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Furukawa S, Tsuji N, Takeuchi K. Effects of letrozole on rat placental development. J Toxicol Pathol 2024; 37:163-172. [PMID: 39359894 PMCID: PMC11442266 DOI: 10.1293/tox.2024-0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
We examined the morphological effects of letrozole on placental development in pregnant rats. Letrozole was orally administered at a repeat dose to pregnant rats at 0 mg/kg (control group) and 0.04 mg/kg (letrozole group) from gestation day (GD) 6 to GD 20. In the letrozole group, fetal mortality and placental weight increased from GD 15 onwards and GD 13 onwards, respectively. Fetal weights increased on GDs 15 and 17 but decreased on GD 21. Histopathologically, letrozole treatment induced multiple cysts lined with undifferentiated syncytiotrophoblasts in the trophoblastic septa on GD 13. These cysts then develop into dilated maternal sinusoids with congestive hyperemia, resulting in an enlarged placenta. In the metrial gland, there was a dilated lumen of the spiral artery and interstitial edema throughout the experimental period, resulting in thickened metrial gland. These changes are considered to be due to maternal blood circulation stagnation in the metrial gland, which is associated with dilated maternal sinusoids in the labyrinth zone. Thus, although letrozole induces an enlarged placenta due to congestive hyperemia of the labyrinth zone and transient increases in fetal weight, these placentas are thought to decline in function as the pregnancy progresses, leading to intrauterine growth restriction at the end of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Furukawa
- Planning and Development Department, Nissan Chemical
Corporation, 2-5-1 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-6119, Japan
| | - Naho Tsuji
- Planning and Development, Agricultural Chemical Division,
Nissan Chemical Corporation, 2-5-1 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-6119, Japan
| | - Kazuya Takeuchi
- Biological Research Laboratories, Nissan Chemical
Corporation, 1470 Shiraoka, Shiraoka-shi, Saitama 349-0294, Japan
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Böhm-González ST, Ziemendorff A, Meireson E, Weyers S, Nawrot T, Bijnens E, Gielen M. Association between trimester-specific prenatal air pollution exposure and placental weight of twins. Placenta 2024; 154:207-215. [PMID: 39084172 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.07.309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study investigates the association between maternal exposure to particulate matter (PM10) and nitric dioxide (NO2) during the first, second and third trimester and placental weight and birth weight/placental weight (BW/PW) ratio in twins at birth. METHODS Cross-sectional data of 3340 twins from the East Flanders Prospective Twin Survey was used. Air pollutant exposure was estimated via spatial temporal interpolation. Univariable and multivariable mixed model analyses with a random intercept to account for the relatedness of newborns were conducted for twins with separate placentas. Twin pairs with one placental mass were studied with linear and logistic regression. RESULTS In the third trimester, for each 10 μm/m3 increase in PM10 or NO2 placental weight decreased -19.7 g (95%-C.I. -35.1; -4.3) and -17.7 g (95%-C.I. -30.4; -0.5) respectively, in moderate to late preterm twins with separate placentas. Consequently, BW/PW ratio increased with higher air pollution exposure. PM10 exposure in the last week of pregnancy was associated with a higher odds ratio (OR) of 1.20 (95%-C.I. 1.00; 1.44) for a "small for gestational age placenta" (placental weight <10th percentile). Conversely, first trimester air pollutant exposure was associated with lower ORs of 0.55 (95%-C.I. 0.35; 0.88) and 0.60 (95%-C.I. 0.42; 0.84). DISCUSSION The association of PM10 and NO2 on placental weight is trimester-specific, differs for twins with one versus two placentas and is most pronounced in moderate to late preterm twins. Longitudinal studies are needed to better understand the relationship between air pollutant exposure and placental weight evolution across different trimesters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Teresa Böhm-González
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne and University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany; Department of Epidemiology, NUTRIM School for Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Alischa Ziemendorff
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Marien-Hospital, Hospitalstraße 44, 52353, Düren-Birkesdorf, Germany; Department of Epidemiology, NUTRIM School for Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Eline Meireson
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, University Ghent, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Steven Weyers
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, University Ghent, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Tim Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - Esmée Bijnens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium; Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Open University Heerlen, Milton Keynes Building, Valkenburgerweg 177, 6419, Heerlen, the Netherlands.
| | - Marij Gielen
- Department of Epidemiology, NUTRIM School for Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
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Sahin E, Eraslan Sahin M, Kirlangic MM, Kutuk S, Daglıtuncezdi Cam S, Can Ozdemir H, Genc E. Effects of different PCOS phenotypes on placental three-dimensional power Doppler indices and placental volume during the first trimester. Placenta 2024; 154:176-183. [PMID: 39018610 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) phenotypes using first-trimester placental three-dimensional power Doppler indices and placental volume. METHODS In this prospective case-control study, 170 pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria were divided into five groups according to PCOS phenotype: non-PCOS control (n = 34), PCOS phenotype A (n = 34), PCOS phenotype B (n = 34), PCOS phenotype C (n = 34), and PCOS phenotype D (n = 34). The primary outcomes determined in the present study were the differences in placental volume and placental flow index (FI), vascularization flow index (VFI), vascularization index (VI), and uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) betweenthe PCOS groups and control group. RESULTS The mean placental volume and VI were significantly decreased in the phenotype A, B, and C groups compared to the control group and PCOS phenotype D group. The mean FI and VFI were significantly decreased in the phenotype A and B groups compared to the control group and PCOS phenotype C and D groups. The mean testosterone, dehydroepiandrostenedione, sex-hormone binding globulin, free androgen index, and insulin resistance levels were significantly increased in the phenotype A, B, and C groups compared to the control group and PCOS phenotype D group. DISCUSION The results indicated that placental volume and placental vascular Doppler indices in the first trimester were more adversely affected in the PCOS A and B phenotypes than other PCOS phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erdem Sahin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kayseri City Hospital, Kayseri, Turkey.
| | | | - Mehmet Mete Kirlangic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul Dr. Lutfu Kirdar City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Serhan Kutuk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kayseri Develi State Hospital, Kayseri, Turkey
| | | | - Havva Can Ozdemir
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kayseri City Hospital, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Emre Genc
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kayseri City Hospital, Kayseri, Turkey
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Liu Z. Genetic causal relationship between placental weight and autism spectrum disorder: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study. J Psychosom Res 2024; 184:111857. [PMID: 38991361 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECT Previous research has suggested an association between placental tissue abnormalities and the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. This study aims to explore the causal relationship between placental weight and autism spectrum disorder. METHODS This study employed Mendelian randomization analysis to investigate the potential causal relationship between placental weight and autism spectrum disorder. The study design involved two sample populations, with data for the exposed population sourced from previous studies focusing on PW, and data for the outcome population obtained from the Integrative Psychiatric Research and the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium study. To ensure the robustness of the results, three sensitivity analyses were performed, including heterogeneity testing, pleiotropy testing, and a leave-one-out analysis. The inverse variance weighted method served as the gold standard for the Mendelian randomization analysis. RESULTS The results of the first analysis revealed a significant correlation between an increase in placental weight and an elevated risk of autism spectrum disorder (p = 0.02). Sensitivity analysis detected heterogeneity and outliers. After removing two outlier SNPs in the second round of analysis, the results still supported a genetic causal relationship between placental weight and autism spectrum disorder (p = 0.01). The second-round sensitivity analysis did not reveal any heterogeneity or outliers. CONCLUSION Our study provides compelling evidence supporting a causal relationship between elevated placental weight and increased risk of autism spectrum disorder. These findings underscore the significance of placental development in the etiology of autism spectrum disorder and propose a potential early predictive indicator for autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China.
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Hietalati S, Pham D, Arora H, Mochizuki M, Santiago G, Vaught J, Lin ET, Mestan KK, Parast M, Jacobs MB. Placental pathology and fetal growth outcomes in pregnancies complicated by maternal obesity. Int J Obes (Lond) 2024; 48:1248-1257. [PMID: 38822073 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-024-01546-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rising prevalence of maternal obesity presents a significant health concern because of the possible implications for obstetric complications and neonatal outcomes. Understanding the impact of obesity on placental structure and function as well as fetal growth and infant outcomes is important to improve the care of these potentially high-risk pregnancies. This study aimed to determine the effect of elevated maternal BMI on histopathologic patterns of placental injury and its consequences on fetal growth. METHODS Data were collected from an ongoing cohort of maternal-infant dyads in the UCSD Obstetric Registry spanning 2011-2020. Maternal characteristics, including BMI, hypertensive disease and diabetes, placental gross and histopathology, and infant characteristics, including sex and birthweight, were recorded and analyzed. ANOVA and chi-square tests were used in initial analyses, followed by log-binomial and linear regression models adjusted for relevant confounders to determine associations between maternal BMI, specific patterns of placental injury, and infant birthweight percentiles. RESULTS Among 1366 maternal-infant dyads, placentas from mothers with overweight and obesity were heavier and demonstrated higher adjusted relative risks of chronic villitis (CV), decidual vasculopathy, intervillous thrombosis, and normoblastemia. Placental efficiency, determined by fetal-placental weight ratio, was decreased with increasing BMI. Maternal obesity was associated with higher rates of preterm birth and higher birthweight percentiles. Multiple placental lesions, including maternal (MVM) and fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM), exhibited significant effects on birthweight percentiles; however, only MVM showed a differential effect based on maternal obesity. CONCLUSIONS Presence of obesity in pregnancy is associated with increased rates of placental patterns of injury, decreased placental efficiency, and increased birthweight percentiles. While placental lesions, such as CV, have the potential to negatively impact fetal growth, the resulting birthweight percentiles demonstrate a more complex relationship between maternal obesity and fetal growth, that likely involves placental and fetal adaptation to the altered in utero environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Hietalati
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Donna Pham
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Harneet Arora
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Marina Mochizuki
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Gisselle Santiago
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jordan Vaught
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Erika T Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Karen K Mestan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mana Parast
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Marni B Jacobs
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Talmo MSA, Fløysand IS, Nilsen GØ, Løvvik TS, Ødegård R, Juliusson PB, Vanky E, Simpson MR. Growth Restriction in the Offspring of Mothers With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2430543. [PMID: 39190302 PMCID: PMC11350484 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.30543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder, characterized by subfertility, increased risk of metabolic diseases, and pregnancy complications. Previous studies diverge regarding the association between maternal PCOS and newborn anthropometrics. Objective To explore the association between maternal PCOS and newborn anthropometrics and the modifying effects of maternal body mass index, PCOS phenotype, and gestational diabetes. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study followed up women from the first half of pregnancy to birth and combined data from 3 clinical trials of pregnant women with PCOS and a reference population consisting of participants in the Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort (MoBa) Study, with data from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. The recruitment period for the clinical trials was between October 1, 2000, and August 31, 2017, and for MoBa, between July 1, 1999, and December 31, 2008. Participants included women with singleton pregnancies and live-born children. Data were analyzed from January 1 to June 15, 2023. Exposure Maternal PCOS status. Main Outcomes and Measures Newborn birth weight, birth length, and head circumference as continuous variables and z scores, and ponderal index (calculated as the birth weight in grams × 100 divided by the birth length in centimeters cubed), placenta weight, and ratio of birth weight to placenta weight (BWPW). Results The cohort included 390 pregnant women with PCOS (mean [SD] age, 29.6 [4.2] years) and 68 708 women in the reference group (mean [SD] age, 30.4 [4.5] years). Offspring in the PCOS group had lower birth weight, birth length, and head circumference than in the reference group offspring. The estimated mean differences in z scores were -0.26 (95% CI, -0.38 to -0.14) for birth weight, -0.19 (95% CI, -0.33 to -0.05) for birth length, and -0.13 (95% CI, -0.26 to -0.01) for head circumference. The PCOS group also had a lower ponderal index (-0.04 [95% CI, -0.07 to -0.004] g × 100/cm3) and placenta weight (-24 [95% CI, -43 to -5)] g), and higher BWPW ratio (0.4 [95% CI, 0.3 to 0.5]). The association between growth restriction and PCOS was more apparent when additionally adjusting for body mass index. Neither PCOS phenotype nor gestational diabetes diagnosis was associated with neonatal anthropometry in women with PCOS. Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort of mother-infant pairs, maternal PCOS status was associated with lower birth weight, shorter birth length, and smaller head circumference in the offspring. This growth restriction was more pronounced when adjusting for BMI, providing insight into the association between PCOS and body mass index. The study contributed to the understanding of how PCOS affects the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maren Sophie Aaserud Talmo
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ingvild Skogedal Fløysand
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Tone S. Løvvik
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Rønnaug Ødegård
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Centre for Obesity Research, St Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Petur Benedikt Juliusson
