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Godbole S, Solomon JL, Johnson M, Srivastava A, Carsons SE, Belilos E, De Leon J, Reiss AB. Treating Cardiovascular Disease in the Inflammatory Setting of Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Ongoing Challenge. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1608. [PMID: 39062180 PMCID: PMC11275112 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071608] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite progress in treating rheumatoid arthritis, this autoimmune disorder confers an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Widely used screening protocols and current clinical guidelines are inadequate for the early detection of CVD in persons with rheumatoid arthritis. Traditional CVD risk factors alone cannot be applied because they underestimate CVD risk in rheumatoid arthritis, missing the window of opportunity for prompt intervention to decrease morbidity and mortality. The lipid profile is insufficient to assess CVD risk. This review delves into the connection between systemic inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and the premature onset of CVD. The shared inflammatory and immunologic pathways between the two diseases that result in subclinical atherosclerosis and disrupted cholesterol homeostasis are examined. The treatment armamentarium for rheumatoid arthritis is summarized, with a particular focus on each medication's cardiovascular effect, as well as the mechanism of action, risk-benefit profile, safety, and cost. A clinical approach to CVD screening and treatment for rheumatoid arthritis patients is proposed based on the available evidence. The mortality gap between rheumatoid arthritis and non-rheumatoid arthritis populations due to premature CVD represents an urgent research need in the fields of cardiology and rheumatology. Future research areas, including risk assessment tools and novel immunotherapeutic targets, are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Allison B. Reiss
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY 11501, USA; (S.G.); (J.L.S.); (M.J.); (A.S.); (S.E.C.); (E.B.); (J.D.L.)
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Li Y, Zhu Q, He R, Du J, Qin X, Li Y, Liang X, Wang J. The NFκB Signaling Pathway Is Involved in the Pathophysiological Process of Preeclampsia. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2024; 84:334-345. [PMID: 38618576 PMCID: PMC11006561 DOI: 10.1055/a-2273-6318] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The high prevalence of preeclampsia (PE) is a major cause of maternal and fetal mortality and affects the long-term prognosis of both mother and baby. Termination of pregnancy is currently the only effective treatment for PE, so there is an urgent need for research into its pathogenesis and the development of new therapeutic approaches. The NFκB family of transcription factors has an essential role in inflammation and innate immunity. In this review, we summarize the role of NFκB in normal and preeclampsia pregnancies, the role of NFκB in existing treatment strategies, and potential NFκB treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxi Li
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qinying Zhu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ruifen He
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Junhong Du
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xue Qin
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yi Li
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaolei Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Gynecologic Oncology Gansu Province, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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Brownfoot F, Rolnik DL. Prevention of preeclampsia. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2024; 93:102481. [PMID: 38373378 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2024.102481] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a relatively common pregnancy complication and constitutes a major cause of morbidity and mortality for mothers and children worldwide. It disproportionally affects low-resource countries. Appropriate identification of individuals at increased risk and prevention of the disease and its complications remain healthcare and research priorities, and the investigation of potential interventions to prevent preeclampsia has driven much of the obstetric research in recent decades. In this article, we review the scientific literature on the topic, highlighting established benefits and remaining questions regarding different non-pharmacological and pharmacological strategies, including exercise, the timing of birth, aspirin and calcium use, among others, as well as potential novel therapies under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Brownfoot
- Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel Lorber Rolnik
- Women's and Newborn, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
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Safa AN, Sheibani A, Baei MT, Sayyed-Alangi SZ, Tazikeh Lemeski E. Theoretical and experimental studies on sulfasalazine interactions with poly (lactic acid): Impact of hydrogen bonding and charge transfer interactions on molecular structure, electronic and optical properties. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23813. [PMID: 38205338 PMCID: PMC10776989 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The interaction between sulfasalazine (SSZ) through different functional groups and poly (lactic acid) (PLA) in the chloroform phase was investigated in this study using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods. The binding energy and thermodynamic parameters show that the hydrogen double bond interaction between SSZ and PLA in state I (-0.71 eV) is stronger than in states II (-0.64 eV) and III (-0.51 eV). The SSZ and PLA interaction results in an enhanced dipole moment, greater solubility, and more negative values for Gibbs free energy (ΔGsolv) and energy gap (Eg). Considerable changes in absorption peaks of SSZ and PLA indicate surface adsorption of the drug (SSZ) into the carrier (PLA) in UV-Vis spectra. Theoretical UV-Vis analysis demonstrates SSZ interaction with PLA happens in the ultraviolet region with a maximum absorption peak at 380 nm, which is close to experimental UV-Vis analysis. The experimental spectra showed minimal variations in the maximum absorption wavelength, with respect to theoretical calculations. The presence of SSZ was found to cause a modification in the structure of PLA, as evidenced by both experimental and theoretical Infrared (IR) spectra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azam Naderi Safa
- Department of Chemistry, Yazd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ali Sheibani
- Department of Chemistry, Yazd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammad T. Baei
- Department of Chemistry, Azadshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Azadshahr, Golestan, Iran
| | - S. Zahra Sayyed-Alangi
- Department of Chemistry, Azadshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Azadshahr, Golestan, Iran
| | - E. Tazikeh Lemeski
- Department of Chemistry, Gorgan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Gorgan, Iran
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Chiorean DM, Cobankent Aytekin E, Mitranovici MI, Turdean SG, Moharer MS, Cotoi OS, Toru HS. Human Placenta and Evolving Insights into Pathological Changes of Preeclampsia: A Comprehensive Review of the Last Decade. Fetal Pediatr Pathol 2024; 43:33-46. [PMID: 37906285 DOI: 10.1080/15513815.2023.2274823] [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: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
The placenta, the foremost and multifaceted organ in fetal and maternal biology, is pivotal in facilitating optimal intrauterine fetal development. Remarkably, despite its paramount significance, the placenta remains enigmatic, meriting greater comprehension given its central influence on the health trajectories of both the fetus and the mother. Preeclampsia (PE) and intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGR), prevailing disorders of pregnancy, stem from compromised placental development. PE, characterized by heightened mortality and morbidity risks, afflicts 5-7% of global pregnancies, its etiology shrouded in ambiguity. Pertinent pathogenic hallmarks of PE encompass inadequate restructuring of uteroplacental spiral arteries, placental ischemia, and elevated levels of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1), also recognized as soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1). During gestation, the placental derivation of sFlt-1 accentuates its role as an inhibitory receptor binding to VEGF-A and placental growth factor (PlGF), curtailing target cell accessibility. This review expounds upon the placenta's defining cellular component of the trophoblast, elucidates the intricacies of PE pathogenesis, underscores the pivotal contribution of sFlt-1 to maternal pathology and fetal safeguarding, and surveys recent therapeutic strides witnessed in the past decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Maria Chiorean
- Department of Pathology, County Clinical Hospital of Targu Mures, Targu Mures, Romania
| | | | | | - Sabin Gligore Turdean
- Department of Pathology, County Clinical Hospital of Targu Mures, Targu Mures, Romania
| | | | - Ovidiu Simion Cotoi
- Department of Pathology, County Clinical Hospital of Targu Mures, Targu Mures, Romania
- Department Pathophysiology, "George Emil Palade" University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, Targu Mures, Romania, and
| | - Havva Serap Toru
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya Pınarbaşı, Konyaaltı/Antalya, Turkey
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Lin W, Zhao XY, Cheng JW, Li LT, Jiang Q, Zhang YX, Han F. Signaling pathways in brain ischemia: Mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 251:108541. [PMID: 37783348 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the brain are narrowed or blocked, inducing damage to brain tissue due to a lack of blood supply. One effective way to reduce brain damage and alleviate symptoms is to reopen blocked blood vessels in a timely manner and reduce neuronal damage. To achieve this, researchers have focused on identifying key cellular signaling pathways that can be targeted with drugs. These pathways include oxidative/nitrosative stress, excitatory amino acids and their receptors, inflammatory signaling molecules, metabolic pathways, ion channels, and other molecular events involved in stroke pathology. However, evidence suggests that solely focusing on protecting neurons may not yield satisfactory clinical results. Instead, researchers should consider the multifactorial and complex mechanisms underlying stroke pathology, including the interactions between different components of the neurovascular unit. Such an approach is more representative of the actual pathological process observed in clinical settings. This review summarizes recent research on the multiple molecular mechanisms and drug targets in ischemic stroke, as well as recent advances in novel therapeutic strategies. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future prospects of new strategies based on the biological characteristics of stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Lin
- Medical Basic Research Innovation Center for Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, China; International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Zhao
- Medical Basic Research Innovation Center for Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, China; International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jia-Wen Cheng
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Li-Tao Li
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei, China
| | - Quan Jiang
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Yi-Xuan Zhang
- Medical Basic Research Innovation Center for Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, China; International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou 215002, China.
