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Deng ML, Chen JR, Yang JF, Ma J, Shu FF, Zou FC, He JJ. Transcriptomic analysis of reproductive organs of pregnant mice post toxoplasma gondii infection reveals the potential factors that contribute to poor prognosis. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1431183. [PMID: 39006750 PMCID: PMC11239361 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1431183] [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: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite of phylum Apicomplexa that poses a huge threat to pregnant hosts, and induces tragic outcomes for pregnant hosts, fetuses and newborns. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the tragic consequences caused by T. gondii remains to be revealed. In the present study, we applied RNA-seq to study the transcriptomic landscape of the whole reproductive organ of pregnant mice post T. gondii infection, aiming to reveal the key altered biological characters of reproductive organs of pregnant mice that could contribute to the tragic outcomes caused by T. gondii infection. The results of the present study showed that the transcriptome of reproductive organs of pregnant mice was significantly altered by T. gondii infection. A total of 2,598 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 1,449 upregulated genes and 1,149 downregulated genes. Enrichment analysis of the DEGs showed that the significantly altered features of reproductive organs of pregnant mice were excessive inflammatory responses, downregulated metabolism processes, and congenital diseases. The chemotaxis of immune cells in the reproductive organs of infected pregnant mice could also be reshaped by 19 differentially expressed chemokines and 6 differentially expressed chemokine receptors that could contribute to the damages of reproductive organ in pregnant mice. Overall, the findings of present study may help to understand the pathogenic mechanism of the acute T. gondii infection in reproductive organs of pregnant mice, and it could also help to improve toxoplasmosis therapeutics for pregnant individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Ling Deng
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Jun-Rong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Jian-Fa Yang
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Fan-Fan Shu
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Feng-Cai Zou
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Jun-Jun He
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
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Lothert PK, Fedyshyn B, Girard S, Chakraborty R, Norgan AP, Enninga EAL. Spatial proteomics reveals phenotypic and functional differences in T cell and macrophage subsets during villitis of unknown etiology. Sci Rep 2024; 14:914. [PMID: 38195710 PMCID: PMC10776790 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51545-2] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Villitis of unknown etiology (VUE) is a prevalent inflammatory pathology of the placenta characterized by infiltration of maternal T cells and accumulation of fetal macrophages into chorionic villi. VUE is associated with a variety of adverse clinical outcomes, including fetal growth restriction and fetal demise. Evaluation of the phenotypic and functional differences between two immune cell types associated with this pathology, namely T cells and macrophages, was completed to gain a deeper understanding of the immuno-pathogenesis of VUE. GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiling was performed on placental tissue from 4 high grade VUE cases and 4 controls with no underlying pathology. Placental tissues were fluorescently labeled with CD3 and CD68 antibodies and oligo-conjugated antibodies against 48 protein targets. Overall, T cells in VUE exhibited upregulated markers of activation, memory, and antigen experience compared to controls and were altered based on placental location (villi vs. decidua). Additionally, villous macrophages in VUE upregulated costimulatory and major histocompatibility complex class I and II molecules compared to controls and macrophage subtypes in the decidua. Data herein provides new mechanistic insights into T cell and macrophage biology in VUE which contribute to this abnormal immune response to pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra K Lothert
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Bohdana Fedyshyn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Sylvie Girard
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Rana Chakraborty
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Andrew P Norgan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Elizabeth Ann L Enninga
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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Jahan F, Vasam G, Cariaco Y, Nik-Akhtar A, Green A, Menzies KJ, Bainbridge SA. A comparison of rat models that best mimic immune-driven preeclampsia in humans. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1219205. [PMID: 37842294 PMCID: PMC10569118 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1219205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE), a hypertensive pregnancy disorder, can originate from varied etiology. Placenta malperfusion has long been considered the primary cause of PE. However, we and others have showed that this disorder can also result from heightened inflammation at the maternal-fetal interface. To advance our understanding of this understudied PE subtype, it is important to establish validated rodent models to study the pathophysiology and test therapies. We evaluated three previously described approaches to induce inflammation-mediated PE-like features in pregnant rats: 1) Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) infusion via osmotic pump from gestational day (GD) 14-19 at 50ng/day/animal; 2) Polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C) intraperitoneal (IP) injections from GD 10-18 (alternate days) at 10mg/kg/day/animal; and, 3) Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) IP injections from GD 13-18 at 20ug-70ug/kg/day per animal. Maternal blood pressure was measured by tail-cuff. Upon sacrifice, fetal and placenta weights were recorded. Placenta histomorphology was assessed using H&E sections. Placenta inflammation was determined by quantifying TNF-α levels and inflammatory gene expression. Placenta metabolic and mitochondrial health were determined by measuring mitochondrial respiration rates and placenta NAD+/NADH content. Of the three rodent models tested, we found that Poly I:C and LPS decreased both fetal weight and survival; and correlated with a reduction in region specific placenta growth. As the least effective model characterized, TNF-α treatment resulted in a subtle decrease in fetal/placenta weight and placenta mitochondrial respiration. Only the LPS model was able to induce maternal hypertension and exhibited pronounced placenta metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunction, common features of PE. Thus, the rat LPS model was most effective for recapitulating features observed in cases of human inflammatory PE. Future mechanistic and/or therapeutic intervention studies focuses on this distinct PE patient population may benefit from the employment of this rodent model of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahmida Jahan
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Goutham Vasam
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Yusmaris Cariaco
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Abolfazl Nik-Akhtar
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Alex Green
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Keir J. Menzies
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Shannon A. Bainbridge
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Coler B, Cervantes O, Li M, Coler C, Li A, Shivakumar M, Every E, Schwartz D, Adams Waldorf KM. Common pathways targeted by viral hemorrhagic fever viruses to infect the placenta and increase the risk of stillbirth. Placenta 2023; 141:2-9. [PMID: 36939178 PMCID: PMC10102255 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF) are endemic to Africa, South America and Asia and contribute to significant maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Viruses causing VHFs are typically zoonotic, spreading to humans through livestock, wildlife, or mosquito vectors. Some of the most lethal VHF viruses also impart a high-risk of stillbirth including ebolaviruses, Marburg virus (MARV), Lassa virus (LASV), and Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV). Large outbreaks and epidemics are common, though the impact on the mother, fetus and placenta is understudied from a public health, clinical and basic science perspective. Notably, these viruses utilize ubiquitous cellular surface entry receptors critical for normal placental function to enable viral invasion into multiple key cell types of the placenta and set the stage for maternal-fetal transmission and stillbirth. We employ insights from molecular virology and viral immunology to discuss how trophoblast expression of viral entry receptors for VHF viruses may increase the risk for viral transmission to the fetus and stillbirth. As the frequency of VHF outbreaks is expected to increase with worsening climate change, understanding the pathogenesis of VHF-related diseases in the placenta is paramount to predicting the impact of emerging viruses on the placenta and perinatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brahm Coler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Orlando Cervantes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Miranda Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | | | - Amanda Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Case Western Reserve, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Megana Shivakumar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Emma Every