- Department of Health Registry Research and Development, National Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Eszter Vanky
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Melanie Rae Simpson
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Waldheim F, Sirotkina M, Pettersson K, Kublickas M, Papadogiannakis N. Reference Values for Placental Weight and Placental:Fetal Weight Ratio in a Swedish Population. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2024; 27:311-317. [PMID: 38576404 DOI: 10.1177/10935266241239505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is important clinical information from placental weight and its ratio to the fetal weight. The aim with this study was to establish reference values for the placental weight and the placental:fetal weight ratio for gestational weeks 13-43 in a Swedish population. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cases were retrospectively collected from the database used at the Pathology Department at Karolinska University Hospital and information about the placental weight, fetal weight, and gestational age was retrieved. Conditions, which could affect the placental- or fetal weight were excluded. Thereafter percentile curves were calculated for the placental weight and the placental:fetal weight ratio for gestational weeks. RESULTS A total of 730 cases were included and percentile curves for the placental weight for gestational week 13-43 and placental:fetal weight ratio for gestational week 18-43 are presented. CONCLUSIONS Reference values for post fixation placental weight and its ratio to fetal weight for a Swedish population are presented. The reference values are lower than the current reference values used in our institution, and this will be of importance when interpreting findings after placental examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frida Waldheim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Meeli Sirotkina
- Department of Pathology and Karolinska Institute, Division of Pathology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Pettersson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marius Kublickas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nikos Papadogiannakis
- Department of Pathology and Karolinska Institute, Division of Pathology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Penteado MP, Grandi C, Rodrigues LDS, Cardoso VC. Association between placental efficiency with anthropometry and nutritional phenotypes in full-term newborns from the 2010/2011 BRISA birth cohort. J Pediatr (Rio J) 2024; 100:377-383. [PMID: 38346677 PMCID: PMC11331232 DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2023.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the association between placental efficiency with anthropometry and nutritional phenotypes in full-term newborns from a birth cohort. METHOD This was a secondary cross-sectional analysis of data obtained in a cohort study (Brazilian RibeirãoPreto and São Luís Birth Cohort Studies - BRISA), whose deliveries were performed between 2010 and 2011. Standardized questionnaires were applied to mothers, and placentas and newborns were evaluated shortly after delivery. Placental efficiency was assessed using the ratio between birth weight and placental weight (BW/PW ratio); values below the lower quartile (25th percentile for gestational age) were considered to have low placental efficiency. Newborn phenotypes were small and large for gestational age, stunted and wasted, evaluated using the INTERGROWTH-21 growth standard. To identify the confounding variables theoretical model was constructed using Directed Acyclic Graphs, and unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression were performed. Placental measurements were obtained blindly from pregnancy and delivery data. RESULTS 723 mother-placenta-child triads were studied. 3.2 % of newborns were small-for-gestational-age (SGA), 6.5 %large-for-gestational-age (LGA), 5.7 %had stunting, and 0.27 % wasting. A significantly higher risk was found between low placental efficiency and SGA (OR 2.82;95 % CI 1.05-7.57), stunting (OR 2.23; 95 % CI 1.07-4.65), and wasting (OR 8.22; 95 % CI 1.96-34.37). No relationship was found between LGA and placental efficiency. CONCLUSIONS Low placental efficiency was associated with increased risk for small-for-gestational-age, stunting, and wasting. Placental morphometry can provide valuable information on intrauterine conditions and neonatal health, helping to identify newborns at higher risk of future comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Papa Penteado
- Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Hospital das Clínicas de Ribeirão Preto (HCRP), HC Criança, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Carlos Grandi
- Sociedade Argentina de Pediatria, Comissão de Pesquisa, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Viviane Cunha Cardoso
- Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP), Departamento de Puericultura e Pediatria, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Guerrero-Arroyo J, Jiménez-Córdova MI, Aztatzi-Aguilar OG, Del Razo LM. Impact of Fluoride Exposure on Rat Placenta: Foetal/Placental Morphometric Alterations and Decreased Placental Vascular Density. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024; 202:3237-3247. [PMID: 37882978 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03916-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Inorganic fluoride is a geogenic and anthropogenic contaminant widely distributed in the environment and commonly identified in contaminated groundwater. There is limited information on the effect of fluoride exposure on pregnancy. The aim of this study was to evaluate possible placental alterations of fluoride exposure in a rat model simulating preconception and pregnancy exposure conditions in endemic areas. Fluoride exposure was administered orally to foetuses of dams exposed to 2.5 and 5 mg fluoride/kg/d. Foetal weight, height, foetal/placental weight ratio, placental zone thickness, levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and vascular density in placental tissue were evaluated. The results showed a nonlinear relationship between these outcomes and the dose of fluoride exposure. In addition, a significant increase in the fluoride concentration in placental tissue was observed. The group that was exposed to 2.5 mg fluoride/kg/d had a greater increase in both MDA levels and VEGF-A levels than the higher dose group. A significant increase in the thickness of the placental zones and a decrease in the vascular density of the labyrinth zone area were also observed in the fluoride-exposed groups. In conclusion, the data obtained demonstrate that fluoride exposure results in morpho-structural alterations in the placenta and that non-monotonic changes in MDA, VEGF-A levels and placental foetal weight ratio were at environmentally relevant concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Guerrero-Arroyo
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 07360, México City, México
| | - Mónica I Jiménez-Córdova
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 07360, México City, México
| | - Octavio G Aztatzi-Aguilar
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 07360, México City, México
| | - Luz M Del Razo
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 07360, México City, México.
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Bhadsavle SS, Scaturro KZ, Golding MC. Maternal 129S1/SvImJ background attenuates the placental phenotypes induced by chronic paternal alcohol exposure. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 126:108605. [PMID: 38735594 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Paternal alcohol use is emerging as a plausible driver of alcohol-related growth and patterning defects. Studies from our lab using an inbred C57Bl/6 J mouse model suggest that these paternally-inherited phenotypes result from paternally programmed deficits in the formation and function of the placenta. The 129S1/SvImJ genetic background is typically more susceptible to fetoplacental growth defects due to strain-specific differences in placental morphology. We hypothesized that these placental differences would sensitize 129S1/SvImJ-C57Bl/6 J hybrid offspring to paternally-inherited fetoplacental growth phenotypes induced by paternal alcohol exposure. Using a limited access model, we exposed C57Bl/6 J males to alcohol and bred them to naïve 129S1/SvImJ dams. We then assayed F1 hybrid offspring for alterations in fetoplacental growth and used micro-CT imaging to contrast placental histological patterning between the preconception treatments. F1 hybrid placentae exhibit larger placental weights than pure C57Bl/6 J offspring but display a proportionally smaller junctional zone with increased glycogen content. The male F1 hybrid offspring of alcohol-exposed sires exhibit modest placental hyperplasia but, unlike pure C57Bl/6 J offspring, do not display observable changes in placental histology, glycogen content, or measurable impacts on fetal growth. Although F1 hybrid female offspring do not exhibit any measurable alterations in fetoplacental growth, RT-qPCR analysis of placental gene expression reveals increased expression of genes participating in the antioxidant response. The reduced placental junctional zone but increased glycogen stores of 129S1/SvImJ-C57Bl/6 J F1 hybrid placentae ostensibly attenuate the previously observed placental patterning defects and fetal growth restriction induced by paternal alcohol use in the C57Bl/6 J strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanat S Bhadsavle
- Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Katherine Z Scaturro
- Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Michael C Golding
- Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
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Allen S, Natale BV, Ejeckam AO, Lee K, Hardy DB, Natale DR. Cannabidiol Exposure During Rat Pregnancy Leads to Labyrinth-Specific Vascular Defects in the Placenta and Reduced Fetal Growth. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024; 9:766-780. [PMID: 38364116 PMCID: PMC11304342 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cannabis use is increasing among pregnant people, and cannabidiol (CBD), a constituent of cannabis, is often perceived as "natural" and "safe" as it is non-intoxicating. In utero, cannabis exposure is associated with negative health outcomes, including fetal growth restriction (FGR). The placenta supplies oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, and alterations in placental development can lead to FGR. While there has been some investigation into the effects of Δ9-THC, there has been limited investigation into the impacts of in utero gestational CBD exposure on the placenta. Methods: This study used histological and transcriptomic analysis of embryonic day (E)19.5 rat placentas from vehicle and CBD (3 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection) exposed pregnancies (E6.5-18.5). Results: The study revealed that pups from CBD-exposed pregnancies were 10% smaller, with the placentae displaying a decreased fetal blood space perimeter-to-area ratio. The transcriptomic analysis supported compromised angiogenesis and blood vessel formation with downregulated biological processes, including tube morphogenesis, angiogenesis, blood vessel morphogenesis, blood vessel development and vasculature development. Further, the CBD-exposed placentas displayed changed expression of glucose transporters (decreased GLUT1 and GR expression and increased GLUT3 expression). Transcriptomic analysis further revealed upregulated biological processes associated with metabolism. Finally, histological and transcriptomic analysis revealed altered cell populations within the placenta, specifically to syncytiotrophoblast layer II and endothelial cells. Conclusion: Together these results suggest that the structural changes in CDB-exposed placentae, including the altered expression of nutrient transporters and the changes to the placental fetal vasculature, may underlie the reduced fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Allen
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bryony V. Natale
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexis O. Ejeckam
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kendrick Lee
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel B. Hardy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- The Children's Health Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - David R.C. Natale
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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12
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Chen H, Luo S, Deng X, Li S, Mao Y, Yan J, Cheng Y, Liu X, Pan J, Huang H. Pre-eclamptic foetal programming predisposes offspring to hepatic steatosis via DNA methylation. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167189. [PMID: 38648899 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Gamete and embryo-foetal origins of adult diseases hypothesis proposes that adulthood chronic disorders are associated with adverse foetal and early life traits. Our study aimed to characterise developmental changes and underlying mechanisms of metabolic disorders in offspring of pre-eclampsia (PE) programmed pregnancy. METHODS Nω-Nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) induced pre-eclampsia-like C57BL/6J mouse model was used. Lipid profiling, histological morphology, indirect calorimetry, mRNA sequencing, and pyrosequencing were performed on PE offspring of both young and elderly ages. RESULTS PE offspring exhibited increased postnatal weight gain, hepatic lipid accumulation, enlarged adipocytes, and impaired energy balance that continued to adulthood. Integrated RNA sequencing of foetal and 52-week-old livers revealed that the differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in lipid metabolism, including glycerol-3-phosphate acyl-transferase 3 (Gpat3), a key enzyme for de novo synthesis of triglycerides (TG), and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1a (Cpt1a), a key transmembrane enzyme that mediates fatty acid degradation. Pyrosequencing of livers from PE offspring identified hypomethylated and hypermethylated regions in Gpat3 and Cpt1a promoters, which were associated with upregulated and downregulated expressions of Gpat3 and Cpt1a, respectively. These epigenetic alterations are persistent and consistent from the foetal stage to adulthood in PE offspring. CONCLUSION These findings suggest a methylation-mediated epigenetic mechanism for PE-induced intergenerational lipid accumulation, impaired energy balance and obesity in offspring, and indicate the potential benefits of early interventions in offspring exposed to maternal PE to reduce their susceptibility to metabolic disorder in their later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huixi Chen
- The International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200000, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Shanghai 200011, China; Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai 200030, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education), Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China; State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Shanghai 200000, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Sisi Luo
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xiuyu Deng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200000, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Sisi Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Shanghai 200011, China; Reproductive Medicine Center, International Institutes of Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang 322000, China
| | - Yiting Mao
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Jing Yan
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Yi Cheng
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xia Liu
- The International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200000, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Jiexue Pan
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Shanghai 200011, China; Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai 200030, China.
| | - Hefeng Huang
- The International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200000, China; Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Shanghai 200011, China; Reproductive Medicine Center, International Institutes of Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang 322000, China; Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai 200030, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education), Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China; State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Shanghai 200000, China.
