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Tang B, Hao Y, Wang C, Deng Z, Kou Z, Zhou H, Zhang H, Fan F, Wang K, Wang D. Biological characteristics of pregnancy in captive Yangtze finless porpoises revealed by urinary metabolomics†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:808-818. [PMID: 38169437 PMCID: PMC11017131 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad175] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The Yangtze finless porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis a.) are an endemic and critically endangered species in China. Intensive captive breeding is essential for understanding the biology of critically endangered species, especially their pregnancy characteristics, knowledge of which is crucial for effective breeding management. Urine metabolomics can reveal metabolic differences, arising from physiological changes across pregnancy stages. Therefore, we used the urinary metabolomic technology, to explore urinary metabolite changes in pregnant Yangtze finless porpoises. A total of 2281 metabolites were identified in all samples, which including organic acids and derivatives (24.45%), organoheterocyclic compounds (20.23%), benzenoids (18.05%), organic oxygen compounds (7.73%), and phenylpropanoids and polyketides (6.48%). There were 164, 387, and 522 metabolites demonstrating differential abundance during early pregnancy, mid pregnancy, and late pregnancy, respectively, from the levels observed in nonpregnancy. The levels of pregnenolone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, and tetrahydrocortisone were significantly higher during all pregnancy stages, indicating their important roles in fetal development. The differential metabolites between nonpregnancy and pregnancy were mainly associated with amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism. Moreover, metabolic activity varied across pregnancy stages; steroid hormone biosynthesis was predominant in early pregnancy, and amino acid biosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism were predominant in mid pregnancy and late pregnancy, respectively. Our results provide new insights into metabolic characteristics in the Yangtze finless porpoises' urine during pregnancy, and indicate that the differential levels of urine metabolites can determine pregnancy in Yangtze finless porpoises, providing valuable information for the husbandry and management of pregnant Yangtze finless porpoises in captivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Tang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yujiang Hao
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- National Aquatic Biological Resource Center, NABRC, Wuhan, China
| | - Chaoqun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- National Aquatic Biological Resource Center, NABRC, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhengyu Deng
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- National Aquatic Biological Resource Center, NABRC, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhangbing Kou
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Haojie Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haobo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Fan
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- National Aquatic Biological Resource Center, NABRC, Wuhan, China
| | - Kexiong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- National Aquatic Biological Resource Center, NABRC, Wuhan, China
| | - Ding Wang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- National Aquatic Biological Resource Center, NABRC, Wuhan, China
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Hargett SE, Leslie EF, Chapa HO, Gaharwar AK. Animal models of postpartum hemorrhage. Lab Anim (NY) 2024; 53:93-106. [PMID: 38528231 DOI: 10.1038/s41684-024-01349-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH)-heavy bleeding following childbirth-is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. PPH can affect individuals regardless of risks factors and its incidence has been increasing in high-income countries including the United States. The high incidence and severity of this childbirth complication has propelled research into advanced treatments and alternative solutions for patients facing PPH; however, the development of novel treatments is limited by the absence of a common, well-established and well-validated animal model of PPH. A variety of animals have been used for in vivo studies of novel therapeutic materials; however, each of these animals differs considerably from the anatomy and physiology of a postpartum woman, and the methods used for achieving a postpartum hemorrhagic condition vary widely. Here we critically evaluate the various animal models of PPH presented in the literature and propose additional and alternative methods for modeling PPH in in vivo studies. We highlight how current animal models successfully or unsuccessfully mimic the anatomy and physiology of a postpartum woman and how this may impact treatment development. We aim to equip researchers with the necessary background information to select appropriate animal models for their research related to PPH solutions, while supporting the goals of refinement, reduction and replacement (3Rs) in preclinical animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Hargett
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Elaine F Leslie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Hector O Chapa
- Medical Education, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Akhilesh K Gaharwar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
- Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics and Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
- Center for Remote Health Technologies and Systems, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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Uchishiba M, Yamamoto S, Takeda A, Arakaki R, Arata M, Noguchi H, Aoki H, Tamura K, Maeda T, Minato S, Nii M, Inui H, Kamada S, Kinouchi R, Yamamoto Y, Yoshida K, Yagi S, Kato T, Kaji T, Nishimura M, Ino K, Iwasa T. Progesterone treatment reduces food intake and body weight in ovariectomized female rats. Steroids 2024; 203:109367. [PMID: 38266463 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2024.109367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
While the effects of progesterone on body weight and appetite in pre-menopausal conditions have been well elucidated, its effects in post-menopausal conditions have not been clarified. On the contrary, the effects of estrogen on body weight and appetite in post-menopausal conditions have been well established. In this study, the effects of progesterone treatment on body weight, appetite, and fat mass in ovariectomized rats were evaluated. In addition, the central and/or peripheral levels of oxytocin (OT), leptin, and their receptors, which are potent anorectic factors, were examined. Female rats were ovariectomized and divided into control, progesterone-treated, and estrogen-treated groups. Body weight, food intake, and subcutaneous fat mass were lower in both the progesterone and estrogen groups than in the control group. The estrogen group exhibited higher serum OT levels than the control group, whereas the OT levels of the progesterone and control groups did not differ. The serum leptin levels of both the progesterone and estrogen groups were lower than those of the control group. Gene expression analysis of OT, leptin, and their receptors in the hypothalamus and adipose tissue found few significant differences among the groups. Hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY) and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA levels involved in appetite regulation were slightly altered in the progesterone and estrogen groups. These findings suggest that progesterone treatment may have favorable effects on body weight, appetite, and fat mass regulation in post-menopausal conditions and that the mechanisms underlying these effects of progesterone differ from those underlying the effects of estrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maimi Uchishiba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Shota Yamamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan; Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0808, Japan
| | - Asuka Takeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Arakaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Moeka Arata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroki Noguchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Hidenori Aoki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Kou Tamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Takaaki Maeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Saki Minato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Mari Nii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Inui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Shuhei Kamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Riyo Kinouchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Yuri Yamamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Kanako Yoshida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Shigetaka Yagi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Takashi Kaji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Masato Nishimura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Ino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Takeshi Iwasa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan.
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Deacon F, Maqhashu A, Luther-Binoir I, Daffue W, Storbeck KH, Stander M, Bercovitch FB. Reproductive endocrinology, morphological traits, and sexual selection in a population of wild South African giraffes. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2024; 345:114383. [PMID: 37741470 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Sex steroids are pervasive in mammals and evolutionarily conserved, but differences in the nuances of endocrine profiles characterize distinct species. Two sex steroids, testosterone and progesterone, feature prominently in the life history of mammalian taxa, but neither one has been analyzed from wild giraffes. Our study was designed to address this gap in knowledge by examining how these sex steroids are related to biological features and giraffe life history. We conducted the research at Rooipoort Nature Reserve a 44,000 ha private nature reserve in South Africa on a population of South African giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa). Eleven adult giraffe cows and seven adult bulls were immobilized and various biological samples and morphological measurements were obtained. We analyzed both testosterone and progesterone using Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromotography - Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). We found that non-pregnant females had lower progesterone concentrations than pregnant females and that those in the last trimester of pregnancy showed a slight drop in progesterone, as well as an increase in testosterone. Among males, chronological age was correlated with testicle size, testosterone concentrations, and ossicone volume. We propose that the progesterone decline functions partly to accelerate resumption of ovulation because giraffes become pregnant while lactating, and that the testosterone elevation provides an endocrine mileu for female defense of neonatal calves, given that lion predation is a major threat to calf survival. We suggest that male reproductive strategies are mediated by the age-related impacts of testosterone on growth in both body mass and ossicone volume as a consequence of sexual selection. We conclude by noting that the robust and solid ossicones of male giraffes function in mate competition as wedges that are used to topple opponents by raising their legs and placing them in an off-balanced position that can seriously injure them when falling to the ground.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francois Deacon
- Department of Animal Science, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.
| | - Ayanda Maqhashu
- Department of Animal Science, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Ilse Luther-Binoir
- Geosperm, Wildlife Reproductive and Biotechnology Services, Brits, South Africa
| | | | - Karl-Heinz Storbeck
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Marietjie Stander
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Fred B Bercovitch
- Department of Animal Science, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan; Anne Innis Dagg Foundation, Toronto, Canada.
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Algonaiman R, Almutairi AS, Al Zhrani MM, Barakat H. Effects of Prenatal Exposure to Bisphenol A Substitutes, Bisphenol S and Bisphenol F, on Offspring's Health: Evidence from Epidemiological and Experimental Studies. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1616. [PMID: 38002298 PMCID: PMC10669689 DOI: 10.3390/biom13111616] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy and lactation are critical periods for human well-being and are sensitive windows for pollutant exposure. Bisphenol A (BPA) is well demonstrated as a toxicant and has been replaced in the plastic industry with other bisphenol analogs that share similarities in structure and characteristics, most commonly Bisphenol S (BPS) and Bisphenol F (BPF). Maternal exposure to BPS or BPF can result in their accumulation in the fetal compartment, leading to chronic exposure and potentially limiting normal fetal growth and development. This review summarizes considerable findings of epidemiological or experimental studies reporting associations between BPS or BPF and impaired fetal growth and development. Briefly, the available findings indicate that exposure to the two bisphenol analogs during pregnancy and lactation can result in multiple disturbances in the offspring, including fetal growth restrictions, neurological dysfunctions, and metabolic disorders with the potential to persist throughout childhood. The occurrence of premature births may also be attributed to exposure to the two bisphenols. The possible mechanisms of actions by which the two bisphenols can induce such effects can be attributed to a complex of interactions between the physiological mechanisms, including impaired placental functioning and development, dysregulation of gene expression, altered hormonal balance, and disturbances in immune responses as well as induced inflammations and oxidative stress. In conclusion, the available evidence suggests that BPS and BPF have a toxic potential in a compartment level to BPA. Future research is needed to provide more intensive information; long-term studies and epidemiological research, including a wide scale of populations with different settings, are recommended. Public awareness regarding the safety of BPA-free products should also be enhanced, with particular emphasis on educating individuals responsible for the well-being of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raya Algonaiman
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Abdulkarim S. Almutairi
- Al-Rass General Hospital, Qassim Health Cluster, Ministry of Health, Ibn Sina Street, King Khalid District, Al-Rass 58883, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Muath M. Al Zhrani
- Department of Applied Medical Science, Applied College, Bishah University, Bishah 67616, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Hassan Barakat
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Moshtohor 13736, Egypt
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Liu ZB, Zhang JB, Li SP, Yu WJ, Pei N, Jia HT, Li Z, Lv WF, Wang J, Kim NH, Yuan B, Jiang H. ID3 regulates progesterone synthesis in bovine cumulus cells through modulation of mitochondrial function. Theriogenology 2023; 209:141-150. [PMID: 37393744 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.06.035] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
DNA binding inhibitory factor 3 (ID3) has been shown to have a key role in maintaining proliferation and differentiation. It has been suggested that ID3 may also affect mammalian ovarian function. However, the specific roles and mechanisms are unclear. In this study, the expression level of ID3 in cumulus cells (CCs) was inhibited by siRNA, and the downstream regulatory network of ID3 was uncovered by high-throughput sequencing. The effects of ID3 inhibition on mitochondrial function, progesterone synthesis, and oocyte maturation were further explored. The GO and KEGG analysis results showed that after ID3 inhibition, differentially expressed genes, including StAR, CYP11A1, and HSD3B1, were involved in cholesterol-related processes and progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation. Apoptosis in CC was increased, while the phosphorylation level of ERK1/2 was inhibited. During this process, mitochondrial dynamics and function were disrupted. In addition, the first polar body extrusion rate, ATP production and antioxidation capacity were reduced, which suggested that ID3 inhibition led to poor oocyte maturation and quality. The results will provide a new basis for understanding the biological roles of ID3 as well as cumulus cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Bin Liu
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Bao Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng-Peng Li
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Jie Yu
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Pei
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Tao Jia
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Ze Li
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Fa Lv
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, 130118, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, 130118, People's Republic of China
| | - Nam-Hyung Kim
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, People's Republic of China; Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Bao Yuan
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hao Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, People's Republic of China.
