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Westerberg AC, Degnes MHL, Andresen IJ, Roland MCP, Michelsen TM. Angiogenic and vasoactive proteins in the maternal-fetal interface in healthy pregnancies and preeclampsia. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024:S0002-9378(24)00441-1. [PMID: 38494070 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2024.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preeclampsia is characterized by maternal endothelial activation and placental dysfunction. Imbalance in maternal angiogenic and vasoactive factors has been linked to the pathophysiology. The contribution of the placenta as a source of these factors remains unclear. Furthermore, little is known about fetal angiogenic and vasoactive proteins and the relation between maternal and fetal levels. OBJECTIVE We describe placental growth factor, soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1, soluble endoglin, and endothelin 1-3 in 5 vessels in healthy pregnancies, early- and late-onset preeclampsia. Specifically, we aimed to (1) compare protein abundance in vessels at the maternal-fetal interface between early- and late-onset preeclampsia, and healthy pregnancies, (2) describe placental uptake and release of proteins, and (3) describe protein abundance in the maternal vs fetal circulations. STUDY DESIGN Samples were collected from the maternal radial artery, uterine vein and antecubital vein, and fetal umbilical vein and artery in 75 healthy and 37 preeclamptic mother-fetus pairs (including 19 early-onset preeclampsia and 18 late-onset preeclampsia), during scheduled cesarean delivery. This method allows estimation of placental release and uptake of proteins by calculation of venoarterial differences on each side of the placenta. The microarray-based SomaScan assay quantified the proteins. RESULTS The abundance of soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 and endothelin 1 was higher in the maternal vessels in preeclampsia than in healthy pregnancies, with the highest abundance in early-onset preeclampsia. Placental growth factor was lower in the maternal vessels in early-onset preeclampsia than in both healthy and late-onset preeclampsia. Maternal endothelin 2 was higher in preeclampsia, with late-onset preeclampsia having the highest abundance. Our model confirmed placental release of placental growth factor and soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 to the maternal circulation in all groups. The placenta released soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 into the fetal circulation in healthy and late-onset preeclampsia pregnancies. Fetal endothelin 1 and soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 were higher in early-onset preeclampsia, whereas soluble endoglin and endothelin 3 were lower in both preeclampsia groups than healthy controls. Across groups, abundances of placental growth factor, soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1, and endothelin 3 were higher in the maternal artery than the fetal umbilical vein, whereas endothelin 2 was lower. CONCLUSION An increasing abundance of maternal soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 and endothelin 1 across the groups healthy, late-onset preeclampsia and early-onset combined with a positive correlation may suggest that these proteins are associated with the pathophysiology and severity of the disease. Elevated endothelin 1 in the fetal circulation in early-onset preeclampsia represents a novel finding. The long-term effects of altered protein abundance in preeclampsia on fetal development and health remain unknown. Further investigation of these proteins' involvement in the pathophysiology and as treatment targets is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ane Cecilie Westerberg
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway; School of Health Sciences, Kristiania University College, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Maren-Helene Langeland Degnes
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway; Department of Biostatistics, Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ina Jungersen Andresen
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marie Cecilie Paasche Roland
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trond Melbye Michelsen
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Alencar AKN, Swan KF, Pridjian G, Lindsey SH, Bayer CL. Connecting G protein-coupled estrogen receptor biomolecular mechanisms with the pathophysiology of preeclampsia: a review. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:60. [PMID: 37393260 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01112-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Throughout the course of pregnancy, small maternal spiral arteries that are in contact with fetal tissue undergo structural remodeling, lose smooth muscle cells, and become less responsive to vasoconstrictors. Additionally, placental extravillous trophoblasts invade the maternal decidua to establish an interaction between the fetal placental villi with the maternal blood supply. When successful, this process enables the transport of oxygen, nutrients, and signaling molecules but an insufficiency leads to placental ischemia. In response, the placenta releases vasoactive factors that enter the maternal circulation and promote maternal cardiorenal dysfunction, a hallmark of preeclampsia (PE), the leading cause of maternal and fetal death. An underexplored mechanism in the development of PE is the impact of membrane-initiated estrogen signaling via the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). Recent evidence indicates that GPER activation is associated with normal trophoblast invasion, placental angiogenesis/hypoxia, and regulation of uteroplacental vasodilation, and these mechanisms could explain part of the estrogen-induced control of uterine remodeling and placental development in pregnancy. CONCLUSION Although the relevance of GPER in PE remains speculative, this review provides a summary of our current understanding on how GPER stimulation regulates some of the features of normal pregnancy and a potential link between its signaling network and uteroplacental dysfunction in PE. Synthesis of this information will facilitate the development of innovative treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kenneth F Swan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Gabriella Pridjian
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Sarah H Lindsey
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Carolyn L Bayer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, 500 Lindy Boggs Center, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA.
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Binder NK, de Alwis N, Beard S, Kadife E, Harper A, Kaitu'u-Lino TJ, Brownfoot FC, Hannan NJ. Sulfasalazine for the treatment of preeclampsia in a nitric oxide synthase antagonist mouse model. Placenta 2023; 132:20-26. [PMID: 36623415 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Development of a therapeutic that targets the pathophysiological elements of preeclampsia would be a major advance for obstetrics, with potential to save the lives of countless mothers and babies. We recently identified anti-inflammatory drug sulfasalazine as a prospective candidate therapeutic for treatment of preeclampsia. In primary human cells and tissues in vitro, sulfasalazine potently decreased secretion of anti-angiogenic sFlt-1 and sENG, increased production of pro-angiogenic PlGF, mitigated endothelial dysfunction, and promoted whole vessel vasodilation. METHODS Using nitric oxide synthase antagonist Nω-Nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride, a preeclampsia-like phenotype was induced in pregnant mice, including high blood pressure, fetal growth restriction, and elevated circulating sFlt-1. Mice were treated with sulfasalazine or vehicle from gestational day (D)13.5, with blood pressure measurements across gestation, fetal measurements at D17.5, and wire myograph assessment of vasoactivity. RESULTS Sulfasalazine had a modest effect on blood pressure, decreasing diastolic and mean blood pressure on D13.5, but not later in gestation, or systolic blood pressure. Sulfasalazine was not able to rescue fetal growth, in male or female fetuses. There was a suggestion of improved vasoactivity with sulfasalazine, but further clarification is required. DISCUSSION In this mouse model of preeclampsia, sulfasalazine did not sustain reductions in blood pressure nor affect fetal parameters of size and weight, both desirable attributes of a viable preeclampsia therapeutic. While these data suggest sulfasalazine might improve vasoactivity, murine toxicity considerations limited the dose range of sulfasalazine that could be tested in the current study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie K Binder
- Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natasha de Alwis
- Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sally Beard
- Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elif Kadife
- Obstetric Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alesia Harper
- Obstetric Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tu'uhevaha J Kaitu'u-Lino
- Diagnostics Discovery and Reverse Translation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fiona C Brownfoot
- Obstetric Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natalie J Hannan
- Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia.
