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Peng X, Li Y, Guo H, Yuan H, Li T, Xu X, Hu L. Gestational diabetes mellitus enhances cobalt placental transfer efficiency between mother and infant. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2024; 37:2340597. [PMID: 38639583 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2024.2340597] [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: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Background: The fetal stage is pivotal for growth and development, making it susceptible to the adverse effects of prenatal metal(loid)s exposure. This study evaluated the influence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on the placental transfer efficiency (PTE) of metal(loid)s and thus assessed the associated risks of prenatal metal(loid)s exposure. Materials and method: Designed as a case-control study, it incorporated 114 pregnant participants: 65 without complications and 49 diagnosed with GDM. We utilized inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to quantify seven metal(loid)s - manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), gallium (Ga), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd) - in both maternal venous blood and umbilical cord blood. Result: We compared metal(loid)s concentrations and their PTE in the maternal and cord blood between the two groups. Notably, Cu, Ga, As, and Co levels in the umbilical cord blood of the GDM group (657.9 ± 167.2 μg/L, 1.23 ± 0.34 μg/L, 5.19 ± 2.58 μg/L, 1.09 ± 2.03 μg/L) surpassed those of the control group, with PTE of Co showing a marked increase in GDM group (568.8 ± 150.4 μg/L, 1.05 ± 0.31 μg/L, 4.09 ± 2.54 μg/L, 0.47 ± 0.91 μg/L), with PTE of Co showing a marked increase in GDM group (p < 0.05). The PTE of Ni exhibited a reduction in the GDM group relative to the control group, yet this decrease did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: This study indicates that GDM can influence the placental transfer efficiency of certain metal(loid)s, leading to higher concentrations of Co, Cu, Ga, and As in the umbilical cord blood of the GDM group. The marked increase in the PTE of Co suggests a potential link to placental abnormal angiogenesis due to GDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianglian Peng
- Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Yu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Guo
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hao Yuan
- Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Ting Li
- Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Xi Xu
- Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Ligang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
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Dawid M, Pich K, Mlyczyńska E, Respekta-Długosz N, Wachowska D, Greggio A, Szkraba O, Kurowska P, Rak A. Adipokines in pregnancy. Adv Clin Chem 2024; 121:172-269. [PMID: 38797542 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2024.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Reproductive success consists of a sequential events chronology, starting with the ovum fertilization, implantation of the embryo, placentation, and cellular processes like proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, endocrinology, or metabolic changes, which taken together finally conduct the birth of healthy offspring. Currently, many factors are known that affect the regulation and proper maintenance of pregnancy in humans, domestic animals, or rodents. Among the determinants of reproductive success should be distinguished: the maternal microenvironment, genes, and proteins as well as numerous pregnancy hormones that regulate the most important processes and ensure organism homeostasis. It is well known that white adipose tissue, as the largest endocrine gland in our body, participates in the synthesis and secretion of numerous hormones belonging to the adipokine family, which also may regulate the course of pregnancy. Unfortunately, overweight and obesity lead to the expansion of adipose tissue in the body, and its excess in both women and animals contributes to changes in the synthesis and release of adipokines, which in turn translates into dramatic changes during pregnancy, including those taking place in the organ that is crucial for the proper progress of pregnancy, i.e. the placenta. In this chapter, we are summarizing the current knowledge about levels of adipokines and their role in the placenta, taking into account the physiological and pathological conditions of pregnancy, e.g. gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, or intrauterine growth restriction in humans, domestic animals, and rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Dawid
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland; Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Karolina Pich
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland; Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ewa Mlyczyńska
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland; Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Natalia Respekta-Długosz
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland; Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Dominka Wachowska
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland; Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Greggio
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Oliwia Szkraba
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Patrycja Kurowska
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Rak
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland.
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Origüela V, Ferrer-Aguilar P, Gázquez A, Pérez-Cruz M, Gómez-Roig MD, Gómez-Llorente C, Larqué E. Placental MFSD2A expression in fetal growth restriction and maternal and fetal DHA status. Placenta 2024; 150:31-38. [PMID: 38583303 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fetal growth restriction (FGR) may affect placental transfer of key nutrients to the fetus, such as the fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A (MFSD2A) has been described as a specific DHA carrier in placenta, but its expression has not been studied in FGR. The aim of this study was to evaluate for the first time the placental MFSD2A levels in late-FGR pregnancies and the maternal and cord plasma DHA. METHODS 87 pregnant women from a tertial reference center were classified into late-FGR (N = 18) or control (N = 69). Fatty acid profile was determined in maternal and cord venous plasma, as well as placental levels of MFSD2A and of insulin mediators like phospho-protein kinase B (phospho-AKT) and phospho-extracellular regulated kinase (phospho-ERK). RESULTS Maternal fatty acid profile did not differ between groups. Nevertheless, late-FGR cord vein presented higher content of saturated fatty acids than control, producing a concomitant decrease in the percentage of some unsaturated fatty acids. In the late-FGR group, a lower DHA fetal/maternal ratio was observed when using percentages, but not with concentrations. No alterations were found in the expression of MFSD2A in late-FGR placentas, nor in phospho-AKT or phospho-ERK. DISCUSSION MFSD2A protein expression was not altered in late-FGR placentas, in line with no differences in cord DHA concentration between groups. The increase in the saturated fatty acid content of late-FGR cord might be a compensatory mechanism to ensure fetal energy supply, decreasing other fatty acids percentage. Future studies are warranted to elucidate if altered saturated fatty acid profile in late-FGR fetuses might predispose them to postnatal catch-up and to long-term health consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Origüela
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, Campus of Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain; Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), 30120, Murcia, Spain
| | - Patricia Ferrer-Aguilar
- BCNatal, Barcelona Centre for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, 08950, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Research Sant Joan de Déu, 08950, Barcelona, Spain; Primary Care Interventions to Prevent Maternal and Child Chronic Diseases of Perinatal and Developmental Origin (RICORS), RD21/0012/0003, Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Gázquez
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, Campus of Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain; Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), 30120, Murcia, Spain; Primary Care Interventions to Prevent Maternal and Child Chronic Diseases of Perinatal and Developmental Origin (RICORS), RD21/0012/0003, Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miriam Pérez-Cruz
- BCNatal, Barcelona Centre for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, 08950, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Research Sant Joan de Déu, 08950, Barcelona, Spain; Primary Care Interventions to Prevent Maternal and Child Chronic Diseases of Perinatal and Developmental Origin (RICORS), RD21/0012/0003, Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Dolores Gómez-Roig
- BCNatal, Barcelona Centre for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, 08950, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Research Sant Joan de Déu, 08950, Barcelona, Spain; Primary Care Interventions to Prevent Maternal and Child Chronic Diseases of Perinatal and Developmental Origin (RICORS), RD21/0012/0003, Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Gómez-Llorente
- Institute of Biosanitary Research ibs.GRANADA, 18012, Granada, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, 18071, Granada, Spain; Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix", Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, 18100, Granada, Spain; Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), CB12/03/30038, Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elvira Larqué
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, Campus of Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain; Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), 30120, Murcia, Spain; Primary Care Interventions to Prevent Maternal and Child Chronic Diseases of Perinatal and Developmental Origin (RICORS), RD21/0012/0003, Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.
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Kilic F. The nature of the binding between insulin receptor and serotonin transporter in placenta (review). Placenta 2023; 133:40-44. [PMID: 36796293 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
The interplay between the insulin receptor (IR) and serotonin transporter (SERT) allows reciprocal regulation of each other's physiological roles to ensure appropriate responses to specific environmental and developmental signals. The studies reported herein provided substantial evidence of how insulin signaling influences the modification and trafficking of SERT to the plasma membrane via enabling its association with specific endoplasmic reticulum (ER) proteins. While insulin signaling is important for the modifications of SERT proteins, the fact that phosphorylation of IR was significantly down-regulated in the placenta of SERT knock out (KO) mice suggests that SERT also regulates IR. Further suggestive of SERT functional regulation of IR, SERT-KO mice developed obesity and glucose intolerance with symptoms similar to those of type 2 diabetes. The picture emerging from those studies proposes that the interplay between IR and SERT maintains conditions supportive of IR phosphorylation and regulates insulin signaling in placenta which ultimately enables the trafficking of SERT to the plasma membrane. IR-SERT association thus appears to play a protective metabolic role in placenta and is impaired under diabetic conditions. This review focuses on recent findings describing the functional and physical associations between IR and SERT in placental cells, and the dysregulation of this process in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fusun Kilic
- Biology Department, Merced College, Merced, CA, USA.
