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Monaco-Brown M, Lawrence DA. Obesity and Maternal-Placental-Fetal Immunology and Health. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:859885. [PMID: 35573953 PMCID: PMC9100592 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.859885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity rates in women of childbearing age is now at 29%, according to recent CDC reports. It is known that obesity is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, including disruptions in cellular function and cytokine levels. In pregnant women who are obese, associated placental dysfunction can lead to small for gestational age (SGA) infants. More frequently, however, maternal obesity is associated with large for gestational age (LGA) newborns, who also have higher incidence of metabolic disease and asthma due to elevated levels of inflammation. In addition, anthropogenic environmental exposures to "endocrine disrupting" and "forever" chemicals affect obesity, as well as maternal physiology, the placenta, and fetal development. Placental function is intimately associated with the control of inflammation during pregnancy. There is a large amount of literature examining the relationship of placental immunology, both cellular and humoral, with pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Cells such as placental macrophages and NK cells have been implicated in spontaneous miscarriage, preeclampsia, preterm birth, perinatal neuroinflammation, and other post-natal conditions. Differing levels of placental cytokines and molecular inflammatory mediators also have known associations with preeclampsia and developmental outcomes. In this review, we will specifically examine the literature regarding maternal, placental, and fetal immunology and how it is altered by maternal obesity and environmental chemicals. We will additionally describe the relationship between placental immune function and clinical outcomes, including neonatal conditions, autoimmune disease, allergies, immunodeficiency, metabolic and endocrine conditions, neurodevelopment, and psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith Monaco-Brown
- Department of Pediatrics, Bernard and Millie Duker Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY, United States
| | - David A Lawrence
- New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center, Albany, NY, United States.,Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY, United States
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Kochhar P, Dwarkanath P, Ravikumar G, Thomas A, Crasta J, Thomas T, Kurpad AV, Mukhopadhyay A. Placental expression of miR-517-5p and miR-518f-5p: Fetal sex-specific relations with human fetoplacental growth. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2021; 269:118-125. [PMID: 34992034 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2021.12.030] [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: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess association of chromosome 19 miRNA cluster microRNAs (miR-517-5p and miR-518f-5p) expression with maternal, placental and newborn parameters and with their potential angiogenesis-associated target genes ENG, VEGF and FLT in a set of 68 small- (SGA, n = 30) and appropriate- (AGA, n = 38) for gestational age full-term singleton pregnancies, in relation to fetal sex. STUDY DESIGN In this retrospective case-control study, placental transcript abundances of miR-517-5p and miR-518f-5p were assessed by real-time quantitative PCR after normalization to reference miRNA, mir-16-5p. Placental transcript abundances of VEGF, FLT and ENG were assessed after normalizing to a set of reference genes. RESULTS Placental miR-517-5p transcript abundance was negatively associated with birth weight [β = -88.778, P = 0.006, 95% confidence interval (CI): -151.645, -25.911] and placental weight (β = -14.683, P = 0.007, 95% CI: -25.254, -4.112) and this association with birth weight was specific to the AGA births (β = -59.207, P = 0.037, 95% CI: -114.522, -3.891). miR-518f-5p transcript abundance was negatively associated with placental weight (β = -6.250, P = 0.034, 95% CI: -11.940, -0.559) specifically in the AGA male births (n = 16). Placental VEGF transcript abundance was negatively associated with that of miR-517-5p specifically in SGA female births (n = 14; Spearman's ρ = -0.705, P = 0.005) and with miR-518f-5p transcript abundance specifically in SGA births (Spearman's ρ = -0.437, P = 0.016) and in SGA male births (n = 16; Spearman's ρ = -0.516, P = 0.041). CONCLUSION We conclude that placental miR-517-5p could be playing a key role in the pathophysiology of fetal growth restriction, which can be potentially targeted through maternal lifestyle modifications for improving fetoplacental growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prachi Kochhar
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, A Recognized Research Centre of University of Mysore, Bangalore, India
| | - Pratibha Dwarkanath
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, A Recognized Research Centre of University of Mysore, Bangalore, India
| | - Gayatri Ravikumar
- Department of Pathology, St John's Medical College Hospital, Bangalore, India
| | - Annamma Thomas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St John's Medical College Hospital, Bangalore, India
| | - Julian Crasta
- Department of Pathology, St John's Medical College Hospital, Bangalore, India
| | - Tinku Thomas
- Department of Biostatistics, St. John's Medical College Hospital, Bangalore, India
| | - Anura V Kurpad
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, A Recognized Research Centre of University of Mysore, Bangalore, India
| | - Arpita Mukhopadhyay
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, A Recognized Research Centre of University of Mysore, Bangalore, India.
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53
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Bozack AK, Colicino E, Just AC, Wright RO, Baccarelli AA, Wright RJ, Lee AG. Associations between infant sex and DNA methylation across umbilical cord blood, artery, and placenta samples. Epigenetics 2021; 17:1080-1097. [PMID: 34569420 PMCID: PMC9542631 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2021.1985300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation (DNAm) is vulnerable to dysregulation by environmental exposures during epigenetic reprogramming that occurs in embryogenesis. Sexual dimorphism in environmentally induced DNAm dysregulation has been identified and therefore it is important to understand sex-specific DNAm patterns. DNAm at several autosomal sites has been consistently associated with sex in cord blood and placental foetal tissues. However, there is limited research comparing sex-specific DNAm across tissues, particularly differentially methylated regions (DMRs). This study leverages DNAm data measured using the Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip in cord blood (N = 179), placenta (N = 229), and umbilical artery samples (N = 229) in the PRogramming of Intergenerational Stress Mechanisms (PRISM) cohort to identify autosomal DMRs and differentially methylated positions (DMPs). A replication analyses was conducted in an independent cohort (GEO Accession GSE129841). We identified 183, 257, and 419 DMRs and 2119, 2281, and 3405 DMPs (pBonferroni < 0.05) in cord blood, placenta, and artery samples, respectively. Thirty-nine DMRs overlapped in all three tissues, overlapping with genes involved in spermatogenesis (NKAPL, PIWIL2 and AURKC) and X-inactivation (LRIF1). In replication analysis, 85% of DMRs overlapped with those identified in PRISM. Overall, DMRs and DMPs had higher methylation levels among females in cord blood and artery samples, but higher methylation levels among males in placenta samples. Further research is necessary to understand biological mechanisms that contribute to differences in sex-specific DNAm signatures across tissues, as well as to determine if sexual dimorphism in the epigenome impacts response to environmental stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne K Bozack
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elena Colicino
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Allan C Just
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert O Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrea A Baccarelli
- Departments of Environmental Health Sciences and Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rosalind J Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alison G Lee
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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54
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Yu P, Chen Y, Ge C, Wang H. Sexual dimorphism in placental development and its contribution to health and diseases. Crit Rev Toxicol 2021; 51:555-570. [PMID: 34666604 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2021.1977237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
According to the Developmental Origin of Health and Disease (DOHaD), intrauterine exposure to adverse environments can affect fetus and birth outcomes and lead to long-term disease susceptibility. Evidence has shown that neonatal outcomes and the timing and severity of adult diseases are sexually dimorphic. As the link between mother and fetus, the placenta is an essential regulator of fetal development programming. It is found that the physiological development trajectory of the placenta has sexual dimorphism. Furthermore, under pathological conditions, the placental function undergoes sex-specific adaptation to ensure fetal survival. Therefore, the placenta may be an important mediator of sexual dimorphism in neonatal outcomes and adult disease susceptibility. Few systematic reviews have been conducted on sexual dimorphism in placental development and its underlying mechanisms. In this review, sex chromosomes and sex hormones, as the main reasons for sexual differentiation of the placenta, will be discussed. Besides, in the etiology of fetal-originated adult diseases, overexposure to glucocorticoids is closely related to adverse neonatal outcomes and long-term disease susceptibility. Studies have found that prenatal glucocorticoid overexposure leads to sexually dimorphic expression of placental glucocorticoid receptor isoforms, resulting in different sensitivity of the placenta to glucocorticoids, and may further affect fetal development. The present review examines what is currently known about sex differences in placental development and the underlying regulatory mechanisms of this sex bias. This review highlights the importance of placental contributions to the origins of sexual dimorphism in health and diseases. It may help develop personalized diagnosis and treatment strategies for fetal development in pathological pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengxia Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yawen Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Caiyun Ge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, China
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55
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Bucher M, Kadam L, Ahuna K, Myatt L. Differences in Glycolysis and Mitochondrial Respiration between Cytotrophoblast and Syncytiotrophoblast In-Vitro: Evidence for Sexual Dimorphism. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910875. [PMID: 34639216 PMCID: PMC8509198 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In the placenta the proliferative cytotrophoblast cells fuse into the terminally differentiated syncytiotrophoblast layer which undertakes several energy-intensive functions including nutrient uptake and transfer and hormone synthesis. We used Seahorse glycolytic and mitochondrial stress tests on trophoblast cells isolated at term from women of healthy weight to evaluate if cytotrophoblast (CT) and syncytiotrophoblast (ST) have different bioenergetic strategies, given their different functions. Whereas there are no differences in basal glycolysis, CT have significantly greater glycolytic capacity and reserve than ST. In contrast, ST have significantly higher basal, ATP-coupled and maximal mitochondrial respiration and spare capacity than CT. Consequently, under stress conditions CT can increase energy generation via its higher glycolytic capacity whereas ST can use its higher and more efficient mitochondrial respiration capacity. We have previously shown that with adverse in utero conditions of diabetes and obesity trophoblast respiration is sexually dimorphic. We found no differences in glycolytic parameters between sexes and no difference in mitochondrial respiration parameters other than increases seen upon syncytialization appear to be greater in females. There were differences in metabolic flexibility, i.e., the ability to use glucose, glutamine, or fatty acids, seen upon syncytialization between the sexes with increased flexibility in female trophoblast suggesting a better ability to adapt to changes in nutrient supply.
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56
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Li H, Huang Q, Liu Y, Garmire LX. Single cell transcriptome research in human placenta. Reproduction 2021; 160:R155-R167. [PMID: 33112783 PMCID: PMC7707799 DOI: 10.1530/rep-20-0231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Human placenta is a complex and heterogeneous organ interfacing between the mother and the fetus that supports fetal development. Alterations to placental structural components are associated with various pregnancy complications. To reveal the heterogeneity among various placenta cell types in normal and diseased placentas, as well as elucidate molecular interactions within a population of placental cells, a new genomics technology called single cell RNA-seq (or scRNA-seq) has been employed in the last couple of years. Here we review the principles of scRNA-seq technology, and summarize the recent human placenta studies at scRNA-seq level across gestational ages as well as in pregnancy complications, such as preterm birth and preeclampsia. We list the computational analysis platforms and resources available for the public use. Lastly, we discuss the future areas of interest for placenta single cell studies, as well as the data analytics needed to accomplish them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Qianhui Huang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Lana X Garmire
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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57
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Profiling the small non-coding RNA transcriptome of the human placenta. Sci Data 2021; 8:166. [PMID: 34215751 PMCID: PMC8253835 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-021-00948-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Proper functioning of the human placenta is critical for maternal and fetal health. While microRNAs (miRNAs) are known to impact placental gene expression, the effects of other small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) on the placental transcriptome are not well-established, and are emerging topics in the study of environmental influence on fetal development and reproductive health. Here, we assembled a cohort of 30 placental chorionic villi samples of varying gestational ages (M ± SD = 23.7 ± 11.3 weeks) to delineate the human placental sncRNA transcriptome through small RNA sequence analysis. We observed expression of 1544 sncRNAs, which include 48 miRNAs previously unannotated in humans. Additionally, 18,003 miRNA variants (isomiRs) were identified from the 654 observed miRNA species. This characterization of the term and pre-term placental sncRNA transcriptomes provides data fundamental to future investigations of their regulatory functions in the human placenta, and the baseline expression pattern needed for identifying changes in response to environmental factors, or under disease conditions.
