401
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Chromium VI - Induced developmental toxicity of placenta is mediated through spatiotemporal dysregulation of cell survival and apoptotic proteins. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 68:171-190. [PMID: 27443218 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Environmental contamination with hexavalent chromium (CrVI) is a growing problem both in the U.S and developing countries. CrVI is a heavy-metal endocrine disruptor; women working in Cr industries exhibit an increased incidence of premature abortion and infertility. The current study was designed to understand the mechanism of CrVI toxicity on placental cell survival/death pathways. Pregnant mothers were treated with or without CrVI (50ppmK2Cr2O7) through drinking water from gestational day (GD) 9.5-14.5, and placentas were analyzed on GD 18.5. Results indicated that CrVI increased apoptosis of trophoblasts, vascular endothelium of the metrial glands and yolk sac epithelium through caspase-3 and p53-dependent pathways. CrVI increased apoptosis in labyrinth and basal zones in a caspase-3-independent manner via AIF, and through an ATM-p53-NOXA-PUMA-p27 network. CrVI downregulated cell survival proteins Bcl-2, Bcl-XL and XIAP in the placenta. CrVI disrupts placental histoarchitecture and increases cell death by spatiotemporal modulation of apoptotic signaling.
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402
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Akarsu S, Bagirzade M, Omeroglu S, Büke B. Placental vascularization and apoptosis in Type-1 and gestational DM. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2016; 30:1045-1050. [DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2016.1199676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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403
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Cretoiu D, Cretoiu SM. Telocytes in the reproductive organs: Current understanding and future challenges. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 55:40-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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404
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Nagarajan S, Seddighzadeh B, Baccarelli A, Wise LA, Williams M, Shields AE. Adverse maternal exposures, methylation of glucocorticoid-related genes and perinatal outcomes: a systematic review. Epigenomics 2016; 8:925-44. [DOI: 10.2217/epi.16.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Maternal environmental exposures affect perinatal outcomes through epigenetic placental changes. We examine the literature addressing associations between adverse maternal exposures, perinatal outcomes and methylation of key genes regulating placental cortisol metabolism. Methods: We searched three databases for studies that examined NR3C1 and HSD11β1/HSD11 β 2 methylation with maternal exposures or perinatal outcomes. Nineteen studies remained after screening. We followed Cochrane's PRISMA reporting guidelines (2009). Results: NR3C1 and HSD11 β methylation were associated with adverse infant neurobehavior, stress response, blood pressure and physical development. In utero exposure to maternal stress, nutrition, preeclampsia, smoking and diabetes were associated with altered NR3C1 and HSD11 β methylation. Conclusion: NR3C1 and HSD11 β methylation are useful biomarkers of specific environmental stressors associated with important perinatal outcomes that determine pediatric and adult disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sairaman Nagarajan
- Harvard/MGH Center on Genomics, Vulnerable Populations & Health Disparities, Mongan Institute for Health Policy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Bobak Seddighzadeh
- Harvard/MGH Center on Genomics, Vulnerable Populations & Health Disparities, Mongan Institute for Health Policy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Andrea Baccarelli
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Michelle Williams
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alexandra E Shields
- Harvard/MGH Center on Genomics, Vulnerable Populations & Health Disparities, Mongan Institute for Health Policy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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405
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Paquette AG, Houseman EA, Green BB, Lesseur C, Armstrong DA, Lester B, Marsit CJ. Regions of variable DNA methylation in human placenta associated with newborn neurobehavior. Epigenetics 2016; 11:603-13. [PMID: 27366929 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2016.1195534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta regulates the in utero environment and functionally impacts fetal development. Candidate gene studies identified variation in placental DNA methylation is associated with newborn neurologic and behavioral outcomes including movement quality, lethargic behavior, attention, and arousal. We sought to identify novel regions of variable DNA methylation associated with newborn attention, lethargy, quality of movement, and arousal by performing an epigenome-wide association study in 335 infants from a US birth cohort. Methylation status was quantified using the Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip array and associations to newborn outcomes assessed by the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scales (NNNS) were identified while incorporating established bioinformatics algorithms to control for confounding by cell type composition. Methylation of CpGs within FHIT (cg15970800) and ANKRD11 (cg16710656) demonstrated genome-wide significance (P < 1.8 × 10(-7)) in specific associations with infant attention. CpGs whose differential methylation was associated with all 4 neurobehavioral outcomes were common to 50 genes involved in biological processes relating to cellular adhesion and nervous system development. Comprehensive methylation profiling identified relationships between methylation of FHIT and ANKRD11, which have been previously linked to neurodevelopment and behavioral outcomes in genetic association studies. Subtle changes in DNA methylation of these genes within the placenta may impact normal variation of a newborn's ability to alter and track visual and auditory stimuli. Gene ontology analysis suggested that those genes with variable methylation related to these outcomes are over-represented in biological pathways involved in brain development and placental physiology, supportive of our hypothesis for a key role of the placenta in neurobehavioral outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison G Paquette
