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Tűzkő N, Bartek V, Simonyi A, Harmath Á, Szabó I, Virok DP, Beke A. Associations between Fetal Symptoms during Pregnancy and Neonatal Clinical Complications with Toxoplasmosis. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:1111. [PMID: 39334643 PMCID: PMC11430326 DOI: 10.3390/children11091111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2024] [Revised: 09/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxoplasmosis is a parasitism transmitted by Toxoplasma gondii, part of the TORCH complex, the most prevalent parasitism worldwide. It is asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals but causes severe infections and developmental abnormalities in pregnant women, mainly affecting the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal system. METHODS In our prospective study, we analyzed cases of recent maternal Toxoplasma infections confirmed by serological testing between 1996 and 2020 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University. Amniocentesis, followed by PCR, was performed in cases of recent infection confirmed by serological testing during pregnancy. After birth, a neonatological, microbiological, pediatric neurological and ophthalmological examination and a follow-up was carried out. RESULTS During the study period, a total of 238 cases of amniotic fluid Toxoplasma PCR testing due to Toxoplasma recent infection were performed. In terms of pregnancies, there were 219 deliveries and seven abortions. Twelve cases had no data available on the outcome of the pregnancy. In total, 133 cases of ultrasound abnormalities were detected during pregnancy, while in 105 cases, no abnormalities were detected on ultrasound examination. During amniocentesis, eight cases of Toxoplasma infection were revealed in amniotic fluid samples by PCR, and in 230 cases, the result was negative. Neonatal follow-up was performed in 139 cases, with no abnormalities during follow-up in 117 cases, and in 22 cases, there was a detectable complication that was likely to be related to Toxoplasma infection. In all 22 cases, amniotic fluid PCR Toxoplasma testing was negative. CONCLUSIONS The most common ultrasound abnormalities involve the nervous system and the gastrointestinal system. In cases of suspicion, it is recommended to perform amniocentesis Toxoplasma PCR testing besides the indirect methods to help the pregnant woman decide whether to carry the pregnancy to term. During follow-up, a multidisciplinary team experienced in pregnancies complicated by toxoplasmosis must carry out the follow-up, care and subsequent development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nándor Tűzkő
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Margaret's Hospital, 1032 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Virág Bartek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Atene Simonyi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Harmath
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - István Szabó
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dezso Peter Virok
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Health Center, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Artur Beke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
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da Silva RJ, Cabo LF, George JL, Cahoon LA, Yang L, Coyne CB, Boyle JP. The trophoblast surface becomes refractory to adhesion by congenitally transmitted Toxoplasma gondii and Listeria monocytogenes during cytotrophoblast to syncytiotrophoblast development. mSphere 2024; 9:e0074823. [PMID: 38771057 PMCID: PMC11332349 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00748-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a critical barrier against viral, bacterial, and eukaryotic pathogens. For most teratogenic pathogens, the precise molecular mechanisms of placental resistance are still being unraveled. Given the importance of understanding these mechanisms and challenges in replicating trophoblast-pathogen interactions using in vitro models, we tested an existing stem-cell-derived model of trophoblast development for its relevance to infection with Toxoplasma gondii. We grew human trophoblast stem cells (TSCT) under conditions leading to either syncytiotrophoblast (TSSYN) or cytotrophoblast (TSCYT) and infected them with T. gondii. We evaluated T. gondii proliferation and invasion, cell ultrastructure, as well as for transcriptome changes after infection. TSSYNs cells showed similar ultrastructure compared to primary cells and villous explants when analyzed by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), a resistance to T. gondii adhesion could be visualized on the SEM level. Furthermore, TSSYNs were highly refractory to parasite adhesion and replication, while TSCYTs were not. RNA-seq data on mock-treated and infected cells identified differences between cell types as well as how they responded to T. gondii infection. We also evaluated if TSSC-derived SYNs and CYTs had distinct resistance profiles to another vertically transmitted facultative intracellular pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes. We demonstrate that TSSYNs are highly resistant to L. monocytogenes, while TSCYTs are not. Like T. gondii, TSSYN resistance to L. monocytogenes was at the level of bacterial adhesion. Altogether, our data indicate that stem-cell-derived trophoblasts recapitulate resistance profiles of primary cells to T. gondii and highlight the critical importance of the placental surface in cell-autonomous resistance to teratogens.IMPORTANCECongenital toxoplasmosis can cause a devastating consequence to the fetus. To reach the fetus's tissues, Toxoplasma gondii must cross the placenta barrier. However, how this parasite crosses the placenta and the precise molecular mechanisms of placental resistance to this parasite are still unknown. In this study, we aimed to characterize a new cellular model of human trophoblast stem cells to determine their resistance, susceptibility, and response to T. gondii. Syncytiotrophoblast derived from trophoblast stem cells recapitulate the resistance profile similarly to placenta cells. We also showed that these cells are highly resistant to Listeria monocytogenes, at the level of bacterial adhesion. Our results suggest that resisting pathogen adhesion/attachment may be a generalized mechanism of syncytiotrophoblast resistance, and trophoblast stem cells represent a promising model to investigate cell-intrinsic mechanisms of resistance to pathogen adhesion and replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela J. da Silva
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Leah F. Cabo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jada L. George
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Laty A. Cahoon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Liheng Yang
- Department of Integrative Immunobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Carolyn B. Coyne
- Department of Integrative Immunobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jon P. Boyle
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Castillo C, Díaz-Luján C, Liempi A, Fretes R, Kemmerling U. Mammalian placental explants: A tool for studying host-parasite interactions and placental biology. Placenta 2024:S0143-4004(24)00291-1. [PMID: 38910051 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.06.016] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
The placenta plays a critical role in host-pathogen interactions. Thus, ex vivo infection of mammalian placental explants is an excellent and simple method to study the mechanisms of cellular and tissue invasion by different pathogens in different mammalian species. These explants can be maintained in culture for several days, preserving the tissue architecture and resembling in-utero conditions under more physiological conditions than their isolated counterparts in isolated cell culture models. In addition, placental explants not only allow us to study how the placenta responds and defends itself against various infections but also provide a versatile platform for advancing our understanding of placental biology and the immune response. Furthermore, they serve as powerful tools for drug discovery, facilitating the screening of potential therapeutics for placental infections and for the identification of diagnostic markers. This review highlights the utility of mammalian placental explants in studying the host-pathogen interaction of two relevant protozoan parasites, Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, and Toxoplasma gondii, the etiological agent of Toxoplasmosis. Here, we discuss the different methodologies and technical aspects of the model, as well as the effect of both parasites on placental responses in human, canine, and ovine explants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Castillo
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Cintia Díaz-Luján
- Institute and Cathedra of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Health Science Faculty, INICSA (CONICET)-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba and Villa María, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ana Liempi
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ricardo Fretes
- Institute and Cathedra of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Health Science Faculty, INICSA (CONICET)-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba and Villa María, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ulrike Kemmerling
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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Mosebarger A, Vidal MS, Bento GFC, Lintao RCV, Severino MEL, Kumar Kammala A, Menon R. Immune cells at the feto-maternal interface: Comprehensive characterization and insights into term labor. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 163:104239. [PMID: 38493591 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Immune cells at the feto-maternal interface play an important role in pregnancy; starting at implantation, maintenance of pregnancy, and parturition. The role of decidual immune cells in induction of labor still needs to be understood. Published reports on this topic show heterogeneity in methods of cell isolation, assay, analysis and cellular characterization making it difficult to collate available information in order to understand the contribution of immune cells at term leading to parturition. In the present study, available literature was reviewed to study the differences in immune cells between the decidua basalis and decidua parietalis, as well as between immune cells in term and preterm labor. Additionally, immune cells at the decidua parietalis were isolated from term not in labor (TNL) or term in labor (TL) samples and characterized via flow cytometry using a comprehensive, high-dimensional antibody panel. This allowed a full view of immune cell differences without combining multiple studies, which must include variation in isolation and analysis methods, for more conclusive data. The ratio of cells found in decidua parietalis in this study generally matched those reported in the literature, although we report a lower percentage of natural killer (NK) cells at term. We report that CD4 expression on CD8- NK cells decreased in term labor compared to not in labor samples, suggesting that natural killer cells may be migrating to other sites during labor. Also, we report a decrease in CD38 expression on CD8+ CD57+ T cells in labor, indicative of cytotoxic T cell senescence. Our study provides a comprehensive status of immune cells at the decidua-chorion interface at term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Mosebarger
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Manuel S Vidal
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | | | - Ryan C V Lintao
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Mary Elise L Severino
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Ananth Kumar Kammala
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA.
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Louwen F, Kreis NN, Ritter A, Yuan J. Maternal obesity and placental function: impaired maternal-fetal axis. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:2279-2288. [PMID: 38494514 PMCID: PMC11147848 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-024-07462-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of maternal obesity rapidly increases, which represents a major public health concern worldwide. Maternal obesity is characteristic by metabolic dysfunction and chronic inflammation. It is associated with health problems in both mother and offspring. Increasing evidence indicates that the placenta is an axis connecting maternal obesity with poor outcomes in the offspring. In this brief review, we have summarized the current data regarding deregulated placental function in maternal obesity. The data show that maternal obesity induces numerous placental defects, including lipid and glucose metabolism, stress response, inflammation, immune regulation and epigenetics. These placental defects affect each other and result in a stressful intrauterine environment, which transduces and mediates the adverse effects of maternal obesity to the fetus. Further investigations are required to explore the exact molecular alterations in the placenta in maternal obesity, which may pave the way to develop specific interventions for preventing epigenetic and metabolic programming in the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Louwen
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nina-Naomi Kreis
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andreas Ritter
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Juping Yuan
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany.
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Wang Y, Zhao X, Li Z, Wang W, Jiang Y, Zhang H, Liu X, Ren Y, Xu X, Hu X. Decidual natural killer cells dysfunction is caused by IDO downregulation in dMDSCs with Toxoplasma gondii infection. Commun Biol 2024; 7:669. [PMID: 38822095 PMCID: PMC11143278 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06365-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a crucial role in maintaining maternal-fetal tolerance by expressing some immune-suppressive molecules, such as indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection can break the immune microenvironment of maternal-fetal interface, resulting in adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, whether T. gondii affects IDO expression in dMDSCs and the molecular mechanism of its effect are still unclear. Here we show, the mRNA level of IDO is increased but the protein level decreased in infected dMDSCs. Mechanistically, the upregulation of transcriptional levels of IDO in dMDSCs is regulated through STAT3/p52-RelB pathway and the decrease of IDO expression is due to its degradation caused by increased SOCS3 after T. gondii infection. In vivo, the adverse pregnancy outcomes of IDO-/- infected mice are more severe than those of wide-type infected mice and obviously improved after exogenous kynurenine treatment. Also, the reduction of IDO in dMDSCs induced by T. gondii infection results in the downregulation of TGF-β and IL-10 expression in dNK cells regulated through Kyn/AhR/SP1 signal pathway, eventually leading to the dysfunction of dNK cells and contributing the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study reveals a novel molecular mechanism in adverse pregnancy outcome induced by T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, PR China
| | - Xiaoyue Zhao
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Yantai Affiliated hospital of Binzhou Medial University, Yantai, 264100, Shandong, PR China
| | - Zhidan Li
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, PR China
| | - Wenxiao Wang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, PR China
| | - Yuzhu Jiang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, PR China
| | - Haixia Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, PR China
| | - Xianbing Liu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, PR China
| | - Yushan Ren
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan Xu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, PR China
| | - Xuemei Hu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, PR China.