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13
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Gad A, Malouche D, Chhabra M, Hoang D, Suk D, Ron N, Dygulska B, Gudavalli MB, Nadroo AM, Narula P, Elmakaty I. Impact of birth weight to placental weight ratio and other perinatal risk factors on left ventricular dimensions in newborns: a prospective cohort analysis. J Perinat Med 2024; 52:433-444. [PMID: 38530963 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2023-0384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the association between birth weight to placental weight (BW/PW) ratio, and echocardiographic left ventricle (LV) morphology at birth, while accounting for other relevant perinatal factors. METHODS A prospective cohort study was conducted on neonates at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital from 2014 to 2018, categorized by their BW/PW percentile. Missing data were imputed with principal component analysis. Chi-squared and one-way analysis of variance were used to compare BW/PW groups and the best regression model was selected using a genetic and backward stepwise algorithm. RESULTS We analyzed 827 neonates in three BW/PW groups: small (n=16), normal (n=488), and large (n=323). Placental thickness and smallest diameter were positively correlated with several LV parameters, including inter-ventricular septal thickness during diastole (IVSd) (p=0.002, p<0.001) and systole (IVSs) (p=0.001, p<0.001), LV posterior wall thickness at end of diastole (LVPWd) (p=0.003, p<0.001) and systole (LVPWs) (p<0.001, p<0.001), LV mass (p=0.017, p<0.001), and LV mass/volume (p=0.011, p<0.001). The BW/PW ratio correlated with an increased shortening fraction (estimate=0.29, 95 % CI 0.03-0.55, p=0.027). PW correlated with IVSs (p=0.019), while the longest placental diameter was linked to a decrease in LV internal dimension during diastole (LVIDd) (estimate=-0.07, p=0.039), LV mass (estimate=-0.11, p=0.024), and LV mass/volume (estimate=-0.55, p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS This study found that several placental factors, including the BW/PW ratio, can independently affect LV dimension and morphology, highlighting the importance of fetal growth and placental health in the physiological adaptation of the fetal heart. More research is needed to establish causation and inform newborn prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Gad
- Division of Neonatal-Prenatal Medicine, 36977 Women's Wellness and Research Centre, NICU, Hamad Medical Corporation , Doha, Qatar
| | - Dhafer Malouche
- Statistics Program, Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Physics, 61780 College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University , Doha, Qatar
| | - Manoj Chhabra
- Division of Neonatal-Prenatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, New York, USA
| | - Danthanh Hoang
- Division of Neonatal-Prenatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, New York, USA
| | - Debbie Suk
- Division of Neonatal-Prenatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, New York, USA
| | - Nitin Ron
- Division of Neonatal-Prenatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, New York, USA
| | - Beata Dygulska
- Division of Neonatal-Prenatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, New York, USA
| | - Madhu B Gudavalli
- Division of Neonatal-Prenatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, New York, USA
| | - Ali M Nadroo
- Division of Neonatal-Prenatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, New York, USA
| | - Pramod Narula
- Division of Neonatal-Prenatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, New York, USA
| | - Ibrahim Elmakaty
- College of Medicine, 61780 QU Health, Qatar University , Doha, Qatar
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14
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Teo SM, Segurado R, Mehegan J, Douglass A, Murrin CM, Cronin M, Kelleher CC, McAuliffe FM, Phillips CM. Sociodemographic factor associations with maternal and placental outcomes: A cluster and partial least squares regression analysis. Placenta 2024; 150:62-71. [PMID: 38593637 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Maternal social disadvantage adversely affects maternal and offspring health, with limited research on placental outcomes. Therefore, we examined maternal sociodemographic factor associations with placental and birth outcomes in general (Lifeways Cross-Generation Cohort) and at-risk (PEARS Study of mothers with overweight or obesity) populations of pregnant women. METHODS TwoStep cluster analysis profiled Lifeways mothers (n = 250) based on their age, parity, marital status, household income, private healthcare insurance, homeowner status, and education. Differences in placental and birth outcomes (untrimmed placental weight (PW), birthweight (BW) and BW:PW ratio) between clusters were assessed using one-way ANOVA and chi-square tests. Partial least squares regression analysed individual effects of sociodemographic factors on placental and birth outcomes in Lifeways and PEARS mothers (n = 461). RESULTS Clusters were classified as "Married Homeowners" (n = 140, 56 %), "Highest Income" (n = 58, 23.2 %) and "Renters" (n = 52, 20.8 %) in the Lifeways Cohort. Renters were younger, more likely to smoke, have a means-tested medical card and more pro-inflammatory diets compared to other clusters (p < 0.01). Compared to Married Homeowners, renters' offspring had lower BW (-259.26 g, p < 0.01), shorter birth length (-1.31 cm, p < 0.01) and smaller head circumference (-0.59 cm, p = 0.02). PLS regression analyses identified nulliparity as having the greatest negative effect on PW (Lifeways and PEARS) while being a homeowner had the greatest positive effect on PW (Lifeways). CONCLUSION Certain combinations of sociodemographic factors (particularly homeownership) were associated with less favourable lifestyle factors, and with birth, but not placental outcomes. When explored individually, parity contributed to the prediction of placental and birth outcomes in both cohorts of pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shevaun M Teo
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Ricardo Segurado
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - John Mehegan
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Alexander Douglass
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Celine M Murrin
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Martina Cronin
- National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Cecily C Kelleher
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Fionnuala M McAuliffe
- UCD Perinatal Research Centre, School of Medicine, National Maternity Hospital, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Catherine M Phillips
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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15
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Grundeken M, Gustin K, Vahter M, Delaval M, Barman M, Sandin A, Sandberg AS, Wold AE, Broberg K, Kippler M. Toxic metals and essential trace elements in placenta and their relation to placental function. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 248:118355. [PMID: 38295973 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Placental function is essential for fetal development, but it may be susceptible to malnutrition and environmental stressors. OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of toxic and essential trace elements in placenta on placental function. METHODS Toxic metals (cadmium, lead, mercury, cobalt) and essential elements (copper, manganese, zinc, selenium) were measured in placenta of 406 pregnant women in northern Sweden using ICP-MS. Placental weight and birth weight were obtained from hospital records and fetoplacental weight ratio was used to estimate placental efficiency. Placental relative telomere length (TL) and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) were determined by quantitative PCR (n = 285). Single exposure-outcome associations were evaluated using linear or spline regression, and joint associations and interactions with Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), all adjusted for sex, maternal smoking, and age or BMI. RESULTS Median cadmium, mercury, lead, cobalt, copper, manganese, zinc, and selenium concentrations in placenta were 3.2, 1.8, 4.3, 2.3, 1058, 66, 10626, and 166 μg/kg, respectively. In the adjusted regression, selenium (>147 μg/kg) was inversely associated with placental weight (B: -158; 95 % CI: -246, -71, per doubling), as was lead at low selenium (B: -23.6; 95 % CI: -43.2, -4.0, per doubling). Manganese was positively associated with placental weight (B: 41; 95 % CI: 5.9, 77, per doubling) and inversely associated with placental efficiency (B: -0.01; 95 % CI: -0.019, -0.004, per doubling). Cobalt was inversely associated with mtDNAcn (B: -11; 95 % CI: -20, -0.018, per doubling), whereas all essential elements were positively associated with mtDNAcn, individually and joint. CONCLUSION Among the toxic metals, lead appeared to negatively impact placental weight and cobalt decreased placental mtDNAcn. Joint essential element concentrations increased placental mtDNAcn. Manganese also appeared to increase placental weight, but not birth weight. The inverse association of selenium with placental weight may reflect increased transport of selenium to the fetus in late gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijke Grundeken
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Klara Gustin
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Marie Vahter
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mathilde Delaval
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Joint Mass Spectrometry Centre (JMSC), Cooperation Group Comprehensive Molecular Analytics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Malin Barman
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Sandin
- Department of Clinical Science, Pediatrics, Sunderby Research Unit, Umeå University, Sweden
| | - Ann-Sofie Sandberg
- Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Agnes E Wold
- Institute of Biomedicine, Dept, Of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karin Broberg
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Kippler
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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16
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Chen Y, Ye Z, Lin M, Zhu L, Xu L, Wang X. Deciphering the Epigenetic Landscape: Placental Development and Its Role in Pregnancy Outcomes. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:996-1014. [PMID: 38457061 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10699-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The placenta stands out as a unique, transitory, and multifaceted organ, essential to the optimal growth and maturation of the fetus. Functioning as a vital nexus between the maternal and fetal circulatory systems, it oversees the critical exchange of nutrients and waste. This exchange is facilitated by placental cells, known as trophoblasts, which adeptly invade and remodel uterine blood vessels. Deviations in placental development underpin a slew of pregnancy complications, notably fetal growth restriction (FGR), preeclampsia (PE), recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA), and preterm birth. Central to placental function and development is epigenetic regulation. Despite its importance, the intricate mechanisms by which epigenetics influence the placenta are not entirely elucidated. Recently, the scientific community has turned its focus to parsing out the epigenetic alterations during placental development, such as variations in promoter DNA methylation, genomic imprints, and shifts in non-coding RNA expression. By establishing correlations between epigenetic shifts in the placenta and pregnancy complications, researchers are unearthing invaluable insights into the biology and pathophysiology of these conditions. This review seeks to synthesize the latest findings on placental epigenetic regulation, spotlighting its crucial role in shaping fetal growth trajectories and development. Through this lens, we underscore the overarching significance of the placenta in the larger narrative of gestational health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Chen
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-Human Primate, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhoujie Ye
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-Human Primate, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Meijia Lin
- Department of Pathology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liping Zhu
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-Human Primate, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liangpu Xu
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center of Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Xinrui Wang
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-Human Primate, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
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Coward-Smith M, Liong S, Oseghale O, Erlich JR, Miles MA, Liong F, Brassington K, Bozinovski S, Vlahos R, Brooks RD, Brooks DA, O’Leary JJ, Selemidis S. Low dose aspirin prevents endothelial dysfunction in the aorta and foetal loss in pregnant mice infected with influenza A virus. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1378610. [PMID: 38638436 PMCID: PMC11024306 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1378610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Influenza A virus (IAV) infection in pregnancy resembles a preeclamptic phenotype characterised by vascular dysfunction and foetal growth retardation. Given that low dose aspirin (ASA) is safe in pregnancy and is used to prevent preeclampsia, we investigated whether ASA or NO-conjugated aspirin, NCX4016, resolve vascular inflammation and function to improve offspring outcomes following IAV infection in pregnant mice. Pregnant mice were intranasally infected with a mouse adapted IAV strain (Hkx31; 104 plaque forming units) and received daily treatments with either 200µg/kg ASA or NCX4016 via oral gavage. Mice were then culled and the maternal lungs and aortas collected for qPCR analysis, and wire myography was performed on aortic rings to assess endothelial and vascular smooth muscle functionality. Pup and placentas were weighed and pup growth rates and survival assessed. IAV infected mice had an impaired endothelial dependent relaxation response to ACh in the aorta, which was prevented by ASA and NCX4016 treatment. ASA and NCX4016 treatment prevented IAV dissemination and inflammation of the aorta as well as improving the pup placental ratios in utero, survival and growth rates at post-natal day 5. Low dose ASA is safe to use during pregnancy for preeclampsia and this study demonstrates that ASA may prove a promising treatment for averting the significant vascular complications associated with influenza infection during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison Coward-Smith
- Centre for Respiratory Science and Health, School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Techology (RMIT) University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stella Liong
- Centre for Respiratory Science and Health, School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Techology (RMIT) University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Osezua Oseghale
- Centre for Respiratory Science and Health, School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Techology (RMIT) University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jonathan R. Erlich
- Centre for Respiratory Science and Health, School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Techology (RMIT) University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark A. Miles
- Centre for Respiratory Science and Health, School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Techology (RMIT) University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Felicia Liong
- Centre for Respiratory Science and Health, School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Techology (RMIT) University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kurt Brassington
- Centre for Respiratory Science and Health, School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Techology (RMIT) University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Steven Bozinovski
- Centre for Respiratory Science and Health, School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Techology (RMIT) University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ross Vlahos
- Centre for Respiratory Science and Health, School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Techology (RMIT) University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Robert D. Brooks
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Doug A. Brooks
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - John J. O’Leary
- Discipline of Histopathology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Sir Patrick Dun’s Research Laboratory and the Trinity Translational Medicine Institute (TTMI), St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stavros Selemidis
- Centre for Respiratory Science and Health, School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Techology (RMIT) University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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18
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Young RE, Nelson KM, Hofbauer SI, Vijayakumar T, Alameh MG, Weissman D, Papachristou C, Gleghorn JP, Riley RS. Systematic development of ionizable lipid nanoparticles for placental mRNA delivery using a design of experiments approach. Bioact Mater 2024; 34:125-137. [PMID: 38223537 PMCID: PMC10784148 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Ionizable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have gained attention as mRNA delivery platforms for vaccination against COVID-19 and for protein replacement therapies. LNPs enhance mRNA stability, circulation time, cellular uptake, and preferential delivery to specific tissues compared to mRNA with no carrier platform. However, LNPs are only in the beginning stages of development for safe and effective mRNA delivery to the placenta to treat placental dysfunction. Here, we develop LNPs that enable high levels of mRNA delivery to trophoblasts in vitro and to the placenta in vivo with no toxicity. We conducted a Design of Experiments to explore how LNP composition, including the type and molar ratio of each lipid component, drives trophoblast and placental delivery. Our data revealed that utilizing C12-200 as the ionizable lipid and 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE) as the phospholipid in the LNP design yields high transfection efficiency in vitro. Analysis of lipid molar composition as a design parameter in LNPs displayed a strong correlation between apparent pKa and poly (ethylene) glycol (PEG) content, as a reduction in PEG molar amount increases apparent pKa. Further, we present one LNP platform that exhibits the highest delivery of placental growth factor mRNA to the placenta in pregnant mice, resulting in synthesis and secretion of a potentially therapeutic protein. Lastly, our high-performing LNPs have no toxicity to both the pregnant mice and fetuses. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of LNPs as a platform for mRNA delivery to the placenta, and our top LNP formulations may provide a therapeutic platform to treat diseases that originate from placental dysfunction during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E. Young
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
- School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences, Virtua College of Medicine & Life Sciences of Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
| | - Katherine M. Nelson
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, Newark, DE 19716, United States
| | - Samuel I. Hofbauer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