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Kristina M Adams Waldorf
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Teixeira SC, Rosini AM, de Souza G, Fajardo Martínez AF, Silva RJ, Ambrósio SR, Sola Veneziani RC, Bastos JK, Gomes Martins CH, Barbosa BF, Vieira Ferro EA. Polyalthic acid and oleoresin from Copaifera trapezifolia Hayne reduce Toxoplasma gondii growth in human villous explants, even triggering an anti-inflammatory profile. Exp Parasitol 2023; 250:108534. [PMID: 37100271 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108534] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Due to the lack of efficient antiparasitic therapy and vaccines, as well as emerging resistance strains, congenital toxoplasmosis is still a public health issue worldwide. The present study aimed to assess the effects of an oleoresin obtained from the species Copaifera trapezifolia Hayne (CTO), and an isolated molecule found in the CTO, ent-polyalthic acid (ent-15,16-epoxy-8(17),13(16),14-labdatrien-19-oic acid) (named as PA), against T. gondii infection. We used human villous explants as an experimental model of human maternal-fetal interface. Uninfected and infected villous explants were exposed to the treatments; the parasite intracellular proliferation and the cytokine levels were measured. Also, T. gondii tachyzoites were pre-treated and the parasite proliferation was determined. Our findings showed that CTO and PA reduced efficiently the parasite growth with an irreversible action, but without causing toxicity to the villi. Also, treatments reduced the levels of IL-6, IL-8, MIF and TNF by villi, what configures a valuable treatment option for the maintenance of a pregnancy in an infectious context. In addition to a possible direct effect on parasites, our data suggest an alternative mechanism by which CTO and PA alter the villous explants environment and then impair parasite growth, since the pre-treatment of villi resulted in lower parasitic infection. Here, we highlighted PA as an interesting tool for the design of new anti-T. gondii compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Cota Teixeira
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
| | - Alessandra Monteiro Rosini
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
| | - Guilherme de Souza
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
| | - Aryani Felixa Fajardo Martínez
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
| | - Rafaela José Silva
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
| | - Sergio Ricardo Ambrósio
- Nucleus of Research in Technological and Exact Sciences, University of Franca, Franca, SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Jairo Kenupp Bastos
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Carlos Henrique Gomes Martins
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
| | - Bellisa Freitas Barbosa
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
| | - Eloisa Amália Vieira Ferro
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
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6
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Tang Z, Li H, Xie S, Zhao S, Zhang S, Wang H, Li N, Zhang X, Zhao F, Jia L. A preliminary study on placental damage associated to experimental neosporosis in BALB/c mice. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:781-788. [PMID: 36596902 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07771-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite which can infect a range of animals, including dogs, cattle, and sheep. Bovine neosporosis, which mainly causes abortion in cattle, results in substantial economic losses worldwide. To study the effects of N. caninum infection on the placenta, a pregnant mouse model for N. caninum infection was established. The litter size (8.6 ± 1.5) and the number of live pups (6.4 ± 1.8) of infected dams were significantly lower compared with those of non-infected dams. Trophoblast cell shrinkage and a large number of apoptosomes were detected in the placentas of the infected group. The parasite load in the placental tissue was significantly higher with time after infection. Likewise, apoptosis of placental trophoblast cells significantly increased with time after infection. Among the 66 apoptotic genes detected in this study, eight genes, including Bcl-2, were significantly differentially expressed by about > tenfold in infected and uninfected mice. The expression of BAX and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was upregulated in the placental cells of the infected mice, whereas the expression of BCL-2 was downregulated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) showed that apoptotic protease caspase-3 level was significantly increased in placental cell suspension, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-2 level was significantly reduced. Acetylcholine (ACH) and placental prolactin (PL) levels were initially decreased but eventually increased. In summary, infection of mice with N. caninum caused apoptotic damage to the placental tissues, cells, and genes and affected the normal physiological functions of placenta, which may largely explain the adverse pregnancy outcomes caused by N. caninum infection in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyu Tang
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, No.977 Park Road, Yanji, 133002, People's Republic of China
| | - Hang Li
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, No.977 Park Road, Yanji, 133002, People's Republic of China.,National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Suzhu Xie
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, No.977 Park Road, Yanji, 133002, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaowei Zhao
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, No.977 Park Road, Yanji, 133002, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, No.977 Park Road, Yanji, 133002, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Wang
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, No.977 Park Road, Yanji, 133002, People's Republic of China
| | - Nanli Li
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, No.977 Park Road, Yanji, 133002, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuancheng Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, No.977 Park Road, Yanji, 133002, People's Republic of China
| | - Fanglin Zhao
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, No.977 Park Road, Yanji, 133002, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijun Jia
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, No.977 Park Road, Yanji, 133002, People's Republic of China.
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Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and interferon (IFN)-γ differentially regulate ICAM-1 expression and adhesion of Toxoplasma gondii to human trophoblast (BeWo) and uterine cervical (HeLa) cells. Acta Trop 2021; 224:106111. [PMID: 34450063 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106111] [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: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite able to infect various cell types, including trophoblast cells. Studies have demonstrated that interleukin (IL)-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and interferon (IFN)-γ are involved in the susceptibility of BeWo trophoblast cells to T. gondii infection. Furthermore, T. gondii is able to adhere to the plasma membrane of host cells through intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the role of IL-10, TGF-β1 and IFN-γ in the expression of ICAM-1 in BeWo and HeLa cells and to analyze the role of ICAM-1 in the adhesion and invasion of T. gondii to these cells under the influence of these cytokines. For this purpose, BeWo and HeLa cells were treated or not, before and after T. gondii infection, with rIL-10, rTGF-β1 or rIFN-γ. For the BeWo cells, rIL-10 and rTGF-β1 favored susceptibility to infection, but only rTGF-β1 and rIFN-γ increased ICAM-1 expression, and TNF-α release. On the other hand, rIFN-γ downregulated the expression of ICAM-1 triggered by T. gondii in HeLa cells, leading to control of the infection. Moreover, we observed that upregulation of ICAM-1, mediated by cytokine's stimulation, in BeWo and HeLa cells resulted in a high number rate of both parasite adhesion and invasion to these cells, which were strongly reduced after ICAM-1 neutralization. Likewise, the blockage of ICAM-1 molecule also impaired T. gondii infection in human villous explants. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that TGF-β1 and IFN-γ differentially regulate ICAM-1 expression, which may interfere in the adhesion/invasion of T. gondii to BeWo and HeLa cells for modulating susceptibility to infection.