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Cubas-Alarcón D, Guevara-Vásquez GM, Suclupe-Campos DO, Castro-Martínez S, Aguilar-Gamboa FR, Failoc-Rojas VE. Seroinfection of Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, Parvovirus B19, Treponema pallidum, and HIV in a Pregnant Attending a Medical Center in Northern Peru. Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol 2024; 2024:8844325. [PMID: 38883209 PMCID: PMC11178423 DOI: 10.1155/2024/8844325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Transplacental infections are frequent, especially in developing countries, where limited screening is performed to find infectious agents in the pregnant population. We aim to determine the clinical and epidemiological characteristics and seroinfection of antibodies against Toxoplasma, parvovirus B19, T. pallidum, and HIV in pregnant women who attended the Motupe Health Center in Lambayeque, Peru during July-August 2018. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 179 pregnant women interviewed with a standardized questionnaire. ELISA was used to determine antibodies to Toxoplasma and parvovirus B19. The detection of syphilis and HIV was conducted using immunochromatography, while the detection of hepatitis B was conducted using FTA-ABS and immunofluorescence, respectively. Results Of 179 pregnant women, syphilis and HIV infections routinely included in the screening of pregnant women presented a seroinfection of 2.2 and 0.6%, respectively. Toxoplasmosis seroinfection was 25.1%, while IgM antiparvovirus B19 was 40.8%, revealing that pregnant women had an active infection at the time of study. Conclusion The level of seroinfection of toxoplasmosis reveals the risk to which pregnant women who participated in the study are exposed. The high seroinfection of parvovirus B19 could explain the cases of spontaneous abortion and levels of anemia in newborn that have been reported in Motupe, Lambayeque, Peru. However, future causality studies are necessary to determine the significance of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Danny Omar Suclupe-Campos
- Microbiology Laboratory Clinical Laboratory Service School of Biological Sciences Universidad Nacional Pedro Ruiz Gallo, Lambayeque, Peru
| | | | - Franklin Rómulo Aguilar-Gamboa
- Immunology and Virology Laboratory Hospital Regional de Lambayeque, Lambayeque, Peru
- Grupo de investigación en Inmunología y Virología del Norte, Lambayeque, Peru
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De Falco F, Cutarelli A, Leonardi L, Marcus I, Roperto S. Vertical Intrauterine Bovine and Ovine Papillomavirus Coinfection in Pregnant Cows. Pathogens 2024; 13:453. [PMID: 38921751 PMCID: PMC11206582 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13060453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
There is very little information available about transplacental infections by the papillomavirus in ruminants. However, recent evidence has emerged of the first report of vertical infections of bovine papillomavirus (BPV) in fetuses from naturally infected, pregnant cows. This study reports the coinfection of BPV and ovine papillomavirus (OaPV) in bovine fetuses from infected pregnant cows suffering from bladder tumors caused by simultaneous, persistent viral infections. Some molecular mechanisms involving the binary complex composed of Eras and platelet-derived growth factor β receptor (PDGFβR), by which BPVs and OaPVs contribute to reproductive disorders, have been investigated. A droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) was used to detect and quantify the nucleic acids of the BPVs of the Deltapapillomavirus genus (BPV1, BPV2, BPV13, and BPV14) and OaPVs belonging to the Deltapapillomavirus (OaPV1, OaPV2, and OaPV4) and Dyokappapapillomavirus (OaPV3) genera in the placenta and fetal organs (heart, lung, liver, and kidneys) of four bovine fetuses from four pregnant cows with neoplasia of the urinary bladder. A papillomaviral evaluation was also performed on the bladder tumors and peripheral blood of these pregnant cows. In all fetal and maternal samples, the genotype distribution of BPVs and OaPVs were evaluated using both their DNA and RNA. A BPV and OaPV coinfection was seen in bladder tumors, whereas only BPV infection was found in peripheral blood. The genotype distribution of both the BPVs and OaPVs detected in placentas and fetal organs indicated a stronger concordance with the viral genotypes detected in bladder tumors rather than in peripheral blood. This suggests that the viruses found in placentas and fetuses may have originated from infected bladders. Our study highlights the likelihood of vertical infections with BPVs and OaPVs and emphasizes the importance of gaining further insights into the mechanisms and consequences of this exposure. This study warrants further research as adverse pregnancy outcomes are a major source of economic losses in cattle breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca De Falco
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e delle Produzioni Animali, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy;
- Area Science Park, Campus di Baronissi, Università degli Studi di Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Anna Cutarelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, Italy;
| | - Leonardo Leonardi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Ioan Marcus
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Sante Roperto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e delle Produzioni Animali, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy;
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Nunes AP, Dos Santos YM, da Silva Sanfelice RA, Concato-Lopes VM, Silva TF, Tomiotto-Pellissier F, Lazarin-Bidoia D, Machado RRB, de Barros LD, Garcia JL, Conchon-Costa I, Pavanelli WR, Kobayashi RKT, de Freitas Barbosa B, Ferro EAV, Costa IN. Essential oil of oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) reduces infection and proliferation of Toxoplasma gondii in BeWo cells with induction of autophagy and death of tachyzoites through a mechanism similar to necrosis. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:217. [PMID: 38772951 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08231-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis poses a global health threat, ranging from asymptomatic cases to severe, potentially fatal manifestations, especially in immunocompromised individuals and congenital transmission. Prior research suggests that oregano essential oil (OEO) exhibits diverse biological effects, including antiparasitic activity against Toxoplasma gondii. Given concerns about current treatments, exploring new compounds is important. This study was to assess the toxicity of OEO on BeWo cells and T. gondii tachyzoites, as well as to evaluate its effectiveness in in vitro infection models and determine its direct action on free tachyzoites. OEO toxicity on BeWo cells and T. gondii tachyzoites was assessed by MTT and trypan blue methods, determining cytotoxic concentration (CC50), inhibitory concentration (IC50), and selectivity index (SI). Infection and proliferation indices were analyzed. Direct assessments of the parasite included reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, necrosis, and apoptosis, as well as electron microscopy. Oregano oil exhibited low cytotoxicity on BeWo cells (CC50: 114.8 µg/mL ± 0.01) and reduced parasite viability (IC50 12.5 ± 0.06 µg/mL), demonstrating 9.18 times greater selectivity for parasites than BeWo cells. OEO treatment significantly decreased intracellular proliferation in infected cells by 84% after 24 h with 50 μg/mL. Mechanistic investigations revealed increased ROS levels, mitochondrial depolarization, and lipid droplet formation, linked to autophagy induction and plasma membrane permeabilization. These alterations, observed through electron microscopy, suggested a necrotic process confirmed by propidium iodide labeling. OEO treatment demonstrated anti-T. gondii action through cellular and metabolic change while maintaining low toxicity to trophoblastic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélica Paulina Nunes
- Department of Immunology, Parasitology and General Pathology - Laboratory of Experimental Immunoparasitology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Yasmin Munhoz Dos Santos
- Department of Immunology, Parasitology and General Pathology - Laboratory of Experimental Immunoparasitology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Raquel Arruda da Silva Sanfelice
- Department of Immunology, Parasitology and General Pathology - Laboratory of Experimental Immunoparasitology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Virgínia Marcia Concato-Lopes
- Department of Immunology, Parasitology and General Pathology - Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Taylon Felipe Silva
- Department of Immunology, Parasitology and General Pathology - Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Tomiotto-Pellissier
- Department of Immunology, Parasitology and General Pathology - Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Danielle Lazarin-Bidoia
- Department of Immunology, Parasitology and General Pathology - Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Rayanne Regina Beltrame Machado
- Department of Immunology, Parasitology and General Pathology - Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Luiz Daniel de Barros
- Department of Veterinary Medicine - Laboratory of Animal Protozoology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - João Luis Garcia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine - Laboratory of Animal Protozoology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Ivete Conchon-Costa
- Department of Immunology, Parasitology and General Pathology - Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Wander Rogério Pavanelli
- Department of Immunology, Parasitology and General Pathology - Laboratory of Immunoparasitology of Neglected Diseases and Cancer, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Bellisa de Freitas Barbosa
- Department of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology - Laboratory of Reproduction Immunophysiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Eloisa Amália Vieira Ferro
- Department of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology - Laboratory of Reproduction Immunophysiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Idessania Nazareth Costa
- Department of Immunology, Parasitology and General Pathology - Laboratory of Experimental Immunoparasitology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil.
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10
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Riley JS, Luks VL, Berkowitz CL, Dumitru AM, Kus NJ, Dave A, Menon P, De Paepe ME, Jain R, Li L, Dugoff L, Teefey CP, Alameh MG, Zoltick PW, Peranteau WH. Preexisting maternal immunity to AAV but not Cas9 impairs in utero gene editing in mice. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e179848. [PMID: 38950310 PMCID: PMC11178531 DOI: 10.1172/jci179848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
In utero gene editing (IUGE) is a potential treatment for inherited diseases that cause pathology before or soon after birth. Preexisting immunity to adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors and Cas9 endonuclease may limit postnatal gene editing. The tolerogenic fetal immune system minimizes a fetal immune barrier to IUGE. However, the ability of maternal immunity to limit fetal gene editing remains a question. We investigated whether preexisting maternal immunity to AAV or Cas9 impairs IUGE. Using a combination of fluorescent reporter mice and a murine model of a metabolic liver disease, we demonstrated that maternal anti-AAV IgG antibodies were efficiently transferred from dam to fetus and impaired IUGE in a maternal titer-dependent fashion. By contrast, maternal cellular immunity was inefficiently transferred to the fetus, and neither maternal cellular nor humoral immunity to Cas9 impaired IUGE. Using human umbilical cord and maternal blood samples collected from mid- to late-gestation pregnancies, we demonstrated that maternal-fetal transmission of anti-AAV IgG was inefficient in midgestation compared with term, suggesting that the maternal immune barrier to clinical IUGE would be less relevant at midgestation. These findings support immunologic advantages for IUGE and inform maternal preprocedural testing protocols and exclusion criteria for future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- John S. Riley
- Center for Fetal Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Valerie L. Luks
- Center for Fetal Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Cara L. Berkowitz
- Center for Fetal Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ana Maria Dumitru
- Center for Fetal Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nicole J. Kus
- Center for Fetal Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Apeksha Dave
- Center for Fetal Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Pallavi Menon
- Center for Fetal Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Monique E. De Paepe
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Rajan Jain
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Li Li
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Lorraine Dugoff
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Mohamad-Gabriel Alameh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Philip W. Zoltick
- Center for Fetal Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - William H. Peranteau
- Center for Fetal Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment and
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11
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Padron JG, Saito Reis CA, Ng PK, Norman Ing ND, Baker H, Davis K, Kurashima C, Kendal-Wright CE. Stretch Causes cffDNA and HMGB1-Mediated Inflammation and Cellular Stress in Human Fetal Membranes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5161. [PMID: 38791199 PMCID: PMC11121497 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are elevated within the amniotic cavity, and their increases correlate with advancing gestational age, chorioamnionitis, and labor. Although the specific triggers for their release in utero remain unclear, it is thought that they may contribute to the initiation of parturition by influencing cellular stress mechanisms that make the fetal membranes (FMs) more susceptible to rupture. DAMPs induce inflammation in many different tissue types. Indeed, they precipitate the subsequent release of several proinflammatory cytokines that are known to be key for the weakening of FMs. Previously, we have shown that in vitro stretch of human amnion epithelial cells (hAECs) induces a cellular stress response that increases high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) secretion. We have also shown that cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) induces a cytokine response in FM explants that is fetal sex-specific. Therefore, the aim of this work was to further investigate the link between stretch and the DAMPs HMGB1 and cffDNA in the FM. These data show that stretch increases the level of cffDNA released from hAECs. It also confirms the importance of the sex of the fetus by demonstrating that female cffDNA induced more cellular stress than male fetuses. Our data treating hAECs and human amnion mesenchymal cells with HMGB1 show that it has a differential effect on the ability of the cells of the amnion to upregulate the proinflammatory cytokines and propagate a proinflammatory signal through the FM that may weaken it. Finally, our data show that sulforaphane (SFN), a potent activator of Nrf2, is able to mitigate the proinflammatory effects of stretch by decreasing the levels of HMGB1 release and ROS generation after stretch and modulating the increase of key cytokines after cell stress. HMGB1 and cffDNA are two of the few DAMPs that are known to induce cytokine release and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activation in the FMs; thus, these data support the general thesis that they can function as potential central players in the normal mechanisms of FM weakening during the normal distension of this tissue at the end of a normal pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Gary Padron
- Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA;
- Wayne State School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Chelsea A. Saito Reis
- Natural Science and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA; (C.A.S.R.); (P.K.N.); (N.D.N.I.); (H.B.); (K.D.); (C.K.)
| | - Po’okela K. Ng
- Natural Science and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA; (C.A.S.R.); (P.K.N.); (N.D.N.I.); (H.B.); (K.D.); (C.K.)
| | - Nainoa D. Norman Ing
- Natural Science and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA; (C.A.S.R.); (P.K.N.); (N.D.N.I.); (H.B.); (K.D.); (C.K.)
| | - Hannah Baker
- Natural Science and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA; (C.A.S.R.); (P.K.N.); (N.D.N.I.); (H.B.); (K.D.); (C.K.)
| | - Kamalei Davis
- Natural Science and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA; (C.A.S.R.); (P.K.N.); (N.D.N.I.); (H.B.); (K.D.); (C.K.)
| | - Courtney Kurashima
- Natural Science and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA; (C.A.S.R.); (P.K.N.); (N.D.N.I.); (H.B.); (K.D.); (C.K.)
| | - Claire E. Kendal-Wright
- Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA;
- Natural Science and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA; (C.A.S.R.); (P.K.N.); (N.D.N.I.); (H.B.); (K.D.); (C.K.)