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Degnes MHL, Westerberg AC, Zucknick M, Powell TL, Jansson T, Henriksen T, Roland MCP, Michelsen TM. Placenta-derived proteins across gestation in healthy pregnancies-a novel approach to assess placental function? BMC Med 2022; 20:227. [PMID: 35773701 PMCID: PMC9248112 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02415-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Placenta-derived proteins in the systemic maternal circulation are suggested as potential biomarkers for placental function. However, the identity and longitudinal patterns of such proteins are largely unknown due to the inaccessibility of the human placenta and limitations in assay technologies. We aimed to identify proteins derived from and taken up by the placenta in the maternal circulation. Furthermore, we aimed to describe the longitudinal patterns across gestation of placenta-derived proteins as well as identify placenta-derived proteins that can serve as reference curves for placental function. METHODS We analyzed proteins in plasma samples collected in two cohorts using the Somalogic 5000-plex platform. Antecubital vein samples were collected at three time points (gestational weeks 14-16, 22-24, and 30-32) across gestation in 70 healthy pregnancies in the longitudinal STORK cohort. In the cross sectional 4-vessel cohort, blood samples were collected simultaneously from the maternal antecubital vein (AV), radial artery (RA), and uterine vein (UV) during cesarean section in 75 healthy pregnancies. Placenta-derived proteins and proteins taken up by the placenta were identified using venoarterial differences (UV-RA). Placenta-derived proteins were defined as placenta-specific by comparison to the venoarterial difference in the antecubital vein-radial artery (AV-RA). These proteins were described longitudinally based on the STORK cohort samples using a linear mixed effects model per protein. Using a machine learning algorithm, we identified placenta-derived proteins that could predict gestational age, meaning that they closely tracked gestation, and were potential read-outs of placental function. RESULTS Among the nearly 5000 measured proteins, we identified 256 placenta-derived proteins and 101 proteins taken up by the placenta (FDR < 0.05). Among the 256 placenta-derived proteins released to maternal circulation, 101 proteins were defined as placenta-specific. These proteins formed two clusters with distinct developmental patterns across gestation. We identified five placenta-derived proteins that closely tracked gestational age when measured in the systemic maternal circulation, termed a "placental proteomic clock." CONCLUSIONS Together, these data may serve as a first step towards a reference for the healthy placenta-derived proteome that can be measured in the systemic maternal circulation and potentially serve as biomarkers of placental function. The "placental proteomic clock" represents a novel concept that warrants further investigation. Deviations in the proteomic pattern across gestation of such proteomic clock proteins may serve as an indication of placental dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maren-Helene Langeland Degnes
- Department of Obstetrics, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway. .,Department of Biostatistics, Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Ane Cecilie Westerberg
- Department of Obstetrics, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Manuela Zucknick
- Department of Biostatistics, Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.,Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Tore Henriksen
- Department of Obstetrics, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marie Cecilie Paasche Roland
- Department of Obstetrics, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,National Research Centre for Women's Health, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trond Melbye Michelsen
- Department of Obstetrics, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Preeclampsia complicates 5-10% of all pregnancies and is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. The placenta plays a pivotal role in determining pregnancy outcome by supplying the fetus with oxygen and nutrients and by synthesizing hormones. Placental function is highly dependent on energy supplied by mitochondria. It is well-known that preeclampsia is originated from placental dysfunction, although the etiology of it remains elusive. RECENT FINDINGS During the last three decades, substantial evidence suggests that mitochondrial abnormality is a major contributor to placental dysfunction. In addition, mitochondrial damage caused by circulating bioactive factors released from the placenta may cause endothelial dysfunction and subsequent elevation in maternal blood pressure. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of mitochondrial abnormality in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and discuss therapeutic approaches targeting mitochondria for treatment of preeclampsia.
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Binder NK, MacDonald TM, Beard SA, de Alwis N, Tong S, Kaitu’u-Lino TJ, Hannan NJ. Pre-Clinical Investigation of Cardioprotective Beta-Blockers as a Therapeutic Strategy for Preeclampsia. J Clin Med 2021; 10:3384. [PMID: 34362171 PMCID: PMC8348612 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10153384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant maternal and fetal morbidity, a treatment for preeclampsia currently remains an unmet need in clinical care. As too does the lifelong cardiovascular risks imparted on preeclampsia sufferers. Endothelial dysfunction and end-organ injury are synonymous with both preeclampsia and cardiovascular disease, including heart failure. We propose that beta-blockers, known to improve endothelial dysfunction in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, and specifically known to reduce mortality in the treatment of heart failure, may be beneficial in the treatment of preeclampsia. Here, we assessed whether the beta-blockers carvedilol, bisoprolol, and metoprolol could quench the release of anti-angiogenic factors, promote production of pro-angiogenic factors, reduce markers of inflammation, and reduce endothelial dysfunction using our in vitro pre-clinical preeclampsia models encompassing primary placental tissue and endothelial cells. Here, we show beta-blockers effected a modest reduction in secretion of anti-angiogenic soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and soluble endoglin and increased expression of pro-angiogenic placental growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor and adrenomedullin in endothelial cells. Beta-blocker treatment mitigated inflammatory changes occurring after endothelial dysfunction and promoted cytoprotective antioxidant heme oxygenase-1. The positive effects of the beta-blockers were predominantly seen in endothelial cells, with a less consistent response seen in placental cells/tissue. In conclusion, beta-blockers show potential as a novel therapeutic approach in the treatment of preeclampsia and warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie K. Binder
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia; (N.K.B.); (T.M.M.); (S.A.B.); (N.d.A.); (S.T.); (T.J.K.-L.)
- Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia
| | - Teresa M. MacDonald
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia; (N.K.B.); (T.M.M.); (S.A.B.); (N.d.A.); (S.T.); (T.J.K.-L.)
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia
| | - Sally A. Beard
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia; (N.K.B.); (T.M.M.); (S.A.B.); (N.d.A.); (S.T.); (T.J.K.-L.)
- Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia
| | - Natasha de Alwis
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia; (N.K.B.); (T.M.M.); (S.A.B.); (N.d.A.); (S.T.); (T.J.K.-L.)
- Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia
| | - Stephen Tong
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia; (N.K.B.); (T.M.M.); (S.A.B.); (N.d.A.); (S.T.); (T.J.K.-L.)
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia
| | - Tu’uhevaha J. Kaitu’u-Lino
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia; (N.K.B.); (T.M.M.); (S.A.B.); (N.d.A.); (S.T.); (T.J.K.-L.)
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia
- Diagnostics Discovery and Reverse Translation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia
| | - Natalie J. Hannan
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia; (N.K.B.); (T.M.M.); (S.A.B.); (N.d.A.); (S.T.); (T.J.K.-L.)
- Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia
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Hu XQ, Zhang L. Hypoxia and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Pregnancy Complications. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10030405. [PMID: 33800426 PMCID: PMC7999178 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10030405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is a common and severe stress to an organism's homeostatic mechanisms, and hypoxia during gestation is associated with significantly increased incidence of maternal complications of preeclampsia, adversely impacting on the fetal development and subsequent risk for cardiovascular and metabolic disease. Human and animal studies have revealed a causative role of increased uterine vascular resistance and placental hypoxia in preeclampsia and fetal/intrauterine growth restriction (FGR/IUGR) associated with gestational hypoxia. Gestational hypoxia has a major effect on mitochondria of uteroplacental cells to overproduce reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress. Excess mitochondrial ROS in turn cause uteroplacental dysfunction by damaging cellular macromolecules, which underlies the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and FGR. In this article, we review the current understanding of hypoxia-induced mitochondrial ROS and their role in placental dysfunction and the pathogenesis of pregnancy complications. In addition, therapeutic approaches selectively targeting mitochondrial ROS in the placental cells are discussed.
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PlGF Immunological Impact during Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228714. [PMID: 33218096 PMCID: PMC7698813 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, the mother’s immune system has to tolerate the persistence of paternal alloantigens without affecting the anti-infectious immune response. Consequently, several mechanisms aimed at preventing allograft rejection, occur during a pregnancy. In fact, the early stages of pregnancy are characterized by the correct balance between inflammation and immune tolerance, in which proinflammatory cytokines contribute to both the remodeling of tissues and to neo-angiogenesis, thus, favoring the correct embryo implantation. In addition to the creation of a microenvironment able to support both immunological privilege and angiogenesis, the trophoblast invades normal tissues by sharing the same behavior of invasive tumors. Next, the activation of an immunosuppressive phase, characterized by an increase in the number of regulatory T (Treg) cells prevents excessive inflammation and avoids fetal immuno-mediated rejection. When these changes do not occur or occur incompletely, early pregnancy failure follows. All these events are characterized by an increase in different growth factors and cytokines, among which one of the most important is the angiogenic growth factor, namely placental growth factor (PlGF). PlGF is initially isolated from the human placenta. It is upregulated during both pregnancy and inflammation. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the immunomodulatory effects of PlGF during pregnancy, warranting that both innate and adaptive immune cells properly support the early events of implantation and placental development. Furthermore, we highlight how an alteration of the immune response, associated with PlGF imbalance, can induce a hypertensive state and lead to the pre-eclampsia (PE).
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Lin TY, Huang HY, Chan KS, Chen YT, Chu FC, Shaw SW. Current update of first trimester preeclampsia screening in Asia. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2020; 47:26-33. [PMID: 33063401 DOI: 10.1111/jog.14524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In consideration of high prevalence of preeclampsia, enormous studies attempted to look for strategies in early gestation. Hence, a powerful screening should be built up in first trimester. Then, Aspirin could be administrated for proper prevention. The objective of this article is reviewing the screening for preeclampsia in first trimester recently. To identify the high-risk group precisely, an effective model should be recommended to Asian population. Articles related to first trimester screening of PE in Asia from databases of PubMed, ScienceDirect and Scopus were searched for this narrative review. The criteria included randomized clinical trials, observational prospective and retrospective cohort studies, case-control studies, systematic review and meta-analysis and professional review articles. Screening models combining maternal factors, biophysical factors, ultrasound studies and biochemical factors achieved high predictive performance of preeclampsia. In Asia, the detection rate of the Fetal Medicine Foundation is superior to those of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Consequently, this effective model from the Fetal Medicine Foundation should be continuously used for screening in first trimester for the Asian.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Yi Lin
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Yu Huang
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kok-Seong Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Tin Chen
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Chieh Chu
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Steven W Shaw
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Prenatal Cell and Gene Therapy Group, Institute for Women's Health University College London, London, UK
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10
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Binder NK, Brownfoot FC, Beard S, Cannon P, Nguyen TV, Tong S, Kaitu'u-Lino TJ, Hannan NJ. Esomeprazole and sulfasalazine in combination additively reduce sFlt-1 secretion and diminish endothelial dysfunction: potential for a combination treatment for preeclampsia. Pregnancy Hypertens 2020; 22:86-92. [PMID: 32758704 DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2020.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Development and repurposing of therapies that show promise in the prevention or treatment of preeclampsia would be a major advance for the obstetrics field. We recently identified esomeprazole and sulfasalazine as potential candidates for the treatment of preeclampsia. Both reduce placental and endothelial secretion of sFlt-1 and sENG and mitigate endothelial dysfunction in vitro. Here we assessed whether esomeprazole and sulfasalazine in combination would additively attenuate the elevated release of anti-angiogenic factors and markers of endothelial dysfunction, key characteristics of preeclampsia. Primary placental tissue and cells, and primary endothelial cells were treated with esomeprazole and sulfasalazine alone and in combination. We assessed secretion of sFlt-1 and sENG and performed in vitro assays of endothelial dysfunction. Combining esomeprazole and sulfasalazine in lower concentrations caused an additive reduction in sFlt-1 secretion in primary cytotrophoblasts, placental explants and endothelial cells. No additive reduction was observed in sENG secretion when esomeprazole and sulfasalazine were combined. Together, esomeprazole and sulfasalazine additively reduced TNF-α-induced VCAM and ET-1 mRNA expression, and monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. In conclusion, combining esomeprazole and sulfasalazine additively reduced secretion of sFlt-1 and markers of endothelial dysfunction. Combined administration of esomeprazole and sulfasalazine may provide a more effective treatment or prevention for preeclampsia compared to either as single agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie K Binder
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Mercy Perinatal 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fiona C Brownfoot
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Mercy Perinatal 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sally Beard
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Mercy Perinatal 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ping Cannon
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Diagnostics Discovery and Reverse Translation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Mercy Perinatal 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tuong V Nguyen
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Diagnostics Discovery and Reverse Translation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Mercy Perinatal 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen Tong
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Mercy Perinatal 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tu'uhevaha J Kaitu'u-Lino
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Diagnostics Discovery and Reverse Translation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Mercy Perinatal 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natalie J Hannan
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Mercy Perinatal 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia.