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58
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Sanchez-Aranguren L, Nadeem S. Bioenergetics adaptations and redox homeostasis in pregnancy and related disorders. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:4003-4018. [PMID: 34196872 PMCID: PMC8473347 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04215-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy is a challenging physiological process that involves maternal adaptations to the increasing energetics demands imposed by the growing conceptus. Failure to adapt to these requirements may result in serious health complications for the mother and the baby. The mitochondria are biosynthetic and energy-producing organelles supporting the augmented energetic demands of pregnancy. Evidence suggests that placental mitochondria display a dynamic phenotype through gestation. At early stages of pregnancy placental mitochondria are mainly responsible for the generation of metabolic intermediates and reactive oxygen species (ROS), while at later stages of gestation, the placental mitochondria exhibit high rates of oxygen consumption. This review describes the metabolic fingerprint of the placental mitochondria at different stages of pregnancy and summarises key signs of mitochondrial dysfunction in pathological pregnancy conditions, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). So far, the effects of placental-driven metabolic changes governing the metabolic adaptations occurring in different maternal tissues in both, healthy and pathological pregnancies, remain to be uncovered. Understanding the function and molecular aspects of the adaptations occurring in placental and maternal tissue's mitochondria will unveil potential targets for further therapeutic exploration that could address pregnancy-related disorders. Targeting mitochondrial metabolism is an emerging approach for regulating mitochondrial bioenergetics. This review will also describe the potential therapeutic use of compounds with a recognised effect on mitochondria, for the management of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Nadeem
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston Medical School, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
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59
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Yong HEJ, Chan SY. Current approaches and developments in transcript profiling of the human placenta. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 26:799-840. [PMID: 33043357 PMCID: PMC7600289 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta is the active interface between mother and foetus, bearing the molecular marks of rapid development and exposures in utero. The placenta is routinely discarded at delivery, providing a valuable resource to explore maternal-offspring health and disease in pregnancy. Genome-wide profiling of the human placental transcriptome provides an unbiased approach to study normal maternal–placental–foetal physiology and pathologies. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE To date, many studies have examined the human placental transcriptome, but often within a narrow focus. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of human placental transcriptome studies, encompassing those from the cellular to tissue levels and contextualize current findings from a broader perspective. We have consolidated studies into overarching themes, summarized key research findings and addressed important considerations in study design, as a means to promote wider data sharing and support larger meta-analysis of already available data and greater collaboration between researchers in order to fully capitalize on the potential of transcript profiling in future studies. SEARCH METHODS The PubMed database, National Center for Biotechnology Information and European Bioinformatics Institute dataset repositories were searched, to identify all relevant human studies using ‘placenta’, ‘decidua’, ‘trophoblast’, ‘transcriptome’, ‘microarray’ and ‘RNA sequencing’ as search terms until May 2019. Additional studies were found from bibliographies of identified studies. OUTCOMES The 179 identified studies were classifiable into four broad themes: healthy placental development, pregnancy complications, exposures during pregnancy and in vitro placental cultures. The median sample size was 13 (interquartile range 8–29). Transcriptome studies prior to 2015 were predominantly performed using microarrays, while RNA sequencing became the preferred choice in more recent studies. Development of fluidics technology, combined with RNA sequencing, has enabled transcript profiles to be generated of single cells throughout pregnancy, in contrast to previous studies relying on isolated cells. There are several key study aspects, such as sample selection criteria, sample processing and data analysis methods that may represent pitfalls and limitations, which need to be carefully considered as they influence interpretation of findings and conclusions. Furthermore, several areas of growing importance, such as maternal mental health and maternal obesity are understudied and the profiling of placentas from these conditions should be prioritized. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Integrative analysis of placental transcriptomics with other ‘omics’ (methylome, proteome and metabolome) and linkage with future outcomes from longitudinal studies is crucial in enhancing knowledge of healthy placental development and function, and in enabling the underlying causal mechanisms of pregnancy complications to be identified. Such understanding could help in predicting risk of future adversity and in designing interventions that can improve the health outcomes of both mothers and their offspring. Wider collaboration and sharing of placental transcriptome data, overcoming the challenges in obtaining sufficient numbers of quality samples with well-defined clinical characteristics, and dedication of resources to understudied areas of pregnancy will undoubtedly help drive the field forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E J Yong
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shiao-Yng Chan
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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60
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Epigenetic Alterations of Maternal Tobacco Smoking during Pregnancy: A Narrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18105083. [PMID: 34064931 PMCID: PMC8151244 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18105083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In utero exposure to maternal tobacco smoking is the leading cause of birth complications in addition to being associated with later impairment in child’s development. Epigenetic alterations, such as DNA methylation (DNAm), miRNAs expression, and histone modifications, belong to possible underlying mechanisms linking maternal tobacco smoking during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes and later child’s development. The aims of this review were to provide an update on (1) the main results of epidemiological studies on the impact of in utero exposure to maternal tobacco smoking on epigenetic mechanisms, and (2) the technical issues and methods used in such studies. In contrast with miRNA and histone modifications, DNAm has been the most extensively studied epigenetic mechanism with regard to in utero exposure to maternal tobacco smoking. Most studies relied on cord blood and children’s blood, but placenta is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool, especially for markers of pregnancy exposures. Some recent studies suggest reversibility in DNAm in certain genomic regions as well as memory of smoking exposure in DNAm in other regions, upon smoking cessation before or during pregnancy. Furthermore, reversibility could be more pronounced in miRNA expression compared to DNAm. Increasing evidence based on longitudinal data shows that maternal smoking-associated DNAm changes persist during childhood. In this review, we also discuss some issues related to cell heterogeneity as well as downstream statistical analyses used to relate maternal tobacco smoking during pregnancy and epigenetics. The epigenetic effects of maternal smoking during pregnancy have been among the most widely investigated in the epigenetic epidemiology field. However, there are still huge gaps to fill in, including on the impact on miRNA expression and histone modifications to get a better view of the whole epigenetic machinery. The consistency of maternal tobacco smoking effects across epigenetic marks and across tissues will also provide crucial information for future studies. Advancement in bioinformatic and biostatistics approaches is key to develop a comprehensive analysis of these biological systems.
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61
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Gong S, Gaccioli F, Dopierala J, Sovio U, Cook E, Volders PJ, Martens L, Kirk PDW, Richardson S, Smith GCS, Charnock-Jones DS. The RNA landscape of the human placenta in health and disease. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2639. [PMID: 33976128 PMCID: PMC8113443 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22695-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is the interface between mother and fetus and inadequate function contributes to short and long-term ill-health. The placenta is absent from most large-scale RNA-Seq datasets. We therefore analyze long and small RNAs (~101 and 20 million reads per sample respectively) from 302 human placentas, including 94 cases of preeclampsia (PE) and 56 cases of fetal growth restriction (FGR). The placental transcriptome has the seventh lowest complexity of 50 human tissues: 271 genes account for 50% of all reads. We identify multiple circular RNAs and validate 6 of these by Sanger sequencing across the back-splice junction. Using large-scale mass spectrometry datasets, we find strong evidence of peptides produced by translation of two circular RNAs. We also identify novel piRNAs which are clustered on Chr1 and Chr14. PE and FGR are associated with multiple and overlapping differences in mRNA, lincRNA and circRNA but fewer consistent differences in small RNAs. Of the three protein coding genes differentially expressed in both PE and FGR, one encodes a secreted protein FSTL3 (follistatin-like 3). Elevated serum levels of FSTL3 in pregnant women are predictive of subsequent PE and FGR. To aid visualization of our placenta transcriptome data, we develop a web application ( https://www.obgyn.cam.ac.uk/placentome/ ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungsam Gong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research (CTR), Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Francesca Gaccioli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research (CTR), Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Justyna Dopierala
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
- Functional Genomics, GlaxoSmithKline Limited, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Ulla Sovio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research (CTR), Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emma Cook
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Pieter-Jan Volders
- Computational Omics and Systems Biology Group, Department of Biochemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lennart Martens
- Computational Omics and Systems Biology Group, Department of Biochemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Paul D W Kirk
- MRC Biostatistics Unit, Cambridge Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sylvia Richardson
- MRC Biostatistics Unit, Cambridge Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gordon C S Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research (CTR), Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - D Stephen Charnock-Jones
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research (CTR), Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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62
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Dini P, Kalbfleisch T, Uribe-Salazar JM, Carossino M, Ali HES, Loux SC, Esteller-Vico A, Norris JK, Anand L, Scoggin KE, Rodriguez Lopez CM, Breen J, Bailey E, Daels P, Ball BA. Parental bias in expression and interaction of genes in the equine placenta. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2006474118. [PMID: 33853939 PMCID: PMC8072238 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2006474118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Most autosomal genes in the placenta show a biallelic expression pattern. However, some genes exhibit allele-specific transcription depending on the parental origin of the chromosomes on which the copy of the gene resides. Parentally expressed genes are involved in the reciprocal interaction between maternal and paternal genes, coordinating the allocation of resources between fetus and mother. One of the main challenges of studying parental-specific allelic expression (allele-specific expression [ASE]) in the placenta is the maternal cellular remnant at the fetomaternal interface. Horses (Equus caballus) have an epitheliochorial placenta in which both the endometrial epithelium and the epithelium of the chorionic villi are juxtaposed with minimal extension into the uterine mucosa, yet there is no information available on the allelic gene expression of equine chorioallantois (CA). In the current study, we present a dataset of 1,336 genes showing ASE in the equine CA (https://pouya-dini.github.io/equine-gene-db/) along with a workflow for analyzing ASE genes. We further identified 254 potentially imprinted genes among the parentally expressed genes in the equine CA and evaluated the expression pattern of these genes throughout gestation. Our gene ontology analysis implies that maternally expressed genes tend to decrease the length of gestation, while paternally expressed genes extend the length of gestation. This study provides fundamental information regarding parental gene expression during equine pregnancy, a species with a negligible amount of maternal cellular remnant in its placenta. This information will provide the basis for a better understanding of the role of parental gene expression in the placenta during gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pouya Dini
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - Theodore Kalbfleisch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202
| | - José M Uribe-Salazar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Genome Center, Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Mariano Carossino
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503
| | - Hossam El-Sheikh Ali
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Shavahn C Loux
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503
| | - Alejandro Esteller-Vico
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503
| | - Jamie K Norris
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503
| | - Lakshay Anand
- Environmental Epigenetics and Genetics Group, Department of Horticulture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546
| | - Kirsten E Scoggin
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503
| | - Carlos M Rodriguez Lopez
- Environmental Epigenetics and Genetics Group, Department of Horticulture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546
| | - James Breen
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Ernest Bailey
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503
| | - Peter Daels
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - Barry A Ball
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503;