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96826, USA
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12
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Fernandes KA, Lim AI. Maternal-driven immune education in offspring. Immunol Rev 2024; 323:288-302. [PMID: 38445769 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Maternal environmental exposures, particularly during gestation and lactation, significantly influence the immunological development and long-term immunity of offspring. Mammalian immune systems develop through crucial inputs from the environment, beginning in utero and continuing after birth. These critical developmental windows are essential for proper immune system development and, once closed, may not be reopened. This review focuses on the mechanisms by which maternal exposures, particularly to pathogens, diet, and microbiota, impact offspring immunity. Mechanisms driving maternal-offspring immune crosstalk include transfer of maternal antibodies, changes in the maternal microbiome and microbiota-derived metabolites, and transfer of immune cells and cytokines via the placenta and breastfeeding. We further discuss the role of transient maternal infections, which are common during pregnancy, in providing tissue-specific immune education to offspring. We propose a "maternal-driven immune education" hypothesis, which suggests that offspring can use maternal encounters that occur during a critical developmental window to develop optimal immune fitness against infection and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ai Ing Lim
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
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13
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Motomura K, Morita H, Naruse K, Saito H, Matsumoto K. Implication of viruses in the etiology of preeclampsia. Am J Reprod Immunol 2024; 91:e13844. [PMID: 38627916 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is one of the most common disorders that poses threat to both mothers and neonates and a major contributor to perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Viral infection during pregnancy is not typically considered to cause preeclampsia; however, syndromic nature of preeclampsia etiology and the immunomodulatory effects of viral infections suggest that microbes could trigger a subset of preeclampsia. Notably, SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia. Herein, we review the potential role of viral infections in this great obstetrical syndrome. According to in vitro and in vivo experimental studies, viral infections can cause preeclampsia by introducing poor placentation, syncytiotrophoblast stress, and/or maternal systemic inflammation, which are all known to play a critical role in the development of preeclampsia. Moreover, clinical and experimental investigations have suggested a link between several viruses and the onset of preeclampsia via multiple pathways. However, the results of experimental and clinical research are not always consistent. Therefore, future studies should investigate the causal link between viral infections and preeclampsia to elucidate the mechanism behind this relationship and the etiology of preeclampsia itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichiro Motomura
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
- Center for Maternal-Fetal, Neonatal and Reproductive Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideaki Morita
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
- Allergy Center, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Naruse
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Hirohisa Saito
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Matsumoto
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
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14
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Zeng B, Li Y, Xia J, Xiao Y, Khan N, Jiang B, Liang Y, Duan L. Micro Trojan horses: Engineering extracellular vesicles crossing biological barriers for drug delivery. Bioeng Transl Med 2024; 9:e10623. [PMID: 38435823 PMCID: PMC10905561 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The biological barriers of the body, such as the blood-brain, placental, intestinal, skin, and air-blood, protect against invading viruses and bacteria while providing necessary physical support. However, these barriers also hinder the delivery of drugs to target tissues, reducing their therapeutic efficacy. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), nanostructures with a diameter ranging from 30 nm to 10 μm secreted by cells, offer a potential solution to this challenge. These natural vesicles can effectively pass through various biological barriers, facilitating intercellular communication. As a result, artificially engineered EVs that mimic or are superior to the natural ones have emerged as a promising drug delivery vehicle, capable of delivering drugs to almost any body part to treat various diseases. This review first provides an overview of the formation and cross-species uptake of natural EVs from different organisms, including animals, plants, and bacteria. Later, it explores the current clinical applications, perspectives, and challenges associated with using engineered EVs as a drug delivery platform. Finally, it aims to inspire further research to help bioengineered EVs effectively cross biological barriers to treat diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zeng
- Graduate SchoolGuangxi University of Chinese MedicineNanningGuangxiChina
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenzhen Intelligent Orthopaedics and Biomedical Innovation Platform, Guangdong Artificial Intelligence Biomedical Innovation Platform, Shenzhen Second People's Hospitalthe First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenzhen Intelligent Orthopaedics and Biomedical Innovation Platform, Guangdong Artificial Intelligence Biomedical Innovation Platform, Shenzhen Second People's Hospitalthe First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Jiang Xia
- Department of ChemistryThe Chinese University of Hong Kong, ShatinHong Kong SARChina
| | - Yin Xiao
- School of Medicine and Dentistry & Menzies Health Institute Queensland, SouthportGold CoastQueenslandAustralia
| | - Nawaz Khan
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenzhen Intelligent Orthopaedics and Biomedical Innovation Platform, Guangdong Artificial Intelligence Biomedical Innovation Platform, Shenzhen Second People's Hospitalthe First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Bin Jiang
- Graduate SchoolGuangxi University of Chinese MedicineNanningGuangxiChina
- R&D Division, Eureka Biotech Inc, PhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Yujie Liang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Shenzhen Kangning HospitalShenzhen Mental Health Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Psychological Healthcare and Shenzhen Institute of Mental HealthShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Li Duan
- Graduate SchoolGuangxi University of Chinese MedicineNanningGuangxiChina
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenzhen Intelligent Orthopaedics and Biomedical Innovation Platform, Guangdong Artificial Intelligence Biomedical Innovation Platform, Shenzhen Second People's Hospitalthe First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhenGuangdongChina
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15
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Zhang F, Sun W, Zhao J, Zhang C, Sheng K, Wang C, Song L, Zhang X, Cao Y, Luo Q, Shen J, Yu L. Toxoplasma gondii Causes Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes by Damaging Uterine Tissue-Resident NK Cells That Secrete Growth-Promoting Factors. J Infect Dis 2024; 229:547-557. [PMID: 37815195 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Vertical transmission of the intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes especially when infection occurs in early pregnancy. Decidual natural killer (dNK) cells accumulate at the maternal-fetal interface in large numbers during early pregnancy. Their nutritional roles during infection with T. gondii remain poorly defined. In the present study, we demonstrated that a functional deficiency of the uterine tissue-resident NK (trNK) cells, a subset of dNK cells, contributes to the adverse pregnancy outcomes induced by T. gondii in early pregnancy. Adverse pregnancy outcomes could be ameliorated by adoptive transfer of trNK cells. Moreover, fetal growth restriction could be improved after supplementation of growth-promoting factors. In addition to the widely recognized disturbance of the immune balance at the interface between the mother and the fetus, our study reveals a novel mechanism in T. gondii that contributes to the adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Famin Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, The Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wenze Sun
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, The Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ji Zhao
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, The Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chenlin Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Keyuan Sheng
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Cong Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, The Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lingling Song
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, The Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiran Zhang
- Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanyuan Cao
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, The Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Qingli Luo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, The Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jilong Shen
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, The Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, The Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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16
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Joseph TT, Schuch V, Hossack DJ, Chakraborty R, Johnson EL. Melatonin: the placental antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1339304. [PMID: 38361952 PMCID: PMC10867115 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1339304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is an indolamine hormone with many physiological and biological roles. Melatonin is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, free radical scavenger, circadian rhythm regulator, and sleep hormone. However, its most popular role is the ability to regulate sleep through the circadian rhythm. Interestingly, recent studies have shown that melatonin is an important and essential hormone during pregnancy, specifically in the placenta. This is primarily due to the placenta's ability to synthesize its own melatonin rather than depending on the pineal gland. During pregnancy, melatonin acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which is necessary to ensure a stable environment for both the mother and the fetus. It is an essential antioxidant in the placenta because it reduces oxidative stress by constantly scavenging for free radicals, i.e., maintain the placenta's integrity. In a healthy pregnancy, the maternal immune system is constantly altered to accommodate the needs of the growing fetus, and melatonin acts as a key anti-inflammatory by regulating immune homeostasis during early and late gestation. This literature review aims to identify and summarize melatonin's role as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that reduces oxidative stress and inflammation to maintain a favorable homeostatic environment in the placenta throughout gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyana T. Joseph
- Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Viviane Schuch
- Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Daniel J. Hossack
- Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Rana Chakraborty
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Erica L. Johnson
- Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
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17
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Enninga EAL, Quach HQ, Jang JS, de Araujo Correia MCM, Fedyshyn Y, Fedyshyn B, Lemens M, Littlefield D, Behl S, Sintim-Aboagye E, Mejia Plazas MC, Cardenas MC, Chakraborty S, Yamaoka S, Ebihara H, Pandey A, Li H, Badley AD, Johnson EL, Sun J, Norgan AP, Theiler RN, Chakraborty R. Maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy disrupts gene expression in Hofbauer cells with limited impact on cytotrophoblasts. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1011990. [PMID: 38324589 PMCID: PMC10878512 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hofbauer cells (HBCs) and cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) are major cell populations in placenta. The indirect impact of maternal SARS-CoV-2 disease on these cells that are not directly infected has not been extensively studied. Herein, we profiled gene expression in HBCs and CTBs isolated from placentae of recovered pregnant subjects infected with SARS-CoV-2 during all trimesters of pregnancy, placentae from subjects with active infection, SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated subjects, and those who were unexposed to the virus. METHODS Placentae were collected within 4 h post-delivery and membrane-free tissues were enzymatically digested for the isolation of HBCs and CTBs. RNA extracted from HBCs and CTBs were sequenced using 150bp paired-end reads. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by DESeq2 package in R and enriched in GO Biological Processes, KEGG Pathway, Reactome Gene Sets, Hallmark Gene Sets, and Canonical Pathways. Protein-protein interactions among the DEGs were modelled using STRING and BioGrid. RESULTS Pregnant subjects (n = 30) were recruited and categorized into six groups: infected with SARS-CoV-2 in i) the first (1T, n = 4), ii) second (2T, n = 5), iii) third (3T, n = 5) trimester, iv) tested positive at delivery (Delivery, n = 5), v) never infected (Control, n = 6), and vi) fully mRNA-vaccinated by delivery (Vaccinated, n = 5). Compared to the Control group, gene expression analysis showed that HBCs from infected subjects had significantly altered gene expression profiles, with the 2T group having the highest number of DEGs (1,696), followed by 3T and 1T groups (1,656 and 958 DEGs, respectively). These DEGs were enriched for pathways involved in immune regulation for host defense, including production of cytokines, chemokines, antimicrobial proteins, ribosomal assembly, neutrophil degranulation inflammation, morphogenesis, and cell migration/adhesion. Protein-protein interaction analysis mapped these DEGs with oxidative phosphorylation, translation, extracellular matrix organization, and type I interferon signaling. Only 95, 23, and 8 DEGs were identified in CTBs of 1T, 2T, and 3T groups, respectively. Similarly, 11 and 3 DEGs were identified in CTBs and HBCs of vaccinated subjects, respectively. Reassuringly, mRNA vaccination did not induce an inflammatory response in placental cells. CONCLUSIONS Our studies demonstrate a significant impact of indirect SARS-CoV-2 infection on gene expression of inner mesenchymal HBCs, with limited effect on lining CTB cells isolated from pregnant subjects infected and recovered from SARS-CoV-2. The pathways associated with these DEGs identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Ann L. Enninga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Huy Quang Quach
- Mayo Clinic Vaccine Research Group, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Jin Sung Jang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | | | - Yaroslav Fedyshyn
- Children Research Center, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Bohdana Fedyshyn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Maureen Lemens
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Dawn Littlefield
- Children Research Center, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Supriya Behl
- Children Research Center, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Elise Sintim-Aboagye
- Children Research Center, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Maria C. Mejia Plazas
- Children Research Center, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Maria C. Cardenas
- Children Research Center, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Shree Chakraborty
- Children Research Center, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Satoko Yamaoka
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Hideki Ebihara
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Akhilesh Pandey
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Division of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
- Center for Molecular Medicine, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
- Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Hu Li
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Andrew D. Badley
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Erica L. Johnson
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Jie Sun
- Thoracic Diseases Research Unit, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
- Carter Immunology Center University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Andrew P. Norgan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Regan N. Theiler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Rana Chakraborty
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
- Children Research Center, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
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18
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Caceres A, Caceres-Alan A, Caceres-Alan T. Toxoplasma gondii infections in pediatric neurosurgery. Childs Nerv Syst 2024; 40:295-301. [PMID: 36943435 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-023-05915-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that is estimated to infect one-third of the world's population. It is acquired by ingesting contaminated water and food specially undercooked meat, contact with domestic or wild feline feces, and during pregnancy by transplacental transmission.Immunocompetent hosts are usually asymptomatic, and infection will be self-limited, while those patients whose immune system is debilitated by HIV infection, immunosuppressive therapy, long-term steroid treatment, and fetuses infected during gestation will show evidence of systemic activity which is more severe in the central nervous system and eyes due to insufficient immune response caused by their respective blood barriers. Congenital toxoplasmosis has an estimated incidence of 8% in mothers who were seronegative at the beginning of their pregnancy. Infection in the first trimester may result in spontaneous abortion or stillbirth; however, it is estimated that the highest risk for vertical transmission is during the second and third trimesters when blood flow and placenta thickness favor parasitic transmission.Congenital toxoplasmosis can be detected with periodic surveillance in endemic areas, and with appropriate treatment, the risk of vertical transmission can be reduced, and the severity of the disease can be reversed in infected fetuses.While most infected newborns will show no evidence of the disease, those who suffer active intrauterine complications will present with cerebral calcifications in 8-12% of cases, hydrocephalus in 4-30%, and chorioretinitis in 12-15%. Also, seizure disorders, spasticity, and varying degrees of neurocognitive deficits can be found in 12%.Four distinct patterns of hydrocephalus have been described: aqueductal stenosis with lateral and third ventricle dilatation, periforaminal calcifications leading to foramen of Monro stenosis with associated asymmetrical ventricle dilatation, a mix of aqueductal and foramen of Monro stenosis, and overt hydrocephalus without clear evidence of obstruction with predominant dilatation of occipital horns (colpocephaly).While all patients diagnosed with congenital toxoplasmosis should undergo pharmacological treatment, those presenting with hydrocephalus have traditionally been managed with CSF shunting; however, there are reports of at least 50% success when selected cases are treated with endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Successful hydrocephalus management with appropriate treatment leads to better intellectual outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Caceres
- Pediatric Neurosurgery Department, Hospital Nacional de Niños "Dr. Carlos Sáenz Herrera", CCSS, San José, Costa Rica.
