Fatty acid-induced angiogenesis in first trimester placental trophoblast cells: Possible roles of cellular fatty acid-binding proteins

Placental Epigenome Impacts Fetal Development: Effects of Maternal Nutrients and Gut Microbiota

Evidence is emerging on the role of maternal diet, gut microbiota, and other lifestyle factors in establishing lifelong health and disease, which are determined by transgenerationally inherited epigenetic modifications. Understanding epigenetic mechanisms may help identify novel biomarkers for gestation-related exposure, burden, or disease risk. Such biomarkers are essential for developing tools for the early detection of risk factors and exposure levels. It is necessary to establish an exposure threshold due to nutrient deficiencies or other environmental factors that can result in clinically relevant epigenetic alterations that modulate disease risks in the fetus. This narrative review summarizes the latest updates on the roles of maternal nutrients (n-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, vitamins) and gut microbiota on the placental epigenome and its impacts on fetal brain development. This review unravels the potential roles of the functional epigenome for targeted intervention to ensure optimal fetal brain development and its performance in later life.

Multiple biological activities and biosynthesis mechanisms of specific conjugated linoleic acid isomers and analytical methods for prospective application

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a collective term for the octadecadienoic acid isomers containing conjugated double bonds. This article reviewed CLA isomers from biological activities, biosynthesis mechanisms and analytical methods. The biological activities of CLA isomers in anti-obesity, cardiovascular protection, diabetes management and anti-cancer in vitro and in vivo were mainly reviewed. More attention has been paid to the production of the specific CLA isomer due to its biological activity. The biosynthesis methods of CLA isomers, such as dietary modification in ruminants and fermentation by microorganisms & enzymes, were systematically introduced. A rapid, accurate and economic analysis method will promote the research in both biological activities and biosynthesis mechanisms of CLA isomers. The merits of UV spectrometry, GC, HPLC, MS and CE used in the analysis of CLA isomers were also compared in detail. This paper aims to put into perspective the current status and future trends on CLA isomers.

Maternal PUFAs, Placental Epigenetics, and Their Relevance to Fetal Growth and Brain Development

Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially omega-3 (n-3) and n-6 long-chain (LC) PUFAs, are indispensable for the fetus' brain supplied by the placenta. Despite being highly unsaturated, n-3 LCPUFA-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) plays a protective role as an antioxidant in the brain. Deficiency of DHA during fetal development may cause irreversible damages in neurodevelopment programming. Dietary PUFAs can impact placental structure and functions by regulating early placentation processes, such as angiogenesis. They promote remodeling of uteroplacental architecture to facilitate increased blood flow and surface area for nutrient exchange. The placenta's fatty acid transfer depends on the uteroplacental vascular development, ensuring adequate maternal circulatory fatty acids transport to fulfill the fetus' rapid growth and development requirements. Maternal n-3 PUFA deficiency predominantly leads to placental epigenetic changes than other fetal developing organs. A global shift in DNA methylation possibly transmits epigenetic instability in developing fetuses due to n-3 PUFA deficiency. Thus, an optimal level of maternal omega-3 (n-3) PUFAs may protect the placenta's structural and functional integrity and allow fetal growth by controlling the aberrant placental epigenetic changes. This narrative review summarizes the recent advances and underpins the roles of maternal PUFAs on the structure and functions of the placenta and their relevance to fetal growth and brain development.

Bioactive food components and their inhibitory actions in multiple platelet pathways

In addition to hemostasis and thrombosis, blood platelets are involved in various processes such as inflammation, infection, immunobiology, cancer metastasis, wound repair and angiogenesis. Platelets' hemostatic and non-hemostatic functions are mediated by the expression of various membrane receptors and the release of proteins, ions and other mediators. Therefore, specific activities of platelets responsible for the non-hemostatic disease are to be inhibited while leaving the platelet's hemostatic function unaffected. Platelets' anti-aggregatory property has been used as a primary criterion for antiplatelet drugs/bioactives; however, their non-hemostatic activities are not well known. This review describes the hemostatic and non-hemostatic function of human blood platelets and the modulatory effects of bioactive food components. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In this review, we have discussed the antiplatelet effects of several food components. These bioactive compounds inhibit both hemostatic and non-hemostatic pathways involving blood platelet. Platelets have emerged as critical biological factors of normal and pathologic vascular healing and other diseases such as cancers and inflammatory and immune disorders. The challenge for therapeutic intervention in these disorders will be to find drugs and bioactive compounds that preferentially block specific sites implicated in emerging roles of platelets' complicated contribution to inflammation, tumour growth, or other disorders while leaving at least some of their hemostatic function intact.

