1
|
Sun X, Mao C, Xie Y, Zhong Q, Zhang R, Jiang D, Song Y. Therapeutic Potential of Hydrogen Sulfide in Reproductive System Disorders. Biomolecules 2024; 14:540. [PMID: 38785947 PMCID: PMC11117696 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), previously regarded as a toxic exhaust and atmospheric pollutant, has emerged as the third gaseous signaling molecule following nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). Recent research has revealed significant biological effects of H2S in a variety of systems, such as the nervous, cardiovascular, and digestive systems. Additionally, H2S has been found to impact reproductive system function and may have therapeutic implications for reproductive disorders. This paper explores the relationship between H2S and male reproductive disorders, specifically erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer, male infertility, and testicular damage. Additionally, it examines the impact of H2S regulation on the pathophysiology of the female reproductive system, including improvements in preterm birth, endometriosis, pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion, placental oxidative damage, embryo implantation, recovery of myometrium post-delivery, and ovulation. The study delves into the regulatory functions of H2S within the reproductive systems of both genders, including its impact on the NO/cGMP pathway, the activation of K+ channels, and the relaxation mechanism of the spongy smooth muscle through the ROCK pathway, aiming to broaden the scope of potential therapeutic strategies for treating reproductive system disorders in clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xutao Sun
- Department of Typhoid, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 24, Heping Street, Harbin 150040, China;
| | - Caiyun Mao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 24, Heping Street, Harbin 150040, China; (C.M.); (Q.Z.); (R.Z.)
| | - Ying Xie
- Department of Synopsis of the Golden Chamber, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 24, Heping Street, Harbin 150040, China;
| | - Qing Zhong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 24, Heping Street, Harbin 150040, China; (C.M.); (Q.Z.); (R.Z.)
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 24, Heping Street, Harbin 150040, China; (C.M.); (Q.Z.); (R.Z.)
| | - Deyou Jiang
- Department of Synopsis of the Golden Chamber, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 24, Heping Street, Harbin 150040, China;
| | - Yunjia Song
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 24, Heping Street, Harbin 150040, China; (C.M.); (Q.Z.); (R.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sun X, Zhang R, Zhong Q, Song Y, Feng X. Regulatory effects of hydrogen sulfide on the female reproductive system. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 963:176265. [PMID: 38070636 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a colorless exhaust gas, has been traditionally considered an air pollutant. However, recent studies have revealed that H2S functions as a novel gas signaling molecule, exerting diverse biological effects on various systems, including the cardiovascular, digestive, and nervous systems. Thus, H2S is involved in various pathophysiological processes. As H2S affects reproductive function, it has potential therapeutic implications in reproductive system diseases. This review examined the role of H2S in various female reproductive organs, including the ovary, fallopian tube, vagina, uterus, and placenta. Additionally, the regulatory function of H2S in the female reproductive system has been discussed to provide useful insights for developing clinical therapeutic strategies for reproductive diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xutao Sun
- Department of Typhoid, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Qing Zhong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Yunjia Song
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China.
| | - Xiaoling Feng
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bai J, Li Y, Yan G, Zhou J, Salmeron AG, Fategbe OT, Kumar S, Chen X, Chen DB. ICI 182,780 Attenuates Selective Upregulation of Uterine Artery Cystathionine β-Synthase Expression in Rat Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14384. [PMID: 37762687 PMCID: PMC10532247 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) produced by cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine-γ lyase (CSE) has emerged as a novel uterine vasodilator contributing to pregnancy-associated increases in uterine blood flow, which safeguard pregnancy health. Uterine artery (UA) H2S production is stimulated via exogenous estrogen replacement and is associated with elevated endogenous estrogens during pregnancy through the selective upregulation of CBS without altering CSE. However, how endogenous estrogens regulate uterine artery CBS expression in pregnancy is unknown. This study was conducted to test a hypothesis that endogenous estrogens selectively stimulate UA CBS expression via specific estrogen receptors (ER). Treatment with E2β (0.01 to 100 nM) stimulated CBS but not CSE mRNA in organ cultures of fresh UA rings from both NP and P (gestational day 20, GD20) rats, with greater responses to all doses of E2β tested in P vs. NP UA. ER antagonist ICI 182,780 (ICI, 1 µM) completely attenuated E2β-stimulated CBS mRNA in both NP and P rat UA. Subcutaneous injection with ICI 182,780 (0.3 mg/rat) of GD19 P rats for 24 h significantly inhibited UA CBS but not mRNA expression, consistent with reduced endothelial and smooth muscle cell CBS (but not CSE) protein. ICI did not alter mesenteric and renal artery CBS and CSE mRNA. In addition, ICI decreased endothelial nitric oxide synthase mRNA in UA but not in mesenteric or renal arteries. Thus, pregnancy-augmented UA CBS/H2S production is mediated by the actions of endogenous estrogens via specific ER in pregnant rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Bai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (J.B.); (A.G.S.); (O.T.F.)