| | - Feng Han
- Medical Basic Research Innovation Center for Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, China; International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou 215002, China; Institute of Brain Science, the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
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Louw V, Brownfoot F, Cluver C, Decloedt E, Kellermann T. An LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous quantitation of sulfasalazine and sulfapyridine in human placenta. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2023; 235:115633. [PMID: 37597383 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Sulfasalazine has been identified as a candidate molecule to be investigated as an intervention to treat preterm pre-eclampsia during pregnancy. However, placental exposure of sulfasalazine and its systemically absorbed metabolite, sulfapyridine, is unknown. A robust liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated to simultaneously quantitate these analytes in human placenta with an application to a pilot clinical trial. The placental tissue was homogenised using a water:methanol (1:1, v/v) mixture, followed by sample extraction using both protein precipitation and solid phase extraction. Sulfasalazine-d4 and sulfapyridine-d4 were used as internal standards. An Agilent Poroshell EC-C18 (3.0 ×100 mm, 2.7 µm) column was used for chromatographic separation, with gradient elution employed at a flow rate of 0.450 mL/min over a total run time of seven minutes. The mobile phases consisted of water with 0.1% formic acid (mobile phase A) and acetonitrile:methanol (90:10, v/v) with 0.1% formic acid (mobile phase B). A Shimadzu-8040 mass spectrometer was operated in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode using positive electrospray ionisation (ESI). For both analytes, the assay was validated over the range 30-30,000 ng/mL, or 150-150,000 ng/g. During inter-day validations (n = 18), the average accuracies of quality controls ranged from 101.6% to 112.7% with corresponding precisions of 4.4-6.7% for sulfasalazine, and from 97.4% to 108.4%, with corresponding precisions of 3.7-10.0% for sulfapyridine. No significant matrix effects were observed, and the method proved to be sensitive and specific for both analytes. This study presents the first validated analytical method for quantifying sulfasalazine and sulfapyridine in human placenta as part of a pilot clinical trial to generate preliminary data on its pharmacokinetics and efficacy as in intervention for preterm pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Louw
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Fiona Brownfoot
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Catherine Cluver
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Eric Decloedt
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tracy Kellermann
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
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Sakowicz A, Bralewska M, Rybak-Krzyszkowska M, Grzesiak M, Pietrucha T. New Ideas for the Prevention and Treatment of Preeclampsia and Their Molecular Inspirations. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12100. [PMID: 37569476 PMCID: PMC10418829 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific disorder affecting 4-10% of all expectant women. It greatly increases the risk of maternal and foetal death. Although the main symptoms generally appear after week 20 of gestation, scientific studies indicate that the mechanism underpinning PE is initiated at the beginning of gestation. It is known that the pathomechanism of preeclampsia is strongly related to inflammation and oxidative stress, which influence placentation and provoke endothelial dysfunction in the mother. However, as of yet, no "key players" regulating all these processes have been discovered. This might be why current therapeutic strategies intended for prevention or treatment are not fully effective, and the only effective method to stop the disease is the premature induction of delivery, mostly by caesarean section. Therefore, there is a need for further research into new pharmacological strategies for the treatment and prevention of preeclampsia. This review presents new preventive methods and therapies for PE not yet recommended by obstetrical and gynaecological societies. As many of these therapies are in preclinical studies or under evaluation in clinical trials, this paper reports the molecular targets of the tested agents or methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Sakowicz
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland; (M.B.); (T.P.)
| | - Michalina Bralewska
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland; (M.B.); (T.P.)
| | - Magda Rybak-Krzyszkowska
- Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, University Hospital in Krakow, 31-501 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Mariusz Grzesiak
- Department of Perinatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital-Research Institute in Lodz, 93-338 Lodz, Poland;
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical University of Lodz, 93-338 Lodz, Poland
| | - Tadeusz Pietrucha
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland; (M.B.); (T.P.)
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Wu P, Green M, Myers JE. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. BMJ 2023; 381:e071653. [PMID: 37391211 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-071653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are one of the most commonly occurring complications of pregnancy and include chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, and pre-eclampsia. New developments in early pregnancy screening to identify women at high risk for pre-eclampsia combined with targeted aspirin prophylaxis could greatly reduce the number of affected pregnancies. Furthermore, recent advances in the diagnosis of pre-eclampsia, such as placental growth factor based testing, have been shown to improve the identification of those pregnancies at highest risk of severe complications. Evidence from trials has refined the target blood pressure and timing of delivery to manage chronic hypertension and pre-eclampsia with non-severe features, respectively. Importantly, a wealth of epidemiological data now links HDP to future cardiovascular disease and diabetes decades after an affected pregnancy. This review discusses the current guidelines and research data on the prevention, diagnosis, management, and postnatal follow-up of HDP. It also discusses the gap in knowledge regarding the long term risks for cardiovascular disease following HDP and illustrates the importance of improving adherence to postnatal guidelines to monitor hypertension and the need for more research focused on primary prevention of future cardiovascular disease in women identified as being at high risk because of HDP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pensée Wu
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK
- Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of North Midlands, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | | | - Jenny E Myers
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Binder NK, de Alwis N, Beard S, Kadife E, Harper A, Kaitu'u-Lino TJ, Brownfoot FC, Hannan NJ. Sulfasalazine for the treatment of preeclampsia in a nitric oxide synthase antagonist mouse model. Placenta 2023; 132:20-26. [PMID: 36623415 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Development of a therapeutic that targets the pathophysiological elements of preeclampsia would be a major advance for obstetrics, with potential to save the lives of countless mothers and babies. We recently identified anti-inflammatory drug sulfasalazine as a prospective candidate therapeutic for treatment of preeclampsia. In primary human cells and tissues in vitro, sulfasalazine potently decreased secretion of anti-angiogenic sFlt-1 and sENG, increased production of pro-angiogenic PlGF, mitigated endothelial dysfunction, and promoted whole vessel vasodilation. METHODS Using nitric oxide synthase antagonist Nω-Nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride, a preeclampsia-like phenotype was induced in pregnant mice, including high blood pressure, fetal growth restriction, and elevated circulating sFlt-1. Mice were treated with sulfasalazine or vehicle from gestational day (D)13.5, with blood pressure measurements across gestation, fetal measurements at D17.5, and wire myograph assessment of vasoactivity. RESULTS Sulfasalazine had a modest effect on blood pressure, decreasing diastolic and mean blood pressure on D13.5, but not later in gestation, or systolic blood pressure. Sulfasalazine was not able to rescue fetal growth, in male or female fetuses. There was a suggestion of improved vasoactivity with sulfasalazine, but further clarification is required. DISCUSSION In this mouse model of preeclampsia, sulfasalazine did not sustain reductions in blood pressure nor affect fetal parameters of size and weight, both desirable attributes of a viable preeclampsia therapeutic. While these data suggest sulfasalazine might improve vasoactivity, murine toxicity considerations limited the dose range of sulfasalazine that could be tested in the current study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie K Binder
- Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natasha de Alwis
- Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sally Beard
- Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elif Kadife
- Obstetric Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alesia Harper
- Obstetric Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tu'uhevaha J Kaitu'u-Lino
- Diagnostics Discovery and Reverse Translation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fiona C Brownfoot
- Obstetric Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natalie J Hannan
- Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia.