| | - Ariadnna Caceres-Alan
- Pediatric Neurosurgery Department, Hospital Nacional de Niños "Dr. Carlos Sáenz Herrera", CCSS, San José, Costa Rica
- Universidad de Ciencias Médicas, UCIMED, San José, Costa Rica
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19
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Villavicencio-Carrisoza O, Mora-Vargas CD, Flores-Villanueva J, Martínez-Salazar MG, Helguera-Repetto AC. Isolation of total DNA from Placenta Samples, both Fresh and following Formalin and Paraffin Treatment. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2781:171-178. [PMID: 38502453 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3746-3_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
The isolation of DNA from placental tissue suspected of infection is an important tool for identifying microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses associated with complications during and after pregnancy. While experts primarily process placental tissue, the preservation methods employed pose challenges to extracting complete DNA. Therefore, selecting the appropriate protocol is paramount to achieving greater efficiency in obtaining genetic material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Villavicencio-Carrisoza
- Department of Immunobiochemistry, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Carlos Daniel Mora-Vargas
- Department of Immunobiochemistry, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City, Mexico
- Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Janet Flores-Villanueva
- Department of Immunobiochemistry, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City, Mexico
- Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Addy Cecilia Helguera-Repetto
- Department of Immunobiochemistry, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City, Mexico.
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20
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Montoya-Ciriaco N, Hereira-Pacheco S, Estrada-Torres A, Dendooven L, Méndez de la Cruz FR, Gómez-Acata ES, Díaz de la Vega-Pérez AH, Navarro-Noya YE. Maternal transmission of bacterial microbiota during embryonic development in a viviparous lizard. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0178023. [PMID: 37847033 PMCID: PMC10714757 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01780-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE We investigated the presence and diversity of bacteria in the embryos of the viviparous lizard Sceloporus grammicus and their amniotic environment. We compared this diversity to that found in the maternal intestine, mouth, and cloaca. We detected bacterial DNA in the embryos, albeit with a lower bacterial species diversity than found in maternal tissues. Most of the bacterial species detected in the embryos were also found in the mother, although not all of them. Interestingly, we detected a high similarity in the composition of bacterial species among embryos from different mothers. These findings suggest that there may be a mechanism controlling the transmission of bacteria from the mother to the embryo. Our results highlight the possibility that the interaction between maternal bacteria and the embryo may affect the development of the lizards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Montoya-Ciriaco
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Centro Tlaxcala de Biología de la Conducta, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - Stephanie Hereira-Pacheco
- Estación Científica La Malinche, Centro Tlaxcala de Biología de la Conducta, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - Arturo Estrada-Torres
- Estación Científica La Malinche, Centro Tlaxcala de Biología de la Conducta, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - Luc Dendooven
- Laboratory of Soil Ecology, CINVESTAV, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Fausto R. Méndez de la Cruz
- Departamento de Zoología, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Elizabeth Selene Gómez-Acata
- Laboratorio de Interacciones Bióticas, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - Aníbal H. Díaz de la Vega-Pérez
- Consejo Nacional de Ciencia, Humanidades y Tecnología-Centro Tlaxcala de Biología de la Conducta, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala., Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - Yendi E. Navarro-Noya
- Laboratorio de Interacciones Bióticas, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, Mexico
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21
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Martinez VO, Dos Santos NR, Bah HAF, Junior EAG, Costa DO, Menezes-Filho JA. Impact of chronic toxoplasmosis in pregnancy: association between maternal seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies and fetal growth restriction. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:25. [PMID: 38072839 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08068-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Insults caused by acute infections during the gestational period on fetal development are known; however, new evidence suggests that chronic infectious diseases can also impact the maternal immune status and lead to negative consequences for the neonate. This study investigated the association between the prevalence of specific antibodies in pregnant women and alterations in fetal development at birth. A follow-up study evaluated women during the gestational period and their respective newborns at delivery time. The pregnant women were tested for the presence of antibodies to infectious agents: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), cytomegalovirus (CMV), syphilis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to the pregnant women at the time of recruitment after obtaining informed consent. Detailed information about the newborns was extracted from medical records. The seroprevalence of chronic T. gondii infection, as determined by the presence of IgG antibodies against the protozoan, was found to be 56.2%, while the overall prevalence of CMV IgG antibodies was 96.3%. Non-primiparous pregnant women from socio-economic classes, less affluent groups, and skilled working-class individuals had higher chances of testing positive for specific T. gondii IgG antibodies. Newborns classified as small for gestational age represented 12.9% of the total. Those born to mothers seropositive for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were 9.4 times more likely to be born small for gestational age (p = 0.035). The results suggest that chronic T. gondii infection may contribute to higher rates of newborns with growth restriction. These findings add to a growing body of evidence regarding the impact of chronic infectious diseases on intrauterine fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Otero Martinez
- Graduate Program in Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Nathália Ribeiro Dos Santos
- Graduate Program in Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Laboratory of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Homègnon Antonin Ferréol Bah
- Laboratory of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Public Health, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Daisy Oliveira Costa
- Graduate Program in Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Laboratory of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - José Antonio Menezes-Filho
- Graduate Program in Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Laboratory of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Public Health, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
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22
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Li W, Yuan W, Huang S, Zou L, Zheng K, Xie D. Research progress on the mechanism of Treponema pallidum breaking through placental barrier. Microb Pathog 2023; 185:106392. [PMID: 37852552 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Congenital syphilis, a significant cause of fetal mortality worldwide, is a congenital infectious disease instigated by the vertical transmission of Treponema pallidum during pregnancy. Clinical manifestations include preterm delivery, stillbirth, neonatal skin lesions, skeletal abnormalities, and central nervous system aberrations. The ongoing increase in the incidence of congenital syphilis, coupled with complexities in diagnosis, necessitates a detailed understanding of its pathogenesis for the development of improved diagnostic approaches, and to interrupt the route of vertical transmission. Drawing from the broader body of research associated with vertical transmission pathogens, we aim to clarify the potential mechanisms by which Treponema pallidum breaches the placental barrier to infect the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second People's Hospital of Foshan, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, China
| | - Shaobin Huang
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical College, Institution of Pathogenic Biology, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Lin Zou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second People's Hospital of Foshan, China
| | - Kang Zheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hengyang Central Hospital, Hengyang, China.
| | - Dongde Xie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second People's Hospital of Foshan, China.
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23
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da Silva RJ, Cabo LF, George JL, Cahoon LA, Yang L, Coyne CB, Boyle JP. Human trophoblast stem cells can be used to model placental susceptibility to Toxoplasma gondii and highlight the critical importance of the trophoblast cell surface in pathogen resistance. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.10.566663. [PMID: 37986837 PMCID: PMC10659356 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.10.566663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The placenta is a critical barrier against viral, bacterial, and eukaryotic pathogens. For most teratogenic pathogens, the precise molecular mechanisms of placental resistance are still being unraveled. Given the importance to understand these mechanisms and challenges in replicating trophoblast- pathogen interactions using in vitro models, we tested an existing stem-cell derived model of trophoblast development for its relevance to infection with Toxoplasma gondii . We grew human trophoblast stem cells (TS CT ) under conditions leading to either syncytiotrophoblast (TS SYN ) or cytotrophoblast (TS CYT ) and infected them with T. gondii . We evaluated T. gondii proliferation and invasion, cell ultrastructure, as well as for transcriptome changes after infection. TS SYNs cells showed similar ultrastructure compared to primary cells and villous explants when analyzed by TEM and SEM, a resistance to T. gondii adhesion could be visualized on the SEM level. Furthermore, TS SYNs were highly refractory to parasite adhesion and replication, while TS CYT were not. RNA-seq data on mock-treated and infected cells identified differences between cell types as well as how they responded to T. gondii infection. We also evaluated if TS SC -derived SYNs and CYTs had distinct resistance profiles to another vertically transmitted facultative intracellular pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes . We demonstrate that TS SYNs are highly resistant to L. monocytogenes , while TS CYTs are not. Like T. gondii , TS SYN resistance to L. monocytogenes was at the level of bacterial adhesion. Altogether, our data indicate that stem-cell derived trophoblasts recapitulate resistance profiles of primary cells to T. gondii and highlight the critical importance of the placental surface in cell-autonomous resistance to teratogens.