| | - Yao Li
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China; (Y.L.); (G.Y.); (J.Z.); (X.C.)
| | - Guofeng Yan
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China; (Y.L.); (G.Y.); (J.Z.); (X.C.)
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China; (Y.L.); (G.Y.); (J.Z.); (X.C.)
| | - Alejandra Garcia Salmeron
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (J.B.); (A.G.S.); (O.T.F.)
| | - Olamide Tolulope Fategbe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (J.B.); (A.G.S.); (O.T.F.)
| | - Sathish Kumar
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
| | - Xuejin Chen
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China; (Y.L.); (G.Y.); (J.Z.); (X.C.)
| | - Dong-Bao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (J.B.); (A.G.S.); (O.T.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Panagiotopoulos D, Andriopoulou T, Spanou VM, Droggiti DI, Gkavogianni T, Giamarellos-Bourboulis EJ, Panagopoulos P. Deficiency of hydrogen sulfide production and pregnancy rate in an experimental model: Association with preterm delivery. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 90:e13764. [PMID: 37641370 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Pro-inflammatory phenomena drive preterm delivery (PTD). Hydrogen sulfide is a gasotransmitter with anti-inflammatory properties produced through the activity of the enzyme cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), and its impact was studied in models of normal delivery and PTD in mice. METHOD OF STUDY Female CSE+/+ and CSE-/- mice were mated with male CSE+/+ mice; mating was done with drinking water unsupplemented and supplemented with cysteine. The pregnancy rate was monitored. PTD was induced by the intraperitoneal injection of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on day 14.5 of pregnancy. Mice were sacrificed for tissue collection and splenocyte isolation after 6 and 12 h. Isolated splenocytes were stimulated for the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), interleukin (IL)-10 and interferon-gamma (IFNγ); TNFα and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured in the fetuses and the placenta. RESULTS The successful pregnancy rate was lower in CSE-/- mice and it was restored with cysteine supplementation. CSE deficiency was associated with higher tissue concentrations of TNFα in the fetuses, attenuated IL-10 responses and higher IFNγ production from splenocytes. CSE deficiency was not associated with PTD. Following PTD induction, CSE-/- mice did not show attenuated IL-10 responses but the production of TNFα and IFNγ was lowered over-time; placental VEGF was also increased over-time. CONCLUSIONS CSE deficiency has an unfavorable impact on pregnancy. H2 S deficiency through CSE does not drive PTD but mediates pro-inflammatory phenomena in fetuses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Panagiotopoulos
- 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Theano Andriopoulou
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Victoria-Marina Spanou
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Dionysia-Irene Droggiti
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Theologia Gkavogianni
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Periklis Panagopoulos
- 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bai J, Jiao F, Salmeron AG, Xu S, Xian M, Huang L, Chen DB. Mapping Pregnancy-dependent Sulfhydrome Unfolds Diverse Functions of Protein Sulfhydration in Human Uterine Artery. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad107. [PMID: 37439247 PMCID: PMC10413431 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Uterine artery (UA) hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production is augmented in pregnancy and, on stimulation by systemic/local vasodilators, contributes to pregnancy-dependent uterine vasodilation; however, how H2S exploits this role is largely unknown. S-sulfhydration converts free thiols to persulfides at reactive cysteine(s) on targeted proteins to affect the entire proteome posttranslationally, representing the main route for H2S to elicit its function. Here, we used Tag-Switch to quantify changes in sulfhydrated (SSH-) proteins (ie, sulfhydrome) in H2S-treated nonpregnant and pregnant human UA. We further used the low-pH quantitative thiol reactivity profiling platform by which paired sulfhydromes were subjected to liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry-based peptide sequencing to generate site (cysteine)-specific pregnancy-dependent H2S-responsive human UA sulfhydrome. Total levels of sulfhydrated proteins were significantly greater in pregnant vs nonpregnant human UA and further stimulated by treatment with sodium hydrosulfide. We identified a total of 360 and 1671 SSH-peptides from 480 and 1186 SSH-proteins in untreated and sodium hydrosulfide-treated human UA, respectively. Bioinformatics analyses identified pregnancy-dependent H2S-responsive human UA SSH