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Nigericin Abrogates Maternal and Embryonic Oxidative Stress in the Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Pregnant Rats. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2023; 195:801-815. [PMID: 36190644 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-022-04100-6] [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: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Hyperglycemic exposure in diabetic pregnancy can lead to many developmental changes, such as delayed development, fetal malformations, and fetal/embryo death. These detrimental complications are collectively known as diabetic embryopathy or teratogenesis. The current study focuses to discover the therapeutic properties of the nigericin against the STZ-stimulated diabetic embryopathy via alleviation of maternal and embryonic oxidative stress. The male and female rats at a 1:1 ratio were permitted to mate overnight to establish the course of pregnancy. The pregnant rats were distributed into four groups control, diabetic pregnant (via administering 40 mg/kg of STZ), and diabetic + 10 and 20 mg/kg of nigericin-administered (via oral gavage from days 5 to 12) groups, respectively. The glucose level, urine output, diet intake, and body weight were determined carefully. The embryo and placenta weight and implantation rates were examined, and data were tabulated. The total protein and lipid profiles were assessed using respective kits. The oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzymes were examined using respective assay kits. The 10 and 20 mg/kg of nigericin treatment decreased the glucose level and urine output and improved the diet intake and body weight gain in diabetic pregnant rats. The nigericin also decreased the total protein, cholesterol, triglycerides, and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and improved the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in the serum of pregnant rats. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and protein carbonyls were decreased by the nigericin in both liver and embryos of the pregnant rats. The levels of glutathione (GSH), total thiols, and activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were improved by the nigericin in the diabetic pregnant rats. Altogether, these results provide evidence that nigericin treatment remarkably attenuates the diabetes-stimulated embryopathy in rats. The nigericin effectively decreased embryo lethality, reduced glucose and dyslipidemia, and relieves oxidative stress via upregulating the antioxidant enzyme activities. Hence, it can be a talented therapeutic agent to treat diabetic pregnancy-associated complications.
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12
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The imbalance of circulating monocyte subgroups with a higher proportion of the CD14+CD16+CD163+ phenotype in patients with preeclampsia. Immunol Lett 2023; 253:1-7. [PMID: 36460232 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2022.11.005] [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: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preeclampsia is a major cause of increased maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, which is closely related to the abnormal maternal immune response. The skew of decidual macrophage polarization toward M1 phenotype has been proved to promote the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. However, it's not easy to monitor the change of decidual macrophage subtypes. The current study aims to examine the distribution of different circulating monocyte subtypes and analyze whether certain monocyte subtypes act as potential clinical indicators for preeclampsia. METHODS A total of 50 pregnant women [mild preeclampsia (n = 20); severe preeclampsia (n = 15); healthy pregnancy (n = 15)] and 15 healthy donors were included in the study. Medical information such as BMI, blood pressure, ALT, creatinine, thrombocyte, etc., were recorded. The frequency of different monocyte subtypes in venous blood were measured by flow cytometry. Serum level of IL-6 was detected using Roche-Hitachi cobas 8000. Serum concentration of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-10 and TNF-α) were measured by ELISA. RESULTS A circulating monocyte subset with both M1 and M2 markers (CD14+CD16+CD163+) was found to occupy an obvious higher proportion in the preeclampsia group than in the normal pregnancy group. The ratio of CD206+/CD206- M2-like monocytes was also increased in the preeclampsia group, and meanwhile, it had statistic difference between the mild- and the severe-preeclampsia group. Furthermore, the serum levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were positively correlated with the frequency of CD14+CD16+CD163+ intermediate monocytes in the preeclampsia group. CONCLUSIONS The increased proportion of CD14+C16+CD163+ circulating monocytes and the high ratio of CD206+/CD206- M2-like monocytes may act as potential clinical indicators for preeclampsia, with the superiority of convenience and dynamic monitoring.
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Kadife E, Hannan N, Harper A, Binder N, Beard S, Brownfoot FC. Hydroxychloroquine reduces soluble Flt-1 secretion from human cytotrophoblast, but does not mitigate markers of endothelial dysfunction in vitro. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271560. [PMID: 36417467 PMCID: PMC9683551 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a multi-system disease that can have severe, even fatal implications for the mother and fetus. Abnormal placentation can lead to ischaemic tissue injury and placental inflammation. In turn, the placenta releases anti-angiogenic factors into the maternal circulation. These systemically act to neutralise angiogenic factors causing endothelial dysfunction causing preeclampsia. Hydroxychloroquine is an immune modulating drug that is considered safe in pregnancy. There is epidemiological evidence suggesting it may reduce the risk of preeclampsia. Here, we examined the effects hydroxychloroquine on the production and secretion of sFlt-1, soluble endoglin (sENG), placental growth factor (PlGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in primary human placenta, cytotrophoblasts and umbilical vein endothelial cells (endothelial cell model). Hydroxychloroquine treatment decreased mRNA expression of two sFlt-1 isoforms and its protein secretion. sENG was not reduced. Hydroxychloroquine treatment increased secretion of pro-angiogenic factor PIGF from endothelial cells. It did not significantly reduce the expression of the endothelial cell inflammation marker, ET-1, and inflammation induced expression of the adhesion molecule, VCAM. Hydroxychloroquine could not overcome leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. Hydroxychloroquine mitigates features of preeclampsia, but it does not reduce key markers of endothelial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Kadife
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Obstetric Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natalie Hannan
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function in Pregnancy, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alesia Harper
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Obstetric Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natalie Binder
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function in Pregnancy, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sally Beard
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function in Pregnancy, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fiona C. Brownfoot
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Obstetric Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Liu L, Wang R, Xu R, Chu Y, Gu W. Procyanidin B2 ameliorates endothelial dysfunction and impaired angiogenesis via the Nrf2/PPARγ/sFlt-1 axis in preeclampsia. Pharmacol Res 2022; 177:106127. [PMID: 35150862 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a severe complication of pregnancy characterized by variable degrees of placental malperfusion. A growing body of evidence indicates that soluble endoglin and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) play important pathophysiological roles in preeclampsia, causing endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, and multiorgan injury. A drug that is safe in pregnancy and inhibits placental sFlt-1 and soluble endoglin secretion would be an attractive treatment strategy for preeclampsia. Procyanidin B2, a bioactive food compound, has been reported to exert multiple beneficial functions. Placental explant cultures in vitro are useful for studying tissue functions including release of secretory components, pharmacology, toxicology, and disease processes. The reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) rat model has been widely used as a model of preeclampsia. We aimed to investigate the effect of procyanidin B2 on preeclampsia via using placental explant cultures and RUPP rat model. In this study, we demonstrated that procyanidin B2 reduced soluble endoglin and sFlt-1 secretion from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), primary trophoblasts, and placental explants from preeclamptic pregnancies. Moreover, procyanidin B2 alleviated endothelial dysfunction and impaired angiogenesis induced by sFlt-1, including increasing the migration, invasion and angiogenesis of endothelial cells and decreasing the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and leukocyte adhesion on HUVECs. In addition, procyanidin B2 promoted nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) nuclear accumulation and induced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) expression in primary placental tissues and endothelial cells. Importantly, Nrf2 specifically binds to the PPARγ promoter region (-1227/-1217) and enhances its transcriptional activity. Procyanidin B2 inhibits sFlt-1 secretion via the Nrf2/PPARγ axis. In the RUPP rat model of preeclampsia, procyanidin B2 attenuated RUPP-induced maternal angiogenic imbalance, hypertension and improved placental and fetal weight. Taken together, our results demonstrate that procyanidin B2 inhibits sFlt-1 secretion and ameliorates endothelial dysfunction and impaired angiogenesis via the Nrf2/PPARγ axis in preeclampsia. Procyanidin B2 may be a novel therapeutic agent for treatment of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Rencheng Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renhe Hospital Baoshan District, Shanghai 200431, China
| | - Ran Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhejiang Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310030, China
| | - Yuening Chu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Weirong Gu
- Department of Obstetrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China.
