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Shan Y, Hou B, Wang J, Chen A, Liu S. Exploring the role of exosomal MicroRNAs as potential biomarkers in preeclampsia. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1385950. [PMID: 38566996 PMCID: PMC10985148 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1385950] [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: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The complex pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE), a significant contributor to maternal and neonatal mortality globally, is poorly understood despite substantial research. This review explores the involvement of exosomal microRNAs (exomiRs) in PE, focusing on their impact on the protein kinase B (AKT)/hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α (HIF1α)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway as well as endothelial cell proliferation and migration. Specifically, this article amalgamates existing evidence to reveal the pivotal role of exomiRs in regulating mesenchymal stem cell and trophoblast function, placental angiogenesis, the renin-angiotensin system, and nitric oxide production, which may contribute to PE etiology. This review emphasizes the limited knowledge regarding the role of exomiRs in PE while underscoring the potential of exomiRs as non-invasive biomarkers for PE diagnosis, prediction, and treatment. Further, it provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of PE, highlighting exomiRs as key players with clinical implications, warranting further exploration to enhance the current understanding and the development of novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuping Shan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Bo Hou
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jingli Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Aiping Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shiguo Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Vieira Pimentel RL, Braga JF, Velloso EPP, Lautner RQ, de Oliveira ML, Todiras M, Alenina N, Bader M, de Sousa FG, Beier SL, Santos R. G-protein-coupled receptor MAS deletion produces a preeclampsia-like phenotype in FVB/N mice. Clin Sci (Lond) 2023; 137:1249-1263. [PMID: 37527493 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220819] [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: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An unbalance in the renin-angiotensin (Ang) system (RAS) between the Ang II/AT1 and Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis appears to be involved in preeclampsia (PE), in which a reduction in Ang-(1-7) was observed. Here, we tested whether the reduction in the activity of the Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis could be a contributing factor for the development of PE, using Mas-deficient (Mas-/-) mice. METHODS AND RESULTS Cardiovascular parameters were evaluated by telemetry before, during pregnancy and 4 days postpartum in 20-week-old Mas-/- and wild-type (WT) female mice. Mas-/- mice presented reduced arterial blood pressure (BP) at baseline (91.3 ± 0.8 in Mas-/- vs. 94.0 ± 0.9 mmHg in WT, Diastolic, P<0.05). However, after the 13th day of gestation, BP in Mas-/- mice started to increase, time-dependently, and at day 19 of pregnancy, these animals presented a higher BP in comparison with WT group (90.5 ± 0.7 in Mas-/- vs. 80.3 ± 3.5 mmHg in WT, Diastolic D19, P<0.0001). Moreover, pregnant Mas-/- mice presented fetal growth restriction, increase in urinary protein excretion as compared with nonpregnant Mas-/-, oliguria, increase in cytokines, endothelial dysfunction and reduced ACE, AT1R, ACE2, ET-1A, and eNOS placental mRNA, similar to some of the clinical manifestations found in the development of PE. CONCLUSIONS These results show that Mas-deletion produces a PE-like state in FVB/N mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Lúcia Vieira Pimentel
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Institute of Science and Technology in Nanobiopharmaceutics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Janaína Félix Braga
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Institute of Science and Technology in Nanobiopharmaceutics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth Portugal Pimenta Velloso
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Institute of Science and Technology in Nanobiopharmaceutics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Roberto Queiroga Lautner
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Institute of Science and Technology in Nanobiopharmaceutics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Marilene Luzia de Oliveira
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Institute of Science and Technology in Nanobiopharmaceutics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Mihail Todiras