- School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences, Virtua College of Medicine & Life Sciences of Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Rowan University, 401 Broadway, Camden, NJ 08103, United States
| | - Tara Vijayakumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
- School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences, Virtua College of Medicine & Life Sciences of Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
| | - Mohamad-Gabriel Alameh
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Drew Weissman
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Charalampos Papachristou
- Department of Mathematics, College of Science & Mathematics, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
| | - Jason P. Gleghorn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Delaware, 590 Avenue 1743, Newark, DE 19713, United States
| | - Rachel S. Riley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
- School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences, Virtua College of Medicine & Life Sciences of Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, United States
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19
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Sharma K, Bhat S, Bhat SM. Causes of stillbirth in ethnically diverse women in a Perth metropolitan hospital: A retrospective study. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2024; 64:141-146. [PMID: 37905931 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most published reports analysing the differences in causation of stillbirth between different ethnic groups focus on stillbirth risk factors, with a paucity of data comparing actual causes of stillbirth. AIMS To determine whether causes of stillbirth differ between Caucasian and non-Caucasian ethnic groups in an Australian context. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data from all stillbirths occurring at 20 or more completed weeks of gestation between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2020 at a secondary level, outer metropolitan hospital, were analysed in this retrospective case series. Causes of stillbirth as determined by perinatal autopsy and placental histopathology were categorised using the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand Perinatal Death Classification and compared between Caucasian and non-Caucasian groups. RESULTS Ninety-two stillbirths (0.7% of all births) were identified during the study period. A greater proportion of non-Caucasian women had small for gestation age placentas compared to Caucasian women (n = 22/43 (51%) vs n = 12/49 (24%); P = 0.025). A greater proportion of stillbirths were caused by hypoxic peripartum death in non-Caucasian than in Caucasian women (n = 4/43 (9%) vs n = 0/49 (0%); P = 0.044), and a greater prevalence of placental dysfunction was seen in the non-Caucasian cohort compared to Caucasian women (n = 14/43 (33%) vs n = 8/49 (16%); P = 0.057). CONCLUSIONS The differences observed in causes of stillbirth between Caucasian and non-Caucasian women are hypothesis generating and warrant further larger-scale, multi-centred studies using standardised definitions and classification systems to determine whether these differences persist in a more representative sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kriti Sharma
- Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Saiuj Bhat
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sangeeta Malla Bhat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Armadale Health Service, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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20
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Victor SF, Jeppegaard M, Rasmussen SC, Larsen MH, Krebs L. Placental weight percentile curves in a Danish population. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2024; 103:522-530. [PMID: 38037723 PMCID: PMC10867368 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The role of the placenta is to transport oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, and a well-functioning placenta is vital to fetal health. Our aim was to develop placental weight percentile curves adjusted by gestational age, and stratified by major maternal comorbidities. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was a population study in a Danish cohort. Data was drawn from The Medical Birth Register and the National Patient Register. We included singleton births with a gestational age of 22 + 0 to 42 + 6 weeks. We excluded multiple pregnancies, stillbirths and retained placentas. A total of 611 418 placentas were included. Percentile line graphs were created in groups of all placentas, hypertensive disorders and diabetic disorders. RESULTS Tables and figures are presented for placental weight percentile curves according to gestational age for all placentas, hypertensive disorders and diabetic disorders, respectively. Placental weight was generally higher in the diabetic placentas, and lower in the hypertensive placentas. CONCLUSIONS These percentile curves may serve as a reference for other populations, and may be useful for other studies investigating the role of the placenta in relation to pregnancy outcomes, and health in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Jeppegaard
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsCopenhagen University Hospital, Amager and Hvidovre HospitalCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsCopenhagen University Hospital, Holbæk HospitalHolbækDenmark
| | - Steen Christian Rasmussen
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsCopenhagen University Hospital, Amager and Hvidovre HospitalCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsCopenhagen University Hospital, Holbæk HospitalHolbækDenmark
| | - Marie Høygaard Larsen
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsCopenhagen University Hospital, Amager and Hvidovre HospitalCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Lone Krebs
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsCopenhagen University Hospital, Amager and Hvidovre HospitalCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
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21
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de Oliveira AA, Elder E, Spaans F, Graton ME, Quon A, Kirschenman R, Wooldridge AL, Cooke CLM, Davidge ST. Excessive hypercholesterolemia in pregnancy impairs rat uterine artery function via activation of Toll-like receptor 4. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:137-151. [PMID: 38299431 DOI: 10.1042/cs20231442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Hypercholesterolemia in pregnancy is a physiological process required for normal fetal development. In contrast, excessive pregnancy-specific hypercholesterolemia increases the risk of complications, such as preeclampsia. However, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a membrane receptor modulated by high cholesterol levels, leading to endothelial dysfunction; but whether excessive hypercholesterolemia in pregnancy activates TLR4 is not known. We hypothesized that a high cholesterol diet (HCD) during pregnancy increases TLR4 activity in uterine arteries, leading to uterine artery dysfunction. Sprague Dawley rats were fed a control diet (n=12) or HCD (n=12) during pregnancy (gestational day 6-20). Vascular function was assessed in main uterine arteries using wire myography (vasodilation to methacholine and vasoconstriction to phenylephrine; with and without inhibitors for mechanistic pathways) and pressure myography (biomechanical properties). Exposure to a HCD during pregnancy increased maternal blood pressure, induced proteinuria, and reduced the fetal-to-placental weight ratio for both sexes. Excessive hypercholesterolemia in pregnancy also impaired vasodilation to methacholine in uterine arteries, whereby at higher doses, methacholine caused vasoconstriction instead of vasodilation in only the HCD group, which was prevented by inhibition of TLR4 or prostaglandin H synthase 1. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression and nitric oxide levels were reduced in HCD compared with control dams. Vasoconstriction to phenylephrine and biomechanical properties were similar between groups. In summary, excessive hypercholesterolemia in pregnancy impairs uterine artery function, with TLR4 activation as a key mechanism. Thus, TLR4 may be a target for therapy development to prevent adverse perinatal outcomes in complicated pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda A de Oliveira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Emma Elder
- Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Floor Spaans
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Murilo E Graton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Anita Quon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Raven Kirschenman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Amy L Wooldridge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Christy-Lynn M Cooke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Sandra T Davidge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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22
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Jayalekshmi VS, Jagannath RS, Sreelekshmi S, Rafeekha P, Vidyalekshmy R, Ramachandran S. Maternal hypercholesterolemia during gestation is associated with elevated lipid levels of two-day-old neonates. Mol Cell Biochem 2024; 479:363-371. [PMID: 37074503 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04739-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
Maternal hypercholesterolemia (MHC) during pregnancy is associated with the risk of developing aortic lesions in fetuses. There is also a possibility of faster progression of atherosclerosis in offspring born to hypercholesterolemic mothers (HCM) during their adulthood. We investigated whether elevated maternal cholesterol levels during pregnancy influence the lipid levels in offspring. We analyzed the lipid profile of mothers during the three trimesters, cord blood (CB) at birth, and neonatal blood (NB) on Day 2 postpartum in the offspring. Cholesterol levels of HCM significantly increased throughout gestation when compared to normocholesterolemic mothers (NCM). CB lipid levels of newborns of HCM were similar to the newborns of NCM. While NB of offspring of HCM had elevated levels of triglycerides (TG) (p < 0.01) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (p < 0.01) when compared to the offspring of NCM. MHC also resulted in low newborn birthweight (p < 0.05) and low placental efficiency (ratio of newborn birth weight to placental weight) (p < 0.01) but no change was observed in umbilical cord length or placental weight. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed no significant changes in the protein expression of genes involved in TG metabolisms such as LDLR, VLDLR, CETP, and PPARG. We report that MHC in mothers decreases placental efficiency and newborn birthweight while increasing lipid levels in neonates on the second postpartum day. Given that TG levels modulate the circulating Low-Density lipoproteins, the increase in these levels in neonates gains importance. Whether these consistently high levels cause atherosclerosis in early adulthood warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- V S Jayalekshmi
- Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - R S Jagannath
- Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - S Sreelekshmi
- Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - P Rafeekha
- Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - R Vidyalekshmy
- Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Surya Ramachandran
- Medical Biotechnology, Gujarat Biotechnology University (GBU), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India.
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23
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Gloria A, Veronesi MC, Contri A. Does Placental Efficiency and Vascularization Affect Puppy Health? A Study in Boxer and Dobermann Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:423. [PMID: 38338066 PMCID: PMC10854954 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The anatomical and functional characteristics of the placenta influence the adaptive ability of the fetus to the extrauterine environment. Placental efficiency, measured as the gram of neonate produced by each gram of placenta, summarizes these characteristics. In the present study, placental efficiency and its impact on the 7-day postpartum life of the puppies were studied in canine large breeds. METHODS Placental efficiency (PE) was computed using chorioallantois weight (WPE) and surface (SPE) efficiency for puppies born from natural delivery or elective cesarean section. Capillary density was also histologically determined. Neonate viability was estimated by the APGAR score and the daily weight gain (DWG) was recorded on day 7 after delivery. RESULTS from 15 large-breed bitches, 69 live puppies were born by natural delivery (24 puppies) and elective cesarean section (45 puppies). Cluster analysis detected a group of neonates for which reduced placental efficiency (8 for the WPE, 9 for the SPE) was identified, despite a placental weight and surface within the mean and no difference in capillary density. In this group, the DWG was lower and the mortality within 7 days was higher. CONCLUSIONS the results suggest that placental efficiency could be an additional tool for the evaluation of a puppy in the first 7 days after delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Gloria
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
| | - Maria Cristina Veronesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università, 26900 Lodi, Italy;
| | - Alberto Contri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
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24
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Dibbon KC, Mercer GV, Maekawa AS, Hanrahan J, Steeves KL, Ringer LCM, Simpson AJ, Simpson MJ, Baschat AA, Kingdom JC, Macgowan CK, Sled JG, Jobst KJ, Cahill LS. Polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics cause placental dysfunction in mice†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:211-218. [PMID: 37724921 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics has been shown to result in fetal growth restriction in mice. In this study, we investigated the placental and fetal hemodynamic responses to plastics exposure in mice using high-frequency ultrasound. Healthy, pregnant CD-1 dams were given either 106 ng/L of 5 μm polystyrene microplastics or 106 ng/L of 50 nm polystyrene nanoplastics in drinking water throughout gestation and were compared with controls. Maternal exposure to both microplastics and nanoplastics resulted in evidence of placental dysfunction that was highly dependent on the particle size. The umbilical artery blood flow increased by 48% in the microplastic-exposed group and decreased by 25% in the nanoplastic-exposed group compared to controls (p < 0.05). The microplastic- and nanoplastic-exposed fetuses showed a significant decrease in the middle cerebral artery pulsatility index of 10% and 13%, respectively, compared to controls (p < 0.05), indicating vasodilation of the cerebral circulation, a fetal adaptation that is part of the brain sparing response to preserve oxygen delivery. Hemodynamic markers of placental dysfunction and fetal hypoxia were more pronounced in the group exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics, suggesting nanoplastic exposure during human pregnancy has the potential to disrupt fetal brain development, which in turn may cause suboptimal neurodevelopmental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine C Dibbon
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Grace V Mercer
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Alexandre S Maekawa
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Jenna Hanrahan
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Katherine L Steeves
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Lauren C M Ringer
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - André J Simpson
- Environmental NMR Centre and Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Myrna J Simpson
- Environmental NMR Centre and Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ahmet A Baschat
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John C Kingdom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher K Macgowan
- Translational Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children , Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John G Sled
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Translational Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children , Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children , Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karl J Jobst
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Lindsay S Cahill
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Discipline of Radiology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
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25
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Rios LE, Lokugamage N, Choudhuri S, Chowdhury IH, Garg NJ. Subunit nanovaccine elicited T cell functional activation controls Trypanosoma cruzi mediated maternal and placental tissue damage and improves pregnancy outcomes in mice. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:188. [PMID: 38104118 PMCID: PMC10725459 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00782-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated a candidate vaccine effect against maternal Trypanosoma cruzi (Tc) infection and improved pregnancy outcomes. For this, TcG2 and TcG4 were cloned in a nanoplasmid optimized for delivery, antigen expression, and regulatory compliance (nano2/4 vaccine). Female C57BL/6 mice were immunized with nano2/4, infected (Tc SylvioX10), and mated 7-days post-infection to enable fetal development during the maternal acute parasitemia phase. Females were euthanized at E12-E17 (gestation) days. Splenic and placental T-cell responses were monitored by flow cytometry. Maternal and placental/fetal tissues were examined for parasites by qPCR and inflammatory infiltrate by histology. Controls included age/immunization-matched non-pregnant females. Nano2/4 exhibited no toxicity and elicited protective IgG2a/IgG1 response in mice. Nano2/4 signaled a splenic expansion of functionally active CD4+ effector/effector memory (Tem) and central memory (Tcm) cells in pregnant mice. Upon challenge infection, nano2/4 increased the splenic CD4+ and CD8+T cells in all mice and increased the proliferation of CD4+Tem, CD4+Tcm, and CD8+Tcm subsets producing IFNγ and cytolytic molecules (PRF1, GZB) in pregnant mice. A balanced serum cytokines/chemokines response and placental immune characteristics indicated that pregnancy prevented the overwhelming damaging immune response in mice. Importantly, pregnancy itself resulted in a significant reduction of parasites in maternal and fetal tissues. Nano2/4 was effective in arresting the Tc-induced tissue inflammatory infiltrate, necrosis, and fibrosis in maternal and placental tissues and improving maternal fertility, placental efficiency, and fetal survival. In conclusion, we show that maternal nano2/4 vaccination is beneficial in controlling the adverse effects of Tc infection on maternal health, fetal survival, and pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizette Elaine Rios
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UTMB, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Nandadeva Lokugamage
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Subhadip Choudhuri
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Imran Hussain Chowdhury
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Nisha Jain Garg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX, USA.
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity (IHII), UTMB, Galveston, TX, USA.