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24
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Ketabi K, Soleimanjahi H, Habibian A, Abroun S. Pregnancy and SARS-CoV-2 infection with a focus on its vertical transmission, breastfeeding, cord blood banking, and vaccination during COVID-19 infection. J Immunoassay Immunochem 2023; 44:361-380. [PMID: 37794764 DOI: 10.1080/15321819.2023.2259454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak led to a health crisis worldwide. This infection can infect individuals, particularly pregnant women. In this review, we tried to find the possibility of vertical transmission of COVID-19 and investigate the effects of COVID-19 on pregnancy, breastfeeding, cord blood banking, and the effects of recommended vaccines on pregnant and lactating women. Keywords include COVID-19, congenital infection, SARS-CoV-2, pregnancy, and COVID-19 vaccines. Vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was searched in scientific databases, such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The criteria for including studies in this article are the study of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women, fetuses, and neonates during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, and also the effect of COVID-19 vaccines on them. There are several conflicting results in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from the maternal-fetal interface. Since many neonates born from COVID-19-infected mothers had no signs of this infection, the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 congenital transmission cannot be confirmed. Also, SARS-CoV-2-infected women can breastfeed their babies if they have mild symptoms. Up till now, no adverse effect of COVID-19 vaccines has been identified on mothers, infants, and the fertility of men or women. Even so, more investigations are needed on the long-term effects of COVID-19 vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiana Ketabi
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hoorieh Soleimanjahi
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ala Habibian
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saied Abroun
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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25
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Stacey LD, Gubbrud JM, Keegan AC, Kleekamp KR, Kuntz MA, Osmanski MJ, Schumacher JJ, Gubbels JAA, Egland PG. Detection of heat-stable antibacterial activity in cotyledonary and discoid placentas. Placenta 2023; 142:95-97. [PMID: 37660504 PMCID: PMC10591983 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.08.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
The placenta serves in immunological defense of the fetus, providing proteins essential for innate immunity. Maternal and fetal portions of two mammalian placenta types, discoid, and cotyledonary, were separated and analyzed for antibacterial activity using a culture-independent method. Antibacterial activity was detected in both maternal and fetal portions of all placenta types tested. Protease resistance and increased activity after boiling suggests that the factor is activated upon release from a larger molecule. Identification of this factor and the mechanism of activation will lead to a better understanding of the innate immune function provided by the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan D Stacey
- Department of Biology, Augustana University, Sioux Falls, SD, 57197, USA
| | - Jonathan M Gubbrud
- Department of Biology, Augustana University, Sioux Falls, SD, 57197, USA
| | - Alek C Keegan
- Department of Biology, Augustana University, Sioux Falls, SD, 57197, USA
| | - Kelly R Kleekamp
- Department of Biology, Augustana University, Sioux Falls, SD, 57197, USA
| | - Meghan A Kuntz
- Department of Biology, Augustana University, Sioux Falls, SD, 57197, USA
| | - Matthew J Osmanski
- Department of Biology, Augustana University, Sioux Falls, SD, 57197, USA
| | | | | | - Paul G Egland
- Department of Biology, Augustana University, Sioux Falls, SD, 57197, USA.
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26
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Xin X, Yao W, Zhang Z, Yang X, Li S, Zhu Y, Zhang C, Zhang L, Huang H, Dong T, Dong H, Feng L, Wang S. Immune and cytokine alterations and RNA-sequencing analysis in gestational tissues from pregnant women after recovery from COVID-19. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:620. [PMID: 37735363 PMCID: PMC10512579 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08607-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 is a global pandemic. Understanding the immune responses in pregnant women recovering from COVID-19 may suggest new therapeutic approaches. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional study between March 1, 2020, and September 1, 2020. Participants were assigned into the convalescent COVID-19 group if they had a previous COVID-19 infection during pregnancy or the healthy control group. RNA-Seq was performed on human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUMSCs) and human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs). Immunohistochemical staining, cytokine testing, lymphocyte subset analysis, RNA-Seq, and functional analyses were performed on the placental and umbilical cord blood (UCB) and compared between the two groups. RESULTS A total of 40 pregnant women were enrolled, with 13 in the convalescent group and 27 in the control group. There were 1024, 46, and 32 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified in the placental tissue, hUMSCs, and hAMSCs between the convalescent and control groups, respectively. Enrichment analysis showed those DEGs were associated with immune homeostasis, antiviral activity, cell proliferation, and tissue repair. Levels of IL-6, TNF-α, total lymphocyte counts, B lymphocytes, Tregs percentages, and IFN-γ expressing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were statistically different between two groups (p ≤ 0.05). ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expressed on the placenta were not different between the two groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Multiple changes in immune responses occurred in the placental tissue, hUMSCs, and hAMSCs after maternal recovery from COVID-19, which might imply their protective roles against COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Xin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430032, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Weiqi Yao
- Wuhan Optics Valley Vcanbiopharma Co. Ltd, Wuhan, 430000, Hubei, P.R. China
- VCANBIO Cell & Gene Engineering Corp., Ltd, Tianjin, 300384, P.R. China
- Department of Biology and medicine, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, Hubei, P.R. China
- Wuhan Optics Valley Vcanbio Cell & Gene Technology Co., Ltd, Wuhan, 430000, Hubei, P.R. China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Human Stem Cell Preparation, Application and Resource Preservation, Wuhan, 430000, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Zijing Zhang
- Department of Medical office, Wuchang Shouyi College Hospital, Wuhan, 430064, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Xin Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430032, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Shufang Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430032, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430032, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430032, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Long Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430032, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Hailong Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430077, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Tengyun Dong
- Wuhan Optics Valley Vcanbiopharma Co. Ltd, Wuhan, 430000, Hubei, P.R. China
- Wuhan Optics Valley Vcanbio Cell & Gene Technology Co., Ltd, Wuhan, 430000, Hubei, P.R. China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Human Stem Cell Preparation, Application and Resource Preservation, Wuhan, 430000, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Haibo Dong
- Wuhan Optics Valley Vcanbio Cell & Gene Technology Co., Ltd, Wuhan, 430000, Hubei, P.R. China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Human Stem Cell Preparation, Application and Resource Preservation, Wuhan, 430000, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Ling Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430032, Hubei, P.R. China.
| | - Shaoshuai Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430032, Hubei, P.R. China.
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27
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Silberstein E, Chung CC, Debrabant A. The transcriptome landscape of 3D-cultured placental trophoblasts reveals activation of TLR2 and TLR3/7 in response to low Trypanosoma cruzi parasite exposure. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1256385. [PMID: 37799608 PMCID: PMC10548471 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1256385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vertical transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) become a globalized health problem accounting for 22% of new cases of Chagas disease (CD). Congenital infection is now considered the main route of CD spread in non-endemic countries where no routine disease testing of pregnant women is implemented. The main mechanisms that lead to fetal infection by T. cruzi remain poorly understood. Mother-to-child transmission may occur when bloodstream trypomastigotes interact with the syncytiotrophoblasts (SYNs) that cover the placenta chorionic villi. These highly specialized cells function as a physical barrier and modulate immune responses against pathogen infections. To model the human placenta environment, we have previously used a three-dimensional (3D) cell culture system of SYNs that exhibits differentiation characteristics comparable to placental trophoblasts. Further, we have shown that 3D-grown SYNs are highly resistant to T. cruzi infection. In this work, we used RNA sequencing and whole transcriptome analysis to explore the immunological signatures that drive SYNs' infection control. We found that the largest category of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are associated with inflammation and innate immunity functions. Quantitative RT-PCR evaluation of selected DEGs, together with detection of cytokines and chemokines in SYNs culture supernatants, confirmed the transcriptome data. Several genes implicated in the Toll-like receptors signaling pathways were upregulated in 3D-grown SYNs. In fact, TLR2 blockade and TLR3/7 knockdown stimulated T. cruzi growth, suggesting that these molecules play a significant role in the host cell response to infection. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis of DEGs predicted the activation of canonical pathways such as S100 protein family, pathogen induced cytokine storm, wound healing, HIF1α signaling and phagosome formation after T. cruzi exposure. Our findings indicate that SYNs resist infection by eliciting a constitutive pro-inflammatory response and modulating multiple defense mechanisms that interfere with the parasite's intracellular life cycle, contributing to parasite killing and infection control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Silberstein
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Charles C. Chung
- High-performance Integrated Virtual Environment Team, Office of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Alain Debrabant
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
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28
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Gonzalez VJ, Li L, Buarpung S, Prahl M, Robinson JF, Gaw SL. Minimal mRNA uptake and inflammatory response to COVID-19 mRNA vaccine exposure in human placental explants. iScience 2023; 26:107549. [PMID: 37664582 PMCID: PMC10470080 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite universal recommendations for COVID-19 mRNA vaccination in pregnancy, uptake has been lower than desired. There have been limited studies of the direct impact of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine exposure in human placental tissue. Using a primary human placental explants model, we investigated the uptake of two common mRNA vaccines (BNT162b2 Pfizer-BioNTech or mRNA-1273 Moderna), and whether exposure altered villous cytokine responses. Explants derived from second or third trimester chorionic villi were incubated with vaccines at supraphysiologic concentrations and analyzed at two time points. We observed minimal uptake of mRNA vaccines in placental explants by in situ hybridization and quantitative RT-PCR. No specific or global cytokine response was elicited by either of the mRNA vaccines in multiplexed immunoassays. Our results suggest that the human placenta does not readily absorb the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines nor generate a significant inflammatory response after exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica J. Gonzalez
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Lin Li
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Sirirak Buarpung
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Mary Prahl
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
| | - Joshua F. Robinson
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Stephanie L. Gaw
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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Alidjinou EK, De Coninck L, Swinnen J, Lazrek M, Hober D, Matthijnssens J. Viral metagenomics enables accurate detection of viral pathogens in amniotic fluid samples from pregnant women with suspicion of congenital infection. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29045. [PMID: 37649454 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Enagnon Kazali Alidjinou
- Univ Lille, CHU de Lille, Laboratoire de Virologie ULR 3610, Lille, France
- Laboratory of Viral Metagenomics, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lander De Coninck
- Laboratory of Viral Metagenomics, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jill Swinnen
- Laboratory of Viral Metagenomics, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mouna Lazrek
- Univ Lille, CHU de Lille, Laboratoire de Virologie ULR 3610, Lille, France
| | - Didier Hober
- Univ Lille, CHU de Lille, Laboratoire de Virologie ULR 3610, Lille, France
| | - Jelle Matthijnssens
- Laboratory of Viral Metagenomics, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Han L, Li R, Xiong W, Hu Y, Wu J, Liu X, Nie H, Qin W, Ling L, Li M. Prevalence of preconception TORCH infections and its influential factors: evidence from over 2 million women with fertility desire in southern China. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:425. [PMID: 37563634 PMCID: PMC10416474 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02560-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND TORCH (Toxoplasma gondii [TOX], Cytomegalovirus [CMV], Rubella virus [RV], and Herpes simplex virus [HSV]) represents pathogens known to traverse the maternal-fetal barrier and cause severe neonatal anomalies. We aimed to assess the prevalence of preconception TOX, CMV, and RV infections among women with fertility desire in southern China, and identify related risk factors. METHODS Data were obtained from a population-based cross-sectional study conducted as part of the National Free Preconception Health Examination Project. Women planning to conceive within the next 6 months in Guangdong Province were enrolled between 2014 and 2019. Information on sociodemographic, gynecological, and obstetric characteristics was collected. Sera were analyzed for TOX IgG, CMV IgG, and RV IgG antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between TORCH infections and related factors. RESULTS Among 2,409,137 participants, the prevalence of IgG antibodies for TOX, CMV, and RV was 3.20% (95% CI: 3.18-3.22%), 77.67% (95% CI: 77.62-77.71%) and 76.03% (95% CI: 75.98-76.07%), respectively. Of all participants, 141,047 women (5.85%, 95% CI:5.83-5.88%) reported a history of immunization for RV. Women living in the Pearl River Delta, a more developed region, have significantly lower vaccination rates than those living in other regions. The seropositivity of TOX IgG was highest among women aged 35 years and above, with primary or lower education levels, and rural registration. Factors such as being older, having a higher educational level, and being of other ethnicities were associated with a higher prevalence of naturally acquired CMV and RV infections. Women living in the Pearl River Delta showed a higher risk of TOX, CMV, and RV infections, with aORs of 2.21, 4.45, and 1.76, respectively. A history of pregnancy, gynecological diseases, and sexually transmitted infections were potentially associated with TORCH infections, but this association varied across pathogens. CONCLUSION The findings of this study update the baseline of preconception TORCH infections among women with fertility desire in southern China, helping to estimate the risk of congenital infection and guide the development and implementation of effective prevention measures for preconception TORCH infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Han
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), 510600, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Li
- Faculty of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenxue Xiong
- Faculty of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yang Hu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), 510600, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiabao Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), 510600, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohua Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), 510600, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua Nie
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), 510600, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weibing Qin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), 510600, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Ling
- Faculty of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Clinical research design division, Clinical research center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Mingzhen Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), 510600, Guangzhou, China.