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin-Buch, Germany
| | - Natalia Alenina
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Institute of Science and Technology in Nanobiopharmaceutics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin-Buch, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Bader
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Institute of Science and Technology in Nanobiopharmaceutics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin-Buch, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Charité University Medicine Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Biology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Felipe Gaia de Sousa
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Institute of Science and Technology in Nanobiopharmaceutics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Suzane Lilian Beier
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Institute of Science and Technology in Nanobiopharmaceutics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ras Santos
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Institute of Science and Technology in Nanobiopharmaceutics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Shoemaker R, Poglitsch M, Huang H, Vignes K, Srinivasan A, Cockerham C, Schadler A, Bauer JA, O’Brien JM. Activation of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Is Attenuated in Hypertensive Compared with Normotensive Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12728. [PMID: 37628909 PMCID: PMC10454898 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612728] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertension during pregnancy increases the risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, but the mechanisms of pregnancy hypertension are not precisely understood. Elevated plasma renin activity and aldosterone concentrations play an important role in the normal physiologic adaptation to pregnancy. These effectors are reduced in patients with pregnancy hypertension, creating an opportunity to define the features of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) that are characteristic of this disorder. In the current study, we used a novel LC-MS/MS-based methodology to develop comprehensive profiles of RAAS peptides and effectors over gestation in a cohort of 74 pregnant women followed prospectively for the development of gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia (HYP, 27 patients) versus those remaining normotensive (NT, 47 patients). In NT pregnancy, the plasma renin activity surrogate, (PRA-S, calculated from the sum of Angiotensin I + Angiotensin II) and aldosterone concentrations significantly increased from the first to the third trimester, accompanied by a modest increase in the concentrations of angiotensin peptide metabolites. In contrast, in HYP pregnancies, PRA-S and angiotensin peptides were largely unchanged over gestation, and third-trimester aldosterone concentrations were significantly lower compared with those in NT pregnancies. The results indicated that the predominant features of pregnancies that develop HYP are stalled or waning activation of the RAAS in the second half of pregnancy (accompanied by unchanging levels of angiotensin peptides) and the attenuated secretion of aldosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Shoemaker
- Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | | | - Hong Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Katherine Vignes
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Aarthi Srinivasan
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Cynthia Cockerham
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Aric Schadler
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - John A. Bauer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - John M. O’Brien
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
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Singh S, Moodley J, Naicker T. Differential expression of the angiotensin receptors (AT1, AT2, and AT4) in the placental bed of HIV-infected preeclamptic women of African ancestry. Hypertens Res 2023; 46:1970-1982. [PMID: 37308552 PMCID: PMC10404513 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-023-01314-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) is implicated in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia (PE). There is a paucity of data on uteroplacental angiotensin receptors AT1-2 and 4. We evaluated the immunoexpression of AT1R, AT2R, and AT4R within the placental bed of PE vs. normotensive (N) pregnancies stratified by HIV status. Placental bed (PB) biopsies (n = 180) were obtained from N and PE women. Both groups were stratified by HIV status and gestational age into