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Gundacker A, Cuenca Rico L, Stoehrmann P, Tillmann KE, Weber-Stadlbauer U, Pollak DD. Interaction of the pre- and postnatal environment in the maternal immune activation model. DISCOVER MENTAL HEALTH 2023; 3:15. [PMID: 37622027 PMCID: PMC10444676 DOI: 10.1007/s44192-023-00042-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Adverse influences during pregnancy are associated with a range of unfavorable outcomes for the developing offspring. Maternal psychosocial stress, exposure to infections and nutritional imbalances are known risk factors for neurodevelopmental derangements and according psychiatric and neurological manifestations later in offspring life. In this context, the maternal immune activation (MIA) model has been extensively used in preclinical research to study how stimulation of the maternal immune system during gestation derails the tightly coordinated sequence of fetal neurodevelopment. The ensuing consequence of MIA for offspring brain structure and function are majorly manifested in behavioral and cognitive abnormalities, phenotypically presenting during the periods of adolescence and adulthood. These observations have been interpreted within the framework of the "double-hit-hypothesis" suggesting that an elevated risk for neurodevelopmental disorders results from an individual being subjected to two adverse environmental influences at distinct periods of life, jointly leading to the emergence of pathology. The early postnatal period, during which the caregiving parent is the major determinant of the newborn´s environment, constitutes a window of vulnerability to external stimuli. Considering that MIA not only affects the developing fetus, but also impinges on the mother´s brain, which is in a state of heightened malleability during pregnancy, the impact of MIA on maternal brain function and behavior postpartum may importantly contribute to the detrimental consequences for her progeny. Here we review current information on the interaction between the prenatal and postnatal maternal environments in the modulation of offspring development and their relevance for the pathophysiology of the MIA model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gundacker
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse, 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Laura Cuenca Rico
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse, 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Stoehrmann
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse, 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina E. Tillmann
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse, 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrike Weber-Stadlbauer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniela D. Pollak
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse, 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Schuler G. [Initiation and endocrine control of parturition in domestic mammals - Part 1]. Tierarztl Prax Ausg G Grosstiere Nutztiere 2023; 51:228-236. [PMID: 37820628 DOI: 10.1055/a-2142-3318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine regulation of parturition is based on an intense exchange of signals between the fetus, placenta and mother. Apart from sheep, our knowledge of the endocrine control of parturition is still very incomplete. However, current observations suggest significant differences between the species. For the maintenance of pregnancy, progesterone (P4) is the crucial superordinate regulatory factor, although in some species, such as the horse, functions of P4 are at least partially fulfilled by other progestogens. In general, prepartum P4 withdrawal is considered a prerequisite for the onset of physiological birth. In species with exclusive (dog) or predominant (e. g., cattle, goat, pig) luteal P4 at the end of gestation, luteolysis is the crucial event. In sheep, where P4 is of placental origin prior to parturition, the prepartum P4 decline is due to a switch in placental steroid metabolism. The mechanism of prepartum progestogen withdrawal in the mare is still largely unclear. In sheep, initiation of parturition proceeds from maturation of the fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which leads to a steep prepartum rise in fetal cortisol concentrations stimulating the collapse of placental P4 production. In cattle, fetal cortisol probably triggers luteolysis via stimulation of placental prostaglandin secretion. In several other domestic mammalian species, there is also evidence that the initiation of parturition proceeds from maturation of the fetal HPA axis. However, the functional relationships between fetal cortisol and prepartum P4 withdrawal are largely unknown in nonruminant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard Schuler
- Tierklinik für Reproduktionsmedizin und Neugeborenenkunde, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen
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9
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Camilleri C, Sammut S. Progesterone-mediated reversal of mifepristone-induced pregnancy termination in a rat model: an exploratory investigation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10942. [PMID: 37414825 PMCID: PMC10325991 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38025-9] [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: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, a substantial proportion of pregnancies end in induced (particularly medication) abortion. However, data also indicates a percentage of women who seek assistance in potentially reversing the medication abortion process. While previous literature has suggested the potential for progesterone-mediated reversal of mifepristone-induced abortion, this process has not been effectively investigated pre-clinically. Our study explored the potential reversal of mifepristone-induced pregnancy termination using progesterone in a rat model, following a clear initiation of pregnancy termination. Female Long-Evans rats were divided into three groups (n = 10-16/group): Pregnant control (M-P-), mifepristone-only/pregnancy termination (M+P-) and mifepristone + progesterone (M+P+). Drug/vehicle administration occurred on day 12 of gestation (first-trimester human equivalent). Rat weight was measured throughout gestation. Uterine blood, collected post-drug/vehicle administration, was analyzed spectrophotometrically to measure blood loss. Additionally, at the end of gestation (day 21), ultrasound was utilized to confirm pregnancy and measure fetal heart rate. Number of gestational sacs, uterine weights and diameters were obtained following tissue collection. Our results indicate that progesterone administration following initiation of mifepristone-induced pregnancy termination (indicated by weight loss and uterine bleeding) reversed the process in 81% of rats in the M+P+ group. Following the initial weight loss, these rats proceeded to gain weight at a similar rate to the M-P- group, in contrast to the continued decrease displayed by the M+P- group (and unsuccessful reversals). Moreover, while uterine blood loss was similar to that of the M+P- group (confirming pregnancy termination initiation), number of gestational sacs, uterine weights, diameters, approximate fetal weights and fetal heart rates were similar to the M-P- group. Thus, our results indicate a clear progesterone-mediated reversal of an initiated mifepristone-induced pregnancy termination in a rat model at first-trimester human equivalent, with resultant fully developed living fetuses at the end of gestation, clearly indicating the necessity for further pre-clinical investigation to assist in better informing the scientific/medical communities of the potential implications in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Camilleri
- Department of Psychology, Franciscan University of Steubenville, 1235 University Blvd, Steubenville, OH, 43952, USA
| | - Stephen Sammut
- Department of Psychology, Franciscan University of Steubenville, 1235 University Blvd, Steubenville, OH, 43952, USA.
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Li Z, Chen C, Yu W, Xu L, Jia H, Wang C, Pei N, Liu Z, Luo D, Wang J, Lv W, Yuan B, Zhang J, Jiang H. Colitis-Mediated Dysbiosis of the Intestinal Flora and Impaired Vitamin A Absorption Reduce Ovarian Function in Mice. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15112425. [PMID: 37299390 DOI: 10.3390/nu15112425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Changes in the composition and ratio of the flora during colitis have been found to potentially affect ovarian function through nutrient absorption. However, the mechanisms have not been fully explored. To investigate whether colitis-induced dysbacteriosis of the intestinal flora affects ovarian function, mice were given dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) through drinking water. High-throughput sequencing technology was used to clarify the composition and proportion of bacterial flora as well as gene expression changes in the colon. Changes in follicle type, number, and hormone secretion in the ovary were detected. The results showed that 2.5% DSS could induce severe colitis symptoms, including increased inflammatory cell infiltration, severe damage to the crypt, and high expression of inflammatory factors. Moreover, vitamin A synthesis metabolism-related genes Rdh10, Aldh1a1, Cyp26a1, Cyp26b1, and Rarβ were significantly decreased, as well as the levels of the steroid hormone synthase-related proteins STAR and CYP11A1. The levels of estradiol, progesterone, and Anti-Mullerian hormone as well as the quality of oocytes decreased significantly. The significantly changed abundances of Alistipes, Helicobacter, Bacteroides, and some other flora had potentially important roles. DSS-induced colitis and impaired vitamin A absorption reduced ovarian function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Li
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Chengzhen Chen
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Wenjie Yu
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Lingxia Xu
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Haitao Jia
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Na Pei
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Zibin Liu
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Jun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Wenfa Lv
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Bao Yuan
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Jiabao Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Hao Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
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Bigler NA, Gross JJ, Baumrucker CR, Bruckmaier RM. Endocrine changes during the peripartal period related to colostrogenesis in mammalian species. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skad146. [PMID: 37158662 PMCID: PMC10237234 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad146] [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: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This review discusses endocrine and functional changes during the transition from late gestation to lactation that are related to the production of colostrum in different mammalian species. Species covered in this article include ungulate species (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses), rodents (rat, mouse), rabbits, and carnivores (cats, dogs), as well as humans. An immediate availability of high quality colostrum for the newborn after birth is crucial in species where a transfer of immunoglobulins (Ig) does not or only partially occur via the placenta during pregnancy. Declining activity of gestagens, in most species progesterone (P4), is crucial at the end of pregnancy to allow for the characteristic endocrine changes to initiate parturition and lactation, but the endocrine regulation of colostrogenesis is negligible. Both, the functional pathways and the timing of gestagen withdrawal differ considerably among mammalian species. In species with a sustaining corpus luteum throughout the entire pregnancy (cattle, goat, pig, cat, dog, rabbit, mouse, and rat), a prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α)-induced luteolysis shortly before parturition is assumed to be the key event to initiate parturition as well as lactogenesis. In species where the gestagen production is taken over by the placenta during the course of gestation (e.g., sheep, horse, and human), the reduction of gestagen activity is more complex, as PGF2α does not affect placental gestagen production. In sheep the steroid hormone synthesis is directed away from P4 towards estradiol-17β (E2) to achieve a low gestagen activity at high E2 concentrations. In humans the uterus becomes insensitive to P4, as parturition occurs despite still high P4 concentrations. However, lactogenesis is not completed as long as P4 concentration is high. Early colostrum and thus Ig intake for immune protection is not needed for the human newborn which allows a delayed onset of copious milk secretion for days until the placenta expulsion causes the P4 drop. Like humans, horses do not need low gestagen concentrations for successful parturition. However, newborn foals need immediate immune protection through Ig intake with colostrum. This requires the start of lactogenesis before parturition which is not fully clarified. The knowledge of the endocrine changes and related pathways to control the key events integrating the processes of colostrogenesis, parturition, and start of lactation are incomplete in many species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi A Bigler
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Josef J Gross
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Craig R Baumrucker
- Department of Animal Science, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Rupert M Bruckmaier
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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Coprophagy Prevention Affects the Reproductive Performance in New Zealand White Rabbits Is Mediated through Nox4-ROS-NFκB Pathway. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/8999899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Coprophagy is of great significance to the growth, development, and reproductive performance of rabbits. This study is aimed at exploring the effect of coprophagy on the reproductive performance of New Zealand white rabbits by coprophagy prevention (CP). The results showed that CP treatment significantly decreased the growth and development performance of female rabbits and the live birth rate of embryos. The results of blood biochemical indexes showed that CP treatment significantly increased the contents of serum ALB, ALP, and MDA, while serum SOD activity was significantly decreased. Transcriptome analysis showed that GO terms were mainly enriched in transport function and reproductive function after CP treatment. In addition, KEGG results showed that inflammation related signal pathways were activated and the expression level of genes related to tight junction proteins was downregulated by CP treatment. Concurrently, western blot further confirmed the results of KEGG. In short, fecal feeding is an important survival strategy for some small rodents, coprophagy prevention will affect the inflammatory level of the body, change the oxidative stress level of the body, and then activate NOX4-ROS-NF-κB pathway, increase the expression level of adhesion protein ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, lead to the damage of uterine epithelial barrier, and then affect the reproductive performance of rabbits.