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Guo S, Huang S, Jiang X, Hu H, Han D, Moreno CS, Fairbrother GL, Hughes DA, Stoneking M, Khaitovich P. Variation of microRNA expression in the human placenta driven by population identity and sex of the newborn. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:286. [PMID: 33879051 PMCID: PMC8059241 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07542-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Analysis of lymphocyte cell lines revealed substantial differences in the expression of mRNA and microRNA (miRNA) among human populations. The extent of such population-associated differences in actual human tissues remains largely unexplored. The placenta is one of the few solid human tissues that can be collected in substantial numbers in a controlled manner, enabling quantitative analysis of transient biomolecules such as RNA transcripts. Here, we analyzed microRNA (miRNA) expression in human placental samples derived from 36 individuals representing four genetically distinct human populations: African Americans, European Americans, South Asians, and East Asians. All samples were collected at the same hospital following a unified protocol, thus minimizing potential biases that might influence the results. RESULTS Sequence analysis of the miRNA fraction yielded 938 annotated and 70 novel miRNA transcripts expressed in the placenta. Of them, 82 (9%) of annotated and 11 (16%) of novel miRNAs displayed quantitative expression differences among populations, generally reflecting reported genetic and mRNA-expression-based distances. Several co-expressed miRNA clusters stood out from the rest of the population-associated differences in terms of miRNA evolutionary age, tissue-specificity, and disease-association characteristics. Among three non-environmental influenced demographic parameters, the second largest contributor to miRNA expression variation after population was the sex of the newborn, with 32 miRNAs (3% of detected) exhibiting significant expression differences depending on whether the newborn was male or female. Male-associated miRNAs were evolutionarily younger and correlated inversely with the expression of target mRNA involved in neuron-related functions. In contrast, both male and female-associated miRNAs appeared to mediate different types of hormonal responses. Demographic factors further affected reported imprinted expression of 66 placental miRNAs: the imprinting strength correlated with the mother's weight, but not height. CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that among 12 assessed demographic variables, population affiliation and fetal sex had a substantial influence on miRNA expression variation among human placental samples. The effect of newborn-sex-associated miRNA differences further led to expression inhibition of the target genes clustering in specific functional pathways. By contrast, population-driven miRNA differences might mainly represent neutral changes with minimal functional impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Guo
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, 121205, Moscow, Russia
| | - Shuyun Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, CAS, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Xi Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, CAS, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Haiyang Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, CAS, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Dingding Han
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, CAS, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Carlos S Moreno
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Department of Biomedical Informatics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Genevieve L Fairbrother
- Obstetrics and Gynecology of Atlanta, 1100 Johnson Ferry Rd NE Suite 800, Center 2, Atlanta, GA, 30342, USA
| | - David A Hughes
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Mark Stoneking
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
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Halloran KM, Hoskins EC, Stenhouse C, Moses RM, Dunlap KA, Satterfield MC, Seo H, Johnson GA, Wu G, Bazer FW. Pre-implantation exogenous progesterone and pregnancy in sheep. II. Effects on fetal-placental development and nutrient transporters in late pregnancy. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2021; 12:46. [PMID: 33827696 PMCID: PMC8028684 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-021-00567-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Administration of progesterone (P4) to ewes during the first 9 to 12 days of pregnancy accelerates blastocyst development by day 12 of pregnancy, likely due to P4-induced up-regulation of key genes in uterine epithelia responsible for secretion and transport of components of histotroph into the uterine lumen. This study determined if acceleration of blastocyst development induced by exogenous P4 during the pre-implantation period affects fetal-placental development on day 125 of pregnancy. Suffolk ewes (n = 35) were mated to fertile rams and assigned randomly to receive daily intramuscular injections of either corn oil vehicle (CO, n = 18) or 25 mg progesterone in CO (P4, n = 17) for the first 8 days of pregnancy. All ewes were hysterectomized on day 125 of pregnancy and: 1) fetal and placental weights and measurements were recorded; 2) endometrial and placental tissues were analyzed for the expression of candidate mRNAs involved in nutrient transport and arginine metabolism; and 3) maternal plasma, fetal plasma, allantoic fluid, and amniotic fluid were analyzed for amino acids, agmatine, polyamines, glucose, and fructose. RESULTS Treatment of ewes with exogenous P4 did not alter fetal or placental growth, but increased amounts of aspartate and arginine in allantoic fluid and amniotic fluid, respectively. Ewes that received exogenous P4 had greater expression of mRNAs for SLC7A1, SLC7A2, SLC2A1, AGMAT, and ODC1 in endometria, as well as SLC1A4, SLC2A5, SLC2A8 and ODC1 in placentomes. In addition, AZIN2 protein was immunolocalized to uterine luminal and glandular epithelia in P4-treated ewes, whereas AZIN2 localized only to uterine luminal epithelia in CO-treated ewes. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed that exogenous P4 administered in early pregnancy influenced expression of selected genes for nutrient transporters and the expression of a protein involved in polyamine synthesis on day 125 of pregnancy, suggesting a 'programming' effect of P4 on gene expression that affected the composition of nutrients in fetal-placental fluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Halloran
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2471, USA
| | - Emily C Hoskins
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2471, USA
| | - Claire Stenhouse
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2471, USA
| | - Robyn M Moses
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2471, USA
| | - Kathrin A Dunlap
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2471, USA
| | - M Carey Satterfield
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2471, USA
| | - Heewon Seo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Gregory A Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Guoyao Wu
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2471, USA
| | - Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2471, USA.
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Vaginal Probiotics for Reproductive Health and Related Dysbiosis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10071461. [PMID: 33918150 PMCID: PMC8037567 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10071461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of probiotics in reproductive-related dysbiosis is an area of continuous progress due to the growing interest from clinicians and patients suffering from recurrent reproductive microbiota disorders. An imbalance in the natural colonization sites related to reproductive health—vaginal, cervicovaginal, endometrial, and pregnancy-related altered microbiota—could play a decisive role in reproductive outcomes. Oral and vaginal administrations are in continuous discussion regarding the clinical effects pursued, but the oral route is used and studied more often despite the need for further transference to the colonization site. The aim of the present review was to retrieve the standardized protocols of vaginal probiotics commonly used for investigating their microbiota modulation capacities. Most of the studies selected focused on treating bacterial vaginosis (BV) as the most common dysbiosis; a few studies focused on vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and on pretreatment during in vitro fertilization (IVF). Vaginal probiotic doses administered were similar to oral probiotics protocols, ranging from ≥107 CFU/day to 2.5 × 1010 CFU/day, but were highly variable regarding the treatment duration timing. Moderate vaginal microbiota modulation was achieved; the relative abundance of abnormal microbiota decreased and Lactobacillus species increased.
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Tsamou M, Vrijens K, Wang C, Winckelmans E, Neven KY, Madhloum N, de Kok TM, Nawrot TS. Genome-wide microRNA expression analysis in human placenta reveals sex-specific patterns: an ENVIR ONAGE birth cohort study. Epigenetics 2021; 16:373-388. [PMID: 32892695 PMCID: PMC7993149 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2020.1803467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an increasing interest in microRNAs (miRNAs) as they are of utmost importance in gene regulation at the posttranscriptional level. Sex-related susceptibility for non-communicable diseases later in life could originate in early life. Until now, no data on sex-specific miRNA expression are available for the placenta. Therefore, we investigated the difference by sex of newborn's miRNA expression in human placental tissue. Within the ENVIRONAGE birth cohort, miRNA and mRNA expression profiling was performed in 60 placentae (50% boys) using Agilent (8 × 60 K) microarrays. The distribution of chromosome locations was studied and pathway analysis of the identified sex-specific miRNAs in the placenta was carried out. Of the total 2558 miRNAs on the array, 597 miRNAs were expressed in over 70% of the samples and were included for further analyses. A total of 142 miRNAs were significantly (FDR<0.05) associated with the newborn's sex. In newborn girls, 76 miRNAs had higher expression (hsa-miR-361-5p as most significant) and 66 miRNAs had lower expression (hsa-miR-4646-5p as most significant) than in newborn boys. In the same study population, placental differentially expressed genes by sex were also identified using a whole genome approach. The placental gene expression revealed 27 differentially expressed genes by comparing girls to boys. Ultimately, we studied the miRNA-RNA interactome and identified 14 miRNA-mRNA interactions as sex-specific. Sex differences in placental m(i)RNA expression may reveal sex-specific patterns already present during pregnancy, which may influence physiological conditions in early or later life. These molecular processes might play a role in sex-specific disease susceptibility in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tsamou
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Karen Vrijens
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Congrong Wang
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Ellen Winckelmans
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Kristof Y. Neven
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Narjes Madhloum
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Theo M. de Kok
- Department of Toxicogenomics, GROW Institute of Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Tim S. Nawrot
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Department of Public Health, Environment & Health Unit, Leuven University (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
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Comprehensive Comparison of Amnion Stromal Cells and Chorion Stromal Cells by RNA-Seq. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041901. [PMID: 33672986 PMCID: PMC7918623 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells derived from the fetal placenta, composed of an amnion membrane, chorion membrane, and umbilical cord, have emerged as promising sources for regenerative medicine. Here, we used next-generation sequencing technology to comprehensively compare amniotic stromal cells (ASCs) with chorionic stromal cells (CSCs) at the molecular and signaling levels. Principal component analysis showed a clear dichotomy of gene expression profiles between ASCs and CSCs. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering confirmed that the biological repeats of ASCs and CSCs were able to respectively group together. Supervised analysis identified differentially expressed genes, such as LMO3, HOXA11, and HOXA13, and differentially expressed isoforms, such as CXCL6 and HGF. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that the GO terms of the extracellular matrix, angiogenesis, and cell adhesion were significantly enriched in CSCs. We further explored the factors associated with inflammation and angiogenesis using a multiplex assay. In comparison with ASCs, CSCs secreted higher levels of angiogenic factors, including angiogenin, VEGFA, HGF, and bFGF. The results of a tube formation assay proved that CSCs exhibited a strong angiogenic function. However, ASCs secreted two-fold more of an anti-inflammatory factor, TSG-6, than CSCs. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the differential gene expression patterns between ASCs and CSCs. CSCs have superior angiogenic potential, whereas ASCs exhibit increased anti-inflammatory properties.
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Paranavitana L, Walker M, Chandran AR, Milligan N, Shinar S, Whitehead CL, Hobson SR, Serghides L, Parks WT, Baschat AA, Macgowan CK, Sled JG, Kingdom JC, Cahill LS. Sex differences in uterine artery Doppler during gestation in pregnancies complicated by placental dysfunction. Biol Sex Differ 2021; 12:19. [PMID: 33531040 PMCID: PMC7852081 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-021-00362-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing evidence of sex differences in placental vascular development. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of fetal sex on uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) throughout gestation in a cohort of normal and complicated pregnancies. METHODS A prospective longitudinal study was conducted in 240 pregnant women. Pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound of the proximal uterine arteries was performed at a 4-weekly interval between 14 and 40 weeks of gestation. The patients were classified retrospectively as normal or complicated (one or more of maternal preeclampsia, preterm birth, or small for gestational age). To assess if the change in uterine artery PI during gestation differed between normal and complicated pregnancies and between fetal sexes, the uterine artery PI was modeled using a linear function of gestational age and the rate of change was estimated from the slope. RESULTS While the uterine artery PI did not differ over gestation between females and males for normal pregnancies, the trajectory of this index differed by fetal sex for pregnancies complicated by either preeclampsia, preterm birth, or fetal growth restriction (p < 0.0001). The male fetuses in the complicated pregnancy group had an elevated slope compared to the other groups (p < 0.0001), suggesting a more progressive deterioration in uteroplacental perfusion over gestation. CONCLUSIONS The uterine artery PI is widely used to assess uteroplacental function in clinical settings. The observation that this metric changes more rapidly in complicated pregnancies where the fetus was male highlights the importance of sex when interpreting hemodynamic markers of placental maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Paranavitana
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 283 Prince Philip Drive, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1B 3X7, Canada
| | - Melissa Walker
- Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Natasha Milligan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Clare L Whitehead
- Pregnancy Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | | | - Lena Serghides
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Immunology and Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - W Tony Parks
- Department of Pathology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ahmet A Baschat
- Centre for Fetal Therapy, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Christopher K Macgowan
- Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John G Sled
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John C Kingdom
- Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lindsay S Cahill
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 283 Prince Philip Drive, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1B 3X7, Canada.