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5
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Kazma JM, Van Den Anker J, Ahmadzia HK. Pharmacoethics and pregnancy: Overcoming the therapeutic orphan stigma. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2023; 89:483-490. [PMID: 34904271 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
There is paucity of evidence to support clinical decision making and counselling related to medication use in pregnancy. Despite multiple efforts from legislative bodies and advocacy groups, the inclusion of pregnant women in clinical drug trials assessing efficacy and safety remains scarce. Pregnancy can be complicated by multiple comorbidities that require pharmacological intervention; these interventions primarily target the pregnant woman but also sometimes have secondary effects for the foetus. The US Food and Drug Administration has issued multiple guidance documents on incorporating pregnant women in clinical trials to aid pharmaceutical companies in designing a protocol to ensure safety and adherence to ethical standards. Advances in paediatric pharmacology studies provide lessons for researchers on the best practice of designing clinical trials with inclusion of patients from special populations. In this review, we present the status of pregnant women in clinical trials, highlighting the ethical stigma and possible future directives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamil M Kazma
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington D.C., USA
| | - John Van Den Anker
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Children's National Hospital, Washington D.C., USA.,Division of Pediatric Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics, University Children's Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Homa K Ahmadzia
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington D.C., USA
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6
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Easton ZJW, Luo X, Li L, Regnault TRH. The impact of hyperglycemia upon BeWo trophoblast cell metabolic function: A multi-OMICS and functional metabolic analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283118. [PMID: 36930661 PMCID: PMC10022812 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Pre-existing and gestationally-developed diabetes mellitus have been linked with impairments in placental villous trophoblast cell metabolic function, that are thought to underlie the development of metabolic diseases early in the lives of the exposed offspring. Previous research using placental cell lines and ex vivo trophoblast preparations have highlighted hyperglycemia is an important independent regulator of placental function. However, it is poorly understood if hyperglycemia directly influences aspects of placental metabolic function, including nutrient storage and mitochondrial respiration, that are altered in term diabetic placentae. The current study examined metabolic and mitochondrial function as well as nutrient storage in both undifferentiated cytotrophoblast and differentiated syncytiotrophoblast BeWo cells cultured under hyperglycemia conditions (25 mM glucose) for 72 hours to further characterize the direct impacts of placental hyperglycemic exposure. Hyperglycemic-exposed BeWo trophoblasts displayed increased glycogen and triglyceride nutrient stores, but real-time functional readouts of metabolic enzyme activity and mitochondrial respiratory activity were not altered. However, specific investigation into mitochondrial dynamics highlighted increased expression of markers associated with mitochondrial fission that could indicate high glucose-exposed trophoblasts are transitioning towards mitochondrial dysfunction. To further characterize the impacts of independent hyperglycemia, the current study subsequently utilized a multi-omics approach and evaluated the transcriptomic and metabolomic signatures of BeWo cytotrophoblasts. BeWo cytotrophoblasts exposed to hyperglycemia displayed increased mRNA expression of ACSL1, HSD11B2, RPS6KA5, and LAP3 and reduced mRNA expression of CYP2F1, and HK2, concomitant with increased levels of: lactate, malonate, and riboflavin metabolites. These changes highlighted important underlying alterations to glucose, glutathione, fatty acid, and glucocorticoid metabolism in BeWo trophoblasts exposed to hyperglycemia. Overall, these results demonstrate that hyperglycemia is an important independent regulator of key areas of placental metabolism, nutrient storage, and mitochondrial function, and these data continue to expand our knowledge on mechanisms governing the development of placental dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary J W Easton
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xian Luo
- The Metabolomics Innovation Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Liang Li
- The Metabolomics Innovation Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Timothy R H Regnault
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, London Health Science Centre-Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
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Gestational age, birth weight, and perinatal complications in mothers with diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance: Japan Environment and Children's Study cohort. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269610. [PMID: 35666987 PMCID: PMC9170270 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to determine the risk of perinatal complications during delivery in mothers with non-normal glucose tolerance in a large Japanese birth cohort. We analysed data of 24,295 neonate–mother pairs in the Japan Environment and Children’s Study cohort between 2011 and 2014. We included 67 mothers with type 1 diabetes, 102 with type 2 diabetes (determined by questionnaire), 2,045 with gestational diabetes (determined by diagnosis), and 2,949 with plasma glucose levels ≥140 mg/dL (shown by a screening test for gestational diabetes). Gestational age, birth weight, placental weight, and proportions of preterm birth, and labour and neonatal complications at delivery in mothers with diabetes were compared with those in mothers with normal glucose tolerance. Mean gestational age was shorter in mothers with any type of diabetes than in mothers without diabetes. Birth weight tended to be heavier in mothers with type 1 diabetes, and placental weight was significantly heavier in mothers with type 1 and gestational diabetes and elevated plasma glucose levels (all p<0.05). The relative risks of any labour complication and any neonatal complication were 1.49 and 2.28 in type 2 diabetes, 1.59 and 1.95 in gestational diabetes, and 1.22 and 1.30 in a positive screening test result (all p<0.05). The relative risks of preterm birth, gestational hypertension, and neonatal jaundice were significantly higher in mothers with types 1 (2.77; 4.07; 2.04) and 2 diabetes (2.65; 5.84; 1.99) and a positive screening test result (1.29; 1.63; 1.12) than in those without diabetes (all p<0.05). In conclusion, placental weight is heavier in mothers with non-normal glucose tolerance. Preterm birth, gestational hypertension, and jaundice are more frequent in mothers with types 1 and 2 diabetes. A positive result in a screening test for gestational diabetes suggests not only a non-normal glucose tolerance, but also a medium (middle-level) risk of perinatal complications.
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Placental Insulin Receptor Transiently Regulates Glucose Homeostasis in the Adult Mouse Offspring of Multiparous Dams. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030575. [PMID: 35327377 PMCID: PMC8945682 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In pregnancies complicated by maternal obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus, there is strong evidence to suggest that the insulin signaling pathway in the placenta may be impaired. This may have potential effects on the programming of the metabolic health in the offspring; however, a direct link between the placental insulin signaling pathway and the offspring health remains unknown. Here, we aimed to understand whether specific placental loss of the insulin receptor (InsR) has a lasting effect on the offspring health in mice. Obesity and glucose homeostasis were assessed in the adult mouse offspring on a normal chow diet (NCD) followed by a high-fat diet (HFD) challenge. Compared to their littermate controls, InsR KOplacenta offspring were born with normal body weight and pancreatic β-cell mass. Adult InsR KOplacenta mice exhibited normal glucose homeostasis on an NCD. Interestingly, under a HFD challenge, adult male InsR KOplacenta offspring demonstrated lower body weight and a mildly improved glucose homeostasis associated with parity. Together, our data show that placenta-specific insulin receptor deletion does not adversely affect offspring glucose homeostasis during adulthood. Rather, there may potentially be a mild and transient protective effect in the mouse offspring of multiparous dams under the condition of a diet-induced obesogenic challenge.
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Dearden L, Bouret SG, Ozanne SE. Nutritional and developmental programming effects of insulin. J Neuroendocrinol 2021; 33:e12933. [PMID: 33438814 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of insulin in 1921 was a major breakthrough in medicine and for therapy in patients with diabetes. The dramatic rise in the prevalence of overweight and obesity has been tightly linked to an increased prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which poses major health concerns. Babies born to GDM mothers are more likely to develop obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease later in life. Evidence accumulated during the past two decades has revealed that high levels insulin, such as those observed during GDM, can have a widespread effect on the development and function of a variety of organs. This review summarises our current knowledge on the role of insulin in the placenta, cardiovascular system and brain during critical periods of development, as well as how it can contribute to lifelong metabolic regulation. We also discuss possible intervention strategies to ameliorate and hopefully reverse the developmental defects associated with obesity and GDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Dearden
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Treatment Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sebastien G Bouret
- Inserm, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition Research Center, Lille, France
- University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Susan E Ozanne
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Treatment Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Cambridge, UK
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Tumminia A, Scalisi NM, Milluzzo A, Ettore G, Vigneri R, Sciacca L. Maternal Diabetes Impairs Insulin and IGF-1 Receptor Expression and Signaling in Human Placenta. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:621680. [PMID: 33776919 PMCID: PMC7988311 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.621680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal high blood glucose during pregnancy increases the risk for both maternal and fetal adverse outcomes. The mechanisms underlying the regulator effects of hyperglycemia on placental development and growth have not been fully illustrated yet. The placenta expresses high amounts of both insulin receptor (IR) and insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R). It has been reported that the placenta of diabetic women has structural and functional alterations and the insulin/IGF system is likely to play a role in these changes. The aim of the present study was to measure the content of IR and IGF-1R and their phosphorylation in the placenta of women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) or with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) compared to women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) during pregnancy. METHODS Placental tissues were obtained from 80 Caucasian women with a singleton pregnancy. In particular, we collected placenta samples from 20 T1D patients, 20 GDM patients and 40 NGT women during pregnancy. Clinical characteristics and anthropometric measures of all women as well as delivery and newborn characteristics were recorded. Patients were also subdivided on the basis of peripartum glycemia either ≥90 mg/dl or <90 mg/dl, regardless of the diagnosis. RESULTS In T1D patients, a higher rate of adverse outcomes was observed. Compared to the GDM women, the T1D group showed significantly higher average capillary blood glucose levels at the third trimester of pregnancy and at peripartum, and higher third-trimester HbA1c values. In both T1D and GDM women, HbA1c values during pregnancy correlated with glucose values in the peripartum period (R-squared 0.14, p=0.02). A positive correlation was observed between phosphorylation of placental IR and the glucose levels during the third trimester of GDM and T1D pregnancy (R-squared 0.21, p=0.003). In the placenta of T1D patients, IGF-1R phosphorylation and IR isoform A (IR-A) expression were significantly increased (p=0.006 and p=0.040, respectively), compared to the NGT women. Moreover, IGF-1R phosphorylation was significantly increased (p<0.0001) in the placenta of patients with peripartum glucose >90 mg/dl, while IR-A expression was increased in those with peripartum blood glucose higher than 120 mg/dl (p=0.046). CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, our study represents the first one in which an increased maternal blood glucose level during pregnancy is associated with an increased IGF-1R phosphorylation and IR-A expression in the placenta. Both these mechanisms can promote an excessive fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Tumminia
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania Medical School, Catania, Italy
| | - Nunzio M. Scalisi
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania Medical School, Catania, Italy
| | - Agostino Milluzzo
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania Medical School, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ettore
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Azienda di Rilievo Nazionale e di Alta Specializzazione (ARNAS) Garibaldi, Catania, Italy
| | - Riccardo Vigneri
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania Medical School, Catania, Italy
- Catania Section, Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council, CNR, Catania, Italy
| | - Laura Sciacca
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania Medical School, Catania, Italy
- *Correspondence: Laura Sciacca,
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Balachandiran M, Bobby Z, Dorairajan G, Gladwin V, Vinayagam V, Packirisamy RM. Decreased maternal serum adiponectin and increased insulin-like growth factor-1 levels along with increased placental glucose transporter-1 expression in gestational diabetes mellitus: Possible role in fetal overgrowth. Placenta 2020; 104:71-80. [PMID: 33285436 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The placental glucose transporter - 1 (GLUT-1) is involved in the transplacental glucose transport to the fetus. GLUT-1 expressions are increased in diabetic pregnancies and associated with altered fetal growth. However, the factors regulating the GLUT-1 expressions are largely unknown. We hypothesised that maternal adipokines and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) modulate the placental expressions of GLUT-1 through the activation of insulin/IGF-1 signalling which may contribute to a fetal overgrowth in GDM. METHODS Maternal blood, cord blood and placental samples were collected from GDM and control pregnant women (CPW). The biochemical parameters, IGF1, adipokines, and high sensitive C- reactive protein were measured. We analysed the placental expressions of GLUT-1 and proteins related to insulin/IGF-1 signalling - insulin receptor -β, insulin receptor substrate - 1, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase p110α, phospho Akt-1, phospho extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, and nuclear factor-κB p65 in GDM and CPW. RESULTS Increased maternal IGF-1 and decreased adiponectin levels were found in the GDM women. Maternal IGF-1 levels were positively correlated, whereas adiponectin levels were negatively correlated with the birth weight of GDM newborns. Increased phosphorylation of Akt and ERK 1/2 was found in the placenta of GDM women. Placental expressions of GLUT-1 were significantly higher in the GDM women and positively correlated to the maternal IGF-1 levels in the GDM group. DISCUSSION Decreased maternal adiponectin and increased IGF-1 levels might have caused increased GLUT-1 expression via the increased activation of insulin/IGF-1 signalling in the placenta of GDM women which might have influenced the fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoharan Balachandiran
- Department of Biochemistry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India
| | - Zachariah Bobby
- Department of Biochemistry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India.