peptides/proteins, which were categorized to various molecular functions, pathways, and biological processes, especially vascular smooth muscle contraction/relaxation. Pregnancy-dependent changes in these proteins were rectified by immunoblotting of the Tag-Switch labeled SSH proteins. Low-pH quantitative thiol reactivity profiling failed to identify low abundance SSH proteins such as KATP channels in human UA; however, immunoblotting of Tag-Switch-labeled SSH proteins identified pregnancy-dependent upregulation of SSH-KATP channels without altering their total proteins. Thus, comprehensive analyses of human UA sulfhydromes influenced by endogenous and exogenous H2S inform novel roles of protein sulfhydration in uterine hemodynamics regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Bai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Fenglong Jiao
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | | | - Shi Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Ming Xian
- Department of Chemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Lan Huang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Dong-bao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tripathi SJ, Chakraborty S, Miller E, Pieper AA, Paul BD. Hydrogen sulfide signalling in neurodegenerative diseases. Br J Pharmacol 2023:10.1111/bph.16170. [PMID: 37338307 PMCID: PMC10730776 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The gaseous neurotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) exerts neuroprotective efficacy in the brain via post-translational modification of cysteine residues by sulfhydration, also known as persulfidation. This process is comparable in biological impact to phosphorylation and mediates a variety of signalling events. Unlike conventional neurotransmitters, H2 S cannot be stored in vesicles due to its gaseous nature. Instead, it is either locally synthesized or released from endogenous stores. Sulfhydration affords both specific and general neuroprotective effects and is critically diminished in several neurodegenerative disorders. Conversely, some forms of neurodegenerative disease are linked to excessive cellular H2 S. Here, we review the signalling roles of H2 S across the spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury, the ataxias, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as well as neurodegeneration generally associated with ageing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Jamuna Tripathi
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Suwarna Chakraborty
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Emiko Miller
- Brain Health Medicines Center, Harrington Discovery Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Andrew A Pieper
- Brain Health Medicines Center, Harrington Discovery Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Geriatric Psychiatry, GRECC, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center; Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- School of Medicine, Institute for Transformative Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Translational Therapeutics Core, Cleveland Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Bindu D Paul
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bai J, Lechuga TJ, Makhoul J, Yan H, Major C, Hameed A, Chen DB. ERα/ERβ-directed CBS transcription mediates E2β-stimulated hUAEC H2S production. J Mol Endocrinol 2023; 70:e220175. [PMID: 36476832 PMCID: PMC9876575 DOI: 10.1530/jme-22-0175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Elevated endogenous estrogens stimulate human uterine artery endothelial cell (hUAEC) hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production by selectively upregulating the expression of H2S synthesizing enzyme cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), but the underlying mechanisms are underdetermined. We hypothesized that CBS transcription mediates estrogen-stimulated pregnancy-dependent hUAEC H2S production. Estradiol-17β (E2β) stimulated CBS but not cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) expression in pregnant human uterine artery ex vivo, which was attenuated by the estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist ICI 182,780. E2β stimulated CBS mRNA/protein and H2S production in primary hUAEC from nonpregnant and pregnant women, but with greater responses in pregnant state; all were blocked by ICI 182,780. Human CBS promoter contains multiple estrogen-responsive elements (EREs), including one ERE preferentially binding ERα (αERE) and three EREs preferentially binding ERβ (βERE), and one full ERE (α/βERE) and one half ERE (½α/βERE) binding both ERα and ERβ. Luciferase assays using reporter genes driven by human CBS promoter with a series of 5'-deletions identified the α/βEREs binding both ERα and ERβ (α/βERE and ½α/βERE) to be important for baseline and E2β-stimulated CBS promoter activation. E2β stimulated ERα/ERβ heterodimerization by recruiting ERα to α/βEREs and βERE, and ERβ to βERE, α/βEREs, and αERE. ERα or ERβ agonist alone trans-activated CBS promoter, stimulated CBS mRNA/protein and H2S production to levels comparable to that of E2β-stimulated, while ERα or ERβ antagonist alone abrogated E2β-stimulated responses. E2β did not change human CSE promoter activity and CSE mRNA/protein in hUAEC. Altogether, estrogen-stimulated pregnancy-dependent hUAEC H2S production occurs by selectively upregulating CBS expression via ERα/ERβ-directed gene transcription.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Bai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Thomas J Lechuga