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Birchenall KA, Welsh GI, López Bernal A. The feto-placental metabolome of spontaneous labour is not reproduced following induction of labour. Placenta 2022; 129:111-118. [PMID: 36288646 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The mechanism for human labour remains poorly understood, limiting our ability to manage complications including spontaneous preterm birth and induction of labour (IOL). The study of fetal signals poses specific challenges. Metabolomic analysis of maternal blood, the cord artery (CA), and cord vein (CV), allows simultaneous interrogation of multiple metabolic pathways associated with different modes of labour onset and birth. METHODS Global mass spectrometry metabolomics analysis was performed on serial samples collected from participants during pregnancy, in latent phase of labour, and following birth (CA, CV, and intervillous (IV) blood), from those who spontaneously laboured and birthed vaginally (SL group), had IOL and birthed vaginally (IOL group), or birthed via elective caesarean section (no labour; ECS group). RESULTS There were clear differences in fetal and maternal steroid, arachidonate and sphingosine pathways between the SL and IOL groups, despite similar uterine contractions and vaginal birth. The CA/CV ratio for key steroids of the IOL group were more alike the ECS group than the SL group, including progesterone (CA/CV ratio for: SL group=3.5; IOL group=0.5; and ECS group=0.5), and oestriol (CA/CV ratio for: SL group=4.3; IOL group=0.4; and for ECS group=0.2). There were no such changes in the maternal samples. DISCUSSION These findings indicate that IOL does not reproduce the pathways activated in spontaneous labour. The decreased placental progesterone production observed with spontaneous labour may represent a local intrauterine progesterone withdrawal, which, together with other signals, would activate parturition pathways involving arachidonate and sphingosine metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Alice Birchenall
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St Michael's Hospital, Southwell Street, Bristol, BS2 8EG, UK; Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, UK.
| | - Gavin Iain Welsh
- Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, UK.
| | - Andrés López Bernal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St Michael's Hospital, Southwell Street, Bristol, BS2 8EG, UK; Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, UK.
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Lu JW, Lei WJ, Ling LJ, Wang LY, Lin YK, Zhang F, Li MD, Pan F, Wang WS, Sun K. Cortisol Stimulates Local Progesterone Withdrawal Through Induction of AKR1C1 in Human Amnion Fibroblasts at Parturition. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6681118. [PMID: 36048433 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Fetal membrane activation is seen as being one of the crucial triggering components of human parturition. Increased prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production, a common mediator of labor onset in virtually all species, is recognized as one of the landmark events of membrane activation. Fetal membranes are also equipped with a high capacity of cortisol regeneration by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1), and the cortisol regenerated potently induces PGE2 synthesis, an effect normally suppressed by progesterone during gestation. There is no precipitous decline of progesterone synthesis in human parturition. It is intriguing how this suppression is lifted in parturition. Here, we investigated this issue by using human amnion tissue and primary amnion fibroblasts which synthesize the most PGE2 in the fetal membranes. Results showed that the expression of 11β-HSD1 and aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C1 (AKR1C1), a progesterone-inactivating enzyme, increased in parallel in human amnion tissue with gestational age toward the end of gestation and at parturition. Cortisol induced AKR1C1 expression via the transcription factor CCAAT enhancer binding protein δ (C/EBPδ) in amnion fibroblasts. Inhibition of AKR1C1 not only blocked progesterone catabolism induced by cortisol, but also enhanced the suppression of cortisol-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression by progesterone in amnion fibroblasts. In conclusion, our results indicate that cortisol regenerated in the fetal membranes triggers local progesterone withdrawal through enhancement of AKR1C1-mediated progesterone catabolism in amnion fibroblasts, so that the suppression of progesterone on the induction of COX-2 expression and PGE2 synthesis by cortisol can be lifted for parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Wen Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Jia Lei
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
| | - Li-Jun Ling
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, P.R. China
| | - Lu-Yao Wang
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Kai Lin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
| | - Meng-Die Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
| | - Fan Pan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
| | - Wang-Sheng Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
| | - Kang Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
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Pappa C, Gkrozou F, Dimitriou E, Tsonis O, Kitsouli A, Varvarousis D, Xydis V, Paschopoulos M, Kitsoulis P. Can maternal hormones play a significant role in delivery mode? J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2022; 42:2779-2786. [PMID: 35962554 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2022.2109139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was primarily to evaluate the levels of progesterone, oestradiol and relaxin during different delivery modes and secondarily to assess specific traits and changes in maternal pelvic dimensions during pregnancy and childbirth, in correlation with foetal size and maternal hormonal profile. Nulliparous women (n = 448) were evaluated at three different stages, during first trimester, at the time of admission for childbirth and finally just before childbirth. Each examination included clinical internal pelvimetry, blood sample collection for defining the hormones levels in peripheral maternal circulation and ultrasonographic measurements of specific variables of the pubic symphysis and the foetus. We included 304 nulliparous women divided in three groups. According to our results, there was statistically significant difference at the mean progesterone, oestradiol and relaxin range during different modes of childbirth (p-value < .01). We also found significant correlation between the newborn's weight and the changes in pubic symphysis dimensions. However, no significant association was noted between maternal hormones studied and the changes in pelvic dimensions.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Mode of childbirth can be affected by various aspects, like maternal pelvic anatomy, foetal size and hormonal status at the time of labour. Hormonal fluctuations along with mechanical forces caused by the foetus are believed to lead to morphological alterations to promote natural vaginal childbirth.What do the results of this study add? Our results clearly showed that successful vaginal delivery is characterised by the prevalence of a hyperoestrogenic environment with higher values of intrapartum oestradiol range and significant increase in maternal serum relaxin levels. We also proved that progesterone levels do not decrease during vaginal childbirth, and we concluded that foetal size seems to be the most crucial factor causing alterations in maternal pelvis during parturition.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and further research? Our findings could form part of a set of key factors included in future algorithms or computerised biomechanical models for predicting potential childbirth mode. Larger multicenter studies should confirm our results and evaluate their clinical significance in the decision making to ensure safe childbirth and optimal maternal and perinatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Pappa
- Oxford University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Fani Gkrozou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | | | - Orestis Tsonis
- St. Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS, City of London, UK
| | - Aikaterini Kitsouli
- Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | | | - Vasileios Xydis
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Minas Paschopoulos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Kitsoulis
- Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.,Orthopedic Surgeon, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
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Cortasa SA, Inserra PFI, Proietto S, Corso MC, Schmidt AR, Vitullo AD, Dorfman VB, Halperin J. Achieving full-term pregnancy in the vizcacha relies on a reboot of luteal steroidogenesis in mid-gestation (Lagostomus maximus, Rodentia). PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271067. [PMID: 35802690 PMCID: PMC9269958 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis triggered by the decline in serum progesterone in mid-gestation is an uncommon trait that distinguishes the vizcacha from most mammals. Accessory corpora lutea (aCL) developed upon this event have been proposed as guarantors of the restoration of the progesterone levels necessary to mantain gestation. Therefore, the steroidogenic input of primary CL (pCL) vs aCL was evaluated before and after HPO axis-reactivation (BP and AP respectively) and in term pregnancy (TP). Nonpregnant-ovulated females (NP) were considered as the pCL-starting point group. In BP, the ovaries mainly showed pCL, whose LH receptor (LHR), StAR, 3β-HSD, 20α-HSD, and VEGF immunoexpressions were similar or lower than those of NP. In AP, luteal reactivity increased significantly compared to the previous stages, and the pool of aCL developed in this stage represented 20% of the ovarian structures, equaling the percentage of pCL. Both pCL and aCL luteal cells shared similar histological features consistent with secretory activity. Although pCL and aCL showed equivalent labeling intensity for the luteotropic markers, pCL were significantly larger than aCL. Towards TP, both showed structural disorganization and loss of secretory characteristics. No significant DNA fragmentation was detected in luteal cells throughout gestation. Our findings indicate that the LH surge derived from HPO axis-reactivation targets the pCL and boost luteal steroidogenesis and thus progesterone production. Because there are many LHR-expressing antral follicles in BP, they also respond to the LH stimuli and luteinize without extruding the oocyte. These aCL certainly contribute but it is the steroidogenic restart of the pCL that is the main force that restores progesterone levels, ensuring that gestation is carried to term. Most importantly, the results of this work propose luteal steroidogenesis reboot as a key event in the modulation of vizcacha pregnancy and depict yet another distinctive aspect of its reproductive endocrinology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Andrés Cortasa
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD) Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo Felipe Ignacio Inserra
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD) Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sofía Proietto
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD) Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Clara Corso
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD) Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro Raúl Schmidt
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD) Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alfredo Daniel Vitullo
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD) Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Verónica Berta Dorfman
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD) Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julia Halperin
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD) Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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Lyu L, Wen H, Li Y, Li J, Wang X, Yao Y, Qi X. Brain Transcriptomic Dataset During Parturition in Ovoviviparous Sebastes schlegelii. Front Genet 2022; 13:840067. [PMID: 35186048 PMCID: PMC8854175 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.840067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
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Dibo M, Ventimiglia MS, Valeff N, Serradell MDLÁ, Jensen F. An overview of the role of probiotics in pregnancy-associated pathologies with a special focus on preterm birth. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 150:103493. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Georgescu T, Swart JM, Grattan DR, Brown RSE. The Prolactin Family of Hormones as Regulators of Maternal Mood and Behavior. Front Glob Womens Health 2021; 2:767467. [PMID: 34927138 PMCID: PMC8673487 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2021.767467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Transition into motherhood involves profound physiological and behavioral adaptations that ensure the healthy development of offspring while maintaining maternal health. Dynamic fluctuations in key hormones during pregnancy and lactation induce these maternal adaptations by acting on neural circuits in the brain. Amongst these hormonal changes, lactogenic hormones (e.g., prolactin and its pregnancy-specific homolog, placental lactogen) are important regulators of these processes, and their receptors are located in key brain regions controlling emotional behaviors and maternal responses. With pregnancy and lactation also being associated with a marked elevation in the risk of developing mood disorders, it is important to understand how hormones are normally regulating mood and behavior during this time. It seems likely that pathological changes in mood could result from aberrant expression of these hormone-induced behavioral responses. Maternal mental health problems during pregnancy and the postpartum period represent a major barrier in developing healthy mother-infant interactions which are crucial for the child's development. In this review, we will examine the role lactogenic hormones play in driving a range of specific maternal behaviors, including motivation, protectiveness, and mother-pup interactions. Understanding how these hormones collectively act in a mother's brain to promote nurturing behaviors toward offspring will ultimately assist in treatment development and contribute to safeguarding a successful pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodora Georgescu
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Judith M. Swart
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - David R. Grattan
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rosemary S. E. Brown
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Liang J, Yang C, Liu T, Tan HJJ, Sheng Y, Wei L, Tang P, Huang H, Zeng X, Liu S, Huang D, Qiu X. Prenatal exposure to bisphenols and risk of preterm birth: Findings from Guangxi Zhuang birth cohort in China. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 228:112960. [PMID: 34781130 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB), a serious adverse birth outcome, is the leading cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity. Bisphenols induce endocrine disruption that spreads across the placenta, which may affect fetal growth and development. However, the effects of bisphenols on PTB, particularly their combined effects, remain unknown. This study investigated the association between prenatal bisphenol exposure and PTB. Study participants were 2023 mother-infant pairs that were selected from the Guangxi Zhuang Birth Cohort. Maternal serum bisphenol levels were measured using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and pregnancy outcomes were obtained from medical records. Multivariate logistic regression, restricted cubic spline, principal component analysis (PCA), quantile g-computation (Qgcomp), and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to examine the association between serum bisphenol levels and PTB. Ln-transformed BPA concentrations were associated with an increased risk of PTB only in female infants (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.64). Ln-transformed bisphenol F (BPF) concentrations were positively associated with the risk of PTB (OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.18, 2.55). Inverse U-shaped relationships were observed between bisphenol B (BPB), bisphenol S (BPS), and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) levels and the risk of PTB (P-overall < 0.05, P-non-linear < 0.05). After sex stratification, the association between BPA analogs and PTB was only observed in males. In Qgcomp analysis, bisphenol mixtures were related to an increased risk of PTB (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.21), with BPF (43.7%), BPS (29.6%) and BPA (26.8%) having the greatest positive contribution. Results indicate that prenatal exposure to bisphenol mixtures might increase the risk of PTB, which might be primarily driven by BPA, BPF and BPS. There may also be sex-specific and nonmonotonic dose-dependent effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Chunxiu Yang
- The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Huaihua Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Huaihua 418000, Hunan, China
| | - Hui Juan Jennifer Tan
- Ngee Ann Polytechnic, School of Life Sciences & Chemical Technology, 535 Clementi Rd, Singapore 599489, Singapore
| | - Yonghong Sheng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Liangjia Wei
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise 533000, Guangxi, China
| | - Peng Tang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Huishen Huang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaoyun Zeng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Shun Liu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health & Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China.
