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Villarroel F, Ponce N, Gómez FA, Muñoz C, Ramírez E, Nualart F, Salinas P. Exposure to fine particulate matter 2.5 from wood combustion smoke causes vascular changes in placenta and reduce fetal size. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 127:108610. [PMID: 38750704 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108610] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
During gestation, maternal blood flow to the umbilical cord and placenta increases, facilitating efficient nutrient absorption, waste elimination, and effective gas exchange for the developing fetus. However, the effects of exposure to wood smoke during this period on these processes are unknown. We hypothesize that exposure to PM2.5, primarily sourced from wood combustion for home heating, affects placental vascular morphophysiology and fetal size. We used exposure chambers that received either filtered or unfiltered air. Female rats were exposed to PM2.5 during pre-gestational and/or gestational stages. Twenty-one days post-fertilization, placentas were collected via cesarean section. In these placentas, oxygen diffusion capacity was measured, and the expression of angiogenic factors was analyzed using qPCR and immunohistochemistry. In groups exposed to PM2.5 during pre-gestational and/or gestational stages, a decrease in fetal weight, crown-rump length, theoretical and specific diffusion capacity, and an increase in HIF-1α expression were observed. In groups exposed exclusively to PM2.5 during the pre-gestational stage, there was an increase in the expression of placental genes Flt-1, Kdr, and PIGF. Additionally, in the placental labyrinth region, the expression of angiogenic factors was elevated. Changes in angiogenesis and angiogenic factors reflect adaptations to hypoxia, impacting fetal growth and oxygen supply. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that exposure to PM2.5, emitted from wood smoke, in both pre-gestational and gestational stages, affects fetal development and placental health. This underscores the importance of addressing air pollution in areas with high levels of wood smoke, which poses a significant health risk to pregnant women and their fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Villarroel
- Laboratory of Animal & Experimental Morphology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile; MSc. Program in Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Nikol Ponce
- PhD Program in Morphological Sciences, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Center of Excellence in Surgical and Morphological Studies (CEMyQ), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Fernando A Gómez
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Cristián Muñoz
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Eder Ramírez
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Francisco Nualart
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile; Center for Advanced Microscopy CMA BIO-BIO, Universidad de Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Paulo Salinas
- Laboratory of Animal & Experimental Morphology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.
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Van Schoor K, Bruet E, Jones EAV, Migeotte I. Origin and flow-mediated remodeling of the murine and human extraembryonic circulation systems. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1395006. [PMID: 38818524 PMCID: PMC11137303 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1395006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The transduction of mechanical stimuli produced by blood flow is an important regulator of vascular development. The vitelline and umbilico-placental circulations are extraembryonic vascular systems that are required for proper embryonic development in mammalian embryos. The morphogenesis of the extraembryonic vasculature and the cardiovascular system of the embryo are hemodynamically and molecularly connected. Here we provide an overview of the establishment of the murine and human vitelline and umbilico-placental vascular systems and how blood flow influences various steps in their development. A deeper comprehension of extraembryonic vessel development may aid the establishment of stem-cell based embryo models and provide novel insights to understanding pregnancy complications related to the umbilical cord and placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristof Van Schoor
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire Jacques E. Dumont, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Emmanuel Bruet
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire Jacques E. Dumont, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elizabeth Anne Vincent Jones
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Isabelle Migeotte
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire Jacques E. Dumont, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
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Inanc A, Bektas NI, Kecoglu I, Parlatan U, Durkut B, Ucak M, Unlu MB, Celik-Ozenci C. Label-free differentiation of functional zones in mature mouse placenta using micro-Raman imaging. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2024; 15:3441-3456. [PMID: 38855670 PMCID: PMC11161348 DOI: 10.1364/boe.521500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