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Rojas-Pirela M, Medina L, Rojas MV, Liempi AI, Castillo C, Pérez-Pérez E, Guerrero-Muñoz J, Araneda S, Kemmerling U. Congenital Transmission of Apicomplexan Parasites: A Review. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:751648. [PMID: 34659187 PMCID: PMC8519608 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.751648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexans are a group of pathogenic protists that cause various diseases in humans and animals that cause economic losses worldwide. These unicellular eukaryotes are characterized by having a complex life cycle and the ability to evade the immune system of their host organism. Infections caused by some of these parasites affect millions of pregnant women worldwide, leading to various adverse maternal and fetal/placental effects. Unfortunately, the exact pathogenesis of congenital apicomplexan diseases is far from being understood, including the mechanisms of how they cross the placental barrier. In this review, we highlight important aspects of the diseases caused by species of Plasmodium, Babesia, Toxoplasma, and Neospora, their infection during pregnancy, emphasizing the possible role played by the placenta in the host-pathogen interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura Rojas-Pirela
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.,Facultad de Farmacia y Bioanálisis, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - Lisvaneth Medina
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Maria Verónica Rojas
- Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Ana Isabel Liempi
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Christian Castillo
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Núcleo de Investigación Aplicada en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Agronomía, Universidad de Las Américas, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Jesús Guerrero-Muñoz
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sebastian Araneda
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Facultad de Salud y Odontología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ulrike Kemmerling
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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9
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Scarini JF, Rodrigues NDM, Sabino WL, Soares C, Morais TMDL, de Lima-Souza RA, Crescencio LR, Gondak RDO, Mariano FV, Altemani A, Egal ESA. M1 macrophages involved in the pathogenesis of placental chronic villitis of unknown etiology. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2021; 35:4847-4852. [PMID: 33406952 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2020.1869930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Placental villitis is characterized by the presence of inflammatory infiltrate in the placental villous. The objective of this study was to characterize in villitis of unknown etiology (VUE) of the human placentas the subpopulation of M1, important effector cells, and M2 macrophages, immunoregulatory cells. METHODS Sixteen cases of VUE and three control placentas were examined using immunohistochemistry with antibodies for CD3, CD68, CD11c, and CD163. RESULTS CD11c appeared predominantly in the inflamed villi when compared to the normal areas (p<.001). These cells corresponded to 41.2% of the macrophage population in the inflamed area and were mainly present inside the villi (36%). With regards to CD163, these cells tended to be in higher amounts in the inflamed villi when compared to CD11c and normal areas. DISCUSSION We conclude that the almost exclusive presence of M1 macrophages in the inflamed areas suggests the influence of these cells in the pathogenesis VUE. The greater amount of M2 in villitis and normal areas suggests a possible immunoregulatory mechanism of the inflammatory process in VUE.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Figueira Scarini
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil.,Department of Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, University of Campinas (FOP/UNICAMP), Piracicaba, Brazil
| | | | - Wellington Lima Sabino
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Ciro Soares
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, University of Campinas (FOP/UNICAMP), Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Thayná Melo de Lima Morais
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, University of Campinas (FOP/UNICAMP), Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Reydson Alcides de Lima-Souza
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil.,Department of Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, University of Campinas (FOP/UNICAMP), Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Lívia Ramalho Crescencio
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil.,Department of Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, University of Campinas (FOP/UNICAMP), Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Rogério de Oliveira Gondak
- Department of Pathology, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Viviane Mariano
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Albina Altemani
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Erika Said Abu Egal
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil.,Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Utah (UU), Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Suttorp CM, van Rheden REM, van Dijk NWM, Helmich MPAC, Kuijpers-Jagtman AM, Wagener FADTG. Heme Oxygenase Protects against Placental Vascular Inflammation and Abortion by the Alarmin Heme in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155385. [PMID: 32751152 PMCID: PMC7432719 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Both infectious as non-infectious inflammation can cause placental dysfunction and pregnancy complications. During the first trimester of human gestation, when palatogenesis takes place, intrauterine hematoma and hemorrhage are common phenomena, causing the release of large amounts of heme, a well-known alarmin. We postulated that exposure of pregnant mice to heme during palatogenesis would initiate oxidative and inflammatory stress, leading to pathological pregnancy, increasing the incidence of palatal clefting and abortion. Both heme oxygenase isoforms (HO-1 and HO-2) break down heme, thereby generating anti-oxidative and -inflammatory products. HO may thus counteract these heme-induced injurious stresses. To test this hypothesis, we administered heme to pregnant CD1 outbred mice at Day E12 by intraperitoneal injection in increasing doses: 30, 75 or 150 μmol/kg body weight (30H, 75H or 150H) in the presence or absence of HO-activity inhibitor SnMP from Day E11. Exposure to heme resulted in a dose-dependent increase in abortion. At 75H half of the fetuses where resorbed, while at 150H all fetuses were aborted. HO-activity protected against heme-induced abortion since inhibition of HO-activity aggravated heme-induced detrimental effects. The fetuses surviving heme administration demonstrated normal palatal fusion. Immunostainings at Day E16 demonstrated higher numbers of ICAM-1 positive blood vessels, macrophages and HO-1 positive cells in placenta after administration of 75H or SnMP + 30H. Summarizing, heme acts as an endogenous “alarmin” during pregnancy in a dose-dependent fashion, while HO-activity protects against heme-induced placental vascular inflammation and abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiaan M. Suttorp
- Department of Dentistry—Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 EX Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (C.M.S.); (R.E.M.v.R.); (N.W.M.v.D.); (M.P.A.C.H.)
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - René E. M. van Rheden
- Department of Dentistry—Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 EX Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (C.M.S.); (R.E.M.v.R.); (N.W.M.v.D.); (M.P.A.C.H.)
| | - Natasja W. M. van Dijk
- Department of Dentistry—Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 EX Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (C.M.S.); (R.E.M.v.R.); (N.W.M.v.D.); (M.P.A.C.H.)
| | - Maria P. A. C. Helmich
- Department of Dentistry—Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 EX Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (C.M.S.); (R.E.M.v.R.); (N.W.M.v.D.); (M.P.A.C.H.)
| | - Anne Marie Kuijpers-Jagtman
- Department of Orthodontics, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands;
- Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta ID-10430, Indonesia
| | - Frank A. D. T. G. Wagener
- Department of Dentistry—Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 EX Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (C.M.S.); (R.E.M.v.R.); (N.W.M.v.D.); (M.P.A.C.H.)
