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Park S, Hunter ES. Modeling the human placenta: in vitro applications in developmental and reproductive toxicology. Crit Rev Toxicol 2024; 54:431-464. [PMID: 39016688 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2023.2295349] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
During its temporary tenure, the placenta has extensive and specialized functions that are critical for pre- and post-natal development. The consequences of chemical exposure in utero can have profound effects on the structure and function of pregnancy-associated tissues and the life-long health of the birthing person and their offspring. However, the toxicological importance and critical functions of the placenta to embryonic and fetal development and maturation have been understudied. This narrative will review early placental development in humans and highlight some in vitro models currently in use that are or can be applied to better understand placental processes underlying developmental toxicity due to in utero environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Park
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, TN, USA
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, ORD, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Edward Sidney Hunter
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, ORD, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Kotta-Loizou I, Pritsa A, Antasouras G, Vasilopoulos SN, Voulgaridou G, Papadopoulou SK, Coutts RHA, Lechouritis E, Giaginis C. Fetus Exposure to Drugs and Chemicals: A Holistic Overview on the Assessment of Their Transport and Metabolism across the Human Placental Barrier. Diseases 2024; 12:114. [PMID: 38920546 PMCID: PMC11202568 DOI: 10.3390/diseases12060114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta exerts a crucial role in fetus growth and development during gestation, protecting the fetus from maternal drugs and chemical exposure. However, diverse drugs and chemicals (xenobiotics) can penetrate the maternal placental barrier, leading to deleterious, adverse effects concerning fetus health. Moreover, placental enzymes can metabolize drugs and chemicals into more toxic compounds for the fetus. Thus, evaluating the molecular mechanisms through which drugs and chemicals transfer and undergo metabolism across the placental barrier is of vital importance. In this aspect, this comprehensive literature review aims to provide a holistic approach by critically summarizing and scrutinizing the potential molecular processes and mechanisms governing drugs and chemical transfer and metabolism across the placental barrier, which may lead to fetotoxicity effects, as well as analyzing the currently available experimental methodologies used to assess xenobiotics placental transfer and metabolism. METHODS A comprehensive and in-depth literature review was conducted in the most accurate scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science by using relevant and effective keywords related to xenobiotic placental transfer and metabolism, retrieving 8830 published articles until 5 February 2024. After applying several strict exclusion and inclusion criteria, a final number of 148 relevant published articles were included. RESULTS During pregnancy, several drugs and chemicals can be transferred from the mother to the fetus across the placental barrier by either passive diffusion or through placental transporters, resulting in fetus exposure and potential fetotoxicity effects. Some drugs and chemicals also appear to be metabolized across the placental barrier, leading to more toxic products for both the mother and the fetus. At present, there is increasing research development of diverse experimental methodologies to determine the potential molecular processes and mechanisms of drug and chemical placental transfer and metabolism. All the currently available methodologies have specific strengths and limitations, highlighting the strong demand to utilize an efficient combination of them to obtain reliable evidence concerning drug and chemical transfer and metabolism across the placental barrier. To derive the most consistent and safe evidence, in vitro studies, ex vivo perfusion methods, and in vivo animal and human studies can be applied together with the final aim to minimize potential fetotoxicity effects. CONCLUSIONS Research is being increasingly carried out to obtain an accurate and safe evaluation of drug and chemical transport and metabolism across the placental barrier, applying a combination of advanced techniques to avoid potential fetotoxic effects. The improvement of the currently available techniques and the development of novel experimental protocols and methodologies are of major importance to protect both the mother and the fetus from xenobiotic exposure, as well as to minimize potential fetotoxicity effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioly Kotta-Loizou
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK;
| | - Agathi Pritsa
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (G.V.); (S.K.P.)
| | - Georgios Antasouras
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Lemnos, Greece; (G.A.); (E.L.); (C.G.)
| | - Spyridon N. Vasilopoulos
- DNA Damage Laboratory, Physics Department, School of Applied Mathematical and Physical Sciences, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Zografou Campus, 15780 Athens, Greece;
| | - Gavriela Voulgaridou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (G.V.); (S.K.P.)
| | - Sousana K. Papadopoulou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (G.V.); (S.K.P.)
| | - Robert H. A. Coutts
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK;
| | - Eleftherios Lechouritis
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Lemnos, Greece; (G.A.); (E.L.); (C.G.)
| | - Constantinos Giaginis
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Lemnos, Greece; (G.A.); (E.L.); (C.G.)