In histopathology, it is highly crucial to have chemical and structural information about tissues. Additionally, the segmentation of zones within a tissue plays a vital role in investigating the functions of these regions for better diagnosis and treatment. The placenta plays a vital role in embryonic and fetal development and in diagnosing some diseases associated with its dysfunction. This study provides a label-free approach to obtain the images of mature mouse placenta together with the chemical differences between the tissue compartments using Raman spectroscopy. To generate the Raman images, spectra of placental tissue were collected using a custom-built optical setup. The pre-processed spectra were analyzed using statistical and machine learning methods to acquire the Raman maps. We found that the placental regions called decidua and the labyrinth zone are biochemically distinct from the junctional zone. A histologist performed a comparison and evaluation of the Raman map with histological images of the placental tissue, and they were found to agree. The results of this study show that Raman spectroscopy offers the possibility of label-free monitoring of the placental tissue from mature mice while simultaneously revealing crucial structural information about the zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arda Inanc
- Department of Physics, Bogazici University, Bebek, Besiktas, Istanbul 34342, Turkey
| | - Nayce Ilayda Bektas
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Pınarbasi, Konyaalti, Antalya 07070, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Kecoglu
- Department of Physics, Bogazici University, Bebek, Besiktas, Istanbul 34342, Turkey
| | - Ugur Parlatan
- Department of Physics, Bogazici University, Bebek, Besiktas, Istanbul 34342, Turkey
| | - Begum Durkut
- Koc University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Reproductive Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Melike Ucak
- Koc University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Reproductive Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Burcin Unlu
- Faculty of Engineering, Ozyegin University, Nisantepe, Cekmekoy, Istanbul 34794, Turkey
- Faculty of Aviation and Aeronautical Sciences, Ozyegin University, Nisantepe, Cekmekoy, Istanbul 34794, Turkey
| | - Ciler Celik-Ozenci
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Koc University, Rumelifeneri, Sariyer, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
- Koc University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
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Khorami-Sarvestani S, Vanaki N, Shojaeian S, Zarnani K, Stensballe A, Jeddi-Tehrani M, Zarnani AH. Placenta: an old organ with new functions. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1385762. [PMID: 38707901 PMCID: PMC11066266 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1385762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The transition from oviparity to viviparity and the establishment of feto-maternal communications introduced the placenta as the major anatomical site to provide nutrients, gases, and hormones to the developing fetus. The placenta has endocrine functions, orchestrates maternal adaptations to pregnancy at different periods of pregnancy, and acts as a selective barrier to minimize exposure of developing fetus to xenobiotics, pathogens, and parasites. Despite the fact that this ancient organ is central for establishment of a normal pregnancy in eutherians, the placenta remains one of the least studied organs. The first step of pregnancy, embryo implantation, is finely regulated by the trophoectoderm, the precursor of all trophoblast cells. There is a bidirectional communication between placenta and endometrium leading to decidualization, a critical step for maintenance of pregnancy. There are three-direction interactions between the placenta, maternal immune cells, and the endometrium for adaptation of endometrial immune system to the allogeneic fetus. While 65% of all systemically expressed human proteins have been found in the placenta tissues, it expresses numerous placenta-specific proteins, whose expression are dramatically changed in gestational diseases and could serve as biomarkers for early detection of gestational diseases. Surprisingly, placentation and carcinogenesis exhibit numerous shared features in metabolism and cell behavior, proteins and molecular signatures, signaling pathways, and tissue microenvironment, which proposes the concept of "cancer as ectopic trophoblastic cells". By extensive researches in this novel field, a handful of cancer biomarkers has been discovered. This review paper, which has been inspired in part by our extensive experiences during the past couple of years, highlights new aspects of placental functions with emphasis on its immunomodulatory role in establishment of a successful pregnancy and on a potential link between placentation and carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Khorami-Sarvestani
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Vanaki
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sorour Shojaeian
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medical Sciences, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Kayhan Zarnani
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Allan Stensballe
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Clinical Cancer Research Center, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Mahmood Jeddi-Tehrani
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir-Hassan Zarnani