- Department of Biology, San Bernardino Valley College, San Bernardino, California, USA
| | - Joshua Makhoul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Hao Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Carol Major
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Afshan Hameed
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Dong-Bao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Cirino G, Szabo C, Papapetropoulos A. Physiological roles of hydrogen sulfide in mammalian cells, tissues and organs. Physiol Rev 2022; 103:31-276. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00028.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
H2S belongs to the class of molecules known as gasotransmitters, which also includes nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). Three enzymes are recognized as endogenous sources of H2S in various cells and tissues: cystathionine g-lyase (CSE), cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST). The current article reviews the regulation of these enzymes as well as the pathways of their enzymatic and non-enzymatic degradation and elimination. The multiple interactions of H2S with other labile endogenous molecules (e.g. NO) and reactive oxygen species are also outlined. The various biological targets and signaling pathways are discussed, with special reference to H2S and oxidative posttranscriptional modification of proteins, the effect of H2S on channels and intracellular second messenger pathways, the regulation of gene transcription and translation and the regulation of cellular bioenergetics and metabolism. The pharmacological and molecular tools currently available to study H2S physiology are also reviewed, including their utility and limitations. In subsequent sections, the role of H2S in the regulation of various physiological and cellular functions is reviewed. The physiological role of H2S in various cell types and organ systems are overviewed. Finally, the role of H2S in the regulation of various organ functions is discussed as well as the characteristic bell-shaped biphasic effects of H2S. In addition, key pathophysiological aspects, debated areas, and future research and translational areas are identified A wide array of significant roles of H2S in the physiological regulation of all organ functions emerges from this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Cirino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Csaba Szabo
- Chair of Pharmacology, Section of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Papapetropoulos
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece & Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research Center, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Estrogen-Induced Uterine Vasodilation in Pregnancy and Preeclampsia. MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE 2022; 4:52-60. [PMID: 35072088 PMCID: PMC8772435 DOI: 10.1097/fm9.0000000000000132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal pregnancy is associated with dramatically increased estrogen biosynthesis whose role is believed to raise uterine blood flow to facilitate the bi-directional maternal-fetal exchanges of gases (O2 and CO2), to deliver nutrients, and exhaust wastes to support fetal development and survival. Constrained uterine blood flow in pregnancy is a leading cause of preeclampsia with fetal growth restriction, rendering investigations of uterine hemodynamics to hold a high promise to inform pathways as targets for therapeutic interventions for preeclampsia. The mechanisms of estrogen-induced uterine vasodilation in pregnancy have long been attributed to enhanced endothelium production of nitric oxide, but clinical trials targeting this pathway that dominates uterine hemodynamics have achieved no to little success. Emerging evidence has recently shown a novel proangiogenic vasodilatory role of hydrogen sulfide in regulating uterine hemodynamics in pregnancy and preeclampsia, provoking a new field of perinatal research in searching for alternative pathways for pregnancy disorders especially preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. This minireview is intended to summarize the nitric oxide pathway and to discuss the emerging hydrogen sulfide pathway in modulating estrogen-induced uterine vasodilation in pregnancy and preeclampsia.