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences (SIVS), UTMB, Galveston, TX, USA.
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26
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Irvin-Choy NS, Nelson KM, Gleghorn JP, Day ES. Delivery and short-term maternal and fetal safety of vaginally administered PEG-PLGA nanoparticles. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2023; 13:3003-3013. [PMID: 37365402 PMCID: PMC10913101 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01369-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
At the onset of pregnancy, people with preexisting conditions face additional challenges in carrying their pregnancy to term, as the safety of the developing fetus and pregnant person is a significant factor of concern. Nanoparticle (NP)-based therapies have displayed success against various conditions and diseases in non-pregnant patients, but the use of NPs in maternal-fetal health applications needs to be better established. Local vaginal delivery of NPs is a promising administration route with the potential to yield high cargo retention in the vagina and improved therapeutic efficacy compared to systemic administration that results in rapid NP clearance by the hepatic first-pass effect. In this study, we investigated the biodistribution and short-term toxicity of poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PEG-PLGA) NPs in pregnant mice following vaginal delivery. The NPs were either loaded with DiD fluorophores for tracking cargo distribution (termed DiD-PEG-PLGA NPs) or included Cy5-tagged PLGA in the formulation for tracking polymer distribution (termed Cy5-PEG-PLGA NPs). DiD-PEG-PLGA NPs were administered at gestational day (E)14.5 or 17.5, and cargo biodistribution was analyzed 24 h later by fluorescence imaging of whole excised tissues and histological sections. No gestational differences in DiD distribution were observed, so Cy5-PEG-PLGA NPs were administered at only E17.5 to evaluate polymer distribution in the reproductive organs of pregnant mice. Cy5-PEG-PLGA NPs distributed to the vagina, placentas, and embryos, whereas DiD cargo was only observed in the vagina. NPs did not impact maternal, fetal, or placental weight, suggesting they display no short-term effects on maternal or fetal growth. The results from this study encourage future investigation into the use of vaginally delivered NP therapies for conditions affecting the vagina during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- N'Dea S Irvin-Choy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19713, USA
| | - Katherine M Nelson
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Jason P Gleghorn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19713, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA.
| | - Emily S Day
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19713, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA.
- Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19713, USA.
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27
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Wulayin M, Zhu Z, Wang H, Chen X, Zhang X, Benmarhnia T, Luo J, Liang Q, Chen W, Lin H, Liu Y, Shi C, Xu R, Huang C, Wang Q. The mediation of the placenta on the association between maternal ambient temperature exposure and birth weight. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:165912. [PMID: 37527722 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Studies have indicated that exposure to low and high temperatures during pregnancy negatively affects fetal development. The placenta plays vital functions in fetal development and could also be impacted by suboptimal temperatures. However, whether the placenta mediates the association between suboptimal temperature and birth weight is unknown. Our study aims to evaluate the association between ambient temperature and birth weight as well as the mediation effect of the placenta. A prospective birth cohort study was conducted during 2017-2020 in Guangzhou, China (n = 3349 participants). We defined extreme temperature exposure during the whole pregnancy by using different thresholds, including low temperatures (< 25th, < 15th, < 10th, < 5th percentiles), and high temperatures (> 75th, > 85th, > 90th, > 95th percentiles). Three different approaches (generalized linear model, inverse probability weighting, and doubly robust model) were applied to estimate the effects of low/high temperatures on birth weight and placental indicators, including placental weight, placental volume, and placental-to-birth weight ratio (PFR), respectively. We observed that both low and high ambient temperatures during the whole pregnancy were associated with lower birth weight and negative changes in placental indicators. The estimated lower mean birth weight ranged from -158 g (95 % CI: -192 g, -123 g) to -363 g (95 % CI: -424 g, -301 g) for low temperatures and from -97 g (95 % CI: -135 g, -59 g) to -664 g (95 % CI: -742 g, -585 g) for high temperatures. In mediation analyses, placental weight mediated 28.79 % to 40.47 % and 48.22 % to 54.38 % of the association of low and high temperatures with birth weight, respectively. The findings suggest that placental weight may mediate the association between ambient temperature exposure and birth weight.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhenghong Zhu
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huailin Wang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Chen
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxin Zhang
- Hangzhou Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tarik Benmarhnia
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jiajun Luo
- Institute for Population and Precision Health, the University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Qianhong Liang
- Guangzhou Panyu Maternal Child Health Hospital, Guangzhou Panyu District He Xian Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiyi Chen
- Guangzhou Panyu Maternal Child Health Hospital, Guangzhou Panyu District He Xian Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hualiang Lin
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuewei Liu
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunxiang Shi
- Meteorological Data Laboratory, National Meteorological Information Center, Beijing, China
| | - Ruijun Xu
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cunrui Huang
- Wanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Ruebel ML, Borengasser SJ, Zhong Y, Kang P, Faske J, Shankar K. Maternal Exercise Prior to and during Gestation Induces Sex-Specific Alterations in the Mouse Placenta. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16441. [PMID: 38003633 PMCID: PMC10671464 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
While exercise (EX) during pregnancy is beneficial for both mother and child, little is known about the mechanisms by which maternal exercise mediates changes in utero. Six-week-old female C57BL/6 mice were divided into two groups: with (exercise, EX; N = 7) or without (sedentary, SED; N = 8) access to voluntary running wheels. EX was provided via 24 h access to wheels for 10 weeks prior to conception until late pregnancy (18.5 days post coitum). Sex-stratified placentas and fetal livers were collected. Microarray analysis of SED and EX placentas revealed that EX affected gene transcript expression of 283 and 661 transcripts in male and female placentas, respectively (±1.4-fold, p < 0.05). Gene Set Enrichment and Ingenuity Pathway Analyses of male placentas showed that EX led to inhibition of signaling pathways, biological functions, and down-regulation of transcripts related to lipid and steroid metabolism, while EX in female placentas led to activation of pathways, biological functions, and gene expression related to muscle growth, brain, vascular development, and growth factors. Overall, our results suggest that the effects of maternal EX on the placenta and presumably on the offspring are sexually dimorphic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan L. Ruebel
- Microbiome and Metabolism Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Southeast Area, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA;
- Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA; (Y.Z.); (J.F.)
| | - Sarah J. Borengasser
- Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Health Promotion Research Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics—Endocrinology & Diabetes, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Ying Zhong
- Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA; (Y.Z.); (J.F.)
| | - Ping Kang
- Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA; (Y.Z.); (J.F.)
| | - Jennifer Faske
- Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA; (Y.Z.); (J.F.)
- Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Kartik Shankar
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Nutrition, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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Zhang R, Walker L, Wen X, Doherty C, Gorczyca L, Buckley B, Barrett ES, Aleksunes LM. Placental BCRP transporter reduces cadmium accumulation and toxicity in immortalized human trophoblasts. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 121:108466. [PMID: 37660740 PMCID: PMC10591833 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a ubiquitous environmental metal detectable in most pregnant women. Animal and human studies demonstrate that in utero exposure to Cd reduces birth weight and impairs perinatal growth due to placental toxicity. BCRP is a prominent transporter that can efflux xenobiotics from the placenta. This study sought to investigate Cd transport and toxicity in cultured human BeWo trophoblasts with reduced expression and function of the placental barrier transporter BCRP. Knockdown (KD) of BCRP protein expression and function in BeWo trophoblasts increased the intracellular accumulation of Cd by 100% following treatment with 1 μM CdCl2. No change in the expression of Cd uptake transporters was observed between control and BCRP-KD cells. Reduced BCRP expression impaired viability of BeWo cells exposed to CdCl2 for 48 hr (BCRP-KD IC50: 11 μM, control cells IC50: 18 μM). Moreover, BCRP-KD cells were more sensitive to CdCl2-induced cytotoxicity compared to control BeWo cells. CdCl2 treatment strongly induced the expression of the metal-binding protein metallothionein (MT) in both control and BCRP-KD cells, with significantly greater MT upregulation in Cd-treated BCRP-KD cells. These data suggest that the BCRP transporter reduces Cd accumulation in syncytiotrophoblasts, which may be one mechanism to reduce subsequent toxicity to the placenta and developing fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranran Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Lauren Walker
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Xia Wen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Cathleen Doherty
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Ludwik Gorczyca
- Joint Graduate Program in Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Brian Buckley
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Emily S Barrett
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Lauren M Aleksunes
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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30
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Jeong DS, Lee JY, Kim MH, Oh JH. Regulation of sexually dimorphic placental adaptation in LPS exposure-induced intrauterine growth restriction. Mol Med 2023; 29:114. [PMID: 37718409 PMCID: PMC10506314 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00688-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual dimorphism in placental physiology affects the functionality of placental adaptation during adverse pregnancy. Defects of placental function compromise fetal programming, affecting the offspring's adult life. However, studies focusing on the relationship between sex-specific placental adaptation and consequent fetal maldevelopment under sub-optimal uterus milieu are still elusive. METHODS Here, we investigated the effects of maternal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure between placental sex. Pregnant ICR mice received intraperitoneal injection of phosphate-buffered saline or 100, 200, and 400 µg/kg LPS on the gestational day (GD) 15.5. To determine whether prenatal maternal LPS exposure resulted in complicated pregnancy outcomes, survival rate of embryos was calculated and the growth of embryos and placentas was examined. To elucidate global transcriptomic changes occurring in the placenta, total RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed in female and male placentas. RESULTS LPS administration induced placental inflammation in both sexes at GD 17.5. Prenatal infection resulted in growth retardation in both sexes of embryos, and especially more prevalently in male. Impaired placental development was observed in a sex-specific manner. LPS 400 µg/kg reduced the percentage area of the labyrinth in females and junctional zone in males, respectively. RNA-sequencing revealed widespread sexually dimorphic transcriptional changes in placenta. In particular, representative changes were involved in biological processes such as trophoblast differentiation, nutrient/ion transporter, pregnancy, and immune system. CONCLUSIONS Our results present the sexually dimorphic responses of placental physiology in intrauterine growth restriction model and provide tentative relationship further to be elucidated between sex-biased placental functional change and long-term effects on the offspring's later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Som Jeong
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology Laboratory, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Yeon Lee
- Vivozon, Inc, Kolon Digital Tower3, 49, Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoung Hee Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology Laboratory, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ji Hoon Oh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Keimyung University College of Natural Sciences, Daegu, 42601, Republic of Korea.