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11
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Xu F, Yang S, Liu Y, Zheng X, Yang H, Zhang J, Ren Z, Yang J. Placental pathology and neonatal outcomes in pre-eclampsia with gestational diabetes mellitus. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2020; 34:1149-1154. [PMID: 32627623 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2020.1786513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate histopathological placental lesions and adverse neonatal outcomes by Pre-eclampsia (PE) with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of pregnancies with PE delivered between 1 January 2012 to 1 January 2014. Pregnant women with PE were recruited, and divided into PE with GDM (PE + GDM) group (n = 278) and PE without GDM (PE - GDM) group (n = 586). We compared the placental pathology and neonatal outcomes between the two groups. RESULTS The (PE + GDM) group was significantly associated with high placenta weight (534.8 ± 124.1 vs 519.3 ± 132.3 g, p = .011), the large diameter of the placenta (17.8 ± 2.2 vs 16.2 ± 2.7 cm, p = .016) than (PE - GDM) group. The incidence of chorioamnionitis in (PE + GDM) group was significantly higher than (PE - GDM) group [48.9% (136/278) vs 41.5% (243/586), p = .028], whereas there were no significant differences in umbilical cord length and infarction between the two groups. The (PE + GDM) group had a higher rate of prematurity [44.9% (125/278) vs 39.9% (234/586), p = .042] than (PE - GDM) group, in (PE + GDM) group the incidence of LGA [15.1% (42/278) vs 1.0% (6/586), p = .034], RDS [18.7% (52/278) vs 9.2% (54/586), p = .011] and hyperbilirubinemia [10.7% (30/278) vs 1.0% (6/586), p = .038] were higher than (PE - GDM) group. CONCLUSIONS GDM increased the offspring's complication in pregnancy with PE, the potential mechanism might be that GDM increased the placenta inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Xu
- Department of Neonatology, Guang Dong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shumei Yang
- Department of Neonatology, Guang Dong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Neonatology, Guang Dong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuaner Zheng
- Department of Neonatology, Guang Dong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Haoming Yang
- Department of Neonatology, Guang Dong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiangyu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Guang Dong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhuxiao Ren
- Department of Neonatology, Guang Dong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Neonatology, Guang Dong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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12
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Cerdeira AS, Kandzija N, Pargmae P, Tome M, Zhang W, Cooke WR, Agrawal S, James T, Redman C, Vatish M. In vivo evidence of significant placental growth factor release by normal pregnancy placentas. Sci Rep 2020; 10:132. [PMID: 31924819 PMCID: PMC6954247 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56906-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Placental growth factor (PlGF) is an angiogenic factor identified in the maternal circulation, and a key biomarker for the diagnosis and management of placental disorders. Furthermore, enhancing the PlGF pathway is regarded as a promising therapy for preeclampsia. The source of PlGF is still controversial with some believing it to be placental in origin while others refute this. To explore the source of PlGF, we undertook a prospective study enrolling normal pregnant women undergoing elective caesarean section. The level of PlGF was estimated in 17 paired serum samples from the uterine vein (ipsilateral or contralateral to the placental insertion) during caesarean section and from a peripheral vein on the same day and second day post-partum. PlGF levels were higher in the uterine than in the peripheral vein with a median difference of 52.2 (IQR 20.1-85.8) pg/mL p = 0.0006. The difference when the sampled uterine vein was ipsilateral to the placenta was 54.8 (IQR 37.1-88.4) pg/mL (n = 11) and 23.7 (IQR -11; 70.5) pg/mL (n = 6) when the sample was contralateral. Moreover, PlGF levels fell by 83% on day 1-2 post-partum. Our findings strongly support the primary source of PlGF to be placental. These findings will be of value in designing target therapies such as PlGF overexpression, to cure placental disorders during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofia Cerdeira
- Nuffield Department of Women's Health and Reproductive Research, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Center, John Radcliffe Oxford University Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, United Kingdom.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Center, John Radcliffe Oxford University Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Neva Kandzija
- Nuffield Department of Women's Health and Reproductive Research, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Center, John Radcliffe Oxford University Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Pille Pargmae
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Center, John Radcliffe Oxford University Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Mariana Tome
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Center, John Radcliffe Oxford University Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Wei Zhang
- Nuffield Department of Women's Health and Reproductive Research, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Center, John Radcliffe Oxford University Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - William R Cooke
- Nuffield Department of Women's Health and Reproductive Research, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Center, John Radcliffe Oxford University Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, United Kingdom.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Center, John Radcliffe Oxford University Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | | | - Tim James
- Department of Biochemistry, John Radcliffe Oxford University Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Redman
- Nuffield Department of Women's Health and Reproductive Research, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Center, John Radcliffe Oxford University Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Manu Vatish
- Nuffield Department of Women's Health and Reproductive Research, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Center, John Radcliffe Oxford University Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, United Kingdom. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Center, John Radcliffe Oxford University Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, United Kingdom.
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13
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Djeha A, Girard S, Trottier H, Kakkar F, Soudeyns H, Boucher M, Lapointe N, Boucoiran I. No association between early antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy and plasma levels of angiogenic factors: a cohort study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2019; 19:482. [PMID: 31815612 PMCID: PMC6902555 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-019-2600-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Early antiretroviral therapy (ART) during pregnancy has dramatically reduced the risk of perinatal HIV transmission. However, studies have shown an association between premature delivery and the use of ART during pregnancy (particularly protease inhibitor (PI)-based therapies), which could be explained by placental dysfunction. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of ART (class, duration of exposure and time of initiation) with placental function by using angiogenic factors placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) as biomarkers. Methods Clinical and biological data from 159 pregnant women living with HIV were analyzed. Levels of each biomarker were measured in the first and second trimester of pregnancy. After logarithmic transformation, we compared these using generalized estimating equations according to (a) the type of ART; (b) the duration of exposure to ART; and (c) the time of initiation of ART. Results After adjusting for variables such as ethnicity, maternal age, gestational age, body mass index, parity, smoking status, and sex of the fetus, we found no significant association between the class of ART (PI-based or not) and serum concentrations of PlGF or sFlt-1. Furthermore, no significant association was found between biomarker levels and the duration of ART exposure or the timing of ART initiation (pre- or post-conception). Conclusions This study suggests that first and second trimester angiogenic factor levels are not significantly associated with ART, regardless of the duration or type (with or without PI). These observations seem reassuring when considering the use of ART during early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameyo Djeha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sylvie Girard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Centre de recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada
| | - Helen Trottier
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Centre de recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada
| | - Fatima Kakkar
- Centre d'infectiologie Mère-Enfant, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada.,Division of Infectious Diseases, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Hugo Soudeyns
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Unité d'immunopathologie virale, Centre de recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Microbiology, Infectiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Marc Boucher
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Centre d'infectiologie Mère-Enfant, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine, 3175 Côte Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Normand Lapointe
- Centre d'infectiologie Mère-Enfant, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Isabelle Boucoiran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada. .,Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada. .,Centre de recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada. .,Centre d'infectiologie Mère-Enfant, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine, 3175 Côte Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada.