| | - Dongping Huang
- Department of Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China.
| | - Xiaoqiang Qiu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China.
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21
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Ramhøj L, Frädrich C, Svingen T, Scholze M, Wirth EK, Rijntjes E, Köhrle J, Kortenkamp A, Axelstad M. Testing for heterotopia formation in rats after developmental exposure to selected in vitro inhibitors of thyroperoxidase. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 283:117135. [PMID: 33892370 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The thyroperoxidase (TPO) enzyme is expressed by the thyroid follicular cells and is required for thyroid hormone synthesis. In turn, thyroid hormones are essential for brain development, thus inhibition of TPO in early life can have life-long consequences for brain function. If environmental chemicals with the capacity to inhibit TPO in vitro can also alter brain development in vivo through thyroid hormone dependent mechanisms, however, remains unknown. In this study we show that the in vitro TPO inhibiting pesticide amitrole alters neuronal migration and induces periventricular heterotopia; a thyroid hormone dependent brain malformation. Perinatal exposure to amitrole reduced pup serum thyroxine (T4) concentrations to less than 50% of control animals and this insufficiency led to heterotopia formation in the 16-day old pup's brain. Two other in vitro TPO inhibitors, 2-mercaptobenzimidazole and cyanamide, caused reproductive toxicity and had only minor sporadic effects on the thyroid hormone system; consequently, they did not cause heterotopia. This is the first demonstration of an environmental chemical causing heterotopia, a brain malformation until now only reported for rodent studies with the anti-thyroid drugs propylthiouracil and methimazole. Our results highlight that certain TPO-inhibiting environmental chemicals can alter brain development through thyroid hormone dependent mechanisms. Improved understanding of the effects on the brain as well as the conditions under which chemicals can perturb brain development will be key to protect human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Ramhøj
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Caroline Frädrich
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institut für Experimentelle Endokrinologie, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Terje Svingen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Martin Scholze
- Division of Environmental Studies, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Eva K Wirth
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, 10115, Berlin, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Berlin, Germany
| | - Eddy Rijntjes
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institut für Experimentelle Endokrinologie, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Josef Köhrle
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institut für Experimentelle Endokrinologie, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Kortenkamp
- Division of Environmental Studies, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Marta Axelstad
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark.
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22
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Gutzeit O, Segal L, Korin B, Iluz R, Khatib N, Dabbah-Assadi F, Ginsberg Y, Fainaru O, Ross MG, Weiner Z, Beloosesky R. Progesterone Attenuates Brain Inflammatory Response and Inflammation-Induced Increase in Immature Myeloid Cells in a Mouse Model. Inflammation 2021; 44:956-964. [PMID: 33405022 PMCID: PMC8139904 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-020-01390-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Progesterone has been shown to regulate immunity during pregnancy, and progesterone administration may reduce inflammation-induced preterm labor. We sought to determine the maternal brain immune response to LPS-induced inflammation in pregnant and non-pregnant mice and whether additional progesterone supplementation attenuates this response. Pregnant (P: n = 9) and non-pregnant mice (NP: n = 9) were randomized to pretreatment with vaginal progesterone/carrier (Replens), daily from days 13 to 16. On days 15 and 16, LPS/saline was administered by intraperitoneal injection (Replens + saline n = 3; Replens + LPS n = 3; progesterone + LPS n = 3). Mice were sacrificed on day 16 and maternal serum analyzed for IL-6 levels and brains analyzed for nNOS, NF-kB, IL-6 protein levels and for immature myeloid cells (IMCs) and microglial activity. LPS significantly increased brain nNOS, NF-kB, and IL-6 in both NP and P mice, with significantly greater responses in P mice. In both NP and P groups, progesterone significantly attenuated LPS-induced increase of nNOS and NF-kB, however with no effect on serum IL-6. In the NP brains, LPS significantly increased IMC population and progesterone reduced the IMC phenotype to levels similar to controls. In P mice, neither LPS nor LPS + progesterone altered the brain IMC population. LPS significantly increased the microglial activity in both NP and P groups, which was attenuated by progesterone. Progesterone attenuates brain inflammatory response to LPS in both NP and P mice although it has no effect on systemic inflammation. In NP mice, progesterone attenuated the increase in brain IMC following LPS administration. Our results suggest that endogenous progesterone during pregnancy may protect the brain from LPS-induced inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ola Gutzeit
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Rambam Medical Center, 8 Ha'alya St., 3109601, Haifa, Israel
| | - Linoy Segal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Rambam Medical Center, 8 Ha'alya St., 3109601, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ben Korin
- Department of Neuroscience, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Immunology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Roee Iluz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Rambam Medical Center, 8 Ha'alya St., 3109601, Haifa, Israel
| | - Nizar Khatib
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Rambam Medical Center, 8 Ha'alya St., 3109601, Haifa, Israel
| | - Fadwa Dabbah-Assadi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Rambam Medical Center, 8 Ha'alya St., 3109601, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yuval Ginsberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Rambam Medical Center, 8 Ha'alya St., 3109601, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ofer Fainaru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Rambam Medical Center, 8 Ha'alya St., 3109601, Haifa, Israel
| | - Michael G Ross
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Zeev Weiner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Rambam Medical Center, 8 Ha'alya St., 3109601, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ron Beloosesky
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Rambam Medical Center, 8 Ha'alya St., 3109601, Haifa, Israel.
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23
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Johansson HKL, Christiansen S, Draskau MK, Svingen T, Boberg J. Classical toxicity endpoints in female rats are insensitive to the human endocrine disruptors diethylstilbestrol and ketoconazole. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 101:9-17. [PMID: 33571642 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Developmental exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals can have negative consequences for reproductive health in both men and women. Our knowledge about how chemicals can cause adverse health outcomes in females is, however, poorer than our knowledge in males. This is possibly due to lack of sensitive endpoints to evaluate endocrine disruption potential in toxicity studies. To address this shortcoming we carried out rat studies with two well-known human endocrine disruptors, diethylstilbestrol (DES) and ketoconazole (KTZ), and evaluated the sensitivity of a series of endocrine related endpoints. Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed orally from gestational day 7 until postnatal day 22. In a range-finding study, disruption of pregnancy-related endpoints was seen from 0.014 mg/kg bw/day for DES and 14 mg/kg bw/day for KTZ, so doses were adjusted to 0.003; 0.006; and 0.0012 mg/kg bw/day DES and 3; 6; or 12 mg/kg bw/day KTZ in the main study. We observed endocrine disrupting effects on sensitive endpoints in male offspring: both DES and KTZ shortened anogenital distance and increased nipple retention. In female offspring, 0.0012 mg/kg bw/day DES caused slightly longer anogenital distance. We did not see effects on puberty onset when comparing average day of vaginal opening; however, we saw a subtle delay after exposure to both chemicals using a time-curve analysis. No effects on estrous cycle were registered. Our study shows a need for more sensitive test methods to protect the reproductive health of girls and women from harmful chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna K L Johansson
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Sofie Christiansen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Monica Kam Draskau
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Terje Svingen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Julie Boberg
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark.
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24
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Hu WP, Liu MQ, Tian ZL, Liu QY, Zhang ZB, Tang JS, He XY, Zhu YY, Wang YY, Chu MX. Polymorphism, expression and structure analysis of key genes in the ovarian steroidogenesis pathway in sheep (Ovis aries). Vet Med Sci 2021; 7:1303-1315. [PMID: 33780162 PMCID: PMC8294399 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Litter size is an important factor that significantly affects the development of the sheep industry. Our previous TMT proteomics analysis found that three key proteins in the ovarian steroidogenesis pathway, STAR, HSD3B1, and CYP11A1, may affect the litter size trait of Small Tail Han sheep. Objective The purpose of this study was to better understand the relationship between polymorphisms of these three genes and litter size. Material and Method Sequenom MassARRAY detected genetic variance of the three genes in 768 sheep. Real‐time qPCR of the three genes was used to compare their expression in monotocous and polytocous sheep in relevant tissues. Finally, bioinformatics analysis predicted the protein sequences of the different SNP variants. Result Association analysis showed that there was a significant difference in litter size among the genotypes at two loci of the CYP11A1 gene (p < 0.05), but no significant difference was observed in litter size among all genotypes at all loci of the STAR and HSD3B1 genes (p > 0.05). However, STAR expression was significantly different in polytocous and monotocous sheep in the pituitary (p < 0.01). Tissue‐specific expression in the ovary was observed for HSD3B1 (p < 0.05), but its expression was not different between polytocous and monotocous sheep. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the g.33217408C > T mutation of CYP11A1 resulted in major changes to the secondary and tertiary structures. In contrast, gene polymorphisms in STAR and HSD3B1 had minimal impacts on their protein structures. Discussion This may explain why the CYP11A1 variant impacted litter size while the others did not. The single nucleotide polymorphism of the CYP11A1 gene would serve as a good molecular marker when breeding to increase litter size in sheep. Our study provides a basis for further revealing the function of the ovarian steroidogenesis pathway in sheep reproduction and sheep breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ping Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ming-Qiu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Biology Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Zhi-Long Tian
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiu-Yue Liu
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuang-Biao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ji-Shun Tang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, China
| | - Xiao-Yun He
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Yan Zhu
- Department of Biology Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Wang
- Department of Biology Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Ming-Xing Chu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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25
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Progesterone receptor isoform B regulates the Oxtr- Plcl2- Trpc3 pathway to suppress uterine contractility. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2011643118. [PMID: 33707208 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2011643118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine contractile dysfunction leads to pregnancy complications such as preterm birth and labor dystocia. In humans, it is hypothesized that progesterone receptor isoform PGR-B promotes a relaxed state of the myometrium, and PGR-A facilitates uterine contraction. This hypothesis was tested in vivo using transgenic mouse models that overexpress PGR-A or PGR-B in smooth muscle cells. Elevated PGR-B abundance results in a marked increase in gestational length compared to control mice (21.1 versus 19.1 d respectively, P < 0.05). In both ex vivo and in vivo experiments, PGR-B overexpression leads to prolonged labor, a significant decrease in uterine contractility, and a high incidence of labor dystocia. Conversely, PGR-A overexpression leads to an increase in uterine contractility without a change in gestational length. Uterine RNA sequencing at midpregnancy identified 1,174 isoform-specific downstream targets and 424 genes that are commonly regulated by both PGR isoforms. Gene signature analyses further reveal PGR-B for muscle relaxation and PGR-A being proinflammatory. Elevated PGR-B abundance reduces Oxtr and Trpc3 and increases Plcl2 expression, which manifests a genetic profile of compromised oxytocin signaling. Functionally, both endogenous PLCL2 and its paralog PLCL1 can attenuate uterine muscle cell contraction in a CRISPRa-based assay system. These findings provide in vivo support that PGR isoform levels determine distinct transcriptomic landscapes and pathways in myometrial function and labor, which may help further the understanding of abnormal uterine function in the clinical setting.
