1
|
Li X, Luo Y, Ji D, Zhang Z, Luo S, Ma Y, Cao W, Cao C, Saw PE, Chen H, Wei Y. Maternal exposure to nano-titanium dioxide impedes fetal development via endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in the placental labyrinth in mice. Part Fibre Toxicol 2023; 20:48. [PMID: 38072983 PMCID: PMC10712190 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-023-00549-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extensive production and usage of commercially available products containing TiO2 NPs have led to accumulation in the human body. The deposition of TiO2 NPs has even been detected in the human placenta, which raises concerns regarding fetal health. Previous studies regarding developmental toxicity have frequently focused on TiO2 NPs < 50 nm, whereas the potential adverse effects of large-sized TiO2 NPs received less attention. Placental vasculature is essential for maternal-fetal circulatory exchange and ensuring fetal growth. This study explores the impacts of TiO2 NPs (100 nm in size) on the placenta and fetal development and elucidates the underlying mechanism from the perspective of placental vasculature. Pregnant C57BL/6 mice were exposed to TiO2 NPs by gavage at daily dosages of 10, 50, and 250 mg/kg from gestational day 0.5-16.5. RESULTS TiO2 NPs penetrated the placenta and accumulated in the fetal mice. The fetuses in the TiO2 NP-exposed groups exhibited a dose-dependent decrease in body weight and length, as well as in placental weight and diameter. In vivo imaging showed an impaired placental barrier, and pathological examinations revealed a disrupted vascular network of the labyrinth upon TiO2 NP exposure. We also found an increase in gene expression related to the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) -SNAIL pathway and the upregulation of mesenchymal markers, accompanied by a reduction in endothelial markers. In addition, TiO2 NPs enhanced the gene expression responsible for the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells, whereas SNAIL knockdown attenuated the induction of EndMT phenotypes. CONCLUSION Our study revealed that maternal exposure to 100 nm TiO2 NPs disrupts placental vascular development and fetal mice growth through aberrant activation of EndMT in the placental labyrinth. These data provide novel insight into the mechanisms of developmental toxicity posed by NPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xianjie Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yinger Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Di Ji
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Zhuyi Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Shili Luo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ya Ma
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Wulan Cao
- Zhongshan People's Hospital, Zhongshan, 528400, China
| | - Chunwei Cao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Phei Er Saw
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Yanhong Wei
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kyllo HM, Wang D, Lorca RA, Julian CG, Moore LG, Wilkening RB, Rozance PJ, Brown LD, Wesolowski SR. Adaptive responses in uteroplacental metabolism and fetoplacental nutrient shuttling and sensing during placental insufficiency. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2023; 324:E556-E568. [PMID: 37126847 PMCID: PMC10259853 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00046.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Glucose, lactate, and amino acids are major fetal nutrients. During placental insufficiency-induced intrauterine growth restriction (PI-IUGR), uteroplacental weight-specific oxygen consumption rates are maintained, yet fetal glucose and amino acid supply is decreased and fetal lactate concentrations are increased. We hypothesized that uteroplacental metabolism adapts to PI-IUGR by altering nutrient allocation to maintain oxidative metabolism. Here, we measured nutrient flux rates, with a focus on nutrients shuttled between the placenta and fetus (lactate-pyruvate, glutamine-glutamate, and glycine-serine) in a sheep model of PI-IUGR. PI-IUGR fetuses weighed 40% less and had decreased oxygen, glucose, and amino acid concentrations and increased lactate and pyruvate versus control (CON) fetuses. Uteroplacental weight-specific rates of oxygen, glucose, lactate, and pyruvate uptake were similar. In PI-IUGR, fetal glucose uptake was decreased and pyruvate output was increased. In PI-IUGR placental tissue, pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) phosphorylation was decreased and PDH activity was increased. Uteroplacental glutamine output to the fetus and expression of genes regulating glutamine-glutamate metabolism were lower in PI-IUGR. Fetal glycine uptake was lower in PI-IUGR, with no differences in uteroplacental glycine or serine flux. These results suggest increased placental utilization of pyruvate from the fetus, without higher maternal glucose utilization, and lower fetoplacental amino acid shuttling during PI-IUGR. Mechanistically, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation was higher and associated with thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) content, a marker of oxidative stress, and PDH activity in the PI-IUGR placenta, supporting a potential link between oxidative stress, AMPK, and pyruvate utilization. These differences in fetoplacental nutrient sensing and shuttling may represent adaptive strategies enabling the placenta to maintain oxidative metabolism.NEW & NOTEWORTHY These results suggest increased placental utilization of pyruvate from the fetus, without higher maternal glucose uptake, and lower amino acid shuttling in the placental insufficiency-induced intrauterine growth restriction (PI-IUGR) placenta. AMPK activation was associated with oxidative stress and PDH activity, supporting a putative link between oxidative stress, AMPK, and pyruvate utilization. These differences in fetoplacental nutrient sensing and shuttling may represent adaptive strategies enabling the placenta to maintain oxidative metabolism at the expense of fetal growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M Kyllo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Ramón A Lorca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Colleen G Julian