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14
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Cerdeira AS, Kandzija N, Pargmae P, Cooke W, James T, Redman C, Vatish M. Circulating soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 is placentally derived in normal pregnancy: First in vivo evidence. Pregnancy Hypertens 2019; 16:145-147. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2019.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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15
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Turanov AA, Lo A, Hassler MR, Makris A, Ashar-Patel A, Alterman JF, Coles AH, Haraszti RA, Roux L, Godinho BMDC, Echeverria D, Pears S, Iliopoulos J, Shanmugalingam R, Ogle R, Zsengeller ZK, Hennessy A, Karumanchi SA, Moore MJ, Khvorova A. RNAi modulation of placental sFLT1 for the treatment of preeclampsia. Nat Biotechnol 2018; 36:nbt.4297. [PMID: 30451990 PMCID: PMC6526074 DOI: 10.1038/nbt.4297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a placentally induced hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality to mothers and fetuses. Clinical manifestations of preterm preeclampsia result from excess circulating soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor FLT1 (sFLT1 or sVEGFR1) of placental origin. Here we identify short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that selectively silence the three sFLT1 mRNA isoforms primarily responsible for placental overexpression of sFLT1 without reducing levels of full-length FLT1 mRNA. Full chemical stabilization in the context of hydrophobic modifications enabled productive siRNA accumulation in the placenta (up to 7% of injected dose) and reduced circulating sFLT1 in pregnant mice (up to 50%). In a baboon preeclampsia model, a single dose of siRNAs suppressed sFLT1 overexpression and clinical signs of preeclampsia. Our results demonstrate RNAi-based extrahepatic modulation of gene expression with nonformulated siRNAs in nonhuman primates and establish a path toward a new treatment paradigm for patients with preterm preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton A Turanov
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Agnes Lo
- Center for Vascular Biology Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew R Hassler
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Angela Makris
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Renal Department, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ami Ashar-Patel
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julia F Alterman
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrew H Coles
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Reka A Haraszti
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Loic Roux
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bruno M D C Godinho
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Suzanne Pears
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jim Iliopoulos
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Renuka Shanmugalingam
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Renal Department, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robert Ogle
- Women's and Babies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Zsuzsanna K Zsengeller
- Center for Vascular Biology Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Annemarie Hennessy
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - S Ananth Karumanchi
- Center for Vascular Biology Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Melissa J Moore
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- Moderna Therapeutics, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
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16
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Huppertz B. An updated view on the origin and use of angiogenic biomarkers for preeclampsia. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2018; 18:1053-1061. [PMID: 30413130 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2018.1546579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The last decade has seen massive efforts towards the identification and the potential use of predictive biomarkers for the pregnancy pathology preeclampsia. The angiogenic factors sFlt-1 and placental growth factor (PGF) have been in focus and have been massively supported. Areas covered: This review describes preeclampsia and intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR), focusing on sFlt-1 and PGF, their sources during and outside pregnancy and the application of these markers in diseases outside pregnancy. Finally, the specificity of the angiogenic markers for preeclampsia is discussed. Expert commentary: The admixture of the two independent syndromes preeclampsia and IUGR has not helped in identifying the etiologies of either. Rather, it has made the search for new markers and pathways much more complicated as has the constriction on the angiogenic markers. The current markers sFlt-1 and PGF have a clear value once an adverse outcome is diagnosed but are not specific for preeclampsia. Also, they are mostly derived from the maternal vascular system rather than the placenta and are already in use as markers outside pregnancy. A new holistic approach using disease maps and interoperable workflows based on topic-related big data will help in broadening our understanding of the etiology of preeclampsia and hence, develop new markers and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berthold Huppertz
- a Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology , Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz , Graz , Austria
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17
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Preeclampsia: A close look at renal dysfunction. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 109:408-416. [PMID: 30399576 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.10.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 10/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a unique pathophysiologic situation that physiologic interests of mother, fetus, and placenta diverge. PE is related to the increased circulating antiangiogenic factors originated from hypoxic placenta. It is simply defined by the new onset of hypertension (≥140/90 mmHg) and proteinuria (≥0.3 g/day) after 20 weeks of gestation. PE is associated with kidney dysfunction due to deficiency in podocyte specific vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Hypoxic placenta in PE patients produces increased levels of fms-like tyrosine kinase 1(sFlt-1), a soluble receptor of VEGF. sFlt-1 abrogates binding of VEGF to its receptor on endothelial cells and podocytes, and ultimately damages the filtration barrier. Glomerular endotheliosis and thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) are the main features of kidney involvement in PE and can induce clotting and vessel occlusion. This complex pathophysiology is ameliorated after delivery; however, permanent kidney damages may remain and is intensified thereafter. This review aims to highlight the biochemical, genetic, and immunological-involved factors in the initiation of PE and explores the relationship between the kidney and PE. This work mainly discusses the pathologic mechanisms of kidney involvement in PE through the lens of the imbalanced VEGF-VEGF receptor signaling pathway.
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18
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Michelsen TM, Henriksen T, Reinhold D, Powell TL, Jansson T. The human placental proteome secreted into the maternal and fetal circulations in normal pregnancy based on 4-vessel sampling. FASEB J 2018; 33:2944-2956. [PMID: 30335547 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201801193r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We sought to identify proteins secreted by the human placenta into the maternal and fetal circulations. Blood samples from the maternal radial artery and uterine vein and umbilical artery and vein were obtained during cesarean section in 35 healthy women with term pregnancy. Slow off-rate modified aptamer (SOMA) protein-binding technology was used to quantify 1310 known proteins. The uteroplacental and umbilical venoarterial concentration differences were calculated. Thirty-four proteins were significantly secreted by the placenta into the maternal circulation, including placental growth factor, growth/differentiation factor 15, and matrix metalloproteinase 12. There were 341 proteins significantly secreted by the placenta into the fetal circulation. Only 7 proteins were secreted into both the fetal and maternal circulations, suggesting a distinct directionality in placental protein release. We examined changes across gestation in the proteins found to be significantly secreted by the placenta into the maternal circulation using serial blood samples from healthy women. Among the 34 proteins secreted into the maternal circulation, 8 changed significantly across gestation. The identified profiles of secreted placental proteins will allow us to identify novel minimally invasive biomarkers for human placental function across gestation and discover previously unknown proteins secreted by the human placenta that regulate maternal physiology and fetal development.-Michelsen, T. M., Henriksen, T., Reinhold, D., Powell, T. L., Jansson, T. The human placental proteome secreted into the maternal and fetal circulations in normal pregnancy based on 4-vessel sampling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trond M Michelsen
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tore Henriksen
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Theresa L Powell
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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19
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Panaitescu B, Romero R, Gomez-Lopez N, Pacora P, Erez O, Vadillo-Ortega F, Yeo L, Hassan SS, Hsu CD. ELABELA plasma concentrations are increased in women with late-onset preeclampsia. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2018; 33:5-15. [PMID: 29890874 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2018.1484089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Objective: ELABELA is a newly discovered peptide hormone that appears to be implicated in the mechanisms leading to preeclampsia, independently of angiogenic factors. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether women with early- or late-onset preeclampsia have altered ELABELA plasma concentrations compared to gestational-age-matched normal pregnant women.Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study focused on the maternal plasma samples collected from 232 women with a singleton pregnancy who were allocated into the following groups: (1) early-onset preeclampsia (<34 weeks of gestation, N = 56); (2) late-onset preeclampsia (≥34 weeks of gestation, N = 57); and (3) gestational-age-matched controls with a normal pregnancy [(<34 weeks of gestation, N = 59); (≥34 weeks of gestation, N = 60)]. ELABELA plasma concentrations were determined using a validated enzyme immunoassay.Results: (1) ELABELA plasma concentrations are higher in patients with late-onset preeclampsia compared with those from gestational-age-matched controls with a normal pregnancy [median: 7.99 ng/mL (IQR, 5.3-13.95 ng/mL) versus median: 4.17 ng/mL (IQR, 3-11.19 ng/mL), p =.001]; (2) ELABELA plasma concentrations in patients with early-onset preeclampsia do not differ from those of normal pregnant women [median: 6.09 ng/mL (IQR, 2.8-10.66 ng/mL) versus median: 4.02 ng/mL (IQR, 3.26-7.49), p = .32]; and (3) ELABELA plasma concentrations are higher in patients with late-onset preeclampsia compared to those with early-onset preeclampsia [median: 7.99 ng/mL (IQR, 5.3-13.95 ng/mL) versus median: 6.09 ng/mL (IQR, 2.8-10.66 ng/mL), p = .01].Conclusion: ELABELA plasma concentrations are higher in patients with late-onset preeclampsia than in those with a normal pregnancy. However, women with early-onset preeclampsia have similar ELABELA plasma concentrations to those with a normal pregnancy. These findings provide insight into the ELABELA axis during the human syndrome of preeclampsia. In addition, these data support the concept that different pathophysiologic mechanisms are implicated in early- and late-onset preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Panaitescu
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Center for Molecular Medicine & Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Immunology, Microbiology & Biochemistry, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Percy Pacora
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Offer Erez
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | | | - Lami Yeo
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Sonia S Hassan
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Chaur-Dong Hsu
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
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20
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the current data on maternal cardiovascular adaptation in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia. RECENT FINDINGS Defective placentation causes early-onset preeclampsia, a disease entity that is considered more or less distinct from late-onset preeclampsia. The latter has been attributed as 'maternal' preeclampsia. There are inconsistencies with the placental origins hypothesis, especially when considering the lack of a causative association with abnormal placental histology or impaired fetal growth. An alternative explanation is that placental dysfunction is secondary to maternal cardiovascular maladaptation in pregnancy. The concept that placental dysfunction is secondary to a maternal disorder is not new when one considers the clinical similarities between preeclampsia and gestational diabetes - both pregnancy-specific conditions that are cured by birth. It is accepted that gestational diabetes develops when the maternal pancreas is unable to manage the increasing glucose load of pregnancy. It is now apparent that pregnancy presents a substantial cardiovascular load on the maternal heart, and that cardiovascular dysfunction precedes the disorder, predominates in the clinical syndrome and persists for several decades postpartum. It is time to consider the evidence that failure of the maternal cardiovascular system to adapt to pregnancy may well be the primary mechanism leading to secondary placental dysfunction in preeclampsia. SUMMARY Many of the existing paradoxes of preeclampsia challenge the placental origin hypothesis and are explained if one considered preeclampsia to be a cardiovascular syndrome.
