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Li MY, Shen HH, Cao XY, Gao XX, Xu FY, Ha SY, Sun JS, Liu SP, Xie F, Li MQ. Targeting a mTOR/autophagy axis: a double-edged sword of rapamycin in spontaneous miscarriage. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:116976. [PMID: 38906022 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune dysfunction is a primary culprit behind spontaneous miscarriage (SM). To address this, immunosuppressive agents have emerged as a novel class of tocolytic drugs, modulating the maternal immune system's tolerance towards the embryo. Rapamycin (PubChem CID:5284616), a dual-purpose compound, functions as an immunosuppressive agent and triggers autophagy by targeting the mTOR pathway. Its efficacy in treating SM has garnered significant research interest in recent times. Autophagy, the cellular process of self-degradation and recycling, plays a pivotal role in numerous health conditions. Research indicates that autophagy is integral to endometrial decidualization, trophoblast invasion, and the proper functioning of decidual immune cells during a healthy pregnancy. Yet, in cases of SM, there is a dysregulation of the mTOR/autophagy axis in decidual stromal cells or immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have highlighted the potential benefits of low-dose rapamycin in managing SM. However, given mTOR's critical role in energy metabolism, inhibiting it could potentially harm the pregnancy. Moreover, while low-dose rapamycin has been deemed safe for treating recurrent implant failure, its potential teratogenic effects remain uncertain due to insufficient data. In summary, rapamycin represents a double-edged sword in the treatment of SM, balancing its impact on autophagy and immune regulation. Further investigation is warranted to fully understand its implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Ying Li
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Hui Shen
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yan Cao
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Xiao Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng-Yuan Xu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States
| | - Si-Yao Ha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510235, China
| | - Jian-Song Sun
- School of Life Science and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, People's Republic of China
| | - Song-Ping Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, People's Republic of China.
| | - Feng Xie
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China; Department of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Immunology, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai 200030, People's Republic of China.
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Emerging Roles of Endocannabinoids as Key Lipid Mediators for a Successful Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065220. [PMID: 36982295 PMCID: PMC10048990 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, Cannabis use/misuse for treating pregnancy-related symptoms and other chronic conditions has increased among pregnant women, favored by decriminalization and/or legalization of its recreational uses in addition to its easy accessibility. However, there is evidence that prenatal Cannabis exposure might have adverse consequences on pregnancy progression and a deleterious impact on proper neurodevelopmental trajectories in the offspring. Maternal Cannabis use could interfere with the complex and finely controlled role performed by the endocannabinoid system in reproductive physiology, impairing multiple gestational processes from blastocyst implantation to parturition, with long-lasting intergenerational effects. In this review, we discuss current clinical and preclinical evidence regarding the role of endocannabinoids in development, function, and immunity of the maternal–fetal interface, focusing on the impact of Cannabis constituents on each of these gestational processes. We also discuss the intrinsic limitations of the available studies and the future perspectives in this challenging research field.
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Dong C, Chen J, Harrington A, Vinod KY, Hegde ML, Hegde VL. Cannabinoid exposure during pregnancy and its impact on immune function. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:729-743. [PMID: 30374520 PMCID: PMC6632091 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2955-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoids are the most commonly abused illicit drugs worldwide. While cannabis can be beneficial for certain heath conditions, abuse of potent synthetic cannabinoids has been on the rise. Exposure to cannabinoids is also prevalent in women of child-bearing age and pregnant women. These compounds can cross the placental barrier and directly affect the fetus. They mediate their effects primarily through G-protein coupled cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. In addition to significant neurological effects, cannabinoids can trigger robust immunomodulation by altering cytokine levels, causing apoptosis of lymphoid cells and inducing suppressor cells of the immune system. Profound effects of cannabinoids on the immune system as discussed in this review, suggest that maternal exposure during pregnancy could lead to dysregulation of innate and adaptive immune system of developing fetus and offspring potentially leading to weakening of immune defenses against infections and cancer later in life. Emerging evidence also indicates the underlying role of epigenetic mechanisms causing long-lasting impact following cannabinoid exposure in utero.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Dong
