1
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Blomberg J, Luna Ramirez RI, Goyal D, Limesand SW, Goyal R. Sexual dimorphic gene expression profile of perirenal adipose tissue in ovine fetuses with growth restriction. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1179288. [PMID: 37601643 PMCID: PMC10437077 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1179288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, fetal growth restriction (FGR) affects 7%-10% of pregnancies, or roughly 20.5 million infants, each year. FGR increases not only neonatal mortality and morbidity but also the risk of obesity in later life. Currently, the molecular mechanisms by which FGR "programs" an obese phenotype are not well understood. Studies demonstrate that FGR females are more prone to obesity compared to males; however, the molecular mechanisms that lead to the sexually dimorphic programming of FGR are not known. Thus, we hypothesized that FGR leads to the sexually dimorphic programming of preadipocytes and reduces their ability to differentiate into mature adipocytes. To test the hypothesis, we utilized a maternal hyperthermia-induced placental insufficiency to restrict fetal growth in sheep. We collected perirenal adipose tissue from near-term (∼140 days gestation) male and female FGR and normal-weight fetal lambs (N = 4 to 5 in each group), examined the preadipocytes' differentiation potential, and identified differential mRNA transcript expression in perirenal adipose tissue. Male FGR fetuses have a lower cellular density (nuclei number/unit area) compared to control male fetuses. However, no difference was observed in female FGR fetuses compared to control female fetuses. In addition, the ability of preadipocytes to differentiate into mature adipocytes with fat accumulation was impaired in male FGR fetuses, but this was not observed in female FGR fetuses. Finally, we examined the genes and pathways involved in the sexually dimorphic programming of obesity by FGR. On enrichment of differentially expressed genes in males compared to females, the Thermogenesis KEGG Pathway was downregulated, and the Metabolic and Steroid Biosynthesis KEGG pathways were upregulated. On enrichment of differentially expressed genes in male FGR compared to male control, the Steroid Biosynthesis KEGG Pathway was downregulated, and the PPAR Signaling KEGG pathway was upregulated. No pathways were altered in females in response to growth restriction in perirenal adipose tissue. Thus, the present study demonstrates a sexually dimorphic program in response to growth restriction in sheep fetal perirenal adipose tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ravi Goyal
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
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2
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Sontag F, Suvakov S, Garovic VD. Soluble urinary somatic angiotensin converting enzyme is overexpressed in patients with preeclampsia: a potential new marker for the disease? Hypertens Pregnancy 2022; 41:190-197. [PMID: 35997304 PMCID: PMC9771896 DOI: 10.1080/10641955.2022.2115060] [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: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify and quantify urinary Angiotensin-Converting-Enzyme (ACE) in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. METHODS Urine samples were analyzed by Western blot. Patients were classified into: normotensive pregnancy (N); preeclampsia and superimposed preeclampsia (PE+SPE); and gestational hypertension (GH). RESULTS Somatic ACE protein expression was higher in PE+SPE compared to N and GH. There was a positive correlation between ACE and urinary protein to creatinine ratio, systolic and diastolic blood pressures. CONCLUSION These results indicate ACE overexpression in the urine of preeclamptic patients and suggest that it may be a new marker for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Sontag
- Division of Nephrology & Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
- Postgraduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Sonja Suvakov
- Division of Nephrology & Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
| | - Vesna D Garovic
- Division of Nephrology & Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
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3
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Rolfo A, Cosma S, Nuzzo AM, Salio C, Moretti L, Sassoè-Pognetto M, Carosso AR, Borella F, Cutrin JC, Benedetto C. Increased Placental Anti-Oxidant Response in Asymptomatic and Symptomatic COVID-19 Third-Trimester Pregnancies. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030634. [PMID: 35327436 PMCID: PMC8945802 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) -induced Oxidative Stress (OxS) being well documented in different organs, the molecular pathways underlying placental OxS in late-pregnancy women with SARS-CoV-2 infection are poorly understood. Herein, we performed an observational study to determine whether placentae of women testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 during the third trimester of pregnancy showed redox-related alterations involving Catalase (CAT) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) antioxidant enzymes as well as placenta morphological anomalies relative to a cohort of healthy pregnant women. Next, we evaluated if placental redox-related alterations and mitochondria pathological changes were correlated with the presence of maternal symptoms. We observed ultrastructural alterations of placental mitochondria accompanied by increased levels of oxidative stress markers Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) and Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1 α (HIF-1α) in SARS-CoV-2 women during the third trimester of pregnancy. Importantly, we found an increase in placental CAT and SOD antioxidant enzymes accompanied by physiological neonatal outcomes. Our findings strongly suggest a placenta-mediated OxS inhibition in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, thus contrasting the cytotoxic profile caused by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Rolfo
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (A.R.); (A.M.N.); (L.M.)