Maternal Obesity and Gut Microbiota Are Associated with Fetal Brain Development

Obesity in pregnancy induces metabolic syndrome, low-grade inflammation, altered endocrine factors, placental function, and the maternal gut microbiome. All these factors impact fetal growth and development, including brain development. The lipid metabolic transporters of the maternal-fetal-placental unit are dysregulated in obesity. Consequently, the transport of essential long-chain PUFAs for fetal brain development is disturbed. The mother’s gut microbiota is vital in maintaining postnatal energy homeostasis and maternal-fetal immune competence. Obesity during pregnancy changes the gut microbiota, affecting fetal brain development. Obesity in pregnancy can induce placental and intrauterine inflammation and thus influence the neurodevelopmental outcomes of the offspring. Several epidemiological studies observed an association between maternal obesity and adverse neurodevelopment. This review discusses the effects of maternal obesity and gut microbiota on fetal neurodevelopment outcomes. In addition, the possible mechanisms of the impacts of obesity and gut microbiota on fetal brain development are discussed.

Bioinformatics analysis reveals the potential target of rosiglitazone as an antiangiogenic agent for breast cancer therapy

Background

Several studies have demonstrated the antitumor activity of rosiglitazone (RGZ) in cancer cells, including breast cancer cells. However, the molecular targets of RGZ in the inhibition of angiogenesis in breast cancer cells remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the potential targets of RGZ in inhibiting breast cancer angiogenesis using bioinformatics-based analysis.

Results

Venn diagram analysis revealed 29 TR proteins. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis demonstrated that TR regulated the adipocytokine, AMPK, and PPAR signaling pathways. Oncoprint analysis showed genetic alterations in FABP4 (14%), ADIPOQ (2.9%), PPARG (2.8%), PPARGC1A (1.5%), CD36 (1.7%), and CREBBP (11%) in patients with breast cancer in a TCGA study. The mRNA levels of FABP4, ADIPOQ, PPARG, CD36, and PPARGC1A were significantly lower in patients with breast cancer than in those without breast cancer. Analysis of gene expression using bc-GenExMiner showed that the mRNA levels of FABP, ADIPOQ, PPARG, CD36, PPARGC1A, and CREBBP were significantly lower in basal-like and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells than in non-basal-like and non-TNBC cells. In general, the protein levels of these genes were low, except for that of CREBBP. Patients with breast cancer who had low mRNA levels of FABP4, ADIPOQ, PPARG, and PPARGC1A had lower overall survival rates than those with high mRNA levels, which was supported by the overall survival related to DNA methylation. Correlation analysis of immune cell infiltration with TR showed a correlation between TR and immune cell infiltration, highlighting the potential of RGZ for immunotherapy.

Conclusion

This study explored the potential targets of RGZ as antiangiogenic agents in breast cancer therapy and highlighted FABP4, ADIPOQ, PPARG, PPARGC1A, CD36, and CREBBP as potential targets of RGZ. These findings require further validation to explore the potential of RGZ as an antiangiogenic agent.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12863-022-01086-2.

Recent studies have focused on the development of indirect angiogenesis inhibitors.

Bioinformatics-based identification of potential rosiglitazone target genes to inhibit breast cancer angiogenesis.

FABP4, ADIPOQ, PPARG, PPARGC1A, CD36, and CREBBP are potential targets of rosiglitazone.

Maternal Fatty Acid Metabolism in Pregnancy and Its Consequences in the Feto-Placental Development

During pregnancy, maternal plasma fatty acids are critically required for cell growth and development, cell signaling, and the development of critical structural and functional aspects of the feto-placental unit. In addition, the fatty acids modulate the early stages of placental development by regulating angiogenesis in the first-trimester human placenta. Preferential transport of maternal plasma long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids during the third trimester is critical for optimal fetal brain development. Maternal status such as obesity, diabetes, and dietary intakes may affect the functional changes in lipid metabolic processes in maternal-fetal lipid transport and metabolism. Fatty acids traverse the placental membranes via several plasma membrane fatty acid transport/binding proteins (FAT, FATP, p-FABPpm, and FFARs) and cytoplasmic fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs). This review discusses the maternal metabolism of fatty acids and their effects on early placentation, placental fatty acid transport and metabolism, and their roles in feto-placental growth and development. The review also highlights how maternal fat metabolism modulates lipid processing, including transportation, esterification, and oxidation of fatty acids.