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Clarke GS, Vincent AD, Ladyman SR, Gatford KL, Page AJ. Circadian patterns of behaviour change during pregnancy in mice. J Physiol 2024. [PMID: 38477893 DOI: 10.1113/jp285553] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Food intake and activity adapt during pregnancy to meet the increased energy demands. In comparison to non-pregnant females, pregnant mice consume more food, eating larger meals during the light phase, and reduce physical activity. How pregnancy changes the circadian timing of behaviour was less clear. We therefore randomised female C57BL/6J mice to mating for study until early (n = 10), mid- (n = 10) or late pregnancy (n = 11) or as age-matched, non-pregnant controls (n = 12). Mice were housed individually in Promethion cages with a 12 h light-12 h dark cycle [lights on at 07.00 h, Zeitgeber (ZT)0] for behavioural analysis. Food intake between ZT10 and ZT11 was greater in pregnant than non-pregnant mice on days 6.5-12.5 and 12.5-17.5. In mice that exhibited a peak in the last 4 h of the light phase (ZT8-ZT12), peaks were delayed by 1.6 h in the pregnant compared with the non-pregnant group. Food intake immediately after dark-phase onset (ZT13-ZT14) was greater in the pregnant than non-pregnant group during days 12.5-17.5. Water intake patterns corresponded to food intake. From days 0.5-6.5 onwards, the pregnant group moved less during the dark phase, with decreased probability of being awake, in comparison to the non-pregnant group. The onset of dark-phase activity, peaks in activity, and wakefulness were all delayed during pregnancy. In conclusion, increased food intake during pregnancy reflects increased amplitude of eating behaviour, without longer duration. Decreases in activity also contribute to positive energy balance in pregnancy, with delays to all measured behaviours evident from mid-pregnancy onwards. KEY POINTS: Circadian rhythms synchronise daily behaviours including eating, drinking and sleep, but how these change in pregnancy is unclear. Food intake increased, with delays in peaks of food intake behaviour late in the light phase from days 6.5 to 12.5 of pregnancy, in comparison to the non-pregnant group. The onset of activity after lights off (dark phase) was delayed in pregnant compared with non-pregnant mice. Activity decreased by ∼70% in the pregnant group, particularly in the dark (active) phase, with delays in peaks of wakefulness evident from days 0.5-6.5 of pregnancy onwards. These behavioural changes contribute to positive energy balance during pregnancy. Delays in circadian behaviours during mouse pregnancy were time period and pregnancy stage specific, implying different regulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia S Clarke
- School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Nutrition, Diabetes & Gut Health, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Andrew D Vincent
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health & Wellbeing, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sharon R Ladyman
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Kathryn L Gatford
- School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Nutrition, Diabetes & Gut Health, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Amanda J Page
- School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Nutrition, Diabetes & Gut Health, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Jackson BL, Shafique S, Natale BV, Natale DRC, Winn LM. Investigating the effects of valproic acid on placental epigenetic modifications and development in the CD-1 mouse model. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 124:108551. [PMID: 38280688 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Gestational exposure to the anticonvulsant drug valproic acid (VPA) is associated with congenital malformations and neurodevelopmental disorders through its action as a histone deacetylase inhibitor. VPA can elicit placental toxicity and affect placental growth and development. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of maternal exposure to VPA on the mouse placenta following exposure on gestational day (GD) 13 since previous studies have shown that mice exposed at this time during gestation give birth to offspring with an autism spectrum disorder-like phenotype. We exposed CD-1 dams to a teratogenic dose (600 mg/kg) of VPA or saline on GD13 and assessed fetoplacental growth and development on GD18. We evaluated epigenetic modifications, including acetylated histone H4 (H4ac), methylated H3K4 (H3K4me2) using immunohistochemistry, and global DNA methylation in the placenta at 1, 3, and 24 h following maternal exposure on GD13. In utero exposure to VPA on GD13 significantly decreased placental weight and increased fetal resorptions. Moreover, VPA significantly increased the staining intensity of histone H4 acetylation and H3K4 di-methylation across the placenta at 1 and 3 h post maternal dose. Our results also demonstrate that VPA significantly decreased global DNA methylation levels in placental tissue. These results show that gestational exposure to VPA interferes with placental growth and elicits epigenetic modifications, which may play a vital role in VPA-induced developmental toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna L Jackson
- Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada; Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Sidra Shafique
- Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada; Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Bryony V Natale
- Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada; Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - David R C Natale
- Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada; Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Louise M Winn
- Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada; Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada; School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada.