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Zhao Y, Wang P, Zhou Y, Xia B, Zhu Q, Ge W, Li J, Shi H, Xiao X, Zhang Y. Prenatal fine particulate matter exposure, placental DNA methylation changes, and fetal growth. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 147:106313. [PMID: 33341587 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study was designed to examine the impact of prenatal fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure on fetal growth and the underlying placental epigenetic mechanism in a cohort of Chinese women. Within the prospective Shanghai Mother-Child Pairs cohort (Shanghai MCPC), 329 women carrying singleton pregnancy with a due date in 2018 were recruited between 2017 and 2018. Maternal PM2.5 exposure levels were estimated using gestational exposure prediction model combining satellite-driven ambient concentrations and personal air sampling. Fetal growth characteristics were evaluated by prenatal ultrasound examinations and anthropometric measurements at birth. In a discovery phase, whole-genome DNA methylation analysis was performed using the Infinium 850 K array. In a validation phase, placental DNA methylation was measured using bisulfite pyrosequencing for five candidate genes that showed the most significant alterations and function relevance in our methylation array screen, including BID (BH3 interacting domain death agonist), FOXN3 (Forkhead box N3), FOXP1 (Forkhead box P1), IGF2 (Insulin-like growth factor 2) and HSD11B2 (Hydroxysteroid 11-beta dehydrogenase 2). Multivariate linear regression models were applied to examine the associations among PM2.5 exposure, fetal growth characteristics and DNA methylation on placental candidate genes. Sobel tests were used to evaluate the mediating role of DNA methylation in multivariable models. After excluding women who withdrew or failed to provide placenta, a total of 287 pregnant women with an average age of 30 entered the final analysis. Increased PM2.5 exposure was significantly associated with reduced biparietal diameter (BPD) (β: -0.136 mm, 95% CI: -0.228 to -0.043), head circumference (HC) (β: -0.462 mm, 95% CI: -0.782 to -0.142), femur length (FL) (β: -0.113 mm, 95% CI: -0.185 to -0.041) and abdominal circumference (AC) (β: -0.371 mm, 95% CI: -0.672 to -0.071) in the second trimester and birth length (β: -0.013 cm, 95% CI: -0.025 to -0.001). Prenatal PM2.5 exposure could lead to aberrant changes in DNA methylation profile of placenta genome, which were mainly enriched in reproductive development, energy metabolism and immune response. DNA methylation of IGF2 and BID showed significant associations with PM2.5 exposures during all exposure windows. In addition, BID methylation was negatively correlated with HC (β: -1.396 mm, 95% CI: -2.582 to -0.209) and BPD (β: -0.330 mm, 95% CI: -0.635 to -0.026) in the second trimester. Further mediation analysis indicated that BID methylation mediated about 30% of the effects of PM2.5 exposure on HC. These findings collectively suggested that prenatal PM2.5 exposure may cause adverse effects on fetal growth by modifying placental DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingya Zhao
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (Fudan University), China; Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Pengpeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yuhan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Bin Xia
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (Fudan University), China
| | - Qingyang Zhu
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (Fudan University), China
| | - Wenzhen Ge
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., New York, NY, USA
| | - Jialin Li
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Huijing Shi
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (Fudan University), China; Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xirong Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Yunhui Zhang
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (Fudan University), China; Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Liu Y, Liu K, Zheng P, Yin S, Jin H, Bai X, Li Y, Zheng J, Dai Y, Zhao M, Liu W. Prenatal exposure and transplacental transfer of perfluoroalkyl substance isomers in participants from the upper and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 270:116202. [PMID: 33333405 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.116202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Data on gestational exposure characteristics and transplacental transfer are quite limited for perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) isomers, especially those from large-scale comparative studies. To fill this gap, we examined isomers of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) in matched maternal and cord serum from Mianyang and Hangzhou, which are located in the upper and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, China, respectively. These data were compared with those from our previous study on Wuhan in the middle reach. The average ΣPFAS concentration increased from upstream to downstream (Mianyang (4.44 ng/mL) < Wuhan (9.88 ng/mL) < Hangzhou (19.72 ng/mL)) and may be related to the per capita consumption expenditure of each city. The ln-transformed PFAS concentrations showed significant differences between Mianyang and Hangzhou after adjusting confounding factors (p < 0.05). The percentages of linear PFOS and PFOA in maternal and cord serum from these cities all exceeded those in electrochemical fluorination products. The isomer profiles of PFASs in maternal and cord serum might be greatly influenced by local production processes of PFASs and residents' dietary habits. The transplacental transfer efficiencies decreased significantly with increasing concentrations in maternal serum for ΣPFAS, ΣPFOS, ΣPFOA, ΣPFHxS, n-PFOS, iso-PFOS, 4m-PFOS, 1m-PFOS, n-PFOA, n-PFHxS, and br-PFHxS (Spearman rank correlation coefficients (r) = 0.373-0.687, p < 0.01). These findings support an understanding of the regional characteristics in maternal exposure to PFASs along the Yangtze River, isomeric profiles of PFASs in these regions, and the transplacental transfer processes of PFAS isomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxue Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, Institution of Environmental Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Kai Liu
- Division of Engineering and Applied Science, W. M. Keck Laboratories, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Blvd., Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Ping Zheng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, Institution of Environmental Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Shanshan Yin
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, Institution of Environmental Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Hangbiao Jin
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xiaoxia Bai
- Women Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yongqing Li
- Mianyang Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Mianyang, 621000, China
| | - Jingxian Zheng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, Institution of Environmental Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yishuang Dai
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, Institution of Environmental Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Meirong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Weiping Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, Institution of Environmental Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Human Umbilical Cord: Information Mine in Sex-Specific Medicine. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11010052. [PMID: 33451112 PMCID: PMC7828611 DOI: 10.3390/life11010052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological differences between sexes should be considered in all stages of research, as sexual dimorphism starts in utero leading to sex-specific fetal programming. In numerous biomedical fields, there is still a lack of stratification by sex despite primary cultured cells retaining memory of the sex and of the donor. The sex of donors in biological research must be known because variations in cells and cellular components can be used as endpoints, biomarkers and/or targets of pharmacological studies. This selective review focuses on the current findings regarding sex differences observed in the umbilical cord, a widely used source of research samples, both in the blood and in the circulating cells, as well as in the different cellular models obtainable from it. Moreover, an overview on sex differences in fetal programming is reported. As it emerges that the sex variable is still often forgotten in experimental models, we suggest that it should be mandatory to adopt sex-oriented research, because only awareness of these issues can lead to innovative research.
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72
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Yang Y, Guo F, Peng Y, Chen R, Zhou W, Wang H, OuYang J, Yu B, Xu Z. Transcriptomic Profiling of Human Placenta in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus at the Single-Cell Level. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:679582. [PMID: 34025588 PMCID: PMC8139321 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.679582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Increasing evidence shows that placentation defects may play important roles in GDM. However, our understanding of the human placenta remains limited. In this study, we generated a comprehensive transcriptomic profile of cellular signatures and transcriptomes in the human placenta in GDM using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), constructed a comprehensive cell atlas, and identified cell subtypes and subtype-specific marker genes. In addition, we investigated the placental cellular function and intercellular interactions in GDM. These findings help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of GDM, and may facilitate the development of new approaches to GDM treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Yang
- Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Fang Guo
- Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Yue Peng
- Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Rong Chen
- International Genome Center, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Wenbo Zhou
- Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Huihui Wang
- Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Jun OuYang
- Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Bin Yu
- Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Bin Yu, ; Zhengfeng Xu,
| | - Zhengfeng Xu
- Womens Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Bin Yu, ; Zhengfeng Xu,
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73
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Gottlieb A, Flor I, Nimzyk R, Burchardt L, Helmke B, Langenbuch M, Spiekermann M, Feidicker S, Bullerdiek J. The expression of miRNA encoded by C19MC and miR-371-3 strongly varies among individual placentas but does not differ between spontaneous and induced abortions. PROTOPLASMA 2021; 258:209-218. [PMID: 33034783 PMCID: PMC7782366 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-020-01548-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
miRNAs of the largest human miRNA gene cluster at all, i.e., C19MC, are almost exclusively expressed in the placenta. Nevertheless, only little is known about the interindividual variation of their expression and even about possible influence of gestational age, conflicting data is reported as well as for miRNAs of the much smaller miR-371-3 cluster. Our present study aims at the analyses of the expression of miRNAs from both clusters at different times of pregnancy, possible differences between placenta samples obtained from spontaneous or induced abortions in the first trimester, and the possible variation of miRNA expression at different sites within same placentas. miR-371a-3p, miR-372-3p, miR-373-3p, miR-517a-3p, and miR-520c-3p were quantified in 85 samples and miR-371a-3p was quantified in maternal serum samples taken immediately before delivery. While for miRNA-517a-3p and miR-520c-3p the expression increased with increasing gestational age, the present study revealed strong interindividual differences in the expression of miR-371-3 in full-term placental tissue as well as for miRNAs of the C19MC cluster, where the levels differed to a much lesser extent than for the former microRNAs. Also, strong interindividual differences were noted between the serum samples but differences related to the site of the placenta where the sample has been taken from were excluded. For neither of the data from placental tissue, the study revealed differences between the spontaneous and induced abortion group. Thus, the differences do not in general seem to be related to first trimester abortion. It remains to be elucidated whether or not they affect other prenatal processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Gottlieb
- Center of Human Genetics, University of Bremen, Leobener Strasse 2, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Inga Flor
- Center of Human Genetics, University of Bremen, Leobener Strasse 2, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Rolf Nimzyk
- Center of Human Genetics, University of Bremen, Leobener Strasse 2, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Lars Burchardt
- Center of Human Genetics, University of Bremen, Leobener Strasse 2, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Burkhard Helmke
- Institute for Pathology, Elbe Clinic Stade-Buxtehude, Bremervörder Strasse 111, 21682, Stade, Germany
| | - Marc Langenbuch
- Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Helios Clinic, Altenwalder Chaussee 10, 27474, Cuxhaven, Germany
| | - Meike Spiekermann
- Center of Human Genetics, University of Bremen, Leobener Strasse 2, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Susanne Feidicker
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Evang. Diakonie-Hospital, Gröpelinger Heerstrasse 406-408, 28239, Bremen, Germany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jörn Bullerdiek
- Center of Human Genetics, University of Bremen, Leobener Strasse 2, 28359, Bremen, Germany.
- Institute for Medical Genetics, University of Rostock, University Medicine, Ernst-Heydemann-Strasse 8, 18057, Rostock, Germany.