- School of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Jingwen Chen
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Amy Harrington
- School of Pharmacy, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - K Yaragudri Vinod
- Division of Analytical Psychopharmacology, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
- Emotional Brain Institute, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Muralidhar L Hegde
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute for Academic Medicine and Research Institute, The Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI), 6550 Fannin St, Smith 08-077, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Venkatesh L Hegde
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute for Academic Medicine and Research Institute, The Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI), 6550 Fannin St, Smith 08-077, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Decreased Expression of Cannabinoid Receptors in the Eutopic and Ectopic Endometrium of Patients with Adenomyosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:5468954. [PMID: 30800671 PMCID: PMC6360557 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5468954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Objective Adenomyosis is a common gynecologic benign disease that may have a life-long negative impact on women. Previous studies have indicated that the endocannabinoid system may participate in the progress of endometriosis. Our research aims to analyze the expression patterns of the typical cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), the main constituents of the endocannabinoid system, in endometrial samples derived from patients diagnosed as adenomyosis or not. Methods Eutopic and corresponding ectopic endometrium from 45 premenopausal women diagnosed as adenomyosis and normal endometrium from 34 age-matched women lacking evidence of adenomyosis were examined by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to determine the CB1 and CB2 expression levels. Results In either the proliferative or the secretory phase, CB1 and CB2 protein and mRNA levels were both significantly lower in the eutopic and ectopic endometrium of adenomyosis when compared with normal endometrium. For women with adenomyosis, CB1 and CB2 protein and mRNA levels were much lower in the ectopic endometrium than the eutopic in both phases of the cycle. Both CB1 and CB2 protein and mRNA levels were increased during the secretory phase in normal endometrium, while CB1 lost its cyclic variation in the eutopic and ectopic endometrium from patients diagnosed as adenomyosis. Conclusion The decreased expression of CB1 and CB2 in the eutopic and ectopic endometrium from patients diagnosed as adenomyosis suggests that cannabinoid receptors may participate in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis.
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Bukiya AN. Physiology of the Endocannabinoid System During Development. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1162:13-37. [PMID: 31332732 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-21737-2_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid (eCB) system comprises endogenously produced cannabinoids (CBs), enzymes of their production and degradation, and CB-sensing receptors and transporters. The eCB system plays a critical role in virtually all stages of animal development. Studies on eCB system components and their physiological role have gained increasing attention with the rising legalization and medical use of marijuana products. The latter represent exogenous interventions that target the eCB system. This chapter summarizes knowledge in the field of CB contribution to gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo implantation, fetal development, birth, and adolescence-equivalent periods of ontogenesis. The material is complemented by the overview of data from our laboratory documenting the functional presence of the eCB system within cerebral arteries of baboons at different stages of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna N Bukiya
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA.
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Tian L, Li W, Yang L, Chang N, Fan X, Ji X, Xie J, Yang L, Li L. Cannabinoid Receptor 1 Participates in Liver Inflammation by Promoting M1 Macrophage Polarization via RhoA/NF-κB p65 and ERK1/2 Pathways, Respectively, in Mouse Liver Fibrogenesis. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1214. [PMID: 29033935 PMCID: PMC5625548 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophage M1/M2 polarization mediates tissue damage and inflammatory responses. Cannabinoid receptor (CB) 1 participated in liver fibrogenesis by affecting bone marrow (BM)-derived monocytes/macrophages (BMMs) activation. However, the knowledge of whether CB1 is involved in the polarization of BMMs remains limited. Here, we found M1 gene signatures (including CD86, MIP-1β, tumor necrosis factor, IL-6, and inducible nitric oxide synthase) and the amount of M1 macrophages (CD86+ cells, gated by F4/80) were significantly elevated in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced mouse injured livers, while that of M2 type macrophages had little change by RT-qPCR and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Our preceding study confirmed CB1 was involved in CCl4-induced liver fibrogenesis. Our results noted CB1 expression showed positive correlation with CD86. Blockade of CB1 by its antagonist or siRNA in vivo downregulated the mRNA and protein levels of M1 markers using RT-qPCR, western blot, and Cytometric Bead Array (CBA) assays, and reduced the proportion of M1 macrophages. Moreover, chimera mouse models, which