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Josowitz R, Linn R, Rychik J. The Placenta in Congenital Heart Disease: Form, Function and Outcomes. Neoreviews 2023; 24:e569-e582. [PMID: 37653088 DOI: 10.1542/neo.24-9-e569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
The maternal-fetal environment, controlled and modulated by the placenta, plays a critical role in the development and well-being of the fetus, with long-term impact through programming of lifelong health. The fetal cardiovascular system and placenta emerge at the same time embryologically, and thus placental form and function are altered in the presence of congenital heart disease (CHD). In this review, we report on what is known about the placenta from a structural and functional perspective when there is CHD. We describe the various unique pathologic findings as well as the diagnostic imaging tools used to characterize placental function in utero. With growing interest in the placenta, a standardized approach to characterizing placental pathology has emerged. Furthermore, application of ultrasonography techniques and magnetic resonance imaging now allow for insights into placental blood flow and functionality in vivo. An improved understanding of the intriguing relationship between the placenta and the fetal cardiovascular system will provide opportunities to develop novel ways to optimize outcomes. Once better understood, therapeutic modulation of placental function offered during the vulnerable period of fetal plasticity may be one of the most impactful ways to alter the course of CHD and its complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Josowitz
- Division of Cardiology, Fetal Heart Program, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Rebecca Linn
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jack Rychik
- Division of Cardiology, Fetal Heart Program, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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Zhang Y, Sheng Z, Chen Q, Zhou A, Cao J, Xue F, Ye Y, Wu N, Gao N, Fan D, Liu L, Li Y, Wang P, Liang L, Zhou D, Zhang F, Li F, An J. Neutrophil infiltration leads to fetal growth restriction by impairing the placental vasculature in DENV-infected pregnant mice. EBioMedicine 2023; 95:104739. [PMID: 37544202 PMCID: PMC10432184 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dengue virus (DENV) infection during pregnancy increases the risk of adverse fetal outcomes, which has become a new clinical challenge. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. METHODS The effect of DENV-2 infection on fetuses was investigated using pregnant interferon α/β receptor-deficient (Ifnar1-/-) mice. The histopathological changes in the placentas were analyzed by morphological techniques. A mouse inflammation array was used to detect the cytokine and chemokine profiles in the serum and placenta. The infiltration characteristics of inflammatory cells in the placentas were evaluated by single-cell RNA sequencing. FINDINGS Fetal growth restriction observed in DENV-2 infection was mainly caused by the destruction of the placental vasculature rather than direct damage from the virus in our mouse model. After infection, neutrophil infiltration into the placenta disrupts the expression profile of matrix metalloproteinases, which leads to placental dysvascularization and insufficiency. Notably, similar histopathological changes were observed in the placentas from DENV-infected puerperae. INTERPRETATION Neutrophils play key roles in placental histopathological damage during DENV infection, which indicates that interfering with aberrant neutrophil infiltration into the placenta may be an important therapeutic target for adverse pregnancy outcomes in DENV infection. FUNDING The National Key Research and Development Plans of China (2021YFC2300200-02 to J.A., 2019YFC0121905 to Q.Z.C.), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) (U1902210 and 81972979 to J. A., 81902048 to Z. Y. S., and 82172266 to P.G.W.), and the Support Project of High-level Teachers in Beijing Municipal Universities in the Period of 13th Five-year Plan, China (IDHT20190510 to J. A.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Department of Blood Transfusion, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ziyang Sheng
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
| | - Qiaozhu Chen
- Department of Ob&Gyn, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anni Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease, Department of Gastroenterology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaying Cao
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Feiyang Xue
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yanzhen Ye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, People's Hospital of Nanhai District, Foshan City, 528200, Guangdong, China
| | - Na Wu
- Laboratory Animal Center, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Na Gao
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Dongying Fan
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Libo Liu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yuetong Li
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Peigang Wang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Li Liang
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Deshan Zhou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fuchun Zhang
- Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Ob&Gyn, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jing An
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
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De Moraes Salgado C, Viana LR, Gomes-Marcondes MCC. Placental, Foetal, and Maternal Serum Metabolomic Profiles in Pregnancy-Associated Cancer: Walker-256 Tumour Model in a Time-Course Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13026. [PMID: 37685833 PMCID: PMC10487647 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer during pregnancy presents a delicate coexistence, imposing ethical and professional challenges on both the patient and medical team. In this study, we aimed to explore in a pre-clinical model the impact of tumour evolution in serum, placental and foetal metabolomics profiles during pregnancy in a time-course manner. Pregnant Wistar rats were distributed into two experimental groups: Control (C) and Walker-256 tumour-bearing (W). The rats were euthanised on three different gestational periods: at 12 days post-conception (dpc), at 16 dpc, and at 19 dpc. Serum, placenta and foetal metabolomic profiles were performed by 1H-NMR spectra following the analyses using Chenomx NMR Analysis Software V8.3. The tumour evolution was exponential, affecting the placental metabolomic profile during all the pregnancy stages. The placental tissue in tumour-bearing dams developed at a lower speed, decreasing the foetus's weight. Associated with the serum metabolomic changes related to tumour growth, the placental metabolomic alterations impacted many metabolic pathways related to energy provision, protein synthesis and signalling, which directly harmed the foetus's development. The development of the foetus is clearly affected by the damage induced by the tumour evolution, which alters the metabolic profile of both the serum and the placenta, impairing early embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laís Rosa Viana
- Nutrition and Cancer Laboratory, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Sao Paulo 13083-862, Brazil;
| | - Maria Cristina Cintra Gomes-Marcondes
- Nutrition and Cancer Laboratory, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Sao Paulo 13083-862, Brazil;
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Sangkhae V, Fisher AL, Ganz T, Nemeth E. Iron Homeostasis During Pregnancy: Maternal, Placental, and Fetal Regulatory Mechanisms. Annu Rev Nutr 2023; 43:279-300. [PMID: 37253681 PMCID: PMC10723031 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-nutr-061021-030404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy entails a large negative balance of iron, an essential micronutrient. During pregnancy, iron requirements increase substantially to support both maternal red blood cell expansion and the development of the placenta and fetus. As insufficient iron has long been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, universal iron supplementation is common practice before and during pregnancy. However, in high-resource countries with iron fortification of staple foods and increased red meat consumption, the effects of too much iron supplementation during pregnancy have become a concern because iron excess has also been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes. In this review, we address physiologic iron homeostasis of the mother, placenta, and fetus and discuss perturbations in iron homeostasis that result in pathological pregnancy. As many mechanistic regulatory systems have been deduced from animal models, we also discuss the principles learned from these models and how these may apply to human pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veena Sangkhae
- Center for Iron Disorders, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA;
| | - Allison L Fisher
- Endocrine Unit and Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tomas Ganz
- Center for Iron Disorders, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA;
| | - Elizabeta Nemeth
- Center for Iron Disorders, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA;
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Roberts VH, Castro JN, Wessel BM, Conrad DF, Lewis AD, Lo JO. Rhesus macaque fetal and placental growth demographics: A resource for laboratory animal researchers. Am J Primatol 2023; 85:e23526. [PMID: 37244752 PMCID: PMC10528524 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) are amongst the most common nonhuman primate species used in biomedical research. These animals provide a precious resource for translational studies and opportunities to maximize rhesus data use are encouraged. Here we compile data produced from 10 years of investigator-driven pregnancy studies conducted at the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC). All pregnancies were generated within the consistent and reproducible protocols of the ONPRC time-mated breeding program. The data included are from control animals who did not experience in utero perturbations or experimental manipulations. A total of 86 pregnant rhesus macaques were delivered by cesarean section over a range of gestational days (G) 50 to G159 (where term is G165 ± 10 days in the rhesus macaque), with subsequent immediate tissue harvesting following standardized protocols. Fetal and placental growth measures, and all major organ weights are reported. All data are presented relative to gestational age for the entire cohort and in addition, data are stratified by fetal sex. The outcome is a large reference resource for use by laboratory animal researchers in future comparative fetal development studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria H.J. Roberts
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Science, Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Jenna N. Castro
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Science, Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Brady M. Wessel
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Science, Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Donald F. Conrad
- Division of Genetics, ONPRC, OHSU, Beaverton, OR, USA
- Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, OHSU, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Anne D. Lewis
- Division of Animal Research Resources and Services, ONPRC, OHSU, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Jamie O. Lo
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Science, Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Beaverton, OR, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, OHSU, Portland, OR, USA
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Nel S, Pattinson RC, Vannevel V, Feucht UD, Mulol H, Wenhold FAM. Integrated growth assessment in the first 1000 d of life: an interdisciplinary conceptual framework. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:1523-1538. [PMID: 37170908 PMCID: PMC10410405 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023000940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Prenatal growth affects short- and long-term morbidity, mortality and growth, yet communication between prenatal and postnatal healthcare teams is often minimal. This paper aims to develop an integrated, interdisciplinary framework for foetal/infant growth assessment, contributing to the continuity of care across the first 1000 d of life. DESIGN A multidisciplinary think-tank met regularly over many months to share and debate their practice and research experience related to foetal/infant growth assessment. Participants’ personal practice and knowledge were verified against and supplemented by published research. SETTING Online and in-person brainstorming sessions of growth assessment practices that are feasible and valuable in resource-limited, low- and middle-income country (LMIC) settings. PARTICIPANTS A group of obstetricians, paediatricians, dietitians/nutritionists and a statistician. RESULTS Numerous measurements, indices and indicators were identified for growth assessment in the first 1000 d. Relationships between foetal, neonatal and infant measurements were elucidated and integrated into an interdisciplinary framework. Practices relevant to LMIC were then highlighted: antenatal Doppler screening, comprehensive and accurate birth anthropometry (including proportionality of weight, length and head circumference), placenta weighing and incorporation of length-for-age, weight-for-length and mid-upper arm circumference in routine growth monitoring. The need for appropriate, standardised clinical records and corresponding policies to guide clinical practice and facilitate interdisciplinary communication over time became apparent. CONCLUSIONS Clearer communication between prenatal, perinatal and postnatal health care providers, within the framework of a common understanding of growth assessment and a supportive policy environment, is a prerequisite to continuity of care and optimal health and development outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanja Nel
- Department of Human Nutrition, University of Pretoria, Pretoria0002, South Africa
- Research Centre for Maternal, Fetal, Newborn & Child Health Care Strategies, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Maternal and Infant Health Care Strategies Unit, South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Robert C Pattinson
- Research Centre for Maternal, Fetal, Newborn & Child Health Care Strategies, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Maternal and Infant Health Care Strategies Unit, South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Valerie Vannevel
- Research Centre for Maternal, Fetal, Newborn & Child Health Care Strategies, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Maternal and Infant Health Care Strategies Unit, South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Ute D Feucht
- Research Centre for Maternal, Fetal, Newborn & Child Health Care Strategies, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Maternal and Infant Health Care Strategies Unit, South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Tshwane District Health Services, Gauteng Department of Health, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Helen Mulol
- Research Centre for Maternal, Fetal, Newborn & Child Health Care Strategies, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Maternal and Infant Health Care Strategies Unit, South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Friede AM Wenhold
- Department of Human Nutrition, University of Pretoria, Pretoria0002, South Africa
- Research Centre for Maternal, Fetal, Newborn & Child Health Care Strategies, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Maternal and Infant Health Care Strategies Unit, South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Pretoria, South Africa
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Amylidi-Mohr S, Wyss M, Surbek D, Raio L, Mosimann B. Diverse mechanisms underlying the fetal growth course in gastroschisis and omphalocele. AJOG GLOBAL REPORTS 2023; 3:100238. [PMID: 37424955 PMCID: PMC10329168 DOI: 10.1016/j.xagr.2023.100238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastroschisis and omphalocele are the 2 most common congenital fetal abdominal wall defects. Both malformations are commonly associated with small-for-gestational-age neonates. However, the extent and causes of growth restriction remain controversial in both gastroschisis and omphalocele without associated malformations or aneuploidy. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the role of the placenta and the birthweight-to-placental weight ratio in fetuses with abdominal wall defects. STUDY DESIGN This study included all cases of abdominal wall defects examined at our hospital between January 2001 and December 2020, retrieving the data from the hospital's software. Fetuses with any other combined congenital anomalies, known chromosomal abnormalities, or lost to follow-up were excluded. Overall, 28 singleton pregnancies with gastroschisis and 24 singleton pregnancies with omphalocele met the inclusion criteria. Patient characteristics and pregnancy outcomes were reviewed. The primary outcome was to investigate the association between birthweight and placental weight in pregnancies with abdominal wall defects as measured after delivery. To correct for gestational age and to compare total placental weights, ratios between the observed and expected birthweights for the given gestational age in singletons were calculated. The scaling exponent β was compared with the reference value of 0.75. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism (version 8.2.1; GraphPad Software, San Diego, CA) and IBM SPSS Statistics. A P value of <.05 indicated statistical significance. RESULTS Women pregnant with a fetus with gastroschisis were significantly younger and more often nulliparous. In addition, in this group, the gestational age of delivery was significantly earlier and almost exclusively for cesarean delivery. Of 28 children, 13 (46.7%) were born small for gestational age, only 3 of them (10.7%) had a placental weight <10th percentile. There is no correlation between birthweight percentiles and placental weight percentiles (P=not significant). However, in the omphalocele group, 4 of 24 children (16.7%) were born small for gestational age (<10th percentile), and all children also had a placental weight <10th percentile. There is a significant correlation between birthweight percentiles and placental weight percentiles (P<.0001). The birthweight-to-placental weight ratio differs significantly between pregnancies diagnosed with gastroschisis and pregnancies diagnosed with omphalocele (4.48 [3.79-4.91] vs 6.05 [5.38-6.47], respectively; P<.0001). Allometric metabolic scaling revealed that placentas complicated by gastroschisis and placentas complicated by omphalocele do not scale with birthweight. CONCLUSION Fetuses with gastroschisis displayed impaired intrauterine growth, which seemed to differ from the classical placental insufficiency growth restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Amylidi-Mohr
- Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital of Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (Dr Amylidi-Mohr, Ms Wyss, Messrs Surbek and Raio, and Ms Mosimann)
- University Hospital of Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland (Dr Amylidi-Mohr and Ms Mosimann)
| | - Melanie Wyss
- Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital of Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (Dr Amylidi-Mohr, Ms Wyss, Messrs Surbek and Raio, and Ms Mosimann)
| | - Daniel Surbek
- Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital of Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (Dr Amylidi-Mohr, Ms Wyss, Messrs Surbek and Raio, and Ms Mosimann)
| | - Luigi Raio
- Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital of Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (Dr Amylidi-Mohr, Ms Wyss, Messrs Surbek and Raio, and Ms Mosimann)
| | - Beatrice Mosimann
- Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital of Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (Dr Amylidi-Mohr, Ms Wyss, Messrs Surbek and Raio, and Ms Mosimann)
- University Hospital of Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland (Dr Amylidi-Mohr and Ms Mosimann)
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Dyhr JJ, Linderoth IR, Hansen DN, Frøkjaer JB, Peters DA, Sinding M, Sørensen A. Confined placental mosaicism: placental size and function evaluated on magnetic resonance imaging. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2023; 62:130-136. [PMID: 36730148 DOI: 10.1002/uog.26174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Evidence regarding placental function in pregnancies complicated by confined placental mosaicism (CPM) is conflicting. We aimed to compare placental function between CPM and non-CPM pregnancies prenatally and at birth. A secondary objective was to evaluate the relationship between placental function and chromosomal subtype of CPM. METHODS This was a retrospective study of pregnancies with CPM and control pregnancies delivered at a tertiary hospital in Denmark between 2014 and 2017. Placental volume and placental transverse relaxation time (T2*) were estimated on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fetal weight and uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI) were estimated on ultrasound and fetoplacental ratio was assessed on MRI and at birth. These estimates of placental function were adjusted for gestational age and compared between groups using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Within the group of CPM pregnancies, measures of placental function were compared between those at high risk (chromosome numbers 2, 3, 7, 13 and 16) and those at low risk (chromosome numbers 5, 18 and 45X). RESULTS A total of 90 pregnancies were included, of which 12 had CPM and 78 were controls. MRI and ultrasound examinations were performed at a median gestational age of 32.6 weeks (interquartile range, 24.7-35.3 weeks). On MRI assessment, CPM placentae were characterized by a lower placental T2* Z-score (P = 0.004), a lower fetoplacental ratio (P = 0.03) and a higher UtA-PI Z-score (P = 0.03), compared with non-CPM placentae. At birth, the fetoplacental ratio was significantly lower (P = 0.02) and placental weight Z-score was higher (P = 0.01) in CPM pregnancies compared with non-CPM pregnancies. High-risk CPM pregnancies showed a reduced placental T2* Z-score (P = 0.003), lower birth-weight Z-score (P = 0.041), earlier gestational age at delivery (P = 0.019) and higher UtA-PI Z-score (P = 0.028) compared with low-risk CPM pregnancies. Low-risk CPM pregnancies did not differ in any of these parameters from non-CPM pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS CPM pregnancies are characterized by an enlarged and dysfunctional placenta. Placental function was highly related to the chromosomal type of CPM; placental dysfunction was seen predominantly in high-risk CPM pregnancies in which chromosomes 2, 3, 7, 13 or 16 were involved. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Dyhr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - I R Linderoth
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - D N Hansen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - J B Frøkjaer
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Radiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - D A Peters
- Department of Clinical Engineering, Central Denmark Region, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - M Sinding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - A Sørensen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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Teo SM, Murrin CM, Mehegan J, Douglass A, Hébert JR, Segurado R, Kelleher CC, Phillips CM. Associations between the maternal healthy lifestyle score and its individual components during early pregnancy with placental outcomes. Placenta 2023; 139:75-84. [PMID: 37336158 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The influence of maternal lifestyle behaviours on placental growth have been investigated individually, but with conflicting results, and their combined effect is under-researched. Therefore, we examined associations between a composite maternal healthy lifestyle score (HLS), and its individual components, during early pregnancy with placental outcomes. METHODS Participants included Lifeways Cross-Generational Cohort mother-child pairs (n = 202). A composite HLS based on a less inflammatory diet (bottom 40% of the energy-adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (E-DII™)), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), healthy pre-pregnancy BMI (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), never smoking, and non-/moderate alcohol intake was calculated. Quantile regression analysed HLS (and individual components) associations with measures of placental development (untrimmed placental weight (PW)) and function (birth weight:placental weight (BW:PW) ratio) at the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th centiles. RESULTS A more pro-inflammatory diet was positively, and smoking and heavy alcohol consumption were negatively, associated with PW at median centiles (B: 41.97 g, CI: 3.71, 80.22, p < 0.05; B: -58.51 g, CI: -116.24, -0.77, p < 0.05; B: -120.20 g, CI: -177.97, -62.43, p < 0.05 respectively). Low MVPA was inversely associated with BW:PW ratio at the 10th and 90th centiles (B: -0.36, CI: -0.132, -0.29, p < 0.01 and B: -0.45, CI: -0.728, -0.182, p < 0.01, respectively). Heavy alcohol intake was positively associated with BW:PW ratio at the 10th centile (B: 0.54, CI: 0.24, 0.85, p < 0.01). Results of sex-stratified analysis provide evidence of sexual dimorphism. DISCUSSION Associations of certain lifestyle factors, but not the composite HLS, during early pregnancy with measures of placental development (PW) and function (BW:PW ratio) varied by quantiles and by sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shevaun M Teo
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, 4, Ireland.