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Corn M, Pham T, Kemp W. Adverse Fetal Outcomes and Histopathology of Placentas Affected by COVID-19: A Report of Four Cases. Cureus 2023; 15:e44402. [PMID: 37664389 PMCID: PMC10468721 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had significant impacts on mothers and neonates. In this report, we present four unique cases of COVID-19 infections in pregnancy and its effects on the mother, fetus, and placenta. Four mothers presented to the hospital during their pregnancy. Each had tested COVID-19-positive 1-29 days prior to admission. Gestational age ranged from 16 weeks six days to 36 weeks six days. Three of the four cases resulted in fetal demise or infant expiration. The common finding among all four cases was pathologic changes in the placenta. Most of the placentas were small for gestational age and had extensive villous infarction. There was also histiocytic intervillositis with villous necrosis and perivillous fibrin deposition. The placentas demonstrated positive staining of syncytiotrophoblasts for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike S1 subunit protein. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in tissue samples of two of the fetuses demonstrating vertical transmission. A higher incidence of severe COVID-19 disease course has been observed in pregnant women. Prior to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, chorionic histiocytic intervillositis of the placenta was rarely seen, and mostly of unknown etiology. The increase in placental fibrin levels results in decreased maternal placenta blood flow ensuing hypoxic stress in the fetus. Intrauterine hypoxia has been associated with alterations in brain structure and function resulting in defects in motor skills, cerebral palsy, decreased brain weight, schizophrenia, and other forms of cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Corn
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, USA
| | - Truc Pham
- Pathology, Incyte Pathology, Spokane Valley, USA
| | - Walter Kemp
- Pathology, State of Montana, Forensic Science Division, Billings, USA
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32
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Al-kuraishy HM, Al-Gareeb AI, Albezrah NKA, Bahaa HA, El-Bouseary MM, Alexiou A, Al-Ziyadi SH, Batiha GES. Pregnancy and COVID-19: high or low risk of vertical transmission. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:957-967. [PMID: 36251144 PMCID: PMC9574177 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-022-00907-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Throughout the pandemic, evidence on the effects of COVID-19 during pregnancy has been inadequate due to the limited number of studies published. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review was to evaluate current literature regarding the effects of COVID-19 during pregnancy and establish pregnancy outcomes and vertical and perinatal transmission during pregnancy. Multiple databases were searched, including Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Control Clinical Trials, using the following keywords: [Pregnancy] AND [COVID-19 OR SARS-CoV-2 OR nCoV-19] OR [Perinatal transmission, Vertical transmission (VT), Pregnancy complications], [Pregnancy] AND [Hyperinflammation OR Cytokine storm]. We excluded in vitro and experimental studies, but also ex-vivo and animal study methods. To exclude the risk of bias during data collection and interpretation, all included studies were peer-reviewed publications. This review is estimated to tabulate the study intervention characteristics and compare them against the planned groups for each synthesis. Our findings showed that pregnant women are commonly susceptible to respiratory viral infections and severe pneumonia due to physiological immune suppression and pregnancy-induced changes. VT of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy is associated with a great deal of controversy and conflict. However, there is still no robust clinical evidence of VT. Furthermore, the clinical presentation and management of COVID-19 during pregnancy are nearly identical to those of non-pregnant women. Finally, chloroquine and remdesivir are the only two drugs evaluated as adequate for the management of COVID-19 during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayder M. Al-kuraishy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, AL-Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ali I. Al-Gareeb
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, AL-Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | | | - Haitham Ahmed Bahaa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Maisra M. El-Bouseary
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Athanasios Alexiou
- Department of Science and Engineering, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, Australia
- AFNP Med Austria, Vienna, Austria
| | - Shatha Hallal Al-Ziyadi
- Saudi Board Certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology, Assistant Professor at Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511 AlBeheira Egypt
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Koenig MR, Mitzey AM, Zeng X, Reyes L, Simmons HA, Morgan TK, Bohm EK, Pritchard JC, Schmidt JA, Ren E, Leyva Jaimes FB, Winston E, Basu P, Weiler AM, Friedrich TC, Aliota MT, Mohr EL, Golos TG. Vertical transmission of African-lineage Zika virus through the fetal membranes in a rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) model. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011274. [PMID: 37549143 PMCID: PMC10434957 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) can be transmitted vertically from mother to fetus during pregnancy, resulting in a range of outcomes including severe birth defects and fetal/infant death. Potential pathways of vertical transmission in utero have been proposed but remain undefined. Identifying the timing and routes of vertical transmission of ZIKV may help us identify when interventions would be most effective. Furthermore, understanding what barriers ZIKV overcomes to effect vertical transmission may help improve models for evaluating infection by other pathogens during pregnancy. To determine the pathways of vertical transmission, we inoculated 12 pregnant rhesus macaques with an African-lineage ZIKV at gestational day 30 (term is 165 days). Eight pregnancies were surgically terminated at either seven or 14 days post-maternal infection. Maternal-fetal interface and fetal tissues and fluids were collected and evaluated for ZIKV using RT-qPCR, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and plaque assays. Four additional pregnant macaques were inoculated and terminally perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde at three, six, nine, or ten days post-maternal inoculation. For these four cases, the entire fixed pregnant uterus was evaluated with in situ hybridization for ZIKV RNA. We determined that ZIKV can reach the MFI by six days after infection and infect the fetus by ten days. Infection of the chorionic membrane and the extraembryonic coelomic fluid preceded infection of the fetus and the mesenchymal tissue of the placental villi. We did not find evidence to support a transplacental route of ZIKV vertical transmission via infection of syncytiotrophoblasts or villous cytotrophoblasts. The pattern of infection observed in the maternal-fetal interface provides evidence of paraplacental vertical ZIKV transmission through the chorionic membrane, the outer layer of the fetal membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle R. Koenig
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Ann M. Mitzey
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Xiankun Zeng
- Pathology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Leticia Reyes
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Heather A. Simmons
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Terry K. Morgan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Ellie K. Bohm
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Julia C. Pritchard
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Jenna A. Schmidt
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Emily Ren
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Fernanda B. Leyva Jaimes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Eva Winston
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Puja Basu
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Andrea M. Weiler
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Thomas C. Friedrich
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Matthew T. Aliota
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Emma L. Mohr
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Thaddeus G. Golos
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
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Fujimura K, Guise AJ, Nakayama T, Schlaffner CN, Meziani A, Kumar M, Cheng L, Vaughan DJ, Kodani A, Van Haren S, Parker K, Levy O, Durbin AF, Bosch I, Gehrke L, Steen H, Mochida GH, Steen JA. Integrative systems biology characterizes immune-mediated neurodevelopmental changes in murine Zika virus microcephaly. iScience 2023; 26:106909. [PMID: 37332674 PMCID: PMC10275723 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Characterizing perturbation of molecular pathways in congenital Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is critical for improved therapeutic approaches. Leveraging integrative systems biology, proteomics, and RNA-seq, we analyzed embryonic brain tissues from an immunocompetent, wild-type congenital ZIKV infection mouse model. ZIKV induced a robust immune response accompanied by the downregulation of critical neurodevelopmental gene programs. We identified a negative correlation between ZIKV polyprotein abundance and host cell cycle-inducing proteins. We further captured the downregulation of genes/proteins, many of which are known to be causative for human microcephaly, including Eomesodermin/T-box Brain Protein 2 (EOMES/TBR2) and Neuronal Differentiation 2 (NEUROD2). Disturbances of distinct molecular pathways in neural progenitors and post-mitotic neurons may contribute to complex brain phenotype of congenital ZIKV infection. Overall, this report on protein- and transcript-level dynamics enhances understanding of the ZIKV immunopathological landscape through characterization of fetal immune response in the developing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimino Fujimura
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Genetics and Genomics and The Manton Center for Orphan Disease, Boston Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Shin-Yurigaoka General Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Amanda J. Guise
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tojo Nakayama
- Division of Genetics and Genomics and The Manton Center for Orphan Disease, Boston Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christoph N. Schlaffner
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anais Meziani
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mukesh Kumar
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Long Cheng
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dylan J. Vaughan
- Division of Genetics and Genomics and The Manton Center for Orphan Disease, Boston Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrew Kodani
- Center for Pediatric Neurological Disease Research and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Simon Van Haren
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Ofer Levy
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ann F. Durbin
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Irene Bosch
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Lee Gehrke
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Hanno Steen
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ganeshwaran H. Mochida
- Division of Genetics and Genomics and The Manton Center for Orphan Disease, Boston Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Judith A. Steen
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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35
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Muccilli SG, Best SM. Viral mimicry protects from infection when you're expecting. Cell Host Microbe 2023; 31:1078-1080. [PMID: 37442094 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Constitutive IFN-λ expression in the placenta protects the fetus from vertically transmitted viruses, but regulatory mechanisms are unknown. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Wickramage, VanWye et al. demonstrate that Alu RNAs within a microRNA cluster important for placental development mimic viral molecular patterns to mediate protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha G Muccilli
- Innate Immunity and Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA; Cellular Biology Section, Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Sonja M Best
- Innate Immunity and Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA.