Collapse
|
10
|
Uteroplacental Circulation in Normal Pregnancy and Preeclampsia: Functional Adaptation and Maladaptation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168622. [PMID: 34445328 PMCID: PMC8395300 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168622] [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: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Uteroplacental blood flow increases as pregnancy advances. Adequate supply of nutrients and oxygen carried by uteroplacental blood flow is essential for the well-being of the mother and growth/development of the fetus. The uteroplacental hemodynamic change is accomplished primarily through uterine vascular adaptation, involving hormonal regulation of myogenic tone, vasoreactivity, release of vasoactive factors and others, in addition to the remodeling of spiral arteries. In preeclampsia, hormonal and angiogenic imbalance, proinflammatory cytokines and autoantibodies cause dysfunction of both endothelium and vascular smooth muscle cells of the uteroplacental vasculature. Consequently, the vascular dysfunction leads to increased vascular resistance and reduced blood flow in the uteroplacental circulation. In this article, the (mal)adaptation of uteroplacental vascular function in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia and underlying mechanisms are reviewed.
Collapse
|
11
|
Guerra DD, Bok R, Breen K, Vyas V, Jiang H, MacLean KN, Hurt KJ. Estrogen Regulates Local Cysteine Metabolism in Mouse Myometrium. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:79-90. [PMID: 32820455 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00284-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sulfur amino acid metabolism influences reproductive physiology, and transsulfuration in particular may be critical for normal cellular function. The sex hormone estrogen (E2) modulates gene expression and redox balance in some tissues by inducing the transsulfuration enzymes cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE). The role of sex hormones in sulfur amino acid metabolism by uterine smooth muscle is not known. Here, we show that CBS and CSE proteins increase in the mouse myometrium during estrus and diestrus, respectively, suggesting that E2 reciprocally regulates myometrial CBS and CSE expression. In ovariectomized mice, exogenous E2 upregulates CBS and downregulates CSE levels. E2 promotes CBS mRNA and protein expression but attenuates CSE protein expression without affecting CSE mRNA. This pattern of E2-stimulated changes in transsulfuration enzyme expression is specific to the uterine smooth muscle. E2 does not change vaginal or cervical expression of CBS or CSE significantly, and E2 decreases expression of CSE in the liver without affecting CBS. E2 also downregulates myometrial cysteinesulfinic acid decarboxylase (CSAD) and decreases myometrial biochemical synthesis of the gaso-transmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2S). These findings suggest that myometrial sulfur amino acid metabolism may regulate uterine redox homeostasis, with implications for the source and metabolism of myometrial cysteine in high E2 states such as estrus and pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Damian D Guerra
- Department of Biology , University of Louisville , 2301 South 3rd Street, Louisville, Kentucky, 40292, USA
| | - Rachael Bok
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Kelsey Breen
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Vibhuti Vyas
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Hua Jiang
- Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Kenneth N MacLean
- Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - K Joseph Hurt
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 East 19th Avenue, Mail Stop 8613, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bok R, Guerra DD, Lorca RA, Wennersten SA, Harris PS, Rauniyar AK, Stabler SP, MacLean KN, Roede JR, Brown LD, Hurt KJ. Cystathionine γ-lyase promotes estrogen-stimulated uterine artery blood flow via glutathione homeostasis. Redox Biol 2020; 40:101827. [PMID: 33485059 PMCID: PMC7823052 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, estrogen (E2) stimulates uterine artery blood flow (UBF) by enhancing nitric oxide (NO)-dependent vasodilation. Cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) promotes vascular NO signaling by producing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and by maintaining the ratio of reduced-to-oxidized intracellular glutathione (GSH/GSSG) through l-cysteine production. Because redox homeostasis can influence NO signaling, we hypothesized that CSE mediates E2 stimulation of UBF by modulating local intracellular cysteine metabolism and GSH/GSSG levels to promote redox homeostasis. Using non-pregnant ovariectomized WT and CSE-null (CSE KO) mice, we performed micro-ultrasound of mouse uterine and renal arteries to assess changes in blood flow upon exogenous E2 stimulation. We quantified serum and uterine artery NO metabolites (NOx), serum amino acids, and uterine and renal artery GSH/GSSG. WT and CSE KO mice exhibited similar baseline uterine and renal blood flow. Unlike WT, CSE KO mice did not exhibit expected E2 stimulation of UBF. Renal blood flow was E2-insensitive for both genotypes. While