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26
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Decidual cell FKBP51-progesterone receptor binding mediates maternal stress-induced preterm birth. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2010282118. [PMID: 33836562 PMCID: PMC7980401 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2010282118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression and posttraumatic stress disorder increase the risk of idiopathic preterm birth (iPTB); however, the exact molecular mechanism is unknown. Depression and stress-related disorders are linked to increased FK506-binding protein 51 (FKBP51) expression levels in the brain and/or FKBP5 gene polymorphisms. Fkbp5-deficient (Fkbp5 -/-) mice resist stress-induced depressive and anxiety-like behaviors. FKBP51 binding to progesterone (P4) receptors (PRs) inhibits PR function. Moreover, reduced PR activity and/or expression stimulates human labor. We report enhanced in situ FKBP51 expression and increased nuclear FKBP51-PR binding in decidual cells of women with iPTB versus gestational age-matched controls. In Fkbp5 +/+ mice, maternal restraint stress did not accelerate systemic P4 withdrawal but increased Fkbp5, decreased PR, and elevated AKR1C18 expression in uteri at E17.25 followed by reduced P4 levels and increased oxytocin receptor (Oxtr) expression at 18.25 in uteri resulting in PTB. These changes correlate with inhibition of uterine PR function by maternal stress-induced FKBP51. In contrast, Fkbp5 -/- mice exhibit prolonged gestation and are completely resistant to maternal stress-induced PTB and labor-inducing uterine changes detected in stressed Fkbp5 +/+ mice. Collectively, these results uncover a functional P4 withdrawal mechanism mediated by maternal stress-induced enhanced uterine FKBP51 expression and FKPB51-PR binding, resulting in iPTB.
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27
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Qamar AY, Mahiddine FY, Bang S, Fang X, Shin ST, Kim MJ, Cho J. Extracellular Vesicle Mediated Crosstalk Between the Gametes, Conceptus, and Female Reproductive Tract. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:589117. [PMID: 33195625 PMCID: PMC7661581 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.589117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediated intracellular communication plays an imperative role in the proper completion of different physiological events. Most of the bio-fluids are enriched with several subpopulations of EVs including exosomes and microvesicles (MVs), with the capacity of transferring different functional molecules (lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids) to target cells. Recipient cells upon receiving the signal molecules undergo different changes that positively affect the structural and functional integrity of the cells. This article was aimed to highlight the role of EVs secreted by gametes, the female reproductive tract, and the growing conceptus in the successful completion of different reproductive events related to gestation. EVs associated with the reproductive system are actively involved in the regulation of different physiological events including gamete maturation, fertilization, and embryo and fetal development. In the reproductive system, EVs mediated intracellular communication is not unidirectional but is rather regulated through crosstalk between the reproductive tract and the growing conceptus. These vesicles are secreted from the ovary, oviductal epithelium, endometrium, developing embryo, and the placenta. The cargo inside these vesicles exerts pleiotropic effects on both maternal and embryonic environments. A better understanding of the EVs-mediated crosstalk will be helpful in the development of useful tools serving both the diagnostic as well as therapeutic needs related to female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Yar Qamar
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub-Campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Feriel Yasmine Mahiddine
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seonggyu Bang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Xun Fang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Sang Tae Shin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Min Jung Kim
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jongki Cho
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
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28
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Sundström-Poromaa I, Comasco E, Sumner R, Luders E. Progesterone - Friend or foe? Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 59:100856. [PMID: 32730861 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol is the "prototypic" sex hormone of women. Yet, women have another sex hormone, which is often disregarded: Progesterone. The goal of this article is to provide a comprehensive review on progesterone, and its metabolite allopregnanolone, emphasizing three key areas: biological properties, main functions, and effects on mood in women. Recent years of intensive research on progesterone and allopregnanolone have paved the way for new treatment of postpartum depression. However, treatment for premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder as well as contraception that women can use without risking mental health problems are still needed. As far as progesterone is concerned, we might be dealing with a two-edged sword: while its metabolite allopregnanolone has been proven useful for treatment of PPD, it may trigger negative symptoms in women with PMS and PMDD. Overall, our current knowledge on the beneficial and harmful effects of progesterone is limited and further research is imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erika Comasco
- Department of Neuroscience, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Eileen Luders
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
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29
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Peterson LS, Stelzer IA, Tsai AS, Ghaemi MS, Han X, Ando K, Winn VD, Martinez NR, Contrepois K, Moufarrej MN, Quake S, Relman DA, Snyder MP, Shaw GM, Stevenson DK, Wong RJ, Arck P, Angst MS, Aghaeepour N, Gaudilliere B. Multiomic immune clockworks of pregnancy. Semin Immunopathol 2020; 42:397-412. [PMID: 32020337 PMCID: PMC7508753 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-019-00772-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Preterm birth is the leading cause of mortality in children under the age of five worldwide. Despite major efforts, we still lack the ability to accurately predict and effectively prevent preterm birth. While multiple factors contribute to preterm labor, dysregulations of immunological adaptations required for the maintenance of a healthy pregnancy is at its pathophysiological core. Consequently, a precise understanding of these chronologically paced immune adaptations and of the biological pacemakers that synchronize the pregnancy "immune clock" is a critical first step towards identifying deviations that are hallmarks of peterm birth. Here, we will review key elements of the fetal, placental, and maternal pacemakers that program the immune clock of pregnancy. We will then emphasize multiomic studies that enable a more integrated view of pregnancy-related immune adaptations. Such multiomic assessments can strengthen the biological plausibility of immunological findings and increase the power of biological signatures predictive of preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura S Peterson
- Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ina A Stelzer
- Department of Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Amy S Tsai
- Department of Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mohammad S Ghaemi
- Department of Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Xiaoyuan Han
- Department of Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kazuo Ando
- Department of Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Virginia D Winn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nadine R Martinez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kevin Contrepois
- Stanford Metabolic Health Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mira N Moufarrej
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University School of Engineering, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Stephen Quake
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University School of Engineering, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - David A Relman
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Infectious Diseases Section, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Michael P Snyder
- Stanford Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Gary M Shaw
- Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - David K Stevenson
- Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ronald J Wong
- Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Petra Arck
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin S Angst
- Department of Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nima Aghaeepour
- Department of Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Brice Gaudilliere
- Department of Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Yellon SM, Greaves E, Heuerman AC, Dobyns AE, Norman JE. Effects of macrophage depletion on characteristics of cervix remodeling and pregnancy in CD11b-dtr mice. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:1386-1394. [PMID: 30629144 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
To test the hypothesis that macrophages are essential for remodeling the cervix in preparation for birth, pregnant homozygous CD11b-dtr mice were injected with diphtheria toxin (DT) on days 14 and 16 postbreeding. On day 15 postbreeding, macrophages (F4/80+) were depleted in cervix and kidney, but not in liver, ovary, or other non-reproductive tissues in DT-compared to saline-treated dtr mice or wild-type controls given DT or saline. Within 24 h of DT-treatment, the density of cell nuclei and macrophages declined in cervix stroma in dtr mice versus controls, but birefringence of collagen, as an indication of extracellular cross-linked structure, remained unchanged. Only in the cervix of DT-treated dtr mice was an apoptotic morphology evident in macrophages. DT-treatment did not alter the sparse presence or morphology of neutrophils. By day 18 postbreeding, macrophages repopulated the cervix in DT-treated dtr mice so that the numbers were comparable to that in controls. However, at term, evidence of fetal mortality without cervix ripening occurred in most dtr mice given DT-a possible consequence of treatment effects on placental function. These findings suggest that CD11b+ F4/80+ macrophages are important to sustain pregnancy and are required for processes that remodel the cervix in preparation for parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Yellon
- Longo Center for Perinatal Biology.,Division of Physiology, Departments of Basic Sciences, and Pediatrics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - E Greaves
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - J E Norman
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
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31
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Marinić M, Lynch VJ. Relaxed constraint and functional divergence of the progesterone receptor (PGR) in the human stem-lineage. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008666. [PMID: 32302297 PMCID: PMC7190170 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The steroid hormone progesterone, acting through the progesterone receptor (PR), a ligand-activated DNA-binding transcription factor, plays an essential role in regulating nearly every aspect of female reproductive biology. While many reproductive traits regulated by PR are conserved in mammals, Catarrhine primates evolved several derived traits including spontaneous decidualization, menstruation, and a divergent (and unknown) parturition signal, suggesting that PR may also have evolved divergent functions in Catarrhines. There is conflicting evidence, however, whether the progesterone receptor gene (PGR) was positively selected in the human lineage. Here we show that PGR evolved rapidly in the human stem-lineage (as well as other Catarrhine primates), which likely reflects an episode of relaxed selection intensity rather than positive selection. Coincident with the episode of relaxed selection intensity, ancestral sequence resurrection and functional tests indicate that the major human PR isoforms (PR-A and PR-B) evolved divergent functions in the human stem-lineage. These results suggest that the regulation of progesterone signaling by PR-A and PR-B may also have diverged in the human lineage and that non-human animal models of progesterone signaling may not faithfully recapitulate human biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirna Marinić
- Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Vincent J. Lynch
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, SUNY, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
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32
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Yaw AM, Duong TV, Nguyen D, Hoffmann HM. Circadian rhythms in the mouse reproductive axis during the estrous cycle and pregnancy. J Neurosci Res 2020; 99:294-308. [PMID: 32128870 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Molecular and behavioral timekeeping is regulated by the circadian system which includes the brain's suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) that translates environmental light information into neuronal and endocrine signals aligning peripheral tissue rhythms to the time of day. Despite the critical role of circadian rhythms in fertility, it remains unexplored how circadian rhythms change within reproductive tissues during pregnancy. To determine how estrous cycle and pregnancy impact phase relationships of reproductive tissues, we used PER2::Luciferase (PER2::LUC) circadian reporter mice and determined the time of day of PER2::LUC peak (phase) in the SCN, pituitary, uterus, and ovary. The relationships between reproductive tissue PER2::LUC phases changed throughout the estrous cycle and late pregnancy and were accompanied by changes to PER2::LUC period in the SCN, uterus, and ovary. To determine if the phase relationship adaptations were driven by sex steroids, we asked if progesterone, a hormone involved in estrous cyclicity and pregnancy, could regulate Per2-luciferase expression. Using an in vitro transfection assay, we found that progesterone increased Per2-luciferase expression in immortalized SCN (SCN2.2) and arcuate nucleus (KTAR) cells. In addition, progesterone shortened PER2::LUC period in ex vivo uterine tissue recordings collected during pregnancy. As progesterone dramatically increases during pregnancy, we evaluated wheel-running patterns in PER2::LUC mice. We confirmed that activity levels decrease during pregnancy and found that activity onset was delayed. Although SCN, but not arcuate nucleus, PER2::LUC period changed during late pregnancy, onset of locomotor activity did not correlate with SCN or arcuate nucleus PER2::LUC period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Yaw
- Department of Animal Science and the Reproductive and Developmental Science Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Thu V Duong
- Department of Animal Science and the Reproductive and Developmental Science Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Duong Nguyen
- Department of Animal Science and the Reproductive and Developmental Science Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Hanne M Hoffmann
- Department of Animal Science and the Reproductive and Developmental Science Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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Grattan DR, Ladyman SR. Neurophysiological and cognitive changes in pregnancy. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2020; 171:25-55. [PMID: 32736755 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64239-4.00002-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The hormonal fluctuations in pregnancy drive a wide range of adaptive changes in the maternal brain. These range from specific neurophysiological changes in the patterns of activity of individual neuronal populations, through to complete modification of circuit characteristics leading to fundamental changes in behavior. From a neurologic perspective, the key hormone changes are those of the sex steroids, estradiol and progesterone, secreted first from the ovary and then from the placenta, the adrenal glucocorticoid cortisol, as well as the anterior pituitary peptide hormone prolactin and its pregnancy-specific homolog placental lactogen. All of these hormones are markedly elevated during pregnancy and cross the blood-brain barrier to exert actions on neuronal populations through receptors expressed in specific regions. Many of the hormone-induced changes are in autonomic or homeostatic systems. For example, patterns of oxytocin and prolactin secretion are dramatically altered to support novel physiological functions. Appetite is increased and feedback responses to metabolic hormones such as leptin and insulin are suppressed to promote a positive energy balance. Fundamental physiological systems such as glucose homeostasis and thermoregulation are modified to optimize conditions for fetal development. In addition to these largely autonomic changes, there are also changes in mood, behavior, and higher processes such as cognition. This chapter summarizes the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and reviews how these changes impact on brain function, drawing on examples from animal research, as well as available information about human pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Grattan