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Khorami-Sarvestani S, Vanaki N, Shojaeian S, Zarnani K, Stensballe A, Jeddi-Tehrani M, Zarnani AH. Placenta: an old organ with new functions. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1385762. [PMID: 38707901 PMCID: PMC11066266 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1385762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The transition from oviparity to viviparity and the establishment of feto-maternal communications introduced the placenta as the major anatomical site to provide nutrients, gases, and hormones to the developing fetus. The placenta has endocrine functions, orchestrates maternal adaptations to pregnancy at different periods of pregnancy, and acts as a selective barrier to minimize exposure of developing fetus to xenobiotics, pathogens, and parasites. Despite the fact that this ancient organ is central for establishment of a normal pregnancy in eutherians, the placenta remains one of the least studied organs. The first step of pregnancy, embryo implantation, is finely regulated by the trophoectoderm, the precursor of all trophoblast cells. There is a bidirectional communication between placenta and endometrium leading to decidualization, a critical step for maintenance of pregnancy. There are three-direction interactions between the placenta, maternal immune cells, and the endometrium for adaptation of endometrial immune system to the allogeneic fetus. While 65% of all systemically expressed human proteins have been found in the placenta tissues, it expresses numerous placenta-specific proteins, whose expression are dramatically changed in gestational diseases and could serve as biomarkers for early detection of gestational diseases. Surprisingly, placentation and carcinogenesis exhibit numerous shared features in metabolism and cell behavior, proteins and molecular signatures, signaling pathways, and tissue microenvironment, which proposes the concept of "cancer as ectopic trophoblastic cells". By extensive researches in this novel field, a handful of cancer biomarkers has been discovered. This review paper, which has been inspired in part by our extensive experiences during the past couple of years, highlights new aspects of placental functions with emphasis on its immunomodulatory role in establishment of a successful pregnancy and on a potential link between placentation and carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Khorami-Sarvestani
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Vanaki
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sorour Shojaeian
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medical Sciences, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Kayhan Zarnani
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Allan Stensballe
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Clinical Cancer Research Center, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Mahmood Jeddi-Tehrani
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir-Hassan Zarnani
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Vidal MS, Richardson LS, Kumar Kammala A, Kim S, Lam PY, Cherukuri R, Thomas TJ, Bettayeb M, Han A, Rusyn I, Menon R. Endocrine-disrupting compounds and their impact on human placental function: evidence from placenta organ-on-chip studies. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1727-1749. [PMID: 38334486 PMCID: PMC10998263 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00998j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
The effects of endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) on the placenta, a critical gestational organ for xenobiotic protection, are well reported; however, models to determine the role of EDCs in placental disruption are limited. An advanced 2nd-trimester human placenta organ-on-chip model (2TPLA-OOC) was developed and validated, with six representative cells of the maternal and the fetal interface interconnected with microchannels. Various EDCs (150 ng mL-1 each of bisphenol A, bisphenol S, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers-47 and -99) were gradually propagated across the chip for 72 hours, and their various effects were determined. Cigarette smoke extract (CSE), an environmental risk factor, was used as a positive control. EDCs produced overall oxidative stress in the placental/decidual cells, induced cell-specific endocrine effects, caused limited (<10%) apoptosis/necrosis in trophoblasts and mesenchymal cells, induced localized inflammation but an overall anti-inflammatory shift, did not change immune cell migration from stroma to decidua, and did not affect placental nutrient transport. Overall, (1) the humanized 2TPLA-OOC recreated the placental organ and generated data distinct from the trophoblast and other cells studied in isolation, and (2) at doses associated with adverse pregnancies, EDCs produced limited and localized insults, and the whole organ compensated for the exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel S Vidal
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Lauren S Richardson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Ananth Kumar Kammala
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Sungjin Kim
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Po Yi Lam
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Rahul Cherukuri
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Tilu Jain Thomas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Mohammed Bettayeb
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Arum Han
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Ivan Rusyn
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas, USA.
