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Silva JCC, Caldeira MO, Moraes JGN, Sellmer Ramos I, Gull T, Ericsson AC, Poock SE, Spencer TE, Lucy MC. Metritis and the uterine disease microbiome are associated with long-term changes in the endometrium of dairy cows†. Biol Reprod 2024; 111:332-350. [PMID: 38704744 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Cows with metritis (uterine disease) during the first 1 to 2 weeks postpartum have lower pregnancy rates when inseminated later postpartum (typically >10 weeks). We hypothesized that metritis and the disease-associated uterine microbiome have a long-term effect on endometrial gene expression. Changes in gene expression may inform a mechanism through which disease lowers pregnancy rates. A total of 20 cows were enrolled at 1 to 2 weeks postpartum to either metritis (clinical disease; n = 10) or healthy (control; n = 10) groups and randomly assigned to be slaughtered at approximately 80 and 165 dpp (mid-lactation). The microbiome of the reproductive tract was sampled to confirm the presence of pathogens that are typical of metritis. In addition to the original clinical diagnosis, study cows were retrospectively assigned to uterine-disease and control groups based on the composition of their microbiome. There was no effect of early postpartum uterine disease on the uterine microbiome at mid-lactation (time of slaughter). Nonetheless, early postpartum metritis and the disease microbiome were associated with a large number of differentially-expressed genes at mid-lactation primarily in the caruncular compared with the inter-caruncular endometrium. Gene enrichment analysis identified oxidative phosphorylation as the primary pathway increased in caruncular endometrium of diseased cows whereas growth factor signaling pathways were reduced. The current study demonstrated that metritis and a uterine disease microbiome leave a sustained imprint on gene expression in the caruncular endometrium that may explain lower fertility in cows with postpartum uterine disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josiane C C Silva
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Monica O Caldeira
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Joao G N Moraes
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Isabella Sellmer Ramos
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Tamara Gull
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Aaron C Ericsson
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Scott E Poock
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Matthew C Lucy
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
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Foo SS, Chen W, Azamor T, Jung KL, Cambou MC, Familiar-Macedo D, Salem GM, Melano I, Sim MS, Moreira ME, Brasil P, Vasconcelos Z, Nielsen-Saines K, Jung JU. Sustained chronic inflammation and altered childhood vaccine responses in children exposed to Zika virus. EBioMedicine 2024; 106:105249. [PMID: 39024898 PMCID: PMC11304698 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital Zika virus (ZIKV) infection leads to severe newborn abnormalities, but its long-term impact on childhood immunity is not well understood. This study aims to investigate the serum proteomics in children exposed to ZIKV during pregnancy to understand potential immunological consequences during early childhood. METHODS The study included ZIKV-exposed infants (ZEI) at birth (n = 42) and children exposed to ZIKV (ZEC) at two years of age (n = 20) exposed to ZIKV during pregnancy, as well as healthy controls. Serum proteomic analysis was performed on these groups to assess inflammation and immune profiles. Additionally, antibody titres against two common childhood vaccines, DTaP and MMR, were measured in healthy controls (n = 50) and ZEC (n = 92) to evaluate vaccine-induced immunity. FINDINGS Results showed elevated inflammation in ZEI with birth abnormalities. Among ZEC, despite most having normal clinical outcomes at two years, their serum proteomics indicated a bias towards Th1-mediated immune responses. Notably, ZEC displayed reduced anti-Diphtheria toxin and anti-Clostridium tetani IgG levels against DTaP and MMR vaccines. They also exhibited lower antibody titres particularly against Th2-biased DTaP vaccines, but not Th1-biased MMR vaccines. INTERPRETATION In conclusion, the study highlights the long-term immunological consequences of congenital ZIKV exposure. Heightened inflammation was observed in ZEI with abnormalities at birth, while ZEC maintained a chronic Th1-biased immune profile. The impaired response to Th2-biased vaccines raises concerns about lasting effects of ZIKV exposure on immune responses. Consequently, there is a need for continued longitudinal clinical monitoring to identify potential immune-related complications arising from prenatal exposure to ZIKV. FUNDING This work was partially funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Suan-Sin Foo
- Department of Infection Biology and Global Centre for Pathogen Research and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Weiqiang Chen
- Department of Infection Biology and Global Centre for Pathogen Research and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Tamiris Azamor
- Department of Infection Biology and Global Centre for Pathogen Research and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Kyle L Jung
- Department of Infection Biology and Global Centre for Pathogen Research and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Mary Catherine Cambou
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Débora Familiar-Macedo
- Department of Infection Biology and Global Centre for Pathogen Research and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Gielenny M Salem
- Department of Infection Biology and Global Centre for Pathogen Research and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ivonne Melano
- Department of Infection Biology and Global Centre for Pathogen Research and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Myung-Shin Sim
- Department of Medicine, Statistics Core, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Zilton Vasconcelos
- Department of Medicine, Statistics Core, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Karin Nielsen-Saines
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Department of Paediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jae U Jung
- Department of Infection Biology and Global Centre for Pathogen Research and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Tan B, Xiao L, Wang Y, Zhou C, Huang H, Li Z, Hong L, Cai G, Wu Z, Gu T. Comprehensive Analysis of Placental DNA Methylation Changes and Fetal Birth Weight in Pigs. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7702. [PMID: 39062945 PMCID: PMC11276634 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Birth weight is a complex multifactorial trait relevant to health states and disease risks in later life. The placenta is essential for proper fetal growth and facilitates gas, nutrient, and waste exchange between the mother and developing fetus. How changes in placental DNA methylation affect fetal birth weight remains to be fully elucidated. In this study, we used whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and RNA sequencing to reveal a global map of DNA methylation and gene expression changes between the placentas of highest birth weight and lowest birth weight piglets in the same litters. The transcriptome analysis identified 1682 differential expressed genes and revealed key transcriptional properties in distinct placentas. We also identified key transcription factors that may drive the differences in DNA methylome patterns between placentas. The decrease in DNA methylation level in the promoter was associated with the transcriptional activation of genes associated with angiogenesis, extracellular matrix remodeling, and transmembrane transport. Our results revealed the regulatory role of DNA methylation in gene transcription activity leading to the differences in placental morphological structures and birth weights of piglets. These results could provide novel clues to clarify the underlying regulatory mechanisms of placental development and fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baohua Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.T.); (L.X.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (H.H.); (Z.L.); (L.H.); (G.C.); (Z.W.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Liyao Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.T.); (L.X.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (H.H.); (Z.L.); (L.H.); (G.C.); (Z.W.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yongzhong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.T.); (L.X.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (H.H.); (Z.L.); (L.H.); (G.C.); (Z.W.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Chen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.T.); (L.X.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (H.H.); (Z.L.); (L.H.); (G.C.); (Z.W.)
| | - Huijun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.T.); (L.X.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (H.H.); (Z.L.); (L.H.); (G.C.); (Z.W.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zicong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.T.); (L.X.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (H.H.); (Z.L.); (L.H.); (G.C.); (Z.W.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Linjun Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.T.); (L.X.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (H.H.); (Z.L.); (L.H.); (G.C.); (Z.W.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Gengyuan Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.T.); (L.X.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (H.H.); (Z.L.); (L.H.); (G.C.); (Z.W.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.T.); (L.X.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (H.H.); (Z.L.); (L.H.); (G.C.); (Z.W.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Ting Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.T.); (L.X.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (H.H.); (Z.L.); (L.H.); (G.C.); (Z.W.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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Gori S, Fernández L, Soczewski E, Schafir A, Castagnola L, Grasso E, Martínez G, Leirós CP, Ramhorst R. Embryo Quality Conditions the Secretory Profile of Tolerogenic Dendritic Cell DC-10 During the Peri-Implantation Period. Am J Reprod Immunol 2024; 92:e13891. [PMID: 38958250 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13891] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM The decidualization process conditions monocytes to the immunosuppressive and tolerogenic dendritic cell (DC)-10 profile, a DC subset with high IL-10 production. Since the implantation process implies an embryo-endometrium-immune crosstalk, here we focused on the ability of embryonic soluble factors to modify decidual DC conditioning accordingly with its quality. METHOD OF STUDY Human endometrial stromal cell line (HESC) decidualized with medroxyprogesterone and dibutyryl-cAMP (Dec) was stimulated with human embryo-conditioned media (ECM), classified as normal (ND) or impaired developed (ID) for 48 h (n = 18/group). Monocytes isolated from six healthy women were differentiated to DCs with rhGM-CSF+rhIL-4 in the presence/absence of conditioned media (CM) from decidualized cells stimulated with ECM or nontreated. RESULTS We found that decidualized cells stimulated with ECM sustain a myeloid regulatory cell profile on monocyte-derived culture with increased frequency of CD1a-CD14+ and CD83+CD86low cells. ND-Dec sustained the higher expression of the DC-10 markers, HLA-G and IL-10 whereas ID-Dec diminished IL-10 production (ID-Dec: 135 ± 37.4 vs. Dec: 223.3 ± 49.9 pg/mL, p < 0.05). The treatment with ECM-Dec sustained a higher IL-10 production and prevented the increase of CD83/CD86 after LPS challenge regardless of embryo quality. Notably, TNF-α production increased in ID-Dec cultures (ID-Dec: 475.1 ± 134.7 vs. Dec: 347.5 ± 98 pg/mL, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Although remaining in a tolerogenic profile compatible with DC-10, DCs can differentially respond to decidual secreted factors based on embryo quality, changing their secretome. These results suggest that in the presence of arrested embryo, DCs could differentially shape the immunological microenvironment, contributing to arrested embryo clearance during the menstrual phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soledad Gori
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN-CONICET), Laboratorio de Inmunofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura Fernández
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN-CONICET), Laboratorio de Inmunofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Elizabeth Soczewski
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN-CONICET), Laboratorio de Inmunofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Schafir
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN-CONICET), Laboratorio de Inmunofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lara Castagnola
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN-CONICET), Laboratorio de Inmunofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Esteban Grasso
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN-CONICET), Laboratorio de Inmunofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Martínez
- Fertilis Medicina Reproductiva, San Isidro, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia Pérez Leirós
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN-CONICET), Laboratorio de Inmunofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rosanna Ramhorst
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN-CONICET), Laboratorio de Inmunofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Smith EJ, Beaumont RE, Dudhia J, Guest DJ. Equine Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Tenocytes are Insensitive to a Combination of Inflammatory Cytokines and Have Distinct Molecular Responses Compared to Primary Tenocytes. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:1040-1059. [PMID: 38396222 PMCID: PMC11087315 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10693-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Tissue fibrosis following tendon injury is a major clinical problem due to the increased risk of re-injury and limited treatment options; however, its mechanism remains unclear. Evidence suggests that insufficient resolution of inflammation contributes to fibrotic healing by disrupting tenocyte activity, with the NF-κB pathway being identified as a potential mediator. Equine embryonic stem cell (ESC) derived tenocytes may offer a potential cell-based therapy to improve tendon regeneration, but how they respond to an inflammatory environment is largely unknown. Our findings reveal for the first time that, unlike adult tenocytes, ESC-tenocytes are unaffected by IFN-γ, TNFα, and IL-1β stimulation; producing minimal changes to tendon-associated gene expression and generating 3-D collagen gel constructs indistinguishable from unstimulated controls. Inflammatory pathway analysis found these inflammatory cytokines failed to activate NF-κB in the ESC-tenocytes. However, NF-κB could be activated to induce changes in gene expression following stimulation with NF-κB pharmaceutical activators. Transcriptomic analysis revealed differences between cytokine and NF-κB signalling components between adult and ESC-tenocytes, which may contribute to the mechanism by which ESC-tenocytes escape inflammatory stimuli. Further investigation of these molecular mechanisms will help guide novel therapies to reduce fibrosis and encourage superior tendon healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Smith
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK.
| | - Ross E Beaumont
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Jayesh Dudhia
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Deborah J Guest
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK.