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Kaitu’u-Lino TJ, Brownfoot FC, Beard S, Cannon P, Hastie R, Nguyen TV, Binder NK, Tong S, Hannan NJ. Combining metformin and esomeprazole is additive in reducing sFlt-1 secretion and decreasing endothelial dysfunction - implications for treating preeclampsia. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0188845. [PMID: 29466360 PMCID: PMC5821305 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The discovery of new treatments that prevent or treat preeclampsia would be a major advance. Antiangiogenic factors soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and soluble endoglin (sENG) are secreted in excess from the placenta, causing hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, and multiorgan injury. We recently identified metformin and esomeprazole as potential treatments for preeclampsia. Both reduce placental and endothelial secretion of sFlt-1 and soluble endoglin, and reduce endothelial dysfunction. OBJECTIVES We set out to assess whether combining metformin and esomeprazole would additively reduce sFlt-1 and soluble endoglin secretion and reduce endothelial dysfunction (verses drug alone). Metformin and esomeprazole were added to primary placental cells and tissues, and endothelial cells and their effects on sFlt-1 and soluble endoglin secretion were assessed in vitro. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was added to endothelial cells to induce dysfunction in vitro. We examined the ability of metformin + esomeprazole to rescue TNF-α induced vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and Endothelin-1 (ET-1) expression, leukocyte adhesion (markers of endothelial dysfunction). RESULTS Combining metformin and esomeprazole was additive at reducing sFlt-1 secretion and expression of sFlt-1 e15a mRNA isoform in primary cytotrophoblast, placental explants and endothelial cells. In contrast, no additive reduction in sENG was observed with combined metformin and esomeprazole. The low-dose combination of metformin + esomeprazole additively reduced TNF-α-induced VCAM-1 mRNA, but not VCAM-1 protein expression. There was no additive reduction when combining metformin and esomeprazole on TNF-α induced PBMC adhesion to endothelial cells. However, combining metformin and esomeprazole additively reduced ET-1 mRNA expression. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion combining metformin and esomeprazole additively reduced secretion of sFlt-1, and markers of endothelial dysfunction. The combination of metformin and esomeprazole may provide a more effective treatment or prevention for preeclampsia compared to either as single agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tu’uhevaha J. Kaitu’u-Lino
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fiona C. Brownfoot
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sally Beard
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ping Cannon
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Roxanne Hastie
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tuong V. Nguyen
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natalie K. Binder
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen Tong
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natalie J. Hannan
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Wataganara T, Leetheeragul J, Pongprasobchai S, Sutantawibul A, Phatihattakorn C, Angsuwathana S. Prediction and prevention of pre-eclampsia in Asian subpopulation. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2018; 44:813-830. [PMID: 29442407 DOI: 10.1111/jog.13599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The benefit of the early administration of aspirin to reduce preterm pre-eclampsia among screened positive European women from multivariate algorithmic approach (ASPRE trial) has opened an intense debate on the feasibility of universal screening. This review aims to assess the new perspectives in the combined screening of pre-eclampsia in the first trimester of pregnancy and the chances for prevention using low-dose aspirin with special emphasis on the particularities of the Asian population. PubMed, CENTRAL and Embase databases were searched from inception until 15 November 2017 using combinations of the search terms: preeclampsia, Asian, prenatal screening, early prediction, ultrasonography, pregnancy, biomarker, mean arterial pressure, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1, placental growth factor, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A and pulsatility index. This is not a systematic review or meta-analysis, so the risk of bias of the selected published articles and heterogeneity among the studies need to be considered. The prevalence of pre-eclampsia and serum levels of biochemical markers in Asian are different from Caucasian women; hence, Asian ethnicity needs to be corrected for in the algorithmic assessment of multiple variables to improve the screening performance. Aspirin prophylaxis may still be viable in Asian women, but resource implication needs to be considered. Asian ethnicity should be taken into account before implementing pre-eclampsia screening strategies in the region. The variables included can be mixed and matched to achieve an optimal performance that is appropriate for economical restriction in individual countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuangsit Wataganara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jarunee Leetheeragul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Suchittra Pongprasobchai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Anuwat Sutantawibul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chayawat Phatihattakorn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Surasak Angsuwathana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
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Gray KJ, Saxena R, Karumanchi SA. Genetic predisposition to preeclampsia is conferred by fetal DNA variants near FLT1, a gene involved in the regulation of angiogenesis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2018; 218:211-218. [PMID: 29138037 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2017.11.562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia risk is influenced by both the mother's genetic background and the genetics of her fetus; however, the specific genes responsible for conferring preeclampsia risk have largely remained elusive. Evidence that preeclampsia has a genetic predisposition was first detailed in the early 1960s, and overall preeclampsia heritability is estimated at ∼55%. Many traditional gene discovery approaches have been used to investigate the specific genes that contribute to preeclampsia risk, but these have largely not been successful or reproducible. Over the past decade, genome-wide association studies have allowed for significant advances in the understanding of the genetic basis of many common diseases. Genome-wide association studies are predicated on the idea that the genetic basis of many common diseases are complex and polygenic with many variants, each with modest effects that contribute to disease risk. Using this approach in preeclampsia, a large genome-wide association study recently identified and replicated the first robust fetal genomic region associated with excess risk. A screen of >7 million genetic variants in 2658 offspring from preeclamptic women and 308,292 population controls identified a single association signal close to the Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 gene, on chromosome 13. Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 encodes soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1, a splice variant of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor that exerts antiangiogenic activity by inhibiting signaling of proangiogenic factors. The Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 pathway is central in preeclampsia pathogenesis because excess circulating soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 in the maternal plasma leads to the hallmark clinical features of preeclampsia, including hypertension and proteinuria. The success of this landmark fetal preeclampsia genome-wide association study suggests that well-powered, larger maternal and fetal genome-wide association study will be fruitful in identifying additional common variants that implicate causal preeclampsia genes and pathways. Such efforts will rely on the continued development of large preeclampsia consortia focused on preeclampsia genetics to obtain adequate sample sizes, detailed clinical phenotyping, and matched maternal-fetal samples. In summary, the fetal preeclampsia genome-wide association study represents an exciting advance in preeclampsia biology, suggesting that dysregulation at the Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 locus in the fetal genome (likely in the placenta) is a fundamental molecular defect in preeclampsia.