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-24-36-18824
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11
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Pan J, Tian X, Huang H, Zhong N. Proteomic Study of Fetal Membrane: Inflammation-Triggered Proteolysis of Extracellular Matrix May Present a Pathogenic Pathway for Spontaneous Preterm Birth. Front Physiol 2020; 11:800. [PMID: 32792973 PMCID: PMC7386131 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB), which predominantly presents as spontaneous preterm labor (sPTL) or prelabor premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), is a syndrome that accounts for 5-10% of live births annually. The long-term morbidity in surviving preterm infants is significantly higher than that in full-term neonates. The causes of sPTB are complex and not fully understood. Human placenta, the maternal and fetal interface, is an environmental core of fetal intrauterine life, mediates fetal oxygen exchange, nutrient uptake, and waste elimination and functions as an immune-defense organ. In this study, the molecular signature of preterm birth placenta was assessed and compared to full-term placenta by proteomic profiling. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four groups of fetal membranes (the amniochorionic membranes), with five cases in each group in the discovery study and 30 cases in each group for validation, were included: groups A: sPTL; B: PPROM; C: full-term birth (FTB); and D: full-term premature rupture of membrane (PROM). Fetal membranes were dissected and used for proteome quantification study. Maxquant and Perseus were used for protein quantitation and statistical analysis. Both fetal membranes and placental villi samples were used to validate proteomic discovery. RESULTS Proteomics analysis of fetal membranes identified 2,800 proteins across four groups. Sixty-two proteins show statistical differences between the preterm and full-term groups. Among these differentially expressed proteins are (1) proteins involved in inflammation (HPGD), T cell activation (PTPRC), macrophage activation (CAPG, CD14, and CD163), (2) cell adhesion (ICAM and ITGAM), (3) proteolysis (CTSG, ELANE, and MMP9), (4) antioxidant (MPO), (5) extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins (APMAP, COL4A1, LAMA2, LMNB1, LMNB2, FBLN2, and CSRP1) and (6) metabolism of glycolysis (PKM and ADPGK), fatty acid synthesis (ACOX1 and ACSL3), and energy biosynthesis (ATP6AP1 and CYBB). CONCLUSION Our molecular signature study of preterm fetal membranes revealed inflammation as a major event, which is inconsistent with previous findings. Proteolysis may play an important role in fetal membrane rupture. Extracellular matrix s have been altered in preterm fetal membranes due to proteolysis. Metabolism was also altered in preterm fetal membranes. The molecular changes in the fetal membranes provided a significant molecular signature for PPROM in preterm syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Pan
- Sanya Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Sanya, China
| | - Xiujuan Tian
- Sanya Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Sanya, China
| | - Honglei Huang
- Proteomic Core Facility, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nanbert Zhong
- New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, United States
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12
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Haram K, Mortensen JH, Myking O, Magann EF, Morrison JC. The Role of Oxidative Stress, Adhesion Molecules and Antioxidants in Preeclampsia. Curr Hypertens Rev 2020; 15:105-112. [PMID: 30663572 DOI: 10.2174/1573402115666190119163942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a consequence of reduction in the antioxidant capacity and excessive production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS). Oxidative agents, which are overproduced due to ischemic-reperfusion injury in the placenta, may overwhelm the normal antioxidant activity. This imbalance is a key feature in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. A decrease in glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity is associated with the synthesis of vasoconstrictive eicosanoids such as F2-isoprostanes and thromboxane, which are known to be upregulated in preeclampsia. Biochemical markers of lipid peroxidation, such as malondialdehyde and F2-isoprostane in the placenta, are also increased. Adhesion molecules participate in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia by contributing to a reduced invasion by the trophoblast and increased vascular endothelial damage. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and GPX play important roles counteracting oxidative stress. Other antioxidant factors participate in the etiology of preeclampsia. Levels of antioxidants such as Lycopene, Coenzyme 10, as well as some vitamins, are reduced in preeclamptic gestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjell Haram
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jan Helge Mortensen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ole Myking
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Haukeland University Hospital, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Everett F Magann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - John C Morrison
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, MS, United States
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13
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Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a global health threat in which occurrence in pregnant women poses grave consequences to fetal wellbeing. Studies on prenatal Toxoplasma gondii infection are generally limited in sub-Saharan African countries, including Nigeria. The risk of transmission of toxoplasmosis is very high in Nigeria due to the favourable climatic conditions and prevailing behavioural and socio-economic factors that could aid transmission. Currently, there are no systematic and organized procedures for diagnosis and treatment of maternal toxoplasmosis in Nigeria. These conditions forecast possible unabated transmission in many areas and exponential impact on associated adverse events of the disease during pregnancy. This paper highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment during pregnancy which may forestall subsequent development of infection in children delivered by infected mothers. Inclusion of toxoplasmosis control policy in the routine antenatal care of pregnant women is therefore strongly recommended.
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14
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Kaminski VDL, Ellwanger JH, Chies JAB. Extracellular vesicles in host-pathogen interactions and immune regulation - exosomes as emerging actors in the immunological theater of pregnancy. Heliyon 2019; 5:e02355. [PMID: 31592031 PMCID: PMC6771614 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This review correlates and summarizes the role of the maternal-fetal interface in the immune tolerance of the fetus and the processes that lead to infection avoidance, emphasizing the participation of exosomes and other extracellular vesicles in both situations. Exosomes are released into the extracellular medium by several cell types and are excellent carriers of biomolecules. Host-derived exosomes and the transport of pathogen-derived molecules by exosomes impact infections in different ways. The interactions of exosomes with the maternal immune system are pivotal to a favorable gestational outcome. In this review, we highlight the potential role of exosomes in the establishment of an adequate milieu that enables embryo implantation and discuss the participation of exosomes released at the maternal-fetal interface during the establishment of an immune-privileged compartment for fetal development. The placenta is a component where important strategies are used to minimize the risk of infection. To present a contrast, we also discuss possible mechanisms used by pathogens to cross the maternal-fetal interface. We review the processes, mechanisms, and potential consequences of dysregulation in all of the abovementioned phenomena. Basic information about exosomes and their roles in viral immune evasion is also presented. The interactions between extracellular vesicles and bacteria, fungi, parasites and proteinaceous infectious agents are addressed. The discovery of the placental microbiota and the implications of this new microbiota are also discussed, and current proposals that explain fetal/placental colonization by both pathogenic and commensal microbes are addressed. The comprehension of such interactions will help us to understand the immune dynamics of human pregnancy and the mechanisms of immune evasion used by different pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - José Artur Bogo Chies
- Laboratório de Imunobiologia e Imunogenética, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul – UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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15
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Heerema-McKenney A. Defense and infection of the human placenta. APMIS 2018; 126:570-588. [PMID: 30129129 DOI: 10.1111/apm.12847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The placenta functions as a shield against infection of the fetus. The innate and adaptive immune defenses of the developing fetus are poorly equipped to fight infections. Infection by bacteria, viruses, and protozoa may cause infertility, spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, growth retardation, anomalies of development, premature delivery, neonatal morbidity, and mortality. However, appreciation of the human microbiome and host cell-microbe interactions must be taken into consideration as we try to determine what interactions are pathologic. Infection is typically recognized histologically by the presence of inflammation. Yet, several factors make comparison of the placenta to other human organs difficult. The placenta comprises tissues from two persons, complicating the role of the immune system. The placenta is a temporary organ. It must be eventually expelled; the processes leading to partuition involve maternal inflammation. What is normal or pathologic may be a function of timing or extent of the process. We now must consider whether bacteria, and even some viruses, are useful commensals or pathogens. Still, recognizing infection of the placenta is one of the most important contributions placental pathologic examination can give to care of the mother and neonate. This review provides a brief overview of placental defense against infection, consideration of the placental microbiome, routes of infection, and the histopathology of amniotic fluid infection and TORCH infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Heerema-McKenney
- Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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16
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Piao LX, Cheng JH, Aosai F, Zhao XD, Norose K, Jin XJ. Cellular immunopathogenesis in primary Toxoplasma gondii
infection during pregnancy. Parasite Immunol 2018; 40:e12570. [DOI: 10.1111/pim.12570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lian Xun Piao
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy; Yanbian University; Yanji China
| | - Jia Hui Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy; Yanbian University; Yanji China
| | - Fumie Aosai
- Department of Infection and Host Defense; Graduate School of Medicine; Chiba University; Chiba Japan
- Department of Infection and Host Defense; Graduate School of Medicine; Shinshu University; Matsumoto Japan
| | - Xu Dong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy; Yanbian University; Yanji China
| | - Kazumi Norose
- Department of Infection and Host Defense; Graduate School of Medicine; Chiba University; Chiba Japan
| | - Xue Jun Jin
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources of Changbai Mountain & Functional Molecules, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy; Yanbian University; Yanji China
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17
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Abstract
Congenital infections with pathogens such as Zika virus, Toxoplasma gondii, Listeria monocytogenes, Treponema pallidium, parvovirus, HIV, varicella zoster virus, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpesviruses are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite the devastating impact of microbial infections on the developing fetus, relatively little is known about how pathogens associated with congenital disease breach the placental barrier to transit vertically during human pregnancy. In this Review, we focus on transplacental transmission of pathogens during human gestation. We introduce the structure of the human placenta and describe the innate mechanisms by which the placenta restricts microbial access to the intrauterine compartment. Based on current knowledge, we also discuss the potential pathways employed by microorganisms to overcome the placental barrier and prospects for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitin Arora
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA; Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Yoel Sadovsky
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Terence S Dermody
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA; Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Carolyn B Coyne
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA; Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA.
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18
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Liu X, Hu Y, Liu X, Zheng Y, Luo M, Liu W, Zhao Y, Zou L. EPHB4, a down stream target of IFN-γ/STAT1 signal pathway, regulates endothelial activation possibly contributing to the development of preeclampsia. Am J Reprod Immunol 2016; 76:307-17. [PMID: 27553867 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Preeclampsia is characterized by endothelial activation and excessive inflammation, of which interferon (IFN)-γ is a potent inducer. Eph receptor B4 (EPHB4) also involved in endothelial activation in inflammation. Their role and relationship in preeclampsia remain unclear. METHOD OF STUDY Intercellular adhesion molecular (ICAM)-1 was employed as the hallmark of endothelial activation. The serum levels of IFN-γ and the expression of EPHB4 and ICAM-1 were assessed by ELISA, qRT-PCR and WB, respectively. Primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with IFN-γ of different concentration or for different times to determine the effect of IFN-γ on EPHB4 and ICAM-1 expression. Overexpression and shRNA constructs, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase assays were conducted to clarify the regulation mechanism of IFN-γ/STAT1 on EPHB4 resulting in HUVECs activation. Endothelial-trophoblast co-culture model was used to illustrate the role of EPHB4 in the process of activated endothelial cells resisting trophoblast invasion. RESULTS IFN-γ, EPHB4 and ICAM-1 expression were elevated in preeclampsia. IFN-γ induced HUVECs activation through EPHB4 expression. ChIP and luciferase assays revealed that IFN-γ promoted EPHB4 transcription by STAT-1 binding to EPHB4 promoter. EPHB4 probably involved in resisting trophoblasts displacement by IFN-γ-activated HUVECs. CONCLUSION This study uncovered the character of EPHB4-regulating endothelial activation in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoxia Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanfang Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Minglian Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weifang Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yin Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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19
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Chronic inflammation of the placenta: definition, classification, pathogenesis, and clinical significance. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2015; 213:S53-69. [PMID: 26428503 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.08.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 321] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2015] [Revised: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory lesions of the placenta are characterized by the infiltration of the organ by lymphocytes, plasma cells, and/or macrophages and may result from infections (viral, bacterial, parasitic) or be of immune origin (maternal anti-fetal rejection). The 3 major lesions are villitis (when the inflammatory process affects the villous tree), chronic chorioamnionitis (which affects the chorioamniotic membranes), and chronic deciduitis (which involves the decidua basalis). Maternal cellular infiltration is a common feature of the lesions. Villitis of unknown etiology (VUE) is a destructive villous inflammatory lesion that is characterized by the infiltration of maternal T cells (CD8+ cytotoxic T cells) into chorionic villi. Migration of maternal T cells into the villi is driven by the production of T-cell chemokines in the affected villi. Activation of macrophages in the villi has been implicated in the destruction of the villous architecture. VUE has been reported in association with preterm and term fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, fetal death, and preterm labor. Infants whose placentas have VUE are at risk for death and abnormal neurodevelopmental outcome at the age of 2 years. Chronic chorioamnionitis is the most common lesion in late spontaneous preterm birth and is characterized by the infiltration of maternal CD8+ T cells into the chorioamniotic membranes. These cytotoxic T cells can induce trophoblast apoptosis and damage the fetal membranes. The lesion frequently is accompanied by VUE. Chronic deciduitis consists of the presence of lymphocytes or plasma cells in the basal plate of the placenta. This lesion is more common in pregnancies that result from egg donation and has been reported in a subset of patients with premature labor. Chronic placental inflammatory lesions can be due to maternal anti-fetal rejection, a process associated with the development of a novel form of fetal systemic inflammatory response. The syndrome is characterized by an elevation of the fetal plasma T-cell chemokine. The evidence that maternal anti-fetal rejection underlies the pathogenesis of many chronic inflammatory lesions of the placenta is reviewed. This article includes figures and histologic examples of all chronic inflammatory lesions of the placenta.
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20
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Toxoplasma gondii isolate with genotype Chinese 1 triggers trophoblast apoptosis through oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in mice. Exp Parasitol 2015; 154:51-61. [PMID: 25913086 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Congenital toxoplasmosis may result in abortion, severe mental retardation and neurologic damage in the offspring. Placental damage is considered as the key event in this disease. Here we show that maternal infection with Toxoplasma gondii Wh3 isolate of genotype Chinese 1, which is predominantly prevalent in China, induced trophoblast apoptosis of pregnant mouse. PCR array analysis of 84 key genes in the biogenesis and functions of mouse mitochondrion revealed that ten genes were up-regulated at least 2-fold in the Wh3 infection group, compared with those in the control. The elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), as well as the decreased glutathione (GSH), were observed in the infected mice. The mRNA levels of NADPH oxidase 1 and glutathione peroxidase 6 (GPx6) were significantly increased. The production of excessive ROS was NADPH oxidase-dependent, which contributed to mitochondrial structural damage and mitochondrial dysfunction in placentas, followed by the cleavage of caspase-9 and caspase-3, and finally resulted in apoptosis of trophoblasts. All the above-mentioned phenomena were inhibited by pretreatment with the antioxidant of N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Taken together, we concluded that Wh3 infection during pregnancy may contribute to trophoblast apoptosis by oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and activation of the downstream signaling pathway.