Placental Angiogenesis in Mammals: A Review of the Regulatory Effects of Signaling Pathways and Functional Nutrients

Normal placental development and proper angiogenesis are essential for fetal growth during pregnancy. Angiogenesis involves the regulatory action of many angiogenic factors and a series of signal transduction processes inside and outside the cell. The obstruction of placental angiogenesis causes fetal growth restriction and serious pregnancy complications, even leading to fetal loss and pregnancy cessation. In this review, the effects of placental angiogenesis on fetal development are described, and several signaling pathways related to placental angiogenesis and their key regulatory mediators are summarized. These factors, which include vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-VEGF receptor, delta-like ligand 4 (DLL-4)-Notch, Wnt, and Hedgehog, may affect the placental angiogenesis process. Moreover, the degree of vascularization depends on cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation, which is affected by the synthesis and secretion of metabolites or intermediates and mutual coordination or inhibition in these pathways. Furthermore, we discuss recent advances regarding the role of functional nutrients (including amino acids and fatty acids) in regulating placental angiogenesis. Understanding the specific mechanism of placental angiogenesis and its influence on fetal development may facilitate the establishment of new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of preterm birth, pre-eclampsia, or intrauterine growth restriction, and provide a theoretical basis for formulating nutritional regulation strategies during pregnancy.

Maternal Supply of Both Arachidonic and Docosahexaenoic Acids Is Required for Optimal Neurodevelopment

During the last trimester of gestation and for the first 18 months after birth, both docosahexaenoic acid,22:6n-3 (DHA) and arachidonic acid,20:4n-6 (ARA) are preferentially deposited within the cerebral cortex at a rapid rate. Although the structural and functional roles of DHA in brain development are well investigated, similar roles of ARA are not well documented. The mode of action of these two fatty acids and their derivatives at different structural-functional roles and their levels in the gene expression and signaling pathways of the brain have been continuously emanating. In addition to DHA, the importance of ARA has been much discussed in recent years for fetal and postnatal brain development and the maternal supply of ARA and DHA. These fatty acids are also involved in various brain developmental processes; however, their mechanistic cross talks are not clearly known yet. This review describes the importance of ARA, in addition to DHA, in supporting the optimal brain development and growth and functional roles in the brain.

Revisiting preeclampsia: a metabolic disorder of the placenta

Preeclampsia (PE) is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity worldwide, impacting the long-term health of both mother and offspring. PE has long been characterized by deficient trophoblast invasion into the uterus and consequent placental hypoperfusion, yet the upstream causative factors and effective interventional targets for PE remain unknown. Alterations in the metabolism of preeclamptic placentas are thought to result from placental ischemia, while disturbances of the metabolism and of metabolites in PE pathogenesis are largely ignored. In fact, as one of the largest fetal organs at birth, the placenta consumes a considerable amount of glucose and fatty acid. Increasing evidence suggests glucose and fatty acid exist as energy substrates and regulate placental development through bioactive derivates. Moreover, recent findings have revealed that the placental metabolism adapts readily to environmental changes, altering its response to nutrients and endocrine signals; this adaptability optimizes pregnancy outcomes by diversifying available carbon sources for energy production, hormone synthesis, angiogenesis, immune activation, and tolerance, and fetoplacental growth. These observations raise the possibility that carbohydrate and lipid metabolism abnormalities play a role in both the etiology and clinical progression of PE, sparking a renewed interest in the interrelationship between PE and metabolic dysregulation. This review will focus on key metabolic substrates and regulatory molecules in the placenta and aim to provide novel insights with respect to the metabolism's role in modulating placental development and functions. Further investigations from this perspective are poised to decipher the etiology of PE and suggest potential therapies.

Angiopoietin-like protein 4 promotes very-low-density lipoprotein assembly and secretion in bovine hepatocytes in vitro

In dairy cows, fatty liver is one of the most common metabolic diseases that occurs during the periparturient period. Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) is a well-known downstream target of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), which regulate the glucose and fatty acid metabolisms. The inhibition of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity interferes with the storage of triglycerides (TG) in adipocytes, which plays an essential role in lipid metabolism in rodents. However, it remains unclear whether ANGPTL4 is involved in the pathological process of fatty liver in dairy cows as a result of the regulation of the hepatocellular lipid transport system. This study intended to investigate the effect of ANGPTL4 on the very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) assembly and secretion in bovine hepatocytes. Bovine hepatocytes were isolated using a modified two-step perfusion and collagenase digestion process, and treated with different concentrations of ANGPTL4 (0, 4, 12, and 24 ng/ml) for 24 hr. The results showed that a high concentration of ANGPTL4 could significantly increase the extracellular concentration of VLDL while reducing the intracellular content of TG. Thus, it was confirmed that ANGPTL4 could promote the transport of TG in the form of VLDL by partially regulating the expression of related proteins in hepatocytes, thereby contributing to the partial adaptive regulation of lipid transport in dairy cows.