| | - Gowri Dorairajan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India
| | - Victorraj Gladwin
- Department of Anatomy, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India
| | - Vickneshwaran Vinayagam
- Department of Biochemistry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India
| | - Rajaa Muthu Packirisamy
- Department of Biochemistry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India
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12
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Fetal Growth Trajectories and Their Association with Maternal, Cord Blood, and 5-year Child Adipokines. J Nutr Metab 2020; 2020:4861523. [PMID: 33029393 PMCID: PMC7530496 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4861523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The growth of the fetus is a complex process influenced by multiple factors. Studies have highlighted the important role of biochemical growth markers such as leptin and adiponectin on fetal growth. Objective To compare fetal growth trajectories with biochemical growth markers from maternal blood samples at 28 weeks' gestation, cord blood samples at birth, and in child blood samples at 5 years of age from mother-infant pairs who were part of the longitudinal ROLO study. Methods 781 mother-infant pairs from the ROLO and ROLO Kids study were included. Ultrasound measurements and birth weight were used to develop fetal growth trajectory groups for estimated abdominal circumference and estimated weight. Blood serum levels of leptin, adiponectin, insulin, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 from maternal, cord, and 5-year child samples were recorded. ANOVA and chi-square tests were applied to test the associations between fetal growth trajectory membership and maternal and child biochemical growth indicators. The influence of child sex was also investigated. Results Male sex was associated with a faster weight trajectory compared to females (p=0.001). At 28 weeks' gestation, maternal leptin levels were significantly higher in mothers with a fetus on a slower estimated abdominal circumference trajectory compared to fast (25616 [IQR: 11656.0 to 35341.0] vs. 14753.8 [IQR: 8565.4 to 24308.1], p < 0.001) and maternal adiponectin levels were lower in fetuses on a slower estimated abdominal circumference trajectory compared to a fast trajectory (22.4 [IQR: 13.6 to 35.9] vs. 27.6 [IQR: 17.6 to 46.3], p=0.027). No associations were noted with inflammatory markers. No associations were identified between fetal growth trajectories and growth markers at 5 years of age. Conclusions This study shows that male sex is associated with an accelerated estimated weight trajectory. Furthermore, high leptin and low adiponectin in maternal serum in late gestation are associated with a slower fetal growth trajectory. No associations were identified with blood growth markers after pregnancy.
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Roberts GAG, Tunster SJ. Characterising the dynamics of placental glycogen stores in the mouse. Placenta 2020; 99:131-140. [PMID: 32798765 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The placenta performs a range of functions to support fetal growth. In addition to facilitating nutrient transport, the placenta also stores glucose as glycogen, which is thought to maintain fetal glucose supply during late gestation. However, evidence to support such a role is currently lacking. Similarly, our understanding of the dynamics of placental glycogen metabolism in normal mouse pregnancy is limited. METHODS We quantified the placental glycogen content of wild type C57BL/6JOlaHsd mouse placentas from mid (E12.5) to late (E18.5) gestation, alongside characterising the temporal expression pattern of genes encoding glycogenesis and glycogenolysis pathway enzymes. To assess the potential of the placenta to produce glucose, we investigated the spatiotemporal expression of glucose 6-phosphatase by qPCR and in situ hybridisation. Separate analyses were undertaken for placentas of male and female conceptuses to account for potential sexual dimorphism. RESULTS Placental glycogen stores peak at E15.5, having increased over 5-fold from E12.5, before declining by a similar extent by E18.5. Glycogen stores were 17% higher in male placentas than in females at E15.5. Expression of glycogen branching enzyme (Gbe1) was reduced ~40% towards term. Expression of the glucose 6-phosphatase isoform G6pc3 was enriched in glycogen trophoblast cells and increased towards term. DISCUSSION Reduced expression of Gbe1 suggests a decline in glycogen branching towards term. Expression of G6pc3 by glycogen trophoblasts is consistent with an ability to produce and release glucose from glycogen stores. However, the ultimate destination of the glucose generated from placental glycogen remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A G Roberts
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Simon J Tunster
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK.
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14
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Abbade J, Klemetti MM, Farrell A, Ermini L, Gillmore T, Sallais J, Tagliaferro A, Post M, Caniggia I. Increased placental mitochondrial fusion in gestational diabetes mellitus: an adaptive mechanism to optimize feto-placental metabolic homeostasis? BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care 2020; 8:8/1/e000923. [PMID: 32144130 PMCID: PMC7059528 DOI: 10.1136/bmjdrc-2019-000923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a common pregnancy disorder, increases the risk of fetal overgrowth and later metabolic morbidity in the offspring. The placenta likely mediates these sequelae, but the exact mechanisms remain elusive. Mitochondrial dynamics refers to the joining and division of these organelles, in attempts to maintain cellular homeostasis in stress conditions or alterations in oxygen and fuel availability. These remodeling processes are critical to optimize mitochondrial function, and their disturbances characterize diabetes and obesity. METHODS AND RESULTS Herein we show that placental mitochondrial dynamics are tilted toward fusion in GDM, as evidenced by transmission electron microscopy and changes in the expression of key mechanochemical enzymes such as OPA1 and active phosphorylated DRP1. In vitro experiments using choriocarcinoma JEG-3 cells demonstrated that increased exposure to insulin, which typifies GDM, promotes mitochondrial fusion. As placental ceramide induces mitochondrial fission in pre-eclampsia, we also examined ceramide content in GDM and control placentae and observed a reduction in placental ceramide enrichment in GDM, likely due to an insulin-dependent increase in ceramide-degrading ASAH1 expression. CONCLUSIONS Placental mitochondrial fusion is enhanced in GDM, possibly as a compensatory response to maternal and fetal metabolic derangements. Alterations in placental insulin exposure and sphingolipid metabolism are among potential contributing factors. Overall, our results suggest that GDM has profound impacts on placental mitochondrial dynamics and metabolism, with plausible implications for the short-term and long-term health of the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joelcio Abbade
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Departamento de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Miira Marjuska Klemetti
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Abby Farrell
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leonardo Ermini
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Taylor Gillmore
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julien Sallais
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Martin Post
- Department of Physiology and Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Hospital for Sick Children SickKids Learning Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Isabella Caniggia
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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15
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Rosenfeld CS. The placenta-brain-axis. J Neurosci Res 2020; 99:271-283. [PMID: 32108381 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
All mammalian species depend on the placenta, a transient organ, for exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste between the mother and conceptus. Besides serving as a conduit for such exchanges, the placenta produces hormones and other factors that influence maternal physiology and fetal development. To meet all of these adaptations, the placenta has evolved to become the most structurally diverse organ within all mammalian taxa. However, commonalities exist as to how placental responses promote survival against in utero threats and can alter the trajectory of fetal development, in particular the brain. Increasing evidence suggests that reactions of the placenta to various in utero stressors may lead to long-standing health outcomes, otherwise considered developmental origin of health and disease effects. Besides transferring nutrients and gases, the placenta produces neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine/epinephrine, that may circulate and influence brain development. Neurobehavioral disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders, likely trace their origins back to placental disturbances. This intimate relationship between the placenta and brain has led to coinage of the term, the placenta-brain-axis. This axis will be the focus herein, including how conceptus sex might influence it, and technologies employed to parse out the effects of placental-specific transcript expression changes on later neurobehavioral disorders. Ultimately, the placenta might provide a historical record of in utero threats the fetus confronted and a roadmap to understand how placenta responses to such encounters impacts the placental-brain-axis. Improved early diagnostic and preventative approaches may thereby be designed to mitigate such placental disruptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl S Rosenfeld
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,MU Informatics Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Thompson Center for Autism and Neurobehavioral Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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16
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Abstract
The placenta is exposed to metabolic derangements in the maternal and fetal circulation. The effects of the early placental "exposome" determine further trajectories. Overstimulation of the fetal pancreas in early gestation results in fetal hyperinsulinemia, augmenting glucose transfer with adverse effects on the fetus. The manifold placental changes at the end of pregnancy can be regarded as adaptive responses to protect the fetus from diabetes and obesity. The causal role of the placenta, if any, in mediating long-term effects on offspring development is an important area of current and future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gernot Desoye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 14, Graz 8036, Austria.