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Tong S, Kaitu’u-Lino TJ, Hastie R, Brownfoot F, Cluver C, Hannan N. Pravastatin, proton-pump inhibitors, metformin, micronutrients, and biologics: new horizons for the prevention or treatment of preeclampsia. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 226:S1157-S1170. [PMID: 32946849 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
There has been increasing research momentum to identify new therapeutic agents for the prevention or treatment of preeclampsia, drugs that can affect the underlying disease pathophysiology. Molecular targets of candidate treatments include oxidative stress, antiangiogenic factors, and the angiotensin, nitric oxide, and proinflammatory pathways. The proposed treatments undergoing preclinical and clinical trial evaluation are thought to act on placental or endothelial disease or both. Most have adopted the pragmatic strategy of repurposing drugs. Of all the therapeutic agents proposed, pravastatin has received the most interest. There are preclinical studies showing that it has pleiotropic actions that favorably impact on multiple molecular targets and can resolve a preeclampsia phenotype in many animal models. An early phase clinical trial suggests that it may have therapeutic activity. Several large prevention trials are planned or ongoing and, when completed, could definitively address whether pravastatin can prevent preeclampsia. Proton-pump inhibitors, metformin, and sulfasalazine are other drugs with preclinical evidence of multiple molecular actions that could resolve the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. These agents are also currently being evaluated in clinical trials. There have been many recent preclinical studies identifying the potential of numerous natural compounds to treat preeclampsia, such as plant extracts and micronutrients that have potent anti-inflammatory or antioxidant activity. Recent preclinical studies have also proposed novel molecular-targeted strategies, such as monoclonal antibodies targeting tumor necrosis factor alpha, placental growth factor, and short interfering RNA technology, to silence the gene expression of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 or angiotensinogen. Other treatment approaches that have transitioned to human trials (ranging from single-arm to phase III trials that have been completed or are ongoing) include folic acid, nitric oxide donors (such as L-arginine), recombinant antithrombin III, digoxin immune antigen-binding fragment, and melatonin. There have been case series showing the removal of circulating soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 may help stabilize the disease and prolong pregnancy. Interestingly, there are case reports suggesting that monoclonal antibody eculizumab (complement inhibitor) may have therapeutic potential. If new agents are discovered that are proven to be effective in preventing or treating preeclampsia, the potential to improve global maternal and perinatal health will be significant.
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Nagafuchi H, Goto Y, Kiyokawa T, Ooka S, Kawahata K. Pregnancy outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who discontinue methotrexate treatment to conceive. Clin Rheumatol 2021; 41:669-675. [PMID: 34778939 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-021-05985-0] [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: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) develops at reproductive age. Methotrexate (MTX), the anchor drug for RA treatment, is contraindicated during pregnancy. We investigated pregnancy outcomes in RA patients in whom MTX was withdrawn. METHOD Pregnancy outcomes, RA treatment, and infertility factors were examined in patients with RA who discontinued MTX prior to attempting conception. The Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher's exact test were used to evaluate differences between the groups. RESULTS Of the 52 patients enrolled in this study, 33 gave birth after discontinuing MTX and 19 did not. The age at MTX discontinuation was significantly different between the childbirth and non-childbirth groups (p = 0.0258). The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and salazosulfapyridine was significantly different between the groups (p = 0.0079 and p = 0.0438, respectively). Patients whose time from MTX discontinuation to pregnancy was longer than 12 months had a longer previous MTX administration period (p = 0.0182) and were older at the time of pregnancy (p = 0.0128) than those whose was shorter. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that to ensure successful childbirth in women with RA, the decision to conceive should be made at the youngest possible age, NSAIDs should not be used, and a shorter duration of MTX treatment should be considered before pregnancy. Nevertheless, additional studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to analyse the effects of other factors on pregnancies in patients with RA. KEY POINTS • Patients with RA who plan to conceive must discontinue MTX therapy. • To achieve successful pregnancy outcomes, female patients with RA should become pregnant when they are young, discontinue NSAIDs prior to conception, and shorten their durations of MTX therapy before attempting pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Nagafuchi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki, 216-8511, Japan.
| | - Yutaka Goto
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki, 216-8511, Japan
| | - Tomofumi Kiyokawa
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki, 216-8511, Japan
| | - Seido Ooka
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki, 216-8511, Japan
| | - Kimito Kawahata
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki, 216-8511, Japan
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Anthoulakis C, Mamopoulos A, Rousso D, Karagiannis A, Athanasiadis A, Grimbizis G, Athyros V. Arterial Stiffness as a Cardiovascular Risk Factor for the Development of Preeclampsia and Pharmacopreventive Options. Curr Vasc Pharmacol 2021; 20:52-61. [PMID: 34615450 DOI: 10.2174/1570161119666211006114258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Arterial stiffness (AS) describes the rigidity of the arterial walls. Epidemiological studies have shown that increased AS is an independent predictive marker of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality in both pregnant and non-pregnant women. Preeclampsia (PE), a form of pregnancy-induced hypertension, affects approximately 5% of pregnancies worldwide. Preeclamptic women have a higher risk of CV disease (CVD), mainly because PE damages the heart's ability to relax between contractions. Different pharmacological approaches for the prevention of PE have been tested in clinical trials (e.g. aspirin, enoxaparin, metformin, pravastatin, and sildenafil citrate). In current clinical practice, only low-dose aspirin is used for PE pharmacoprevention. However, low-dose aspirin does not prevent term PE, which is the most common form of PE. Compromised vascular integrity precedes the onset of PE and therefore, AS assessment may constitute a promising predictive marker of PE. Several non-invasive techniques have been developed to assess AS. Compared with normotensive pregnancies, both carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and augmentation index (AIx) are increased in PE. In view of simplicity, reliability, and reproducibility, there is an interest in oscillometric AS measurements in pregnancies complicated by PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Anthoulakis
- First Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, "Papageorgiou" General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki. Greece
| | - Apostolos Mamopoulos
- Third Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki. Greece
| | - David Rousso
- Third Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki. Greece
| | - Asterios Karagiannis
- Second Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki. Greece
| | - Apostolos Athanasiadis
- Third Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki. Greece
| | - Grigoris Grimbizis
- First Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, "Papageorgiou" General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki. Greece
| | - Vasilios Athyros
- Second Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki. Greece
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Liu L, Zheng B, Jiang Z, Wu S, Jin Q, Lin P, Lin Z, Wang L. Association of Elevated Cord Blood Oxidative Stress Biomarkers with Neonatal Outcomes in Mothers with Pre-Eclampsia: A Case-Control Study. Gynecol Obstet Invest 2021; 86:361-369. [PMID: 34464954 DOI: 10.1159/000517996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between the levels of stress biomarkers in cord blood and pre-eclampsia (PE) in a hospital-based population of pregnant patients and evaluate the effects on pregnancy outcomes. DESIGN This was an observational, case-control study. Participants/Materials, Setting, Methods: This case-control study included 282 patients with severe PE and 534 women with normal pregnancy. The umbilical cord was collected at delivery and tested for malonaldehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase, and homocysteine (Hcy) analysis. We performed a univariate general linear regression model analysis to control potential confounders and determined the underlying influencing factors for high MDA and ROS. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted to determine the cutoff values for identifying severe PE. Further, the severe PE group was divided into the low- or high-MDA and low- or high-ROS subgroups according to the cutoff values. Finally, we created logistic regression models to estimate the adjusted odds ratio for each perinatal outcome in the high-MDA and high-ROS subgroup. RESULTS The levels of MDA and ROS levels were higher in women with severe PE than in normotensive pregnant patients. However, when adjusted for cord blood Hcy levels, the difference was insignificant. Additionally, both MDA (r = 0.359, p < 0.001) and ROS (r = 0.473, p < 0.001) were positively correlated with the cord blood Hcy level. The areas under the curve of MDA and ROS levels were 0.65 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.60-0.69) and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.86-0.90), respectively. Higher MDA and ROS levels were associated with increased risks of a low Apgar score, admission to the NICU, and assisted ventilation for the newborn. LIMITATIONS The study design led to the exclusion of several participants. CONCLUSIONS Increased levels of oxidative stress markers in the cord blood might be significantly associated with negative effects on newborns. High levels of Hcy in the cord blood might be associated with elevated MDA and ROS concentrations in women with severe PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linli Liu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Fuzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Beihong Zheng
- Assisted Reproductive Center, Fujian Provincial Maternity and Children's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - ZhongQing Jiang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Fuzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - SanShan Wu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Fuzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qiong Jin
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Fuzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - PeiHong Lin
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Fuzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhou Lin