serum and uterine artery NOx were similar between genotypes at baseline, E2 decreased NOx in CSE KO serum. Cysteine was also lower in CSE KO serum, while citrulline and homocysteine levels were elevated. E2 and CSE deletion additively decreased GSH/GSSG in uterine arteries. In contrast, renal artery GSH/GSSG was insensitive to E2 or CSE deletion. Together, these findings suggest that CSE maintenance of uterine artery GSH/GSSG facilitates nitrergic signaling in uterine arteries and is required for normal E2 stimulation of UBF. These data have implications for pregnancy pathophysiology and the selective hormone responses of specific vascular beds. CSE-null mice exhibit abnormal estrogen augmentation of uterine artery blood flow. Estrogen lowers uterine artery nitric oxide metabolites in CSE null mice. CSE loss and estrogen additively impair uterine artery glutathione homeostasis. Neither CSE loss nor estrogen influences renal artery blood flow or glutathione.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Bok
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 E. 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Damian D Guerra
- Department of Biology, University of Louisville, 2301 S. 3rd Street, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Ramón A Lorca
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 E. 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Sara A Wennersten
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 E. 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Peter S Harris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12850 E. Montview Blvd, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Abhishek K Rauniyar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12850 E. Montview Blvd, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Sally P Stabler
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 E. 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Kenneth N MacLean
- Section of Clinical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 E. 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - James R Roede
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12850 E. Montview Blvd, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Laura D Brown
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Perinatal Research Center, 13243 E. 23rd Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - K Joseph Hurt
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 E. 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA; Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 E. 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Teoh JP, Li X, Simoncini T, Zhu D, Fu X. Estrogen-Mediated Gaseous Signaling Molecules in Cardiovascular Disease. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2020; 31:773-784. [PMID: 32682630 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2020.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Gender difference is well recognized as a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Estrogen, the primary female sex hormone, improves cardiovascular functions through receptor (ERα, ERβ, or G protein-coupled estrogen receptor)-initiated genomic or non-genomic mechanisms. Gaseous signaling molecules, including nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and carbon monoxide (CO), are important regulators of cardiovascular function. Recent studies have demonstrated that estrogen regulates the production of these signaling molecules in cardiovascular cells to exert its cardiovascular protective effects. We discuss current understanding of gaseous signaling molecules in cardiovascular disease (CVD), the underlying mechanisms through which estrogen exerts cardiovascular protective effects by regulating these molecules, and how these findings can be translated to improve the health of postmenopausal women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Peng Teoh
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511518, P.R. China; Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, P.R. China
| | - Xiaosa Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511518, P.R. China; Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, P.R. China
| | - Tommaso Simoncini
- Molecular and Cellular Gynecological Endocrinology Laboratory (MCGEL), Department of Reproductive Medicine and Child Development, University of Pisa, Pisa 56100, Italy
| | - Dongxing Zhu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511518, P.R. China; Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, P.R. China.