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Bafor EE, Erwin-Cohen RA, Martin T, Baker C, Kimmel AE, Duverger O, Fenimore JM, Ramba M, Spindel T, Hess MM, Sanford M, Lazarevic V, Benayoun BA, Young HA, Valencia JC. Aberrant CD8 +T cells drive reproductive dysfunction in female mice with elevated IFN-γ levels. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1368572. [PMID: 38698852 PMCID: PMC11064017 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1368572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is pivotal in orchestrating immune responses during healthy pregnancy. However, its dysregulation, often due to autoimmunity, infections, or chronic inflammatory conditions, is implicated in adverse reproductive outcomes such as pregnancy failure or infertility. Additionally, the underlying immunological mechanisms remain elusive. Methods Here, we explore the impact of systemic IFN-γ elevation on cytotoxic T cell responses in female reproduction utilizing a systemic lupus-prone mouse model with impaired IFN-γ degradation. Results Our findings reveal that heightened IFN-γ levels triggered the infiltration of CD8+T cells in the pituitary gland and female reproductive tract (FRT), resulting in prolactin deficiency and subsequent infertility. Furthermore, we demonstrate that chronic IFN-γ elevation increases effector memory CD8+T cells in the murine ovary and uterus. Discussion These insights broaden our understanding of the role of elevated IFN-γ in female reproductive dysfunction and suggest CD8+T cells as potential immunotherapeutic targets in female reproductive disorders associated with chronic systemic IFN-γ elevation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enitome E. Bafor
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Rebecca A. Erwin-Cohen
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Toni Martin
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Clayton Baker
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Molecular and Computational Biology Department, University of Southern California, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Adrienne E. Kimmel
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Olivier Duverger
- Craniofacial Anomalies and Regeneration Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - John M. Fenimore
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Meredith Ramba
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Thea Spindel
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Megan M. Hess
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Michael Sanford
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Vanja Lazarevic
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Bérénice A. Benayoun
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Molecular and Computational Biology Department, University of Southern California, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Howard A. Young
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Julio C. Valencia
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States
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Fang Z, Mao J, Huang J, Sun H, Lu X, Lei H, Dong J, Chen S, Wang X. Increased levels of villus-derived exosomal miR-29a-3p in normal pregnancy than uRPL patients suppresses decidual NK cell production of interferon-γ and exerts a therapeutic effect in abortion-prone mice. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:230. [PMID: 38627796 PMCID: PMC11022359 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01610-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) patients have higher absolute numbers of decidual natural killer (dNK) cells with elevated intracellular IFN-γ levels leading to a pro-inflammatory cytokine milieu, which contributes to RPL pathogenesis. The main objective of this study was twofold: first to explore the regulatory effects and mechanisms of villus-derived exosomes (vEXOs) from induced abortion patients or RPL patients at the level of intracellular IFN-γ in dNK cells; second to determine the validity of application of vEXOs in the treatment of unexplained RPL (uRPL) through in vitro experiments and mouse models. METHODS Exosomes were isolated from villus explants by ultracentrifugation, co-cultured with dNK cells, and purified by enzymatic digestion and magnetically activated cell sorting. Flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and RT-qPCR were used to determine IFN-γ levels. Comparative miRNA analysis of vEXOs from induced abortion (IA) and uRPL patients was used to screen potential candidates involved in dNK regulation, which was further confirmed by luciferase reporter assays. IA-vEXOs were electroporated with therapeutic miRNAs and encapsulated in a China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA)-approved hyaluronate gel (HA-Gel), which has been used as a clinical biomaterial in cell therapy for > 30 years. In vivo tracking was performed using 1,1-dioctadecyl-3,3,3,3-tetramethylindotricarbocyaine iodide (DiR) labelling. Tail-vein and uterine horn injections were used to evaluate therapeutic effects of the engineered exosomes in an abortion-prone mouse model (CBA/J × DBA/2 J). Placental growth was evaluated based on placental weight. IFN-γ mRNA levels in mouse placentas were measured by RT-qPCR. RESULTS IFN-γ levels were significantly higher in dNK cells of uRPL patients than in IA patients. Both uRPL-vEXOs and IA-vEXOs could be efficiently internalized by dNK cells, whereas uRPL-vEXOs could not reduce the expression of IFN-γ by dNK cells as much as IA-vEXOs. Mechanistically, miR-29a-3p was delivered by vEXOs to inhibit IFN-γ production by binding to the 3' UTR of IFN-γ mRNA in dNK cells. For in vivo treatment, application of the HA-Gel effectively prolonged the residence time of vEXOs in the uterine cavity via sustained release. Engineered vEXOs loaded with miR-29a-3p reduced the embryo resorption rate in RPL mice with no signs of systemic toxicity. CONCLUSION Our study provides the first evidence that villi can regulate dNK cell production of IFN-γ via exosome-mediated transfer of miR-29a-3p, which deepens our understanding of maternal-fetal immune tolerance for pregnancy maintenance. Based on this, we developed a new strategy to mix engineered vEXOs with HA-Gel, which exhibited good therapeutic effects in mice with uRPL and could be used for potential clinical applications in uRPL treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Fang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jiaqin Mao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jialyu Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Huijun Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xueyan Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hui Lei
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jie Dong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shuqiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China.
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8
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Niebrzydowska-Tatus M, Pełech A, Bień K, Rekowska AK, Domańska A, Kimber-Trojnar Ż, Leszczyńska-Gorzelak B, Trojnar M. Substance P Concentration in Gestational Diabetes and Excessive Gestational Weight Gain and Its Impact on Neonatal Anthropometry. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3759. [PMID: 38612572 PMCID: PMC11011445 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Fetal programming is a process initiated by intrauterine conditions, leaving a lasting impact on the offspring's health, whether they manifest immediately or later in life. It is believed that children born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG) may be at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity later in their adult lives. Substance P is a neurotransmitter associated with obesity development and impairment of insulin signaling. Dysregulation of substance P could lead to several pregnancy pathologies, such as preeclampsia and preterm birth. Our study aimed to compare substance P concentrations in serum and umbilical cord blood in patients with GDM, EGWG, and healthy women with a family history of gestational weight gain. Substance P levels in umbilical cord blood were significantly higher in the GDM group compared to the EGWG and control groups. Substance P levels in serum and umbilical cord blood were positively correlated in all groups and the GDM group. A very interesting direction for future research is the relationship between the concentration of substance P in newborns of diabetic mothers and the occurrence of respiratory distress syndrome as a complication of impaired surfactant synthesis. To our knowledge, it is the first study assessing substance P concentration in GDM and EGWG patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Niebrzydowska-Tatus
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (A.P.); (B.L.-G.)
| | - Aleksandra Pełech
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (A.P.); (B.L.-G.)
| | - Katarzyna Bień
- Student’s Scientific Association at the Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (K.B.); (A.K.R.); (A.D.)
| | - Anna K. Rekowska
- Student’s Scientific Association at the Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (K.B.); (A.K.R.); (A.D.)
| | - Aleksandra Domańska
- Student’s Scientific Association at the Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (K.B.); (A.K.R.); (A.D.)
| | - Żaneta Kimber-Trojnar
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (A.P.); (B.L.-G.)
| | - Bożena Leszczyńska-Gorzelak
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (A.P.); (B.L.-G.)
| | - Marcin Trojnar
- Chair and Department of Internal Diseases, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland;
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9
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Bhatia Z, Kumar S, Seshadri S. Composition and interaction of maternal microbiota with immune mediators during pregnancy and their outcome: A narrative review. Life Sci 2024; 340:122440. [PMID: 38278350 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
The connection between maternal microbiota and infant health has been greatly garnered interest for therapeutic purposes. The early resident microbiota perpetually exhibits much more flexibility as compared to that of the adults, and therefore, constant need of understanding the infant as well as maternal microbiota and their implications however has increased. In this review, we focus mainly on the diversity of overall maternal microbiota including the gut, vaginal, colostrum microbiota and how inflammatory markers fluctuate throughout the normal pregnancy as well in pregnancy with complications. The maternal body undergoes a cascade of physiological changes including hormonal, immunological and metabolic events to support the fetal development. These changes at the time of pregnancy have been correlated with alteration in the composition and diversity of maternal microbiota. Along with alteration in microbiome, the levels of circulatory cytokines fluctuate by complex network of inflammation, in order to prevent the fetal allograft throughout the pregnancy. The dynamic relationship of gut microbiota with the host and its immune system allows one to have greater insights of their role in pregnancy and newborn's health. Emerging evidence suggests that the vertical transmission of bacterial community from mother to newborn may begin in-utero which contributes in developing the immune system and infant gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeel Bhatia
- Institute of Science, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382481, India
| | - Sunny Kumar
- Institute of Science, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382481, India
| | - Sriram Seshadri
- Institute of Science, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382481, India.