Non-invasive Embryo Assessment: Altered Individual Protein Profile in Spent Culture Media from Embryos Transferred at Day 5

In order to improve ART outcome, non-invasive embryo assessment is gaining more and more attention. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the consecutive implantation potential via the secretome between blastocysts with or without implantation and to analyse possible interactions between these differentially expressed proteins. In this prospective study, 69 spent culture media from blastocysts transferred at day 5 were collected from patients undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment in a single IVF centre between April 2015 and November 2018 after informed consent and analysed individually. Exclusion criteria were the absence of informed consent, PCOS, endometriosis and maternal age > 42 years. Dependent on the treatment outcome, media were subsequently divided into two groups: from embryos who implanted successfully (n = 37) and from embryos without implantation (n = 32). Ninety-two proteins were measured simultaneously using the proximity extension assay (PEA) technology with the Olink® CVD III panel employing oligonucleotide-labelled antibodies. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Student's t test, the Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher's exact test. Media from implanted blastocysts showed significantly higher expression of EPHB4, ALCAM, CSTB, BMH, TIMP4, CCL24, SELE, FAS, JAM-A, PON3, PDGF-A, vWF and PECAM-1 compared with media from blastocysts without subsequent implantation. The highest relative expression change could be demonstrated for PECAM-1 and TIMP4. PECAM-1, SELE and vWF were co-expressed. Especially EPHB 4, SELE, ALCAM, MCP-1, CCL24, FAS, JAM-A and PDGF-A have already been described in early embryonic development and metabolism. Therefore, these proteins together with PECAM-1 indicate possible biomarkers for non-invasive embryo assessment in the future. However, due to the innovative methodology, defining a threshold for the use as biomarkers remains to be assessed.

Oleic Acid, Cholesterol, and Linoleic Acid as Angiogenesis Initiators

The current study determined the natural angiogenic molecules using an unbiased metabolomics approach. A chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model was used to examine pro- and antiangiogenic molecules, followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis. Vessel formation was analyzed quantitatively using the angiogenic index (p < 0.05). At embryonic day one, a white streak or circle area was observed when vessel formation begins. GCMS analysis and database search demonstrated that angiogenesis may initiate when oleic, cholesterol, and linoleic acids increased in the area of angiogenic reactions. The gain of function study was conducted by the injection of cholesterol and oleic acid into a chick embryo to determine the role of each lipid in angiogenesis. We propose that oleic acid, cholesterol, and linoleic acid are natural molecules that set the platform for the initiation stage of angiogenesis before other proteins including the vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin, angiotensin, and erythropoietin join as the angiome in sprout extension and vessel maturation.

Maternal High Linoleic Acid Alters Placental Fatty Acid Composition

Fetal development is modulated by maternal nutrition during pregnancy. The dietary intake of linoleic acid (LA), an essential dietary n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), has increased. We previously published that increased LA consumption during pregnancy does not alter offspring or placental weight but fetal plasma fatty acid composition; the developing fetus obtains their required PUFA from the maternal circulation. However, it is unknown if increased maternal linoleic acid alters placental fatty acid storage, metabolism, transport, and general placental function. Female Wistar-Kyoto rats were fed either a low LA diet (LLA; 1.44% of energy from LA) or high LA diet (HLA; 6.21% of energy from LA) for 10 weeks before pregnancy and during gestation. Rats were sacrificed at embryonic day 20 (E20, term = 22 days) and placentae collected. The labyrinth of placentae from one male and one female fetus from each litter were analyzed. High maternal LA consumption increased placental total n-6 and LA concentrations, and decreased total n-3 PUFA, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Fatty acid desaturase 1 (Fads1), angiopoietin-like 4 (Angptl4), and diacylglycerol lipase beta (Daglb) mRNA were downregulated in placentae from offspring from HLA dams. Maternal high LA downregulated the fatty acid transport protein 4 (Fatp4) and glucose transporter 1 (Slc2a1) mRNA in placentae. IL-7 and IL-10 protein were decreased in placentae from offspring from HLA dams. In conclusion, a high maternal LA diet alters the placental fatty acid composition, inflammatory proteins, and expressions of nutrient transporters, which may program deleterious outcomes in offspring.

Maternal dietary deficiency of n-3 fatty acids affects metabolic and epigenetic phenotypes of the developing fetus

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play multiple physiological roles. They regulate the structure and function of cell membranes and cell growth and proliferation, and apoptosis. In addition, PUFAs are involved in cellular signaling, gene expression and serve as precursors to second messengers such as eicosanoids, docosanoids etc. and regulate several physiological processes including placentation, inflammation, immunity, angiogenesis, platelet function, synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, bone formation, energy homeostasis, pain sensitivity, stress, and cognitive functions. Linoleic acid, 18:2n-6 (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid, 18:3n-3 (ALA) are the two essential fatty acids obtained from the diets and subsequently their long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) are accumulated in the body. The maternal plasma LCPUFAs especially accumulated in larger amounts in the brain during the third trimester of pregnancy via the placenta and postnatally from mother's breast milk. Various studies, including ours, suggest PUFA's important role in placentation, as well as in growth and development of the offspring. However, intakes of maternal n-3 PUFAs during pregnancy and lactation are much lower in India compared with the Western population. In India, n-3 fatty acid status is further reduced by higher intake of n-6 PUFA rich oils and trans fats. More data on the impacts of long term maternal n-3 PUFA deficiency on placental structure and function, gene expression, epigenetic changes and resultant cognitive function of fetus & infants are emerging. This review summarizes the impacts of n-3 PUFA deficiency in utero on fetal growth and development, adiposity, energy metabolism, musculoskeletal development, and epigenetic changes in feto-placental axis from the recently available pre-clinical and clinical data.