received BM transplants from EGFP-transgenic mice or clodronate liposome injection mouse models, in which Kupffer cells were depleted, were performed to clarify the role of CB1 on the polarization of Kupffer cells and BMMs. We found that CB1 was especially involved in BMM polarization toward M1 phenotype but have no effect on that of Kupffer cells. The reason might due to the lower CB1 expression in Kupffer cells than that of BMMs. In vitro, we discovered CB1 was involved in the polarization of BMMs toward M1. Furthermore, CB1-induced M1 polarization was apparently impaired by PTX [G(α)i/o protein inhibitor], Y27632 (ROCK inhibitor), and PD98059 [extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor], while SB203580 (p38 inhibitor) and compound C (AMPK inhibitor) had no such effect. ACEA (CB1 agonist) activated G(α)i/o coupled CB1, then enlarged GTP-bound Rho and phosphor-ERK1/2, independently. NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation is also a marker of M1 phenotype macrophages. We found that CB1 switched on NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation only depending on G(α)i/o/RhoA signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Tian
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Weiyang Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Le Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Na Chang
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoting Fan
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaofang Ji
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jieshi Xie
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Liying Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Wolfson ML, Muzzio DO, Ehrhardt J, Franchi AM, Zygmunt M, Jensen F. Expression analysis of cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 in B cells during pregnancy and their role on cytokine production. J Reprod Immunol 2016; 116:23-7. [PMID: 27163857 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Revised: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system consists in a family of lipids that binds to and activates cannabinoid receptors. There are two receptors so far described, the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2). In the context of pregnancy, the endocannabinoid system was shown participates in different key aspects of reproductive events. B-lymphocytes are pleiotropic cells belonging to the adaptive arm of the immune system. Besides immunoglobulin production, B-lymphocytes were recently shown to be actively involved in antigen presentation as well as cytokine production, thus playing a central role in immunity. In this study we first aimed to characterize the expression of CB1 and CB2 receptors in B cells during pregnancy and then analyze the impact of their activation in term of cytokine production by B cells from pregnant and non-pregnant mice. We observed that the expression of CB1 and CB2 receptors in B-lymphocytes is differentially regulated during pregnancy. While CB2 expression is down regulated CB1 is augmented in B-lymphocytes of pregnant mice. Additionally, the treatment of activated B-lymphocytes with specific CB1 and CB2 agonists, showed a different response in term of cytokine production. Particularly, CB1 against boosted the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 by activated B-lymphocytes from pregnant mice.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- B-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Cells, Cultured
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Humans
- Immune Tolerance
- Interleukin-10/metabolism
- Lymphocyte Activation
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Pregnancy
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Wolfson
- Laboratory of Physiopathology of Pregnancy and Labor, Center for Pharmacological and Botanical Studies, National Research Council, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - D O Muzzio
- Research Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - J Ehrhardt
- Research Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - A M Franchi
- Laboratory of Physiopathology of Pregnancy and Labor, Center for Pharmacological and Botanical Studies, National Research Council, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Zygmunt
- Research Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - F Jensen
- Research Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany; Laboratory for Immunology of Pregnancy, Center for Pharmacological and Botanical Studies (CEFYBO-CONICET-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Institute of Health Sciences, National University Arturo Jauretche, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Abstract
The lasting research on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has now provided solid and convincing evidence that proves the detrimental effects of recreational drug abuse (a growing habit among teenagers) on fertility. Endocannabinoids (eCBs) affect reproductive events from gametogenesis to fertilization, from embryo implantation to the final outcome of pregnancy and, thus, they have been proposed as suitable biomarkers to predict the reproductive potential of male and female gametes in clinical practice. Novel tools for reproductive medicine are highly sought after, and here we report the latest findings on the impact of the ECS on fertility, demonstrating how basic research can be translated into new medical strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Battista
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Monica Bari
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.
- School of Medicine and Center of Integrated Research, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy.
