 0.05) and to 1 micromol/L norepinephrine (61+/-8 versus 36+/-7, p < 0.05), but not to 10 micromol/L epinephrine (57+/-11 and 54+/-11; not significant). The rings from hypertensive patients relaxed more slowly than those of the normotensive subjects in a calcium-free medium (time to half-relaxation of 976+/-180 versus 548+/-81 seconds; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The saphenous vein from hypertensive patients is less distensible, slower to relax, and more reactive to at least two agonists. These differences could influence the graft's patency and the clinical outcome.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Role of insulin preincubation in the contractile reactivity of rat aortic rings.

Preincubation with physiological concentrations of insulin affects contractile reactivity of isolated smooth muscle cells. We studied the effects of insulin on intact aortic rings of Wistar rats preincubated 1-2 h with 240 pM (I1) and 960 pM (I2) insulin with and without NO synthesis inhibition by N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Resting force was tripled by 0.1 mM L-NAME in control (C) and I1 groups, but not in I2 groups. I1 treatment decreased the tachyphylaxis to two successive 1 microM arginine vasopressin (AVP) stimulations. Single contractions elicited by 1 microM AVP, 1 microM angiotensin II (AngII), or 0.01 microM endothelin (ET1) were not affected by insulin preincubation in either maximal force (Fmax) or relaxation times. L-NAME enhanced Fmax of AngII contractions by about 75% in C, 120% in I1, and 74% in I2 groups; accordingly, it augmented the final steady-state force in C and I1 but not in I2. Similarly, L-NAME increased Fmax (30-40%) of AVP and ET1 contractions in C and I1 groups but failed to do so in contractions of I2 group. Results obtained with 10 microM indomethacin suggest that this is due to insulin stimulation of prostacyclin effects.

Angiotensin II↗

PubMed1998

Chronotropic, inotropic and lusitropic effects of capsaicin on isolated rat atria.

This work includes results on chronotropic, inotropic and lusitropic changes induced by capsaicin on isolated rat atria. As regards spontaneous frequency, it was stimulated from 10(-9) M up to 7 x 10(-7) M of capsaicin. A simultaneous depression in developed force (F) showed a significant correlation with this positive chronotropic effect up to 7 x 10(-8) M of capsaicin, which is the result of the negative staircase phenomenon in the rat heart. The correlation was lost at 2 and 7 x 10(-7) M of capsaicin since in spite of the sustained increase in atrial rate the decrease in F was reversed and then depressed again at 2 and 7 x 10(-6) M of capsaicin without changes in frequency. A concentration of capsaicin that overcome the negative staircase phenomenon, 5 x 10(-7) M, was tested as unique dose resulting in stimulation of the chronotropic, inotropic and lusitropic states of the atria. Percentual differences with respect to control values were maximal after 1-3 minutes for frequency (10 +/- 3%), F (29 +/- 4%), maximal velocity of force development (+F = 50 +/- 12%) (in all cases +F and -F bold indicates +F and -F, respectively), and maximal velocity of relaxation (-F = 64 +/- 13%); a positive lusitropic effect was significant after 8-10 minutes (+F/-F = 17 +/- 7%). Capsaicin did not affect the rat atria in the presence of 10(-6) M of ruthenium red, a blocker of capsaicin activation of sensory nerves, indicating that the stimulatory effects were entirely mediated by the release of neurotransmitters and that this concentration of capsaicin was not deleterous "per se". Capsaicin elicited similar inotropic responses in electrically driven isolated atria (+F = 41 +/- 9%) but the positive lusitropic effect was lost suggesting that capsaicin-induced increases in -F are limited at a frequency higher than the spontaneous frequency (11 +/- 6 vs. 32 +/- 4%, respectively). 10(-6) M of CGRP8-37, an antagonist of CGRP1 receptors, suppress the stimulatory effects of capsaicin on atrial contraction. In summary, atrial rate as compared to atrial contraction is more sensitive to the neurotransmitter released by capsaicin, which results in mechanical effects expressing the negative staircase phenomenon in the rat at low concentrations of capsaicin. The positive chronotropic, inotropic and lusitropic responses elicited by capsaicin are mediated by the release of neurotransmitters from sensory fibbers and no deletereous effects of capsaicin "per se" became evident when the release of neuropeptides was prevented. Atrial contraction was depressed at higher capsaicin concentrations than the one showing stimulatory effects. Stimulation of atrial contractility is mediated by activation of CGRP receptors.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

A 14-mo zinc-supplementation trial in apparently healthy Chilean preschool children.