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Fuzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lanlan Wang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Fuzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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Whigham CA, Hastie R, Hannan NJ, Brownfoot F, Pritchard N, Cannon P, Nguyen TV, Kandel M, Masci J, Tong S, Kaitu'u-Lino TJ. Placental growth factor is negatively regulated by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling. Placenta 2021; 114:22-28. [PMID: 34418751 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preeclampsia is associated with reduced pro-angiogenic Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) and increased levels of anti-angiogenic soluble FMS like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1). We have previously shown that sFlt-1 secretion is positively regulated via the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and mitochondrial respiration pathways. We assessed whether these pathways also regulate endothelial and placental secretion of PlGF. METHODS Primary cytotrophoblast cells and primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with EGFR inhibitor gefitinib, or small molecules that inhibit down-stream pathways of the receptor: U0126, PD98059 (ERK/MEK pathway inhibitors), ZM336372 (JAK/STAT inhibitor) or AG490 (JAK inhibitor). We inhibited mitochondrial respiration in primary cytotrophoblasts using mitochondrial complex inhibitors rotenone (complex I), antimycin (complex III) or oligomycin (complex IV). We then measured PlGF secretion in the condition media. RESULTS Three inhibitors of the EGFR pathway significantly increased PlGF secretion: gefitinib (p = 0.03), AG490 (p < 0.0001) and U0126 (p = 0.03) in primary cytotrophoblasts, while PD98059 reduced PlGF secretion (p = 0.002). In the same cells, neither gefitinib or UO126 altered PlGF mRNA expression, but AG490 significantly increased its expression (p = 0.02). Primary endothelial cell PlGF secretion was significantly reduced when treated with PD98059 and U0126 while ZM336372 had no effect. Rotenone significantly reduced cytotrophoblast PlGF secretion (p = 0.0005). Neither antimycin (p = 0.9) or oligomycin (p = 0.9) had an effect. DISCUSSION We have shown that PlGF secretion from primary cytotrophoblast and HUVECs is altered by inhibiting EGFR signaling and potentially mitochondrial respiration, coincident with reduced sFlt-1 secretion. This suggests that common pathways are regulating both pro and anti-angiogenic molecules that are changed in association with preeclampsia and provides insight into the pathogenesis of this serious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole-Anne Whigham
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Roxanne Hastie
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natalie J Hannan
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fiona Brownfoot
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natasha Pritchard
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ping Cannon
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tuong Vi Nguyen
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Manju Kandel
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joshua Masci
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen Tong
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tu'uhevaha J Kaitu'u-Lino
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
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Binder NK, MacDonald TM, Beard SA, de Alwis N, Tong S, Kaitu’u-Lino TJ, Hannan NJ. Pre-Clinical Investigation of Cardioprotective Beta-Blockers as a Therapeutic Strategy for Preeclampsia. J Clin Med 2021; 10:3384. [PMID: 34362171 PMCID: PMC8348612 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10153384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant maternal and fetal morbidity, a treatment for preeclampsia currently remains an unmet need in clinical care. As too does the lifelong cardiovascular risks imparted on preeclampsia sufferers. Endothelial dysfunction and end-organ injury are synonymous with both preeclampsia and cardiovascular disease, including heart failure. We propose that beta-blockers, known to improve endothelial dysfunction in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, and specifically known to reduce mortality in the treatment of heart failure, may be beneficial in the treatment of preeclampsia. Here, we assessed whether the beta-blockers carvedilol, bisoprolol, and metoprolol could quench the release of anti-angiogenic factors, promote production of pro-angiogenic factors, reduce markers of inflammation, and reduce endothelial dysfunction using our in vitro pre-clinical preeclampsia models encompassing primary placental tissue and endothelial cells. Here, we show beta-blockers effected a modest reduction in secretion of anti-angiogenic soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and soluble endoglin and increased expression of pro-angiogenic placental growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor and adrenomedullin in endothelial cells. Beta-blocker treatment mitigated inflammatory changes occurring after endothelial dysfunction and promoted cytoprotective antioxidant heme oxygenase-1. The positive effects of the beta-blockers were predominantly seen in endothelial cells, with a less consistent response seen in placental cells/tissue. In conclusion, beta-blockers show potential as a novel therapeutic approach in the treatment of preeclampsia and warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie K. Binder
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia; (N.K.B.); (T.M.M.); (S.A.B.); (N.d.A.); (S.T.); (T.J.K.-L.)
- Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia
| | - Teresa M. MacDonald
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia; (N.K.B.); (T.M.M.); (S.A.B.); (N.d.A.); (S.T.); (T.J.K.-L.)
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia
| | - Sally A. Beard
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia; (N.K.B.); (T.M.M.); (S.A.B.); (N.d.A.); (S.T.); (T.J.K.-L.)
- Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia
| | - Natasha de Alwis
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia; (N.K.B.); (T.M.M.); (S.A.B.); (N.d.A.); (S.T.); (T.J.K.-L.)
- Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia
| | - Stephen Tong
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia; (N.K.B.); (T.M.M.); (S.A.B.); (N.d.A.); (S.T.); (T.J.K.-L.)
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia
| | - Tu’uhevaha J. Kaitu’u-Lino
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia; (N.K.B.); (T.M.M.); (S.A.B.); (N.d.A.); (S.T.); (T.J.K.-L.)
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia
- Diagnostics Discovery and Reverse Translation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia
| | - Natalie J. Hannan
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia; (N.K.B.); (T.M.M.); (S.A.B.); (N.d.A.); (S.T.); (T.J.K.-L.)
- Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg 3084, Australia
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21
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Mangoni AA, Woodman RJ, Piga M, Cauli A, Fedele AL, Gremese E, Erre GL. Patterns of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulating Drug Usage and Microvascular Endothelial Function in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:681327. [PMID: 34350216 PMCID: PMC8326370 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.681327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Specific anti-inflammatory and/or immunomodulating drugs (AIDs) can influence endothelial function which is often impaired in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We sought to determine whether overall patterns of AID usage are similarly associated with endothelial function. Methods: The reactive hyperaemia index (RHI), a marker of microvascular endothelial function, was measured in 868 RA patients reporting their intake of seven AIDs known to affect endothelial function. Latent class analysis (LCA) was performed to characterise patterns of AID usage. Models for 2-6 classes were compared using the AIC and BIC statistics and Lo-Mendell-Rubin likelihood ratio tests. Associations between the classes and RHI were adjusted for age, gender, body mass index, diabetes, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, family history of ischaemic heart disease, smoking status, RA duration, DAS28 score, steroid dose, existing hypertension, and C-reactive protein. Results: LCA identified five distinct AID usage classes: Class 1, generally low medication usage; Class 2, using either sulfasalazine or non-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors; Class 3, methotrexate users; Class 4, TNF-inhibitor users; and Class 5, hydroxychloroquine users. The geometric mean for the RHI for subjects in classes 1 to 5 was 1.92, 1.81, 1.94, 2.10, and 2.07, respectively, with subjects in classes 4 and 5 having better endothelial function than subjects in class 2 (p = 0.003 for each). The glucocorticoid dosage did not influence the classes formed or the association between the classes and the RHI in sensitivity analyses. Conclusion: There were five broad patterns (classes) of AID usage in RA patients. The RHI was relatively lower in users of either sulfasalazine or non-TNF inhibitors. TNF inhibitors or hydroxychloroquine may counteract the negative effects of RA on endothelial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arduino A Mangoni
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacology, Flinders Medical Centre, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Richard J Woodman
- Centre of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Matteo Piga
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Unità Operativa Complessa (UOC) di Reumatologia, Policlinico Universitario Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alberto Cauli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Unità Operativa Complessa (UOC) di Reumatologia, Policlinico Universitario Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Anna Laura Fedele
- Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli-Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Gremese
- Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli-Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Erre
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche e Sperimentali, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy.,Dipartimento di Specialità Mediche, Unità Operativa Complessa (UOC) Reumatologia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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22
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Sulfasalazine maintains blood-brain barrier integrity and relieves lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in hCMEC/D3 cells. Neuroreport 2021; 32:672-677. [PMID: 33913929 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Sulfasalazine is a recognized therapy for inflammatory bowel disease and is of paramount importance for maintaining intestinal barrier homeostasis. However, its effects on blood-brain barrier (BBB) function and inflammation have not yet been explored. We sought to examine whether sulfasalazine has anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects on the BBB. hCMEC/D3 cells are a well-established BBB in vitro model, were treated with 1 μg/mL Escherichia coli O111:B4 lipopolysaccharide for 12 h. The cell counting kit-8 assay was used to assess cell viability. The cells were also treated with gradient concentrations of sulfasalazine for 12 h. The levels of apoptosis-related proteins and inflammatory factors (IL-1χ and TNF-α IL-6) were measured by western blotting. ZO-1 and F-actin expression was measured by immunofluorescence staining. This study confirmed that 5 mM sulfasalazine improved the maintenance of BBB integrity and relieved lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory apoptosis and showed that sulfasalazine might be an effective treatment for BBB disruption.