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Altered angiogenesis as a common mechanism underlying preterm birth, small for gestational age, and stillbirth in women living with HIV. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2017; 217:684.e1-684.e17. [PMID: 29031892 PMCID: PMC5723571 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Angiogenic processes in the placenta are critical regulators of fetal growth and impact birth outcomes, but there are limited data documenting these processes in HIV-infected women or women from low-resource settings. Objective We sought to determine whether angiogenic factors are associated with adverse birth outcomes in HIV-infected pregnant women started on antiretroviral therapy. Study Design This is a secondary analysis of samples collected as part of a clinical trial randomizing pregnant women and adolescents infected with HIV to lopinavir/ritonavir-based (n = 166) or efavirenz-based (n = 160) antiretroviral therapy in Tororo, Uganda. Pregnant women living with HIV were enrolled between 12-28 weeks of gestation. Plasma samples were evaluated for angiogenic biomarkers (angiopoietin-1, angiopoietin-2, vascular endothelial growth factor, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1, placental growth factor, and soluble endoglin) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay between: 16-<20, 20-<24, 24-<28, 28-<32, 32-<36, 36-<37 weeks of gestation. The primary outcome was preterm birth. Results In all, 1115 plasma samples from 326 pregnant women and adolescents were evaluated. There were no differences in angiogenic factors according to antiretroviral therapy group (P > .05 for all). The incidence of adverse birth outcomes was 16.9% for spontaneous preterm births, 25.6% for small-for-gestational-age births, and 2.8% for stillbirth. We used linear mixed effect modelling to evaluate longitudinal changes in angiogenic factor concentrations between birth outcome groups adjusting for gestational age at venipuncture, maternal age, body mass index, gravidity, and the interaction between treatment arm and gestational age. Two angiogenic factors–soluble endoglin and placental growth factor–were associated with adverse birth outcomes. Significantly higher concentrations of soluble endoglin throughout gestation were found in study participants destined to deliver preterm [likelihood ratio test, χ2(1) = 12.28, P < .0005] and in those destined to have stillbirths [χ2(1) = 5.67, P < .02]. By contrast, significantly lower concentrations of placental growth factor throughout gestation were found in those destined to have small-for-gestational-age births [χ2(1) = 7.89, P < .005] and in those destined to have stillbirths [χ2(1) = 21.59, P < .0001]. Conclusion An antiangiogenic state in the second or third trimester is associated with adverse birth outcomes, including stillbirth in women and adolescents living with HIV and receiving antiretroviral therapy.
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Transplacental nutrient transfer in the human in vivo determined by 4 vessel sampling. Placenta 2017; 59 Suppl 1:S26-S31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2017.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Revised: 03/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Stevens W, Shih T, Incerti D, Ton TG, Lee HC, Peneva D, Macones GA, Sibai BM, Jena AB. Short-term costs of preeclampsia to the United States health care system. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2017; 217:237-248.e16. [PMID: 28708975 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2017.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 04/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality and adverse neonatal outcomes. Little is known about the extent of the health and cost burden of preeclampsia in the United States. OBJECTIVE This study sought to quantify the annual epidemiological and health care cost burden of preeclampsia to both mothers and infants in the United States in 2012. STUDY DESIGN We used epidemiological and econometric methods to assess the annual cost of preeclampsia in the United States using a combination of population-based and administrative data sets: the National Center for Health Statistics Vital Statistics on Births, the California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative Databases, the US Health Care Cost and Utilization Project database, and a commercial claims data set. RESULTS Preeclampsia increased the probability of an adverse event from 4.6% to 10.1% for mothers and from 7.8% to 15.4% for infants while lowering gestational age by 1.7 weeks (P < .001). Overall, the total cost burden of preeclampsia during the first 12 months after birth was $1.03 billion for mothers and $1.15 billion for infants. The cost burden per infant is dependent on gestational age, ranging from $150,000 at 26 weeks gestational age to $1311 at 36 weeks gestational age. CONCLUSION In 2012, the cost of preeclampsia within the first 12 months of delivery was $2.18 billion in the United States ($1.03 billion for mothers and $1.15 billion for infants), and was disproportionately borne by births of low gestational age.
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Romero R, Erez O, Hüttemann M, Maymon E, Panaitescu B, Conde-Agudelo A, Pacora P, Yoon BH, Grossman LI. Metformin, the aspirin of the 21st century: its role in gestational diabetes mellitus, prevention of preeclampsia and cancer, and the promotion of longevity. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2017; 217:282-302. [PMID: 28619690 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Metformin is everywhere. Originally introduced in clinical practice as an antidiabetic agent, its role as a therapeutic agent is expanding to include treatment of prediabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes mellitus, and polycystic ovarian disease; more recently, experimental studies and observations in randomized clinical trials suggest that metformin could have a place in the treatment or prevention of preeclampsia. This article provides a brief overview of the history of metformin in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and reviews the results of metaanalyses of metformin in gestational diabetes mellitus as well as the treatment of obese, non-diabetic, pregnant women to prevent macrosomia. We highlight the results of a randomized clinical trial in which metformin administration in early pregnancy did not reduce the frequency of large-for-gestational-age infants (the primary endpoint) but did decrease the frequency of preeclampsia (a secondary endpoint). The mechanisms by which metformin may prevent preeclampsia include a reduction in the production of antiangiogenic factors (soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 and soluble endoglin) and the improvement of endothelial dysfunction, probably through an effect on the mitochondria. Another potential mechanism whereby metformin may play a role in the prevention of preeclampsia is its ability to modify cellular homeostasis and energy disposition, mediated by rapamycin, a mechanistic target. Metformin has a molecular weight of 129 Daltons and therefore readily crosses the placenta. There is considerable evidence to suggest that this agent is safe during pregnancy. New literature on the role of metformin as a chemotherapeutic adjuvant in the prevention of cancer and in prolonging life and protecting against aging is reviewed briefly. Herein, we discuss the mechanisms of action and potential benefits of metformin.