| | - Mila Cervar-Zivkovic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 14, Graz 8036, Austria
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17
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Carlino C, Rippo MR, Lazzarini R, Monsurrò V, Morrone S, Angelini S, Trotta E, Stabile H, Bastianelli C, Albertini MC, Olivieri F, Procopio A, Santoni A, Gismondi A. Differential microRNA expression between decidual and peripheral blood natural killer cells in early pregnancy. Hum Reprod 2019; 33:2184-2195. [PMID: 30388265 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Have decidual natural killer (dNK) cells a different microRNA (miRNA or miR) expression pattern compared to NK cells circulating in the peripheral blood (pb) of healthy pregnant women in the first trimester of gestation? SUMMARY ANSWER dNK cells have a unique miRNA profile, showing exclusive expression of a set of miRNAs and significant up- or down-regulation of most of the miRNAs shared with pbNK cells. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY dNK cells differ from pbNK cells both phenotypically and functionally, and their origin is still debated. Many studies have indicated that miRNAs regulate several important aspects of NK cell biology, such as development, activation and effector functions. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Decidua basalis and peripheral blood specimens were collected from women (n = 7) undergoing voluntary termination of gestation in the first trimester of pregnancy. dNK and pbNK cells were then highly purified by cell sorting. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS miRNAs expression was analysed by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR)-based arrays using RNA purified from freshly isolated and highly purified pbNK and dNK cells. Results from arrays were validated by qRT-PCR assays. The bioinformatics tool ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) was applied to determine the cellular network targeted by validated miRNAs and the correlated biological functions. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Herein, we identified the most differentially expressed miRNAs in NK cells isolated from peripheral blood and uterine decidua of pregnant women. We found that 36 miRNAs were expressed only in dNK cells and two miRNAs only in pbNK cells. Moreover, 48 miRNAs were commonly expressed by both NK cell preparations although at different levels: 28 were upregulated in dNK cells, while 15 were downregulated compared to pbNK cells. Validation of a selected set (n = 11) of these miRNAs confirmed the differential expression of nine miRNAs: miR-10b and miR-214 expressed only in dNK cells and miR-200a-3p expressed only in pbNK cells; miR-130b-3p, miR-125a-5p, miR-212-3p and miR-454 were upregulated while miR-210-3p and miR-132 were downregulated in dNK cells compared to pbNK cells. IPA network analysis identified a single network connecting all the miRNAs as well as their significant involvement in several classes of functions: 'Organismal injury, Reproductive system disease, Inflammatory disease' and 'Cellular development'. These miRNAs target molecules such as argonaute 2, tumour protein p53, insulin and other genes that belong to the same network and significantly influence cell differentiation and pregnancy. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION In the present study, the cellular network and biological functions modulated by miRNAs differentially expressed in dNK and pbNK cells were identified by IPA considering only molecules and relationships that were with confidence 'experimentally observed' in leucocytes. The decidual and pbNK cells that were analysed here are a heterogeneous population and further study will help to disentangle whether there are differences in miRNA production by the different subsets of NK cells. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This is the first study describing a different miRNA expression profile in dNK cells compared to matched pbNK cells during the first trimester of pregnancy. Our findings improved the body of knowledge on dNK cell biology and strongly suggest further investigation into the roles of miRNAs that are differentially expressed in human dNK compared to pbNK cells. Our results suggest that specific miRNAs can modulate dNK cell origin and functions, highlighting a potential role of this miRNA signature in human development and diseases. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by grants from the Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, the European NoE EMBIC within FP6 (Contract number LSHN-CT-2004-512040), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, and Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca (Ricerche Universitarie), and from Università Politecnica delle Marche. There are no conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Carlino
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - M R Rippo
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - R Lazzarini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - V Monsurrò
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Università Degli Studi di Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - S Morrone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - S Angelini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - E Trotta
- UCSF Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - H Stabile
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C Bastianelli
- Department of Gynecology-Obstetrics and Urology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - M C Albertini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino 'Carlo Bo', Urbino, Italy
| | - F Olivieri
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.,Center of Clinical Pathology and innovative therapy, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - A Procopio
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.,Center of Clinical Pathology and innovative therapy, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - A Santoni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Laboratory Affiliated to Institute Pasteur-Italia, Rome, Italy
| | - A Gismondi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Subiabre M, Villalobos-Labra R, Silva L, Fuentes G, Toledo F, Sobrevia L. Role of insulin, adenosine, and adipokine receptors in the foetoplacental vascular dysfunction in gestational diabetes mellitus. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1866:165370. [PMID: 30660686 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a disease of pregnancy associated with maternal and foetal hyperglycaemia and altered foetoplacental vascular function. Human foetoplacental microvascular and macrovascular endothelium from GDM pregnancy show increased maximal l-arginine transport capacity via the human cationic amino acid transporter 1 (hCAT-1) isoform and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis by the endothelial NO synthase (eNOS). These alterations are paralleled by lower maximal transport activity of the endogenous nucleoside adenosine via the human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1) and activation of adenosine receptors. A causal relationship has been described for adenosine-activation of A2A adenosine receptors, hCAT-1, and eNOS activity (i.e. the Adenosine/l-Arginine/Nitric Oxide, ALANO, signalling pathway). Insulin restores these alterations in GDM via activation of insulin receptor A (IR-A) form in the macrovascular but IR-A and IR-B forms in the microcirculation of the human placenta. Adipokines are secreted from adipocytes influencing the foetoplacental metabolic and vascular function. Various adipokines are dysregulated in GDM, with adiponectin and leptin playing major roles. Abnormal plasma concentration of these adipokines and the activation or their receptors are involved in the pathophysiology of GDM. However, involvement of adipokines, adenosine, and insulin receptors and membrane transporters in the aetiology of this disease of pregnancy is unknown. This review focuses on the pathophysiology of insulin and adenosine receptors and l-arginine and adenosine membranes transporters giving an overview of the key adipokines leptin and adiponectin in the foetoplacental vasculature in GDM. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Membrane Transporters and Receptors in Pregnancy Metabolic Complications edited by Luis Sobrevia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Subiabre
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Department of Obstetrics, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile.
| | - Roberto Villalobos-Labra
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Department of Obstetrics, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile
| | - Luis Silva
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Department of Obstetrics, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; Immunoendocrinology, Division of Medical Biology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG), Groningen 9700 RB, the Netherlands
| | - Gonzalo Fuentes
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Department of Obstetrics, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; Cell Physiology Laboratory, Biomedical Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta 1270300, Chile
| | - Fernando Toledo
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Department of Obstetrics, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad del Bío Bío, Chillán 3780000, Chile
| | - Luis Sobrevia
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Department of Obstetrics, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville E-41012, Spain; University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Herston 4029, Queensland, Australia.
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19
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Barda G, Bar J, Mashavi M, Schreiber L, Shargorodsky M. Insulin Treatment Is Associated With Improved Fetal Placental Vascular Circulation in Obese and Non-obese Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:84. [PMID: 30873116 PMCID: PMC6400829 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The present study was designed to investigate the impact of carbohydrate restriction and insulin treatment on placental maternal and fetal vascular circulation in obese and non-obese women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Design and methods: One Hundred Ninety-One women with GDM who gave birth and underwent a placental histopathological examination at Wolfson Medical Center, Israel, were included in the study: 122 women who were treated with carbohydrate/calorie restriction diet (Group 1) and 69 women who were treated with diet plus insulin (Group 2). Additionally, each group was divided into two subgroups according to pre-pregnancy BMI: non-obese and obese. Results: Maternal vascular malperfusion lesions did not differ significantly between groups. Vascular lesions related to fetal malperfusion were significantly lower in GDM women treated by insulin and diet compared to women with diet alone (p = 0.027). Among fetal malperfusion lesions, villous changes consistent with fetal thrombo-occlusive disease (FTOD) were significantly lower in women treated with diet plus insulin and lowest in GDM women with pre-pregnancy BMI < 30 kg/m2 (p = 0.009). In the logistic regression analysis, insulin treatment was significantly associated with a decreased rate of villous changes consistent with FTOD (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.12-0.80, p = 0.03). Prevalence of gestational hypertension was higher in obese women of both treatment groups (p = 0.024). Conclusion: Combination of obesity and GDM increased rate of FTOD and prevalence of gestational hypertension. Carbohydrate restriction diet plus insulin treatment was associated with improved fetal placental vascular circulation, especially in GDM women with pre-pregnancy BMI < 30 kg/m2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Barda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Jacob Bar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Margarita Mashavi
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Medicine, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
| | - Letizia Schreiber
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Pathology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
| | - Marina Shargorodsky
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Endocrinology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
- *Correspondence: Marina Shargorodsky
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20
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Insulin therapy and its consequences for the mother, foetus, and newborn in gestational diabetes mellitus. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1864:2949-2956. [PMID: 29890222 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a disease characterised by glucose intolerance and first diagnosed in pregnancy. This condition relates to an anomalous placental environment and aberrant placental vascular function. GDM-associated hyperglycaemia changes the placenta structure leading to abnormal development and functionality of this vital organ. Aiming to avoid the GDM-hyperglycaemia and its deleterious consequences in the mother, the foetus and newborn, women with GDM are firstly treated with a controlled diet therapy; however, some of the women fail to reach the recommended glycaemia values and therefore they are passed to the second line of treatment, i.e., insulin therapy. The several protocols available in the literature regarding insulin therapy are variable and not a clear consensus is yet reached. Insulin therapy restores maternal glycaemia, but this beneficial effect is not reflected in the foetus and newborn metabolism, suggesting that other factors than d-glucose may be involved in the pathophysiology of GDM. Worryingly, insulin therapy may cause alterations in the placenta and umbilical vessels as well as the foetus and newborn additional to those seen in pregnant women with GDM treated with diet. In this review, we summarised the variable information regarding indications and protocols for administration of the insulin therapy and the possible outcomes on the function and structure of the foetoplacental unit and the neonate parameters from women with GDM.