| | - Xiaodong Fu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511518, P.R. China; Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, P.R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lechuga TJ, Qi QR, Magness RR, Chen DB. Ovine uterine artery hydrogen sulfide biosynthesis in vivo: effects of ovarian cycle and pregnancy†. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:1630-1636. [PMID: 30772913 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine vasodilation dramatically increases during the follicular phase of the estrous cycle and pregnancy, which are estrogen-dominant physiological states. Uterine vasodilation is believed to be mainly controlled by local uterine artery (UA) production of vasodilators and angiogenic factors. The extremely potent vasodilator and proangiogenic hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is synthesized via metabolizing L-cysteine by cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CTH). This study was designed to determine if UA H2S production increases with augmented expression and/or activity of CBS and/or CTH during the ovarian cycle and pregnancy in sheep. Uterine arteries from intact nonpregnant (NP) luteal and follicular phase and late (130-135 days, term ≈ 145 days) pregnant (P) ewes were collected; endothelium-enriched proteins (UAendo) and endothelium-denuded smooth muscle (UAvsm) were mechanically prepared for accessing CBS and CTH proteins by immunoblotting; their cellular localization was determined by semi-quantitative immunofluorescence microscopy. H2S production was measured by the methylene blue assay. Immunoblotting revealed that CBS but not CTH protein was greater in P > > > NP follicular > luteal UAendo and UAvsm (P < 0.001). H2S production was greater in P > > > NP UAendo and UAvsm (P < 0.01). Pregnancy-augmented UAendo and UAvsm H2S production was inhibited by the specific CBS but not CTH inhibitor. CBS and CTH proteins were localized to both endothelium and smooth muscle; however, only CBS protein was significantly greater in P vs NP UA endothelium and smooth muscle. Thus, ovine UA H2S production is significantly augmented via selectively upregulating endothelium and smooth muscle CBS during the follicular phase and pregnancy in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Lechuga
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Qian-Rong Qi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Ronald R Magness
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Dong-Bao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Estrogen Receptors and Estrogen-Induced Uterine Vasodilation in Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124349. [PMID: 32570961 PMCID: PMC7352873 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal pregnancy is associated with dramatic increases in uterine blood flow to facilitate the bidirectional maternal–fetal exchanges of respiratory gases and to provide sole nutrient support for fetal growth and survival. The mechanism(s) underlying pregnancy-associated uterine vasodilation remain incompletely understood, but this is associated with elevated estrogens, which stimulate specific estrogen receptor (ER)-dependent vasodilator production in the uterine artery (UA). The classical ERs (ERα and ERβ) and the plasma-bound G protein-coupled ER (GPR30/GPER) are expressed in UA endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, mediating the vasodilatory effects of estrogens through genomic and/or nongenomic pathways that are likely epigenetically modified. The activation of these three ERs by estrogens enhances the endothelial production of nitric oxide (NO), which has been shown to play a key role in uterine vasodilation during pregnancy. However, the local blockade of NO biosynthesis only partially attenuates estrogen-induced and pregnancy-associated uterine vasodilation, suggesting that mechanisms other than NO exist to mediate uterine vasodilation. In this review, we summarize the literature on the role of NO in ER-mediated mechanisms controlling estrogen-induced and pregnancy-associated uterine vasodilation and our recent work on a “new” UA vasodilator hydrogen sulfide (H2S) that has dramatically changed our view of how estrogens regulate uterine vasodilation in pregnancy.
Collapse
|
16
|
Shen D, Liu J, Sheng L, Lv Y, Wu G, Wang P, Du K. Design, synthesis and evaluation of a novel fluorescent probe to accurately detect H 2S in hepatocytes and natural waters. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2020; 228:117690. [PMID: 31740124 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2019.117690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Design and synthesis of fluorescent probe with fast response, excellent water solubility and good hepatocyte-targeting capacity to detect hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in hepatocytes and water samples is of great significance. Here, a novel fluorescent probe QL-Gal-N3 for detection of H2S was designed and synthesized based on H2S-mediated azide reduction strategy. This sensor demonstrated low toxicity, fast response (within 1 min), high selectivity and low detection limit (as low as 126 nM in water) for the detection of H2S. HeLa, A549 and HepG-2 cells were chosen to investigate the hepatocyte-targeting ability of QL-Gal-N3 respectively. The results indicated that the specific recognition of ASGPR over-expressed in hepatocytes by galactose group was an important reason for the good targeting ability of probe QL-Gal-N3. Furthermore, due to the introduction of glycosyl moiety, the water solubility of fluorescent probe was enhanced obviously. It was successfully applied for the detection of H2S in environmental water samples including river water, tap water, lake water and waste water.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dadong Shen
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China.
| | - Jian Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Li Sheng
- Research & Development Center, Zhejiang Medicine Co. Ltd, Shaoxing, 312500, China.
