Interleukin-8 (IL8/CXCL8) is present in decidua and trophoblast, which also expresses the IL8 receptors, CXCR1 and CXCR2. IL8 was shown to stimulate trophoblast migration. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2, MMP9, and integrins a 5 b 1 and a 1 b 1 were found to play important roles in trophoblast invasion. We hypothesized that IL8 would increase this cell migration and invasion by HTR-8/SVneo cells through the activity of MMPs and integrins. Isolated first trimester of pregnancy cytotrophoblast (CT) and HTR-8/SVneo cell line were used. Migration was studied by monolayer wounding test, and invasion by Matrigel invasion test. The effects of IL8 on MMPs and integrin subunit expression were determined in HTR-8/SVneo cells by gelatin zymography and western blot respectively. The results that were obtained showed that exogenous IL8 stimulated HTR-8/SVneo cell migration and invasion. MMP2 and MMP9 levels were stimulated to 182% (P!0.01) and 134% (P!0.01) respectively. Integrin a 5 expression was increased to 119% (P!0.05) and integrin b 1 expression to 173% (P!0.001) of the control values. The data that were obtained show for the first time the sensitivity of the HTR-8/SVneo cells, in addition to isolated first trimester CT, to IL8. Exogenous IL8/CXCL8 increased trophoblast cell migration and invasion, which may be partly attributable to stimulation of MMP2 and MMP9 levels and an increase in integrins. HTR-8/SVneo cell viability and proliferation were also increased.

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Background/Aim. Osteoporosis mainly affects women in the early years following menopause. The aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge about osteoporosis and osteoporosis related risk factors in postmenopausal women in Serbia. Methods. The study included postmenopausal women regardless if suffering from osteoporosis or not. Assessment of knowledge was carried out by using the Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool -Shorter Version (OKAT-S) questionnaire that was validated for Serbian population. Answers to the 9 questions were coded as 1 -true, or 0 -false or "do not know". Also, the following risk factors data for osteoporosis were collected: age, the onset and duration of menopause, body mass index (BMI), data on fractures, the incidence of falls, smoking, lifestyle (active, sedentary), regular sunbathing, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, intake of milk and dairy products. Results. A total of 132 postmenopausal women responded to the questionnaire with the response rate of 90.41%. Their knowledge varied from Vujasinović Stupar N, et al. Vojnosanit Pregl 2017; 74(5): 445-449.

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In the course of embryo implantation extensive interaction of the trophoblast with uterine tissue is crucial for adequate trophoblast invasion. This interaction is highly controlled, and it has been pointed out that a specific glycocode and changes in glycosylation may be important for successful implantation and maintenance of pregnancy. Both uterine and trophoblast cells have been shown to express cell surface glycoconjugates and sugar binding proteins, such as mucins (MUC) and galectins (gals). An increasing number of studies have investigated potential candidates interacting in this process. However, knowledge about the biochemical nature of the interactions and their importance for trophoblast cell function, and, consequently, for pregnancy outcome are still lacking. This review is aimed at deliberating the possibility that mucins, as heavily glycosylated proteins, might be among the functionally relevant galectin ligands in human trophoblast, based on both published data and our original research.