early-and late onset-PE. Immuno-labeling of AT1R, AT2R, and AT4R was quantified using morphometric image analysis. Immunostaining of PB endothelial cells (EC) and smooth muscle cells of spiral arteries (VSMC) displayed an upregulation of AT1R expression compared to the N group (p < 0.0001). Downregulation of AT2R and AT4R expression was observed in PE vs. N group (p = 0.0042 and p < 0.0001), respectively. AT2R immunoexpression declined between HIV+ve and HIV-ve groups, while AT1R and AT4R displayed an increase. An increase in AT1R expression was noted in the EOPE-ve/+ve and LOPE-ve/+ve compared to N-ve/N+ve. In contrast, AT2R and AT4R expression decreased in EOPE-ve/+ve and LOPE-ve/+ve compared to N-ve/N+ve. We demonstrate a significant downregulation of AT2R and AT4R with a concomitant elevated AT1R immunoexpression within PB of HIV-infected PE women. In addition, a decline in AT2R and AT4R with an increase in AT1R immunoexpression in PE, EOPE, and LOPE vs. normotensive pregnancies, irrespective of HIV status. Thus highlighting differential immunoexpression of uteroplacental RAAS receptors based on pregnancy type, HIV status, and gestational age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoohana Singh
- Optics and Imaging Centre, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Jagidesa Moodley
- Women's Health and HIV Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Thajasvarie Naicker
- Optics and Imaging Centre, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Lewandowski KC, Tadros-Zins M, Horzelski W, Krekora M, Lewinski A. Renin, Aldosterone, and Cortisol in Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2023; 131:222-227. [PMID: 36807213 PMCID: PMC10101736 DOI: 10.1055/a-2025-0510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We aimed to assess renin, aldosterone, and cortisol in the early stages of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), i. e., at the time of diagnosis. METHODS During the postural test, we measured aldosterone, renin [Liason DiaSorin Inc. (Italy)], as well as cortisol, sodium, potassium, and 24-h urinary sodium and potassium excretion in 62 women with newly diagnosed PIH, 70 healthy women during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, and in 22 healthy non-pregnant women. RESULTS In all groups, there was a significant increase in aldosterone and renin in upright versus supine posture (p<0.01). Both supine and upright aldosterone concentrations were higher in healthy pregnant women than in women with PIH and the lowest in healthy not-pregnant [supine (median±intequartile range): 25.04±18.4 ng/dL, 18.03±12.58 ng/dL, and 7.48±4.78 ng/dL, p<0.001, upright: 31.60±21.32 ng/dL, 25.11±13.15 ng/dL, and 12.4±12.4 ng/dL, p<0.001, for healthy pregnant, pregnant with PIH, and non-pregnant, respectively]. Supine renin concentrations were higher only in healthy pregnant (p<0.001), while in the upright position, there was a difference only between healthy pregnant and women with PIH (p=0.002). Both in supine and upright positions, there was no difference in the aldosterone-to-renin ratio between healthy pregnant women and women with PIH, though, in both groups, the ratio was higher than in non-pregnant women (p<0.001). Morning cortisol concentrations and 24-h urinary sodium excretion were lower in women with PIH than in healthy pregnant (p<0.001, p=0.002, respectively). CONCLUSION Hyperaldosteronism is not involved in the etiology of PIH. In PIH, there is also a tendency towards lower sodium excretion and lower morning cortisol concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof C Lewandowski
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.,Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital - Research Institute, Lodz, Poland
| | - Monika Tadros-Zins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital - Research Institute, Lodz, Poland
| | - Wojciech Horzelski
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Michał Krekora
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital - Research Institute, Lodz, Poland.,Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, 2nd Chair of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Andrzej Lewinski
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.,Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital - Research Institute, Lodz, Poland