| | - Yonghui Lv
- Research & Development Center, Zhejiang Medicine Co. Ltd, Shaoxing, 312500, China
| | - Guofeng Wu
- Research & Development Center, Zhejiang Medicine Co. Ltd, Shaoxing, 312500, China
| | - Pu Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Kui Du
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Rengarajan A, Mauro AK, Boeldt DS. Maternal disease and gasotransmitters. Nitric Oxide 2020; 96:1-12. [PMID: 31911124 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The three known gasotransmitters, nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide are involved in key processes throughout pregnancy. Gasotransmitters are known to impact on smooth muscle tone, regulation of immune responses, and oxidative state of cells and their component molecules. Failure of the systems that tightly regulate gasotransmitter production and downstream effects are thought to contribute to common maternal diseases such as preeclampsia and preterm birth. Normal pregnancy-related changes in uterine blood flow depend heavily on gasotransmitter signaling. In preeclampsia, endothelial dysfunction is a major contributor to aberrant gasotransmitter signaling, resulting in hypertension after 20 weeks gestation. Maintenance of pregnancy to term also requires gasotransmitter-mediated uterine quiescence. As the appropriate signals for parturition occur, regulation of gasotransmitter signaling must work in concert with those endocrine signals in order for appropriate labor and delivery timing. Like preeclampsia, preterm birth may have origins in abnormal gasotransmitter signaling. We review the evidence for the involvement of gasotransmitters in preeclampsia and preterm birth, as well as mechanistic and molecular signaling targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Rengarajan
- Perinatal Research Laboratories, Dept Ob/ Gyn, UW - Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Amanda K Mauro
- Perinatal Research Laboratories, Dept Ob/ Gyn, UW - Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Derek S Boeldt
- Perinatal Research Laboratories, Dept Ob/ Gyn, UW - Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Hu XQ, Zhang L. MicroRNAs in Uteroplacental Vascular Dysfunction. Cells 2019; 8:E1344. [PMID: 31671866 PMCID: PMC6912833 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy complications of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are major causes of maternal and perinatal/neonatal morbidity and mortality. Although their etiologies remain elusive, it is generally accepted that they are secondary to placental insufficiency conferred by both failure in spiral artery remodeling and uteroplacental vascular malfunction. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small no-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Increasing evidence suggests that miRNAs participate in virtually all biological processes and are involved in numerous human diseases. Differentially expressed miRNAs in the placenta are typical features of both preeclampsia and IUGR. Dysregulated miRNAs target genes of various signaling pathways in uteroplacental tissues, contributing to the development of both complications. In this review, we provide an overview of how aberrant miRNA expression in preeclampsia and IUGR impacts the expression of genes involved in trophoblast invasion and uteroplacental vascular adaptation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Qun Hu
- Lawrence D. Longo MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California 92350, USA.
| | - Lubo Zhang
- Lawrence D. Longo MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California 92350, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Spalloni A, Greco V, Ciriminna G, Corasolla Carregari V, Marini F, Pieroni L, Mercuri NB, Urbani A, Longone P. Impact of Pharmacological Inhibition of Hydrogen Sulphide Production in the SOD1G93A-ALS Mouse Model. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20102550. [PMID: 31137614 PMCID: PMC6567312 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20102550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of factors can trigger amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), although its precise pathogenesis is still uncertain. In a previous study done by us, poisonous liquoral levels of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) in sporadic ALS patients were reported. In the same study very high concentrations of H2S in the cerebral tissues of the familial ALS (fALS) model of the SOD1G93A mouse, were measured. The objective of this study was to test whether decreasing the levels of H2S in the fALS mouse could be beneficial. Amino-oxyacetic acid (AOA)—a systemic dual inhibitor of cystathionine-β-synthase and cystathionine-γ lyase (two key enzymes in the production of H2S)—was administered to fALS mice. AOA treatment decreased the content of H2S in the cerebral tissues, and the lifespan of female mice increased by approximately ten days, while disease progression in male mice was not affected. The histological evaluation of the spinal cord of the females revealed a significant increase in GFAP positivity and a significant decrease in IBA1 positivity. In conclusion, the results of the study indicate that, in the animal model, the inhibition of H2S production is more effective in females. The findings reinforce the need to adequately consider sex as a relevant factor in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alida Spalloni
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Molecular Neurobiology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy.
| | - Viviana Greco
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy.
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Giulia Ciriminna
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Molecular Neurobiology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy.
| | - Victor Corasolla Carregari
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy.
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Federica Marini
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy.
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Luisa Pieroni
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Proteomics and Metabonomics Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy.
| | - Nicola B Mercuri
- Department of Systems Medicine, Policlinico Universitario "Tor Vergata", University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy.
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Experimental Neurology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy.
| | - Andrea Urbani
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy.
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Longone
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Molecular Neurobiology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|