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| | - Sharon R Ladyman
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Huang S, Li J, Xu S, Zhao H, Li Y, Zhou Y, Fang J, Liao J, Cai Z, Xia W. Bisphenol A and bisphenol S exposures during pregnancy and gestational age - A longitudinal study in China. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 237:124426. [PMID: 31362131 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.124426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) and its substitute bisphenol S (BPS) are endocrine-disrupting chemicals and metabolized rapidly in human body. BPA exposure in late pregnancy has been suggested to be associated with preterm birth (PTB), but the associations of trimester BPA and BPS exposures with gestational age have been rarely studied. We aimed to examine maternal urinary BPA and BPS levels longitudinally measured across pregnancy in relation to gestational age and PTB. A prenatal cohort study was conducted between 2014 and 2015 in Wuhan, China. Maternal urinary BPA and BPS concentrations were measured in a complete series of urine samples collected in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters from 850 pregnant women and corrected by specific gravity. In comparison with the lowest tertile of maternal urinary BPA, higher levels of averaged BPA concentration across pregnancy was associated with a 1.97-day decrease in gestation (95% CI: 3.25, -0.68) and an adjusted odds ratio of 3.19 (95% CI: 1.00, 10.45) for PTB. Higher BPA concentrations in three trimesters were also negatively associated with gestational age and positively correlated with PTB. In contrast, only a positive association of third-trimester BPS with gestational age was found, but the significant association disappeared in the adjusted models. Both maternal trimester and averaged BPA exposure across pregnancy were significantly associated with shortened gestation and increased risk of PTB. However, the results showed little evidence of a relationship between BPS and PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Huang
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (HUST), Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, Department of Cancer Epidemiology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiufeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Shunqing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (HUST), Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongzhi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (HUST), Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanqiu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaqiang Liao
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (HUST), Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Zongwei Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wei Xia
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (HUST), Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
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35
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Nowak M, Rehrauer H, Ay SS, Findik M, Boos A, Kautz E, Kowalewski MP. Gene expression profiling of the canine placenta during normal and antigestagen-induced luteolysis. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 282:113194. [PMID: 31145892 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The domestic dog is the only domestic animal species that does not produce steroids in the placenta and instead relies on luteal steroids throughout pregnancy. Nevertheless, the canine placenta is highly responsive to steroids, and withdrawal of progesterone (P4) affects the feto-maternal unit, initializing the parturition cascade. Similar effects can be observed during antigestagen-induced abortion. Here, aiming to provide new insights into mechanisms involved in the termination of canine pregnancy, next generation sequencing (NGS, RNA-seq) was applied. Placental transcriptomes derived from natural prepartum and antigestagen-induced abortions were analyzed and compared with fully developed mid-gestation placentas. The contrast "prepartum luteolysis over mid-gestation" revealed 1973 differentially expressed genes (DEG). Terms associated with apoptosis, impairment of vascular function and activation of signaling of several cytokines (e.g., IL-8, IL-3, TGF-β) were overrepresented at natural luteolysis. When compared with mid-term, antigestagen treatment revealed 135 highly regulated DEG that were involved in the induced luteolysis and showed similar associations with functional terms and expression patterns as during natural luteolysis. The contrast "antigestagen-induced luteolysis over prepartum luteolysis" revealed that, although similar changes occur in both conditions, they are more pronounced during natural prepartum. Among P4-regulated DEG were those related to immune system and cortisol metabolism. It appears that, besides inducing placental PGF2α output, both natural and induced P4 withdrawal is associated with disruption of the feto-maternal interface, leading to impaired vascular functions, apoptosis and controlled modulation of the immune response. The time-related maturation of the feto-maternal interface needs to be considered because it may be clinically relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Nowak
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hubert Rehrauer
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich (FGCZ), ETH Zurich/University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Serhan S Ay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ondokuz Mayis, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Murat Findik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ondokuz Mayis, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Alois Boos
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ewa Kautz
- Department of Large Animal Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mariusz P Kowalewski
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland.
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36
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Ding T, Mokshagundam S, Rinaudo PF, Osteen KG, Bruner-Tran KL. Paternal developmental toxicant exposure is associated with epigenetic modulation of sperm and placental Pgr and Igf2 in a mouse model. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:864-876. [PMID: 29741588 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB), parturition prior to 37 weeks' gestation, is the leading cause of neonatal mortality. The causes of spontaneous PTB are poorly understood; however, recent studies suggest that this condition may arise as a consequence of the parental fetal environment. Specifically, we previously demonstrated that developmental exposure of male mice (F1 animals) to the environmental endocrine disruptor 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) was associated with reduced sperm quantity/quality in adulthood and control female partners frequently delivered preterm. Reproductive defects persisted in the F2 and F3 descendants, and spontaneous PTB was common. Reproductive changes in the F3 males, the first generation without direct TCDD exposure, suggest the occurrence of epigenetic alterations in the sperm, which have the potential to impact placental development. Herein, we conducted an epigenetic microarray analysis of control and F1 male-derived placentae, which identified 2171 differentially methylated regions, including the progesterone receptor (Pgr) and insulin-like growth factor (Igf2). To assess if Pgr and Igf2 DNA methylation changes were present in sperm and persist in future generations, we assessed methylation and expression of these genes in F1/F3 sperm and F3-derived placentae. Although alterations in methylation and gene expression were observed, in most tissues, only Pgr reached statistical significance. Despite the modest gene expression changes in Igf2, offspring of F1 and F3 males consistently exhibited IUGR. Taken together, our data indicate that paternal developmental TCDD exposure is associated with transgenerational placental dysfunction, suggesting epigenetic modifications within the sperm have occurred. An evaluation of additional genes and alternative epigenetic mechanisms is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianbing Ding
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Shilpa Mokshagundam
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Paolo F Rinaudo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kevin G Osteen
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville Tennessee, USA
| | - Kaylon L Bruner-Tran
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Rogers FD, Bales KL. Mothers, Fathers, and Others: Neural Substrates of Parental Care. Trends Neurosci 2019; 42:552-562. [PMID: 31255381 PMCID: PMC6660995 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2019.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Parental care is essential for the survival of offspring in altricial mammalian species. However, in most mammals, virgin females tend to avoid or attack infants. Moreover, most males demonstrate avoidance and aggression toward infants, and have little to no involvement in parental care. What mechanisms suppress avoidance, and support approach towards pups, to promote maternal care? In biparental and cooperatively breeding species, what mechanisms allow nonmothers (i.e., fathers and alloparents) to demonstrate parental care? In this review we consider the mechanisms that subserve parental care in mothers, fathers, and others (i.e., alloparents). We emphasize recent discoveries and research trends with particular emphasis on neuroendocrinology, neuroplasticity, transcriptomics, and epigenetics. Finally, we consider outstanding questions and outline opportunities for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forrest Dylan Rogers
- Graduate Program in Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Karen Lisa Bales
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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38
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Heuerman AC, Hollinger TT, Menon R, Mesiano S, Yellon SM. Cervix Stromal Cells and the Progesterone Receptor A Isoform Mediate Effects of Progesterone for Prepartum Remodeling. Reprod Sci 2019; 26:690-696. [PMID: 30654718 DOI: 10.1177/1933719118820462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The prepartum transition from a soft to ripening cervix is an inflammatory process that occurs well before birth when systemic progesterone is near peak concentration. This 2-part study first determined that stromal fibroblasts but not macrophages in the cervix have progesterone receptors (PRs). Neither the number of PR cells in cervix sections nor the relative abundance or ratio of nuclear PR isoforms (PR-A/PR-B) were diminished in mice between day 15 of pregnancy and term. Second in mice lacking PR-B ( Pgrtm20mc), the number of cells that expressed the PR-A isoform were maintained during this period of prepartum cervix remodeling. Thus, progesterone effects to sustain pregnancy, as well as soften and ripen the cervix, are mediated by a stable stromal cell population that expresses PR-A and, through interactions with resident macrophages, are likely to mediate inflammatory ripening processes in preparation for birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne C Heuerman
- 1 Longo Center for Perinatal Biology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Trevor T Hollinger
- 1 Longo Center for Perinatal Biology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- 2 Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Sam Mesiano
- 3 Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Steven M Yellon
- 1 Longo Center for Perinatal Biology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA.,4 Division of Physiology, Department of Basic Sciences, and Departments of Basic Sciences and Pediatrics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
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39
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Smiley KO, Ladyman SR, Gustafson P, Grattan DR, Brown RSE. Neuroendocrinology and Adaptive Physiology of Maternal Care. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2019; 43:161-210. [PMID: 31808002 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2019_122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Parental care is critical for offspring survival in many species. In mammals, parental care is primarily provided through maternal care, due to obligate pregnancy and lactation constraints, although some species also show paternal and alloparental care. These behaviors are driven by specialized neural circuits that receive sensory, cortical, and hormonal input to generate a coordinated and timely change in behavior, and sustain that behavior through activation of reward pathways. Importantly, the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and lactation also act to coordinate a broad range of physiological changes to support the mother and enable her to adapt to the demands of these states. This chapter will review the neural pathways that regulate maternal behavior, the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and lactation, and how these two facets merge together to promote both young-directed maternal responses (including nursing and grooming) and young-related responses (including maternal aggression and other physiological adaptions to support the development of and caring for young). We conclude by examining how experimental animal work has translated into knowledge of human parenting, particularly in regards to maternal mental health issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina O Smiley
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Sharon R Ladyman
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Papillon Gustafson
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - David R Grattan
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rosemary S E Brown
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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40
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Progesterone treatment enhances the expansion of placental immature myeloid cells in a mouse model of premature labor. J Reprod Immunol 2018; 131:7-12. [PMID: 30391857 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION immature-myeloid cells (IMCs) are proangiogenic bone marrow (BM)-derived cells that normally differentiate into inflammatory cells such as neutrophils, monocytes and dendritic cells (DCs). We characterized placental IMCs comparing their gene expression and subpopulations to tumor IMCs, and tested our hypothesis that progesterone that inhibits preterm labor, may affect their abundance and differentiation. METHODS differences between IMC-subpopulations in subcutaneous tumors versus placentas in C57BL/6 or ICR (CD-1) mice were analyzed by flow cytometry and gene expression was detected by microarrays. BM- and placental cells were incubated with or without progesterone and IMC subpopulations were analyzed. For preterm labor induction pregnant mice pretreated or not with progesterone were or were not treated with Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). RESULTS we detected enrichment of granulocytic-IMCs in placentas compared to tumors, paralleled by a decrease in monocytic-IMCs. mRNA expression of placenta- versus tumor IMCs revealed profound transcriptional alterations. Progesterone treated BM-CD11b+ cells ex-vivo induced enrichment of granulocytic-IMCs and a decrease in monocytic-IMCs and DCs. LPS treatment in-vivo led to an increase in BM-IMCs in both progesterone pretreated or non-pretreated mice. In the placenta LPS decreased the IMC population while progesterone led to complete abrogation of this effect. DISCUSSION placental IMCs differ from tumor-IMCs in both subpopulations and gene expression. Progesterone enhances the proliferation of placenta-specific granulocytic IMCs ex-vivo and LPS induced labor is accompanied by a decrease in placental IMCs only in progesterone non-pretreated mice. We thus speculate that the protective effect of progesterone in preventing preterm labor may be explained at least in part by this specific anti-inflammatory effect.
