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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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Calvo MJ, Parra H, Santeliz R, Bautista J, Luzardo E, Villasmil N, Martínez MS, Chacín M, Cano C, Checa-Ros A, D'Marco L, Bermúdez V, De Sanctis JB. The Placental Role in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Molecular Perspective. TOUCHREVIEWS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY 2024; 20:10-18. [PMID: 38812661 PMCID: PMC11132656 DOI: 10.17925/ee.2024.20.1.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
During pregnancy, women undergo several metabolic changes to guarantee an adequate supply of glucose to the foetus. These metabolic modifications develop what is known as physiological insulin resistance. When this process is altered, however, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) occurs. GDM is a multifactorial disease, and genetic and environmental factors play a crucial role in its aetiopathogenesis. GDM has been linked to both macroscopic and molecular alterations in placental tissues that affect placental physiology. This review summarizes the role of the placenta in the development of GDM from a molecular perspective, including hormonal and pro-inflammatory changes. Inflammation and hormonal imbalance, the characteristics dominating the GDM microenvironment, are responsible for placental changes in size and vascularity, leading to dysregulation in maternal and foetal circulations and to complications in the newborn. In conclusion, since the hormonal mechanisms operating in GDM have not been fully elucidated, more research should be done to improve the quality of life of patients with GDM and their future children.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Calvo
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - Heliana Parra
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - Raquel Santeliz
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - Jordan Bautista
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - Eliana Luzardo
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - Nelson Villasmil
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - María Sofía Martínez
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - Maricamen Chacín
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Barranquilla, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Clímaco Cano
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - Ana Checa-Ros
- Research Group on Cardiorenal and Metabolic Diseases, Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Luis D'Marco
- Research Group on Cardiorenal and Metabolic Diseases, Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Valmore Bermúdez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Barranquilla, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Juan Bautista De Sanctis
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
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Thomas H, McCloskey E, Rider V. Pregnancy preparation: redistribution of CCR7-positive cells in the rat uterus. Reproduction 2022; 164:183-193. [PMID: 35960551 PMCID: PMC10531295 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0074] [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: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In brief Changes in the endometrium prior to implantation may be critical in predicting pregnancy outcomes. This study shows that the endocrine system directs positional changes in CCR7+ cells before implantation, which may be critical for developing maternal tolerance. Abstract Suppression of the maternal immune system is vital for the implantation of the semi-allogeneic embryo. Although progress in understanding the dialogue between mother and embryo has been made, key interactions between maternal immune cells, hormones, and chemokines remain elusive. Uterine expression of the C-C chemokine receptor type 7 (CCR7) could recruit T regulatory cells and facilitate localized immune suppression. To test this concept, Ccr7 mRNA and protein were assessed in uterine tissue. Ccr7 mRNA expression peaked at day 4 in pregnant rat uteri and then declined at days 5 and 6. CCR7 protein showed similar quantitative changes. To test if female sex steroids affected the spatial distribution of CCR7-expressing cells, uteri from ovariectomized rats, progesterone-pretreated rats (2 mg daily), and progesterone-pretreated rats injected with estradiol (0.2 µg) were analyzed. Progesterone increased CCR7-positive (+) cells in the antimesometrial stroma. Progesterone and estradiol increased CCR7+ cells in the mesometrial stroma. Estradiol increased the density of cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) positive cells in the mesometrial stromal region over progesterone alone. The density of cells expressing the T regulatory cell marker, forkhead box protein 3 (FOXP3), increased in the antimesometrial stroma in response to progesterone alone. Progesterone and estradiol increased FOXP3+ cells in the antimesometrial region of the stroma. Co-localization of CCR7, CD4, and FOXP3 in the stroma suggests CCR7+ cells are T regulatory cells. Polarization of CCR7+ cells in the endometrial stroma was an intrinsic response regulated by sex steroids and did not require the presence of an embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Thomas
- 1Department of Biology, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas, USA
| | - Erick McCloskey
- 1Department of Biology, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas, USA
| | - Virginia Rider
- 1Department of Biology, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas, USA
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Cañumil VA, Bogetti E, de la Cruz Borthiry FL, Ribeiro ML, Beltrame JS. Steroid hormones and first trimester vascular remodeling. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2021; 116:363-387. [PMID: 33752825 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Successful implantation and placentation require neoangiogenesis and the remodeling of the uterine spiral arteries. Progesterone and estradiol control various of the placental functions, but their role in vascular remodeling remains controversial. Therefore, this chapter aims to summarize the current knowledge regarding the role of steroid hormones in the uteroplacental vascular remodeling during the first trimester of gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- V A Cañumil
- Center of Pharmacological and Botanical Studies (CEFyBO), School of Medicine University of Buenos Aires (UBA)-National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - E Bogetti
- Center of Pharmacological and Botanical Studies (CEFyBO), School of Medicine University of Buenos Aires (UBA)-National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - F L de la Cruz Borthiry
- Center of Pharmacological and Botanical Studies (CEFyBO), School of Medicine University of Buenos Aires (UBA)-National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M L Ribeiro
- Center of Pharmacological and Botanical Studies (CEFyBO), School of Medicine University of Buenos Aires (UBA)-National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - J S Beltrame
- Center of Pharmacological and Botanical Studies (CEFyBO), School of Medicine University of Buenos Aires (UBA)-National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Non-invasive cardiovascular assessment of pregnancy in healthy female cats. J Vet Cardiol 2020; 33:25-33. [PMID: 33279770 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2020.10.002] [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: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiac morphology, indices of systolic and diastolic function, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and uterine artery resistance index (RI) during normal feline pregnancy. ANIMALS; MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty domestic short-hair pregnant queens, weighing 2.4-3.9 kg. Animals were assessed by two-dimensional, M-mode, and Doppler echocardiography, non-invasive SBP measurement, and uterine Doppler ultrasound every 10 days from mating to parturition. RESULTS Interventricular septal thickness at end-diastole and end-systole, left ventricular internal dimension at end-diastole, left ventricular free wall thickness at end-diastole and end-systole, fractional shortening, stroke volume, cardiac output (CO), heart rate, and peak velocities of early and late diastolic transmitral flow increased during the second half of gestation, while SBP and RI decreased during the same period (p < 0.01). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Cardiac structure and function varied during normal pregnancy in these queens. Eccentric hypertrophy, increased indices of systolic function, and increased measurements of CO seem to be the consequences of the hemodynamic modifications occurring during pregnancy. The assessment of maternal cardiovascular function may prove a useful screening tool to detect pregnancy complications in feline species.