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74
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Hebert JF, Myatt L. Placental mitochondrial dysfunction with metabolic diseases: Therapeutic approaches. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:165967. [PMID: 32920120 PMCID: PMC8043619 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Both obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) lead to poor maternal and fetal outcomes, including pregnancy complications, fetal growth issues, stillbirth, and developmental programming of adult-onset disease in the offspring. Increased placental oxidative/nitrative stress and reduced placental (trophoblast) mitochondrial respiration occur in association with the altered maternal metabolic milieu of obesity and GDM. The effect is particularly evident when the fetus is male, suggesting a sexually dimorphic influence on the placenta. In addition, obesity and GDM are associated with inflexibility in trophoblast, limiting the ability to switch between usage of glucose, fatty acids, and glutamine as substrates for oxidative phosphorylation, again in a sexually dimorphic manner. Here we review mechanisms underlying placental mitochondrial dysfunction: its relationship to maternal and fetal outcomes and the influence of fetal sex. Prevention of placental oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction may improve pregnancy outcomes. We outline pathways to ameliorate deficient mitochondrial respiration, particularly the benefits and pitfalls of mitochondria-targeted antioxidants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica F Hebert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Leslie Myatt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America.
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75
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Worsham W, Dalton S, Bilder DA. The Prenatal Hormone Milieu in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:655438. [PMID: 34276434 PMCID: PMC8280339 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.655438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Though the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains largely unknown, recent findings suggest that hormone dysregulation within the prenatal environment, in conjunction with genetic factors, may alter fetal neurodevelopment. Early emphasis has been placed on the potential role of in utero exposure to androgens, particularly testosterone, to theorize ASD as the manifestation of an "extreme male brain." The relationship between autism risk and obstetric conditions associated with inflammation and steroid dysregulation merits a much broader understanding of the in utero steroid environment and its potential influence on fetal neuroendocrine development. The exploration of hormone dysregulation in the prenatal environment and ASD development builds upon prior research publishing associations with obstetric conditions and ASD risk. The insight gained may be applied to the development of chronic adult metabolic diseases that share prenatal risk factors with ASD. Future research directions will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney Worsham
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Susan Dalton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Deborah A Bilder
- Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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76
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Yang S, Zheng W, Yang C, Zu R, Ran S, Wu H, Mu M, Sun S, Zhang N, Thorne RF, Guan Y. Integrated Analysis of Hub Genes and MicroRNAs in Human Placental Tissues from In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:774997. [PMID: 34867824 PMCID: PMC8632620 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.774997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Supraphysiological hormone exposure, in vitro culture and embryo transfer throughout the in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) procedures may affect placental development. The present study aimed to identify differences in genomic expression profiles between IVF-ET and naturally conceived placentals and to use this as a basis for understanding the underlying effects of IVF-ET on placental function. METHODS Full-term human placental tissues were subjected to next-generation sequencing to determine differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs) and genes (DEGs) between uncomplicated IVF-ET assisted and naturally conceived pregnancies. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and transcription factor enrichment analysis were used for DEmiRs. MiRNA-mRNA interaction and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed. In addition, hub genes were obtained by using the STRING database and Cytoscape. DEGs were analyzed using GO and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Differentially expressed miRNAs were validated through qRT-PCR. RESULTS Compared against natural pregnancies, 12 DEmiRs and 258 DEGs were identified in IVF-ET placental tissues. In a validation cohort, it was confirmed that hsa-miR-204-5p, hsa-miR-1269a, and hsa-miR-941 were downregulation, while hsa-miR-4286, hsa-miR-31-5p and hsa-miR-125b-5p were upregulation in IVF-ET placentas. Functional analysis suggested that these differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in angiogenesis, pregnancy, PI3K-Akt and Ras signaling pathways. The miRNA-mRNA regulatory network revealed the contribution of 10 miRNAs and 109 mRNAs while EGFR was the most highly connected gene among ten hub genes in the PPI network. CONCLUSION Even in uncomplicated IVF-ET pregnancies, differences exist in the placental transcriptome relative to natural pregnancies. Many of the differentially expressed genes in IVF-ET are involved in essential placental functions, and moreover, they provide a ready resource of molecular markers to assess the association between placental function and safety in IVF-ET offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuheng Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ruowen Zu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shiyu Ran
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mingkun Mu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Simin Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Nana Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Rick F Thorne
- Translational Research Institute, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yichun Guan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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77
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Bangma JT, Hartwell H, Santos HP, O'Shea TM, Fry RC. Placental programming, perinatal inflammation, and neurodevelopment impairment among those born extremely preterm. Pediatr Res 2021; 89:326-335. [PMID: 33184498 PMCID: PMC7658618 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-020-01236-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Individuals born extremely preterm are at significant risk for impaired neurodevelopment. After discharge from the neonatal intensive care, associations between the child's well-being and factors in the home and social environment become increasingly apparent. Mothers' prenatal health and socioeconomic status are associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes, and emotional and behavioral problems. Research on early life risk factors and on mechanisms underlying inter-individual differences in neurodevelopment later in life can inform the design of personalized approaches to prevention. Here, we review early life predictors of inter-individual differences in later life neurodevelopment among those born extremely preterm. Among biological mechanisms that mediate relationships between early life predictors and later neurodevelopmental outcomes, we highlight evidence for disrupted placental processes and regulated at least in part via epigenetic mechanisms, as well as perinatal inflammation. In relation to these mechanisms, we focus on four prenatal antecedents of impaired neurodevelopment, namely, (1) fetal growth restriction, (2) maternal obesity, (3) placental microorganisms, and (4) socioeconomic adversity. In the future, this knowledge may inform efforts to detect and prevent adverse outcomes in infants born extremely preterm. IMPACT: This review highlights early life risk factors and mechanisms underlying inter-individual differences in neurodevelopment later in life. The review emphasizes research on early life risk factors (fetal growth restriction, maternal obesity, placental microorganisms, and socioeconomic adversity) and on mechanisms (disrupted placental processes and perinatal inflammation) underlying inter-individual differences in neurodevelopment later in life. The findings highlighted here may inform efforts to detect and prevent adverse outcomes in infants born extremely preterm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline T Bangma
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Hadley Hartwell
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Hudson P Santos
- Biobehavioral Laboratory, School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - T Michael O'Shea
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca C Fry
- Biobehavioral Laboratory, School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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78
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Colicino E, Cowell W, Bozack A, Foppa Pedretti N, Joshi A, Niedzwiecki MM, Bollati V, Berin C, Wright RO, Wright RJ. Association between prenatal immune phenotyping and cord blood leukocyte telomere length in the PRISM pregnancy cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 191:110113. [PMID: 32841635 PMCID: PMC7883408 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental exposures including air pollutants, toxic metals, and psychosocial stress have been associated with shorter telomere length (TL) in newborns. These exposures have in turn been linked to an enhanced inflammatory immune response. Increased inflammation during pregnancy may be a central biological pathway linking environmental factors with reduced TL at birth. Approaches that more comprehensively characterize the prenatal inflammatory milieu rather than targeting specific individual cytokines in relation to newborn TL may better elucidate inflammatory mechanisms. METHODS Analyses included 129 mother-child dyads enrolled in the PRogramming of Intergenerational Stress Mechanisms (PRISM) pregnancy cohort. We measured 92 inflammation related proteins during pregnancy in maternal serum using the Olink protein array and quantified cord blood relative leukocyte TL (rLTL) via qPCR. We leveraged a tree-based machine learning algorithm to select the most important inflammatory related proteins jointly associated with rLTL. We then evaluated the combined association between the selected proteins with rLTL using Bayesian Weighted Quantile Sum (BWQS) Regression. Analyses were adjusted for gestational week of serum collection, maternal race/ethnicity, age, and education, and fetal sex. We evaluated major biological function of the identified proteins by using the UniProtKB, a centralized repository of curated functional information. RESULTS Three proteins were negatively and linearly associated with rLTL (CASP8 β: -0.22 p = 0.008, BNGF β: -0.43 p = 0.033, TRANCE β: 0.38 p = 0.004). Results from BWQS regression showed a significant overall decrease in rLTL (β: -0.26 95%CrI: -0.43, -0.07) per quartile increase of the mixture, with CASP8 contributing the greatest weight (CASP8 50%; BNGF 27%, and TRANCE 23%). The identified proteins were involved in the regulation of apoptotic processes and cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS This proteomics approach identifies novel maternal prenatal inflammatory protein biomarkers associated with shortened rLTL in newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Colicino
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - W Cowell
- Department of Pediatrics, Kravis Children's Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - A Bozack
- Department of Pediatrics, Kravis Children's Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - N Foppa Pedretti
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - A Joshi
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - M M Niedzwiecki
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - C Berin
- Department of Pediatrics, Kravis Children's Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - R O Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Kravis Children's Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - R J Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Kravis Children's Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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79
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Examining Sex Differences in the Human Placental Transcriptome During the First Fetal Androgen Peak. Reprod Sci 2020; 28:801-818. [PMID: 33150487 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00355-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Sex differences in human placenta exist from early pregnancy to term, however, it is unclear whether these differences are driven solely by sex chromosome complement or are subject to differential sex hormonal regulation. Here, we survey the human chorionic villus (CV) transcriptome for sex-linked signatures from 11 to 16 gestational weeks, corresponding to the first window of increasing testis-derived androgen production in male fetuses. Illumina HiSeq RNA sequencing was performed on Lexogen Quantseq 3' libraries derived from CV biopsies (n = 11 females, n = 12 males). Differential expression (DE) was performed to identify sex-linked transcriptional signatures, followed by chromosome mapping, pathway analysis, predicted protein interaction, and post-hoc linear regressions to identify transcripts that trend over time. We observe 322 transcripts DE between male and female CV from 11 to 16 weeks, with 22 transcripts logFC > 1. Contrary to our predictions, the difference between male and female expression of DE autosomal genes was more pronounced at the earlier gestational ages. In females, we found selective upregulation of extracellular matrix components, along with a number of X-linked genes. In males, DE transcripts centered on chromosome 19, with mitochondrial, immune, and pregnancy maintenance-related transcripts upregulated. Among the highest differentially expressed autosomal genes were CCRL2, LGALS13, and LGALS14, which are known to regulate immune cell interactions. Our results provide insight into sex-linked gene expression in late first and early second trimester developing human placenta and lay the groundwork to understand the mechanistic origins of sex differences in prenatal development.
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80
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Impact of Microbiota: A Paradigm for Evolving Herd Immunity against Viral Diseases. Viruses 2020; 12:v12101150. [PMID: 33050511 PMCID: PMC7599628 DOI: 10.3390/v12101150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Herd immunity is the most critical and essential prophylactic intervention that delivers protection against infectious diseases at both the individual and community level. This process of natural vaccination is immensely pertinent to the current context of a pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection around the globe. The conventional idea of herd immunity is based on efficient transmission of pathogens and developing natural immunity within a population. This is entirely encouraging while fighting against any disease in pandemic circumstances. A spatial community is occupied by people having variable resistance capacity against a pathogen. Protection efficacy against once very common diseases like smallpox, poliovirus or measles has been possible only because of either natural vaccination through contagious infections or expanded immunization programs among communities. This has led to achieving herd immunity in some cohorts. The microbiome plays an essential role in developing the body’s immune cells for the emerging competent vaccination process, ensuring herd immunity. Frequency of interaction among microbiota, metabolic nutrients and individual immunity preserve the degree of vaccine effectiveness against several pathogens. Microbiome symbiosis regulates pathogen transmissibility and the success of vaccination among different age groups. Imbalance of nutrients perturbs microbiota and abrogates immunity. Thus, a particular population can become vulnerable to the infection. Intestinal dysbiosis leads to environmental enteropathy (EE). As a consequence, the generation of herd immunity can either be delayed or not start in a particular cohort. Moreover, disparities of the protective response of many vaccines in developing countries outside of developed countries are due to inconsistencies of healthy microbiota among the individuals. We suggested that pan-India poliovirus vaccination program, capable of inducing herd immunity among communities for the last 30 years, may also influence the inception of natural course of heterologous immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nonetheless, this anamnestic recall is somewhat counterintuitive, as antibody generation against original antigens of SARS-CoV-2 will be subdued due to original antigenic sin.