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López-Guzmán C, García AM, Marín P, Vásquez AM. Assessment of the Integrity and Function of Human Term Placental Explants in Short-Term Culture. Methods Protoc 2024; 7:16. [PMID: 38392690 PMCID: PMC10892929 DOI: 10.3390/mps7010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Human placental explants (HPEs) culture has generated significant interest as a valuable in vitro model for studying tissue functions in response to adverse conditions, such as fluctuations in oxygen levels, nutrient availability, exposure to pathogenic microorganisms, and toxic compounds. HPEs offers the advantage of replicating the intricate microenvironment and cell-to-cell communication involved in this critical and transient organ. Although HPEs culture conditions have been extensively discussed, a protocol for assessing the viability and function of HPEs during short-term culture has not been previously outlined. In this study, we have developed a short-term HPEs culture protocol, specifically up to 72 h, and have employed quantitative, semi-quantitative, and qualitative analyses to evaluate tissue viability and function over time. Under our standardized conditions, placental villi explants began to regain their structural properties (the integrity of the trophoblast and villous stroma) and the functionality of the HPEs (production of angiogenic, endocrine, and immunological factors) starting from 48 h of culture. This restoration ensures a suitable environment for several applications. The data presented here can be highly valuable for laboratories aiming to implement an HPEs model, whether in the process of standardization or seeking to enhance and optimize working conditions and timing with placental tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina López-Guzmán
- Grupo Malaria, Calle 62 # 52-59 Torre 1 Laboratorio 610, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050001, Colombia; (C.L.-G.); (A.M.G.); (P.M.)
| | - Ana María García
- Grupo Malaria, Calle 62 # 52-59 Torre 1 Laboratorio 610, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050001, Colombia; (C.L.-G.); (A.M.G.); (P.M.)
| | - Paula Marín
- Grupo Malaria, Calle 62 # 52-59 Torre 1 Laboratorio 610, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050001, Colombia; (C.L.-G.); (A.M.G.); (P.M.)
| | - Ana María Vásquez
- Grupo Malaria, Calle 62 # 52-59 Torre 1 Laboratorio 610, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050001, Colombia; (C.L.-G.); (A.M.G.); (P.M.)
- Escuela de Microbiologia, Calle 67 # 53-108, Bloque 5, Oficina 5-135, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050001, Colombia
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Olmos-Ortiz A, Díaz L, Flores-Espinosa P, Mancilla-Herrera I, Zaga-Clavellina V. In Vitro Culturing of Human Term Placental Explants. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2781:39-45. [PMID: 38502441 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3746-3_4] [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: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
The study of the human placenta has always been appealing, given the importance of this temporal organ capable of sustaining the beginning of life and development of a new human being within the womb. Culturing placental explants has been an easy and reliable method to study some placental morphological, biochemical, and physiological features for a very long time. Besides low time consumption, requirement of few resources, and wide versatility, the placental explant in vitro culture retains cell-cell interaction in a 3D structure resembling the in vivo setting, which is why it is the option of choice for many researchers in the field. This chapter will describe a simplified method for culturing explants from human term placentas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Olmos-Ortiz
- Department of Immunobiochemistry, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Lorenza Díaz
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Pilar Flores-Espinosa
- Department of Immunobiochemistry, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ismael Mancilla-Herrera
- Department of Infectology and Immunology, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Verónica Zaga-Clavellina
- Department of Immunobiochemistry, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City, Mexico
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7