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23
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Neuman RI, Smeele HTW, Jan Danser AH, Dolhain RJEM, Visser W. The sFlt-1 to PlGF Ratio in Pregnant Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Impact of Disease Activity and Sulfasalazine Use. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 61:628-635. [PMID: 33890628 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES An elevated sFlt-1/PlGF-ratio has been validated as a significant predictor of preeclampsia, but has not been established in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We explored whether the sFlt-1/PlGF-ratio could be altered due to disease activity in RA, and could be applied in this population to predict preeclampsia. Since sulfasalazine has been suggested to improve the angiogenic imbalance in preeclampsia, we also aimed to examine whether sulfasalazine could affect sFlt-1 or PlGF levels. METHODS Making use of a nationwide, observational, prospective cohort study on pregnant women with RA, sFlt-1 and PlGF were measured in the third trimester. A total of 221 women, aged 21-42 years, were included, with a median gestational age of 30 + 3 weeks. RESULTS No differences in sFlt-1 or PlGF were observed between women with high, intermediate or low disease activity (p= 0.07 and p= 0.41), whereas sFlt-1 and PlGF did not correlate with DAS28-CRP score (r=-0.01 and r=-0.05, respectively). Four (2%) women with a sFlt-1/PlGF-ratio ≤38 developed preeclampsia in comparison to three (43%) women with a ratio > 38, corresponding to a negative predictive value of 98.1%. Sulfasalazine users (n = 57) did not show altered levels of sFlt-1 or PlGF in comparison to non-sulfasalazine users (n = 164, p= 0.91 and p= 0.11). CONCLUSION Our study shows that in pregnant women with RA, the sFlt-1/PlGF-ratio is not altered due to disease activity and a cut-off ≤38 can be used to exclude preeclampsia. Additionally, sulfasalazine use did not affect sFlt-1 or PlGF levels in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rugina I Neuman
- Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hieronymus T W Smeele
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A H Jan Danser
- Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Radboud J E M Dolhain
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Willy Visser
- Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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24
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Liu Chung Ming C, Sesperez K, Ben-Sefer E, Arpon D, McGrath K, McClements L, Gentile C. Considerations to Model Heart Disease in Women with Preeclampsia and Cardiovascular Disease. Cells 2021; 10:899. [PMID: 33919808 PMCID: PMC8070848 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a multifactorial cardiovascular disorder diagnosed after 20 weeks of gestation, and is the leading cause of death for both mothers and babies in pregnancy. The pathophysiology remains poorly understood due to the variability and unpredictability of disease manifestation when studied in animal models. After preeclampsia, both mothers and offspring have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including myocardial infarction or heart attack and heart failure (HF). Myocardial infarction is an acute myocardial damage that can be treated through reperfusion; however, this therapeutic approach leads to ischemic/reperfusion injury (IRI), often leading to HF. In this review, we compared the current in vivo, in vitro and ex vivo model systems used to study preeclampsia, IRI and HF. Future studies aiming at evaluating CVD in preeclampsia patients could benefit from novel models that better mimic the complex scenario described in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Liu Chung Ming
- School of Biomedical Engineering/FEIT, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; (C.L.C.M.); (E.B.-S.); (D.A.)
| | - Kimberly Sesperez
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; (K.S.); (K.M.); (L.M.)
| | - Eitan Ben-Sefer
- School of Biomedical Engineering/FEIT, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; (C.L.C.M.); (E.B.-S.); (D.A.)
| | - David Arpon
- School of Biomedical Engineering/FEIT, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; (C.L.C.M.); (E.B.-S.); (D.A.)
| | - Kristine McGrath
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; (K.S.); (K.M.); (L.M.)
| | - Lana McClements
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; (K.S.); (K.M.); (L.M.)
| | - Carmine Gentile
- School of Biomedical Engineering/FEIT, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; (C.L.C.M.); (E.B.-S.); (D.A.)
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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25
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1-O-Hexyl-2,3,5-Trimethylhydroquinone Ameliorates the Development of Preeclampsia through Suppression of Oxidative Stress and Endothelial Cell Apoptosis. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:8839394. [PMID: 33542786 PMCID: PMC7840260 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8839394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
1-O-Hexyl-2,3,5-trimethylhydroquinone (HTHQ), a potent nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activator, has potent antioxidant activity by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the role of HTHQ on the development of preeclampsia (PE) and the underlying mechanisms have barely been explored. In the present study, PE model was induced by adenovirus-mediated overexpression of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) in pregnant mice. The results showed that HTHQ treatment significantly relieved the high systolic blood pressure (SBP) and proteinuria and increased the fetal weight and fetal weight/placenta weight in preeclamptic mice. Furthermore, we found that HTHQ treatment significantly decreased soluble endoglin (sEng), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and activin A and restored vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in preeclamptic mice. In addition, HTHQ treatment inhibited oxidative stress and endothelial cell apoptosis by increasing the levels of Nrf2 and its downstream haemoxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein. In line with the data in vivo, we discovered that HTHQ treatment attenuated oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) following hypoxia and reperfusion (H/R), and the HTHQ-mediated protection was lost after transfected with siNrf2. In conclusion, these results suggested that HTHQ ameliorates the development of preeclampsia through suppression of oxidative stress and endothelial cell apoptosis.