Metabolic disparities of different oxidative stress‑inducing conditions in HTR8/SVneo cells

Placental oxidative stress is present throughout the duration of pregnancy, but it is when oxidative stress exceeds the normal physiological level that complications can occur. Trophoblast cell lines are commonly utilized for oxidative stress research due to their distinct uniform cell population and easy-to-apply interventions. However, conflicting results are often reported when different oxidative stress cell models are used. In this study, the aim was to characterize the intracellular and extracellular metabolite profiles of different oxidative stress cell models commonly used in the research of pregnancy complications. HTR8/SVneo human trophoblast cell lines were treated with five different oxidative stress-inducing conditions: Hypoxia (1% oxygen); hypoxia and reoxygenation; cobalt chloride (CoCl₂; 300 µmol/l); sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 2.5 mmol/l); and the serum of women with preeclampsia (10% v/v). Intracellular metabolites were extracted from cells and extracellular metabolites were collected from spent media for metabolomic analysis via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results demonstrated that there were distinct differences in the intracellular and extracellular metabolome between the different cell models. Meanwhile, treatments with exogenous drugs, such as CoCl₂ and SNP, resulted in more similar metabolite profiles. These disparities between the different oxidative stress cell models will have implications for the applications of these results, and highlight the need for the standardization of oxidative stress cell models in obstetric research.

Docosahexaenoic acid,22:6n-3: Its roles in the structure and function of the brain

Docosahexaenoic acid,22:6n-3 (DHA) and its metabolites are vital for the structure and functional brain development of the fetus and infants, and also for maintenance of healthy brain function of adults. DHA is thought to be an essential nutrient required throughout the life cycle for the maintenance of overall brain health. The mode of actions of DHA and its derivatives at both cellular and molecular levels in the brain are emerging. DHA is the major prevalent fatty acid in the brain membrane. The brain maintains its fatty acid levels mainly via the uptake of plasma free fatty acids. Therefore, circulating plasma DHA is significantly related to cognitive abilities during ageing and is inversely associated with cognitive decline. The signaling pathways of DHA and its metabolites are involved in neurogenesis, antinociceptive effects, anti-apoptotic effect, synaptic plasticity, Ca²⁺ homeostasis in brain diseases, and the functioning of nigrostriatal activities. Mechanisms of action of DHA metabolites on various processes in the brain are not yet well known. Epidemiological studies support a link between low habitual intake of DHA and a higher risk of brain disorders. A diet characterized by higher intakes of foods containing high in n-3 fatty acids, and/or lower intake of n-6 fatty acids was strongly associated with a lower Alzheimer's Disease and other brain disorders. Supplementation of DHA improves some behaviors associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and impulsive behavior, as well as cognition. Nevertheless, the outcomes of trials with DHA supplementation have been controversial. Many intervention studies with DHA have shown an apparent benefit in brain function. However, clinical trials are needed for definitive conclusions. Dietary deficiency of n-3 fatty acids during fetal development in utero and the postnatal state has detrimental effects on cognitive abilities. Further research in humans is required to assess a variety of clinical outcomes, including quality of life and mental status, by supplementation of DHA.

Update on oxidative stress and inflammation in pregnant women, unborn children (nasciturus), and newborns - Nutritional and dietary effects

The scientific background of perinatal pathology, regarding both mother and offspring, from the lipidomic perspective, has highlighted the possibility of identifying new, promising clinical markers of oxidative stress and inflammation, closely related to the normal development of unborn and newborn children, together with their application. In this regard, in recent years, significant advances have been achieved, assisted by both newly developed analytical tools and basic knowledge on the biological implications of oxylipins. Hence, in the light of this recent progress, this review aims to provide an update on the relevance of human oxylipins during pregnancy and in the unborn and newborn child, covering two fundamental aspects. Firstly, the evidence from human clinical studies and dietary intervention trials will be used to shed light on the extent to which dietary supplementation can modulate the lipidomic markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in the perinatal state, emphasizing the role of the placenta and metabolic disturbances in the mother and fetus. The second part of this article comprises a review of existing data on specific pathophysiological aspects of human reproduction, in relation to lipidomic markers in pregnant women, unborn children, and newborn children. The information reviewed here evidences the current opportunity to correct reproductive disturbances, in the framework of lipidomics, by fine-tuning dietary interventions.