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81
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A proper placental sampling for syncytin-1 analysis. Biotechniques 2020; 69:427-435. [PMID: 32967447 DOI: 10.2144/btn-2020-0121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Syncytin-1 (gene ERVW-1) has been proposed as a marker of pre-eclampsia and malfunctions in placental development. Placenta is heterogeneous tissue, hence the method of biopsy can significantly affect the outcome of analyses. A total of 44 placentae were analyzed by taking 3-30 samples from each. Relative levels of ERVW-1 expression in the placental biopsies were characterized by RT-qPCR. Evaluation of ten biopsies from one placenta individually (not pooling them) is recommended due to the high variability of expression. No significant correlation was found between biopsy localization and level of ERVW-1 expression; therefore, random sampling is recommended. A long cut from the umbilical cord to the edge of the placenta is a convenient approach to placental sampling.
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82
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Eaves L, Phookphan P, Rager J, Bangma J, Santos HP, Smeester L, O'Shea TM, Fry R. A role for microRNAs in the epigenetic control of sexually dimorphic gene expression in the human placenta. Epigenomics 2020; 12:1543-1558. [PMID: 32901510 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2020-0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The contribution of miRNAs as epigenetic regulators of sexually dimorphic gene expression in the placenta is unknown. Materials & methods: 382 placentas from the extremely low gestational age newborns (ELGAN) cohort were evaluated for expression levels of 37,268 mRNAs and 2,102 miRNAs using genome-wide RNA-sequencing. Differential expression analysis was used to identify differences in the expression based on the sex of the fetus. Results: Sexually dimorphic expression was observed for 128 mRNAs and 59 miRNAs. A set of 25 miRNA master regulators was identified that likely contribute to the sexual dimorphic mRNA expression. Conclusion: These data highlight sex-dependent miRNA and mRNA patterning in the placenta and provide insight into a potential mechanism for observed sex differences in outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Eaves
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Preeyaphan Phookphan
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Laksi, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Julia Rager
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Curriculum in Toxicology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jacqueline Bangma
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Hudson P Santos
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,School of Nursing, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Lisa Smeester
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Thomas Michael O'Shea
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Rebecca Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Curriculum in Toxicology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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83
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Is small placenta a risk for low birth weight in KOKAN? (Data from a coastal region in the state of Maharashtra, India). J Dev Orig Health Dis 2020; 12:652-659. [PMID: 32741416 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174420000574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
KOKAN region is characterized by undernutrition across all stages of lifecycle. Developmental Origins of Health & Disease hypothesis suggests that environmental influences in the early period of growth and development can contribute to the risks of noncommunicable diseases (NCD) in adulthood. Newborns and placentas of 815 pregnant mothers delivered in a rural hospital were studied. We tested the hypothesis that low placental weight will be associated with low birth weight (LBW). Mothers had a mean age of 26 years and were smaller in size at delivery [mean height of 152.1 cm (±6.1 cm), weight 52 kg (±10.2 kg), body mass index (BMI) 22.5 kg/m2 (±4.1 kg/m2)]. Mean placental weight was 488 g (±120 g). Mean birth weight, length, and head circumference of the newborn were 2.54 kg (±0.5 kg), 46.3 cm (±3.1 cm), and 32.7 cm (±1.7 cm), respectively. Prevalence of LBW, stunting, and small head size was 41.6%, 42.2%, and 18.2%, respectively. Maternal height, weight, and BMI at delivery were all positively associated with placental weight (p < 0.01 for all). Mothers with placentas in the lowest placental weight tertile had an increased likelihood of producing an LBW baby [OR 7.7, 95% CI (5.0, 11.8)], a stunted baby [OR 1.9 (1.4, 2.9)], or a baby with a small head circumference [OR 2.4 (1.4, 4.0)]. Mothers in the lowest height tertile had odds of producing a LBW baby [OR 1.8 95% CI (1.2, 2.7)] or a stunted baby [OR 1.6 (1.1, 2.3)]. There is a need to improve the nutritional status of women in KOKAN region which may reduce the risk of NCD.
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84
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Three types of HLA-G+ extravillous trophoblasts that have distinct immune regulatory properties. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:15772-15777. [PMID: 32581122 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2000484117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, invading HLA-G+ extravillous trophoblasts (EVT) play a key role in placental development, uterine spiral artery remodeling, and prevention of detrimental maternal immune responses to placental and fetal antigens. Failures of these processes are suggested to play a role in the development of pregnancy complications, but very little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Here we present validated methods to purify and culture primary HLA-G+ EVT from the placental disk and chorionic membrane from healthy term pregnancy. Characterization of HLA-G+ EVT from term pregnancy compared to first trimester revealed their unique phenotypes, gene expression profiles, and differing capacities to increase regulatory T cells (Treg) during coculture assays, features that cannot be captured by using surrogate cell lines or animal models. Furthermore, clinical variables including gestational age and fetal sex significantly influenced EVT biology and function. These methods and approaches form a solid basis for further investigation of the role of HLA-G+ EVT in the development of detrimental placental inflammatory responses associated with pregnancy complications, including spontaneous preterm delivery and preeclampsia.
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85
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Fetal macrosomia in a Hispanic/Latinx predominant cohort and altered expressions of genes related to placental lipid transport and metabolism. Int J Obes (Lond) 2020; 44:1743-1752. [PMID: 32494035 PMCID: PMC7387181 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-020-0610-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Fetal overgrowth, termed fetal macrosomia when birth weight is greater than 4000 grams, is the major concern in the treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, to date, the underlying mechanisms of fetal macrosomia have not been understood completely. Placental lipid metabolism is emerging as a critical player in fetal growth. In this study, we hypothesized that fatty acid transport and metabolism in the placental tissue was impaired in GDM women, dependent on fetal sex. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the incidence of GDM, fetal macrosomia, and obesity in a large cohort consisting of 17995 pregnant subjects and majority of subjects being Hispanic/Latinx, and investigated expression of genes related to lipid transport and metabolism in placenta from obese women with or without GDM, and with or without fetal macrosomia. The main findings include: 1) There is a higher incidence of GDM and obesity in Hispanic subjects compared to non-Hispanic subjects, but not fetal macrosomia; 2) Expressions of most of genes related to placental lipid transport and metabolism are not altered by the presence of GDM, fetal macrosomia, or fetal sex; 3) Expression of FABP4 is increased in obese women with GDM and fetal macrosomia, and this occurred in male placentas; 4) Expression of LPL is decreased in obese women with GDM despite fetal macrosomia, and this occurred in male placentas; 5) Expression of ANGPTL3 is decreased in obese women with GDM and fetal macrosomia, but is not altered when fetal sex is included in the analysis. This study indicates that there is race disparity in GDM with higher incidence of GDM in obese Hispanic women, although fetal macrosomia disparity is not present. Moreover, altered placental lipid transport may contribute to fetal overgrowth in obese women with GDM.
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86
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Does early weaning shape future endocrine and metabolic disorders? Lessons from animal models. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2020; 11:441-451. [PMID: 32487270 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174420000410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Obesity and its complications occur at alarming rates worldwide. Epidemiological data have associated perinatal conditions, such as malnutrition, with the development of some disorders, such as obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, in childhood and adulthood. Exclusive breastfeeding has been associated with protection against long-term chronic diseases. However, in humans, the interruption of breastfeeding before the recommended period of 6 months is a common practice and can increase the risk of several metabolic disturbances. Nutritional and environmental changes within a critical window of development, such as pregnancy and breastfeeding, can induce permanent changes in metabolism through epigenetic mechanisms, leading to diseases later in life via a phenomenon known as programming or developmental plasticity. However, little is known regarding the underlying mechanisms by which precocious weaning can result in adipose tissue dysfunction and endocrine profile alterations. Here, the authors give a comprehensive report of the different animal models of early weaning and programming that can result in the development of metabolic syndrome. In rats, for example, pharmacological and nonpharmacological early weaning models are associated with the development of overweight and visceral fat accumulation, leptin and insulin resistance, and neuroendocrine and hepatic changes in adult progeny. Sex-related differences seem to influence this phenotype. Therefore, precocious weaning seems to be obesogenic for offspring. A better understanding of this condition seems essential to reducing the risk for diseases. Additionally, this knowledge can generate new insights into therapeutic strategies for obesity management, improving health outcomes.
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87
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Kochhar P, Manikandan C, Ravikumar G, Dwarkanath P, Sheela CN, George S, Thomas A, Crasta J, Thomas T, Kurpad AV, Mukhopadhyay A. Placental expression of leptin: fetal sex-independent relation with human placental growth. Eur J Clin Nutr 2020; 74:1603-1612. [PMID: 32382074 DOI: 10.1038/s41430-020-0649-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Leptin (LEP) is a vital placental hormone that is known to affect different aspects of placental function and fetal development. The present study aimed to determine the association of placental LEP transcript abundance with maternal, placental, and newborn parameters. SUBJECTS/METHODS In this retrospective case-control study, placental samples (n = 105) were collected from small (SGA) and appropriate (AGA) for gestational age full-term singleton pregnancies (n = 44 SGA and n = 61 AGA). Placental transcript abundance of LEP was assessed by real-time quantitative PCR after normalization to a reference gene panel. LEP methylation was measured using a quantitative MethyLight assay in a subset of samples (n = 54). RESULTS Placental LEP transcript abundance was negatively and significantly associated with placental weight (β = -3.883, P = 0.015). This association continued to be significant in the SGA group (β = -10.332, P = 0.001), both in female (β = -15.423, P = 0.021) and male births (β = -10.029, P = 0.007). LEP transcript abundance was not associated with LEP methylation levels (Spearman's ρ = 0.148, P = 0.287). CONCLUSION We conclude that placental upregulation of LEP is an integral and fetal sex-independent component of placental growth restriction, which can be potentially targeted through maternal dietary modifications to improve fetoplacental growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Kochhar
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - C Manikandan
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India.,School of Biosciences and Technology; Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - G Ravikumar
- Department of Pathology, St John's Medical College Hospital, Bangalore, India
| | - P Dwarkanath
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - C N Sheela
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St John's Medical College Hospital, Bangalore, India
| | - S George
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St John's Medical College Hospital, Bangalore, India
| | - A Thomas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St John's Medical College Hospital, Bangalore, India
| | - J Crasta
- Department of Pathology, St John's Medical College Hospital, Bangalore, India
| | - T Thomas
- Department of Biostatistics, St. John's Medical College Hospital, Bangalore, India
| | - A V Kurpad
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - A Mukhopadhyay
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India.