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26
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Colson A, Sonveaux P, Debiève F, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Adaptations of the human placenta to hypoxia: opportunities for interventions in fetal growth restriction. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:531-569. [PMID: 33377492 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta is the functional interface between the mother and the fetus during pregnancy, and a critical determinant of fetal growth and life-long health. In the first trimester, it develops under a low-oxygen environment, which is essential for the conceptus who has little defense against reactive oxygen species produced during oxidative metabolism. However, failure of invasive trophoblasts to sufficiently remodel uterine arteries toward dilated vessels by the end of the first trimester can lead to reduced/intermittent blood flow, persistent hypoxia and oxidative stress in the placenta with consequences for fetal growth. Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is observed in ∼10% of pregnancies and is frequently seen in association with other pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia (PE). FGR is one of the main challenges for obstetricians and pediatricians, as smaller fetuses have greater perinatal risks of morbidity and mortality and postnatal risks of neurodevelopmental and cardio-metabolic disorders. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aim of this review was to examine the importance of placental responses to changing oxygen environments during abnormal pregnancy in terms of cellular, molecular and functional changes in order to highlight new therapeutic pathways, and to pinpoint approaches aimed at enhancing oxygen supply and/or mitigating oxidative stress in the placenta as a mean of optimizing fetal growth. SEARCH METHODS An extensive online search of peer-reviewed articles using PubMed was performed with combinations of search terms including pregnancy, placenta, trophoblast, oxygen, hypoxia, high altitude, FGR and PE (last updated in May 2020). OUTCOMES Trophoblast differentiation and placental establishment are governed by oxygen availability/hypoxia in early pregnancy. The placental response to late gestational hypoxia includes changes in syncytialization, mitochondrial functions, endoplasmic reticulum stress, hormone production, nutrient handling and angiogenic factor secretion. The nature of these changes depends on the extent of hypoxia, with some responses appearing adaptive and others appearing detrimental to the placental support of fetal growth. Emerging approaches that aim to increase placental oxygen supply and/or reduce the impacts of excessive oxidative stress are promising for their potential to prevent/treat FGR. WIDER IMPLICATIONS There are many risks and challenges of intervening during pregnancy that must be considered. The establishment of human trophoblast stem cell lines and organoids will allow further mechanistic studies of the effects of hypoxia and may lead to advanced screening of drugs for use in pregnancies complicated by placental insufficiency/hypoxia. Since no treatments are currently available, a better understanding of placental adaptations to hypoxia would help to develop therapies or repurpose drugs to optimize placental function and fetal growth, with life-long benefits to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Colson
- Pole of Obstetrics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Pole of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Sonveaux
- Pole of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Debiève
- Pole of Obstetrics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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27
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Yagi K, Mimura K, Tomimatsu T, Matsuyama T, Kawanishi Y, Kakigano A, Nakamura H, Endo M, Kimura T. Potency of Tokishakuyakusan in treating preeclampsia: Drug repositioning method by in vitro screening of the Kampo library. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0244684. [PMID: 33378412 PMCID: PMC7773249 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Preeclampsia therapy has not been established, except for the termination of pregnancy. The aim of this study was to identify a potential therapeutic agent from traditional Japanese medicine (Kampo) using the drug repositioning method. Materials and methods We screened a library of 74 Kampo to identify potential drugs for the treatment of preeclampsia. We investigated the angiogenic effects of these drugs using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to measure the levels of placental growth factor (PlGF) in conditioned media treated with 100 μg/mL of each drug. We assessed whether the screened drugs affected cell viability. We performed tube formation assays to evaluate the angiogenic effects of PlGF-inducing drugs. PlGF was measured after administering 10, 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL of the candidate drug in the dose correlation experiment, and at 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h in the time course experiment. We also performed tube formation assays with the candidate drug and 100 ng/mL of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1). PlGF production by the candidate drug was measured in trophoblastic cells (BeWo and HTR-8/SVneo). The Mann-Whitney U test or one-way analyses of variance followed by the Newman-Keuls post-hoc test were performed. P–values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results Of the 7 drugs that induced PlGF, Tokishakuyakusan (TS), Shoseiryuto, and Shofusan did not reduce cell viability. TS significantly facilitated tube formation (P = 0.017). TS administration increased PlGF expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. TS significantly improved tube formation, which was inhibited by sFlt1 (P = 0.033). TS also increased PlGF production in BeWo (P = 0.001) but not HTR-8/SVneo cells (P = 0.33). Conclusions By using the drug repositioning method in the in vitro screening of the Kampo library, we identified that TS may have a therapeutic potential for preeclampsia. Its newly found mechanisms involve the increase in PlGF production, and improvement of the antiangiogenic state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazunobu Yagi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Kazuya Mimura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Takuji Tomimatsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Matsuyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Yoko Kawanishi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Aiko Kakigano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Hitomi Nakamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Masayuki Endo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Tadashi Kimura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
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28
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Novel approaches to combat preeclampsia: from new drugs to innovative delivery. Placenta 2020; 102:10-16. [PMID: 32980138 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a complex disease affecting 2-8% of pregnancies worldwide. It poses significant risk of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Despite the rising research interest to discover new therapeutic approaches to prevent and treat preeclampsia, options remain limited. Identifying the important pathological stages in the progression of this disease allows us to evaluate effective candidate therapeutics. Three important stages in the pathophysiology are: 1) placental hypoxia and oxidative stress, 2) excess release of anti-angiogenic and pro-inflammatory factors, and 3) widespread systemic endothelial dysfunction and vasoconstriction. Repurposing drugs already safe for use in pregnancy is an attractive option for discovery of novel therapeutics. There are many drugs currently being assessed to treat preeclampsia, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), metformin, statins, sulfasalazine, sofalcone, resveratrol, melatonin, and sildenafil citrate. These drugs show positive effects in preclinical studies, targeting placental and endothelial dysfunction. However, using novel therapeutics can raise safety concerns for the developing fetus. Therefore, innovative targeted delivery systems are being developed to safely administer these therapeutics directly to the placenta and/or endothelium. These include nanoparticle delivery systems, developed and used by the oncology field, now being adapted for obstetrics. This technology is currently being assessed in animal models and shows promise for treating preeclampsia. Combining effective therapeutics with targeted drug delivery could be the future of preeclampsia treatment.
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29
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Binder NK, Brownfoot FC, Beard S, Cannon P, Nguyen TV, Tong S, Kaitu'u-Lino TJ, Hannan NJ. Esomeprazole and sulfasalazine in combination additively reduce sFlt-1 secretion and diminish endothelial dysfunction: potential for a combination treatment for preeclampsia. Pregnancy Hypertens 2020; 22:86-92. [PMID: 32758704 DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2020.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Development and repurposing of therapies that show promise in the prevention or treatment of preeclampsia would be a major advance for the obstetrics field. We recently identified esomeprazole and sulfasalazine as potential candidates for the treatment of preeclampsia. Both reduce placental and endothelial secretion of sFlt-1 and sENG and mitigate endothelial dysfunction in vitro. Here we assessed whether esomeprazole and sulfasalazine in combination would additively attenuate the elevated release of anti-angiogenic factors and markers of endothelial dysfunction, key characteristics of preeclampsia. Primary placental tissue and cells, and primary endothelial cells were treated with esomeprazole and sulfasalazine alone and in combination. We assessed secretion of sFlt-1 and sENG and performed in vitro assays of endothelial dysfunction. Combining esomeprazole and sulfasalazine in lower concentrations caused an additive reduction in sFlt-1 secretion in primary cytotrophoblasts, placental explants and endothelial cells. No additive reduction was observed in sENG secretion when esomeprazole and sulfasalazine were combined. Together, esomeprazole and sulfasalazine additively reduced TNF-α-induced VCAM and ET-1 mRNA expression, and monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. In conclusion, combining esomeprazole and sulfasalazine additively reduced secretion of sFlt-1 and markers of endothelial dysfunction. Combined administration of esomeprazole and sulfasalazine may provide a more effective treatment or prevention for preeclampsia compared to either as single agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie K Binder
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Mercy Perinatal 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fiona C Brownfoot
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Mercy Perinatal 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sally Beard
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Mercy Perinatal 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ping Cannon
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Diagnostics Discovery and Reverse Translation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Mercy Perinatal 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tuong V Nguyen
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Diagnostics Discovery and Reverse Translation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Mercy Perinatal 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen Tong
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Mercy Perinatal 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tu'uhevaha J Kaitu'u-Lino
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Diagnostics Discovery and Reverse Translation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Mercy Perinatal 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natalie J Hannan
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Mercy Perinatal 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia.
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Jena MK, Sharma NR, Petitt M, Maulik D, Nayak NR. Pathogenesis of Preeclampsia and Therapeutic Approaches Targeting the Placenta. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10060953. [PMID: 32599856 PMCID: PMC7357118 DOI: 10.3390/biom10060953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious pregnancy complication, affecting about 5–7% of pregnancies worldwide and is characterized by hypertension and damage to multiple maternal organs, primarily the liver and kidneys. PE usually begins after 20 weeks’ gestation and, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications and lifelong disabilities—even death—in both the mother and the infant. As delivery is the only cure for the disease, treatment is primarily focused on the management of blood pressure and other clinical symptoms. The pathogenesis of PE is still not clear. Abnormal spiral artery remodeling, placental ischemia and a resulting increase in the circulating levels of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1), also called soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), are believed to be among the primary pathologies associated with PE. sFlt-1 is produced mainly in the placenta during pregnancy and acts as a decoy receptor, binding to free VEGF (VEGF-A) and placental growth factor (PlGF), resulting in the decreased bioavailability of each to target cells. Despite the pathogenic effects of increased sFlt-1 on the maternal vasculature, recent studies from our laboratory and others have strongly indicated that the increase in sFlt-1 in PE may fulfill critical protective functions in preeclamptic pregnancies. Thus, further studies on the roles of sFlt-1 in normal and preeclamptic pregnancies are warranted for the development of therapeutic strategies targeting VEGF signaling for the treatment of PE. Another impediment to the treatment of PE is the lack of suitable methods for delivery of cargo to placental cells, as PE is believed to be of placental origin and most available therapies for PE adversely impact both the mother and the fetus. The present review discusses the pathogenesis of PE, the complex role of sFlt-1 in maternal disease and fetal protection, and the recently developed placenta-targeted drug delivery system for the potential treatment of PE with candidate therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Kumar Jena
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India;
- Correspondence:
| | - Neeta Raj Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India;
| | - Matthew Petitt
- Redwood Biomedical Editing, Redwood City, CA 94061, USA;
| | - Devika Maulik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UMKC School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA; (D.M.); (N.R.N.)
| | - Nihar Ranjan Nayak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UMKC School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA; (D.M.); (N.R.N.)