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10
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Dai M, Hong L, Yin T, Liu S. Disturbed Follicular Microenvironment in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Relationship to Oocyte Quality and Infertility. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae023. [PMID: 38375912 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder associated with infertility and poor reproductive outcomes. The follicular fluid (FF) microenvironment plays a crucial role in oocyte development. This review summarizes evidence elucidating the alterations in FF composition in PCOS. Various studies demonstrated a pronounced proinflammatory milieu in PCOS FF, characterized by increased levels of cytokines, including but not limited to interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α, C-reactive protein, and IL-1β, concomitant with a reduction in anti-inflammatory IL-10. T lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells are dysregulated in PCOS FF. PCOS FF exhibit heightened reactive oxygen species production and the accumulation of lipid peroxidation byproducts, and impaired antioxidant defenses. Multiple microRNAs are dysregulated in PCOS FF, disrupting signaling critical to granulosa cell function. Proteomic analysis reveals changes in pathways related to immune responses, metabolic perturbations, angiogenesis, and hormone regulation. Metabolomics identify disturbances in glucose metabolism, amino acids, lipid profiles, and steroid levels with PCOS FF. Collectively, these pathological alterations may adversely affect oocyte quality, embryo development, and fertility outcomes. Further research on larger cohorts is needed to validate these findings and to forge the development of prognostic biomarkers of oocyte developmental competence within FF. Characterizing the follicular environment in PCOS is key to elucidating the mechanisms underlying subfertility in this challenging disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyang Dai
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan 430061, China
| | - Ling Hong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital (formerly Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital), Shenzhen 518000, China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Tailang Yin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan 430061, China
| | - Su Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital (formerly Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital), Shenzhen 518000, China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen 518000, China
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11
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Fendereski M, Ming H, Jiang Z, Guo YL. Mouse Trophoblast Cells Have Attenuated Responses to TNF-α and IFN-γ and Can Avoid Synergic Cytotoxicity of the Two Cytokines. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:346-354. [PMID: 38054905 PMCID: PMC10843640 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
TNF-α and IFN-γ are two inflammatory cytokines that play critical roles in immune responses, but they can also negatively affect cell proliferation and viability. In particular, the combination of the two cytokines (TNF-α/IFN-γ) synergistically causes cytotoxicity in many cell types. We recently reported that mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) isolated from the blastocyst stage embryo do not respond to TNF-α and have limited response to IFN-γ, thereby avoiding TNF-α/IFN-γ cytotoxicity. The current study expanded our investigation to mouse trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) and their differentiated trophoblasts (TSC-TBs), the precursors and the differentiated cells of the placenta, respectively. In this study, we report that the combination of TNF-α/IFN-γ does not show the cytotoxicity to TSCs and TSC-TBs that otherwise effectively kills fibroblasts, similar to ESCs. Although ESCs, TSCs, and TSC-TBs are dramatically different in their growth rate, morphology, and physiological functions, they nevertheless share a similarity in being able to avoid TNF-α/IFN-γ cytotoxicity. We propose that this unique immune property may serve as a protective mechanism that limits cytokine cytotoxicity in the blastocyst. With molecular and cellular approaches and genome-wide transcriptomic analysis, we have demonstrated that the attenuated NF-κB and STAT1 transcription activation is a limiting factor that restricts the effect of TNF-α/IFN-γ on TSCs and TSC-TBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Fendereski
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406
| | - Hao Ming
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608
| | - Zongliang Jiang
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608
| | - Yan-Lin Guo
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406
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12
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D’Occhio MJ, Campanile G, Baruselli PS, Porto Neto LR, Hayes BJ, Snr AC, Fortes MRS. Pleomorphic adenoma gene1 in reproduction and implication for embryonic survival in cattle: a review. J Anim Sci 2024; 102:skae103. [PMID: 38586898 PMCID: PMC11056886 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skae103] [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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The pleomorphic adenoma gene1 (PLAG1) encodes a DNA-binding, C2H2 zinc-finger protein which acts as a transcription factor that regulates the expression of diverse genes across different organs and tissues; hence, the name pleomorphic. Rearrangements of the PLAG1 gene, and/or overexpression, are associated with benign tumors and cancers in a variety of tissues. This is best described for pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary glands in humans. The most notable expression of PLAG1 occurs during embryonic and fetal development, with lesser expression after birth. Evidence has accumulated of a role for PLAG1 protein in normal early embryonic development and placentation in mammals. PLAG1 protein influences the expression of the ike growth factor 2 (IGF2) gene and production of IGF2 protein. IGF2 is an important mitogen in ovarian follicles/oocytes, embryos, and fetuses. The PLAG1-IGF2 axis, therefore, provides one pathway whereby PLAG1 protein can influence embryonic survival and pregnancy. PLAG1 also influences over 1,000 other genes in embryos including those associated with ribosomal assembly and proteins. Brahman (Bos indicus) heifers homozygous for the PLAG1 variant, rs109815800 (G > T), show greater fertility than contemporary heifers with either one, or no copy, of the variant. Greater fertility in heifers homozygous for rs109815800 could be the result of early puberty and/or greater embryonic survival. The present review first looks at the broader roles of the PLAG1 gene and PLAG1 protein and then focuses on the emerging role of PLAG1/PLAG1 in embryonic development and pregnancy. A deeper understanding of factors which influence embryonic development is required for the next transformational increase in embryonic survival and successful pregnancy for both in vivo and in vitro derived embryos in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J D’Occhio
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Giuseppe Campanile
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Pietro S Baruselli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Animal Reproduction, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Ben J Hayes
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alf Collins Snr
- CBV Brahman, Marlborough, Central Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Marina R S Fortes
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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13
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Gusev E, Sarapultsev A. Interplay of G-proteins and Serotonin in the Neuroimmunoinflammatory Model of Chronic Stress and Depression: A Narrative Review. Curr Pharm Des 2024; 30:180-214. [PMID: 38151838 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128285578231218102020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This narrative review addresses the clinical challenges in stress-related disorders such as depression, focusing on the interplay between neuron-specific and pro-inflammatory mechanisms at the cellular, cerebral, and systemic levels. OBJECTIVE We aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms linking chronic psychological stress with low-grade neuroinflammation in key brain regions, particularly focusing on the roles of G proteins and serotonin (5-HT) receptors. METHODS This comprehensive review of the literature employs systematic, narrative, and scoping review methodologies, combined with systemic approaches to general pathology. It synthesizes current research on shared signaling pathways involved in stress responses and neuroinflammation, including calcium-dependent mechanisms, mitogen-activated protein kinases, and key transcription factors like NF-κB and p53. The review also focuses on the role of G protein-coupled neurotransmitter receptors (GPCRs) in immune and pro-inflammatory responses, with a detailed analysis of how 13 of 14 types of human 5-HT receptors contribute to depression and neuroinflammation. RESULTS The review reveals a complex interaction between neurotransmitter signals and immunoinflammatory responses in stress-related pathologies. It highlights the role of GPCRs and canonical inflammatory mediators in influencing both pathological and physiological processes in nervous tissue. CONCLUSION The proposed Neuroimmunoinflammatory Stress Model (NIIS Model) suggests that proinflammatory signaling pathways, mediated by metabotropic and ionotropic neurotransmitter receptors, are crucial for maintaining neuronal homeostasis. Chronic mental stress can disrupt this balance, leading to increased pro-inflammatory states in the brain and contributing to neuropsychiatric and psychosomatic disorders, including depression. This model integrates traditional theories on depression pathogenesis, offering a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenii Gusev
- Laboratory of Inflammation Immunology, Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, Ekaterinburg 620049, Russia
- Russian-Chinese Education and Research Center of System Pathology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk 454080, Russia
| | - Alexey Sarapultsev
- Russian-Chinese Education and Research Center of System Pathology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk 454080, Russia
- Laboratory of Immunopathophysiology, Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, Ekaterinburg 620049, Russia
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14
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Hong J, Tong H, Wang X, Lv X, He L, Yang X, Wang Y, Xu K, Liang Q, Feng Q, Niu T, Niu X, Lu Y. Embryonic diapause due to high glucose is related to changes in glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, as well as abnormalities in the TCA cycle and amino acid metabolism. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1135837. [PMID: 38170036 PMCID: PMC10759208 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1135837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The adverse effects of high glucose on embryos can be traced to the preimplantation stage. This study aimed to observe the effect of high glucose on early-stage embryos. Methods and results Seven-week-old ICR female mice were superovulated and mated, and the zygotes were collected. The zygotes were randomly cultured in 5 different glucose concentrations (control, 20mM, 40mM, 60mM and 80mM glucose). The cleavage rate, blastocyst rate and total cell number of blastocyst were used to assess the embryo quality. 40 mM glucose was selected to model high glucose levels in this study. 40mM glucose arrested early embryonic development, and the blastocyst rate and total cell number of the blastocyst decreased significantly as glucose concentration was increased. The reduction in the total cell number of blastocysts in the high glucose group was attributed to decreased proliferation and increased cell apoptosis, which is associated with the diminished expression of GLUTs (GLUT1, GLUT2, GLUT3). Furthermore, the metabolic characterization of blastocyst culture was observed in the high-glucose environment. Discussion The balance of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation at the blastocyst stage was disrupted. And embryo development arrest due to high glucose is associated with changes in glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, as well as abnormalities in the TCA cycle and amino acid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiewei Hong
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hongxuan Tong
- Institute of Basic Theory of Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Party Committee Office, Shanxi Health Vocational College, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaoyan Lv
- Library Collection and Editing Department, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lijuan He
- Rehabilitation Department, Dongfang Hospital Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xuezhi Yang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yingli Wang
- Experimental Management Center, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi, China
| | - Kaixia Xu
- School of Basic Medicine, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi, China
| | - Qi Liang
- Centre for Marine Bioproducts Development, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Qianjin Feng
- Experimental Management Center, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi, China
| | - Tingli Niu
- Medical Insurance Office, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Third Affiliated Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Niu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Lu
- Institute of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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15
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Cho SB. Molecular Mechanisms of Endometriosis Revealed Using Omics Data. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2210. [PMID: 37626707 PMCID: PMC10452455 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a gynecological disorder prevalent in women of reproductive age. The primary symptoms include dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, and infertility. However, the pathogenesis of endometriosis remains unclear. With the advent of high-throughput technologies, various omics experiments have been conducted to identify genes related to the pathophysiology of endometriosis. This review highlights the molecular mechanisms underlying endometriosis using omics. When genes identified in omics experiments were compared with endometriosis disease genes identified in independent studies, the number of overlapping genes was moderate. However, the characteristics of these genes were found to be equivalent when functional gene set enrichment analysis was performed using gene ontology and biological pathway information. These findings indicate that omics technology provides invaluable information regarding the pathophysiology of endometriosis. Moreover, the functional characteristics revealed using enrichment analysis provide important clues for discovering endometriosis disease genes in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Beom Cho
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, Gachon University, 38-13, Dokgeom-ro 3 Street Namdon-gu, Incheon 21565, Republic of Korea
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16
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Mohapatra SK, Chaudhary D, Panda BSK, Kamboj A, Kapila R, Dang AK. Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase 1 mediated alterations in the functionality of immune cells, deciphers the pregnancy outcomes in crossbred dairy cows. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 158:103972. [PMID: 37302363 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103972] [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: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy establishment in bovines requires maternal immune cell modulation. Present study investigated possible role of immunosuppressive indolamine-2, 3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) enzyme in the alteration of neutrophil (NEUT) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) functionality of crossbred cows. Blood was collected from non-pregnant (NP) and pregnant (P) cows, followed by isolation of NEUT and PBMCs. Plasma pro-inflammatory (IFNγ and TNFα) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) were estimated by ELISA and analysis of IDO1 gene in NEUT and PBMCs by RT-qPCR. Neutrophil functionality was assessed by chemotaxis, measuring activity of myeloperoxidase and β-D glucuronidase enzyme and evaluating nitric oxide production. Changes in PBMCs functionality was determined by transcriptional expression of pro-inflammatory (IFNγ, TNFα) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-4, IL-10, TGFβ1) genes. Significantly elevated (P < 0.05) anti-inflammatory cytokines, increased IDO1 expression, reduced NEUT velocity, MPO activity and NO production observed only in P cows. Significantly higher (P < 0.05) expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines and TNFα genes were observed in PBMCs. Study highlights possible role of IDO1 in modulating the immune cell and cytokine activity during early pregnancy and may be targeted as early pregnancy biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Kumar Mohapatra
- Department of Animal Biochemistry, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana 132001, India
| | - Dheeraj Chaudhary
- Lactation and Immuno-Physiology Laboratory, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana 132001, India
| | - Bibhudatta S K Panda
- Lactation and Immuno-Physiology Laboratory, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana 132001, India
| | - Aarti Kamboj
- Lactation and Immuno-Physiology Laboratory, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana 132001, India
| | - Rajeev Kapila
- Department of Animal Biochemistry, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana 132001, India
| | - Ajay Kumar Dang
- Lactation and Immuno-Physiology Laboratory, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana 132001, India.