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Zhang Q, Lee CL, Yang T, Li J, Zeng Q, Liu X, Liu Z, Ruan D, Li Z, Kan AS, Cheung KW, Mak AS, Ng VW, Zhao H, Fan X, Duan YG, Zhong L, Chen M, Du M, Li RH, Liu P, Ng EH, Yeung WS, Gao Y, Yao Y, Chiu PC. Adrenomedullin has a pivotal role in trophoblast differentiation: A promising nanotechnology-based therapeutic target for early-onset preeclampsia. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadi4777. [PMID: 37922358 PMCID: PMC10624351 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi4777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
Early-onset preeclampsia (EOPE) is a severe pregnancy complication associated with defective trophoblast differentiation and functions at implantation, but manifestation of its phenotypes is in late pregnancy. There is no reliable method for early prediction and treatment of EOPE. Adrenomedullin (ADM) is an abundant placental peptide in early pregnancy. Integrated single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics confirm a high ADM expression in the human villous cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast. The levels of ADM in chorionic villi and serum were lower in first-trimester pregnant women who later developed EOPE than those with normotensive pregnancy. ADM stimulates differentiation of trophoblast stem cells and trophoblast organoids in vitro. In pregnant mice, placenta-specific ADM suppression led to EOPE-like phenotypes. The EOPE-like phenotypes in a mouse PE model were reduced by a placenta-specific nanoparticle-based forced expression of ADM. Our study reveals the roles of trophoblastic ADM in placental development, EOPE pathogenesis, and its potential clinical uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cheuk-Lun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tingyu Yang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jianlin Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Qunxiong Zeng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaofeng Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhongzhen Liu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
- Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Birth Defects Screening, Shenzhen, China
| | - Degong Ruan
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Consortium, School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhuoxuan Li
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Consortium, School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Anita S. Y. Kan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ka-Wang Cheung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Annisa S. L. Mak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Vivian W. Y. Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Huashan Zhao
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xiujun Fan
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yong-Gang Duan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liuying Zhong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis and Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meirong Du
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Raymond H. W. Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Pengtao Liu
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Consortium, School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ernest H. Y. Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - William S. B. Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ya Gao
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
- Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Birth Defects Screening, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuanqing Yao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Philip C. N. Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Vasconcelos S, Caniçais C, Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM, Marques CJ, Dória S. The role of DNA hydroxymethylation and TET enzymes in placental development and pregnancy outcome. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:66. [PMID: 37095555 PMCID: PMC10127343 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01483-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a temporary organ that is essential for supporting mammalian embryo and fetal development. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying trophoblast differentiation and placental function may contribute to improving the diagnosis and treatment of obstetric complications. Epigenetics plays a significant role in the regulation of gene expression, particularly at imprinted genes, which are fundamental in the control of placental development. The Ten-Eleven-Translocation enzymes are part of the epigenetic machinery, converting 5-methylcytosine (5mC) into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). DNA hydroxymethylation is thought to act as an intermediate in the DNA demethylation mechanism and potentially be a stable and functionally relevant epigenetic mark on its own. The role of DNA hydroxymethylation during differentiation and development of the placenta is not fully understood but increasing knowledge in this field will help to evaluate its potential role in pregnancy complications. This review focuses on DNA hydroxymethylation and its epigenetic regulators in human and mouse placental development and function. Additionally, we address 5hmC in the context of genomic imprinting mechanism and in pregnancy complications, such as intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia and pregnancy loss. The cumulative findings show that DNA hydroxymethylation might be important for the control of gene expression in the placenta and suggest a dynamic role in the differentiation of trophoblast cell types during gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Vasconcelos
- Genetics Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Caniçais
- Genetics Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - C Joana Marques
- Genetics Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal.
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Sofia Dória
- Genetics Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal.
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal.
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9
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Emerging Roles of Endocannabinoids as Key Lipid Mediators for a Successful Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065220. [PMID: 36982295 PMCID: PMC10048990 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, Cannabis use/misuse for treating pregnancy-related symptoms and other chronic conditions has increased among pregnant women, favored by decriminalization and/or legalization of its recreational uses in addition to its easy accessibility. However, there is evidence that prenatal Cannabis exposure might have adverse consequences on pregnancy progression and a deleterious impact on proper neurodevelopmental trajectories in the offspring. Maternal Cannabis use could interfere with the complex and finely controlled role performed by the endocannabinoid system in reproductive physiology, impairing multiple gestational processes from blastocyst implantation to parturition, with long-lasting intergenerational effects. In this review, we discuss current clinical and preclinical evidence regarding the role of endocannabinoids in development, function, and immunity of the maternal–fetal interface, focusing on the impact of Cannabis constituents on each of these gestational processes. We also discuss the intrinsic limitations of the available studies and the future perspectives in this challenging research field.
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