Omega-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Preeclampsia: Trials Say "No," but Is It the Final Word?

Preeclampsia is a dangerous disorder of pregnancy, defined as hypertension with proteinuria. Its nature remains elusive, and measures of prevention and treatment are limited. Observational studies have suggested that preeclampsia is associated with low intake of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA). In recent decades, researchers studied LCPUFA supplementation as a measure to prevent preeclampsia. Most of these trials and later systematic reviews yielded negative results. However, these trials had several important limitations associated with heterogeneity and other issues. Recent research suggests that preeclampsia trials should take into consideration the gender of the fetus (and thus sexual dimorphism of placenta), the positive effect of smoking on preeclampsia prevalence, and the possibility that high doses of LCPUFA mid-term or later may promote the disorder instead of keeping it at bay. In this review, we discuss these issues and future prospects for LCPUFA in preeclampsia research.

Fatty acid transporter expression and regulation is impaired in placental macrovascular endothelial cells in obese women

OBJECTIVE

Fetal fatty acid (FA) delivery is ultimately controlled by placental transport. Focus has been the maternal-placental interface, but regulation at the feto-placental interface is unknown.

METHODS

Placental macrovascular endothelial cells (EC) (n = 4/group) and trophoblasts (TB) (n = 5/group) were isolated from lean (pregravid BMI <25 kg/m²) and obese (body mass index (BMI) > 30) women. Fatty acid transporters FAT/CD36, FABPpm, FATP4, FABP 3, 4 and 5, PLIN2 and PPARα, δ, γ expression, was measured in EC and TB. Transporter response to 24 h palmitate (PA) was assessed.

RESULTS

mRNA expression of FABP3, 4, 5 and PPARγ was 2- to 3-fold reduced in EC of obese versus lean women (p < .03), but not in TB. Protein level of FABPpm was 20% lower in obese (p < .05). Palmitate (PA) up-regulated CD36, FABP3, FABP4, and PLIN2 gene expression by 3- to 4-fold in lean but not obese EC (p < .05), while PA increased FABP4 and PLIN2 in lean and obese TB, and FABP5 in lean (p < .05) EC. PA exposure up-regulated peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) 2-fold in lean and obese EC (p < .05), but not in TB.

CONCLUSIONS

In obese women, FA transporter expression is lower in placental EC, but not TB, and less sensitive to saturated FA, compared to lean women. FA transport may be regulated at the feto-placental interface.

Disruption of Angiogenesis by Anthocyanin-Rich Extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa

Abnormal vessel formations contribute to the progression of specific angiogenic diseases including age-related macular degeneration. Adequate vessel growth and maintenance represent the coordinated process of endothelial cell proliferation, matrix remodeling, and differentiation. However, the molecular mechanism of the proper balance between angiogenic activators and inhibitors remains elusive. In addition, quantitative analysis of vessel formation has been challenging due to complex angiogenic morphology. We hypothesized that conjugated double bond containing-natural products, including anthocyanin extracts from Hibiscus sabdariffa, may control the proper angiogenesis. The current study was designed to determine whether natural molecules from African plant library modulate angiogenesis. Further, we questioned how the proper balance of anti- or pro-angiogenic signaling can be obtained in the vascular microenvironment by treating anthocyanin or fatty acids using chick chorioallantoic membrane angiogenesis model in ovo. The angiogenic morphology was analyzed systematically by measuring twenty one angiogenic indexes using Angiogenic Analyzer software. Chick chorioallantoic model demonstrated that anthocyanin-rich extracts inhibited angiogenesis in time- and concentration-dependent manner. Molecular modeling analysis proposed that hibiscetin as a component in Hibiscus may bind to the active site of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) with ΔG= -8.42 kcal/mol of binding energy. Our results provided the evidence that anthocyanin is an angiogenic modulator that can be used to treat uncontrolled neovascular-related diseases, including age-related macular degeneration.

Targetting αvβ3 and α5β1 integrins with Ecballium elaterium (L.) A. Rich. seed oil

In the present study, the effect of Ecbalium elaterium seed oil on adhesion, migration and proliferation of human brain cancer cell line (U87) was determined. Treatment of U87 cell line with the seed oil resulted in strong inhibition of their adhesion to fibrinogen (Fg), fibronectin (Fn). It also reduced their migration and proliferation in a dose-dependent manner without being cytotoxic. Concomitantly, by using Matrigel™ assays, the oil significantly inhibited angiogenesis. The anti- tumor effect of the oil is specifically mediated by αvβ3 and α5β1 integrins. The presence of integrin antagonists in seed oil from E. elaterium could be used for the development of anticancer drugs with targeted "multi-modal" therapies combining anti-adhesif, antiproliferative, antimetastasic and anti-angiogenic, approaches.