- a Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College , Hanover , NH , USA
| | - E Andres Houseman
- b School of Biological and Population Health Sciences , College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University , Corvallis , OR , USA
| | - Benjamin B Green
- a Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College , Hanover , NH , USA
| | - Corina Lesseur
- a Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College , Hanover , NH , USA
| | - David A Armstrong
- a Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College , Hanover , NH , USA
| | - Barry Lester
- c Department of Pediatrics , Center for the Study of Children at Risk, Women and Infants Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University , Providence , RI , USA
| | - Carmen J Marsit
- a Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College , Hanover , NH , USA.,d Department of Epidemiology , Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College , Lebanon , NH , USA
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406
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Marr AK, Boughorbel S, Presnell S, Quinn C, Chaussabel D, Kino T. A curated transcriptome dataset collection to investigate the development and differentiation of the human placenta and its associated pathologies. F1000Res 2016; 5:305. [PMID: 27303626 PMCID: PMC4897750 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.8210.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Compendia of large-scale datasets made available in public repositories provide a precious opportunity to discover new biomedical phenomena and to fill gaps in our current knowledge. In order to foster novel insights it is necessary to ensure that these data are made readily accessible to research investigators in an interpretable format. Here we make a curated, public, collection of transcriptome datasets relevant to human placenta biology available for further analysis and interpretation via an interactive data browsing interface. We identified and retrieved a total of 24 datasets encompassing 759 transcriptome profiles associated with the development of the human placenta and associated pathologies from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and present them in a custom web-based application designed for interactive query and visualization of integrated large-scale datasets (
http://placentalendocrinology.gxbsidra.org/dm3/landing.gsp). We also performed quality control checks using relevant biological markers. Multiple sample groupings and rank lists were subsequently created to facilitate data query and interpretation. Via this interface, users can create web-links to customized graphical views which may be inserted into manuscripts for further dissemination, or e-mailed to collaborators for discussion. The tool also enables users to browse a single gene across different projects, providing a mechanism for developing new perspectives on the role of a molecule of interest across multiple biological states. The dataset collection we created here is available at:
http://placentalendocrinology.gxbsidra.org/dm3.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Scott Presnell
- Systems Immunology Division, Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Charlie Quinn
- Systems Immunology Division, Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
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407
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Westermeier F, Sáez T, Arroyo P, Toledo F, Gutiérrez J, Sanhueza C, Pardo F, Leiva A, Sobrevia L. Insulin receptor isoforms: an integrated view focused on gestational diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Metab Res Rev 2016; 32:350-65. [PMID: 26431063 DOI: 10.1002/dmrr.2729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Revised: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The human insulin receptor (IR) exists in two isoforms that differ by the absence (IR-A) or the presence (IR-B) of a 12-amino acid segment encoded by exon 11. Both isoforms are functionally distinct regarding their binding affinities and intracellular signalling. However, the underlying mechanisms related to their cellular functions in several tissues are only partially understood. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge in this field regarding the alternative splicing of IR isoform, tissue-specific distribution and signalling both in physiology and disease, with an emphasis on the human placenta in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Furthermore, we discuss the clinical relevance of IR isoforms highlighted by findings that show altered insulin signalling due to differential IR-A and IR-B expression in human placental endothelium in GDM pregnancies. Future research and clinical studies focused on the role of IR isoform signalling might provide novel therapeutic targets for treating GDM to improve the adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Westermeier