| | - Celine M Murrin
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, 4, Ireland.
| | - John Mehegan
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, 4, Ireland.
| | - Alexander Douglass
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, 4, Ireland.
| | - James R Hébert
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States.
| | - Ricardo Segurado
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, 4, Ireland.
| | - Cecily C Kelleher
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, 4, Ireland.
| | - Catherine M Phillips
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, 4, Ireland.
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Desmond A, Imany-Shakibai H, Wong D, Kwan L, Satou G, Sklansky M, Afshar Y. Prenatal Congenital Heart Disease and Placental Phenotypes: Preserved Neonatal Weight Despite Small Placentas. JACC. ADVANCES 2023; 2:100383. [PMID: 38938228 PMCID: PMC11198356 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2023.100383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Background Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects 8 in 1,000 live births with significant postnatal implications including growth failure, neurodevelopmental delay, and mortality. The placenta develops concomitantly with the fetal heart. High rates of placental pathology and discordant growth in pregnancies affected by CHD highlight the significance of the fetal-placental-cardiac axis. Objectives This study aimed to characterize the relationship between neonatal birthweight (BW), head circumference, placental weight (PW), and placental pathology in pregnancies affected by CHD. PW:BW provides a surrogate to assess placental efficiency, or nutrient exchange and delivery by the placenta, across CHD phenotypes. Methods Retrospective cohort of 139 live-born singletons with postnatally confirmed CHD with placental pathology. Placental examination, infant BW, head circumference, and CHD categories (septal defects, right-sided defects, left-sided defects, conotruncal anomalies, and others) were included. Chi-square, Fisher's exact, or Kruskall-Wallis tests and multinomial logistic regressions, as appropriate. Results Median birthweight and head circumference percentile was 33 and 35, respectively. Placental pathology was documented in 37% of cases. PW to BW ratios were <10th percentile for 78% and <3rd percentile for 54% of the cohort, with no difference between CHD categories (P = 0.39 and P = 0.56, respectively). Conclusions Infants with CHD have preserved BW and head circumferences in the setting of small placentas and increased prevalence of placental pathology, suggesting placental efficiency. Detection of abnormal placental growth could add prenatal diagnostic value. Placental and neonatal discordant growth may allude to a vascular anomaly predisposing fetuses to developing CHD. Further studies are needed to explore fetal nutrient delivery and utilization efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Desmond
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Helia Imany-Shakibai
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Deanna Wong
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lorna Kwan
- Department of Urology, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Gary Satou
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mark Sklansky
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yalda Afshar
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Barrett ES, Rivera-Núñez Z, Getz K, Ohman-Strickland P, Zhang R, Kozlosky D, Doherty CL, Buckley BT, Brunner J, Miller RK, O'Connor TG, Aleksunes LM. Protective role of the placental efflux transporter BCRP/ABCG2 in the relationship between prenatal cadmium exposure, placenta weight, and size at birth. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 225:115597. [PMID: 36863650 PMCID: PMC10091184 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Placental efflux transporter proteins, such as BCRP, reduce the placental and fetal toxicity of environmental contaminants but have received little attention in perinatal environmental epidemiology. Here, we evaluate the potential protective role of BCRP following prenatal exposure to cadmium, a metal that preferentially accumulates in the placenta and adversely impacts fetal growth. We hypothesized that individuals with a reduced function polymorphism in ABCG2, the gene encoding BCRP, would be most vulnerable to the adverse impacts of prenatal cadmium exposure, notably, smaller placental and fetal size. METHODS We measured cadmium in maternal urine samples at each trimester and in term placentas from UPSIDE-ECHO study participants (NY, USA; n = 269). We fit adjusted multivariable linear regression and generalized estimating equation models to examine log-transformed urinary and placental cadmium concentrations in relation to birthweight, birth length, placental weight, and fetoplacental weight ratio (FPR) and stratified models by ABCG2 Q141K (C421A) genotype. RESULTS Overall 17% of participants expressed the reduced-function ABCG2 C421A variant (AA or AC). Placental cadmium concentrations were inversely associated with placental weight (β = -19.55; 95%CI: -37.06, -2.04) and trended towards higher FPR (β = 0.25; 95%CI: -0.01, 0.52) with stronger associations in 421A variant infants. Notably, higher placental cadmium concentrations in 421A variant infants were associated with reduced placental weight (β = -49.42; 95%CI: 98.87, 0.03), and higher FPR (β = 0.85, 95%CI: 0.18, 1.52), while higher urinary cadmium concentration was associated with longer birth length (β = 0.98; 95%CI: 0.37, 1.59), lower ponderal index (β = -0.09; 95%CI: 0.15, -0.03), and higher FPR (β = 0.42; 95%CI: 0.14, 0.71). CONCLUSIONS Infants with reduced function ABCG2 polymorphisms may be particularly vulnerable to the developmental toxicity of cadmium as well as other xenobiotics that are BCRP substrates. Additional work examining the influence of placental transporters in environmental epidemiology cohorts is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily S Barrett
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Zorimar Rivera-Núñez
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Kylie Getz
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Biostatistics and Epidemiology Services Center, Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Pamela Ohman-Strickland
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Ranran Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Danielle Kozlosky
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Cathleen L Doherty
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Brian T Buckley
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Jessica Brunner
- Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Richard K Miller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA; Departments of Environmental Medicine, Pathology and Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Thomas G O'Connor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA; Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Lauren M Aleksunes
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
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Saeed H, Lu YC, Andescavage N, Kapse K, Andersen NR, Lopez C, Quistorff J, Barnett S, Henderson D, Bulas D, Limperopoulos C. Influence of maternal psychological distress during COVID-19 pandemic on placental morphometry and texture. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7374. [PMID: 37164993 PMCID: PMC10172401 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33343-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been accompanied by increased prenatal maternal distress (PMD). PMD is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes which may be mediated by the placenta. However, the potential impact of the pandemic on in vivo placental development remains unknown. To examine the impact of the pandemic and PMD on in vivo structural placental development using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), acquired anatomic images of the placenta from 63 pregnant women without known COVID-19 exposure during the pandemic and 165 pre-pandemic controls. Measures of placental morphometry and texture were extracted. PMD was determined from validated questionnaires. Generalized estimating equations were utilized to compare differences in PMD placental features between COVID-era and pre-pandemic cohorts. Maternal stress and depression scores were significantly higher in the pandemic cohort. Placental volume, thickness, gray level kurtosis, skewness and run length non-uniformity were increased in the pandemic cohort, while placental elongation, mean gray level and long run emphasis were decreased. PMD was a mediator of the association between pandemic status and placental features. Altered in vivo placental structure during the pandemic suggests an underappreciated link between disturbances in maternal environment and perturbed placental development. The long-term impact on offspring is currently under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haleema Saeed
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Yuan-Chiao Lu
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Nickie Andescavage
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
- Division of Neonatology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Kushal Kapse
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Nicole R Andersen
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Catherine Lopez
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Jessica Quistorff
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Scott Barnett
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Diedtra Henderson
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Dorothy Bulas
- Division of Radiology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Catherine Limperopoulos
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA.
- Division of Radiology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, 20010, USA.