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21
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Labarrere CA, Hardin JW, Haas DM, Kassab GS. Chronic villitis of unknown etiology and massive chronic intervillositis have similar immune cell composition. Placenta 2015; 36:681-6. [PMID: 25911290 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2015.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Revised: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic villitis of unknown etiology (CVUE) and massive chronic intervillositis (MCI) are placental lesions associated with infiltration of mononuclear cells in the chorionic villi and the intervillous spaces, respectively. It is not well known whether immune cells in CVUE and MCI have similar phenotypic characteristics. METHODS A cross-sectional study of third trimester placentas was conducted to identify immune cell subpopulations in CVUE and MCI (n = 17/group). CVUE was diagnosed with H&E staining and antibody to CD3 in serial sections; and MCI, by the presence of massive infiltration of mononuclear cells in the intervillous spaces. Immune cells, ICAM-1 expression and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation were determined immunohistochemically. RESULTS CVUE and MCI showed similar infiltrates, mainly CD68+ and CD3+ cells. Most cells (>80%) were CD45RB+, and one third were CD45RO+ in both lesions. There were slightly more CD8+ than CD4+ cells in both CVUE and MCI. More than 90% of cells in CVUE and MCI were ICAM-1+ with NFκB nuclear localization. Syncytiotrophoblast ICAM-1 expression was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in MCI (mean of 81.0; range of 71.6-86.0) than in CVUE (52.4; 36.4-59.4) or normal placentas (0.2; 0.0-0.6). Both, failure of physiologic transformation of spiral arteries and placental atherosclerosis-like lesions of atherosis were significantly more frequent in MCI than in CVUE or normal placentas (p = 0.044 and p = 0.007, respectively). DISCUSSION These finding suggest that MCI and CVUE have very similar infiltration of immune cells although MCI has more severe placental lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Labarrere
- CBL Partners for Life, Indianapolis, IN, USA; California Medical Innovations Institute, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - J W Hardin
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - D M Haas
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine Wishard-Eskenazi Hospital, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - G S Kassab
- California Medical Innovations Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
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22
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Hussein K, Stucki-Koch A, Kreipe H, Feist H. Expression of Toll-Like Receptors in Chronic Histiocytic Intervillositis of the Placenta. Fetal Pediatr Pathol 2015; 34:407-12. [PMID: 26503894 DOI: 10.3109/15513815.2015.1095259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Chronic histiocytic intervillositis of the placenta (CHI) shows monocytic/histiocytic infiltration of the intervillous space. Placental malaria has a CHI-like histopathology and induces an aberrant expression of Toll-like receptors (TLR) 3, 7-9. We hypothesized that, similar to placental malaria, CHI could be associated with increased TLR expression. TLR1-10 and other inflammation-associated factors were analyzed by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. A total of 31 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded placenta samples were evaluated: CHI (n = 9), and for control purposes, villitis of unknown etiology (VUE, n = 8) and placentas without inflammation (n = 14). CHI shows increased expression of monocytic TLR1, a receptor which is involved in bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation. This could indicate a TLR1-mediated immune mechanism in the placenta (e.g. triggered by transient, clinically inapparent maternal bacteraemia) which leads to massive monocytic/histiocytic accumulation in the intervillous space. The increased expression of TLR1 with no increased expression of TLR3 and TLR7-9 is different from that in malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kais Hussein
- a Institute of Pathology , Hannover Medical School , Hannover , Germany
| | | | - Hans Kreipe
- a Institute of Pathology , Hannover Medical School , Hannover , Germany
| | - Henning Feist
- b Diakonissenkrankenhaus Flensburg , Flensburg , Germany
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Egal E, Mariano F, Blotta M, Piña A, Montalli V, Almeida O, Altemani A. ICAM-1 expression on immune cells in chronic villitis. Placenta 2014; 35:1021-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2014.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Revised: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Labarrere C, Bammerlin E, Hardin J, DiCarlo H. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression in massive chronic intervillositis: Implications for the invasion of maternal cells into fetal tissues. Placenta 2014; 35:311-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2014.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Revised: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Induction of pro-inflammatory response of the placental trophoblast by Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes and TNF. Malar J 2013; 12:421. [PMID: 24237643 PMCID: PMC3834101 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-12-421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium falciparum placental malaria is characterized by the sequestration of infected erythrocytes (IEs) in the placental intervillous space via adherence to chondroitin sulphate A (CSA), production of inflammatory molecules, and leukocytes infiltration. Previous reports suggest that the syncytiotrophoblast (ST) immunologically responds to IEs contact. This study explores the inflammatory response induced in BeWo cells by adherence of IEs and TNFstimulation. Methods A non-syncitialized BeWo cells (trophoblast model) were used to evaluate its response to CSA-adherents IEs (FCB1csa, FCB2csa, FCR3csa, 3D7csa) and TNF stimulation. Expression of membrane ICAM-1 (mICAM-1) receptor in BeWo cells was quantified by flow cytometry and the IL-8, IL-6 and soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) concentrations were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbentassay (ELISA) in BeWo stimulated supernatants. Results BeWo cells stimulated with TNF and CSA-adherents IEs of FCB1csa and 3D7csa (strains with higher adhesion) increase the expression of ICAM-1 on the surface of cells and the secretion of immune factors IL-8, IL-6 and sICAM-1. This inflammatory response appears to be related to the level of adherence of IEs because less adherent strains do not induce significant changes. Conclusions It was found that BeWo cells responds to CSA-IEs and to TNF favouring a placental pro-inflammatory environment, evidenced by increases in the expression of membrane mICAM-1 and release of soluble ICAM-1, as well as the IL-8 and IL-6 secretion. The expression of ICAM-1 in BeWo cells might be associated to an increase in leukocyte adhesion to the trophoblast barrier, promoting greater inflammation, while the sICAM-1 release could be a protection mechanism activated by trophoblastic cells, in order to regulate the local inflammatory response.