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Hirschmugl B, Crozier S, Matthews N, Kitzinger E, Klymiuk I, Inskip HM, Harvey NC, Cooper C, Sibley CP, Glazier J, Wadsack C, Godfrey KM, Desoye G, Lewis RM. Relation of placental alkaline phosphatase expression in human term placenta with maternal and offspring fat mass. Int J Obes (Lond) 2018; 42:1202-1210. [PMID: 29899523 PMCID: PMC6173293 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-018-0136-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alkaline phosphatase is implicated in intestinal lipid transport and in the development of obesity. Placental alkaline phosphatase is localised to the microvillous plasma membrane of the placental syncytiotrophoblast at the maternal-fetal interface, but its role is unclear. We investigated the relations of placental alkaline phosphatase activity and mRNA expression with maternal body composition and offspring fat mass in humans. METHODS Term human placentas from the UK Birthright cohort (n = 52) and the Southampton Women's Survey (SWS) (n = 95) were studied. In the Birthright cohort, alkaline phosphatase activity was measured in placental microvillous plasma membrane vesicles. In the SWS, alkaline phosphatase mRNA was measured using Nanostring. Alkaline phosphatase gene expression was compared to other lipid-related genes. RESULTS In Birthright samples placental microvillous plasma membrane alkaline phosphatase activity was positively associated with maternal triceps skinfold thickness and BMI (β = 0.04 (95% CI: 0.01-0.06) and β = 0.02 (0.00-0.03) µmol/mg protein/min per SD, P = 0.002 and P = 0.05, respectively) after adjusting for potential confounders. In SWS samples placental alkaline phosphatase mRNA expression in term placenta was positively associated with maternal triceps skinfold (β = 0.24 (0.04, 0.44) SD/SD, P = 0.02), had no association with neonatal %fat mass (β = 0.01 (-0.20 to 0.21) SD/SD, P = 0.93) and was negatively correlated with %fat mass at ages 4 (β = -0.28 (-0.52 to -0.04) SD/SD, P = 0.02), 6-7 (β = -0.25 (-0.49 to -0.02) SD/SD, P = 0.03) years. When compared with placental expression of other genes, alkaline phosphatase expression was positively related to genes including the lysophosphatidylcholine transporter MFSD2A (major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A, P < 0.001) and negatively related to genes including the fatty acid transport proteins 2 and 3 (P = 0.001, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest relationships between placental alkaline phosphatase and both maternal and childhood adiposity. The inverse relationship between placental alkaline phosphatase gene expression and childhood %fat mass suggests that placental alkaline phosphatase may help to protect the foetus from the adverse effects of maternal obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Hirschmugl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Sarah Crozier
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Nina Matthews
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Eva Kitzinger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ingeborg Klymiuk
- Core Facility Molecular Biology, Centre for Medical Research, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Hazel M Inskip
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Nicholas C Harvey
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Cyrus Cooper
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Colin P Sibley
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Jocelyn Glazier
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Christian Wadsack
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Keith M Godfrey
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Gernot Desoye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Rohan M Lewis
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
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Placental Expression of Glucose Transporter Proteins in Pregnancies Complicated by Gestational and Pregestational Diabetes Mellitus. Can J Diabetes 2018; 42:209-217. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2017.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Bronson SL, Chan JC, Bale TL. Sex-Specific Neurodevelopmental Programming by Placental Insulin Receptors on Stress Reactivity and Sensorimotor Gating. Biol Psychiatry 2017; 82:127-138. [PMID: 28168960 PMCID: PMC5483189 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [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: 05/20/2016] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes, obesity, and overweight are prevalent pregnancy complications that predispose offspring to neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and schizophrenia. Although male individuals are three to four times more likely than female individuals to develop these disorders, the mechanisms driving the sex specificity of disease vulnerability remain unclear. Because defective placental insulin receptor (InsR) signaling is a hallmark of pregnancy metabolic dysfunction, we hypothesized that it may be an important contributor and novel mechanistic link to sex-specific neurodevelopmental changes underlying disease risk. METHODS We used Cre/loxP transgenic mice to conditionally target InsRs in fetally derived placental trophoblasts. Adult offspring were evaluated for effects of placental trophoblast-specific InsR deficiency on stress sensitivity, cognitive function, sensorimotor gating, and prefrontal cortical transcriptional reprogramming. To evaluate molecular mechanisms driving sex-specific outcomes, we assessed genome-wide expression profiles in the placenta and fetal brain. RESULTS Male, but not female, mice with placental trophoblast-specific InsR deficiency showed a significantly increased hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis stress response and impaired sensorimotor gating, phenotypic effects that were associated with dysregulated nucleotide metabolic processes in the male prefrontal cortex. Within the placenta, InsR deficiency elicited changes in gene expression, predominantly in male mice, reflecting potential shifts in vasculature, amino acid transport, serotonin homeostasis, and mitochondrial function. These placental disruptions were associated with altered gene expression profiles in the male fetal brain and suggested delayed cortical development. CONCLUSIONS Together, these data demonstrate the novel role of placental InsRs in sex-specific neurodevelopment and reveal a potential mechanism for neurodevelopmental disorder risk in pregnancies complicated by maternal metabolic disorders, including diabetes and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie L Bronson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jennifer C Chan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Tracy L Bale
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Insulin Treatment May Alter Fatty Acid Carriers in Placentas from Gestational Diabetes Subjects. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18061203. [PMID: 28587267 PMCID: PMC5486026 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18061203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
There is little information available on the effect of Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) treatment (diet or insulin) on placental lipid carriers, which may influence fetal fat accretion. Insulin may activate placental insulin receptors protein kinase (AKT) and extracellular signal regulated kinase ERK mediators, which might affect lipid metabolism. Placenta was collected from 25 control women, 23 GDM-Diet and 20 GDM-Insulin. Western blotting of insulin signaling mediators and lipid carriers was performed. The human choricarcinoma-derived cell line BeWo was preincubated with insulin inhibitors protein kinase (AKT) and extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) and ERK inhibitors to evaluate insulin regulation of lipid carriers. Maternal serum insulin at recruitment correlated to ultrasound fetal abdominal circumference in offspring of GDM and placental endothelial lipase (EL). Lipoprotein lipase in placenta was significantly reduced in both GDM, while most of the other lipid carriers tended to higher values, although not significantly. There was a significant increase in both phosphorylated-Akt and ERK in placentas from GDM-Insulin patients; both were associated to placental fatty acid translocase (FAT), fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP), and EL. BeWo cells treated with insulin pathway inhibitors significantly reduced A-FABP, fatty acid transport protein (FATP-1), and EL levels, confirming the role of insulin on these carriers. We conclude that insulin promotes the phosphorylation of placental insulin mediators contributing to higher levels of some specific fatty acid carriers in the placenta and fetal adiposity in GDM.
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Ruiz-Palacios M, Ruiz-Alcaraz AJ, Sanchez-Campillo M, Larqué E. Role of Insulin in Placental Transport of Nutrients in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. ANNALS OF NUTRITION AND METABOLISM 2017; 70:16-25. [PMID: 28110332 DOI: 10.1159/000455904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with increased fetal adiposity, which may increase the risk of obesity in adulthood. The placenta has insulin receptors and maternal insulin can activate its signaling pathways, affecting the transport of nutrients to the fetus. However, the effects of diet or insulin treatment on the placental pathophysiology of GDM are unknown. SUMMARY There are very few studies on possible defects in the insulin signaling pathway in the GDM placenta. Such defects could influence the placental transport of nutrients to the fetus. In this review we discuss the state of insulin signaling pathways in placentas of women with GDM, as well as the role of exogenous insulin in placental nutrient transport to the fetus, and fetal adiposity. Key Messages: Maternal insulin in the third trimester is correlated with fetal abdominal circumference at that time, suggesting the important role of insulin in this process. Since treatment with insulin at the end of pregnancy may activate placental nutrient transport to the fetus and promote placental fatty acid transfer, it would be interesting to improve maternal hyperlipidemia control in GDM subjects treated with this hormone. More research in this area with high number of subjects is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Ruiz-Palacios
- Department of Physiology, Molecular Biology B and Immunology, Murcia Biohealth Research Institute-University of Murcia (IMIB-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum," Murcia, Spain
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Akison LK, Nitert MD, Clifton VL, Moritz KM, Simmons DG. Review: Alterations in placental glycogen deposition in complicated pregnancies: Current preclinical and clinical evidence. Placenta 2017; 54:52-58. [PMID: 28117144 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2017.01.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Normal placental function is essential for optimal fetal growth. Transport of glucose from mother to fetus is critical for fetal nutrient demands and can be stored in the placenta as glycogen. However, the function of this glycogen deposition remains a matter of debate: It could be a source of fuel for the placenta itself or a storage reservoir for later use by the fetus in times of need. While the significance of placental glycogen remains elusive, mounting evidence indicates that altered glycogen metabolism and/or deposition accompanies many pregnancy complications that adversely affect fetal development. This review will summarize histological, biochemical and molecular evidence that glycogen accumulates in a) placentas from a variety of experimental rodent models of perturbed pregnancy, including maternal alcohol exposure, glucocorticoid exposure, dietary deficiencies and hypoxia and b) placentas from human pregnancies with complications including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). These pregnancies typically result in altered fetal growth, developmental abnormalities and/or disease outcomes in offspring. Collectively, this evidence suggests that changes in placental glycogen deposition is a common feature of pregnancy complications, particularly those associated with altered fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa K Akison
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Marloes Dekker Nitert
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia; Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Vicki L Clifton
- Mater Medical Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4101, Australia
| | - Karen M Moritz
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia; Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Centre for Children's Health Research, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
| | - David G Simmons
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia; Mater Medical Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4101, Australia
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Placental structural abnormalities have detrimental hemodynamic consequences in a rat model of maternal hyperglycemia. Placenta 2016; 44:54-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Feng H, Su R, Song Y, Wang C, Lin L, Ma J, Yang H. Positive Correlation between Enhanced Expression of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB with Insulin Resistance in Placentae of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157185. [PMID: 27340831 PMCID: PMC4920413 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Insulin resistance (IR) is a critical factor of the pathophysiology of Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Studies on key organs involved in IR, such as livers and adipose tissues, showed that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) can regulate insulin sensitivity. As a maternal-fetal interface with multi-functions, placentae could contribute to the development of IR for GDM. Thus, we investigated the expressions of TLR4/Myeloid Differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) in term placentae from 33 GDM women and 36 healthy pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance, evaluated local and systemic IR and furthermore identified the association between placental TLR4 and IR. TLR4 protein was expressed in various cells of term placenta, particularly in syncytiotrophoblast of villi. Compared with normal pregnancy, the expression of TLR4/MyD88/NF-kB pathway increased in the placenta of GDM (p<0.05), and these differences were more pronounced in the maternal section of the placenta and the syncytiotrophoblast of villi. In addition, more severe IR was observed in the placenta of GDM patients than the control group, evidenced with higher pIRS-1(ser312) (p<0.001) and lower IRS-1 (p<0.05) as well as pAkt proteins (p<0.01). The expression of TLR4 in placentae is positively correlated with local IR (pIRS-1: r = 0.76, p <0.001 and pAkt: r = -0.47, p <0.001) and maternal fasting (r = 0.42, p <0.01), one-hour (r = 0.52, p <0.01) and two-hour glucose (r = 0.54, p <0.01) at OGTT. We found an that enhanced expression of the TLR4-MyD88-NF-kB pathway occurs in GDM placentae, which positively correlates with heightened local IR in placentae and higher maternal hyperglycemia. The TLR4/MyD88/NF-kB pathway may play a potential role in the development of IR in placentae of GDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rina Su
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yilin Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jingmei Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (JMM); (HXY)
| | - Huixia Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (JMM); (HXY)
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Desoye G, Nolan CJ. The fetal glucose steal: an underappreciated phenomenon in diabetic pregnancy. Diabetologia 2016; 59:1089-94. [PMID: 26995651 PMCID: PMC4861753 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-016-3931-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Adverse neonatal outcomes continue to be high for mothers with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and are far from eliminated in mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus. This is often despite seemingly satisfactory glycaemic control in the latter half of pregnancy. Here we argue that this could be a consequence of the early establishment of fetal hyperinsulinaemia, a driver that exaggerates the fetal glucose steal. Essentially, fetal hyperinsulinaemia, through its effect on lowering fetal glycaemia, will increase the glucose concentration gradient across the placenta and consequently the glucose flux to the fetus. While the steepness of this gradient and glucose flux will be greatest at times when maternal hyperglycaemia and fetal hyperinsulinaemia coexist, fetal hyperinsulinaemia will favour a persistently high glucose flux even at times when maternal blood glucose is normal. The obvious implication is that glycaemic control needs to be optimised very early in pregnancy to prevent the establishment of fetal hyperinsulinaemia, further supporting the need for pre-pregnancy planning and early establishment of maternal glycaemic control. An exaggerated glucose steal by a hyperinsulinaemic fetus could also attenuate maternal glucose levels during an OGTT, providing an explanation for why some mothers with fetuses with all the characteristics of diabetic fetopathy have 'normal' glucose tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gernot Desoye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 14, 8036, Graz, Austria.