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Advanced Centre for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Faculty of Chemical & Pharmaceutical Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Faculty of Science, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - T Sáez
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG), Faculty of Medicine, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - P Arroyo
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - F Toledo
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad del Bío-Bío, Chillán, Chile
| | - J Gutiérrez
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Cellular Signalling and Differentiation Laboratory (CSDL), School of Medical Technology, Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad San Sebastian, Santiago, Chile
| | - C Sanhueza
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - F Pardo
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - A Leiva
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - L Sobrevia
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
- University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
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408
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Serati M, Redaelli M, Buoli M, Altamura AC. Perinatal Major Depression Biomarkers: A systematic review. J Affect Disord 2016; 193:391-404. [PMID: 26802316 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2016.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Revised: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Postpartum depression, now termed perinatal depression by the DSM-5, is a clinically relevant disorder reaching 15% of incidence. Although it is quite frequent and associated with high social dysfunction, only recently its underpinning biological pathways have been explored, while multiple and concomitant risk factors have been identified (e.g. psychosocial stress). Peripartum depression usually has its onset during the third trimester of pregnancy or in the postpartum, being one of the most common medical complications in new mothers. Purpose of the present review is to summarize the state of art of biological biomarkers involved in the pathogenesis of perinatal depression, in view of the fact that suboptimal prenatal milieu can induce permanent damage in subsequent offspring life and have a negative impact on mother-child relationship. Furthermore, parents' biological changes due to medical/psychiatric disorders or stress exposure could influence offspring life: a concept known as 'intergenerational transmission', acting by variations into gametes and the gestational uterine environment. Given the evidence that perinatal mental disorders involve risks for the mother and offspring, the search for reliable biomarkers in high-risk mothers actually represents a medical priority to prevent perinatal depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Serati
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ca'Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - M Redaelli
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ca'Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - M Buoli
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ca'Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - A C Altamura
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ca'Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
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409
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The endocannabinoid system: A novel player in human placentation. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 61:58-67. [PMID: 26965993 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Revised: 02/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa is the most consumed illegal drug around the world. Its consumption during pregnancy is associated with gestational complications, particularly with fetal growth restriction. Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are lipid molecules that act by activating the G-protein coupled cannabinoid receptors, which are also target of the phytocannabinoid Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The endocannabinoid system (ECS) participates in distinct biological processes, including pain, inflammation, neuroprotection, and several reproductive events. In addition, an abnormal expression of ECS is associated with infertility and miscarriages. This manuscript will review and discuss the expression of ECS in normal and pathological human placentas, and the role of eCBs and THC in trophoblast proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and function. The current evidence points towards a role of ECS in human placentation, shedding light on the contribution of the eCBs in the coordination of human placentation, and in the cellular mechanisms underlying the deleterious effects of cannabis consumption during pregnancy.
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410
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Bao J, Liu Y, Yang J, Gao Q, Shi SQ, Garfield RE, Liu H. Nicotine inhibits LPS-induced cytokine production and leukocyte infiltration in rat placenta. Placenta 2016; 39:77-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Revised: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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411