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Lorna G Moore
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Randall B Wilkening
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Paul J Rozance
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Laura D Brown
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Stephanie R Wesolowski
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bahado-Singh RO, Turkoglu O, Yilmaz A, Kumar P, Zeb A, Konda S, Sherman E, Kirma J, Allos M, Odibo A, Maulik D, Graham SF. Metabolomic identification of placental alterations in fetal growth restriction. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2020; 35:447-456. [PMID: 32041426 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2020.1722632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Fetal growth restriction (FGR), viz., birth weight <10th percentile is a common pregnancy complication which increases the risk of adverse fetal and newborn outcomes. The placenta is the key organ for fetal growth as it controls oxygen and nutrient availability. This study aims to elucidate the mechanisms of and identify putative placental biomarkers for FGR using high-resolution metabolomics.Methods: Placenta samples from 19 FGR cases and 30 controls were analyzed using proton magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy and direct flow injection mass spectrometry with reverse-phase liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry (DI-LC-MS/MS). Significant concentration differences (p-value <.05) in 179 of the 220 metabolites were measured.Results: Of the 179 metabolites, 176 (98.3%) had reduced placental levels in FGR cases. The best performing metabolite model: 3-hydroxybutyrate, glycine and PCaaC42:0 achieved an AUC (95% CI) = 0.912 (0.814-1.000) with a sensitivity of 86.7% and specificity of 84.2% for FGR detection. Metabolite set enrichment analysis (MSEA) revealed significant (p < .05) perturbation of multiple placental metabolite pathways including urea metabolism, ammonia recycling, porphyrin metabolism, bile acid biosynthesis, galactose metabolism and perturbed protein biosynthesis.Conclusion: The placental metabolic pathway analysis revealed abnormalities that are consistent with fetal hepatic dysfunction in FGR. Near global reduction of metabolite concentrations was found in the placenta from FGR cases and metabolites demonstrated excellent diagnostic accuracy for FGR detection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ray O Bahado-Singh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA
| | - Onur Turkoglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA
| | - Ali Yilmaz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA
| | - Praveen Kumar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA
| | - Amna Zeb
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA
| | - Shruti Konda
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Eric Sherman
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Joseph Kirma
- Oakland University, William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, Michigan, USA
| | - Mathew Allos
- Oakland University, William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, Michigan, USA
| | - Anthony Odibo
- Morsani College of Medicine, USF Health, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Dev Maulik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kansas City School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Stewart F Graham
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ali A, Anthony RV, Bouma GJ, Winger QA. LIN28- let-7 axis regulates genes in immortalized human trophoblast cells by targeting the ARID3B-complex. FASEB J 2019; 33:12348-12363. [PMID: 31415216 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201900718rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal placental development is one of the main etiological factors for intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Here, we show that LIN28A and LIN28B are significantly lower and lethal-7 (let-7) microRNAs (miRNAs) significantly higher in term human IUGR vs. normal placentas. We hypothesize that let-7 miRNAs regulate genes with known importance for human placental development [high-mobility group AT-hook 1 (HMGA1), transcriptional regulator Myc-like (c-myc), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), and Wnt family member 1 (WNT1)] by targeting the AT-rich interacting domain (ARID)-3B complex. ACH-3P cells with LIN28A and LIN28B knockout (DKOs) significantly increased let-7 miRNAs, leading to significantly decreased ARID3A, ARID3B, and lysine demethylase 4C (KDM4C). Similarly, Sw.71 cells overexpressing LIN28A and LIN28B (DKIs) significantly decreased let-7 miRNAs, leading to significantly increased ARID3A, ARID3B, and KDM4C. In ACH-3P cells, ARID3A, ARID3B, and KDM4C make a triprotein complex [triprotein complex comprising ARID3A, ARID3B, and KDM4C (ARID3B-complex)] that binds the promoter regions of HMGA1, c-MYC, VEGF-A, and WNT1. ARID3B knockout in ACH-3P cells disrupted the ARID3B-complex, leading to a significant decrease in HMGA1, c-MYC, VEGF-A, and WNT1. DKOs had a significant reduction, whereas DKIs had a significant increase in HMGA1, c-MYC, VEGF-A, and WNT1, potentially due to regulation by the ARID3B-complex. This is the first study showing regulation of let-7 targets in immortalized human trophoblast cells by the ARID3B-complex.-Ali, A., Anthony, R. V., Bouma, G. J., Winger, Q. A. LIN28-let-7 axis regulates genes in immortalized human trophoblast cells by targeting the ARID3B-complex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asghar Ali