| | - Christopher J Nolan
- Department of Endocrinology, Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Australian National University Medical School, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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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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Magee TR, Ross MG, Wedekind L, Desai M, Kjos S, Belkacemi L. Gestational diabetes mellitus alters apoptotic and inflammatory gene expression of trophobasts from human term placenta. J Diabetes Complications 2014; 28:448-59. [PMID: 24768206 PMCID: PMC4166519 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2014.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2013] [Revised: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM Increased placental growth secondary to reduced apoptosis may contribute to the development of macrosomia in GDM pregnancies. We hypothesize that reduced apoptosis in GDM placentas is caused by dysregulation of apoptosis related genes from death receptors or mitochondrial pathway or both to enhance placental growth in GDM pregnancies. METHODS Newborn and placental weights from women with no pregnancy complications (controls; N=5), or with GDM (N=5) were recorded. Placental villi from both groups were either fixed for TUNEL assay, or snap frozen for gene expression analysis by apoptosis PCR microarrays and qPCR. RESULTS Maternal, placental and newborn weights were significantly higher in the GDM group vs. Controls. Apoptotic index of placentas from the GDM group was markedly lower than the Controls. At a significant threshold of 1.5, seven genes (BCL10, BIRC6, BIRC7, CASP5, CASP8P2, CFLAR, and FAS) were down regulated, and 13 genes (BCL2, BCL2L1, BCL2L11, CASP4, DAPK1, IκBκE, MCL1, NFκBIZ, NOD1, PEA15, TNF, TNFRSF25, and XIAP) were unregulated in the GDM placentas. qPCR confirmed the consistency of the PCR microarray. Using Western blotting we found significantly decreased placental pro-apoptotic FAS receptor and FAS ligand (FASL), and increased mitochondrial anti-apoptotic BCL2 post GDM insult. Notably, caspase-3, which plays a central role in the execution-phase of apoptosis, and its substrate poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) were significantly down regulated in GDM placentas, as compared to non-diabetic Control placentas. CONCLUSION Maternal GDM results in heavier placentas with aberrant placental apoptotic and inflammatory gene expression that may account, at least partially, for macrosomia in newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Magee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perinatal Research Laboratories, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA, Torrance, CA, USA; Department of Health and Life Sciences at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael G Ross
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perinatal Research Laboratories, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Lauren Wedekind
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Mina Desai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perinatal Research Laboratories, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Siri Kjos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perinatal Research Laboratories, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Louiza Belkacemi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perinatal Research Laboratories, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA, Torrance, CA, USA.
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Lappas M, Hiden U, Desoye G, Froehlich J, Hauguel-de Mouzon S, Jawerbaum A. The role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of gestational diabetes mellitus. Antioxid Redox Signal 2011; 15:3061-100. [PMID: 21675877 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2010.3765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 250] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Normal human pregnancy is considered a state of enhanced oxidative stress. In pregnancy, it plays important roles in embryo development, implantation, placental development and function, fetal development, and labor. However, pathologic pregnancies, including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), are associated with a heightened level of oxidative stress, owing to both overproduction of free radicals and/or a defect in the antioxidant defenses. This has important implications on the mother, placental function, and fetal well-being. Animal models of diabetes have confirmed the important role of oxidative stress in the etiology of congenital malformations; the relative immaturity of the antioxidant system facilitates the exposure of embryos and fetuses to the damaging effects of oxidative stress. Of note, there are only a few clinical studies evaluating the potential beneficial effects of antioxidants in GDM. Thus, whether or not increased antioxidant intake can reduce the complications of GDM in both mother and fetus needs to be explored. This review provides an overview and updated data on our current understanding of the complications associated with oxidative changes in GDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Lappas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.
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Desoye G, Shafrir E, Hauguel-de Mouzon S. The placenta in diabetic pregnancy: Placental transfer of nutrients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.3109/9781439802007.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
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Hashimoto R, Sakai K, Matsumoto H, Iwashita M. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibits insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) activities in human trophoblast cell cultures through IGF-I/insulin hybrid receptors. Endocr J 2010; 57:193-200. [PMID: 20009360 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.k09e-189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in placenta is believed to be involved in pathogenesis of intrauterine growth restriction. In contrast, insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are believed to be important for stimulation of fetal and placental growth. IGF-I stimulates metabolic and growth-promoting actions directly through its receptors: IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR), insulin receptor (IR) and IGF-I/insulin hybrid receptor (HR). However, it has not been elucidated which receptor mediates the growth promoting effects in fetal and placental growth. The current studies were undertaken to test whether TNF-alpha affects IGF-I action on placenta using human trophoblast cell cultures, and to test which receptor mediates growth promoting effects of IGF-I in placenta. Primary culture of trophoblast cells, which express IGF-IR, IR, and HR, were exposed to TNF-alpha, and the effects of IGF-I in stimulating trophoblast cell proliferation and migration were determined. Exposure to TNF-alpha attenuated the effects of IGF-I on cell proliferation and migration. To determine which receptors are involved in this inhibitory effect, the ability of IGF-I to stimulate phosphorylation of its receptors was analyzed in the presence of TNF-alpha. TNF-alpha exposure neither attenuated the phosphorylation of IGF-IR homodimer by IGF-I nor changed receptor abundance. In contrast, TNF-alpha reduced the ability of IGF-I to stimulate phosphorylation of HR with reducing amounts of HR. Exposure to TNF-alpha also attenuated phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) and the association of IRS-1 with phosphatydilinositol-3 kinase (PI-3 kinase). Taken together, these findings indicate that TNF-alpha induces a loss of sensitivity to stimulation by IGF-I, through reducing amounts of HR and the stimulation of HR tyrosine kinase activity by IGF-I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reiko Hashimoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Kyorin University, Tokyo, Japan
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Radaelli T, Lepercq J, Varastehpour A, Basu S, Catalano PM, Hauguel-De Mouzon S. Differential regulation of genes for fetoplacental lipid pathways in pregnancy with gestational and type 1 diabetes mellitus. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2009; 201:209.e1-209.e10. [PMID: 19560108 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2009.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2008] [Revised: 12/24/2008] [Accepted: 04/09/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Changes in metabolic homeostasis in pregnant diabetic women are potential determinants of increased adiposity of the fetus. The aim of this study was to characterize diabetes mellitus-induced changes in genes for fetoplacental energy metabolism in relation to fetal adiposity. STUDY DESIGN Placentas of women with type 1 diabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), or no complications were analyzed by microarray profiling. The pattern of gene expression was assessed in primary placental cell cultures. RESULTS Diabetes mellitus was associated with 49 alterations in gene expression at key steps in placental energy metabolism, with 67% of the alterations related to lipid pathways and 9% of the alterations related to glucose pathways. Preferential activation of lipid genes was observed in pregnancy with GDM. Type 1 diabetes mellitus induced fewer lipid modifications but an enhancement of glycosylation and acylation pathways. Oleate enhanced expression of genes for fatty acid esterification and the formation of lipid droplets 3 times as much as glucose in cultured placental cells. CONCLUSION These results point to fatty acids as preferential lipogenic substrates for placental cells and suggest that genes for fetoplacental lipid metabolism are enhanced selectively in GDM. The recruited genes may be instrumental in increasing transplacental lipid fluxes and the delivery of lipid substrates for fetal use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Radaelli
- Department of Reproductive Biology, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA
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Hiden U, Glitzner E, Hartmann M, Desoye G. Insulin and the IGF system in the human placenta of normal and diabetic pregnancies. J Anat 2009; 215:60-8. [PMID: 19467150 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2008.01035.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system regulates fetal and placental growth and development. In maternal diabetes, components of this system including insulin, IGF1, IGF2 and various IGF-binding proteins are deregulated in the maternal or fetal circulation, or in the placenta. The placenta expresses considerable amounts of insulin and IGF1 receptors at distinct locations on both placental surfaces. This makes the insulin and the IGF1 receptor accessible to fetal and/or maternal insulin, IGF1 and IGF2. Unlike the receptor for IGF1, the insulin receptor undergoes a gestational change in expression site from the trophoblast at the beginning of pregnancy to the endothelium at term. Insulin and IGFs are implicated in the receptor-mediated regulation of placental growth and transport, trophoblast invasion and placental angiogenesis. The dysregulation of the growth factors and their receptors may be involved in placental and fetal changes observed in diabetes, i.e. enhanced placental and fetal growth, placental hypervascularization and higher levels of fetal plasma amino acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Hiden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 14, Graz, Austria.
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Colomiere M, Permezel M, Riley C, Desoye G, Lappas M. Defective insulin signaling in placenta from pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus. Eur J Endocrinol 2009; 160:567-78. [PMID: 19179458 DOI: 10.1530/eje-09-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Studies in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle suggest that impaired insulin action is due to defects in the insulin signaling pathway and may play a role in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and obesity. The present study tested the hypothesis that endogenous expression levels in the human term placenta of insulin signaling components are altered in placental tissue from GDM women in comparison with normal controls and maternal obesity. DESIGN AND METHODS Placental tissue was collected from normal, diet-controlled GDM, and insulin-controlled GDM in both non-obese and obese women (n=6-7 per group). Western blotting and quantitative RT-PCR was performed to determine the level of expression in the insulin signaling pathway. RESULTS There was a significant increase in insulin receptor (IR) substrate (IRS)-1 protein expression with a concurrent decrease in IRS-2 protein expression in non-obese women with insulin-controlled GDM compared with diet-controlled GDM and normal controls. Furthermore, a decrease in both protein and mRNA expression of phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase (PI3-K) p85alpha and glucose transporter (GLUT)-4 was observed in non-obese and obese women with insulin controlled GDM compared with normal controls. When comparing non-obese to obese patients, significant decreases in mRNA expression of IR-beta, PI3K p85alpha and GLUT-4 was found in obese patients. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that post receptor defects are present in the insulin signaling pathway in placenta of women with pregnancies complicated by diabetes and obesity. In addition, expression studies demonstrate post receptor alterations in insulin signaling possibly under selective maternal regulation and not fetal regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Colomiere
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne and Mercy Perinatal Research Centre, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia.