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88
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Frazier S, McBride MW, Mulvana H, Graham D. From animal models to patients: the role of placental microRNAs, miR-210, miR-126, and miR-148a/152 in preeclampsia. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020; 134:1001-1025. [PMID: 32337535 PMCID: PMC7239341 DOI: 10.1042/cs20200023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Placental microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate the placental transcriptome and play a pathological role in preeclampsia (PE), a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Three PE rodent model studies explored the role of placental miRNAs, miR-210, miR-126, and miR-148/152 respectively, by examining expression of the miRNAs, their inducers, and potential gene targets. This review evaluates the role of miR-210, miR-126, and miR-148/152 in PE by comparing findings from the three rodent model studies with in vitro studies, other animal models, and preeclamptic patients to provide comprehensive insight into genetic components and pathological processes in the placenta contributing to PE. The majority of studies demonstrate miR-210 is upregulated in PE in part driven by HIF-1α and NF-κBp50, stimulated by hypoxia and/or immune-mediated processes. Elevated miR-210 may contribute to PE via inhibiting anti-inflammatory Th2-cytokines. Studies report an up- and downregulation of miR-126, arguably reflecting differences in expression between cell types and its multifunctional capacity. MiR-126 may play a pro-angiogenic role by mediating the PI3K-Akt pathway. Most studies report miR-148/152 family members are upregulated in PE. Evidence suggests they may inhibit DNA methylation of genes involved in metabolic and inflammatory pathways. Given the genetic heterogeneity of PE, it is unlikely that a single placental miRNA is a suitable therapeutic target for all patients. Investigating miRNAs in PE subtypes in patients and animal models may represent a more appropriate approach going forward. Developing methods for targeting placental miRNAs and specific placental cell types remains crucial for research seeking to target placental miRNAs as a novel treatment for PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonya Frazier
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, U.K
| | - Martin W. McBride
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, U.K
| | - Helen Mulvana
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, U.K
| | - Delyth Graham
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, U.K
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89
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Khambadkone SG, Cordner ZA, Tamashiro KLK. Maternal stressors and the developmental origins of neuropsychiatric risk. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 57:100834. [PMID: 32084515 PMCID: PMC7243665 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The maternal environment during pregnancy is critical for fetal development and perinatal perturbations can prime offspring disease risk. Here, we briefly review evidence linking two well-characterized maternal stressors - psychosocial stress and infection - to increased neuropsychiatric risk in offspring. In the current climate of increasing obesity and globalization of the Western-style diet, maternal overnutrition emerges as a pressing public health concern. We focus our attention on recent epidemiological and animal model evidence showing that, like psychosocial stress and infection, maternal overnutrition can also increase offspring neuropsychiatric risk. Using lessons learned from the psychosocial stress and infection literature, we discuss how altered maternal and placental physiology in the setting of overnutrition may contribute to abnormal fetal development and resulting neuropsychiatric outcomes. A better understanding of converging pathophysiological pathways shared between stressors may enable development of interventions against neuropsychiatric illnesses that may be beneficial across stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seva G Khambadkone
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Cellular & Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Zachary A Cordner
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Kellie L K Tamashiro
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Cellular & Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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90
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Finik J, Buthmann J, Zhang W, Go K, Nomura Y. Placental Gene Expression and Offspring Temperament Trajectories: Predicting Negative Affect in Early Childhood. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2020; 48:783-795. [PMID: 32185610 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-020-00632-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to prenatal stress increases offspring risk for long-term neurobehavioral impairments and psychopathology, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Epigenetic regulation of glucocorticoid pathway genes may be a potential underlying mechanism by which maternal conditions 'program' the fetal brain for downstream vulnerabilities. The present study aims to investigate whether mRNA expression of glucocorticoid pathway genes in the placenta predict offspring negative affect during early childhood (between 6 and 24 months). Participants include 318 mother-child dyads participating in a longitudinal birth cohort study. Placental mRNA expression of glucocorticoid pathway genes (HSD11B1, HSD11B2, NR3C1, NCOR2) were profiled and negative affect traits of the offspring were measured at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. HSD11B1 mRNA expression significantly predicted negative affect (β = -.09, SE = .04; p = .036), and Distress to Limitations trajectories (β = -.13, SE = .06; p = .016). NCOR2 mRNA expression significantly predicted Distress to Limitations (β = .43, SE = .21; p = .047), and marginally predicted Sadness trajectories (β = .39, SE = .21; p = .068). HSD11B2 and NR3C1 did not predict trajectories of Negative Affect or subscale scores. Infant negative affect traits were assessed via maternal self-report, and deviated from linearity across follow-up. mRNA expression of glucocorticoid pathway genes in the placenta may be a potentially novel tool for early identification of infants at greater risk for elevated negative affect. Further study is needed to validate the utility of mRNA expression of glucocorticoid pathway genes in the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Finik
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, 55 W 125th St., New York, NY, 10027, USA.
- CUNY Queens College, Department of Psychology, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY, 11367, USA.
| | - J Buthmann
- CUNY Queens College, Department of Psychology, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY, 11367, USA
- CUNY Graduate Center, Department of Psychology, 365 5th Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - W Zhang
- CUNY Queens College, Department of Psychology, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY, 11367, USA
- New Jersey City University, Department of Psychology, 2039 John Fitzgerald Kennedy Blvd, Jersey City, NJ, 07305, USA
| | - K Go
- CUNY Queens College, Department of Psychology, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY, 11367, USA
- Nova Southeastern University, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, 3301 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33314, USA
| | - Y Nomura
- CUNY Queens College, Department of Psychology, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY, 11367, USA
- CUNY Graduate Center, Department of Psychology, 365 5th Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- CUNY Advanced Science Research Center, Graduate Center, 85 St Nicholas Terrace, New York, NY, 10031, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Department of Psychiatry, 1 Gustave Levy Pl, New York, NY, 10029, USA
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91
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de Barros Mucci D, Kusinski LC, Wilsmore P, Loche E, Pantaleão LC, Ashmore TJ, Blackmore HL, Fernandez-Twinn DS, Carmo MDGTD, Ozanne SE. Impact of maternal obesity on placental transcriptome and morphology associated with fetal growth restriction in mice. Int J Obes (Lond) 2020; 44:1087-1096. [PMID: 32203108 PMCID: PMC7188669 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-020-0561-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In utero exposure to obesity is consistently associated with increased risk of metabolic disease, obesity and cardiovascular dysfunction in later life despite the divergence of birth weight outcomes. The placenta plays a critical role in offspring development and long-term health, as it mediates the crosstalk between the maternal and fetal environments. However, its phenotypic and molecular modifications in the context of maternal obesity associated with fetal growth restriction (FGR) remain poorly understood. METHODS Using a mouse model of maternal diet-induced obesity, we investigated changes in the placental transcriptome through RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) at embryonic day (E) 19. The most differentially expressed genes (FDR < 0.05) were validated by Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) in male and female placentae at E19. The expression of these targets and related genes was also determined by qPCR at E13 to examine whether the observed alterations had an earlier onset at mid-gestation. Structural analyses were performed using immunofluorescent staining against Ki67 and CD31 to investigate phenotypic outcomes at both timepoints. RESULTS RNA-seq and IPA analyses revealed differential expression of transcripts and pathway interactions related to placental vascular development and tissue morphology in obese placentae at term, including downregulation of Muc15, Cnn1, and Acta2. Pdgfb, which is implicated in labyrinthine layer development, was downregulated in obese placentae at E13. This was consistent with the morphological evidence of reduced labyrinth zone (LZ) size, as well as lower fetal weight at both timepoints irrespective of offspring sex. CONCLUSIONS Maternal obesity results in abnormal placental LZ development and impaired vascularization, which may mediate the observed FGR through reduced transfer of nutrients across the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela de Barros Mucci
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. .,Nutritional Biochemistry Laboratory, Institute of Nutrition Josué de Castro, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. .,Nutritional Epidemiology Observatory, Institute of Nutrition Josué de Castro, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Laura C Kusinski
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Phoebe Wilsmore
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Elena Loche
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lucas C Pantaleão
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Thomas J Ashmore
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Heather L Blackmore
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Denise S Fernandez-Twinn
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Maria das Graças T do Carmo
- Nutritional Biochemistry Laboratory, Institute of Nutrition Josué de Castro, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Susan E Ozanne
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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92
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López-Moreno A, Aguilera M. Probiotics Dietary Supplementation for Modulating Endocrine and Fertility Microbiota Dysbiosis. Nutrients 2020; 12:E757. [PMID: 32182980 PMCID: PMC7146451 DOI: 10.3390/nu12030757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Human microbiota seems to play a key role in endocrine and reproductive systems. Fortunately, microbiota reproductive dysbiosis start to be treated by probiotics using typical species from genus Lactobacillus. This work presents the compiled and analysed results from the most up-to-date information from clinical trials regarding microbiota, fertility, probiotics and oral route administration, reviewing open access scientific documents. These studies analyse the clinical impact of probiotics administered on several endocrine disorders' manifestations in women: mastitis; vaginal dysbiosis; pregnancy complication disorders; and polycystic ovary syndrome. In all cases, the clinical modulation achieved by probiotics was evaluated positively through the improvement of specific disease outcomes with the exception of the pregnancy disorders studies, where the sample sizes results were statistically insufficient. High amounts of studies were discarded because no data were provided on specific probiotic strains, doses, impact on the individual autochthon microbiota, or data regarding specific hormonal values modifications and endocrine regulation effects. However, most of the selected studies with probiotics contained no protocolised administration. Therefore, we consider that intervention studies with probiotics might allocate the focus, not only in obtaining a final outcome, but in how to personalise the administration according to the disorder to be palliated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana López-Moreno
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Campus of Cartuja, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology “José Mataix”, Center of Biomedical Research, University of Granada, 18016 Armilla, Granada, Spain
| | - Margarita Aguilera
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Campus of Cartuja, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology “José Mataix”, Center of Biomedical Research, University of Granada, 18016 Armilla, Granada, Spain
- IBS: Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs., 18012 Granada, Spain
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93
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Denomme MM, Parks JC, McCallie BR, McCubbin NI, Schoolcraft WB, Katz-Jaffe MG. Advanced paternal age directly impacts mouse embryonic placental imprinting. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229904. [PMID: 32142542 PMCID: PMC7059926 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The placental epigenome plays a critical role in regulating mammalian growth and development. Alterations to placental methylation, often observed at imprinted genes, can lead to adverse pregnancy complications such as intrauterine growth restriction and preterm birth. Similar associations have been observed in offspring derived from advanced paternal age fathers. As parental age at time of conception continues to rise, the impact of advanced paternal age on these reproductive outcomes is a growing concern, but limited information is available on the molecular mechanisms affected in utero. This longitudinal murine research study thus investigated the impact of paternal aging on genomic imprinting in viable F1 embryonic portions of the placentas derived from the same paternal males when they were young (4-6 months) and when they aged (11-15 months). The use of a controlled outbred mouse model enabled analysis of offspring throughout the natural lifetime of the same paternal males and excluded confounding factors like female age or infertility. Firstly, paternal age significantly impacted embryonic placental weight, fetal weight and length. Targeted bisulfite sequencing was utilized to examine imprinted methylation at the Kcnq1ot1 imprinting control region, with significant hypermethylation observed upon natural paternal aging. Quantitative real-time PCR assessed imprinted gene expression levels at various imprinting clusters, resulting in transcript level alterations attributable to advanced paternal age. In summary, our results demonstrate a paternal age effect with dysregulation at numerous imprinted loci, providing a mechanism for future adverse placental and offspring health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason C. Parks
- Fertility Labs of Colorado, Lone Tree, CO, United States of America
| | | | | | | | - Mandy G. Katz-Jaffe
- Fertility Labs of Colorado, Lone Tree, CO, United States of America
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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94
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Savory K, Garay S, Sumption L, Kelleher J, Daughters K, Janssen A, Van Goozen S, John R. Prenatal symptoms of anxiety and depression associated with sex differences in both maternal perceptions of one year old infant temperament and researcher observed infant characteristics. J Affect Disord 2020; 264:383-392. [PMID: 32056774 PMCID: PMC7005670 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.11.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex differences in the behaviour of children exposed to prenatal maternal depression and anxiety have been reported. This study compared depression and anxiety symptoms reported by mothers at term with maternal perceptions of one year old male and female infant temperament and with researcher observed infant characteristics, identifying differences for males and females with both approaches. METHODS Infant behaviour and temperament was assessed via maternally completed questionnaires including Infant Behavioural Questionnaire Revised - Short form and by researcher administered subcomponents of Laboratory Temperament Assessment Battery and Bayley Scales of Infant Development III. RESULTS For female infants, higher prenatal scores for depression and anxiety were associated with maternal perceptions of lower bonding, higher aggression and negativity, and lower soothability (n = 67 mother-infant dyads). In the laboratory assessment, intensity of escape was the only female infant factor significantly associated with maternal mood (n = 41). For male infants, there was minimal association between prenatal mood scores and maternal perceptions (n = 46) whereas in the laboratory assessment (n = 35) depression scores were associated with expressive language, facial interest and facial fear while anxiety scores were associated with expressive and receptive language, parent behaviour and facial fear. LIMITATIONS Findings may be restricted to a single ethnicity or mode of delivery. Fewer infants attended the infant assessment. A laboratory setting may mask symptomatology in females. CONCLUSIONS Atypical maternal perceptions may present a barrier to the early identification of male infants impacted by maternal depression and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Savory
- Biomedicine Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX United Kingdom
| | - S.M. Garay
- Biomedicine Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX United Kingdom
| | - L.A. Sumption
- Biomedicine Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX United Kingdom
| | - J.S. Kelleher
- Biomedicine Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX United Kingdom
| | - K. Daughters
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ United Kingdom
| | - A.B. Janssen
- Biomedicine Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX United Kingdom
| | - S. Van Goozen
- Cardiff University Centre for Human Developmental Science, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT United Kingdom
| | - R.M. John
- Biomedicine Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX United Kingdom,Corresponding author.