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Gou R, Zhang X. Glycolysis: A fork in the path of normal and pathological pregnancy. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23263. [PMID: 37889786 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301230r] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Glucose metabolism is vital to the survival of living organisms. Since the discovery of the Warburg effect in the 1920s, glycolysis has become a major research area in the field of metabolism. Glycolysis has been extensively studied in the field of cancer and is considered as a promising therapeutic target. However, research on the role of glycolysis in pregnancy is limited. Recent evidence suggests that blastocysts, trophoblasts, decidua, and tumors all acquire metabolic energy at specific stages in a highly similar manner. Glycolysis, carefully controlled throughout pregnancy, maintains a dynamic and coordinated state, so as to maintain the homeostasis of the maternal-fetal interface and ensure normal gestation. In the present review, we investigate metabolic remodeling and the selective propensity of the embryo and placenta for glycolysis. We then address dysregulated glycolysis that occurs in the cellular interactive network at the maternal-fetal interface in miscarriage, preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and gestational diabetes mellitus. We provide new insights into the field of maternal-fetal medicine from a metabolic perspective, thus revealing the mystery of human pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Gou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
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Menon R, Muglia LJ, Levin LH. Review on new approach methods to gain insight into the feto-maternal interface physiology. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1304002. [PMID: 38098843 PMCID: PMC10720461 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1304002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-human animals represent a large and important feature in the history of biomedical research. The validity of their use, in terms of reproducible outcomes and translational confidence to the human situation, as well as ethical concerns surrounding that use, have been and remain controversial topics. Over the last 10 years, the communities developing microphysiological systems (MPS) have produced new approach method (NAMs) such as organoids and organs-on-a-chip. These alternative methodologies have shown indications of greater reliability and translatability than animal use in some areas, represent more humane substitutions for animals in these settings, and - with continued scientific effort - may change the conduct of basic research, clinical studies, safety testing, and drug development. Here, we present an introduction to these more human-relevant methodologies and suggest how a suite of pregnancy associated feto-maternal interface system-oriented NAMs may be integrated as reliable partial-/full animal replacements for investigators, significantly aid animal-/environmental welfare, and improve healthcare outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramkumar Menon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Louis J. Muglia
- The Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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Sugimoto J, Schust DJ, Sugimoto M, Jinno Y, Kudo Y. Controlling Trophoblast Cell Fusion in the Human Placenta-Transcriptional Regulation of Suppressyn, an Endogenous Inhibitor of Syncytin-1. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1627. [PMID: 38002309 PMCID: PMC10668956 DOI: 10.3390/biom13111627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell fusion in the placenta is tightly regulated. Suppressyn is a human placental endogenous retroviral protein that inhibits the profusogenic activities of another well-described endogenous retroviral protein, syncytin-1. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying suppressyn's placenta-specific expression. We identified the promoter region and a novel enhancer region for the gene encoding suppressyn, ERVH48-1, and examined their regulation via DNA methylation and their responses to changes in the oxygen concentration. Like other endogenous retroviral genes, the ERVH48-1 promoter sequence is found within a characteristic retroviral 5' LTR sequence. The novel enhancer sequence we describe here is downstream of this LTR sequence (designated EIEs: ERV internal enhancer sequence) and governs placental expression. The placenta-specific expression of ERVH48-1 is tightly controlled by DNA methylation and further regulated by oxygen concentration-dependent, hypoxia-induced transcription factors (HIF1α and HIF2α). Our findings highlight the involvement of (1) tissue specificity through DNA methylation, (2) expression specificity through placenta-specific enhancer regions, and (3) the regulation of suppressyn expression in differing oxygen conditions by HIF1α and HIF2α. We suggest that these regulatory mechanisms are central to normal and abnormal placental development, including the development of disorders of pregnancy involving altered oxygenation, such as preeclampsia, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and fetal growth restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Sugimoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan (Y.K.)
| | - Danny J. Schust
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Makiko Sugimoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan (Y.K.)
| | - Yoshihiro Jinno
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0215, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Kudo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan (Y.K.)