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Fernando F, Boussata S, Jongejan A, van der Post JA, Afink G, Ris-Stalpers C. In silico analysis of the Mus musculus uterine gene expression landscape during pregnancy identifies putative upstream regulators for labour. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204236. [PMID: 30235305 PMCID: PMC6147639 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The molecular pathways involved in the transition from uterine quiescence to overt labour are mapped and form the currently established pharmacological targets for both the induction and inhibition of human labour. However, both spontaneous premature labour and functional dystocia occur and are difficult to treat adequately. The identification of upstream regulators involved in the onset and orchestration of labour pathways is essential to develop additional therapies that will contribute to the regulation of the timing of birth. OBJECTIVES To define uterine biological processes and their upstream activators involved in the transition from uterine quiescence to overt labour. STUDY DESIGN The uterus of non-pregnant and pregnant FVB M. musculus is collected at embryonic days (E) 6.5, 8.5, 10.5, 12.5, 15.5 and 17.5 and the uterine transcriptome is determined using the Illumina mouse Ref8v2 micro-array platform. K-means clustering and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis are applied to further dissect the transcriptome data. RESULTS From E6.5 to E17.5, 5405 genes are significantly differentially expressed and they segregate into 7 unique clusters. Five of the 7 clusters are enriched for genes involved in specific biological processes that include regulation of gene-expression, T-cell receptor activation, Toll-like receptor signalling and steroid metabolism. The identification of upstream activators for differentially expressed genes between consecutive time points highlights the E10.5 to E12.5 window during which the role from progesterone switches from an activated state to the inhibited state reflecting the process of functional progesterone withdrawal essential for the transgression from myometrial quiescence to synchronized contractions. For this time window in which 189 genes are differentially expressed we define 22 putative upstream activators of which NUPR1 and TBX2 are the most significant with respectively an activated and an inhibited status. CONCLUSIONS Gene expression profiling of mice uterus from E6.5 to E17.5 results in 7 unique gene expression clusters from early to late pregnancy that define the landscape of molecular events in ongoing pregnancy. In the current dataset progesterone is predicted as an activated upstream regulator and maintainer of myometrial quiescence and is active till E10.5. Progesterone is predicted as an inhibited upstream regulator at E12.5. We identify 22 upstream regulators in the E10.5 to E12.5 time window where the switch to progesterone withdrawal occurs. They are putative relevant upstream activators of labour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Febilla Fernando
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Souad Boussata
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aldo Jongejan
- Department of Bioinformatics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joris A. van der Post
- Women’s and Children’s Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gijs Afink
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carrie Ris-Stalpers
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Women’s and Children’s Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Wan Y, Huo W, Xu S, Zheng T, Zhang B, Li Y, Zhou A, Zhang Y, Hu J, Zhu Y, Chen Z, Lu S, Wu C, Jiang M, Jiang Y, Liu H, Yang X, Xia W. Relationship between maternal exposure to bisphenol S and pregnancy duration. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 238:717-724. [PMID: 29621731 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.03.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol S (BPS) has been progressively used due to the potential safety problems of bisphenol A (BPA). Thus Human studies are needed to investigate the developmental effects of BPS. In this study, the impact of maternal BPS exposure on birth outcomes was evaluated with linear and logistic regression models. BPS was analyzed in spot urine samples collected from 985 pregnant women at admission to labor. It was found in 93.7% of the urine samples with the specific gravity adjusted geometric mean concentration of 0.17 μg/L. One ln-unit increase in urinary BPS was associated with a 0.72-day increase in pregnancy duration (95% CI: 0.34, 1.09). When stratified by fetal sex, each ln-unit increase in maternal urinary BPS was significantly correlated with increased gestational age [adjusted β = 1.02, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.47, 1.57] and increased odds of late term birth [adjusted odds ratio = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.67] for girls, but not significantly for boys. Including maternal urinary BPA and BPS in one model did not change the results. Associations of BPS with birth weight or length were not observed. This is the first report about BPS exposure for pregnant women from China. Higher maternal urinary BPS concentrations were associated with increased gestational age, suggesting maternal BPS exposure may interfere with pregnancy duration. The findings require replication but reveal the probable risks posed by the developmental BPS exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjian Wan
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (HUST), Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China; Institute of Environmental Health, Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Wenqian Huo
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (HUST), Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China; Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shunqing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (HUST), Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Tongzhang Zheng
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Bin Zhang
- Women and Children Medical and Healthcare Center of Wuhan, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (HUST), Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Aifen Zhou
- Women and Children Medical and Healthcare Center of Wuhan, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiming Zhang
- Women and Children Medical and Healthcare Center of Wuhan, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Hu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (HUST), Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingshuang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (HUST), Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Women and Children Medical and Healthcare Center of Wuhan, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuansha Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (HUST), Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Minmin Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (HUST), Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yangqian Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (HUST), Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongxiu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (HUST), Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueyu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (HUST), Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Xia
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (HUST), Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
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Abuelghar WM, Ellaithy MI, Swidan KH, Allam IS, Haggag HM. Prediction of spontaneous preterm birth: salivary progesterone assay and transvaginal cervical length assessment after 24 weeks of gestation, another critical window of opportunity. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2018; 32:3847-3858. [PMID: 29843547 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2018.1482872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: Measurement of salivary progesterone (SP4) levels and cervical length (CL) after 24 weeks to assess their potential predictive value among asymptomatic women at high risk of spontaneous preterm birth (PTB). Methods: This prospective observational (noninterventional) study consecutively recruited asymptomatic women at high risk of spontaneous PTB. SP4 and CL were measured at recruitment (24-28 weeks of gestation) then repeated after 3-4 weeks. All recruited women were followed up regularly till delivery. The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of spontaneous PTB. Results: One hundred and thirty four women completed the study, 22 (16.4%) and 32 (23.9%) women had early (<34 weeks) and late (≥34 weeks) PTB, respectively. Initially, the mean CL was 3.2 ± 0.6 cm and the mean SP4 was 4062.8 ± 814.6 pg/ml; with follow up, the mean CL became 3.0 ± 0.6 cm and the mean SP4 became 3871.6 ± 1136.9. Women with early PTB had significantly lower initial and follow up CL and SP4 measures when compared to women with late PTB and those who had birth at term. The rate of drop in SP4 and CL measurements between the two visits was also significantly higher among women with early PTB than those with late PTB and term birth. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed that, CL was a good predictor but SP4 was a better predictor of PTB as the area under the curve (AUC) for CL was less than that for SP4 at both visits (i.e. 0.858 and 0.868 versus 0.986 and 0.990 at the initial and follow up visits, respectively). There was a statistically significant correlation between CL and SP4 measurements. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis revealed that follow up SP4 measurement was the only independent predictor of spontaneous PTB, and neither BMI, maternal age, SP4 nor CL were independent predictors of early spontaneous PTB. Conclusions: After 24 gestational weeks, SP4 assessment is a simple and reliable promising tool to predict spontaneous PTB among asymptomatic high-risk women, with a little superior performance than CL measurement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ihab S Allam
- a Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital , Cairo , Egypt
| | - Heba M Haggag
- b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Elsalam Specialized Hospital , Elsalam City, Cairo , Egypt
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Escalante-Gaytán J, Reyes-Lagos JJ, Peña-Castillo MÁ, Echeverría JC, García-González MT, Becerril-Villanueva E, Pavón L, Ledesma-Ramírez CI, Ayala-Yáñez R, González-Camarena R, Pacheco-López G. Associations of Immunological Markers and Anthropometric Measures with Linear and Nonlinear Electrohysterographic Parameters at Term Active Labor. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.3233/nib-170127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Escalante-Gaytán
- Autonomous University of the State of Mexico (UAEMex), Faculty of Medicine, Toluca, Mexico
| | | | - Miguel Ángel Peña-Castillo
- Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM), Campus Iztapalapa, Division of Basic Sciences and Engineering, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Juan Carlos Echeverría
- Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM), Campus Iztapalapa, Division of Basic Sciences and Engineering, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - María Teresa García-González
- Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM), Campus Iztapalapa, Division of Basic Sciences and Engineering, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Lenin Pavón
- Department of Psychoimmunology, National Institute of Psychiatry, “Ramón de la Fuente”, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Ramón González-Camarena
- Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM), Campus Iztapalapa, Division of Biological and Health Sciences, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gustavo Pacheco-López
- Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM), Campus Lerma, Division of Biological and Health Sciences, Lerma, Mexico
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
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Shambhavi S, Bagga R, Bansal P, Kalra J, Kumar P. A randomised trial to compare 200 mg micronised progesterone effervescent vaginal tablet daily with 250 mg intramuscular 17 alpha hydroxy progesterone caproate weekly for prevention of recurrent preterm birth. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2018; 38:800-806. [PMID: 29557230 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2018.1425380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