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Zeck W, Widberg C, Maylin E, Desoye G, Lang U, McIntyre D, Prins J, Russell A. Regulation of placental growth hormone secretion in a human trophoblast model--the effects of hormones and adipokines. Pediatr Res 2008; 63:353-7. [PMID: 18356738 DOI: 10.1203/01.pdr.0000304935.19183.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Placental growth hormone (PGH) is secreted from the human placental syncytiotrophoblast into the maternal circulation. PGH levels in pregnant women correlate with the birth weight of their offspring. We hypothesized that metabolic regulators may alter PGH secretion. BeWo cells as human trophoblast models were treated for 24, 48, and 72 h with insulin, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, cortisol, ghrelin, leptin and visfatin. Cyclic-adenosinmonophosphate treatment served as positive control. PGH concentrations in culture media were measured. Insulin reduced (p < 0.008; analysis of variance) PGH secretion from BeWo cells after 72 h. No effect was found when treating cells with IGF-1. Cortisol reduced PGH secretion after 48 h (p < 0.00118; analysis of variance) and 72 h (p < 0.015). Leptin and ghrelin both suppressed (p < 0.027 and p < 0.017, paired t test) whereas visfatin increased (p < 0.014, paired t test) PGH secretion at 72 h. Cyclic adenosinmonophosphate increased (p < 0.003) PGH secretion at 72 h. Our results indicate that in vitro PGH secretion by BeWo cells is regulated by hormonal factors and adipokines. We speculate on the existence of a maternal-placental regulatory loop, in which elevated insulin and leptin levels might down-regulate PGH secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willibald Zeck
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Steiermark, 8036, Austria.
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Sgambati E, Marini M, Vichi D, Zappoli Thyrion GD, Parretti E, Mello G, Gheri G. Distribution of the glycoconjugate oligosaccharides in the human placenta from pregnancies complicated by altered glycemia: lectin histochemistry. Histochem Cell Biol 2007; 128:263-73. [PMID: 17653755 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-007-0312-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2007] [Accepted: 06/25/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of the oligosaccharides of the glycoconjugates in placentas from pregnancies complicated by different degree of altered glycaemia. Placentas from women with physiological pregnancies (group 1), with pregnancies complicated by minor degree of glucose intolerance (group 2) and with pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) treated with insulin (group 3) were collected. Ten lectins were used (ConA, WGA, PNA, SBA, DBA, LTA, UEA I, GSL II, MAL II and SNA) in combination with chemical and enzymatic treatments. The data showed a decrease of sialic acid linked alpha(2-6) to galactose/N-acetyl-D-galactosamine and an increase of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine in the placentas of the pathological groups, in particular the group 3, comparing to the group 1. A decrease of L-fucose (LTA) and D-galactose-(beta1-3)-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, and an increase and/or appearance of L-fucose (UEA I) and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine were observed in both the pathological groups, particularly in the group 2, with respect to the group 1. In GDM, and even in pregnancies with a simple alteration of maternal glycaemia, the changes in the distribution of oligosaccharides could be related to alteration of the structure and functionality of the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Sgambati
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Forensic Medicine, Policlinic of Careggi, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni, 85, 50134, Florence, Italy.
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Desoye G, Hauguel-de Mouzon S. The human placenta in gestational diabetes mellitus. The insulin and cytokine network. Diabetes Care 2007; 30 Suppl 2:S120-6. [PMID: 17596459 DOI: 10.2337/dc07-s203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gernot Desoye
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 14, A-8036 Graz, Austria.
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Alonso A, Del Rey CG, Navarro A, Tolivia J, González CG. Effects of gestational diabetes mellitus on proteins implicated in insulin signaling in human placenta. Gynecol Endocrinol 2006; 22:526-35. [PMID: 17071539 DOI: 10.1080/09513590600921374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Placenta plays a central role in fetal nutrition. During gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), it suffers structural and functional alterations which affect the health of both mother and fetus. In the present study we aimed to clarify if GDM modifies the amounts of leptin receptor (Ob-R) and of the main proteins implicated in insulin signal transmission (insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrate-1 and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit p85alpha) in human placenta; we also attempted to confirm the presence of estrogen receptor-alpha to determine the effect of GDM on its amount. METHODS Placentas were recovered from 30 women with uncomplicated pregnancies and 20 women who developed GDM. Western blotting and immunocytochemistry experiments were performed to investigate the above-mentioned proteins. RESULTS We observed that all proteins studied were increased in GDM. However, it is unknown if this is a consequence of GDM or the result of medical treatments used to mitigate the injurious effects of GDM. CONCLUSIONS Probably, the changes we found are indicative of the protective role of the placenta prior to the injurious effects of GDM and/or an important indicator of placental aging. Some aspects related to the link between non-genomic estrogen action, the mitogenic action of insulin and the role of Ob-R in placenta from normal and GDM women need to be investigated in greater depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Alonso
- Department of Functional Biology - Physiology Area, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
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Hiden U, Maier A, Bilban M, Ghaffari-Tabrizi N, Wadsack C, Lang I, Dohr G, Desoye G. Insulin control of placental gene expression shifts from mother to foetus over the course of pregnancy. Diabetologia 2006; 49:123-31. [PMID: 16344925 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-005-0054-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2005] [Accepted: 09/23/2005] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS The human placenta is a complex organ situated at the interface between mother and foetus that separates maternal from foetal blood. The placental surfaces exposed to the two bloodstreams are different, i.e. trophoblasts and endothelial cells are in contact with the maternal and foetal circulation, respectively. Both cell types produce high insulin receptor levels. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that spatio-temporal changes in insulin receptor expression in trophoblasts from first trimester to the endothelium at term shift the control of insulin-dependent processes from mother to foetus. METHODS Global microarray analysis of primary trophoblasts from first trimester and term human placentas and endothelial cells from term human placentas cultured under hyperinsulinaemic and control conditions identified different sets of regulated genes in trophoblasts and endothelial cells. RESULTS Insulin effects on placental gene expression underwent developmental changes from trophoblasts in the first trimester to endothelial cells at term that were paralleled by changes in levels of activated insulin receptors. The changes in gene regulation were both quantitative (i.e. magnitude of effect) and qualitative (i.e. specific genes affected and direction of regulation). CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION This spatio-temporal shift in insulin sensitivity throughout pregnancy allows maternal and foetal insulin to regulate different processes within the placenta at different gestational stages, facilitated by compartmentalisation of the insulin response. Thus, by altering the levels and function of insulin receptors in space and time, control of insulin-dependent processes in the human placenta will change from mother to foetus throughout gestation. This will be of particular interest in conditions associated with altered maternal or foetal insulin levels, i.e. diabetes mellitus or intrauterine growth restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Hiden
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 14, 8036 Graz, Austria
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Hauguel-de Mouzon S, Shafrir E. Carbohydrate and fat metabolism and related hormonal regulation in normal and diabetic placenta. Placenta 2001; 22:619-27. [PMID: 11504530 DOI: 10.1053/plac.2001.0698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S Hauguel-de Mouzon
- Endocrinologie et Metabolisme, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Meudon-Bellevue, France
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Desoye G, Hartmann M, Jones CJ, Wolf HJ, Kohnen G, Kosanke G, Kaufmann P. Location of insulin receptors in the placenta and its progenitor tissues. Microsc Res Tech 1997; 38:63-75. [PMID: 9260838 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0029(19970701/15)38:1/2<63::aid-jemt8>3.0.co;2-v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The insulin receptor gene is constitutively expressed, so the presence of insulin receptor proteins might be expected on all mammalian tissues, with the plasma membrane as the predominant site of receptor location. Results reviewed here indicate that insulin receptors are also present in all placental tissues and the placenta's progenitor tissues and cells, i.e., oocytes, spermatozoa, and preimplantation embryos, in most of the species studied. Receptor densities, however, vary among individual cells and cell types and at various developmental stages. Three aspects deserve emphasis. 1) In human placenta, the insulin receptor distribution pattern is characterized by a spatiotemporal change between first trimester and term. At the beginning of pregnancy, insulin receptors are found predominantly on the maternal side (apical membrane of syncytiotrophoblast, low density on cytotrophoblast); at term, however, they are on the fetal side (lining the fetal vessels). This suggests that, in the first trimester, maternal insulin regulates insulin-dependent processes, whereas, at term, it must be fetal insulin mainly controlling these processes. 2) The majority of insulin receptors is expressed on structures that are currently assumed to drive placental growth, i.e., syncytial sprouts and mesenchymal villi in first-trimester placentas and fetal endothelium at term. Therefore, we hypothesize a growth-promoting function, among others, of insulin on the placenta. 3) At present, no histologic evidence is available to demonstrate insulin receptors in structures commonly associated with receptor-mediated endocytosis. Whether placental insulin receptors are internalized, therefore, awaits clarification.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Desoye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Graz, Austria
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Valensise H, Liu YY, Federici M, Lauro D, Dell'anna D, Romanini C, Sesti G. Increased expression of low-affinity insulin receptor isoform and insulin/insulin-like growth factor-I hybrid receptors in term placenta from insulin-resistant women with gestational hypertension. Diabetologia 1996; 39:952-60. [PMID: 8858218 DOI: 10.1007/bf00403915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Gestational hypertension is associated with insulin-resistance; insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), acting through their receptors, play a role in the growth of the feto-placental unit. Since both receptors are exposed to the maternal circulation, it has been suggested that maternal metabolic abnormalities might affect placental insulin (HIR) and IGF-1 (IGF-1R) receptors. To clarify this issue, we characterized HIR and IGF-1R in placenta at term from normal women, normoinsulinaemic women with gestational hypertension (NGH), and hyperinsulinaemic women with gestational hypertension (HGH). Insulin binding was decreased in HGH women (B/T 0.12 +/- 0.03) compared to control and NGH women (B/T 0.18 +/- 0.07, p < 0.036; and 0.22 +/- 0.5, p < 0.009 respectively). Receptor affinity was lower in HGH women (ED50 0.95 +/- 0.32 nmol/l) than control and NGH women (ED50 0.42 +/- 0.19 nmol/l, p < 0.01; and 0.40 +/- 0.1 nmol/l, p < 0.007, respectively), whereas low-affinity Ex11+ isoform was higher in HGH women (Ex11+ 50 +/- 7, %) than in control and NGH women (Ex11+ 34 +/- 9%, p < 0.001; and 39 +/- 4%, p < 0.01, respectively). Increased expression of Ex11+ isoform was correlated with ED50 (r = 0.71; p < 0.002) and insulinaemia (r = 0.70, p < 0.002). IGF-I binding was increased in HGH women (B/T 0.17 +/- 0.03) compared to control and NGH women (B/T 0.09 +/- 0.05, p < 0.002; and 0.11 +/- 0.03, p < 0.002, respectively). IGF-IR affinity was similar in the three groups. The percentage of insulin/IGF-I hybrid receptors was increased in HGH women (85 +/- 3%) compared to control and NGH women (68 +/- 7%, p < 0.001; and 63 +/- 9%, p < 0.001, respectively), and was positively correlated with insulinaemia (r = 0.62, p < 0.018), ED50 of insulin binding (r = 0.62, p < 0.05), and maximal IGF-I binding (r = 0.69, p < 0.004); whereas it was inversely correlated with maximal insulin binding (r = -0.69, p < 0.004). Results provide the first evidence for altered expression of insulin/IGF-I hybrids found in insulin-resistance states.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Valensise