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Mineo C, Shaul PW, Bermas BL. The pathogenesis of obstetric APS: a 2023 update. Clin Immunol 2023; 255:109745. [PMID: 37625670 PMCID: PMC11366079 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the persistent presence of antibodies directed against phospholipids and phospholipid-binding proteins that are associated with thrombosis and pregnancy-related morbidity. The latter includes fetal deaths, premature birth and maternal complications. In the early 1990s, a distinct set of autoantibodies, termed collectively antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), were identified as the causative agents of this disorder. Subsequently histological analyses of the placenta from APS pregnancies revealed various abnormalities, including inflammation at maternal-fetal interface and poor placentation manifested by reduced trophoblast invasion and limited uterine spiral artery remodeling. Further preclinical investigations identified the molecular targets of aPL and the downstream intracellular pathways of key placental cell types. While these discoveries suggest potential therapeutics for this disorder, definitive clinical trials have not been completed. This concise review focuses on the recent developments in the field of basic and translational research pursuing novel mechanisms underlying obstetric APS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chieko Mineo
- Center for Pulmonary and Vascular Biology, Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.
| | - Philip W Shaul
- Center for Pulmonary and Vascular Biology, Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Bonnie L Bermas
- Division of Rheumatic Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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Morey R, Bui T, Fisch KM, Horii M. Modeling placental development and disease using human pluripotent stem cells. Placenta 2023; 141:18-25. [PMID: 36333266 PMCID: PMC10148925 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Our current knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of placental epithelial cells, trophoblast, primarily came from the use of mouse trophoblast stem cells and tumor-derived or immortalized human trophoblast cell lines. This was mainly due to the difficulties in maintaining primary trophoblast in culture and establishing human trophoblast stem cell (hTSC) lines. However, in-depth characterization of these cellular models and in vivo human trophoblast have revealed significant discrepancies. For the past two decades, multiple groups have shown that human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) can be differentiated into trophoblast, and thus could be used as a model for normal and disease trophoblast differentiation. During this time, trophoblast differentiation protocols have evolved, enabling researchers to study cellular characteristics at trophectoderm (TE), trophoblast stem cells (TSC), syncytiotrophoblast (STB), and extravillous trophoblast (EVT) stages. Recently, several groups reported methods to derive hTSC from pre-implantation blastocyst or early gestation placenta, and trophoblast organoids from early gestation placenta, drastically changing the landscape of trophoblast research. These culture conditions have been rapidly applied to generate hPSC-derived TSC and trophoblast organoids. As a result of these technological advancements, the field's capacity to better understand trophoblast differentiation and their involvement in pregnancy related disease has greatly expanded. Here, we present in vitro models of human trophoblast differentiation, describing both primary and hPSC-derived TSC, maintained as monolayers and 3-dimensional trophoblast organoids, as a tool to study early placental development and disease in multiple settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Morey
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Tony Bui
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Kathleen M Fisch
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Mariko Horii
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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Huang L, Tu Z, Wei L, Sun W, Wang Y, Bi S, He F, Du L, Chen J, Kzhyshkowska J, Wang H, Chen D, Zhang S. Generating Functional Multicellular Organoids from Human Placenta Villi. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2301565. [PMID: 37438660 PMCID: PMC10502861 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202301565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The interaction between trophoblasts, stroma cells, and immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface constitutes the functional units of the placenta, which is crucial for successful pregnancy outcomes. However, the investigation of this intricate interplay is restricted due to the absence of efficient experimental models. To address this challenge, a robust, reliable methodology for generating placenta villi organoids (PVOs) from early, late, or diseased pregnancies using air-liquid surface culture is developed. PVOs contain cytotrophoblasts that can self-renew and differentiate directly, along with stromal elements that retain native immune cells. Analysis of scRNA sequencing and WES data reveals that PVOs faithfully recapitulate the cellular components and genetic alterations of the corresponding source tissue. Additionally, PVOs derived from patients with preeclampsia exhibit specific pathological features such as inflammation, antiangiogenic imbalance, and decreased syncytin expression. The PVO-based propagation of primary placenta villi should enable a deeper investigation of placenta development and exploration of the underlying pathogenesis and therapeutics of placenta-originated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Zhaowei Tu