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17
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Moorkens K, Leroy JLMR, Quanico J, Baggerman G, Marei WFA. How the Oviduct Lipidomic Profile Changes over Time after the Start of an Obesogenic Diet in an Outbred Mouse Model. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1016. [PMID: 37508445 PMCID: PMC10376370 DOI: 10.3390/biology12071016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
We investigated whether a high-fat/high-sugar (HF/HS) diet alters the lipidomic profile of the oviductal epithelium (OE) and studied the patterns of these changes over time. Female outbred Swiss mice were fed either a control (10% fat) or HF/HS (60% fat, 20% fructose) diet. Mice (n = 3 per treatment per time point) were sacrificed and oviducts were collected at 3 days and 1, 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks on the diet. Lipids in the OE were imaged using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation mass spectrometry imaging. Discriminative m/z values and differentially regulated lipids were determined in the HF/HS versus control OEs at each time point. Feeding the obesogenic diet resulted in acute changes in the lipid profile in the OE already after 3 days, and thus even before the development of an obese phenotype. The changes in the lipid profile of the OE progressively increased and became more persistent after long-term HF/HS diet feeding. Functional annotation revealed a differential abundance of phospholipids, sphingomyelins and lysophospholipids in particular. These alterations appear to be not only caused by the direct accumulation of the excess circulating dietary fat but also a reduction in the de novo synthesis of several lipid classes, due to oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction. The described diet-induced lipidomic changes suggest alterations in the OE functions and the oviductal microenvironment which may impact crucial reproductive events that take place in the oviduct, such as fertilization and early embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerlijne Moorkens
- Gamete Research Centre, Laboratory for Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Jo L M R Leroy
- Gamete Research Centre, Laboratory for Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Jusal Quanico
- Centre for Proteomics, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Geert Baggerman
- Centre for Proteomics, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
- Health Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Waleed F A Marei
- Gamete Research Centre, Laboratory for Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12211, Egypt
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18
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Hutchison JC, Evans J, Edgell TA, Nie G, Gardner DK, Salamonsen LA. Detrimental actions of obesity-associated advanced glycation end-products on endometrial epithelial cell proliferation are alleviated by antioxidants. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:35-50. [PMID: 37142478 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Advanced glycation end-products (AGE) are elevated in the uterine environment of obese infertile women. Can the detrimental effects of AGE on endometrial epithelial cells be mitigated with therapeutics, and recapitulated in a more physiologically relevant primary model (organoids)? DESIGN Human endometrial epithelial cells (ECC-1) were exposed to AGE at concentrations physiologically representative of uterine fluid in lean or obese individuals, and three potential therapeutics: 25 nmol/l receptor for AGE (RAGE) antagonist FPS-ZM1, 100 μmol/l metformin, or a combination of antioxidants (10 μmol/l N-acetyl-l-cysteine, 10 μmol/l N-acetyl-l-carnitine and 5 μmol/l α-lipoic acid). Real-time cell analysis (xCELLigence, ACEA Biosciences) determined the rate of adhesion and proliferation. The proliferation of organoid-derived cells and secretion of cytokines from organoids was characterized in the presence of AGE (n = 5). The uterine fluid of women undergoing assisted reproduction was profiled for AGE-associated inflammatory markers (n = 77). RESULTS ECC-1 proliferation was reduced by AGE from obese versus lean conditions and vehicle control (P = 0.04 and P < 0.001, respectively), and restored to a proliferation corresponding to lean conditions by antioxidants. AGE influenced organoid derived primary endometrial epithelial cell proliferation in a donor-dependent manner. AGE increased the organoid secretion of the proinflammatory cytokine CXCL16 (P = 0.006). Clinically, CXCL16 correlated positively to maternal body mass index (R = 0.264, P = 0.021) and intrauterine glucose concentration (R = 0.736, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Physiologically relevant concentrations of AGE alter endometrial epithelial cell function. Antioxidants restore the rate of proliferation of AGE-treated endometrial epithelial (ECC-1) cells. Primary endometrial epithelial cells, cultured as organoids, demonstrate altered proliferation and CXCL16 secretion in the presence of AGE equimolar with the uterine fluid from obese individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Hutchison
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jemma Evans
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tracey A Edgell
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Guiying Nie
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lois A Salamonsen
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
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19
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Lažetić V, Blanchard MJ, Bui T, Troemel ER. Multiple pals gene modules control a balance between immunity and development in Caenorhabditis elegans. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011120. [PMID: 37463170 PMCID: PMC10353827 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system continually battles against pathogen-induced pressures, which often leads to the evolutionary expansion of immune gene families in a species-specific manner. For example, the pals gene family expanded to 39 members in the Caenorhabditis elegans genome, in comparison to a single mammalian pals ortholog. Our previous studies have revealed that two members of this family, pals-22 and pals-25, act as antagonistic paralogs to control the Intracellular Pathogen Response (IPR). The IPR is a protective transcriptional response, which is activated upon infection by two molecularly distinct natural intracellular pathogens of C. elegans-the Orsay virus and the fungus Nematocida parisii from the microsporidia phylum. In this study, we identify a previously uncharacterized member of the pals family, pals-17, as a newly described negative regulator of the IPR. pals-17 mutants show constitutive upregulation of IPR gene expression, increased immunity against intracellular pathogens, as well as impaired development and reproduction. We also find that two other previously uncharacterized pals genes, pals-20 and pals-16, are positive regulators of the IPR, acting downstream of pals-17. These positive regulators reverse the effects caused by the loss of pals-17 on IPR gene expression, immunity, and development. We show that the negative IPR regulator protein PALS-17 and the positive IPR regulator protein PALS-20 colocalize inside and at the apical side of intestinal epithelial cells, which are the sites of infection for IPR-inducing pathogens. In summary, our study demonstrates that several pals genes from the expanded pals gene family act as ON/OFF switch modules to regulate a balance between organismal development and immunity against natural intracellular pathogens in C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Lažetić
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Michael J. Blanchard
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Theresa Bui
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Emily R. Troemel
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
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20
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França DCH, França EL, Sobrevia L, Barbosa AMP, Honorio-França AC, Rudge MVC. Integration of nutrigenomics, melatonin, serotonin and inflammatory cytokines in the pathophysiology of pregnancy-specific urinary incontinence in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166737. [PMID: 37146917 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus is an important public health problem and has been associated with the development of pregnancy-specific urinary incontinence. The interaction is related to hyperglycemia, and inflammatory and hormonal patterns, which favor functional alterations in different organs and systems. Several genes associated with human diseases have been identified and partially characterized. Most of these genes are known to cause monogenic diseases. However, about 3 % of diseases do not fit the monogenic theory due to the complex interactions between multiple genes and environmental factors, as in chronic metabolic diseases such as diabetes. The nutritional, immunological, and hormonal patterns associated with changes in maternal metabolism may influence and contribute to greater susceptibility to urinary tract disorders. However, early systematic reviews have not yielded consistent findings for these associations. This literature review summarizes important new findings from integrating nutrigenomics, hormones, and cytokines in women with Gestational diabetes mellitus and pregnancy-specific urinary incontinence. Changes in maternal metabolism due to hyperglycemia can generate an inflammatory environment with increased inflammatory cytokines. This environment modulated by inflammation can alter tryptophan uptake through food and thus influence the production of serotonin and melatonin. As these hormones seem to have protective effects against smooth muscle dysfunction and to restore the impaired contractility of the detrusor muscle, it is assumed that these changes may favor the onset of urinary incontinence specific to pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Cristina Honorio França
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil.
| | - Eduardo Luzía França
- Institute of Biological and Health Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Barra do Garças 78605-091, Brazil.
| | - Luis Sobrevia
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil; Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Department of Obstetrics, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad de Sevilla, E-41012 Seville, Spain; Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia; Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, 9713GZ Groningen, the Netherlands; Tecnologico de Monterrey, Eutra, The Institute for Obesity Research (IOR), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monterrey 64710, Mexico.
| | - Angélica Mércia Pascon Barbosa
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil; Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, School of Philosophy and Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Marilia 17525-900, Brazil
| | | | - Marilza Vieira Cunha Rudge
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil.
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21
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Lažetić V, Blanchard MJ, Bui T, Troemel ER. Multiple pals gene modules control a balance between immunity and development in Caenorhabditis elegans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.15.524171. [PMID: 36711775 PMCID: PMC9882112 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.15.524171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The immune system continually battles against pathogen-induced pressures, which often leads to the evolutionary expansion of immune gene families in a species-specific manner. For example, the pals gene family expanded to 39 members in the Caenorhabditis elegans genome, in comparison to a single mammalian pals ortholog. Our previous studies have revealed that two members of this family, pals-22 and pals-25 , act as antagonistic paralogs to control the Intracellular Pathogen Response (IPR). The IPR is a protective transcriptional response, which is activated upon infection by two molecularly distinct natural intracellular pathogens of C. elegans - the Orsay virus and the fungus Nematocida parisii from the microsporidia phylum. In this study, we identify a previously uncharacterized member of the pals family, pals-17 , as a newly described negative regulator of the IPR. pals-17 mutants show constitutive upregulation of IPR gene expression, increased immunity against intracellular pathogens, as well as impaired development and reproduction. We also find that two other previously uncharacterized pals genes, pals-20 and pals-16 , are positive regulators of the IPR, acting downstream of pals-17 . These positive regulators reverse the effects caused by the loss of pals-17 on IPR gene expression, immunity and development. We show that the negative IPR regulator protein PALS-17 and the positive IPR regulator protein PALS-20 colocalize inside intestinal epithelial cells, which are the sites of infection for IPR-inducing pathogens. In summary, our study demonstrates that several pals genes from the expanded pals gene family act as ON/OFF switch modules to regulate a balance between organismal development and immunity against natural intracellular pathogens in C. elegans . AUTHOR SUMMARY Immune responses to pathogens induce extensive rewiring of host physiology. In the short term, these changes are generally beneficial as they can promote resistance against infection. However, prolonged activation of immune responses can have serious negative consequences on host health, including impaired organismal development and fitness. Therefore, the balance between activating the immune system and promoting development must be precisely regulated. In this study, we used genetics to identify a gene in the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans called pals-17 that acts as a repressor of the Intracellular Pathogen Response (IPR), a defense response against viral and microsporidian infections. We also found that pals-17 is required for the normal development of these animals. Furthermore, we identified two other pals genes, pals-20 and pals-16 , as suppressors of pals-17 mutant phenotypes. Finally, we found that PALS-17 and PALS-20 proteins colocalize inside intestinal cells, where viruses and microsporidia invade and replicate in the host. Taken together, our study demonstrates a balance between organismal development and immunity that is regulated by several genetic ON/OFF switch 'modules' in C. elegans .
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Lažetić
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Michael J. Blanchard
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Theresa Bui
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Emily R. Troemel
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States,Corresponding author
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22
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Past COVID-19: The Impact on IVF Outcomes Based on Follicular Fluid Lipid Profile. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010010. [PMID: 36613453 PMCID: PMC9820085 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicular fluid is an important component of follicle growth and development. Negative effects of COVID-19 on follicular function are still open. The aim of this work was to study the features of the lipid profile of follicular fluid and evaluate the results of the in vitro fertilization (IVF) program in women after COVID-19 to identify biomarkers with prognostic potential. The study involved samples of follicular fluid collected from 237 women. Changes in the lipid composition of the follicular fluid of patients who underwent COVID-19 in mild and severe forms before entering the IVF program and women who did not have COVID-19 were studied by mass spectrometry. Several lipids were identified that significantly changed their level. On the basis of these findings, models were developed for predicting the threat of miscarriage in patients who had a severe course of COVID-19 and models for predicting the success of the IVF procedure, depending on the severity of COVID-19. Of practical interest is the possibility of using the developed predictive models in working with patients who have undergone COVID-19 before entering the IVF program. The results of the study suggest that the onset of pregnancy and its outcome after severe COVID-19 may be associated with changes in lipid metabolism in the follicular fluid.
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23
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Treating unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss based on lessons learned from obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome and inherited thrombophilia: A propensity-score adjusted retrospective study. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 154:103760. [PMID: 36395545 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103760] [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: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The efficacy of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is well-established in patients with obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (O-APS). Their role in women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (U-RPL) and late obstetrical complications (intrauterine growth restriction, IUGR and preeclampsia) is controversial. Here we compared rates of miscarriage and late obstetrical complications in RPL patients diagnosed with O-APS (n = 57) or hereditary thrombophilia (n = 25) (both assuming LMWH from the beginning of pregnancy) and in patients with a history of U-RPL (n = 118), assuming or not LMWH, followed at the 'Pregnancy at risk' and 'Recurrent pregnancy loss' outpatient clinics at the San Raffaele Hospital from April 2010 to April 2020. Patients with systemic autoimmune diseases other than primary O-APS were excluded. We tested for bivariate or multivariate associations among adverse pregnancy outcomes, the presence of thrombophilia and LMWH use by using chi-square test, Anova, propensity score adjusted univariate logistic regression and multivariate analysis as appropriate. U-RPL patients assuming LMWH from the beginning of pregnancy (group A) had a significantly lower rate of miscarriage compared to U-RPL patients who were not treated with LMWH (group B) (13 % vs. 41 % respectively, p 0.001) and similar pregnancy rates compared to both O-APS patients with a history of RPL taking LMWH (group C, 18 %) and RPL patients with thrombophilia and treated with LMWH (group D, 16 %). Our data highlight a protective effect of LMWH on miscarriage in patients with a history of U-RPL. In these patients, LMWH seems as effective as in O-APS and hereditary thrombophilia in reducing RPL.