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Russell V Anthony
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Gerrit J Bouma
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Quinton A Winger
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
West RC, Russ JE, Bouma GJ, Winger QA. BRCA1 regulates HMGA2 levels in the Swan71 trophoblast cell line. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1663-1670. [PMID: 31410930 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
During early placental development, tumor suppressors and oncogenes work synergistically to regulate cell proliferation and differentiation in a restrained manner compared with the uncontrollable growth in cancer. One example of this partnership is the regulation of the oncofetal protein HMGA2 by BRCA1. BRCA1 forms a repressor complex with ZNF350 and CtIP to bind to the promoter of HMGA2, preventing transcription. Chromatin immunoprecipitation determined BRCA1 forms this repressor complex in human trophoblast cells, suggesting a role in the placenta. Furthermore, miR-182 has been shown to target BRCA1 mRNA in ovarian cancer cells, blocking the formation of the BRCA1 repressor complex and allowing increased transcription of HMGA2. miR-182 was one of the first miRNAs described as elevated in the serum and placentas of preeclamptic women. Therefore, we hypothesized that BRCA1 is essential for normal trophoblast cell development. We used CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing and miR-182 overexpression to decrease BRCA1 protein in the Swan71 cell line. HMGA2 was significantly increased in the BRCA1 KO and miR-182 overexpressing cells compared to controls. We also determined that BRCA1 repressor complex binding to HMGA2 was significantly reduced in BRCA1 KO and miR-182 overexpressing cells compared with controls, leading us to conclude that increased HMGA2 was because of decreased binding of the BRCA1 repressor complex. Finally, we found that the caspase activity was significantly higher in BRCA1 KO and miR-182 overexpressing cells suggesting an increased amount of apoptosis. These data suggest that BRCA1 is an important regulator of the oncofetal protein HMGA2 and promotes cell survival in human placental cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel C West
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Jennifer E Russ
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Gerrit J Bouma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Quinton A Winger
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang Y, Bucher M, Myatt L. Use of Glucose, Glutamine and Fatty Acids for Trophoblast Respiration in Lean, Obese and Gestational Diabetic Women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:4178-4187. [PMID: 31116396 PMCID: PMC6688456 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2019-00166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Maternal obesity and gestational diabetes (GDM) are associated with adverse outcomes particularly with a male fetus. The composition and amount of substrate supplied to the placenta is altered in these conditions. We hypothesized that there are sexually dimorphic differences in utilization of glucose, fatty acids and glutamine between trophoblast of lean, obese and GDM women. METHODS Trophoblast were isolated from term male or female placentas from lean, obese or GDM women (n = 4-6/group) and syncytiotrophoblast formed over 72 hr before measuring mitochondrial respiration by fuel flex assay (Seahorse XF96 analyzer). Dependency, capacity and flexibility for use of glucose, glutamine and fatty acids was measured with western blot of glucose transporter GLUT1, glutaminase and carnitine palmitoyl-transferase 1A, (CPT1A). RESULTS Sexual dimorphism in syncytiotrophoblast fuel utilization was seen in GDM vs lean with a significant increase in glucose dependency in male and glucose capacity in female, whereas for glutamine capacity significantly decreased in male and female but dependency only in female. Fatty acid dependency and capacity significantly increased in male and capacity in female trophoblast of GDM vs either lean or obese. In male but not female trophoblast flexibility to use all three fuels significantly decreased from lean to obese and GDM. In male trophoblast there were significant associations between GLUT1 and glucose dependency (positive) and flexibility (negative). MAIN CONCLUSIONS Human syncytiotrophoblast utilizes glutamine for mitochondrial respiration. Utilization of glucose, fatty acids and glutamine changes in a sexually dimorphic manner with obesity and GDM predominantly with a male placenta.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Matthew Bucher
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Leslie Myatt
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Finken MJJ, van der Steen M, Smeets CCJ, Walenkamp MJE, de Bruin C, Hokken-Koelega ACS, Wit JM. Children Born Small for Gestational Age: Differential Diagnosis, Molecular Genetic Evaluation, and Implications. Endocr Rev 2018; 39:851-894. [PMID: 29982551 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Children born small for gestational age (SGA), defined as a birth weight and/or length below -2 SD score (SDS), comprise a heterogeneous group. The causes of SGA are multifactorial and include maternal lifestyle and obstetric factors, placental dysfunction, and numerous fetal (epi)genetic abnormalities. Short-term consequences of SGA include increased risks of hypothermia, polycythemia, and hypoglycemia. Although most SGA infants show catch-up growth by 2 years of age, ∼10% remain short. Short children born SGA are amenable to GH treatment, which increases their adult height by on average 1.25 SD. Add-on treatment with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist may be considered in early pubertal children with an expected adult height below -2.5 SDS. A small birth size increases the risk of later neurodevelopmental problems and cardiometabolic diseases. GH treatment does not pose an additional risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martijn J J Finken