Altered CSNK1E, FABP4 and NEFH protein levels in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in schizophrenia

Schizophrenia constitutes a complex disease. Negative and cognitive symptoms are enduring and debilitating components of the disorder, highly associated to disability and burden. Disrupted neurotransmission circuits in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) have been related to these symptoms. To identify candidates altered in schizophrenia, we performed a pilot proteomic analysis on postmortem human DLPFC tissue from patients with schizophrenia (n=4) and control (n=4) subjects in a pool design using differential isotope peptide labelling followed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). We quantified 1315 proteins with two or more unique peptides, 116 of which showed altered changes. Of these altered proteins, we selected four with potential roles on cell signaling, neuronal development and synapse functioning for further validation: casein kinase I isoform epsilon (CSNK1E), fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4), neurofilament triplet H protein (NEFH), and retinal dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1A1). Immunoblot validation confirmed our proteomic findings of these proteins being decreased in abundance in the schizophrenia samples. Additionally, we conducted immunoblot validation of these candidates on an independent sample cohort comprising 23 patients with chronic schizophrenia and 23 matched controls. In this second cohort, CSNK1E, FABP4 and NEFH were reduced in the schizophrenia group while ALDH1A1 did not significantly change. This study provides evidence indicating these proteins are decreased in schizophrenia: CSNK1E, involved in circadian molecular clock signaling, FABP4 with possible implication in synapse functioning, and NEFH, important for cytoarchitecture organization. Hence, these findings suggest the possible implication of these proteins in the cognitive and/or negative symptoms in schizophrenia.

Insulin Exhibits an Antiproliferative and Hypertrophic Effect in First Trimester Human Extravillous Trophoblasts

Our aim was to investigate the effect of high levels of glucose, insulin, leptin, and tumor necrosis factor alpha, biomarkers of diabetes in pregnancy, in the process of placentation, using as a cell model a first trimester extravillous human trophoblast cell line (HTR8/SVneo cells). Exposure of HTR8/SVneo cells for 24 hours to either glucose (20 mmol/L) or leptin (25-100 ng/mL) did not cause significant changes in cell proliferation and viability. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (24 hours; 10-100 ng/L) caused a small decrease (10%) in cell proliferation and an increase (9%) in cell viability; however, both effects disappeared when exposure time was increased. Insulin (24 hours; 1-10 nmol/L) caused a concentration- and time-dependent decrease (10%-20%) in cell proliferation; the effect of insulin (10 nmol/L) was more pronounced after a 48 hours exposure (35%). In contrast, exposure to insulin (10 nmol/L; 48 hours) showed no significant effect on cell viability, apoptosis, and migration capacity. Insulin appears to cause hypertrophy of HTR8/SVneo cells as it reduces the cell mitotic index while increasing the culture protein content. The antiproliferative effect of insulin seems to involve activation of mammalian target of rapamycin, phosphoinositide 3-kinase, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. Finally, simvastatin and the polyphenol quercetin potentiated the antiproliferative effect of insulin; on the contrary, the polyphenol resveratrol, the polyunsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, and folic acid were not able to change it. In conclusion, we show that insulin has an antiproliferative and hypertrophic effect on a first trimester extravillous human trophoblast cell line. So insulin might affect the process of placentation.

Effects of non-supervised low intensity aerobic excise training on the microvascular endothelial function of patients with type 1 diabetes: a non-pharmacological interventional study

Background

The aim of the present study was to evaluate changes in microvascular density and reactivity in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) resulting from low intensity chronic exercise training.

Methods

This study included 22 (34 ± 7 years) consecutive outpatients with T1D and disease duration > 6 years. We used intravital video-microscopy to measure basal skin capillary density and capillary recruitment using post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) in the dorsum of the fingers. Endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilation of the skin microcirculation was evaluated in the forearm with a laser Doppler flow monitoring (LDF) system in combination with acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside iontophoresis, PORH and local thermal hyperemia.

Results

The basal mean capillary density (MCD) after exercise training was significantly higher than before exercise (134 ± 25 vs. 119 ± 19 capillaries/mm², respectively; P = 0.0013). MCD during PORH was also higher after exercise (140 ± 26 vs. 121 ± 24 capillaries/mm², respectively; P < 0.0001). Endothelium-dependent capillary recruitment during PORH was also significantly higher after exercise (140 ± 26 vs. 134 ± 25 capillaries/mm², respectively; P < 0.0012). There were no significant changes in skin microvascular reactivity after exercise as investigated using LDF.