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Langston-Cox A, Muccini AM, Marshall SA, Yap, Palmer KR, Wallace EM, Ellery SJ. Sulforaphane improves syncytiotrophoblast mitochondrial function after in vitro hypoxic and superoxide injury. Placenta 2020; 96:44-54. [PMID: 32560857 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Placental mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to the oxidative stress that underlies preeclampsia. Here, we assessed whether sulforaphane (SFN) could improve syncytiotrophoblast mitochondrial function after in vitro hypoxic and superoxide injury. METHODS Placental cytotrophoblasts were isolated from healthy term placentae (n = 12) and incubated for 48 h in 8% O2 ± 1 μM SFN before acute (4hrs) or chronic (24hrs) hypoxic (1% O2), or superoxide (xanthine/xanthine oxidase) injury. Cytotrophoblasts were also isolated from preeclamptic placentae (n = 5) and cultured in 8% O2 ± 1 μM SFN. Mitochondrial respiration was measured using the Seahorse MitoStress XF assay. Cells were stained with mitotracker red to assess mitochondrial membrane health and mitochondrial gene expression assessed using RT-qPCR. RESULTS SFN prevented significant reductions in syncytiotrophoblast mitochondrial maximal respiration, spare respiratory capacity, basal respiration and ATP production following acute hypoxia. Chronic hypoxia only reduced maximal and spare respiratory capacity. SFN prevented these negative changes and increased respiration overall. Alternatively, acute superoxide injury significantly increased mitochondrial maximal respiration and spare respiratory capacity. SFN treatment further increased basal respiration following superoxide injury and prevented significant decreases in ATP production and coupling efficiency. In preeclamptic placentae, SFN significantly increased mitochondrial maximal respiration, spare respiratory capacity, basal respiration and ATP production, and decreased proton leak. SFN up-regulated mRNA expression of mitochondrial complexes and corrected an up-regulation in fission gene expression observed after hypoxic-superoxide injury. Finally, preliminary results suggest SFN prevented hypoxia-induced impairment of mitochondrial membrane structure. DISCUSSION SFN mitigated hypoxia and superoxide induced changes to syncytiotrophoblast mitochondrial function in vitro, and improved mitochondrial respiration in trophoblast cells from preeclamptic placentae.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Langston-Cox
- The Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
| | - A M Muccini
- The Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - S A Marshall
- The Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Yap
- The Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - K R Palmer
- The Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Monash Women's, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - E M Wallace
- The Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - S J Ellery
- The Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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Brownfoot FC, Hastie R, Hannan NJ, Cannon P, Nguyen TV, Tuohey L, Cluver C, Tong S, Kaitu'u-Lino TJ. Combining metformin and sulfasalazine additively reduces the secretion of antiangiogenic factors from the placenta: Implications for the treatment of preeclampsia. Placenta 2020; 95:78-83. [PMID: 32452405 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The antiangiogenic factors soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and soluble endoglin (sENG) are elevated in preeclampsia and have been implicated in its pathogenesis. We have previously demonstrated metformin and sulfasalazine independently reduce antiangiogenic factor secretion. Here we examined whether combining metformin and sulfasalazine may be more effective than either alone in reducing placental expression and secretion of antiangiogenic and angiogenic factors and the expression of markers of endothelial dysfunction. METHODS We performed functional experiments using primary human placenta to explore the effect of metformin and sulfasalazine, at lower doses than previously explored, individually and in combination, on sFlt-1 and sENG secretion and placental growth factor (PlGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFα) expression. Using primary endothelial cells we induced dysfunction using cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and assessed the effect of low dose combination treatment on the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and Endothelin-1 (a potent vasoconstrictor). RESULTS We demonstrated combination metformin and sulfasalazine was additive in reducing sFlt-1 secretion from cytotrophoblasts and placental explants. Combination treatment was also additive in reducing sENG secretion from placental explants. Furthermore, combination treatment increased cytotrophoblast VEGFα mRNA expression. Whilst combination treatment increased PlGF mRNA expression this was similar to treatment with sulfasalazine alone. Combination therapy reduced TNFα induced endothelin-1 mRNA expression however did not change VCAM expression. DISCUSSION Low dose combination metformin and sulfasalazine reduced cytotrophoblast sFlt-1 and sENG secretion, increased VEGFα expression and reduced TNFα induced endothelin-1 expression in primary endothelial cells. Combination therapy has potential to treat preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona C Brownfoot
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne. Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Roxanne Hastie
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne. Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natalie J Hannan
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne. Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ping Cannon
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne. Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tuong V Nguyen
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne. Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Laura Tuohey
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne. Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cathy Cluver
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne. Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen Tong
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne. Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tu'uhevaha J Kaitu'u-Lino
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne. Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia
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Hastie R, Brownfoot FC, Cannon P, Nguyen V, Tuohey L, Hannan NJ, Tong S, Kaitu'u-Lino TJ. Sulfasalazine decreases soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 secretion potentially via inhibition of upstream placental epidermal growth factor receptor signalling. Placenta 2019; 87:53-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2019.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Fernández-Villa D, Aguilar MR, Rojo L. Folic Acid Antagonists: Antimicrobial and Immunomodulating Mechanisms and Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4996. [PMID: 31601031 PMCID: PMC6829374 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20204996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
: Bacterial, protozoan and other microbial infections share an accelerated metabolic rate. In order to ensure a proper functioning of cell replication and proteins and nucleic acids synthesis processes, folate metabolism rate is also increased in these cases. For this reason, folic acid antagonists have been used since their discovery to treat different kinds of microbial infections, taking advantage of this metabolic difference when compared with human cells. However, resistances to these compounds have emerged since then and only combined therapies are currently used in clinic. In addition, some of these compounds have been found to have an immunomodulatory behavior that allows clinicians using them as anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive drugs. Therefore, the aim of this review is to provide an updated state-of-the-art on the use of antifolates as antibacterial and immunomodulating agents in the clinical setting, as well as to present their action mechanisms and currently investigated biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Fernández-Villa
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Polímeros, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, CSIC, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Maria Rosa Aguilar
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Polímeros, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, CSIC, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Luis Rojo
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Polímeros, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, CSIC, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
- Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
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Vishnyakova P, Elchaninov A, Fatkhudinov T, Sukhikh G. Role of the Monocyte-Macrophage System in Normal Pregnancy and Preeclampsia. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20153695. [PMID: 31357698 PMCID: PMC6696152 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The proper functioning of the monocyte-macrophage system, an important unit of innate immunity, ensures the normal course of pregnancy. In this review, we present the current data on the origin of the monocyte-macrophage system and its functioning in the female reproductive system during the ovarian cycle, and over the course of both normal and complicated pregnancy. Preeclampsia is a crucial gestation disorder characterized by pronounced inflammation in the maternal body that affects the work of the monocyte-macrophage system. The effects of inflammation at preeclampsia manifest in changes in monocyte counts and their subset composition, and changes in placental macrophage counts and their polarization. Here we summarize the recent data on this issue for both the maternal organism and the fetus. The influence of estrogen on macrophages and their altered levels in preeclampsia are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polina Vishnyakova
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 4 Oparina Street, 117997 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Andrey Elchaninov
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 4 Oparina Street, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Timur Fatkhudinov
- Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia
- Scientific Research Institute of Human Morphology, 3 Tsurupa Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
| | - Gennady Sukhikh
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 4 Oparina Street, 117997 Moscow, Russia
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