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Ashraf UM, Hall DL, Campbell N, Waller JP, Rawls AZ, Solise D, Cockrell K, Bidwell GL, Romero DG, Ojeda NB, LaMarca B, Alexander BT. Inhibition of the AT 1R agonistic autoantibody in a rat model of preeclampsia improves fetal growth in late gestation. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2022; 323:R670-R681. [PMID: 36121142 PMCID: PMC9602704 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00122.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Placenta ischemia, the initiating event in preeclampsia (PE), is associated with fetal growth restriction. Inhibition of the agonistic autoantibody against the angiotensin type 1 receptor AT1-AA, using an epitope-binding inhibitory peptide ('n7AAc') attenuates increased blood pressure at gestational day (G)19 in the clinically relevant reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) model of PE. Thus we tested the hypothesis that maternal administration of 'n7AAc' does not transfer to the fetus, improves uterine blood flow and fetal growth, and attenuates elevated placental expression of miRNAs implicated in PE and FGR. Sham or RUPP surgery was performed at G14 with vehicle or 'n7AAc' (144 µg/day) administered via an osmotic pump from G14 to G20. Maternal plasma levels of the peptide on G20 were 16.28 ± 4.4 nM, and fetal plasma levels were significantly lower at 1.15 ± 1.7 nM (P = 0.0007). The uterine artery resistance index was significantly elevated in RUPP (P < 0.0001) but was not increased in 'n7AAc'-RUPP or 'n7AAc'-Sham versus Sham. A significant reduction in fetal weight at G20 in RUPP (P = 0.003) was not observed in 'n7AAc'-RUPP. Yet, percent survival was reduced in RUPP (P = 0.0007) and 'n7AAc'-RUPP (P < 0.0002). Correlation analysis indicated the reduction in percent survival during gestation was specific to the RUPP (r = 0.5342, P = 0.043) and independent of 'n7AAc'. Placental miR-155 (P = 0.0091) and miR-181a (P = 0.0384) expression was upregulated in RUPP at G20 but was not elevated in 'n7AAc'-RUPP. Collectively, our results suggest that maternal administration of 'n7AAc' does not alter fetal growth in the RUPP implicating its potential as a therapeutic for the treatment of PE.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The seven amino acid inhibitory peptide to the AT1-AA ('n7AAc') has limited transfer to the fetus at gestational day 20, improves uterine blood flow and fetal growth in the reduced uterine perfusion pressure model of preeclampsia (PE), and does not impair fetal survival during gestation in sham-operated or placental ischemic rats. Collectively, these findings suggest that maternal administration of 'n7AAc' as an effective strategy for the treatment of PE is associated with improved outcomes in the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman M Ashraf
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | | | - Nathan Campbell
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Jamarius P Waller
- Department of Neurology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Adam Z Rawls
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Dylan Solise
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Kathy Cockrell
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Gene L Bidwell
- Department of Neurology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Damian G Romero
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Norma B Ojeda
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Babbette LaMarca
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Barbara T Alexander
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
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Epigenetic processes during preeclampsia and effects on fetal development and chronic health. Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 135:2307-2327. [PMID: 34643675 DOI: 10.1042/cs20190070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE), the leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, is associated with poor fetal growth, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and low birth weight (LBW). Offspring of women who had PE are at increased risk for cardiovascular (CV) disease later in life. However, the exact etiology of PE is unknown. Moreover, there are no effective interventions to treat PE or alleviate IUGR and the developmental origins of chronic disease in the offspring. The placenta is critical to fetal growth and development. Epigenetic regulatory processes such as histone modifications, microRNAs and DNA methylation play an important role in placental development including contributions to the regulation of trophoblast invasion and remodeling of the spiral arteries. Epigenetic processes that lead to changes in placental gene expression in PE mediate downstream effects that contribute to the development of placenta dysfunction, a critical mediator in the onset of PE, impaired fetal growth and IUGR. Therefore, this review will focus on epigenetic processes that contribute to the pathogenesis of PE and IUGR. Understanding the epigenetic mechanisms that contribute to normal placental development and the initiating events in PE may lead to novel therapeutic targets in PE that improve fetal growth and mitigate increased CV risk in the offspring.