Conclusions

Our results showed that low intensity aerobic exercise, performed four times per week for 12 weeks by patients with T1D, induces significant increases in microvascular density and endothelial-dependent capillary reactivity.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02441504. Registered 7 May 2015.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12872-016-0191-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Supplementation of maternal omega-3 fatty acids to pregnancy induced hypertension Wistar rats improves IL10 and VEGF levels

OBJECTIVES

Our recent study demonstrates the beneficial effect of a combined supplementation of vitamin B12, folic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid in reducing the severity of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH). It is also known to be associated with angiogenic imbalance and inflammation. The current study examines whether the individual/combined supplementation of folic acid, vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acid during pregnancy can ameliorate the inflammatory markers and restore the angiogenic balance in a rat model of PIH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

There were total of six groups, control and five treatment groups: PIH Induced; PIH+vitamin B12; PIH+folic acid; PIH+Omega-3 fatty acids and PIH+combined micronutrient supplementation (vitamin B12+folic acid+omega-3 fatty acids). Hypertension during pregnancy was induced using L- Nitroarginine methylester (L-NAME; 50mg/kg body weight/day). Dams were dissected at d20 of gestation and placental tissues were collected for further analysis.

RESULTS

Animals from the PIH induced group demonstrated lower (p<0.01 for both) IL-10 and VEGF levels as compared to control. However, PIH induction did not alter the protein levels of eNOS, IL-6, Flt and mRNA levels of VEGF and VEGFR-1/ Flt-1. Individual micronutrient supplementation of vitamin B12 and folate did not offer benefit. In contrast individual omega-3 fatty acid as well as combined micronutrient supplementation showed IL-10 and VEGF levels comparable to that of control.

CONCLUSION

Omega 3 fatty acid supplementation plays a key role in reducing inflammation in pregnancy induced hypertension.

Utility of Scalp Hair Follicles as a Novel Source of Biomarker Genes for Psychiatric Illnesses

BACKGROUND

Identifying beneficial surrogate genetic markers in psychiatric disorders is crucial but challenging.

METHODS

Given that scalp hair follicles are easily accessible and, like the brain, are derived from the ectoderm, expressions of messenger RNA (mRNA) and microRNA in the organ were examined between schizophrenia (n for first/second = 52/42) and control subjects (n = 62/55) in two sets of cohort. Genes of significance were also analyzed using postmortem brains (n for case/control = 35/35 in Brodmann area 46, 20/20 in cornu ammonis 1) and induced pluripotent stem cells (n = 4/4) and pluripotent stem cell-derived neurospheres (n = 12/12) to see their role in the central nervous system. Expression levels of mRNA for autism (n for case/control = 18/24) were also examined using scalp hair follicles.

RESULTS

Among mRNA examined, FABP4 was downregulated in schizophrenia subjects by two independent sample sets. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis determined that the sensitivity and specificity were 71.8% and 66.7%, respectively. FABP4 was expressed from the stage of neurosphere. Additionally, microarray-based microRNA analysis showed a trend of increased expression of hsa-miR-4449 (p = .0634) in hair follicles from schizophrenia. hsa-miR-4449 expression was increased in Brodmann area 46 from schizophrenia (p = .0007). Finally, we tested the expression of nine putative autism candidate genes in hair follicles and found decreased CNTNAP2 expression in the autism cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Scalp hair follicles could be a beneficial genetic biomarker resource for brain diseases, and further studies of FABP4 are merited in schizophrenia pathogenesis.

Dietary supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids robustly promotes neurovascular restorative dynamics and improves neurological functions after stroke

Stroke is a devastating neurological disease with no satisfactory therapies to preserve long-term neurological function, perhaps due to the sole emphasis on neuronal survival in most preclinical studies. Recent studies have revealed the importance of protecting multiple cell types in the injured brain, such as oligodendrocytes and components of the neurovascular unit, before long-lasting recovery of function can be achieved. For example, revascularization in the ischemic penumbra is critical to provide various neurotrophic factors that enhance the survival and activity of neurons and other progenitor cells, such as oligodendrocyte precursor cells. In the present study, we hypothesized that chronic dietary supplementation with fish oil promotes post-stroke angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and oligodendrogenesis, thereby leading to long-term functional improvements. Mice received dietary supplementation with n-3 PUFA-enriched fish oil for three months before and up to one month after stroke. As expected, dietary n-3 PUFAs significantly increased levels of n-3 PUFAs in the brain and improved long-term behavioral outcomes after cerebral ischemia. n-3 PUFAs also robustly improved revascularization and angiogenesis and boosted the survival of NeuN/BrdU labeled newborn neurons up to 35days after stroke injury. Furthermore, these pro-neurogenic effects were accompanied by robust oligodendrogenesis. Thus, this is the first study to demonstrate that chronic dietary intake of n-3 PUFAs is an effective prophylactic measure not only to protect against ischemic injury for the long term but also to actively promote neurovascular restorative dynamics and brain repair.