Downregulation of argininosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1) is associated with hypoxia in placental development

Understanding the intersection between placental development and cancer: Lessons from the tumor suppressor BAP1

The placenta, a pivotal organ in mammalian reproduction, allows nutrient exchange and hormonal signaling between the mother and the developing fetus. Understanding its molecular intricacies is essential for deciphering normal embryonic development and pathological conditions such as tumorigenesis. Here, we explore the multifaceted role of the tumor suppressor BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1) in cancer and placentation. Initially recognized for its tumor-suppressive properties, BAP1 has emerged as a key regulator at the intersection of tumorigenesis and placental development. BAP1 influences crucial cellular processes such as cell death, proliferation, metabolism, and response to hypoxic conditions. By integrating insights from tumor and developmental biology, we illuminate the complex molecular pathways orchestrated by BAP1. This perspective highlights BAP1's significant impact on both cancer and placental development, and suggests novel therapeutic strategies that could improve outcomes for pregnancy disorders and cancer.

Circulating miRNAs and Preeclampsia: From Implantation to Epigenetics

In this review, we comprehensively present the literature on circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with preeclampsia, a pregnancy-specific disease considered the primary reason for maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. miRNAs are single-stranded non-coding RNAs, 20-24 nt long, which control mRNA expression. Changes in miRNA expression can induce a variation in the relative mRNA level and influence cellular homeostasis, and the strong presence of miRNAs in all body fluids has made them useful biomarkers of several diseases. Preeclampsia is a multifactorial disease, but the etiopathogenesis remains unclear. The functions of trophoblasts, including differentiation, proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis, are essential for a successful pregnancy. During the early stages of placental development, trophoblasts are strictly regulated by several molecular pathways; however, an imbalance in these molecular pathways can lead to severe placental lesions and pregnancy complications. We then discuss the role of miRNAs in trophoblast invasion and in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and prediction of preeclampsia. We also discuss the potential role of miRNAs from an epigenetic perspective with possible future therapeutic implications.

Sodium Nitrite Attenuates Reduced Activity of Vascular Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 and Vascular Hyper-Reactivity and Increased Systolic Blood Pressure Induced by the Placental Ischemia Model of Preeclampsia in Anesthetized Rats

Preeclampsia is a maternal hypertension disorder associated with vascular dysfunction and fetal and placental growth restrictions. Placental ischemia is suggested as the primary trigger of preeclampsia-associated impairments of both endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) and the vascular activity of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). Reduced uteroplacental perfusion pressure (RUPP) is a placental ischemia model of preeclampsia. Reduction of sodium nitrite to NO may occur during ischemic conditions. However, sodium nitrite effects in the RUPP model of preeclampsia have not yet been investigated. Pregnant rats were divided into four groups: normotensive pregnant rats (Norm-Preg), pregnant rats treated with sodium nitrite (Preg + Nitrite), preeclamptic rats (RUPP), and preeclamptic rats treated with sodium nitrite (RUPP + Nitrite). Maternal blood pressure and fetal and placental parameters were recorded. Vascular function, circulating NO metabolites, and the gelatinolytic activity of vascular MMP-2 were also examined. Sodium nitrite attenuates increased blood pressure, prevents fetal and placental weight loss, counteracts vascular hyper-reactivity, and partially restores NO metabolites and MMP-2 activity. In conclusion, sodium nitrite reduction to NO may occur during RUPP-induced placental ischemia, thereby attenuating increased blood pressure, fetal and placental growth restriction, and vascular hyper-reactivity associated with preeclampsia and possibly restoring NO and MMP-2 activity, which underlie the blood pressure-lowering effects.