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24
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Moorkens K, Leroy JLMR, Verheyen S, Marei WFA. Effects of an obesogenic diet on the oviduct depend on the duration of feeding. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275379. [PMID: 36174086 PMCID: PMC9522283 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Research question How long does it take for an obesogenic (high-fat/high-sugar, HF/HS) diet to influence the oviductal microenvironment? What are the affected cellular pathways and are they dependent on the genetic background of the mouse model? Design Female Swiss (outbred) and C57BL/6N (B6, inbred) mice were fed either a control (10% fat) or HF/HS (60% fat, 20% fructose) diet. Body weight was measured weekly. Mice were sacrificed at 3 days (3d), 1 week (1w), 4w, 8w, 12w and 16w on the diet (n = 5 per treatment per time point). Total cholesterol concentrations and inflammatory cytokines were measured in serum. Oviductal epithelial cells (OECs) were used to study the expression of genes involved in (mitochondrial) oxidative stress (OS), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and inflammation using qPCR. Results Body weight and blood cholesterol increased significantly in the HF/HS mice in both strains compared to controls. In Swiss mice, HF/HS diet acutely increased ER-stress and OS-related genes in the OECs already after 3d. Subsequently, mitochondrial and cytoplasmic antioxidants were upregulated and ER-stress was alleviated at 1w. After 4-8w (mid-phase), the expression of ER-stress and OS-related genes was increased again and persisted throughout the late-phase (12-16w). Serum inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory marker-gene expression in the OECs were increased only in the late-phase. Some of the OEC stress responses were stronger or earlier in the B6. Conclusions OECs are sensitive to an obesogenic diet and may exhibit acute stress responses already after a few days of feeding. This may impact the oviductal microenvironment and contribute to diet-induced subfertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerlijne Moorkens
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Gamete Research Centre, Laboratory for Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Jo L. M. R. Leroy
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Gamete Research Centre, Laboratory for Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sara Verheyen
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Gamete Research Centre, Laboratory for Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Waleed F. A. Marei
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Gamete Research Centre, Laboratory for Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
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25
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Zeng S, Liu X, Liu D, Song W. Research update for the immune microenvironment of chronic endometritis. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 152:103637. [PMID: 35576684 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Chronic endometritis (CE) is a persistent and subtle local inflammatory disease characterized by abnormal plasma cell infiltration in the endometrial stroma.The incidence of chronic endometritis is as high as 15-57.5% in women suffering from infertility, implantation failure of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and unexplained recurrent abortion. Many studies both at home and abroad have shown that CE can reduce the receptivity of endometrium and affect embryo implantation. According to the existing reproductive immunity research, the abnormality of immune cell subsets in endometrium is an important factors leading to pregnancy failure. The immune microenvironment in endometrium consists of immune cells and immune molecules, and their influence on embryo implantation can not be ignored. This review paper discusses the controversy of pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of CE from the perspective of immune microenvironment by referring to related literature at home and abroad, and investigates the possible ways to improve the diagnosis and treatment of CE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuli Zeng
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen 518020, China
| | - Xinqiong Liu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen 518020, China
| | - Dongzhou Liu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen 518020, China
| | - Wencong Song
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen 518020, China
- Hainan Vocational University of Science and Technology, No.18 Qiongshan Avenue, Meilan District, Haikou City 571126, Hainan Province, China
- Shenzhen Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shantou University Medical College, Shenzhen 518038, China
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26
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Carbonnel M, Daclin C, Tarantino N, Groiseau O, Morin V, Rousseau A, Vasse M, Hertig A, Kennel T, Ayoubi JM, Vieillard V. Plasticity of natural killer cells in pregnant patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and their neonates during childbirth. Front Immunol 2022; 13:893450. [PMID: 35911747 PMCID: PMC9335005 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.893450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has occurred due to infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which impacts gestation and pregnancy. In SARS-CoV-2 infection, only very rare cases of vertical transmission have been reported, suggesting that fetal immune imprinting due to a maternal infection is probably a result of changes in maternal immunity. Natural killer (NK) cells are the leading maternal immune cells that act as a natural defense system to fight infections. They also play a pivotal role in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. While peripheral NK cells display specific features in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the general population, information remains elusive in pregnant mothers and neonates. In the present study, we analyzed the characteristics of NK cells isolated from both neonatal umbilical cord blood and maternal peripheral blood close to the time of delivery. Phenotype and functions were compared in 18 healthy pregnant women and 34 COVID-19 patients during pregnancy within an ongoing infection (PCR+; N = 15) or after recovery (IgG+PCR−; N = 19). The frequency of NK cells from infected women and their neonates was correlated with the production of inflammatory cytokines in the serum. The expression of NKG2A and NKp30, as well as degranulation of NK cells in pregnant women with ongoing infection, were both negatively correlated to estradiol level. Furthermore, NK cells from the neonates born to infected women were significantly decreased and also correlated to estradiol level. This study highlights the relationship between NK cells, inflammation, and estradiol in patients with ongoing infection, providing new insights into the impact of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection on the neonate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Carbonnel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hôpital Foch, Suresnes, France
- University of Versailles, Versailles, France
| | - Camille Daclin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hôpital Foch, Suresnes, France
- University of Versailles, Versailles, France
| | - Nadine Tarantino
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1135, CNRS ERL 8255, Centre d’Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), Paris, France
| | - Olivia Groiseau
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1135, CNRS ERL 8255, Centre d’Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), Paris, France
| | - Véronique Morin
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1135, CNRS ERL 8255, Centre d’Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), Paris, France
| | - Alice Rousseau
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1135, CNRS ERL 8255, Centre d’Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), Paris, France
| | - Marc Vasse
- Department of Clinical Biology, Hôpital Foch, Suresnes, France
- INSERM UMRS-1176, University Paris-Sud, Orsay, France
| | - Alexandre Hertig
- Nephrology and Renal Transplantation Department, Hôpital Foch, Suresnes, France
| | - Titouan Kennel
- Department of Clinic Research, Hôpital Foch, Suresnes, France
| | - Jean Marc Ayoubi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hôpital Foch, Suresnes, France
- University of Versailles, Versailles, France
| | - Vincent Vieillard
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1135, CNRS ERL 8255, Centre d’Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Vincent Vieillard,
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27
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Zhang B, Gong X, Han B, Chu M, Gong C, Yang J, Chen L, Wang J, Bai Z, Zhang Y. Ambient PM 2.5 exposures and systemic inflammation in women with early pregnancy. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 829:154564. [PMID: 35302014 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The association between ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and systemic inflammation in women with early pregnancy is unclear. This study estimated the effects of PM2.5 exposures on inflammatory biomarkers in women with normal early pregnancy (NEP) or clinically recognized early pregnancy loss (CREPL). Serum interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were measured in 228 early pregnant women recruited in Tianjin, China. Maternal PM2.5 exposures at lag 0 through lag 30 before blood collection were estimated using temporally-adjusted land use regression models. Daily exposures to ambient PM10, NO2, SO2, CO and 8-hours maximum ozone were estimated using city-level concentrations. Single-day lag effects at lag 0 through lag 7 were estimated using multivariable linear regression models. Distributed lag effects and cumulative effects over the preceding seven days and 30 days were estimated using distributed lag non-linear models. Serum IL-1β (8.0% increase at lag 3), IL-6 (33.9% increase at lag 5) and TNF-α (12.7% increase at lag 5) in early pregnant women were significantly increased with an interquartile range increase in PM2.5 exposures adjusted for temporal confounders and demographic characteristics. These effects were robust in several two-pollutant models. Distributed lag effects over the preceding 30 days also showed that the three cytokines were significantly increased with PM2.5 on some lag days. Among all cumulative effects of PM2.5 on the three cytokines in all subjects or in the two groups, only IL-6 was significantly increased in CREPL women over the preceding seven days and 30 days. No significant cumulative effect of PM2.5 was observed in NEP women. In conclusion, exposure to ambient PM2.5 may induce systemic inflammation in women in the first trimester of pregnancy. Whether the PM2.5-related cumulative increase in maternal IL-6 is involved in the pathogenic mechanisms of early pregnancy loss needs to be identified in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bumei Zhang
- Department of Family Planning, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xian Gong
- Department of Family Planning, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Bin Han
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mengyu Chu
- Department of Family Planning, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chen Gong
- Department of Family Planning, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Junnan Yang
- Department of Family Planning, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Li Chen
- School of Geographic and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jianmei Wang
- Department of Family Planning, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhipeng Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yujuan Zhang
- Department of Family Planning, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Composition and effects of seminal plasma in the female reproductive tracts on implantation of human embryos. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 151:113065. [PMID: 35550527 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The function of seminal plasma involves acting as a transport medium for sperm and as a means of communication between the reproductive tissues of the male and female. It is also a vital factor to prime the reproductive tracts of the female for optimal pregnancy. When the reproductive tract of the female is exposed to seminal plasma, serious alterations take place, enhancing pathogen and debris clearance observed in the uterus throughout mating. It is also capable of supporting embryo growth, promoting the receptivity of the uterus, and establishing tolerance to the semi-allogenic embryo. Moreover, seminal plasma is capable of regulating the functions of several female reproductive organs and providing an ideal condition for effective embryo implantation and pregnancy. It is believed that the health state of the offspring is affected by exposure to seminal plasma. For the treatment of infertility, assisted reproductive technologies have been extensively employed. The application of seminal plasma as a therapeutic approach to enhance the development of embryo competency and rate of implantation, receptivity of endometrium, and establishment of maternal immune tolerance in cycles of ART appears possible. Herein, current knowledge on the composition of seminal plasma and the physiological roles it possesses on various parts of the female reproductive tract are summarized. Moreover, the role of seminal plasma in the development of embryos, implantation, and the following fetal growth and survival have been reviewed in this article.
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Endometriosis: A Disease with Few Direct Treatment Options. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27134034. [PMID: 35807280 PMCID: PMC9268675 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a gynecological condition characterized by the growth of endometrium-like tissues inside and outside the pelvic cavity. The evolution of the disease can lead to infertility in addition to high treatment costs. Currently, available medications are only effective in treating endometriosis-related pain; however, it is not a targeted treatment. The objective of this work is to review the characteristics of the disease, the diagnostic means and treatments available, as well as to discuss new therapeutic options.
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Guo YL, Gurung C, Fendereski M, Huang F. Dicer and PKR as Novel Regulators of Embryonic Stem Cell Fate and Antiviral Innate Immunity. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 208:2259-2266. [PMID: 35577384 PMCID: PMC9179006 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) represent a unique cell population in the blastocyst stage embryo. They have been intensively studied as a promising cell source for regenerative medicine. Recent studies have revealed that both human and mouse ESCs are deficient in expressing IFNs and have attenuated inflammatory responses. Apparently, the ability to express IFNs and respond to certain inflammatory cytokines is not "innate" to ESCs but rather is developmentally acquired by somatic cells during differentiation. Accumulating evidence supports a hypothesis that the attenuated innate immune response may serve as a protective mechanism allowing ESCs to avoid immunological cytotoxicity. This review describes our current understanding of the molecular basis that shapes the immune properties of ESCs. We highlight the recent findings on Dicer and dsRNA-activated protein kinase R as novel regulators of ESC fate and antiviral immunity and discuss how ESCs use alternative mechanisms to accommodate their stem cell properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Lin Guo
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS; and
| | - Chandan Gurung
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS; and
| | - Mona Fendereski
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS; and
| | - Faqing Huang
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Program, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS
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31
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The Role of Cytokines in Maintaining the Dynamics of Cell-Cell Interaction between Natural Killer Cells and Trophoblast Cells. Bull Exp Biol Med 2022; 172:622-631. [PMID: 35352255 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-022-05444-z] [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: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
We analyzed the effect of individual cytokines that are secretory products of placenta typical of the uteroplacental bed. The proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IFNγ, and IL-1β increased the expression of TGFβR2 molecule by trophoblast cells, while VEGF and PLGF increased the expression of CD45, CD29, and CD54 adhesion molecule by trophoblast cells. The antiinflammatory cytokine IL-4 increased LeptinR expression by trophoblast cells. PMA and TNFα also enhanced the adhesion of NK cells to trophoblast cells. Our findings suggest that NK cells involved CD11a, CD11b, and CD18 molecules during their transmigration through trophoblast, as well as during their transendothelial migration.