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Lubrano C, Mancon A, Anelli GM, Gagliardi G, Corneo R, Bianchi M, Coco C, Dal Molin G, Vignali M, Schirripa I, Di Simone N, Pavone G, Pellegrino A, Gismondo MR, Savasi VM, Cetin I. Immune Response and Transplacental Antibody Transfer in Pregnant Women after COVID-19 Vaccination. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13040689. [PMID: 37109075 PMCID: PMC10141882 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13040689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 infection is associated with increased risk of pregnancy complications, making vaccination during pregnancy critical for mother-neonate dyads. Few data, often with an unrepresentative sample size, are available on SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced humoral and cell-mediated response. Here, we evaluated anti-S antibody and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production elicited by SARS-CoV-2 immunization in maternal and neonatal plasma. Pregnant women (n = 230) were prospectively enrolled and classified as unvaccinated (n = 103) and vaccinated (n = 127); after serological screening for previous infections, assays were performed on 126 dyads, 15 mothers and 17 newborns. Positive anti-S antibodies were found in most of the vaccinated subjects, regardless of timespan between immunization and delivery (range: 7-391 days). A total of 89 of 92 vaccinated women showed a broad response to COVID-19 immunization and highly effective placental transfer, as attested by anti-S positive rates (maternal = 96.7%, cord = 96.6%). Most of our subjects had indeterminate results in an IGRA assay, preventing a conclusive evaluation of IFN-γ production. Indeed, pregnancy-related hormonal changes may influence T-cell response with an impact on IFN-γ production. Positive pregnancy and perinatal outcomes reinforce the evidence that the anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunization is effective and well-tolerated in pregnant women and also protective for the fetus/neonate, even though it was not possible to define the related IFN-γ production and role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Lubrano
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mancon
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Virology and Bioemergencies, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Gaia Maria Anelli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Gloria Gagliardi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Corneo
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Micol Bianchi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Coco
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Dal Molin
- Department of Biomedical Science for Health, Macedonio Melloni Hospital-ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Vignali
- Department of Biomedical Science for Health, Macedonio Melloni Hospital-ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Schirripa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Di Simone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Pavone
- Department of Woman, Child and Neonate, Luigi Sacco Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20157 Milan, Italy
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alessandro Manzoni Hospital, ASST Lecco, 23900 Lecco, Italy
| | - Antonio Pellegrino
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alessandro Manzoni Hospital, ASST Lecco, 23900 Lecco, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Gismondo
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Virology and Bioemergencies, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Maria Savasi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
- Department of Woman, Child and Neonate, Luigi Sacco Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Cetin
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
- Department of Woman, Mother and Neonate, Buzzi Children's Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20154 Milan, Italy
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Crute CE, Landon CD, Garner A, Hall SM, Everitt JI, Zhang S, Blake B, Olofsson D, Chen H, Stapleton HM, Murphy SK, Feng L. Maternal exposure to perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) during pregnancy: evidence of adverse maternal and fetoplacental effects in New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits. Toxicol Sci 2023; 191:239-252. [PMID: 36453863 PMCID: PMC9936209 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfac126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) is a replacement for perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) that is increasingly detected in drinking water and human serum. Higher PFBS exposure is associated with risk for preeclampsia, the leading cause of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality in the United States. This study investigated relevant maternal and fetal health outcomes after gestational exposure to PFBS in a New Zealand White rabbit model. Nulliparous female rabbits were supplied drinking water containing 0 mg/l (control), 10 mg/l (low), or 100 mg/l (high) PFBS. Maternal blood pressure, body weights, liver and kidney weights histopathology, clinical chemistry panels, and thyroid hormone levels were evaluated. Fetal endpoints evaluated at necropsy included viability, body weights, crown-rump length, and liver and kidney histopathology, whereas placenta endpoints included weight, morphology, histopathology, and full transcriptome RNA sequencing. PFBS-high dose dams exhibited significant changes in blood pressure markers, seen through increased pulse pressure and renal resistive index measures, as well as kidney histopathological changes. Fetuses from these dams showed decreased crown-rump length. Statistical analysis of placental weight via a mixed model statistical approach identified a significant interaction term between PFBS high dose and fetal sex, suggesting a sex-specific effect on placental weight. RNA sequencing identified the dysregulation of angiotensin (AGT) in PFBS high-dose placentas. These results suggest that PFBS exposure during gestation leads to adverse maternal outcomes, such as renal injury and hypertension, and fetal outcomes, including decreased growth parameters and adverse placenta function. These outcomes raise concerns about pregnant women's exposure to PFBS and pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine E Crute
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Chelsea D Landon
- Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Angela Garner
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Samantha M Hall
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Jeffery I Everitt
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Sharon Zhang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Bevin Blake
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | | | - Henry Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Susan K Murphy
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Liping Feng
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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45
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Teo SM, Murrin CM, Mehegan J, Douglas A, Hébert JR, Segurado R, Kelleher CC, Phillips CM. Associations between maternal dietary scores during early pregnancy with placental outcomes. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1060709. [PMID: 36845057 PMCID: PMC9945217 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1060709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Individual macronutrient and micronutrient effects on placental growth have been widely investigated. However, the influence of overall maternal diet is relatively unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine associations between a range of maternal dietary scores during early pregnancy with placental outcomes, and to investigate whether there is evidence of sexual dimorphism. Methods This analysis of the Lifeways Cross-Generational Cohort includes 276 mother-child pairs. A validated 148-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire assessed maternal diet in early pregnancy. Dietary scores reflecting dietary quality [Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2015), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)], dietary inflammatory potential [Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and the energy adjusted DII (E-DII)], dietary antioxidant status [Dietary Antioxidant Quality (DAQ)], and glycemic and insulinemic loads/indices (GL/GI, IL/II) were calculated. Linear regression analyses assessed maternal dietary score relationships with untrimmed placental weight (PW) and birth weight:placental weight (BW:PW) ratio. Results In fully adjusted models, maternal E-DII and GI were positively associated, and HEI-2015 and DAQ were negatively associated with PW (B: 12.31, 95% CI: 0.41, 24.20, p = 0.04, B: 4.13, 95% CI: 0.10, 8.17, p = 0.04, B: -2.70, 95% CI: -5.03, -0.35, p = 0.02 and B: -15.03, 95% CI: -28.08, -1.98, p = 0.02, for E-DII, GI, HEI-2015 and DAQ respectively). Maternal DAQ associations with BW:PW ratio were attenuated. When stratified by sex, maternal GI and pregnancy-specific DAQ were associated with PW in female offspring (B: 5.61, 95% CI: 0.27, 10.96, p = 0.04 and B: -15.31, 95% CI: -30.35, -0.27, p = 0.046). Maternal E-DII and HEI-2015 were associated with PW in males (B: 24.31, 95% CI: 5.66, 42.96, p = 0.01 and B: -3.85, 95% CI: -7.47, -0.35, p = 0.03 respectively). Conclusion The results of this novel investigation suggest that maternal diet may influence placental development. Female fetuses may be more sensitive to increased glucose levels whereas male fetuses may be more susceptible to in-utero stresses that are regulated by inflammatory pathways and overall diet quality. Hence, early pregnancy offers an opportune time for a mother to prioritize dietary changes that focus on reducing inflammatory and glycemic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shevaun M. Teo
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Celine M. Murrin
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John Mehegan
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alexander Douglas
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - James R. Hébert
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Ricardo Segurado
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cecily C. Kelleher
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Catherine M. Phillips
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland,*Correspondence: Catherine M. Phillips,
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Cariaco Y, Durán-Rodriguez AT, Almeida MPO, Silva NM. CCR5 contributes to adverse outcomes during malaria in pregnancy. Cytokine 2023; 162:156110. [PMID: 36565608 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2022.156110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
CCR5 is a chemokine receptor that mediates cell recruitment to sites of inflammation. It has been previously reported that the expression of CCR5 is increased in the placentas of women with malaria, a disease characterized by causing deliveries with low birth weight among other complications. CCR5 has been associated with pathology of protozoan infections during pregnancy but its role during malaria in pregnancy has not been elucidated. In the present work, we assessed the pregnancy outcome, placental structure, and levels of inflammatory markers of pregnant C57BL/6 and CCR5-/- mice infected or not with Plasmodium berghei NK65, with the purpose of determine the role of CCR5 in pregnancy associated malaria complications. We demonstrated that the expression of CCR5 mRNA increases in late pregnancy placentas of C57BL/6 when compared to uninfected controls. Infected pregnant C57BL/6 mice showed preterm birth, decreased fetal weight, placental inefficiency, and reduced placental vascular space. On the other hand, CCR5 deficiency led to increased levels of maternal parasitemia, reduced fetal weight and placental inefficiency compared to C57BL/6 mice. However, the infection did not cause additional changes in these parameters or in the incidence of preterm delivery in infected CCR5-/- mice in relation to C57BL/6 mice, showing that CCR5 may contribute to the adverse effects caused by infection during pregnancy. This improvement in pregnancy outcome, observed in infected CCR5-/- mice, was accompanied by lower placental levels of the inflammatory markers, such as TNF and NAG. Furthermore, it was observed that the placentas of CCR5-/- animals showed structural differences in relation to C57BL/6 mice, which could improve the efficiency of maternal-fetal exchanges, reflecting on fetal weight. Taken together, these results indicate that CCR5 expression contributes to the adverse outcomes caused by malaria in late pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusmaris Cariaco
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Andrea Tatiana Durán-Rodriguez
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marcos Paulo Oliveira Almeida
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Neide Maria Silva
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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47
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Roach AN, Zimmel KN, Thomas KN, Basel A, Bhadsavle SS, Golding MC. Preconception paternal alcohol exposure decreases IVF embryo survival and pregnancy success rates in a mouse model. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 29:gaad002. [PMID: 36637195 PMCID: PMC9907225 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasingly, couples struggling with fertility turn to assisted reproductive techniques, including IVF, to have children. Despite the demonstrated influence of periconception male health and lifestyle choices on offspring development, studies examining IVF success rates and child health outcomes remain exclusively focused on maternal factors. Using a physiologically relevant mouse model, we tested the hypothesis that chronic paternal preconception alcohol intake adversely affects IVF success and negatively impacts IVF offspring fetoplacental growth. Using a voluntary, binge-like mouse model, we exposed sexually mature C57BL/6J males to three preconception treatments (0% (Control), 6% EtOH or 10% EtOH) for 6 weeks, isolated and cryopreserved caudal sperm from treated males, and then used these samples to fertilize oocytes before assessing IVF embryo developmental outcomes. We found that preconception paternal alcohol use reduced IVF embryo survival and pregnancy success rates in a dose-dependent manner, with the pregnancy success rate of the 10% EtOH treatment falling to half those of the Controls. Mechanistically, we found that preconception paternal alcohol exposure disrupts embryonic gene expression, including Fgf4 and Egfr, two critical regulators of trophectoderm stem cell growth and placental patterning, with lasting impacts on the histological organization of the late-term placenta. The changes in placental histoarchitecture were accompanied by altered regulation of pathways controlling mitochondrial function, oxidative phosphorylation and some imprinted genes. Our studies indicate that male alcohol use may significantly impede IVF success rates, increasing the couple's financial burden and emotional stress, and highlights the need to expand prepregnancy messaging to emphasize the reproductive dangers of alcohol use by both parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis N Roach
- Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Katherine N Zimmel
- Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Kara N Thomas
- Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Alison Basel
- Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Sanat S Bhadsavle
- Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Michael C Golding
- Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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48
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Covarrubias A, Aguilera-Olguín M, Carrasco-Wong I, Pardo F, Díaz-Astudillo P, Martín SS. Feto-placental Unit: From Development to Function. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1428:1-29. [PMID: 37466767 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-32554-0_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
The placenta is an intriguing organ that allows us to survive intrauterine life. This essential organ connects both mother and fetus and plays a crucial role in maternal and fetal well-being. This chapter presents an overview of the morphological and functional aspects of human placental development. First, we describe early human placental development and the characterization of the cell types found in the human placenta. Second, the human placenta from the second trimester to the term of gestation is reviewed, focusing on the morphology and specific pathologies that affect the placenta. Finally, we focus on the placenta's primary functions, such as oxygen and nutrient transport, and their importance for placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambart Covarrubias
- Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad San Sebastián, Concepción, Chile
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health (GRIVAS Health), Chillán, Chile
| | - Macarena Aguilera-Olguín
- Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, Universidad de Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Chile
- Cellular Signalling and Differentiation Laboratory (CSDL), Medicine and Science Faculty, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ivo Carrasco-Wong
- Cellular Signalling and Differentiation Laboratory (CSDL), School of Medical Technology, Medicine and Science Faculty, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fabián Pardo
- Metabolic Diseases Research Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Centre of Territorial Health Research (CIISTe), Biomedical Research Center (CIB), San Felipe Campus, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Valparaíso, San Felipe, Chile
| | - Pamela Díaz-Astudillo
- Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, Universidad de Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Chile
| | - Sebastián San Martín
- Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, Universidad de Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Chile.
- Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health (GRIVAS Health), Chillan, Chile.
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49
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Belak U, Pinter B, Ban Frangež H, Velikonja M, Korošec S. Pathology of the Placenta in Singletons after Assisted Reproductive Technology Compared to Singletons after Spontaneous Conception: A Systematic Review. Fetal Pediatr Pathol 2022; 42:438-449. [PMID: 36580043 DOI: 10.1080/15513815.2022.2157228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background: We reviewed the literature comparing the pathological characteristics of singleton births conceived after assisted reproductive technology (ART) with those after spontaneous conception. Methods: We reviewed PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid MEDLINE, Google Scopus, Scholar, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the Web of Science for the previous 10 years, up to November 2022. Results: Four eligible studies included 3445 placentas, 806 after ART (IVF/ICSI). Placentas after ART differed in frequency of retroplacental and marginal hematomas (p = 0.04), increased thickness (p = 0.02), higher overall occurrences of vascular and anatomical pathology (p < 0.001) and more frequent marginal (p = 0.001) and membranous (p = 0.02) umbilical cord insertion than placentas from non-ART pregnancies. Conclusion: Further research is needed to determine the extent to which these placental changes in ART pregnancies alter its function and pregnancy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urška Belak
- Department of Gyneacology and Obstetrics, General Hospital Celje, Celje, Slovenia.,Faculty of medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bojana Pinter
- Faculty of medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Obstetrics and Gyneacology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Helena Ban Frangež
- Faculty of medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Obstetrics and Gyneacology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mojca Velikonja
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sara Korošec
- Faculty of medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Obstetrics and Gyneacology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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50
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Young RE, Nelson KM, Hofbauer SI, Vijayakumar T, Alameh MG, Weissman D, Papachristou C, Gleghorn JP, Riley RS. Lipid Nanoparticle Composition Drives mRNA Delivery to the Placenta. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.12.22.521490. [PMID: 36597546 PMCID: PMC9810215 DOI: 10.1101/2022.12.22.521490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Ionizable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have gained attention as mRNA delivery platforms for vaccination against COVID-19 and for protein replacement therapies. LNPs enhance mRNA stability, circulation time, cellular uptake, and preferential delivery to specific tissues compared to mRNA with no carrier platform. However, LNPs have yet to be developed for safe and effective mRNA delivery to the placenta as a method to treat placental dysfunction. Here, we develop LNPs that enable high levels of mRNA delivery to trophoblasts in vitro and to the placenta in vivo with no toxicity. We conducted a Design of Experiments to explore how LNP composition, including the type and molar ratio of each lipid component, drives trophoblast and placental delivery. Our data revealed that a specific combination of ionizable lipid and phospholipid in the LNP design yields high transfection efficiency in vitro . Further, we present one LNP platform that exhibits highest delivery of placental growth factor mRNA to the placenta in pregnant mice, which demonstrates induced protein synthesis and secretion of a therapeutic protein. Lastly, our high-performing LNPs have no toxicity to both the pregnant mice and fetuses. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of LNPs as a platform for mRNA delivery to the placenta. Our top LNPs may provide a therapeutic platform to treat diseases that originate from placental dysfunction during pregnancy.
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