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Liudan Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Yifan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Shilei Bi
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Fang He
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Lili Du
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Jingsi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
| | - Julia Kzhyshkowska
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and ImmunologyMedical Faculty MannheimUniversity of Heidelberg68167MannheimGermany
| | - Haibin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health ResearchDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversitySchool of MedicineXiamen UniversityXiamen361005China
| | - Dunjin Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong ProvinceGuangzhou510150China
- Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal‐Fetal MedicineGuangzhou510150China
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center of Maternal‐Fetal MedicineGuangzhou510150China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou510150China
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13
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Park JY, Lim H, Qin J, Lee LP. Creating mini-pregnancy models in vitro with clinical perspectives. EBioMedicine 2023; 95:104780. [PMID: 37657136 PMCID: PMC10480532 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104780] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last decade, organs-on-chips or organoids microphysiological analysis platforms (MAP) have garnered attention in the practical applications of disease models, drug discovery, and developmental biology. Research on pregnant women has firm limitations due to ethical issues; thus, remodelling human pregnancy in vitro is highly beneficial for treatment modality development via disease remodelling or drug monitoring. This review highlights current efforts in bioengineering devices to reproduce human pregnancy and emphasises the significant convergence of biology, engineering, and maternal-foetal medicine. First, we review recent achievements in culturing cells from tissues involved in pregnancy; specifically, trophoblasts from the placenta. Second, we highlight developments in the reconstitution of pregnancy-related female reproductive organs across several structural and functional interpretations. Last, we examine research on the fundamental comprehension of pregnancy-associated diseases to find bioengineering solutions. Recreating human pregnancy through an engineered model is naturally complex; nevertheless, challenges are inevitable to progress precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee Yoon Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University, Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Hosub Lim
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jianhua Qin
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Luke P Lee
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA; Department of Biophysics, Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea.
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14
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Menkhorst E, Santos LL, Zhou W, Yang G, Winship AL, Rainczuk KE, Nguyen P, Zhang JG, Moore P, Williams M, Lê Cao KA, Mansell A, Dimitriadis E. IL11 activates the placental inflammasome to drive preeclampsia. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1175926. [PMID: 37292200 PMCID: PMC10244672 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1175926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Preeclampsia is a life-threatening disorder of pregnancy unique to humans. Interleukin (IL)11 is elevated in serum from pregnancies that subsequently develop early-onset preeclampsia and pharmacological elevation of IL11 in pregnant mice causes the development of early-onset preeclampsia-like features (hypertension, proteinuria, and fetal growth restriction). However, the mechanism by which IL11 drives preeclampsia is unknown. Method Pregnant mice were administered PEGylated (PEG)IL11 or control (PEG) from embryonic day (E)10-16 and the effect on inflammasome activation, systolic blood pressure (during gestation and at 50/90 days post-natal), placental development, and fetal/post-natal pup growth measured. RNAseq analysis was performed on E13 placenta. Human 1st trimester placental villi were treated with IL11 and the effect on inflammasome activation and pyroptosis identified by immunohistochemistry and ELISA. Result PEGIL11 activated the placental inflammasome causing inflammation, fibrosis, and acute and chronic hypertension in wild-type mice. Global and placental-specific loss of the inflammasome adaptor protein Asc and global loss of the Nlrp3 sensor protein prevented PEGIL11-induced fibrosis and hypertension in mice but did not prevent PEGIL11-induced fetal growth restriction or stillbirths. RNA-sequencing and histology identified that PEGIL11 inhibited trophoblast differentiation towards spongiotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast lineages in mice and extravillous trophoblast lineages in human placental villi. Discussion Inhibition of ASC/NLRP3 inflammasome activity could prevent IL11-induced inflammation and fibrosis in various disease states including preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Menkhorst
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Leilani L. Santos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Guannan Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Amy L. Winship
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Development and Stem Cells Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Katarzyna E. Rainczuk