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Lien YC, Zhang Z, Barila G, Green-Brown A, Elovitz MA, Simmons RA. Intrauterine Inflammation Alters the Transcriptome and Metabolome in Placenta. Front Physiol 2020; 11:592689. [PMID: 33250783 PMCID: PMC7674943 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.592689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Placental insufficiency is implicated in spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) associated with intrauterine inflammation. We hypothesized that intrauterine inflammation leads to deficits in the capacity of the placenta to maintain bioenergetic and metabolic stability during pregnancy ultimately resulting in SPTB. Using a mouse model of intrauterine inflammation that leads to preterm delivery, we performed RNA-seq and metabolomics studies to assess how intrauterine inflammation alters gene expression and/or modulates metabolite production and abundance in the placenta. 1871 differentially expressed genes were identified in LPS-exposed placenta. Among them, 1,149 and 722 transcripts were increased and decreased, respectively. Ingenuity pathway analysis showed alterations in genes and canonical pathways critical for regulating oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, metabolisms of glucose and lipids, and vascular reactivity in LPS-exposed placenta. Many upstream regulators and master regulators important for nutrient-sensing and mitochondrial function were also altered in inflammation exposed placentae, including STAT1, HIF1α, mTOR, AMPK, and PPARα. Comprehensive quantification of metabolites demonstrated significant alterations in the glucose utilization, metabolisms of branched-chain amino acids, lipids, purine and pyrimidine, as well as carbon flow in TCA cycle in LPS-exposed placenta compared to control placenta. The transcriptome and metabolome were also integrated to assess the interactions of altered genes and metabolites. Collectively, significant and biologically relevant alterations in the placenta transcriptome and metabolome were identified in placentae exposed to intrauterine inflammation. Altered mitochondrial function and energy metabolism may underline the mechanisms of inflammation-induced placental dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chin Lien
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal and Child Health Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Center for Biomedical Informatics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Guillermo Barila
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal and Child Health Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Amy Green-Brown
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal and Child Health Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michal A Elovitz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal and Child Health Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Rebecca A Simmons
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal and Child Health Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Beltrame JS, Sordelli MS, Cañumil VA, Alonso CAI, Perez Martinez S, Ribeiro ML. Steroid hormones induce in vitro human first trimester trophoblast tubulogenesis by the lysophosphatidic acid pathway. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 478:126-132. [PMID: 30099013 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Successful implantation and placentation requires that extravillous cytotrophoblast acquires an endovascular phenotype and remodels uterine spiral arteries. Progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) control many of the placental functions, but their role in vascular remodeling remains controversial. Here, we investigated whether P4 and E2 regulate the acquisition of the human first trimester trophoblast endovascular phenotype, and the participation of the lysophosphatidic acid pathway. For this purpose, human first trimester HTR-8/SVneo cells were seeded on Geltrex and assayed for capillary-like tube formation. P4 and E2 increased HTR-8/SVneo tube formation in a concentration-dependent manner and this effect is mediated by the LPA3 receptor. Moreover, sex steroids increased the mRNA levels of the main enzyme that produce lysophosphatidic acid (lysophospholipase-D) but did not regulate LPA3 mRNA levels. Overall, we demonstrate that steroid hormones regulate HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast capillary-like structures formation and we propose that this process could be modulated directly or indirectly by mechanisms associated to the LPA/LPA3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimena S Beltrame
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Farmacología de la Reproducción, CEFYBO (CONICET - Facultad de Medicina, UBA), Argentina.
| | - Micaela S Sordelli
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Farmacología de la Reproducción, CEFYBO (CONICET - Facultad de Medicina, UBA), Argentina
| | - Vanesa A Cañumil
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Farmacología de la Reproducción, CEFYBO (CONICET - Facultad de Medicina, UBA), Argentina
| | - Carlos A I Alonso
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción en Mamíferos, CEFYBO (CONICET - Facultad de Medicina, UBA), Argentina
| | - Silvina Perez Martinez
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción en Mamíferos, CEFYBO (CONICET - Facultad de Medicina, UBA), Argentina
| | - María L Ribeiro
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Farmacología de la Reproducción, CEFYBO (CONICET - Facultad de Medicina, UBA), Argentina
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