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36
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Kosikowska U, Dłuski DF, Pietras-Ożga D, Leszczyńska-Gorzelak B, Andrzejczuk S. Prevalence of Culturable Bacteria and Yeasts in the Nasopharynx Microbiota during the Physiological Course of Pregnancy. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4447. [PMID: 37445482 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to compare the prevalence of the nasopharyngeal carriage of culturable microorganisms in the microbiota of asymptomatic women with a physiological pregnancy (PW) and nonpregnant women (NPW). Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from 53 PW and 30 NPW to detect bacterial and fungal colonization. Isolates were identified using the culture method and the MALDI-TOF MS technique. The nasopharyngeal microbiota (NPM) partially differed between PW and NPW. These differences in the frequency of nasopharyngeal colonization between the PW and NPW groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05); all cases were colonized by bacteria and only two cases in the PW group were colonized by yeasts, namely, Rhodotorula spp. High levels of staphylococcal colonization, including predominantly coagulase-negative staphylococci and S. aureus in the nasopharyngeal sample, were present in both groups. The reduced number of Gram-negative rods colonized in the cases studied was seen in samples from the NPW group, particularly with Enterobacterales, and anaerobic Cutibacterium spp. were isolated only in the PW group (p < 0.05). Moreover, a higher carriage rate of Enterobacter aerogenes colonization was statistically significant (p < 0.05) and correlated with the NPW group. Pregnancy may disturb the composition of the NPM represented by commensals and opportunistic bacteria and promote yeast colonization as compared to nonpregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Kosikowska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Dorota Pietras-Ożga
- Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Infectious Diseases, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Sylwia Andrzejczuk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
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Palazzotto E, Bonura F, Calà C, Capra G, Pistoia D, Mangione D, Mascarella C, Minì G, Enea M, Giammanco GM, Ferraro D, De Grazia S. Serological status for TORCH in women of childbearing age: a decade-long surveillance (2012-2022) in Italy. J Med Microbiol 2023; 72. [PMID: 37458733 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Serological screening and seroprevalence data for TORCH infections represent a key instrument to estimate immunity and vaccination levels and exposure rates to prevent and treat TORCH congenital infections.Hypothesis. Serology allows us to identify women susceptible to primary infection.Aim. Assess the prevalence of women at risk of primary infections by TORCH pathogens in Palermo, Sicily, Italy, in the decade 2012-2022.Methodology. A retrospective study was performed to evaluate the serological status (IgG and/or IgM) of 2359 women of childbearing age (WCBA), ranging from 16 to 46 years, attending the AOUP 'P. Giaccone' University Hospital of Palermo.Results. The results showed an overall prevalence of anti-TORCH IgG of 90.5 % for herpesvirus (HSV), 81.2 % for rubella virus (RV), 72.1 % for cytomegalovirus (CMV), 20.9 % for Toxoplasma gondii (TOX) and 4.8 % for Treponema pallidum (TP). IgM positivity was 16.9 % for HSV2, 10.3 % for TOX, 4 % for CMV and, 2 % for RV. A recent/active infection by TP was confirmed in 28.3 % of the seropositive women. Our results indicate that only a small percentage of WCBA were subjected to a comprehensive TORCH serological screening, while most WCBA were only tested for a single pathogen. In addition, no significant differences were found in terms of the overall TORCH IgG seroprevalence among different age groups (P>0.05).Conclusion. Identifying WCBA at risk of exposure during pregnancy allows us to prevent and reduce possible congenital infections, providing detailed guidelines and instructions. The results of this study showed that in Italy the risk of acquiring a primary infection by a TORCH agent is still high, therefore effective prevention strategies, including serological screening, should be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Palazzotto
- Microbiology Section, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties 'G. D'Alessandro', University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Floriana Bonura
- Microbiology Section, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties 'G. D'Alessandro', University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Cinzia Calà
- Microbiology Section, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties 'G. D'Alessandro', University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Capra
- Microbiology Section, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties 'G. D'Alessandro', University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniela Pistoia
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, University Hospital 'P. Giaccone', Palermo, Italy
| | - Donatella Mangione
- Gynecology Section, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties 'G. D'Alessandro', University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Chiara Mascarella
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, University Hospital 'P. Giaccone', Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Minì
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, University Hospital 'P. Giaccone', Palermo, Italy
| | - Marco Enea
- Microbiology Section, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties 'G. D'Alessandro', University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giovanni M Giammanco
- Microbiology Section, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties 'G. D'Alessandro', University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Donatella Ferraro
- Microbiology Section, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties 'G. D'Alessandro', University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Simona De Grazia
- Microbiology Section, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties 'G. D'Alessandro', University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Barbosa MD, Costa A, Prieto-Oliveira P, Andreata-Santos R, Peter CM, Zanotto PMA, Janini LMR. Proposal of Model for Evaluation of Viral Kinetics of African/Asian/Brazilian- Zika virus Strains (Step Growth Curve) in Trophoblastic Cell Lines. Viruses 2023; 15:1446. [PMID: 37515134 PMCID: PMC10386092 DOI: 10.3390/v15071446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic brought new discoveries regarding arboviruses, especially flaviviruses, as ZIKV was described as sexually and vertically transmitted. The latter shows severe consequences for the embryo/fetus, such as congenital microcephaly and deficiency of the neural system, currently known as Congenital ZIKV Syndrome (CZS). To better understand ZIKV dynamics in trophoblastic cells present in the first trimester of pregnancy (BeWo, HTR-8, and control cell HuH-7), an experiment of viral kinetics was performed for African MR766 low passage and Asian-Brazilian IEC ZIKV lineages. The results were described independently and demonstrated that the three placental cells lines are permissive and susceptible to ZIKV. We noticed cytopathic effects that are typical in in vitro viral infection in BeWo and HTR-8. Regarding kinetics, MR766lp showed peaks of viral loads in 24 and 48 hpi for all cell types tested, as well as marked cells death after peak production. On the other hand, the HTR-8 lineage inoculated with ZIKV-IEC exhibited increased viral production in 144 hpi, with a peak between 24 and 96 hpi. Furthermore, IEC had peak variations of viral production for BeWo in 144 hpi. Considering such in vitro results, the hypothesis that maternal fetal transmission is probably a way of virus transmission between the mother and the embryo/fetus is maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcia Duarte Barbosa
- Laboratory of Molecular Evolution and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
- Laboratory of Retrovirology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Discipline of Microbiology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil
| | - Anderson Costa
- Laboratory of Retrovirology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Discipline of Microbiology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil
| | - Paula Prieto-Oliveira
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, College of Computing and Informatics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9331 Robert D. Snyder Rd., Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Robert Andreata-Santos
- Laboratory of Retrovirology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Discipline of Microbiology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil
| | - Cristina M Peter
- Laboratory of Retrovirology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Discipline of Microbiology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil
| | - Paolo M A Zanotto
- Laboratory of Molecular Evolution and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Luiz Mario Ramos Janini
- Laboratory of Retrovirology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Discipline of Microbiology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil
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Beltrami S, Rizzo S, Schiuma G, Speltri G, Di Luca D, Rizzo R, Bortolotti D. Gestational Viral Infections: Role of Host Immune System. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1637. [PMID: 37512810 PMCID: PMC10383666 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral infections in pregnancy are major causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Infections can develop in the neonate transplacentally, perinatally, or postnatally (from breast milk or other sources) and lead to different clinical manifestations, depending on the viral agent and the gestational age at exposure. Viewing the peculiar tolerogenic status which characterizes pregnancy, viruses could exploit this peculiar immunological status to spread or affect the maternal immune system, adopting several evasion strategies. In fact, both DNA and RNA virus might have a deep impact on both innate and acquired immune systems. For this reason, investigating the interaction with these pathogens and the host's immune system during pregnancy is crucial not only for the development of most effective therapies and diagnosis but mostly for prevention. In this review, we will analyze some of the most important DNA and RNA viruses related to gestational infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Beltrami
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sabrina Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanna Schiuma
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgia Speltri
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Dario Di Luca
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Daria Bortolotti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Schulz J, Schilling E, Fabian C, Zenclussen AC, Stojanovska V, Claus C. Dissecting Rubella Placental Infection in an In Vitro Trophoblast Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097894. [PMID: 37175600 PMCID: PMC10178045 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097894] [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: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Vertical transmission of rubella virus (RuV) occurs at a high rate during the first trimester of pregnancy. The modes of vertical transmission including the response of trophoblasts to RuV are not well understood. Here, RuV-trophoblast interaction was studied in the BeWo trophoblast cell line. Analysis included early and late time-point kinetics of virus infection rate and the antiviral innate immune response at mRNA and protein level. BeWo characteristics were addressed through metabolic activity by extracellular flux analysis and syncytiotrophoblast formation through incubation with forskolin. We found that RuV infection of BeWo led to profuse type III interferon (IFN) production. Transfecting trophoblast cells with dsRNA analog induced an increase in the production of type I IFN-β and type III IFNs; however, this did not occur in RuV-infected BeWo trophoblasts. IFN-β and to a lesser extent type III IFN-λ1 were inhibitory to RuV. While no significant metabolic alteration was detected, RuV infection reduced the cell number in the monolayer culture in comparison to the mock control and resulted in detached and floating cells. Syncytia formation restricted RuV infection. The use of BeWo as a relevant cell culture model for infection of trophoblasts highlights cytopathogenicity in the absence of a type I IFN response as a pathogenic alteration by RuV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Schulz
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Erik Schilling
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Claire Fabian
- Department of Vaccines and Infection Models, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Medical Department II, University Cancer Center Leipzig (UCCL), University of Leipzig Medical Center, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ana Claudia Zenclussen
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Perinatal Immunology Research Group, Saxonian Incubator for Clinical Translation, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Violeta Stojanovska
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Claudia Claus
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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Tosto V, Meyyazhagan A, Alqasem M, Tsibizova V, Di Renzo GC. SARS-CoV-2 Footprints in the Placenta: What We Know after Three Years of the Pandemic. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13040699. [PMID: 37109085 PMCID: PMC10142804 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13040699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues into its third year, there is accumulating evidence on the consequences of maternal infection. Emerging data indicate increased obstetrics risks, including maternal complications, preterm births, impaired intrauterine fetal growth, hypertensive disorders, stillbirth, gestational diabetes, and a risk of developmental defects in neonates. Overall, controversial concerns still exist regarding the potential for vertical transmission. Histopathological examination of the placenta can represent a useful instrument for investigation and can contribute significant information regarding the possible immunohistopathological mechanisms involved in developing unfavorable perinatal outcomes. Based on current evidence, SARS-CoV-2 infection can affect placental tissue by inducing several specific changes. The level of placental involvement is considered one of the determining factors for unfavorable outcomes during pregnancy due to inflammation and vascular injuries contributing to complex cascade immunological and biological events; however, available evidence does not indicate a strong and absolute correlation between maternal infection, placental lesions, and obstetric outcomes. As existing studies are still limited, we further explore the placenta at three different levels, using histology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular genetics to understand the epidemiological and virological changes observed in the ongoing pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Tosto
- Centre of Perinatal and Reproductive Medicine, University of Perugia, 06121 Perugia, Italy
| | - Arun Meyyazhagan
- Centre of Perinatal and Reproductive Medicine, University of Perugia, 06121 Perugia, Italy
- Perinatology Research Branch, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Department of Life Sciences, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru 560029, India
| | - Malek Alqasem
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Mutah University, Al-Karak 61710, Jordan
| | | | - Gian Carlo Di Renzo
- Centre of Perinatal and Reproductive Medicine, University of Perugia, 06121 Perugia, Italy
- PREIS International School, 50122 Firenze, Italy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IM Sechenov First State University, 19c1, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, St Petersburg 197341, Russia
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Usui N, Kobayashi H, Shimada S. Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress in the Pathogenesis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065487. [PMID: 36982559 PMCID: PMC10049423 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) characterized by impairments in social communication, repetitive behaviors, restricted interests, and hyperesthesia/hypesthesia caused by genetic and/or environmental factors. In recent years, inflammation and oxidative stress have been implicated in the pathogenesis of ASD. In this review, we discuss the inflammation and oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of ASD, particularly focusing on maternal immune activation (MIA). MIA is a one of the common environmental risk factors for the onset of ASD during pregnancy. It induces an immune reaction in the pregnant mother’s body, resulting in further inflammation and oxidative stress in the placenta and fetal brain. These negative factors cause neurodevelopmental impairments in the developing fetal brain and subsequently cause behavioral symptoms in the offspring. In addition, we also discuss the effects of anti-inflammatory drugs and antioxidants in basic studies on animals and clinical studies of ASD. Our review provides the latest findings and new insights into the involvements of inflammation and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriyoshi Usui
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- Addiction Research Unit, Osaka Psychiatric Research Center, Osaka Psychiatric Medical Center, Osaka 541-8567, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-668-79-3124
| | - Hikaru Kobayashi
- SANKEN (Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research), Osaka University, Suita 567-0047, Japan
| | - Shoichi Shimada
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- Addiction Research Unit, Osaka Psychiatric Research Center, Osaka Psychiatric Medical Center, Osaka 541-8567, Japan
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Lim MJ, Lakshminrusimha S, Hedriana H, Albertson T. Pregnancy and Severe ARDS with COVID-19: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Outcomes and Treatment. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 28:101426. [PMID: 36964118 PMCID: PMC9990893 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2023.101426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is fast becoming a growing and clinically relevant subgroup of ARDS amidst global outbreaks of various viral respiratory pathogens that include H1N1-influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS), and the most recent COVID-19 pandemic. Pregnancy is a risk factor for severe viral-induced ARDS and commonly associated with poor maternal and fetal outcomes including fetal growth-restriction, preterm birth, and spontaneous abortion. Physiologic changes of pregnancy further compounded by mechanical and immunologic alterations are theorized to impact the development of ARDS from viral pneumonia. The COVID-19 sub-phenotype of ARDS share overlapping molecular features of maternal pathogenicity of pregnancy with respect to immune-dysregulation and endothelial/microvascular injury (i.e., preeclampsia) that may in part explain a trend toward poor maternal and fetal outcomes seen with severe COVID-19 maternal infections. To date, current ARDS diagnostic criteria and treatment management fail to include and consider physiologic adaptations that are unique to maternal physiology of pregnancy and consideration of maternal-fetal interactions. Treatment focused on lung-protective ventilation strategies have been shown to improve clinical outcomes in adults with ARDS but may have adverse maternal-fetal interactions when applied in pregnancy-related ARDS. No specific pharmacotherapy has been identified to improve outcomes in pregnancy with ARDS. Adjunctive therapies aimed at immune-modulation and anti-viral treatment with COVID-19 infection during pregnancy have been reported but data in regard to its efficacy and safety is currently lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle J Lim
- UC Davis School of Medicine, UC Davis Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Critical Care and Neonatology, Sacramento, CA, USA.