Apparently healthy preschool children (46 boys, 52 girls) aged 27-50 mo from low socioeconomic conditions who attended daycare centers in Santiago participated in a 14-mo long double-blind zinc supplementation trial. Unlike most previous studies, no additional inclusion criteria such as short stature or slow growth rate were considered. Subjects were pair matched according to sex and age and randomly assigned to two experimental groups: the supplemented group, which received 10 mg Zn/d, and the placebo group. Selected anthropometric, clinical, dietary, biochemical, and functional indexes were determined at the beginning of the study and after 6 and 14 mo of intervention. Actual dietary zinc intake was 66% of the recommended dietary allowance. Height gain after 14 mo was on average 0.5 cm higher in the supplemented group (P = 0.10). The response, however, was different between sexes. Boys from the supplemented group gained 0.9 cm more than those in the placebo group (P = 0.045). No effect was seen in girls. Although no significant differences were observed in the rest of the variables studied, trends (0.05 < P < 0.10) in the supplemented group compared with the placebo group for increased midarm muscle area in boys, improved response to tuberculin, and reduced rates of parasite reinfestation were noted. We conclude that in preschool children of low socioeconomic status, zinc is a limiting factor in the expression of growth potential.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1996

[Insulin, vascular reactivity and hypertension].

Several epidemiological studies have shown that there is a relationship between hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance and arterial hypertension. Insulin produces sympathetic nervous system stimulation, enhances renal sodium retention and it directly modifies vascular mechanisms involved in both contraction and relaxation of the vascular smooth muscle. These actions of insulin could lead either to elevation or reduction of blood pressure. The absence of vasodilation due to insulin resistance and/or the enhancement of the hypertensive effects due to hyperinsulinemia could be the link between insulin and hypertension.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

[Effect of insulin on contractile response and calcium binding in rat aorta].

UNLABELLED: Insulin affects physiological mechanisms involved in blood pressure regulation, and at the cellular level modifies endothelial and vascular smooth muscle functions underlying the changes in peripheral resistance. We describe the effects of preincubation with insulin (40 microU/ml for 1-2 hs) on the contractile reactivity of intact rat aortic rings and on 45Ca2+ uptake of EGTA-hyperpermeabilized rat aortic segments. Preincubation with insulin did not affect either contractions induced by 1 microM of NA, or their relaxation induced by 10 mM of caffeine. The contractile response to 1 microM of Ang-II (which in rat aorta is endothelium-independent) was stimulated by insulin preincubation resulting in increases of both maximal developed force and velocity of its spontaneous relaxation. The difference in 45Ca2+ uptake between insulin-treated and insulin-untreated aortic segments was greater at 5 minutes than it was at 30 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: Insulin preincubation affects directly the mechanical response of Ang-II stimulated aortic smooth muscle; we suggest that the modification of SR function is one of the mechanisms involved in insulin regulation of cytosolic Ca2+.

Angiotensin II↗

PubMed1992

The influence of social and political violence on the risk of pregnancy complications.

BACKGROUND: Events in Chile provided an opportunity to evaluate health effects associated with exposure to high levels of social and political violence. METHODS: Neighborhoods in Santiago, Chile, were mapped for occurrences of sociopolitical violence during 1985-86, such as bomb threats, military presence, undercover surveillance, and political demonstrations. Six health centers providing prenatal care were then chosen at random: three from "high-violence" and three from "low-violence" neighborhoods. The 161 healthy, pregnant women due to deliver between August 1 and September 7, 1986, who attended these health centers were interviewed twice about their living conditions. Pregnancy complications and labor/delivery information were subsequently obtained from clinic and hospital records. RESULTS: Women living in the high-violence neighborhoods were significantly more likely to experience pregnancy complications than women living in lower violence neighborhoods (OR = 5.0; 95% CI = 1.9-12.6; p less than 0.01). Residence in a high-violence neighborhood was the strongest risk factor observed; results persisted after controlling for several sets of potential confounders. CONCLUSION: Living in areas of high social and political violence increased the risk of pregnancy complications among otherwise healthy women.

Adult↗