- Department of Pediatrics, VU University Medical Center, MB Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Manouk van der Steen
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center/Sophia Children's Hospital, CN Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Carolina C J Smeets
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center/Sophia Children's Hospital, CN Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marie J E Walenkamp
- Department of Pediatrics, VU University Medical Center, MB Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Christiaan de Bruin
- Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, RC Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Anita C S Hokken-Koelega
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center/Sophia Children's Hospital, CN Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jan M Wit
- Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, RC Leiden, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wu X, Xie C, Zhang Y, Fan Z, Yin Y, Blachier F. Glutamate-glutamine cycle and exchange in the placenta-fetus unit during late pregnancy. Amino Acids 2014; 47:45-53. [PMID: 25399054 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-014-1861-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The present review focuses on the physiological functions of glutamate-glutamine exchange involving placental amino acid transport and umbilical amino acid uptake in mammals (particularly in sows), with special emphasis on the associated regulating mechanisms. Glutamate plus glutamine are among the most abundant and the most utilized amino acids in fetus during late gestation. During pregnancy, amino acids, notably as precursors of macromolecules including proteins and nucleotides are involved in fetal development and growth. Amino acid concentrations in fetus are generally higher than in the mother. Among amino acids, the transport and metabolism of glutamate and glutamine during fetal development exhibit characteristics that clearly emphasize the importance of the interaction between the placenta and the fetal liver. Glutamate is quite remarkable among amino acids, which originate from the placenta, and is cleared from fetal plasma. In addition, the flux of glutamate through the placenta from the fetal plasma is highly correlated with the umbilical glutamate delivery rate. Glutamine plays a central role in fetal carbon and nitrogen metabolism and exhibits one of the highest fetal/maternal plasma ratio among all amino acids in human and other mammals. Glutamate is taken up by placenta from the fetal circulation and then converted to glutamine before being released back into the fetal circulation. Works are required on the glutamate-glutamine metabolism during late pregnancy in physiological and pathophysiological situations since such works may help to improve fetal growth and development both in humans and other mammals. Indeed, glutamine supplementation appears to ameliorate fetal growth retardation in sows and reduces preweaning mortality of piglets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wu
- Hunan Engineering and Research Center of Animal and Poultry Science, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 410125, Changsha, China,
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Whitworth KM, Spate LD, Li R, Rieke A, Sutovsky P, Green JA, Prather RS. Activation method does not alter abnormal placental gene expression and development in cloned pigs. Mol Reprod Dev 2010; 77:1016-30. [PMID: 20925087 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2010] [Accepted: 07/23/2010] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear transfer efficiency is low and is thought to be caused by inadequate placental development. The objective of this study was to identify differentially expressed transcripts in pig placentas derived from in vivo fertilization, in vitro fertilization or nuclear transfer at Day 30 of gestation. Three activation methods were compared: electrical fusion/activation, electrical fusion/activation followed by treatment with reversible proteasomal inhibitor, MG132 or electrical fusion followed by activation with Thimerosal/DTT. Extraembryonic membranes were collected 30 days after artificial insemination (IVV) or embryo transfer (IVF and NT). Extraembryonic membrane cDNAs labeled with Cy5 and a reference cDNA labeled with Cy3 were hybridized to a pig reproductive tissue-specific 19,968 spot cDNA microarray. Images acquired and assessed by using Genepix Pro 4.0 were analyzed by Genespring 7.3.1. ANOVA (P < 0.05) identified 227 differentially expressed transcripts between the five treatments and 0 between the three activation methods. The nuclear transfer groups were pooled and compared to in vivo samples, identifying 34 up- and 19 down-regulated transcripts (>2-fold change, P < 0.05). Ten transcripts were validated by real-time PCR. UPTI, PAG2, and GLUD1 protein was quantified by Western blot and densitometry verified that UPTI and PAG2 proteins had an expression pattern that mirrored mRNA abundance (P < 0.05). Localization patterns were also determined for UPTI, PAG2, GLUD2 and 14-3-3 gamma in Day 35 extraembryonic membranes. Observed differences in gene and protein expression in nuclear transfer extraembryonic membranes indicate that an impaired fetal-maternal interface, and not the activation method, may be causing defects observed in cloned pigs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M Whitworth
- Division of Animal Sciences Research Center, University of Missouri, E125 Animal Science Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|