For prevention of a recurrent preterm birth (PTB), intramuscular 17-α-hydroxy progesterone caproate (IM 17 OHPC) weekly is recommended. Vaginal progesterone is preferred for women at risk for PTB due to a short cervical length, but may be useful in women with a prior PTB. However, there is no consensus about the optimal vaginal formulation or its efficacy as compared to 17 OHPC to prevent recurrent PTB. We randomised 100 women with a singleton pregnancy between 16 and 24 weeks of gestation and ≥ one prior spontaneous PTB, of a singleton (>16 to <37 weeks of gestation) to receive the 200 mg vaginal progesterone effervescent tablet daily (Group A) or IM 17-OHPC, 250 mg weekly (Group B) till 37 weeks of gestation or delivery. The spontaneous PTB rate of <37 weeks was similar (20% in Group A and 20.8% in Group B, p = .918). The PTB rate of <34 weeks or <28 weeks were also comparable. The mean birth weight and other neonatal outcomes were similar in the two groups. Two neonates in Group A and four neonates in Group B required NICU admission, one of whom (Group B) died due to prematurity. Twenty percent of women in Group A and 29.2% in Group B reported adverse effects from their respective study medications (p = .408, NS). Thus, there did not appear to be a difference between vaginal progesterone and 17-OHPC when used for the prevention of a recurrent PTB. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Progesterone administration is useful for prevention of a recurrent preterm birth (PTB) and these women are prescribed the intramuscular 17-α-hydroxy progesterone caproate (IM 17 OHPC), 250 mg, weekly. Some studies found that vaginal progesterone (once daily) is also beneficial in these women, but there is no consensus regarding its efficacy when compared to 17 OHPC, or its optimal formulation and dose. What do the results of this study add? In the present study, 100 women with a singleton pregnancy between 16 and 24 weeks of gestation and ≥ one prior spontaneous singleton PTB or mid-trimester abortion were randomised to receive 200 mg of vaginal progesterone effervescent tablet daily (Group A) or 250 mg IM 17-OHPC weekly (Group B) till 37 weeks of gestation or delivery. The spontaneous PTB rate <37 weeks was similar in the two groups (20% in Group A and 20.8% in Group B, p = .918). The PTB rate <34 weeks or <28 weeks were also comparable. The mean birth weight and other neonatal outcomes were similar. Twenty percent of women in Group A and 29.2% of women in Group B reported adverse effects from their respective study medications (p = .408, NS). Thus, there did not appear to be a difference between the vaginal progesterone effervescent tablet and 17-OHPC when used for the prevention of a recurrent PTB. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The vaginal progesterone effervescent tablet may be a suitable alternative to IM 17 OHPC to prevent recurrent PTB. Future studies should identify the most appropriate route (IM or vaginal) and vaginal progesterone formulation for PTB prevention in women at risk for a recurrent PTB and in women with a short cervical length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Shambhavi
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research , Chandigarh , India
| | - Rashmi Bagga
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research , Chandigarh , India
| | - Pallavi Bansal
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research , Chandigarh , India
| | - Jasvinder Kalra
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research , Chandigarh , India
| | - Praveen Kumar
- b Department of Paediatrics (Neonatology Division) , Delhi State Cancer Institute , New Delhi , India
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Wang Y, Abrahams VM, Luo G, Norwitz NG, Snegovskikh VV, Ng SW, Norwitz ER. Progesterone Inhibits Apoptosis in Fetal Membranes by Altering Expression of Both Pro- and Antiapoptotic Proteins. Reprod Sci 2018; 25:1161-1167. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719118759440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuguang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Providence, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Vikki M. Abrahams
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Guoyang Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Nicholas G. Norwitz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Shu-Wing Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Mother Infant Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Errol R. Norwitz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Mother Infant Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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Legacki EL, Corbin CJ, Ball BA, Wynn M, Loux S, Stanley SD, Conley AJ. Progestin withdrawal at parturition in the mare. Reproduction 2017; 152:323-31. [PMID: 27568209 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian pregnancies need progestogenic support and birth requires progestin withdrawal. The absence of progesterone in pregnant mares, and the progestogenic bioactivity of 5α-dihydroprogesterone (DHP), led us to reexamine progestin withdrawal at foaling. Systemic pregnane concentrations (DHP, allopregnanolone, pregnenolone, 5α-pregnane-3β, 20α-diol (3β,20αDHP), 20α-hydroxy-5α-dihydroprogesterone (20αDHP)) and progesterone) were monitored in mares for 10days before foaling (n=7) by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The biopotency of dominant metabolites was assessed using luciferase reporter assays. Stable transfected Chinese hamster ovarian cells expressing the equine progesterone receptor (ePGR) were transfected with an MMTV-luciferase expression plasmid responsive to steroid agonists. Cells were incubated with increasing concentrations (0-100nM) of progesterone, 20αDHP and 3α,20βDHP. The concentrations of circulating pregnanes in periparturient mares were (highest to lowest) 3α,20βDHP and 20αDHP (800-400ng/mL respectively), DHP and allopregnanolone (90 and 30ng/mL respectively), and pregnenolone and progesterone (4-2ng/mL). Concentrations of all measured pregnanes declined on average by 50% from prepartum peaks to the day before foaling. Maximum activation of the ePGR by progesterone occurred at 30nM; 20αDHP and 3α,20βDHP were significantly less biopotent. At prepartum concentrations, both 20αDHP and 3α,20βDHP exhibited significant ePGR activation. Progestogenic support of pregnancy declines from 3 to 5days before foaling. Prepartum peak concentrations indicate that DHP is the major progestin, but other pregnanes like 20αDHP are present in sufficient concentrations to play a physiological role in the absence of DHP. The authors conclude that progestin withdrawal associated with parturition in mares involves cessation of pregnane synthesis by the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin L Legacki
- Department of Population Health and ReproductionSchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - C J Corbin
- Department of Population Health and ReproductionSchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - B A Ball
- Gluck Equine Research CenterDepartment of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - M Wynn
- Gluck Equine Research CenterDepartment of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - S Loux
- Gluck Equine Research CenterDepartment of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - S D Stanley
- Department of Molecular BiosciencesSchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - A J Conley
- Department of Population Health and ReproductionSchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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Lombardi A, Makieva S, Rinaldi SF, Arcuri F, Petraglia F, Norman JE. Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases in the Mouse Uterus and Human Myometrium During Pregnancy, Labor, and Preterm Labor. Reprod Sci 2017; 25:938-949. [PMID: 28950743 DOI: 10.1177/1933719117732158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uterine extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling occurs throughout pregnancy and at parturition. Imbalanced availability of key mediators in ECM degradation, namely, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs), is implicated in the pathogenesis of preterm labor (PTL). OBJECTIVES Examine the expression of MMPs and their inhibitors TIMPs in (a) the mouse uterus throughout normal gestation, at labor, and during inflammation-induced PTL and (b) the human term and preterm myometrium. METHODS The expression of Mmp-2/9/3/10 and Timp-1/2 was determined in the uterus of C57BL/6 mice (n = 6/group) during pregnancy (on days (d) 5, 8, 12, 15, 17, and 18), at normal labor, and during lipopolysaccharide-induced PTL (n = 6/group). The expression of MMP-10 and TIMP-1 was determined in human term and preterm myometrium before the onset of labor (TNL, n = 7; PTNL, n = 7) and during active labor (TL, n = 8; PTL, n = 8). Gene expression and tissue localization were assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, respectively. RESULTS Mmp-10 was higher during murine labor (53-fold vs early pregnancy) in contrast to Mmp-2/3/9 and Timp-1, the expression of which reached a nadir at labor ( P < .001 vs d5 [ Mmp-2/ 9] or P < .05 vs d8 [ Mmp-3 and Timp-1]). The Mmp-3/10 and Timp-1 were localized to the uterine epithelium and stroma/myometrium. In the human myometrium, TIMP-1 messenger RNA was higher and MMP-10 was lower in TL versus TNL ( P < .05), PTL ( P < .001), and PTNL ( P < .001). MMP-10 and TIMP-1 were localized to the myometrial smooth muscle cells, interstitial fibroblasts, and inflammatory cells. CONCLUSIONS These data implicate MMP-3, TIMP-1, and MMP-10 in the uterine ECM remodeling during physiological and pathological parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalia Lombardi
- 1 Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Sofia Makieva
- 2 Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sara F Rinaldi
- 2 Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Felice Arcuri
- 1 Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Felice Petraglia
- 1 Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Jane E Norman
- 2 Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Wagner GP, Nnamani MC, Chavan AR, Maziarz J, Protopapas S, Condon J, Romero R. Evolution of Gene Expression in the Uterine Cervix related to Steroid Signaling: Conserved features in the regulation of cervical ripening. Sci Rep 2017; 7:4439. [PMID: 28667298 PMCID: PMC5493687 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04759-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The uterine cervix is the boundary structure between the uterus and the vagina and is key for the maintenance of pregnancy and timing of parturition. Here we report on a comparative transcriptomic study of the cervix of four placental mammals, mouse, guinea pig, rabbit and armadillo, and one marsupial, opossum. Our aim is to investigate the evolution of cervical gene expression as related to putative mechanisms for functional progesterone withdrawal. Our findings are: 1) The patterns of gene expression in eutherian (placental) mammals are consistent with the notion that an increase in the E/P4 signaling ratio is critical for cervical ripening. How the increased E/P4 ratio is achieved, however, is variable between species. 2) None of the genes related to steroid signaling, that are modulated in eutherian species, change expression during opossum gestation. 3) A tendency for decreased expression of progesterone receptor co-activators (NCOA1, -2 and -3, and CREBBP) towards term is a shared derived feature of eutherians. This suggests that parturition is associated with broad scale histone de-acetylation. Western-blotting on mouse cervix confirmed large scale histone de-acetylation in labor. This finding may have important implications for the control of premature cervical ripening and prevention of preterm birth in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Günter P Wagner
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA. .,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA. .,Yale Systems Biology Institute, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA.
| | - Mauris C Nnamani
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.,Yale Systems Biology Institute, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Arun Rajendra Chavan
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.,Yale Systems Biology Institute, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Jamie Maziarz
- Yale Systems Biology Institute, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | | | - Jennifer Condon
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD, NIH, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD, NIH, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
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Hormones and sex differences: changes in cardiac electrophysiology with pregnancy. Clin Sci (Lond) 2017; 130:747-59. [PMID: 27128800 DOI: 10.1042/cs20150710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Disruption of cardiac electrical activity resulting in palpitations and syncope is often an early symptom of pregnancy. Pregnancy is a time of dramatic and dynamic physiological and hormonal changes during which numerous demands are placed on the heart. These changes result in electrical remodelling which can be detected as changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG). This gestational remodelling is a very under-researched area. There are no systematic large studies powered to determine changes in the ECG from pre-pregnancy, through gestation, and into the postpartum period. The large variability between patients and the dynamic nature of pregnancy hampers interpretation of smaller studies, but some facts are consistent. Gestational cardiac hypertrophy and a physical shift of the heart contribute to changes in the ECG. There are also electrical changes such as an increased heart rate and lengthening of the QT interval. There is an increased susceptibility to arrhythmias during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Some changes in the ECG are clearly the result of changes in ion channel expression and behaviour, but little is known about the ionic basis for this electrical remodelling. Most information comes from animal models, and implicates changes in the delayed-rectifier channels. However, it is likely that there are additional roles for sodium channels as well as changes in calcium homoeostasis. The changes in the electrical profile of the heart during pregnancy and the postpartum period have clear implications for the safety of pregnant women, but the field remains relatively undeveloped.
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