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Doran KS, Banerjee A, Disson O, Lecuit M. Concepts and mechanisms: crossing host barriers. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2013; 3:a010090. [PMID: 23818514 PMCID: PMC3685877 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a010090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The human body is bordered by the skin and mucosa, which are the cellular barriers that define the frontier between the internal milieu and the external nonsterile environment. Additional cellular barriers, such as the placental and the blood-brain barriers, define protected niches within the host. In addition to their physiological roles, these host barriers provide both physical and immune defense against microbial infection. Yet, many pathogens have evolved elaborated mechanisms to target this line of defense, resulting in a microbial invasion of cells constitutive of host barriers, disruption of barrier integrity, and systemic dissemination and invasion of deeper tissues. Here we review representative examples of microbial interactions with human barriers, including the intestinal, placental, and blood-brain barriers, and discuss how these microbes adhere to, invade, breach, or compromise these barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly S Doran
- Department of Biology and Center for Microbial Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, California 92182, USA.
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Zhu R, Huang YH, Tao Y, Wang SC, Sun C, Piao HL, Wang XQ, Du MR, Li DJ. Hyaluronan up-regulates growth and invasion of trophoblasts in an autocrine manner via PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK1/2 pathways in early human pregnancy. Placenta 2013; 34:784-91. [PMID: 23806178 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2013.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2013] [Revised: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As one of the key molecules in the extracellular matrix in human conceptus, hyaluronan (HA) has been receiving particular attention. Here, we have investigated the expression and regulation of different molecular weight HA on the biological behaviors of primary human trophoblasts during the first trimester of pregnancy. METHODS The expression of HA and HA synthetase (HAS) by human first trimester trophoblasts was analyzed in placentae from normal pregnancy or miscarriage by immunochemistry and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. ELISA was used to measure the secretion of HA by primary trophoblasts. The effects of HA on the proliferation, apoptosis and invasiveness of trophoblasts were examined. We also investigated the signaling pathways involved in HA activation in human trophoblasts. RESULTS The higher HAS2 expression and HA secretion were observed in normal villi than that of miscarriage, and the primary trophoblasts secreted HA continuously. High molecular weight HA (HMW-HA) and medium molecular weight HA (MMW-HA) promoted proliferation and invasiveness while inhibited apoptosis of trophoblasts. However, low molecular weight HA (LMW-HA) had no obvious effect on the growth or invasiveness of human trophoblasts. In addition, HMW-HA showed more efficiently than MMW-HA on the growth while MMW-HA displayed a more obvious effect on the invasiveness of trophoblasts than HMW-HA. HMW-HA activated PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathways in trophoblasts. Blocking PI3K/AKT or MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling inhibited the HA-upregulated growth and invasiveness of human trophoblasts. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that higher level and greater molecular mass of HA can promote trophoblast growth and invasion in an autocrine manner, which was beneficial to placentation and maintenance of human early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Zhu
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital and Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IBS, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, China
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Castro AS, Alves CMOS, Angeloni MB, Gomes AO, Barbosa BF, Franco PS, Silva DAO, Martins-Filho OA, Mineo JR, Mineo TWP, Ferro EAV. Trophoblast cells are able to regulate monocyte activity to control Toxoplasma gondii infection. Placenta 2013; 34:240-7. [PMID: 23294571 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2012.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2012] [Revised: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite that causes severe disease when the infection occurs during pregnancy. Trophoblast cells constitute an important maternal-fetal barrier, with monocytes concentrating around them. Thus, interactions between trophoblasts and monocytes are important for maintaining a successful pregnancy, especially in cases of infection. This study aimed to evaluate the role of trophoblast cells (BeWo line) on monocyte (THP-1 line) activity in the presence or absence of T. gondii infection. METHODS THP-1 cells were stimulated with supernatants of BeWo cells, previously infected or not with T. gondii, and then infected with parasites. The supernatant of both cells were collected and analyzed for cytokine production and T. gondii proliferation in THP-1 cells was determined. RESULTS The results showed that after infection, the pattern of cytokines secreted by THP-1 and BeWo cells was characterized as a pro-inflammatory profile. Furthermore, supernatant of BeWo cells infected or not, was able to change the cytokine profile secreted by infected THP-1 cells, and this supernatant became THP-1 cells more able to control T. gondii proliferation than those that had not been stimulated. DISCUSSION This effect was associated with secretion of interleukin (IL)-6 by the THP-1 cells and soluble factors secreted by BeWo cells, such as IL-6 and MIF. CONCLUSION Together, these results suggest that trophoblast cells are able to modulate monocyte activity, resulting in the control of T. gondii infection and subsequent maintenance of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Castro
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, 38405-320 Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
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Goksu Erol AY, Nazli M, Elis Yildiz S. Significance of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expressions in preeclamptic placentae. Endocrine 2012; 42:125-31. [PMID: 22396143 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-012-9644-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 02/23/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Although preeclampsia (PE) is one of the most important problems affecting pregnant women, etiologic factors in its development are still unclear. We aimed to investigate the expression levels of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in preeclamptic and control healthy placentas. Placental tissue samples were obtained after delivery from patients diagnosed with PE, and from normal term pregnants and analyzed by immunohistochemistry for the expression levels of the two adhesion molecules PECAM-1 and ICAM-1. A strong expression of PECAM-1 in endothelial cells lining the vessel walls of placental villi in placentas of control group was found, but the intensity of PECAM-1 expression was highly reduced in placentas of PE group (p = 0.017). Conversely, a strong expression of ICAM-1 was observed in placental villi in PE, significantly higher than that of normal placentas (p = 0.005). The findings of a decrease of PECAM-1 expression and an increase of ICAM-1 expression in preeclamptic placenta suggest the existence of functional roles of these adhesion molecules in the pathophysiology of PE, probably by contributing to the reduced trophoblast invasion and the increased vascular damage, respectively. Inhibiting ICAM-1 (i.e., with ICAM-1 monoclonal antibody) and promoting PECAM-1 expression may be good therapeutic approaches to prevent PE symptoms in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azize Yasemin Goksu Erol
- Department of Histology & Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Afyon Kocatepe University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey.
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Carlier Y, Truyens C, Deloron P, Peyron F. Congenital parasitic infections: a review. Acta Trop 2012; 121:55-70. [PMID: 22085916 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2011.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2011] [Revised: 10/27/2011] [Accepted: 10/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This review defines the concepts of maternal-fetal (congenital) and vertical transmissions (mother-to-child) of pathogens and specifies the human parasites susceptible to be congenitally transferred. It highlights the epidemiological features of this transmission mode for the three main congenital parasitic infections due to Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma cruzi and Plasmodium sp. Information on the possible maternal-fetal routes of transmission, the placental responses to infection and timing of parasite transmission are synthesized and compared. The factors susceptible to be involved in parasite transmission and development of congenital parasitic diseases, such as the parasite genotypes, the maternal co-infections and parasitic load, the immunological features of pregnant women and the capacity of some fetuses/neonates to overcome their immunological immaturity to mount an immune response against the transmitted parasites are also discussed and compared. Analysis of clinical data indicates that parasitic congenital infections are often asymptomatic, whereas symptomatic newborns generally display non-specific symptoms. The long-term consequences of congenital infections are also mentioned, such as the imprinting of neonatal immune system and the possible trans-generational transmission. The detection of infection in pregnant women is mainly based on standard serological or parasitological investigations. Amniocentesis and cordocentesis can be used for the detection of some fetal infections. The neonatal infection can be assessed using parasitological, molecular or immunological methods; the place of PCR in such neonatal diagnosis is discussed. When such laboratory diagnosis is not possible at birth or in the first weeks of life, standard serological investigations can also be performed 8-10 months after birth, to avoid detection of maternal transmitted antibodies. The specific aspects of treatment of T. gondii, T. cruzi and Plasmodium congenital infections are mentioned. The possibilities of primary and secondary prophylaxes, as well as the available WHO corresponding recommendations are also presented.