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Alpár A, Tortoriello G, Calvigioni D, Niphakis MJ, Milenkovic I, Bakker J, Cameron GA, Hanics J, Morris CV, Fuzik J, Kovacs GG, Cravatt BF, Parnavelas JG, Andrews WD, Hurd YL, Keimpema E, Harkany T. Endocannabinoids modulate cortical development by configuring Slit2/Robo1 signalling. Nat Commun 2014; 5:4421. [PMID: 25030704 PMCID: PMC4110686 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Local environmental cues are indispensable for axonal growth and guidance during brain circuit formation. Here, we combine genetic and pharmacological tools, as well as systems neuroanatomy in human fetuses and mouse models, to study the role of endocannabinoid and Slit/Robo signalling in axonal growth. We show that excess 2-arachidonoylglycerol, an endocannabinoid affecting directional axonal growth, triggers corpus callosum enlargement due to the errant CB1 cannabinoid receptor-containing corticofugal axon spreading. This phenotype mechanistically relies on the premature differentiation and end-feet proliferation of CB2R-expressing oligodendrocytes. We further show the dependence of both axonal Robo1 positioning and oligodendroglial Slit2 production on cell-type-specific cannabinoid receptor activation. Accordingly, Robo1 and/or Slit2 manipulation limits endocannabinoid modulation of axon guidance. We conclude that endocannabinoids can configure focal Slit2/Robo1 signalling to modulate directional axonal growth, which may provide a basis for understanding impaired brain wiring associated with metabolic deficits and prenatal drug exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alán Alpár
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry & Biophysics, Scheeles väg 1:A1, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Giuseppe Tortoriello
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry & Biophysics, Scheeles väg 1:A1, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniela Calvigioni
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry & Biophysics, Scheeles väg 1:A1, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Micah J Niphakis
- Department of Chemical Physiology and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Rd.,La Jolla, California CA 92037 USA
| | - Ivan Milenkovic
- Institute of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, AKH 4J, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Joanne Bakker
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gary A Cameron
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom
| | - János Hanics
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó u. 58, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Claudia V Morris
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 1470 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - János Fuzik
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gabor G Kovacs
- Institute of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, AKH 4J, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Benjamin F Cravatt
- Department of Chemical Physiology and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Rd.,La Jolla, California CA 92037 USA
| | - John G Parnavelas
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, 21 University Street, University College London, London WC1E 6DE, United Kingdom
| | - William D Andrews
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, 21 University Street, University College London, London WC1E 6DE, United Kingdom
| | - Yasmin L Hurd
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 1470 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Erik Keimpema
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry & Biophysics, Scheeles väg 1:A1, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Tibor Harkany
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry & Biophysics, Scheeles väg 1:A1, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
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Nicolaou A, Mauro C, Urquhart P, Marelli-Berg F. Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid-derived lipid mediators and T cell function. Front Immunol 2014; 5:75. [PMID: 24611066 PMCID: PMC3933826 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Fatty acids are involved in T cell biology both as nutrients important for energy production as well as signaling molecules. In particular, polyunsaturated fatty acids are known to exhibit a range of immunomodulatory properties that progress through T cell mediated events, although the molecular mechanisms of these actions have not yet been fully elucidated. Some of these immune activities are linked to polyunsaturated fatty acid-induced alteration of the composition of cellular membranes and the consequent changes in signaling pathways linked to membrane raft-associated proteins. However, significant aspects of the polyunsaturated fatty acid bioactivities are mediated through their transformation to specific lipid mediators, products of cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, or cytochrome P450 enzymatic reactions. Resulting bioactive metabolites including prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and endocannabinoids are produced by and/or act upon T leukocytes through cell surface receptors and have been shown to alter T cell activation and differentiation, proliferation, cytokine production, motility, and homing events. Detailed appreciation of the mode of action of these lipids presents opportunities for the design and development of therapeutic strategies aimed at regulating T cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Nicolaou
- Manchester Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, The University of Manchester , Manchester , UK
| | - Claudio Mauro
- Centre for Biochemical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London , London , UK
| | - Paula Urquhart
- Manchester Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, The University of Manchester , Manchester , UK
| | - Federica Marelli-Berg
- Centre for Biochemical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London , London , UK
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11