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Wong MK, Holloway AC, Hardy DB. Nicotine Directly Induces Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Response in Rat Placental Trophoblast Giant Cells. Toxicol Sci 2016; 151:23-34. [PMID: 26803847 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfw019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotine exposure during pregnancy leads to placental insufficiency impairing both fetal and neonatal development. Previous studies from our laboratory have demonstrated that in rats, nicotine augmented endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in association with placental insufficiency; however, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Therefore, we sought to investigate the possible direct effect of nicotine on ER stress in Rcho-1 rat placental trophoblast giant (TG) cells during differentiation. Protein and/or mRNA expression of markers involved in ER stress (eg, phosphorylated PERK, eIF2α, CHOP, and BiP/GRP78) and TG cell differentiation and function (eg, Pl-1, placental growth factor [Pgf], Hsd11b1, and Hsd11b2) were quantified via Western blot or real-time polymerase chain reaction. Nicotine treatment led to dose-dependent increases in the phosphorylation of PERK[Thr981] and eIF2α[Ser51], whereas pretreatment with a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonist (mecamylamine hydrochloride) blocked the induction of PERK phosphorylation, verifying the direct involvement of nicotine and nAChR binding. We next investigated select target genes known to play essential roles in placental TG cell differentiation and function (Pl-1, Pgf, Hsd11b1, and Hsd11b2), and found that nicotine significantly augmented the mRNA levels of Hsd11b1 in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, using tauroursodeoxycholic acid, a safe bile acid known to improve protein chaperoning and folding, we were able to prevent nicotine-induced increases in both PERK phosphorylation and Hsd11b1 mRNA levels, revealing a potential novel therapeutic approach to reverse the deleterious effects of nicotine exposure in pregnancy. Collectively, these results implicate that nicotine, acting through its receptor, can directly augment ER stress and impair placental function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K Wong
- *Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5C1
| | - Alison C Holloway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8S 4K1
| | - Daniel B Hardy
- *Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5C1 Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Children's Health Research Institute, Lawson, Health Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5C1
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412
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Costa MA. Scrutinising the regulators of syncytialization and their expression in pregnancy-related conditions. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 420:180-93. [PMID: 26586208 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Revised: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The placenta is important for the success of gestation and foetal development. In fact, this specialized pregnancy organ is essential for foetal nourishment, support, and protection. In the placenta, there are different cell populations, including four subtypes of trophoblasts. Cytotrophoblasts fuse and differentiate into the multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast (syncytialization). Syncytialization is a hallmark of placentation and is highly regulated by numerous molecules with distinct roles. Placentas from pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction or trisomy 21 have been associated with a defective syncytialization and an altered expression of its modulators. This work proposes to review the molecules that promote or inhibit both fusion and biochemical differentiation of cytotrophoblasts. Moreover, it will also analyse the syncytialization modulators abnormally expressed in pathological placentas, highlighting the molecules that may contribute to the aetiology of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Costa
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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413
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Burton GJ, Moffett A, Keverne B. Human evolution: brain, birthweight and the immune system. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2016; 370:20140061. [PMID: 25602065 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2014.0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Graham J Burton
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK Department of Physiology Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Ashley Moffett
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
| | - Barry Keverne
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK Sub-Department of Animal Behaviour, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB23 8AA, UK
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414
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Higgins JS, Vaughan OR, Fernandez de Liger E, Fowden AL, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Placental phenotype and resource allocation to fetal growth are modified by the timing and degree of hypoxia during mouse pregnancy. J Physiol 2015; 594:1341-56. [PMID: 26377136 PMCID: PMC4771776 DOI: 10.1113/jp271057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Key points Hypoxia is a major cause of fetal growth restriction, particularly at high altitude, although little is known about its effects on placental phenotype and resource allocation to fetal growth. In the present study, maternal hypoxia induced morphological and functional changes in the mouse placenta, which depended on the timing and severity of hypoxia, as well as the degree of maternal hypophagia. Hypoxia at 13% inspired oxygen induced beneficial changes in placental morphology, nutrient transport and metabolic signalling pathways associated with little or no change in fetal growth, irrespective of gestational age. Hypoxia at 10% inspired oxygen adversely affected placental phenotype and resulted in severe fetal growth restriction, which was due partly to maternal hypophagia. There is a threshold between 13% and 10% inspired oxygen, corresponding to altitudes of ∼3700 m and 5800 m, respectively, at which the mouse placenta no longer adapts to support fetal resource allocation. This has implications for high altitude human pregnancies.