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Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous, obligate intracellular parasite capable of crossing the placenta to cause spontaneous abortion, preterm labor, or significant disease in the surviving neonate. Exploration of the cellular and histological components of the placental barrier is in its infancy, and both how and where T. gondii breaches it are unknown. The human placenta presents two anatomical interfaces between maternal cells and fetal cells (trophoblasts): (i) the villous region where maternal blood bathes syncytialized trophoblasts for nutrient exchange and (ii) the maternal decidua, where mononuclear, extravillous trophoblasts anchor the villous region to the uterus. Using first-trimester human placental explants, we demonstrate that the latter site is significantly more vulnerable to infection, despite presenting a vastly smaller surface. This is consistent with past findings concerning two vertically transmitted viruses and one bacterium. We further explore whether three genetically distinct T. gondii types (I, II, and III) are capable of preferential placental infection and survival in this model. We find no difference in these strains' ability to infect placental explants; however, slightly slower growth is evident in type II (Prugniaud [Pru]) parasites relative to other cell types, although this did not quite achieve statistical significance.
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Robert-Gangneux F, Murat JB, Fricker-Hidalgo H, Brenier-Pinchart MP, Gangneux JP, Pelloux H. The placenta: a main role in congenital toxoplasmosis? Trends Parasitol 2011; 27:530-6. [PMID: 22079164 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2011.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2011] [Revised: 09/09/2011] [Accepted: 09/21/2011] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Systemic infections, such as toxoplasmosis, acquired during pregnancy can lead to placental infection and have profound effects on the mother-to-child relationship and the success of pregnancy. Placental permeability to Toxoplasma gondii is a main parameter that determines parasite transmission to the foetus, and the use of antibiotics to decrease placental parasite load and prevent congenital toxoplasmosis has been suggested for decades. Although parasitological examination of the placenta at birth is commonly used to diagnose neonatal congenital toxoplasmosis, this approach can be controversial. Here we argue in favour of placental examination for both diagnostic and epidemiological purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Robert-Gangneux
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France.
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Silva NM, Manzan RM, Carneiro WP, Milanezi CM, Silva JS, Ferro EAV, Mineo JR. Toxoplasma gondii: The severity of toxoplasmic encephalitis in C57BL/6 mice is associated with increased ALCAM and VCAM-1 expression in the central nervous system and higher blood–brain barrier permeability. Exp Parasitol 2010; 126:167-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2010.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2010] [Revised: 03/15/2010] [Accepted: 04/20/2010] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Barbosa BF, Silva DAO, Costa IN, Mineo JR, Ferro EAV. BeWo trophoblast cell susceptibility to Toxoplasma gondii is increased by interferon-gamma, interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-beta1. Clin Exp Immunol 2008; 151:536-45. [PMID: 18234060 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2007.03583.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate BeWo trophoblast cell susceptibility to Toxoplasma gondii infection under stimulation with anti-inflammatory cytokines in comparison with HeLa cells. Both cell types were submitted to different treatments with recombinant cytokines [interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1] or the respective antibodies (anti-IL-10 and anti-TGF-beta) before and after T. gondii infection. The effect of interferon (IFN)-gamma was also assessed alone or in combination with anti-inflammatory cytokines or the respective antibodies after the parasite infection. Cells were fixed, stained and parasites quantified under light microscopy to evaluate intracellular replication (mean number of parasites per cell in 100 infected cells) and infection index (percentage of infected cells per 100 examined cells). In contrast with HeLa cells, treatments with IL-10 or TGF-beta1 induced a considerable augmentation in both T. gondii intracellular replication and invasion into BeWo cells. In addition, treatment with IFN-gamma alone or associated with IL-10 or TGF-beta1 increased the same parameters in BeWo cells, whereas the opposite effect was observed in HeLa cells. When endogenous IL-10 or TGF-beta was blocked, both BeWo and HeLa cells were able to control the parasite infection only in the presence of IFN-gamma. Together, these results indicate that the higher susceptibility of BeWo cells to T. gondii may be due to immunomodulation mechanisms, suggesting that the role of trophoblast cells in maintaining a placental microenvironment favourable to pregnancy may facilitate the infection into the placental tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- B F Barbosa
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
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Kohan-Ghadr H, Lefebvre R, Fecteau G, Smith L, Murphy B, Suzuki Junior J, Girard C, Hélie P. Ultrasonographic and histological characterization of the placenta of somatic nuclear transfer-derived pregnancies in dairy cattle. Theriogenology 2008; 69:218-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2007.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2007] [Revised: 05/04/2007] [Accepted: 09/18/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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36
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Ferro EAV, Mineo JR, Ietta F, Bechi N, Romagnoli R, Silva DAO, Sorda G, Bevilacqua E, Paulesu LR. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor is up-regulated in human first-trimester placenta stimulated by soluble antigen of Toxoplasma gondii, resulting in increased monocyte adhesion on villous explants. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2007; 172:50-8. [PMID: 18165264 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2008.070432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Considering the potential role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in the inflammation process in placenta when infected by pathogens, we investigated the production of this cytokine in chorionic villous explants obtained from human first-trimester placentas stimulated with soluble antigen from Toxoplasma gondii (STAg). Parallel cultures were performed with villous explants stimulated with STAg, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), or STAg plus IFN-gamma. To assess the role of placental MIF on monocyte adhesiveness to human trophoblast, explants were co-cultured with human myelomonocytic THP-1 cells in the presence or absence of supernatant from cultures treated with STAg (SPN), SPN plus anti-MIF antibodies, or recombinant MIF. A significantly higher concentration of MIF was produced and secreted by villous explants treated with STAg or STAg plus IFN-gamma after 24-hour culture. Addition of SPN or recombinant MIF was able to increase THP-1 adhesion, which was inhibited after treatment with anti-MIF antibodies. This phenomenon was associated with intercellular adhesion molecule expression by villous explants. Considering that the processes leading to vertical dissemination of T. gondii remain widely unknown, our results demonstrate that MIF production by human first-trimester placenta is up-regulated by parasite antigen and may play an essential role as an autocrine/paracrine mediator in placental infection by T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloisa Amália Vieira Ferro
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brasil 38405320.
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