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Holme AM, Holm MB, Roland MCP, Horne H, Michelsen TM, Haugen G, Henriksen T. The 4-vessel Sampling Approach to Integrative Studies of Human Placental Physiology In Vivo. J Vis Exp 2017. [PMID: 28809844 DOI: 10.3791/55847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The human placenta is highly inaccessible for research while still in utero. The current understanding of human placental physiology in vivo is therefore largely based on animal studies, despite the high diversity among species in placental anatomy, hemodynamics and duration of the pregnancy. The vast majority of human placenta studies are ex vivo perfusion studies or in vitro trophoblast studies. Although in vitro studies and animal models are essential, extrapolation of the results from such studies to the human placenta in vivo is uncertain. We aimed to study human placenta physiology in vivo at term, and present a detailed protocol of the method. Exploiting the intraabdominal access to the uterine vein just before the uterine incision during planned cesarean section, we collect blood samples from the incoming and outgoing vessels on the maternal and fetal sides of the placenta. When combining concentration measurements from blood samples with volume blood flow measurements, we are able to quantify placental and fetal uptake and release of any compound. Furthermore, placental tissue samples from the same mother-fetus pairs can provide measurements of transporter density and activity and other aspects of placental functions in vivo. Through this integrative use of the 4-vessel sampling method we are able to test some of the current concepts of placental nutrient transfer and metabolism in vivo, both in normal and pathological pregnancies. Furthermore, this method enables the identification of substances secreted by the placenta to the maternal circulation, which could be an important contribution to the search for biomarkers of placenta dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ane M Holme
- Department of Obstetrics, Oslo University Hospital; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo;
| | - Maia B Holm
- Department of Obstetrics, Oslo University Hospital; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo
| | - Marie C P Roland
- Department of Obstetrics, Oslo University Hospital; Norwegian Advisory Unit on Women's Health, Oslo University Hospital
| | - Hildegunn Horne
- Department of Obstetrics, Oslo University Hospital; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo
| | - Trond M Michelsen
- Department of Obstetrics, Oslo University Hospital; Norwegian Advisory Unit on Women's Health, Oslo University Hospital
| | - Guttorm Haugen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo; Department of Fetal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital
| | - Tore Henriksen
- Department of Obstetrics, Oslo University Hospital; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo
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Wu WB, Xu YY, Cheng WW, Yuan B, Zhao JR, Wang YL, Zhang HJ. Decreased PGF may contribute to trophoblast dysfunction in fetal growth restriction. Reproduction 2017; 154:319-329. [PMID: 28676532 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) threatens perinatal health and is correlated with increased incidence of fetal original adult diseases. Most cases of FGR were idiopathic, which were supposed to be associated with placental abnormality. Decreased circulating placental growth factor (PGF) was recognized as an indication of placental deficiency in FGR. In this study, the epigenetic regulation of PGF in FGR placentas and the involvement of PGF in modulation of trophoblast activity were investigated. The expression level of PGF in placental tissues was determined by RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry and ELISA. DNA methylation profile of PGF gene was analyzed by bisulfite sequencing. Trophoblastic cell lines were treated with ZM-306416, an inhibitor of PGF receptor FLT1, to observe the effect of PGF/FLT1 signaling on cell proliferation and migration. We demonstrated that PGF was downregulated in placentas from FGR pregnancies compared with normal controls. The villous expression of PGF was positively correlated with placental and fetal weight. The CpG island inside PGF promoter was hypomethylated without obvious difference in both normal and FGR placentas. However, the higher DNA methylation at another CpG island downstream exon 7 of PGF was demonstrated in FGR placentas. Additionally, we found FLT1 was expressed in trophoblast cells. Inhibition of PGF/FLT1 signaling by a selective inhibitor impaired trophoblast proliferation and migration. In conclusion, our data suggested that the PGF expression was dysregulated, and disrupted PGF/FLT1 signaling in trophoblast might contribute to placenta dysfunction in FGR. Thus, our results support the significant role of PGF in the pathogenesis of FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Bin Wu
- Departments of Pathology and Bio-Bank, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue-Ying Xu
- Departments of Pathology and Bio-Bank, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Wei Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Yuan
- Department of Computer Science and Engineer, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiu-Ru Zhao
- Departments of Pathology and Bio-Bank, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-Lin Wang
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center & Fetal Medicine Unit, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-Juan Zhang
- Departments of Pathology and Bio-Bank, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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30
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Romero R, Erez O, Maymon E, Chaemsaithong P, Xu Z, Pacora P, Chaiworapongsa T, Done B, Hassan SS, Tarca AL. The maternal plasma proteome changes as a function of gestational age in normal pregnancy: a longitudinal study. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2017; 217:67.e1-67.e21. [PMID: 28263753 PMCID: PMC5813489 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2017.02.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pregnancy is accompanied by dramatic physiological changes in maternal plasma proteins. Characterization of the maternal plasma proteome in normal pregnancy is an essential step for understanding changes to predict pregnancy outcome. The objective of this study was to describe maternal plasma proteins that change in abundance with advancing gestational age and determine biological processes that are perturbed in normal pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN A longitudinal study included 43 normal pregnancies that had a term delivery of an infant who was appropriate for gestational age without maternal or neonatal complications. For each pregnancy, 3 to 6 maternal plasma samples (median, 5) were profiled to measure the abundance of 1125 proteins using multiplex assays. Linear mixed-effects models with polynomial splines were used to model protein abundance as a function of gestational age, and the significance of the association was inferred via likelihood ratio tests. Proteins considered to be significantly changed were defined as having the following: (1) >1.5-fold change between 8 and 40 weeks of gestation; and (2) a false discovery rate-adjusted value of P < .1. Gene ontology enrichment analysis was used to identify biological processes overrepresented among the proteins that changed with advancing gestation. RESULTS The following results were found: (1) Ten percent (112 of 1125) of the profiled proteins changed in abundance as a function of gestational age; (2) of the 1125 proteins analyzed, glypican-3, sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-type lectin-6, placental growth factor, C-C motif-28, carbonic anhydrase 6, prolactin, interleukin-1 receptor 4, dual-specificity mitogen-activated protein kinase 4, and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A had more than a 5-fold change in abundance across gestation (these 9 proteins are known to be involved in a wide range of both physiological and pathological processes, such as growth regulation, embryogenesis, angiogenesis immunoregulation, inflammation etc); and (3) biological processes associated with protein changes in normal pregnancy included defense response, defense response to bacteria, proteolysis, and leukocyte migration (false discovery rate, 10%). CONCLUSION The plasma proteome of normal pregnancy demonstrates dramatic changes in both the magnitude of changes and the fraction of the proteins involved. Such information is important to understand the physiology of pregnancy and the development of biomarkers to differentiate normal vs abnormal pregnancy and determine the response to interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI; Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI.
| | - Offer Erez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
| | - Eli Maymon
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
| | - Piya Chaemsaithong
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
| | - Zhonghui Xu
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI
| | - Percy Pacora
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
| | - Tinnakorn Chaiworapongsa
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
| | - Bogdan Done
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI
| | - Sonia S Hassan
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
| | - Adi L Tarca
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI.
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