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32
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Castiglione Morelli MA, Iuliano A, Schettini SCA, Ferri A, Colucci P, Viggiani L, Matera I, Ostuni A. Are the Follicular Fluid Characteristics of Recovered Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients Different From Those of Vaccinated Women Approaching in vitro Fertilization? Front Physiol 2022; 13:840109. [PMID: 35283772 PMCID: PMC8905595 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.840109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate if SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 infection induce observable metabolic effects in follicular fluid of women who are following in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. The possible impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on fertility and IVF outcome is considered. We have selected for this study: six women vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 infection, five recovered COVID-19 patients, and we used nine healthy women as the control group. At the time of oocytes retrieval from participants in the study, follicular fluids were collected and metabolomic analysis was performed by 1H NMR spectroscopy in combination with multivariate analysis to interpret the spectral data. The search for antibody positivity in the follicular fluid aspirates was also carried out, together with the western blotting analysis of some inflammatory proteins, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and the free radical scavenger superoxide dismutase 2. Higher levels of Ala and Pro together with lower levels of lipids and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) were found in follicular fluids (FFs) of vaccinated women while lower levels of many metabolites were detected in FFs of recovered COVID patients. Expression level of TNF-α was significantly lower both in recovered COVID-19 patients and vaccinated women in comparison to healthy controls.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Assunta Iuliano
- Center for Reproductive Medicine of "San Carlo" Hospital, Potenza, Italy
| | | | - Angela Ferri
- Center for Reproductive Medicine of "San Carlo" Hospital, Potenza, Italy
| | - Paola Colucci
- Center for Reproductive Medicine of "San Carlo" Hospital, Potenza, Italy
| | - Licia Viggiani
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Ilenia Matera
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Angela Ostuni
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
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Single Cell Proteomics Profiling Reveals That Embryo-Secreted TNF-α Plays a Critical Role During Embryo Implantation to the Endometrium. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:1608-1617. [PMID: 35084714 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00833-7] [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: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
It has been long-known that endometrium-secreted cytokines play a critical role during embryo implantation. However, whether cytokines secreted from the embryo are relevant to the process of embryo implantation remains unclear. The concentration of cytokines in embryo culture medium was tested using a newly developed, high-sensitivity single-cell proteomic platform and evaluated in comparison to embryo quality and clinical outcome. The effect of TNF-α on embryo and endometrium Ishikawa cells was investigated using immunofluorescence staining, CCK-8 assay, TUNEL staining, and RT-qPCR. Of the 10 cytokines measured, only TNF-α concentration was significantly higher in the group with embryo implantation failure. Immunofluorescence staining showed that the expression of TNF-α was unevenly distributed in blastocysts, and the expression level was significantly correlated with the blastocyst inner cell mass (ICM) quality score. Gene profiling showed that addition of TNF-α led to increased expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) and apoptosis-related genes and that this could be inhibited by the TNF-α receptor inhibitor etanercept (ETA). In addition, an increased expression of water and ion channels, including AQP3, CFTR, ENaCA, and CRISP2 was also observed which could also be inhibited by ETA. Our results show that higher embryo-secreted TNF-α levels are associated with implantation failure through activation of TNF-α receptor, and TNF-α may be an independent predictor for pre-transfer assessment of the embryo development potential in IVF patients.
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Heng S, Samarajeewa N, Wang Y, Paule SG, Breen J, Nie G. Podocalyxin promotes an impermeable epithelium and inhibits pro-implantation factors to negatively regulate endometrial receptivity. Sci Rep 2021; 11:24016. [PMID: 34907278 PMCID: PMC8671585 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03425-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation is a key step in establishing pregnancy and a major limiting factor in IVF. Implantation requires a receptive endometrium but the mechanisms governing receptivity are not well understood. We have recently discovered that podocalyxin (PCX or PODXL) is a key negative regulator of human endometrial receptivity. PCX is expressed in all endometrial epithelial cells in the non-receptive endometrium but selectively down-regulated in the luminal epithelium at receptivity. We have further demonstrated that this down-regulation is essential for implantation because PCX inhibits embryo attachment and penetration. However, how PCX confers this role is unknown. In this study, through RNAseq analysis of Ishikawa cell line stably overexpressing PCX, we discovered that PCX suppresses expression of genes controlling cell adhesion and communication, but increases those governing epithelial barrier functions, especially the adherens and tight junctions. Moreover, PCX suppresses multiple factors such as LIF and signaling pathways including Wnt and calcium signaling that support receptivity but stimulates anti-implantation genes such as LEFTY2. Functional studies confirmed that PCX promotes epithelial barrier functions by increasing key epithelial junction proteins such as E-cadherin and claudin 4. PCX thus promotes an anti-adhesive and impermeable epithelium while impedes pro-implantation factors to negatively control endometrial receptivity for implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophea Heng
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Melbourne, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Nirukshi Samarajeewa
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Melbourne, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Yao Wang
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Melbourne, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Sarah G Paule
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - James Breen
- The Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,University of Adelaide Bioinformatics Hub, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Guiying Nie
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Melbourne, VIC, 3083, Australia. .,Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
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Wu YX, Lin YS, Li SC, Yao X, Cheng M, Zhu L, Liu HY. microRNA-194 is increased in polycystic ovary syndrome granulosa cell and induce KGN cells apoptosis by direct targeting heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:170. [PMID: 34814928 PMCID: PMC8609843 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00850-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine-related follicular developmental disorder that affects 50 %-70 % of reproductive-aged women diagnosed with ovulation-related infertility. Abnormal proliferation and apoptosis of granulosa cells (GCs) are thought to be the critical factors leading to abnormal maturation of follicles. It has been shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) exert a significant influence in the pathogenesis of PCOS; however, the relationship between miRNA, PCOS, and GC apoptosis is not entirely understood. METHODS To clarify the effect of miR-194 in PCOS, CCK-8, Ki67 staining, AO/EB, and flow cytometry assays were used to assess cell growth, proliferation, and apoptosis in KGN cells, which were artificially stimulated to overexpress miR-194. Luciferase reporter assays and rescue experiments were used to elucidate the mechanism underlying miR-194 in PCOS. RESULTS miR-194 expression was significantly up-regulated in rat models of PCOS and the ovarian GCs of PCOS patients. miR-194 suppression promoted KGN cell growth and proliferation. miR-194 overexpression also induced cell apoptosis, while miR-194 downregulation had an opposite effect. Furthermore, up-regulating heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) expression rescued the pro-apoptotic effects of miR-194 upregulation on KGN cells. CONCLUSIONS miR-194 is increased in PCOS granulosa cell and may function as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for KGN cells via HB-EGF regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Xuan Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Shan Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Si-Chen Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingwei Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hai-Ying Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 63 Duobao Road, Guangdong, Guangzhou, China.
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36
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Lee I, Ahn SH, Kim HI, Baek HW, Park YJ, Kim H, Aljassim AI, Shin W, Ryu C, Yoon J, Lee JH, Yun BH, Seo SK, Park JH, Choi YS, Cho S, Lee BS. Cytokines in culture media of preimplantation embryos during in vitro fertilization: Impact on embryo quality. Cytokine 2021; 148:155714. [PMID: 34600304 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2021.155714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Cytokine support of embryonic development includes promotion of implantation and protection of blastomeres from cell stress and apoptosis. Correlations between embryo quality and concentrations of specific cytokines in culture media of human embryos have been investigated for many years. The aim of this study was to assess the concentrations of cytokines in preimplantation embryo culture media and to investigate their relationships with embryo quality and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. Seventy-two samples were obtained from 39 infertile couples undergoing IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment between October 2018 and May 2019. Each embryo was cultured separately, and the embryo culture medium was collected 72 h after fertilization. Before embryo transfer on day 3, a morphological evaluation of each embryo was performed. Cytokine concentrations of each culture medium were analyzed for 23 selected cytokines using the Multiplex Cytokine/Chemokine Panel II Assay (Merck Millipore®). The results were categorized into two groups (top-quality and non-top-quality embryos). The median age of the 39 patients was 34 years. Nine of 23 cytokines were quantified and compared between the top-quality embryo group and non-top-quality embryo group. Among the nine cytokines, CCL15, CCL27, and CXCL-12 were significantly elevated in the top-quality embryo group. These results suggested that specific cytokines measured in human embryo culture media can be used to predict embryo quality and IVF outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inha Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - So Hyun Ahn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Hye In Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Hye Won Baek
- Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 211 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06273, South Korea
| | - Yun Jeong Park
- Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 211 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06273, South Korea
| | - Heeyon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Aminah Ibrahim Aljassim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal General Hospital, Alahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Whan Shin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dankook University Hospital, Dankook University, 201 Manghyang-ro, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan, Chung Nam 31116, South Korea
| | - Chungsoon Ryu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Jeongmi Yoon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Jae Hoon Lee
- Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 211 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06273, South Korea
| | - Bo Hyon Yun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Seok Kyo Seo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Joo Hyun Park
- Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 363 Dongbaekjukjeon-daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 16995, South Korea
| | - Young Sik Choi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea.
| | - SiHyun Cho
- Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 211 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06273, South Korea
| | - Byung Seok Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea
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Kontsevaya GV, Gerlinskaya LA, Moshkin YM, Anisimova MV, Stanova AK, Babochkina TI, Moshkin MP. The Effects of Sperm and Seminal Fluid of Immunized Male Mice on In Vitro Fertilization and Surrogate Mother-Embryo Interaction. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910650. [PMID: 34638989 PMCID: PMC8508670 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The latest vaccination campaign has actualized the potential impact of antigenic stimuli on reproductive functions. To address this, we mimicked vaccination’s effects by administering keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH ) to CD1 male mice and used their sperm for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Two-cell embryos after IVF with spermatozoa from control (C) or KLH-treated (Im) male mice were transferred to surrogate mothers mated with vasectomized control (C) or KLH-treated (Im) male mice, resulting in four experimental groups: C–C, Im–C, C–Im, and Im–Im. The pre-implantation losses were significantly lower in the Im–C group than in the C–Im group. At the same time, the resorption rates reduced markedly in the C–Im compared to the Im–C group. Embryo and placenta weights were significantly higher in the Im–Im group. Although the GM-CSF levels were lower in the amniotic fluid of the gestating surrogate mothers in the Im–Im group, they were strongly correlated with embryo mass. The number–size trade-off was only significant in the Im–Im group. This suggests a positive, cooperative effect of spermatozoa and seminal fluid from immune-primed males on embryo growth and the optimal distribution of surrogate mother maternal resources despite the negative impact of males’ antigenic challenge on the IVF success rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina Vladimirovna Kontsevaya
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (G.V.K.); (Y.M.M.); (M.V.A.); (A.K.S.); (M.P.M.)
| | - Ludmila Alekseevna Gerlinskaya
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (G.V.K.); (Y.M.M.); (M.V.A.); (A.K.S.); (M.P.M.)
- Correspondence: (L.A.G.); (T.I.B.)
| | - Yury Mikhailovich Moshkin
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (G.V.K.); (Y.M.M.); (M.V.A.); (A.K.S.); (M.P.M.)
| | - Margarita Vladimirovna Anisimova
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (G.V.K.); (Y.M.M.); (M.V.A.); (A.K.S.); (M.P.M.)
| | - Aliya Konstantinovna Stanova
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (G.V.K.); (Y.M.M.); (M.V.A.); (A.K.S.); (M.P.M.)
| | - Tatyana Ivanovna Babochkina
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (G.V.K.); (Y.M.M.); (M.V.A.); (A.K.S.); (M.P.M.)
- Correspondence: (L.A.G.); (T.I.B.)
| | - Mikhail Pavlovich Moshkin
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (G.V.K.); (Y.M.M.); (M.V.A.); (A.K.S.); (M.P.M.)