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Singh S, Moodley J, Khaliq OP, Naicker T. A Narrative Review of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System in the Placenta and Placental Bed of HIV Infected Women of African Ancestry with Preeclampsia. Curr Hypertens Rep 2021; 23:39. [PMID: 34415457 PMCID: PMC8377458 DOI: 10.1007/s11906-021-01158-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Both HIV infection and preeclampsia (PE), a pregnancy-specific disorder of hypertension and multi-system organ involvement, have high prevalence rates especially in low-to-middle-income countries. The immunoexpression of specific renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) receptors in the placenta and placental bed interface may forecast the risk of PE. RECENT FINDINGS Preeclampsia is a leading risk factor for mortality worldwide and remains a challenge in HIV-infected individuals especially those on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Irregular RAAS stimulation may be linked to the pathophysiology of hypertension in HIV infection and in PE. The AT1 receptor is expressed across all trimesters of pregnancy, within placental tissue, eliciting vasoconstriction. This increased expression is associated with the severity of PE, implying that the increased expression may be involved in the pathogenesis of this pregnancy disorder. The AT2 receptor expression in normotensive pregnancies was shown to be lower as compared to non-pregnant individuals. Furthermore, in the PE placental bed, the AT2 receptor is the predominant receptor subtype and is found in extravillous trophoblast cells where they facilitate vasodilation. However, AT4R in placentae of PE pregnancies are found to be significantly reduced compared to normotensives pregnancies. The data on the role played by the RAAS pathway in pregnancy is conflicting. Investigation into a tissue-based RAAS with emphasis on immune-expression within the placenta and placental bed may help resolve this conundrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoohana Singh
- grid.16463.360000 0001 0723 4123Optics and Imaging Centre, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Jagidesa Moodley
- grid.16463.360000 0001 0723 4123Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Women’s Health and HIV Research Group, School of Clinical Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Olive Pearl Khaliq
- grid.16463.360000 0001 0723 4123Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Women’s Health and HIV Research Group, School of Clinical Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Thajasvarie Naicker
- grid.16463.360000 0001 0723 4123Optics and Imaging Centre, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Xu T, Fan X, Zhao M, Wu M, Li H, Ji B, Zhu X, Li L, Ding H, Sun M, Xu Z, Gao Q. DNA Methylation-Reprogrammed Ang II (Angiotensin II) Type 1 Receptor-Early Growth Response Gene 1-Protein Kinase C ε Axis Underlies Vascular Hypercontractility in Antenatal Hypoxic Offspring. Hypertension 2020; 77:491-506. [PMID: 33342239 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.120.16247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
As the most common clinical stress during mid and late pregnancy, antenatal hypoxia has profound adverse effects on individual's vascular health later in life, but the underlying mechanisms are still not understood. The purpose of this study was to reveal the mechanisms of the acquired vascular dysfunction in offspring imposed by antenatal hypoxia. Pregnant rats were housed in a normoxic or hypoxic (10.5% oxygen) chamber from gestation day 10 to 21. Male offspring were euthanized at gestational day 21 (fetus) or postnatal 16 weeks old (adult offspring). Mesenteric arteries were collected for examining Ang II (angiotensin II)-mediated vascular contractility, gene expression, and promoter methylation. Antenatal hypoxia increased vascular sensitivity to Ang II, which was resulted by an upregulated AT1R (angiotensin II type 1 receptor). The increased AT1R was correlated with a hypomethylation-mediated activated transcription of Agtr1a (alpha subtype of AT1R). In addition, we presented evidences that there was an AT1R-Egr1 (early growth response gene 1)-PKCε (ε isoform of protein kinase C) axis in vasculature; AT1R could modulate PKCε expression via upregulating Egr1; Egr1 mediated transcription activation of PKCε via Egr1 binding sites in PKCε gene promoter. Overall, antenatal hypoxia activated AT1R-Egr1-PKCε axis in vasculature, eventually predisposed offspring to vascular hypercontractility. This is the first description that antenatal hypoxia resulted in vascular adverse outcomes in postnatal offspring, was strongly associated with reprogrammed gene expression via a DNA methylation-mediated epigenetic mechanism, advancing understanding toward the influence of adverse antenatal factors in early life on long-term vascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Xu
- From the Institute for Fetology (T.X., M.Z., H.L., B.J., X.Z., L.L., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.), First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaorong Fan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China (X.F.)
| | - Meng Zhao
- From the Institute for Fetology (T.X., M.Z., H.L., B.J., X.Z., L.L., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.), First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Meng Wu
- Institutes of Biological and Medical Sciences, Soochow University Medical School, Suzhou, China (M.W.)