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Philana Nguyen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jian-Guo Zhang
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Paddy Moore
- Abortion and Contraception, Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Michelle Williams
- Biomedical Animal Facility, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kim-Anh Lê Cao
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ashley Mansell
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Evdokia Dimitriadis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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15
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Kong J, Li S, Li Y, Chen M. Effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza active compounds on placenta-mediated pregnancy complications. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1034455. [PMID: 36711034 PMCID: PMC9880055 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1034455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Placenta-mediated pregnancy complications (PMPCs), including preeclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction (FGR), and recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA), occur in approximately 5% of pregnancies and are caused by abnormal placenta development. The development of effective therapies for PMPCs is still challenging due to the complicated pathogenesis, such as disrupted vascular homeostasis and subsequent abnormal placentation. Synthetic drugs have been recommended for treating PMPCs; however, they tend to cause adverse reactions in the mother and fetus. Salvia miltiorrhiza (S. miltiorrhiza) has potential effects on PMPCs owing to its advantages in treating cardiovascular disorders. S. miltiorrhiza and its active compounds could attenuate the symptoms of PMPCs through anticoagulation, vasodilation, antioxidation, and endothelial protection. Thus, in this review, we summarize the literature and provide comprehensive insights on S. miltiorrhiza and its phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and on PMPCs, which would be valuable to explore promising drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyin Kong
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis and Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Songjun Li
- Department of Reproduction Medical Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yingting Li
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis and Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis and Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Min Chen,
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16
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Luconi M, Sogorb MA, Markert UR, Benfenati E, May T, Wolbank S, Roncaglioni A, Schmidt A, Straccia M, Tait S. Human-Based New Approach Methodologies in Developmental Toxicity Testing: A Step Ahead from the State of the Art with a Feto-Placental Organ-on-Chip Platform. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15828. [PMID: 36497907 PMCID: PMC9737555 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Developmental toxicity testing urgently requires the implementation of human-relevant new approach methodologies (NAMs) that better recapitulate the peculiar nature of human physiology during pregnancy, especially the placenta and the maternal/fetal interface, which represent a key stage for human lifelong health. Fit-for-purpose NAMs for the placental-fetal interface are desirable to improve the biological knowledge of environmental exposure at the molecular level and to reduce the high cost, time and ethical impact of animal studies. This article reviews the state of the art on the available in vitro (placental, fetal and amniotic cell-based systems) and in silico NAMs of human relevance for developmental toxicity testing purposes; in addition, we considered available Adverse Outcome Pathways related to developmental toxicity. The OECD TG 414 for the identification and assessment of deleterious effects of prenatal exposure to chemicals on developing organisms will be discussed to delineate the regulatory context and to better debate what is missing and needed in the context of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis to significantly improve this sector. Starting from this analysis, the development of a novel human feto-placental organ-on-chip platform will be introduced as an innovative future alternative tool for developmental toxicity testing, considering possible implementation and validation strategies to overcome the limitation of the current animal studies and NAMs available in regulatory toxicology and in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Luconi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Viale Medaglie d’Oro 305, 00136 Rome, Italy
| | - Miguel A. Sogorb
- Instituto de Bioingeniería, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Udo R. Markert
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Emilio Benfenati
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Tobias May
- InSCREENeX GmbH, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Susanne Wolbank
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institut for Traumatology, The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Donaueschingenstrasse 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Alessandra Roncaglioni
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Astrid Schmidt
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Marco Straccia
- FRESCI by Science&Strategy SL, C/Roure Monjo 33, Vacarisses, 08233 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sabrina Tait
- Centre for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
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