- Biological Institute at Tomsk State University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
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38
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Aboussahoud WS, Smith H, Stevens A, Wangsaputra I, Hunter HR, Kimber SJ, Seif MW, Brison DR. The expression and activity of Toll-like receptors in the preimplantation human embryo suggest a new role for innate immunity. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2661-2675. [PMID: 34517414 PMCID: PMC8450873 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is the innate immunity system active in early human embryo development? SUMMARY ANSWER The pattern recognition receptors and innate immunity Toll-like receptor (TLR) genes are widely expressed in preimplantation human embryos and the pathway appears to be active in response to TLR ligands. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Early human embryos are highly sensitive to their local environment, however relatively little is known about how embryos detect and respond to specific environmental cues. While the maternal immune response is known to be key to the establishment of pregnancy at implantation, the ability of human embryos to detect and signal the presence of pathogens is unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Expression of TLR family and related genes in human embryos was assessed by analysis of published transcriptome data (n = 40). Day 5 (D-5) human embryos (n = 25) were cultured in the presence of known TLR ligands and gene expression and cytokine production measured compared to controls. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Human embryos surplus to treatment requirements were donated with informed consent from several ART centres. Embryos were cultured to Day 6 (D-6) in the presence of the TLR3 and TLR5 ligands Poly (I: C) and flagellin, with gene expression measured by quantitative PCR and cytokine release into medium measured using cytometric bead arrays. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE TLR and related genes, including downstream signalling molecules, were expressed variably at all human embryo developmental stages. Results showed the strongest expression in the blastocyst for TLRs 9 and 5, and throughout development for TLRs 9, 5, 2, 6 and 7. Stimulation of Day 5 blastocysts with TLR3 and TLR5 ligands Poly (I: C) and flagellin produced changes in mRNA expression levels of TLR genes, including the hyaluronan-mediated motility receptor (HMMR), TLR5, TLR7, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and monocyte chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1) (P < 0.05, P < 0.001 compared to unstimulated controls), and release into culture medium of cytokines and chemokines, notably IL8 (P = 0.00005 and 0.01277 for flagellin and Poly (I: C), respectively). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This was a descriptive and experimental study which suggests that the TLR system is active in human embryos and capable of function, but does not confirm any particular role. Although we identified embryonic transcripts for a range of TLR genes, the expression patterns were not always consistent across published studies and expression levels of some genes were low, leaving open the possibility that these were expressed from the maternal rather than embryonic genome. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This is the first report of the expression and activity of a number of components of the innate immunity TLR system in human embryos. Understanding the role of TLRs during preimplantation human development may be important to reveal immunological mechanisms and potential clinical markers of embryo quality and pregnancy initiation during natural conception and in ART. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was funded by the Ministry of Higher Education, The State of Libya, the UK Medical Research Council, and the NIHR Local Comprehensive Research Network and NIHR Manchester Clinical Research Facility and the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programmes under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Grant Agreement No. 812660 (DohART-NET). In accordance with H2020 rules, no new human embryos were sacrificed for research activities performed from the EU funding, which concerned only in silico analyses of recorded time-lapse and transcriptomics datasets. None of the authors has any conflict of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER n/a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wedad S Aboussahoud
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St. Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Helen Smith
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Adam Stevens
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St. Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Ivan Wangsaputra
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St. Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Helen R Hunter
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Susan J Kimber
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Mourad W Seif
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Daniel R Brison
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
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Shmeleva EV, Colucci F. Maternal natural killer cells at the intersection between reproduction and mucosal immunity. Mucosal Immunol 2021; 14:991-1005. [PMID: 33903735 PMCID: PMC8071844 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-020-00374-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Many maternal immune cells populate the decidua, which is the mucosal lining of the uterus transformed during pregnancy. Here, abundant natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages help the uterine vasculature adapt to fetal demands for gas and nutrients, thereby supporting fetal growth. Fetal trophoblast cells budding off the forming placenta and invading deep into maternal tissues come into contact with these and other immune cells. Besides their homeostatic functions, decidual NK cells can respond to pathogens during infection, but in doing so, they may become conflicted between destroying the invader and sustaining fetoplacental growth. We review how maternal NK cells balance their double duty both in the local microenvironment of the uterus and systemically, during toxoplasmosis, influenza, cytomegalovirus, malaria and other infections that threat pregnancy. We also discuss recent developments in the understanding of NK-cell responses to SARS-Cov-2 infection and the possible dangers of COVID-19 during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeniya V Shmeleva
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0SW, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Francesco Colucci
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0SW, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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Toll-like receptor-4 null mutation causes fetal loss and fetal growth restriction associated with impaired maternal immune tolerance in mice. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16569. [PMID: 34400677 PMCID: PMC8368181 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95213-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal immune adaptation to accommodate pregnancy depends on sufficient availability of regulatory T (Treg) cells to enable embryo implantation. Toll-like receptor 4 is implicated as a key upstream driver of a controlled inflammatory response, elicited by signals in male partner seminal fluid, to initiate expansion of the maternal Treg cell pool after mating. Here, we report that mice with null mutation in Tlr4 (Tlr4−/−) exhibit impaired reproductive outcomes after allogeneic mating, with reduced pregnancy rate, elevated mid-gestation fetal loss, and fetal growth restriction, compared to Tlr4+/+ wild-type controls. To investigate the effects of TLR4 deficiency on early events of maternal immune adaptation, TLR4-regulated cytokines and immune regulatory microRNAs were measured in the uterus at 8 h post-mating by qPCR, and Treg cells in uterus-draining lymph nodes were evaluated by flow cytometry on day 3.5 post-coitum. Ptgs2 encoding prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2, cytokines Csf2, Il6, Lif, and Tnf, chemokines Ccl2, Cxcl1, Cxcl2, and Cxcl10, and microRNAs miR-155, miR-146a, and miR-223 were induced by mating in wild-type mice, but not, or to a lesser extent, in Tlr4−/− mice. CD4+ T cells were expanded after mating in Tlr4+/+ but not Tlr4−/− mice, with failure to expand peripheral CD25+FOXP3+ NRP1− or thymic CD25+FOXP3+ NRP1+ Treg cell populations, and fewer Treg cells expressed Ki67 proliferation marker and suppressive function marker CTLA4. We conclude that TLR4 is an essential mediator of the inflammation-like response in the pre-implantation uterus that induces generation of Treg cells to support robust pregnancy tolerance and ensure optimal fetal growth and survival.
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Chen B, Gurung C, Guo J, Kwon C, Guo YL. Pluripotent stem cells are insensitive to the cytotoxicity of TNFα and IFNγ. Reproduction 2021; 160:547-560. [PMID: 32698161 DOI: 10.1530/rep-20-0215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have an underdeveloped innate immune system, but the biological implications of this finding are poorly understood. In this study, we compared the responses of mouse ESCs (mESCs) and mESC differentiated fibroblasts (mESC-FBs) to tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interferons (IFNs). Our data revealed that TNFα, IFNα, IFNβ, or IFNγ alone do not cause apparent effects on mESCs and mESC-FBs, but the combination of TNFα and IFNγ (TNFα/IFNγ) showed toxicity to mESC-FBs as indicated by cell cycle inhibition and reduced cell viability, correlating with the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). However, none of these effects were observed in mESCs that were treated with TNFα/IFNγ. Furthermore, mESC-FBs, but not mESCs, are vulnerable to cytotoxicity resulting from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages. The insensitivity of mESCs to cytotoxicity in all cases is correlated with their lack of responses to TNFα and IFNγ. Similar to mESCs, human ESCs (hESCs) and iPSCs (hiPSCs) do not respond to TNFα and are not susceptible to the cytotoxicity of TNFα, IFNβ, or IFNγ alone or in combination that significantly affects human foreskin fibroblast (hFBs) and Hela cells. However, unlike mESCs, hESCs and hiPSCs can respond to IFNγ, but this does not cause significant cytotoxicity in hESCs and hiPSCs. Our findings in both mouse and human PSCs together support the hypothesis that attenuated innate immune responses could be a protective mechanism that limits immunologic cytotoxicity resulting from inflammatory and immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohan Chen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA
| | - Chandan Gurung
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA
| | - Jason Guo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Chulan Kwon
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yan-Lin Guo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA
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The in-utero experience of piglets born from sows with lameness shapes their life trajectory. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13052. [PMID: 34158529 PMCID: PMC8219680 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92507-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Experiences during gestation can alter the mother's behavior and physiology, thereby potentially affecting the behavioral and physiological development of the offspring. In livestock, one common challenge for pregnant animals is lameness: a multifactorial condition that causes pain, stress, resulting in poor welfare outcomes. Since maternal pain can affect offspring development, we aimed to quantify the behavioral response in 142 piglets born from sows with different degrees of lameness during pregnancy. Gait scores of 22 pregnant group-housed sows were assessed six times at 2-week intervals. Lameness scores varied from 0 (no lameness) to 5 (most severe lameness score). Saliva samples and behavior were assessed in the sows throughout pregnancy. Sows were moved to individual farrowing pens and placental tissue was collected for glucocorticoid assessment. At 28 days of age, piglets were weaned, weighed, and regrouped by body size and sex. Skin lesions were counted for each piglet on days 28, 29, and 30 after birth. During open field and novel object tests on day 30, the vocalization and activity levels were evaluated. Piglet data were grouped by the lameness score of the sows as G1 (without lameness), G2 (moderate lameness), and G3 (severe lameness). Data analysis included ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests and pairwise comparisons which were performed using Tukey and Kramer (Nemenyi) test with Tukey-Dist approximation for independent samples. G2 piglets were heavier than G3 at weaning. G1 piglets had fewer skin lesions at days 28 and 29 than G2 piglets. Moreover, G1 piglets vocalized more than G2 when they were subjected to the combined open field and novel object test. We did not identify differences among sows showing different lameness scores in the concentration of placental or salivary glucocorticoids. Lameness in pregnant sows altered the offspring's weight gain, number of skin lesions and vocalizations, together showing evidence that lameness in sows affect offspring performance and behavior.
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Canovas S, Ivanova E, Hamdi M, Perez-Sanz F, Rizos D, Kelsey G, Coy P. Culture Medium and Sex Drive Epigenetic Reprogramming in Preimplantation Bovine Embryos. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126426. [PMID: 34204008 PMCID: PMC8232708 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies impact transcriptome and epigenome of embryos and can result in long-term phenotypic consequences. Whole-genome DNA methylation profiles from individual bovine blastocysts in vivo- and in vitro-derived (using three sources of protein: reproductive fluids, blood serum and bovine serum albumin) were generated. The impact of in vitro culture on DNA methylation was analyzed, and sex-specific methylation differences at blastocyst stage were uncovered. In vivo embryos showed the highest levels of methylation (29.5%), close to those produced in vitro with serum, whilst embryos produced in vitro with reproductive fluids or albumin showed less global methylation (25-25.4%). During repetitive element analysis, the serum group was the most affected. DNA methylation differences between in vivo and in vitro groups were more frequent in the first intron than in CpGi in promoters. Moreover, hierarchical cluster analysis showed that sex produced a stronger bias in the results than embryo origin. For each group, distance between male and female embryos varied, with in vivo blastocyst showing a lesser distance. Between the sexually dimorphic methylated tiles, which were biased to X-chromosome, critical factors for reproduction, developmental process, cell proliferation and DNA methylation machinery were included. These results support the idea that blastocysts show sexually-dimorphic DNA methylation patterns, and the known picture about the blastocyst methylome should be reconsidered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Canovas
- Physiology of Reproduction Group, Physiology Department, Mare Nostrum Campus, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain;
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU, 30120 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Elena Ivanova
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK; (E.I.); (G.K.)
| | - Meriem Hamdi
- Animal Reproduction Department, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology, INIA, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.H.); (D.R.)
| | - Fernando Perez-Sanz
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU, 30120 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Animal Reproduction Department, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology, INIA, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.H.); (D.R.)