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Italy
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Culler FL, Tung RF, Jansons RA, Mosier HD. Growth promoting peptides in diabetic and non-diabetic pregnancy: interactions with trophoblastic receptors and serum carrier proteins. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 1996; 9:21-9. [PMID: 8887130 DOI: 10.1515/jpem.1996.9.1.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Infantile macrosomia in diabetic pregnancy (DP) is commonly attributed to fetal hyperinsulinism. However, insulin-like growth factors in the mother and the fetus, their binding proteins and their placental receptors may also play roles in the process of fetal overgrowth. We measured levels of maternal and cord serum IGF-I, IGF-II, C-peptide, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-3 in 8 White Class B insulin dependent DP and 8 non-diabetic pregnancies (NP). These results were correlated with the concentration and affinity of placental trophoblastic membrane receptors (TR) for insulin (IN), IGF-I and IGF-II as well as with infant and placenta weights and maternal body mass indices. Significant respective differences between the diabetic and non-diabetic groups were found in mean infant weight, 4248 +/- 114 vs 3555 +/- 119 g (p < 0.001), placental weight 765 +/- 51 vs 575 +/- 24 g (p < 0.01), maternal body mass index 32.8 +/- 3.8 vs 21.3 +/- 1.2 (p < 0.02), cord serum IGF-I 136.8 +/- 6.6 vs 85.9 +/- 5.7 ng/ml (p < 0.01), cord serum C-peptide 18.7 +/- 3.5 vs 9.0 +/- 1.7 ng/ml (p < 0.025), cord serum IGFBP-1 21.9 +/- 4.7 vs 133.2 +/- 43.2 ng/ml (p < 0.025), cord serum IGFBP-2 672.0 +/- 76 vs 1206 +/- 220 ng/ml (p < 0.05) and cord serum IGFBP-3 11.5 +/- 1.0 vs 5.6 +/- 0.6 ng/ml (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found between DP and NP with respect to cord serum IGF-II, maternal serum IGF-I, IGF-II, C-peptide, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-3, and the concentration and affinity of TR for IN, IGF-I and IGF-II. Analysis of variance revealed an interaction between infant weight and the weight of the placenta (p < 0.01), cord IGF-I (p < 0.02), cord C-peptide (p < 0.01) and cord IGFBP-3 (p < 0.01). Regression analysis revealed significant correlations of cord IGF-I with cord values of IGFBP-2 (r = -0.52, p = 0.04) and IGFBP-3 (r = 0.66, p < 0.005). Maternal serum IGF-I significantly correlated only with maternal IGFBP-3 (r = 0.65, p < 0.01). These results suggest that increased fetal production of insulin and IGF-I may contribute to the development of infantile macrosomia in DP. Concomitant changes in fetal production of IGFBPs, particularly IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-3, may modulate the action of insulin and IGFs. The lack of change in number or binding affinity of placental trophoblastic receptors for insulin, IGF-I and IGF-II tends to exclude a significant regulatory role of these receptors in the production of fetal macrosomia.
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Affiliation(s)
- F L Culler
- Department of Pediatrics University of California, Irvine 92717, USA
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al-Attas OS. Insulin receptor binding from mid-term and full-term placentas of patients with gestational diabetes mellitus and normal pregnant women. Mol Cell Biochem 1995; 151:27-31. [PMID: 8584010 DOI: 10.1007/bf01076892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Insulin receptor binding was examined in the microvillous membranes of mid-term (20-22 weeks of gestation, MT) and full-term (FT) placentas from patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and in normal pregnant control (N). Mid-term placentas were obtained from patients who have had spontaneous abortion. The maximum per cent specific binding (%SB) in MT placenta for GDM was significantly lower (4.8%) compared with the FT placenta (22%, p < 0.001), while in the N group the maximum per cent specific binding for MT placenta was 14.1% compared with 26% for the FT placenta (p < 0.001). Binding data from FT placenta of well-controlled GDM patients were similar with the FT placenta from N group (22% SB for GDM VS 26% SB for N). Even as there were similarities in the binding characteristics of FT placentas from both groups the placental membrane protein content in the GDM group was lower by 50% compared with the N control (2.5 +/- 0.11 VS 4.8 +/- 0.15 mg protein/g placenta respectively, p < 0.001) suggesting that in the GDM group achieving a tight glycemic control could improve receptor affinities. Data from the competitive binding assay of GDM patients showed that the insulin necessary to achieve 50% inhibition (ID50) was significantly lower in MT compared with the FT placenta (0.9 x 10(-9) M VS 3.8 x 10(-9) M, p < 0.001) but in the N placenta there was no alteration in the ID50 of MT and FT placentas (3.1 x 10(-9) M VS 4 x 10(-9) M, p < 0.01, respectively). The present study demonstrated that in GDM the placental insulin receptor binding was significantly lower in spontaneously aborted placenta compared with placentas collected at full-term. Furthermore, these data suggest that the objective to achieve a tight glycemic control in GDM patients could optimize insulin receptor function similar to that of a normal pregnancy. Thus a full term placenta from GDM patients under a well managed glycemic control throughout the entire duration of pregnancy would result in an optimum insulin receptor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- O S al-Attas
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Boileau P, Mrejen C, Girard J, Hauguel-de Mouzon S. Overexpression of GLUT3 placental glucose transporter in diabetic rats. J Clin Invest 1995; 96:309-17. [PMID: 7615800 PMCID: PMC185202 DOI: 10.1172/jci118036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The localization of the two major placental glucose transporter isoforms, GLUT1 and GLUT3 was studied in 20-d pregnant rats. Immunocytochemical studies revealed that GLUT1 protein is expressed ubiquitously in the junctional zone (maternal side) and the labyrinthine zone (fetal side) of the placenta. In contrast, expression of GLUT3 protein is restricted to the labyrinthine zone, specialized in nutrient transfer. After 19-d maternal insulinopenic diabetes (streptozotocin), placental GLUT3 mRNA and protein levels were increased four-to-fivefold compared to nondiabetic rats, whereas GLUT1 mRNA and protein levels remained unmodified. Placental 2-deoxyglucose uptake and glycogen concentration were also increased fivefold in diabetic rats. These data suggest that GLUT3 plays a major role in placental glucose uptake and metabolism. The role of hyperglycemia in the regulation of GLUT3 expression was assessed by lowering the glycemia of diabetic pregnant rats. After a 5-d phlorizin infusion to pregnant diabetic rats, placental GLUT3 mRNA and protein levels returned to levels similar to those observed in nondiabetic rats. Furthermore, a short-term hyperglycemia (12 h), achieved by performing hyperglycemic clamps induced a fourfold increase in placental GLUT3 mRNA and protein with no concomitant change in GLUT1 expression. This study provides the first evidence that placental GLUT3 mRNA and protein expression can be stimulated in vivo under hyperglycemic conditions. Thus, GLUT3 transporter isoform appears to be highly sensitive to ambient glucose levels and may play a pivotal role in the severe alterations of placental function observed in diabetic pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Boileau
- Centre de Recherche sur l'Endocrinologie, Moléculaire et le Développement, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Meudon-Bellevue, France
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Cervar M, Kainer F, Desoye G. Pre-eclampsia and gestational age differently alter binding of endothelin-1 to placental and trophoblast membrane preparations. Mol Cell Endocrinol 1995; 110:65-71. [PMID: 7672454 DOI: 10.1016/0303-7207(95)03517-b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to compare the binding of endothelin-1 (ET-1) to membranes from placental tissue and trophoblast cells in normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancies. Plasma membranes from placental tissue and trophoblastic cells were prepared from 15 control and 18 pre-eclamptic pregnancies at either preterm (weeks 31-36) or term (weeks 37-40). ET-1 binding to tissue membranes was measured by a radioreceptor assay. In addition, binding of 56 nmol/l [125I]ET-1 to plasma membranes of trophoblastic cells was determined. In pre-eclampsia, placental membranes bound less (P < 0.01) ET-1 owing to fewer (P < 0.01) receptors at preterm than in the corresponding preterm controls. In contrast, binding of [125I]ET-1 to plasma membranes of trophoblast cells was higher (P < 0.01) in pre-eclampsia at both gestational stages than in the controls. Incubation of trophoblast cells with hydralazine reduced binding by 70%. We conclude that pre-eclampsia is associated with changes in the binding of ET-1 to its placental receptors. Moreover, the data suggest that pre-eclampsia affects non-trophoblast cells in the opposite manner to the trophoblast.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cervar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karl-Franzens-University of Graz, Austria
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Devaskar SU, Devaskar UP, Schroeder RE, deMello D, Fiedorek FT, Mueckler M. Expression of genes involved in placental glucose uptake and transport in the nonobese diabetic mouse pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1994; 171:1316-23. [PMID: 7977540 DOI: 10.1016/0002-9378(94)90154-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Maternal diabetes alters placental glucose metabolism and maternofetal glucose transport. The purpose of this study was to determine whether genes involved in placental glucose uptake and transport were concomitantly altered, resulting in the observed changes in the state of maternal diabetes. STUDY DESIGN By means of the nonobese diabetic pregnant mouse we examined the expression of placental glucose transporters, hexokinase I, glycogen content, glycogen-regulating enzyme activities in control animals (blood glucose 8.5 +/- 0.2 mmol/L, n = 25), moderate maternal diabetes (blood glucose 10 to 13.9 mmol/L, n = 16), and severe maternal diabetes (blood glucose > 16.7 mmol/L, n = 12). Comparisons by the analysis of variance and the Newman-Keuls test were performed. RESULTS Although changes in placental glucose transporters and hexokinase I messenger ribonucleic acid levels occurred, neither state of diabetes altered the corresponding protein levels. Changes in placental deoxyribonucleic acid (p < 0.05) and glycogen content (p < 0.01), fetal insulin levels (p < 0.02), and fetal size (p < 0.05) occurred in the moderately diabetic group, and changes in placental weight (p < 0.05) and fetal glucose levels (p < 0.02) were observed in the severely diabetic group. CONCLUSIONS Placental glucose transporting and phosphorylating protein levels by themselves do not regulate diabetes-induced fetoplacental alterations. The lack of a protective decline in these proteins may account for the observed fetoplacental adaptations to excess glucose.
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Affiliation(s)
- S U Devaskar
- Division of Neonatology, St. Louis University School of Medicine, MO
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