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95
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Impaired Mitochondrial Function Results from Oxidative Stress in the Full-Term Placenta of Sows with Excessive Back-Fat. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10020360. [PMID: 32102192 PMCID: PMC7070850 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of excessive back-fat (BF) of sows on placental oxidative stress, ATP generation, mitochondrial alterations in content and structure, and mitochondrial function in isolated trophoblasts. Placental tissue was collected by vaginal delivery from BFI (15-20 mm, n = 10) and BFII (21-27 mm, n = 10) sows formed according to BF at mating. Our results demonstrated that excessive back-fat contributed to augmented oxidative stress in term placenta, as evidenced by excessive production of ROS, elevated protein carbonylation, and reduced SOD, GSH-PX, and CAT activities (p < 0.05). Indicative of mitochondrial dysfunction, reduced mitochondrial respiration in cultured trophoblasts was linked to decreased ATP generation, lower mitochondrial Complex I activity and reduced expression of electron transport chain subunits in placenta of BFII sows (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, we observed negative alterations in mitochondrial biogenesis and structure in the placenta from BFII group (p < 0.05). Finally, our in vitro studies showed lipid-induced ROS production resulted in mitochondrial alterations in trophoblasts, and these effects were blocked by antioxidant treatment. Together, these data reveal that excessive back-fat aggravates mitochondrial injury induced by increased oxidative stress in pig term placenta, which may have detrimental consequences on placental function and therefore impaired fetal growth and development.
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96
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Maternal cardiometabolic factors and genetic ancestry influence epigenetic aging of the placenta. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2020; 12:34-41. [PMID: 31948495 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174419000801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Disruption of physiological aging of the placenta can lead to pregnancy complications and increased risk for cardiometabolic diseases during childhood and adulthood. Maternal metabolic and genetic factors need to operate in concert with placental development for optimal pregnancy outcome. However, it is unknown whether maternal cardiometabolic status and genetic ancestry contribute to differences in placental epigenetic age acceleration (PAA). We investigated whether maternal prepregnancy obesity, gestational weight gain (GWG), blood pressure, and genetic ancestry influence PAA. Among 301 pregnant women from 4 race/ethnic groups who provided placenta samples at delivery as part of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Fetal Growth Studies, placental DNA methylation age was estimated using 62 CpGs known to predict placental aging. PAA was defined to be the difference between placental DNA methylation age and gestational age at birth. Percentage of genetic ancestries was estimated using genotype data. We found that a 1 kg/week increase in GWG was associated with up to 1.71 (95% CI: -3.11, -0.32) week lower PAA. Offspring Native American ancestry and African ancestry were associated, respectively, with higher and lower PAA among Hispanics, and maternal East Asian ancestry was associated with lower PAA among Asians (p < 0.05). Among mothers with a male offspring, blood pressure was associated with lower PAA across all three trimesters (p < 0.05), prepregnancy obesity compared to normal weight was associated with 1.24 (95% CI: -2.24, -0.25) week lower PAA. In summary, we observed that maternal cardiometabolic factors and genetic ancestry influence placental epigenetic aging and some of these influences may be male offspring-specific.
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97
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Corey S, Kvederis L, Kingsbury C, Bonsack B, Sanberg PR, Castelli V, Lee JY, Borlongan CV. Gut Microbiome: Lactation, Childbirth, Lung Dysbiosis, Animal Modeling, Stem Cell Treatment, and CNS Disorders. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS 2020; 18:687-694. [DOI: 10.2174/1871527318666191021145252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
:
Here, we summarized recent advances in laboratory and clinical research on gut microbiome.
The goal is to highlight recent discoveries on the biology and behavioral manifestations of gut
microbiomes under normal and pathologic conditions. With this new scientific knowledge, we wish to
cultivate cross-fertilization of science across multi-disciplines in the hopes of exploiting the gut microbiome
as a key component of human development and its dysbiosis may signal pathological alterations
that can be therapeutically targeted for regenerative medicine. In the end, we identify innovative
research avenues that will merit from collaborations across biomedical disciplines that may facilitate
the development of gut microbiome-based biomarkers and therapeutics. Gut microbiome stands as a
core research area that transcends pediatric and nursing care, cancer biology, neurodegenerative disorders,
cardiac function and diseases, among many other basic science and clinical arenas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Corey
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Lauren Kvederis
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Chase Kingsbury
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Brooke Bonsack
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Paul R. Sanberg
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Vanessa Castelli
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Jea-Young Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Cesar V. Borlongan
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
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98
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Del Gaudio I, Sreckovic I, Zardoya-Laguardia P, Bernhart E, Christoffersen C, Frank S, Marsche G, Illanes SE, Wadsack C. Circulating cord blood HDL-S1P complex preserves the integrity of the feto-placental vasculature. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2020; 1865:158632. [PMID: 31954174 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2020.158632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Perinatal and long-term offspring morbidities are strongly dependent on the preservation of placental vascular homeostasis during pregnancy. In adults, the HDL-apoM-S1P complex protects the endothelium and maintains vascular integrity. However, the metabolism and biology of cord blood-derived HDLs (referred to as neonatal HDL, nHDL) strikingly differ from those in adults. Here, we investigate the role of neonatal HDLs in the regulation of placental vascular function. We show that nHDL is a major carrier of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), which is anchored to the particle through apoM (rs = 0.90, p < 0.0001) in the fetal circulation. Furthermore, this complex interacts with S1P receptors on the feto-placental endothelium and activates specifically extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK) and phospholipase C (PLC) downstream signaling, promotes endothelial cell proliferation and calcium flux. Notably, the nHDL-S1P complex triggers actin filaments reorganization, leading to an enhancement of placental endothelial barrier function. Additionally, nHDL induces vasorelaxation of isolated placental chorionic arteries. Taken together, these results suggest that circulating nHDL exerts vasoprotective effects on the feto-placental endothelial barrier mainly via S1P signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Del Gaudio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ivana Sreckovic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Eva Bernhart
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Christina Christoffersen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Saša Frank
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gunther Marsche
- Otto Loewi Research Center for Vascular Biology, Immunology and Inflammation, Division of Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Sebastian E Illanes
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Los Andes, Santiago, Chile; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Los Andes, Santiago, Chile; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinica Davila, Santiago, Chile
| | - Christian Wadsack
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
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99
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O’Callaghan JL, Clifton VL, Prentis P, Ewing A, Miller YD, Pelzer ES. Modulation of Placental Gene Expression in Small-for-Gestational-Age Infants. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11010080. [PMID: 31936801 PMCID: PMC7017208 DOI: 10.3390/genes11010080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants are fetuses that have not reached their genetically programmed growth potential. Low birth weight predisposes these infants to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular, metabolic and neurodevelopmental conditions in later life. However, our understanding of how this pathology occurs is currently incomplete. Previous research has focused on understanding the transcriptome, epigenome and bacterial signatures separately. However, we hypothesise that interactions between moderators of gene expression are critical to understanding fetal growth restriction. Through a review of the current literature, we identify that there is evidence of modulated expression/methylation of the placental genome and the presence of bacterial DNA in the placental tissue of SGA infants. We also identify that despite limited evidence of the interactions between the above results, there are promising suggestions of a relationship between bacterial signatures and placental function. This review aims to summarise the current literature concerning fetal growth from multiple avenues and propose a novel relationship between the placental transcriptome, methylome and bacterial signature that, if characterised, may be able to improve our current understanding of the placental response to stress and the aetiology of growth restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. O’Callaghan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4001, Queensland, Australia;
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4059, Queensland, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Vicki L. Clifton
- Mater Medical Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4101, Queensland, Australia; (V.L.C.); (A.E.)
| | - Peter Prentis
- School of Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4001, Queensland, Australia;
| | - Adam Ewing
- Mater Medical Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4101, Queensland, Australia; (V.L.C.); (A.E.)
| | - Yvette D. Miller
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4059, Queensland, Australia;
| | - Elise S. Pelzer
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4001, Queensland, Australia;
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4059, Queensland, Australia
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100
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Mediation Analysis Supports a Causal Relationship between Maternal Hyperglycemia and Placental DNA Methylation Variations at the Leptin Gene Locus and Cord Blood Leptin Levels. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21010329. [PMID: 31947745 PMCID: PMC6982090 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in fetal DNA methylation (DNAm) of the leptin (LEP) gene have been associated with exposure to maternal hyperglycemia, but their links with childhood obesity risk are still unclear. We investigated the association between maternal hyperglycemia, placental LEP DNAm (25 5′-C-phosphate-G-3′ (CpG) sites), neonatal leptinemia, and adiposity (i.e., BMI and skinfold thickness (ST) (subscapular (SS) + triceps (TR) skinfold measures, and the ratio of SS:TR) at 3-years-old, in 259 mother–child dyads, from Gen3G birth cohort. We conducted multivariate linear analyses adjusted for gestational age at birth, sex of the child, age at follow-up, and cellular heterogeneity. We assessed the causal role of DNAm in the association between maternal glycemia and childhood outcomes, using mediation analysis. We found three CpGs associated with neonatal leptinemia (p ≤ 0.002). Of these, cg05136031 and cg15758240 were also associated with BMI (β = −2.69, p = 0.05) and fat distribution (β = −0.581, p = 0.05) at 3-years-old, respectively. Maternal glycemia was associated with DNAm at cg15758240 (β = −0.01, p = 0.04) and neonatal leptinemia (β = 0.19, p = 0.004). DNAm levels at cg15758240 mediates 0.8% of the association between maternal glycemia and neonatal leptinemia (p < 0.001). Our results support that DNAm regulation of the leptin pathway in response to maternal glycemia might be involved in programming adiposity in childhood.
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