| | - Gavin Kelsey
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK; (E.I.); (G.K.)
| | - Pilar Coy
- Physiology of Reproduction Group, Physiology Department, Mare Nostrum Campus, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain;
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU, 30120 Murcia, Spain;
- Correspondence:
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Cerón NA, Gutiérrez OO, Cerón OM, Ortiz RA. Complicaciones cardiovasculares en relación con la programación fetal. REPERTORIO DE MEDICINA Y CIRUGÍA 2021. [DOI: 10.31260/repertmedcir.01217273.943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introducción: la programación fetal ofrece nuevas perspectivas sobre el origen de las enfermedades cardiovasculares, relacionando su aparición con factores perinatales. Objetivo: exponer evidencia que vincule las alteraciones gestacionales con las enfermedades cardiovasculares en la vida adulta del feto. Metodología: búsqueda en las bases de datos EBSCO, COCHRANE, MEDLINE, PROQUEST y SciELO de los artículos de revisión e investigaciones originales en inglés publicados en los últimos diez años. Se utilizaron términos MeSH para búsqueda controlada y se evaluaron los estudios con STROBE y PRISMA según correspondía. Resultados: los hallazgos sugieren que nacer con menos de 2600 k guarda relación con diabetes mellitus (OR de 1.607 IC 95% 1.324-1.951), hipertensión arterial (OR de 1.15 IC 95% 1.043-1.288) y menor función endotelial (1.94+0.37 vs 2.68+0.41, p: 0.0001) en la adultez. La prematuridad se asocia con mayores presiones arteriales sistólicas (4.2 mmHg IC 95%; 2.8 - 5.7 p 0.001) y diastólicas (2.6 mmHg IC 95%; 1.2-4.0; p 0.001). Las alteraciones nutricionales maternas y la diabetes gestacional aumentan el riesgo de síndrome metabólico (OR 1.2 IC 95% 0.9-1.7) y sobrepeso en la edad escolar (OR 1.81 IC 95% 1.18 - 2.86). Conclusión: los resultados adversos en la gestación están relacionados con el desarrollo de enfermedades cardiovasculares en la vida adulta del feto expuesto.
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Ng KYB, Cherian G, Kermack AJ, Bailey S, Macklon N, Sunkara SK, Cheong Y. Systematic review and meta-analysis of female lifestyle factors and risk of recurrent pregnancy loss. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7081. [PMID: 33782474 PMCID: PMC8007745 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86445-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
It is known that lifestyle factors affect sporadic miscarriage, but the extent of this on RPL (recurrent pregnancy loss) is less well known. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess the associations between lifestyle factors and RPL. Studies that analysed RPL in the context of BMI, smoking, alcohol and caffeine intake were included. The primary and secondary outcomes were odds of having RPL in the general population and odds of further miscarriage, respectively. Underweight and women with BMI > 25 are at higher odds of RPL in the general population (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.12-1.28 and OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.06-1.38, respectively). In women with RPL, having BMI > 30 and BMI > 25 has increased odds of further miscarriages (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.25-2.50 and OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.07-1.72, respectively). The quality of the evidence for our findings was low or very low. Being underweight and BMI > 25 contributes significantly to increased risk of RPL (general population). BMI > 25 or BMI > 30 increases the risk of further miscarriages (RPL population). Larger studies addressing the effects of alcohol, cigarette smoking and caffeine on the risk of RPL with optimisation of BMI in this cohort of women are now needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Ying Bonnie Ng
- School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Princess Anne Hospital, Room F86, Level F, Coxford Road, Southampton, SO16 5YA, UK
| | - George Cherian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Princess Anne Hospital, Room F86, Level F, Coxford Road, Southampton, SO16 5YA, UK
| | - Alexandra J Kermack
- School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Princess Anne Hospital, Room F86, Level F, Coxford Road, Southampton, SO16 5YA, UK
| | - Sarah Bailey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Princess Anne Hospital, Room F86, Level F, Coxford Road, Southampton, SO16 5YA, UK
| | - Nick Macklon
- Zealand University Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- London Women's Clinic, London, W1G 6AP, UK
| | - Sesh K Sunkara
- Department of Women and Children's Health, Kings College London, Guy's Hospital, 11th Floor, Tower Wing, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Ying Cheong
- School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Princess Anne Hospital, Room F86, Level F, Coxford Road, Southampton, SO16 5YA, UK.
- Complete Fertility Southampton, Princess Anne Hospital, Coxford Road, Southampton, SO16 5YA, UK.
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Fernández L, Grasso E, Soczewski E, Gori S, Calo G, Hauk V, Sabbione F, Gallino L, Martínez G, Irigoyen M, Bestach Y, Pérez Leirós C, Ramhorst R. Understanding the natural selection of human embryos: blastocyst quality modulates the inflammatory response during the peri-implantation period. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 87:e13423. [PMID: 33764560 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13423] [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: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Decidualized cells display an active role during embryo implantation sensing blastocyst quality, allowing the implantation of normal developed blastocysts and preventing the invasion of impaired developed ones. Here, we characterized the immune microenvironment generated by decidualized cells in response to soluble factors secreted by blastocysts that shape the receptive milieu. METHOD OF STUDY We used an in vitro model of decidualization based on the Human Endometrial Stromal Cells line (HESC) differentiated with medroxiprogesterone and dibutyryl-cAMP, then treated with human blastocysts-conditioned media (BCM) classified according to their quality. RESULTS Decidualized cells treated with BCM from impaired developed blastocysts increased IL-1β production. Next, we evaluated the ability of decidualized cells to modulate other mediators associated with menstruation as chemokines. Decidualized cells responded to stimulation with BCM from impaired developed blastocysts increasing CXCL12 expression and CXCL8 secretion. The modulation of these markers was associated with the recruitment and activation of neutrophils, while regulatory T cells recruitment was restrained. These changes were not observed in the presence of BCM from normal developed blastocysts. CONCLUSION Soluble factors released by impaired developed blastocysts induce an exacerbated inflammatory response associated with neutrophils recruitment and activation, providing new clues to understand the molecular basis of the embryo-endometrial dialogue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fernández
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Esteban Grasso
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Elizabeth Soczewski
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Soledad Gori
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermina Calo
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanesa Hauk
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florencia Sabbione
- Instituto de Medicina Experimental (IMEX)- CONICET, Academia Nacional de Medicina. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucila Gallino
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Martínez
- Fertilis Medicina Reproductiva. San Isidro, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcela Irigoyen
- Fertilis Medicina Reproductiva. San Isidro, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Yesica Bestach
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia Pérez Leirós
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rosanna Ramhorst
- CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Pathak M, Vani V, Seshagiri PB. Expression and function of interleukin-1β is required for hamster blastocyst hatching: Involvement of hatching-associated cathepsin proteases. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:274-286. [PMID: 33719101 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, the phenomenon of blastocyst hatching is an essential prerequisite for successful implantation. Blastocyst hatching is regulated by various molecules. Of them, cytokines, expressed by preimplantation embryos, are thought to be functionally important in blastocyst development and hatching, but their mechanistic roles are not clearly understood. Here, we examined the involvement of two cytokines, namely, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and its natural antagonist, IL-1ra, in blastocyst hatching in the golden hamster. Blastocysts expressed both cytokines and their receptor, IL-1rt1. Supplementation of IL-1β to cultured eight-cell embryos improved blastocyst hatching (84.1% ± 4.2% vs. 66.6% ± 6.8%; treated vs. control). This improvement was diminished by IL-1ra treatment (23.6% ± 12.9% vs. 76.4% ± 12.9%; treated vs. control). Interestingly, IL-1β-treated embryos showed increased messenger RNA expression of zonalytic proteases, that is, cathepsin-L and -B by 1.9 ± 0.5- and 3.5 ± 0.1-folds, respectively. This was accompanied by their increased enzyme activities; cathepsin-L by 2.8 ± 0.7 fold and -B by 2.3 ± 0.7-fold. Strikingly, proteases and IL-1β were intensely colocalized to trophectodermal projections of hatching blastocysts. This is the first report to show the involvement of embryonic IL-1β in regulating hatching-associated proteases required for blastocyst hatching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhulika Pathak
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development, and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Venkatappa Vani
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development, and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Polani B Seshagiri
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development, and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
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Intrauterine Infusion of TGF-β1 Prior to Insemination, Alike Seminal Plasma, Influences Endometrial Cytokine Responses but Does Not Impact the Timing of the Progression of Pre-Implantation Pig Embryo Development. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10020159. [PMID: 33671276 PMCID: PMC7923199 DOI: 10.3390/biology10020159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP) in the female genital tract induces changes that affect multiple reproductive processes. One of the active components in SP is the transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), which has major roles in embryo development and pregnancy. Embryo transfer (ET) technology is welcomed by the pig industry provided that embryo quality at embryo collection as well as the fertility and prolificacy of the recipients after the ET is increased. This study evaluated different intrauterine infusion treatments at estrus (40 mL of SP, TGF-β1 cytokine in the extender, or the extender alone (control)) by mimicking an ET scenario in so-called "donor" (inseminated) and "recipient" (uninseminated) sows. On day 6 (day 0-onset of estrus), all "donors" were laparotomized to determine their pregnancy status (presence and developmental stage of the embryos). In addition, endometrial explants were collected from pregnant "donors" and cyclic "recipients," incubated for 24 h, and analyzed for cytokine production. SP infusions (unlike TGF-β1 infusions) positively influenced the developmental stage of day 6 embryos. Infusion treatments differentially influenced the endometrial cytokine production, mainly in donors. We concluded that SP infusions prior to AI not only impacted the porcine preimplantation embryo development but also influenced the endometrial cytokine production six days after treatment, both in donors and recipients.
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Parisi F, Milazzo R, Savasi VM, Cetin I. Maternal Low-Grade Chronic Inflammation and Intrauterine Programming of Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041732. [PMID: 33572203 PMCID: PMC7914818 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Overweight and obesity during pregnancy have been associated with increased birth weight, childhood obesity, and noncommunicable diseases in the offspring, leading to a vicious transgenerational perpetuating of metabolic derangements. Key components in intrauterine developmental programming still remain to be identified. Obesity involves chronic low-grade systemic inflammation that, in addition to physiological adaptations to pregnancy, may potentially expand to the placental interface and lead to intrauterine derangements with a threshold effect. Animal models, where maternal inflammation is mimicked by single injections with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) resembling the obesity-induced immune profile, showed increased adiposity and impaired metabolic homeostasis in the offspring, similar to the phenotype observed after exposure to maternal obesity. Cytokine levels might be specifically important for the metabolic imprinting, as cytokines are transferable from maternal to fetal circulation and have the capability to modulate placental nutrient transfer. Maternal inflammation may induce metabolic reprogramming at several levels, starting from the periconceptional period with effects on the oocyte going through early stages of embryonic and placental development. Given the potential to reduce inflammation through inexpensive, widely available therapies, examinations of the impact of chronic inflammation on reproductive and pregnancy outcomes, as well as preventive interventions, are now needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Parisi
- Department of Woman, Mother and Neonate, ‘V. Buzzi’ Children Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20141 Milan, Italy; (R.M.); (I.C.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, “Luigi Sacco”, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Roberta Milazzo
- Department of Woman, Mother and Neonate, ‘V. Buzzi’ Children Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20141 Milan, Italy; (R.M.); (I.C.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, “Luigi Sacco”, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy;
| | - Valeria M. Savasi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, “Luigi Sacco”, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy;
- Department of Woman, Mother and Neonate, ‘L. Sacco’ Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Cetin
- Department of Woman, Mother and Neonate, ‘V. Buzzi’ Children Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20141 Milan, Italy; (R.M.); (I.C.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, “Luigi Sacco”, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy;
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50
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Molecular Mechanisms of Endometrial Functioning in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. ACTA BIOMEDICA SCIENTIFICA 2021. [DOI: 10.29413/abs.2020-5.6.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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