| | - Satyan Lakshminrusimha
- UC Davis School of Medicine, UC Davis Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Critical Care and Neonatology, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Herman Hedriana
- UC Davis School of Medicine, UC Davis Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Timothy Albertson
- UC Davis School of Medicine, UC Davis Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
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44
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Rios LE, Lokugamage N, Garg NJ. Effects of Acute and Chronic Trypanosoma cruzi Infection on Pregnancy Outcomes in Mice: Parasite Transmission, Mortality, Delayed Growth, and Organ Damage in Pups. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 193:313-331. [PMID: 36565805 PMCID: PMC10013038 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2022.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. This study aimed to determine the effects of T. cruzi infection on fertility rate and health of the newborn pups in pregnant mice. Female mice were challenged with T. cruzi and mated at 21 days (acute parasitemic phase) or 90 days (chronic parasite persistence phase) after infection. Pups were examined for growth up to 20 days after birth; and parasite burden in brain, heart, skeletal muscle, and intestine was measured by real-time quantitative PCR. The inflammatory infiltrate, necrosis, and fibrosis in pups' heart and brain tissues were evaluated by histology. T. cruzi infection in dams delayed the onset of pregnancy, decreased the fertility rate, and led to vertical transmission of parasite to the pups. Furthermore, infected dams delivered pups that exhibited decreased survival rate, decreased birth weight, and decreased growth rate. Significantly increased inflammation, necrosis, and fibrosis of cardiac and brain tissues were noted in pups born to infected dams. Initial challenge with higher parasite dose had more detrimental effects on fertility rate and pups' health in both acutely and chronically infected dams. In conclusion, mice offer a promising model to evaluate the efficacy of new vaccines and therapeutic drugs in controlling the acute and chronic maternal T. cruzi infection and congenital transmission to newborns, and in improving the fertility rate and pups' health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizette E Rios
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas; Department of Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Nandadeva Lokugamage
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Nisha J Garg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas; Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas.
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Gonzalez V, Li L, Buarpung S, Prahl M, Robinson JF, Gaw SL. Minimal mRNA uptake and inflammatory response to COVID-19 mRNA vaccine exposure in human placental explants. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.02.01.23285349. [PMID: 36778281 PMCID: PMC9915836 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.01.23285349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite universal recommendations for COVID-19 mRNA vaccination in pregnancy, uptake has been lower than desired. There have been limited studies of the direct impact of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine exposure in human placental tissue. Using a primary human villous explant model, we investigated the uptake of two common mRNA vaccines (BNT162b2 Pfizer-BioNTech or mRNA-1273 Moderna), and whether exposure altered villous cytokine responses. Explants derived from second or third trimester chorionic villi were incubated with vaccines at supraphysiologic concentrations and analyzed at two time points. We observed minimal uptake of mRNA vaccines in placental explants by in situ hybridization and quantitative RT-PCR. No specific or global cytokine response was elicited by either of the mRNA vaccines in multiplexed immunoassays. Our results suggest that the human placenta does not readily absorb the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines nor generate a significant inflammatory response after exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Gonzalez
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Lin Li
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Sirirak Buarpung
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Mary Prahl
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, California 94110, USA
| | - Joshua F. Robinson
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Stephanie L. Gaw
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
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Medeiros JF, Rabelo E Silva AC, Rocha NDFD, Georg AV, Melli PPDS, Quintana SM, Duarte G. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis in Puerperal Women Treated at a Tertiary Referral Hospital. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRÍCIA 2023; 45:59-64. [PMID: 36977402 PMCID: PMC10078889 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1764495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among puerperal women cared for at a tertiary university hospital and the level of understanding of these puerperal women about toxoplasmosis, vertical transmission, and its prophylaxis. METHODS For this cross-sectional study, we evaluated 225 patients using presential interviews, prenatal documentation, and electronic medical records. Data were stored using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) software. Prevalence rates were estimated by the presence of reactive IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii. Data analysis was performed using the chi-square test and calculation of the odds ratio (OR). Seroreactivity to T. gondii and exposure variables (age, educational level, and parity) were analyzed using a confidence interval (95%CI) and a significance level of 5% (p < 0.05). RESULTS The seropositivity rate for T. gondii was 40%. There was no association between seroprevalence and age. Primiparity was a protective factor against seropositivity and low education was a risk factor. CONCLUSION Knowledge of T. gondii infection and its transmission forms was significantly limited, presenting a risk for acute maternal toxoplasmosis and vertical transmission of this protozoan. Increasing the education level regarding the risk of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy could reduce the rates of infection and vertical transmission of this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alexia Viegas Georg
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Geraldo Duarte
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Liu X, He G, Lan Y, Guo W, Liu X, Li J, Liu A, He M, Liu X, Fan Z, Zhang Y. Virome and metagenomic analysis reveal the distinct distribution of microbiota in human fetal gut during gestation. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1079294. [PMID: 36685560 PMCID: PMC9850102 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1079294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies have shown that fetal immune cell activation may result from potential exposure to microbes, although the presence of microbes in fetus has been a controversial topic. Here, we combined metagenomic and virome techniques to investigate the presence of bacteria and viruses in fetal tissues (small intestine, cecum, and rectum). We found that the fetal gut is not a sterile environment and has a low abundance but metabolically rich microbiome. Specifically, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were the dominant bacteria phyla of fetal gut. In total, 700 species viruses were detected, and Human betaherpesvirus 5 was the most abundant eukaryotic viruses. Especially, we first identified Methanobrevibacter smithii in fetal gut. Through the comparison with adults' gut microbiota we found that Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes gradually became the main force of gut microbiota during the process of growth and development. Interestingly, 6 antibiotic resistance genes were shared by the fetus and adults. Our results indicate the presence of microbes in the fetal gut and demonstrate the diversity of bacteria, archaea and viruses, which provide support for the studies related to early fetal immunity. This study further explores the specific composition of viruses in the fetal gut and the similarities between fetal and adults' gut microbiota, which is valuable for understanding human fetal immunity development during gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology on Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guolin He
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Lan
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Weijie Guo
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuyuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Li
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Anqing Liu
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Miao He
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xinhui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhenxin Fan
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology on Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Yaoyao Zhang, ; Zhenxin Fan,
| | - Yaoyao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Ecoenvironment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Yaoyao Zhang, ; Zhenxin Fan,
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48
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Sadegi Hariri S, Heidari Z, Habibzadeh S, Shahbazzadegan S. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among Pregnant Women in Ardabil, Iran (2021-2022). IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2023; 18:93-99. [PMID: 37197079 PMCID: PMC10183437 DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v18i1.12385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy can causes adverse outcomes. Regarding its importance in prenatal care, seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women was studied in Ardabil City, during 2021-2022. Methods In a cross-sectional study with a cluster sampling, 244 pregnant women that attended in health care centers of Ardabil City, Ardabil Province, Iran in 2021-2022 were selected. Serum samples were collected and Anti-Toxoplasma IgM (immunoglobulin M) and IgG (immunoglobulin G) was detected. Furthermore, a questionnaire filled for all participants during samples collection and risk factors assessed. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. Results Participant's age ranged from 16 to 43 years with average of 23± 5.24 years. IgG anti-T. gondii antibody was detected in 22.1% of pregnant women (54/244). In none of participants IgM anti-Toxoplasmosis antibody was detected. There was no significant relationship between demographic variables and risk factors of toxoplasmosis with serology test results. Conclusion Approximately, 77.9% of pregnant women had no antibody against the T. gondii infection. Therefore, health education, counseling of pregnant women and screening in high-risk pregnant women is recommended to prevent from fetal complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Sadegi Hariri
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Zahra Heidari
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Parasitology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Shahram Habibzadeh
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ardabil University of Medical Science, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Samira Shahbazzadegan
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
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49
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Kim B, Park KH, Lee OH, Lee G, Kim H, Lee S, Hwang S, Kim YB, Choi Y. Effect of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection during pregnancy in K18-hACE2 transgenic mice. Anim Biosci 2023; 36:43-52. [PMID: 36108690 PMCID: PMC9834656 DOI: 10.5713/ab.22.0143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the influence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on pregnancy in cytokeratin-18 (K18)-hACE2 transgenic mice. METHODS To determine the expression of hACE2 mRNA in the female reproductive tract of K18-hACE2 mice, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed using the ovary, oviduct, uterus, umbilical cord, and placenta. SARS-CoV-2 was inoculated intranasally (30 μL/mouse, 1×104 TCID50/mL) to plug-checked K18-hACE2 homozygous female mice at the pre-and post-implantation stages at 2.5 days post-coitum (dpc) and 15.5 dpc, respectively. The number of implantation sites was checked at 7.5 dpc, and the number of normally born pups was investigated at 20.5 dpc. Pregnancy outcomes, including implantation and childbirth, were confirmed by comparison with the non-infected group. Tissues of infected mice were collected at 7.5 dpc and 19.5 dpc to confirm the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The infection was identified by performing RT-PCR on the infected tissues and comparing them to the non-infected tissues. RESULTS hACE2 mRNA expression was confirmed in the female reproductive tract of the K18-hACE2 mice. Compared to the non-infected group, no significant difference in the number of implantation sites or normally born pups was found in the infected group. SARS-CoV-2 infection was detected in the lungs but not in the female reproductive system of infected K18-hACE2 mice. CONCLUSION In K18-hACE2 mice, intranasal infection with SARS-CoV-2 did not induce implantation failure, preterm labor, or miscarriage. Although the viral infection was not detected in the uterus, placenta, or fetus, the infection of the lungs could induce problems in the reproductive system. However, lung infections were not related to pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byeongseok Kim
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029,
Korea
| | - Ki Hoon Park
- Department of Research and Development, KR BIOTECH CO., Ltd., Seoul, 05029,
Korea
| | - Ok-Hee Lee
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029,
Korea
| | - Giwan Lee
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029,
Korea
| | - Hyukjung Kim
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029,
Korea
| | - Siyoung Lee
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029,
Korea
| | - Semi Hwang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029,
Korea
| | - Young Bong Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029,
Korea,Corresponding Authors: Young Bong Kim, Tel: +82-2-450-4208, E-mail: . Youngsok Choi, Tel: +82-2-450-3969, E-mail:
| | - Youngsok Choi
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029,
Korea,Corresponding Authors: Young Bong Kim, Tel: +82-2-450-4208, E-mail: . Youngsok Choi, Tel: +82-2-450-3969, E-mail:
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50
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Covarrubias A, Aguilera-Olguín M, Carrasco-Wong I, Pardo F, Díaz-Astudillo P, Martín SS. Feto-placental Unit: From Development to Function. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1428:1-29. [PMID: 37466767 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-32554-0_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
The placenta is an intriguing organ that allows us to survive intrauterine life. This essential organ connects both mother and fetus and plays a crucial role in maternal and fetal well-being. This chapter presents an overview of the morphological and functional aspects of human placental development. First, we describe early human placental development and the characterization of the cell types found in the human placenta. Second, the human placenta from the second trimester to the term of gestation is reviewed, focusing on the morphology and specific pathologies that affect the placenta. Finally, we focus on the placenta's primary functions, such as oxygen and nutrient transport, and their importance for placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambart Covarrubias
- Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad San Sebastián, Concepción, Chile
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health (GRIVAS Health), Chillán, Chile
| | - Macarena Aguilera-Olguín
- Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, Universidad de Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Chile
- Cellular Signalling and Differentiation Laboratory (CSDL), Medicine and Science Faculty, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ivo Carrasco-Wong
- Cellular Signalling and Differentiation Laboratory (CSDL), School of Medical Technology, Medicine and Science Faculty, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fabián Pardo
- Metabolic Diseases Research Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Centre of Territorial Health Research (CIISTe), Biomedical Research Center (CIB), San Felipe Campus, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Valparaíso, San Felipe, Chile
| | - Pamela Díaz-Astudillo
- Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, Universidad de Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Chile
| | - Sebastián San Martín
- Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, Universidad de Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Chile.
- Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health (GRIVAS Health), Chillan, Chile.
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