| | - Huan Li
- From the Institute for Fetology (T.X., M.Z., H.L., B.J., X.Z., L.L., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.), First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Bingyu Ji
- From the Institute for Fetology (T.X., M.Z., H.L., B.J., X.Z., L.L., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.), First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaolin Zhu
- From the Institute for Fetology (T.X., M.Z., H.L., B.J., X.Z., L.L., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.), First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lingjun Li
- From the Institute for Fetology (T.X., M.Z., H.L., B.J., X.Z., L.L., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.), First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hongmei Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (H.D.), First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Miao Sun
- From the Institute for Fetology (T.X., M.Z., H.L., B.J., X.Z., L.L., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.), First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhice Xu
- From the Institute for Fetology (T.X., M.Z., H.L., B.J., X.Z., L.L., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.), First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qinqin Gao
- From the Institute for Fetology (T.X., M.Z., H.L., B.J., X.Z., L.L., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.), First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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de Lima ASD, Holanda IP, Nascimento PRP, Jeronimo SMB, Ferreira LC. Plasma angiotensin II levels in women with severe preeclampsia under magnesium sulfate regimen. Pregnancy Hypertens 2020; 23:56-58. [PMID: 33249328 DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2020.11.003] [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: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The role of Renin-Angiotensin-System (RAS) in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and eclampsia is still unclear. Our aim was to investigate plasma angiotensin II concentration [Ang II] in women with normotensive pregnancies (NP, n = 22) and severe preeclampsia in use of magnesium sulfate (SPE, n = 29). Despite no difference between the groups (SPE: 47.8 pg/ml vs NP: 39.7 pg/ml, p = 0.195), lower maternal age (p = 0.007) and primigravida (p = 0.028) were associated with lower [Ang II]. Plasma [Ang II] increased over the 24 h of magnesium sulfate administration (r = 0.48, p = 0.009). Our findings suggest that RAS may be involved with the mechanism of magnesium protection against eclamptic seizure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda S D de Lima
- Maternidade Escola Januário Cicco, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Ingrid P Holanda
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Paulo R P Nascimento
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Selma M B Jeronimo
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Institute of Tropical Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology of Tropical Diseases, Brazil
| | - Leonardo C Ferreira
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Institute of Tropical Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
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Tamanna S, Clifton VL, Rae K, van Helden DF, Lumbers ER, Pringle KG. Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) in Pregnancy: Preeclampsia and Small for Gestational Age. Front Physiol 2020; 11:590787. [PMID: 33101066 PMCID: PMC7554608 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.590787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction An imbalance in angiotensin (Ang) peptides could contribute to the pathophysiology of preeclampsia (PE) and poor fetal growth. Methods We measured maternal plasma levels of Ang peptides and converting enzymes in non-pregnant women (n = 10), in normal pregnant women (n = 59), women delivering small for gestational age babies (SGA, n = 25) across gestation (13–36 weeks) and in women with PE (n = 14) in their third trimester. Results Plasma ACE, ACE2, and Ang-(1-7) levels, and ACE2 activity were significantly higher in normal pregnant women compared with non-pregnant women; neprilysin (NEP) levels were not changed. In SGA pregnancies, ACE and ACE2 levels were higher in early-mid pregnancy compared with normal pregnant women. In women with PE, plasma ACE, ACE2, NEP, and Ang-(1-7) levels and ACE2 activity were lower than levels in normal pregnant women. Conclusion The higher plasma ACE2 levels and activity in pregnancy could be driving the higher Ang-(1-7) levels. The early gestation increases in ACE and ACE2 levels in SGA pregnancies highlights the possibility that these enzymes could be used as potential early biomarkers of poor fetal growth. In women with PE, the reduced ACE2 and NEP levels at term, could be contributing to the reduction in Ang-(1-7) levels. These findings suggest that dysfunctional relationships between two key enzymes in the circulating RAS are involved in the pathogenesis of PE and SGA. Since soluble ACE2 can prevent binding of the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, to membrane bound ACE2, the interplay between ACE2 and the coronavirus and its impact in pregnancy requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Tamanna
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Vicki L Clifton
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Mater Medical Research Institute and Translational Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kym Rae
- Mater Medical Research Institute and Translational Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Dirk F van Helden
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Eugenie R Lumbers
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Kirsty G Pringle
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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