Abstract The placenta adapts its transport capacity to nutritional cues developmentally, although relatively little is known about placental transport phenotype in response to hypoxia, a major cause of fetal growth restriction. The present study determined the effects of both moderate hypoxia (13% inspired O2) between days (D)11 and D16 or D14 and D19 of pregnancy and severe hypoxia (10% inspired O2) from D14 to D19 on placental morphology, transport capacity and fetal growth on D16 and D19 (term∼D20.5), relative to normoxic mice in 21% O2. Placental morphology adapted beneficially to 13% O2; fetal capillary volume increased at both ages, exchange area increased at D16 and exchange barrier thickness reduced at D19. Exposure to 13% O2 had no effect on placental nutrient transport on D16 but increased placental uptake and clearance of 3H‐methyl‐d‐glucose at D19. By contrast, 10% O2 impaired fetal vascularity, increased barrier thickness and reduced placental 14C‐methylaminoisobutyric acid clearance at D19. Consequently, fetal growth was only marginally affected in 13% O2 (unchanged at D16 and −5% at D19) but was severely restricted in 10% O2 (−21% at D19). The hypoxia‐induced changes in placental phenotype were accompanied by altered placental insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐2 expression and insulin/IGF signalling, as well as by maternal hypophagia depending on the timing and severity of the hypoxia. Overall, the present study shows that the mouse placenta can integrate signals of oxygen and nutrient availability, possibly through the insulin‐IGF pathway, to adapt its phenotype and optimize maternal resource allocation to fetal growth during late pregnancy. It also suggests that there is a threshold between 13% and 10% inspired O2 at which these adaptations no longer occur. Hypoxia is a major cause of fetal growth restriction, particularly at high altitude, although little is known about its effects on placental phenotype and resource allocation to fetal growth. In the present study, maternal hypoxia induced morphological and functional changes in the mouse placenta, which depended on the timing and severity of hypoxia, as well as the degree of maternal hypophagia. Hypoxia at 13% inspired oxygen induced beneficial changes in placental morphology, nutrient transport and metabolic signalling pathways associated with little or no change in fetal growth, irrespective of gestational age. Hypoxia at 10% inspired oxygen adversely affected placental phenotype and resulted in severe fetal growth restriction, which was due partly to maternal hypophagia. There is a threshold between 13% and 10% inspired oxygen, corresponding to altitudes of ∼3700 m and 5800 m, respectively, at which the mouse placenta no longer adapts to support fetal resource allocation. This has implications for high altitude human pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Higgins
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - O R Vaughan
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - E Fernandez de Liger
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - A L Fowden
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - A N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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415
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Morrot A. The sterile and tolerogenic fetal niche does not restrict the generation of CD4 T memory cells. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2015; 3:64. [PMID: 25992363 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2305-5839.2015.02.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
T-cell activation requires a sequence of signals derived from co-stimulatory receptors and from immunogens that may or may not be of infectious origin. This scenario provides the threshold of inflammatory stimulus needed for the induction of antigen-specific T cell responses. One of the dogmas of immunology stipulates that the activation of T lymphocytes is prevented in immunosuppressed or tolerogenic environments. However, it was shown recently that a healthy uterine environment that is considered sterile, therefore not exposed to infection, is capable of generating T memory cells with the capacity to differentiate lineage-specific inflammatory effector T-cell responses. The implications of this finding are discussed in this editorial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Morrot
- Instituto de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21.941-590, Brazil
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416
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Zhao WX, Zhuang X, Huang TT, Feng R, Lin JH. Effects of Notch2 and Notch3 on Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis of Trophoblast Cell Lines. Int J Med Sci 2015; 12:867-74. [PMID: 26640406 PMCID: PMC4643077 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.12935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the effect of Notch2 and Notch3 on cell proliferation and apoptosis of two trophoblast cell lines, BeWo and JAR. METHODS Notch2 and Notch3 expression in BeWo and JAR cells was upregulated or downregulated using lentivirus-mediated overexpression or RNA interference. The effect of Notch2 and Notch3 on cell proliferation was assessed by the CCK-8 assay. The effect of Notch2 and Notch3 on the apoptosis of BeWo and JAR cells was evaluated by flow cytometry using the Annexin V-PE Apoptosis kit. Lentivirus-based overexpression vectors were constructed by cloning the full-length coding sequences of human Notch2 and Notch3 C-terminally tagged with GFP or GFP alone (control) into a lentivirus-based expression vector. Lentivirus-based gene silencing vectors were prepared by cloning small interfering sequences targeting human Notch2 and Notch3 and scrambled control RNA sequence into a lentivirus-based gene knockdown vector. The effect of Notch2 and Notch3 on cell proliferation was assessed by the CCK-8 assay. And the effect of Notch2 and Notch3 on the apoptosis of BeWo and JAR cells was evaluated by flow cytometry using the Annexin V PE Apoptosis kit. RESULTS We found that the downregulation of Notch2 and Notch3 gene expression in BeWo and JAR cells resulted in an increase in cell proliferation, while upregulation of Notch3 and Notch2 expression led to a decrease in cell proliferation. Moreover, the overexpression of Notch3 and Notch2 in BeWo and JAR cells reduced apoptosis in these trophoblast cell lines, whereas apoptosis was increased in the cells in which the expression of Notch3 and Notch2 was downregulated. CONCLUSIONS Notch2 and Notch3 inhibited both cell proliferation and cell apoptosis in BeWo and JAR trophoblast cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Xiu Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Zhuang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao-Tao Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ran Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Hua Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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