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Rapino C, Battista N, Bari M, Maccarrone M. Endocannabinoids as biomarkers of human reproduction. Hum Reprod Update 2014; 20:501-16. [PMID: 24516083 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmu004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is a condition of the reproductive system that affects ∼10-15% of couples attempting to conceive a baby. More than half of all cases of infertility are a result of female conditions, while the remaining cases can be attributed to male factors, or to a combination of both. The search for suitable biomarkers of pregnancy outcome is a challenging issue in human reproduction, aimed at identifying molecules with predictive significance of the reproductive potential of male and female gametes. Among the various candidates, endocannabinoids (eCBs), and in particular anandamide (AEA), represent potential biomarkers of human fertility disturbances. Any perturbation of the balance between synthesis and degradation of eCBs will result in local changes of their tone in human female and male reproductive tracts, which in turn regulates various pathophysiological processes, oocyte and sperm maturation included. METHODS PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched for papers using relevant keywords like 'biomarker', 'endocannabinoid', 'infertility', 'pregnancy' and 'reproduction'. RESULTS In this review, we discuss different studies on the measurements of AEA and related eCBs in human reproductive cells, tissues and fluids, where the local contribution of these bioactive lipids could be critical in ensuring normal sperm fertilizing ability and pregnancy. CONCLUSION Based on the available data, we suggest that the AEA tone has the potential to be exploited as a novel diagnostic biomarker of infertility, to be used in association with assays of conventional hormones (e.g. progesterone, β-chorionic gonadotrophin) and semen analysis. However further quantitative research of its predictive capacity is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Rapino
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy StemTeCh Group, Chieti, Italy
| | - Natalia Battista
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Bari
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy Center of Integrated Research, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Wolfson ML, Aisemberg J, Salazar AI, Domínguez Rubio AP, Vercelli CA, Franchi AM. Progesterone reverts LPS-reduced FAAH activity in murine peripheral blood mononuclear cells by a receptor-mediated fashion. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 381:97-105. [PMID: 23906535 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Revised: 06/15/2013] [Accepted: 07/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Increased anandamide concentrations are associated with pregnancy failure. Anandamide levels are regulated by the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). The aim of the study was to investigate the role of progesterone (P) on FAAH modulation in murine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) under septic conditions. We observed that in vivo administration of LPS to non-pregnant (NP) mice decreased FAAH activity of PBMC while in pregnant mice no changes in FAAH activity were observed. NP animals administered with P had a similar response to LPS as the pregnant animals. Also, NP mice injected with P antagonist and P showed that the effect of P on LPS-reduced FAAH activity was impaired. Furthermore, LPS produced a decrease in the ratio of PR-B/PR-A in NP animals. Our results showed that, in our model the endotoxin decreased PBMC's FAAH activity and this condition was reverted by P in a receptor-mediated fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel L Wolfson
- Laboratory of Physiopathology of Pregnancy and Labor, Center for Pharmacological and Botanical Studies, National Research Council, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Brocato B, Zoerner AA, Janjetovic Z, Skobowiat C, Gupta S, Moore BM, Slominski A, Zhang J, Schenone M, Phinehas R, Ferry RJ, Dick E, Hubbard GB, Mari G, Schlabritz-Loutsevitch N. Endocannabinoid crosstalk between placenta and maternal fat in a baboon model (Papio spp.) of obesity. Placenta 2013; 34:983-9. [PMID: 24008071 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2013.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2013] [Revised: 07/26/2013] [Accepted: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Maternal obesity (MO) remains a serious obstetric problem with acute and chronic morbidities for both mothers and offspring. The mechanisms underlying these adverse consequences of MO remain unknown. Endocannabinoids (ECB) are neuromodulatory lipids released from adipocytes and other tissues. Metabolic crosstalk between placenta and adipocytes may mediate sequelae of MO. The goal of this study was to elucidate placental and systemic ECB in MO. MATERIAL AND METHODS Placentas, sera, and subcutaneous fat were collected at Cesarean sections performed near term (0.9 G) in four non-obese (nOB) and four obese (OB) baboons (Papio spp.). Concentrations of anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) were measured by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. AEA and 2-AG pathways were characterized in placentas by Q-RT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Placental 2-AG levels were lower and maternal fat AEA levels were higher in OB (1254.1 ± 401.3 nmol/kg and 17.3 ± 4 nmol/kg) vs. nOB (3124.2 ± 557.3 nmol/kg and 3.1 ± 0.6 nmol/kg) animals. Concentrations of 2-AG correlated positively between maternal fat and placenta (r = 0.82, p = 0.013), but correlated negatively with maternal leptin concentrations (r = -0.72, p = 0.04 and r = -0.83, p = 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION This is the first study to demonstrate differential ECB pathway regulation in maternal fat and placenta in MO. Differential regulation and function exist for AEA and 2-AG as the major ECB pathways in placenta.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Arachidonic Acids/blood
- Arachidonic Acids/metabolism
- Biological Transport
- Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
- Disease Models, Animal
- Endocannabinoids/blood
- Endocannabinoids/metabolism
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
- Glycerides/blood
- Glycerides/metabolism
- Leptin/blood
- Obesity/blood
- Obesity/metabolism
- Obesity/pathology
- Papio
- Placenta/metabolism
- Placenta/pathology
- Polyunsaturated Alkamides/blood
- Polyunsaturated Alkamides/metabolism
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Complications/blood
- Pregnancy Complications/metabolism
- Pregnancy Complications/pathology
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/biosynthesis
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
- Receptors, Cannabinoid/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Cannabinoid/genetics
- Receptors, Cannabinoid/metabolism
- Subcutaneous Fat, Abdominal/metabolism
- Subcutaneous Fat, Abdominal/pathology
- Tandem Mass Spectrometry
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Affiliation(s)
- B Brocato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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