| | - Stefano Cosma
- Gynecology and Obstetrics 1, Department of Surgical Sciences, City of Health and Science, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (S.C.); (A.R.C.); (F.B.)
| | - Anna Maria Nuzzo
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (A.R.); (A.M.N.); (L.M.)
| | - Chiara Salio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy;
| | - Laura Moretti
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (A.R.); (A.M.N.); (L.M.)
| | - Marco Sassoè-Pognetto
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Andrea Roberto Carosso
- Gynecology and Obstetrics 1, Department of Surgical Sciences, City of Health and Science, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (S.C.); (A.R.C.); (F.B.)
| | - Fulvio Borella
- Gynecology and Obstetrics 1, Department of Surgical Sciences, City of Health and Science, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (S.C.); (A.R.C.); (F.B.)
| | - Juan Carlos Cutrin
- Center of Imaging Molecular, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Sciences for the Health, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Correspondence: (J.C.C.); (C.B.)
| | - Chiara Benedetto
- Gynecology and Obstetrics 1, Department of Surgical Sciences, City of Health and Science, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (S.C.); (A.R.C.); (F.B.)
- Correspondence: (J.C.C.); (C.B.)
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4
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Tamanna S, Lumbers ER, Morosin SK, Delforce SJ, Pringle KG. ACE2: a key modulator of the renin-angiotensin system and pregnancy. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2021; 321:R833-R843. [PMID: 34668428 PMCID: PMC8862784 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00211.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a membrane-bound protein containing 805 amino acids. ACE2 shows approximately 42% sequence similarity to somatic ACE but has different biochemical activities. The key role of ACE2 is to catalyze the vasoconstrictor peptide angiotensin (ANG) II to Ang-(1–7), thus regulating the two major counterbalancing pathways of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). In this way, ACE2 plays a protective role in end-organ damage by protecting tissues from the proinflammatory actions of ANG II. The circulating RAS is activated in normal pregnancy and is essential for maintaining fluid and electrolyte homeostasis and blood pressure. Renin-angiotensin systems are also found in the conceptus. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the regulation and function of circulating and uteroplacental ACE2 in uncomplicated and complicated pregnancies, including those affected by preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Since ACE2 is the receptor for SARS-CoV-2, and COVID-19 in pregnancy is associated with more severe disease and increased risk of abnormal pregnancy outcomes, we also discuss the role of ACE2 in mediating some of these adverse consequences. We propose that dysregulation of ACE2 plays a critical role in the development of preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and COVID-19-associated pregnancy pathologies and suggest that human recombinant soluble ACE2 could be a novel therapeutic to treat and/or prevent these pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Tamanna
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Eugenie R Lumbers
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Saije K Morosin
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah J Delforce
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kirsty G Pringle
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
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5
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Yart L, Roset Bahmanyar E, Cohen M, Martinez de Tejada B. Role of the Uteroplacental Renin-Angiotensin System in Placental Development and Function, and Its Implication in the Preeclampsia Pathogenesis. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101332. [PMID: 34680449 PMCID: PMC8533592 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Placental development and function implicate important morphological and physiological adaptations to thereby ensure efficient maternal–fetal exchanges, as well as pregnancy-specific hormone secretion and immune modulation. Incorrect placental development can lead to severe pregnancy disorders, such as preeclampsia (PE), which endangers both the mother and the infant. The implication of the systemic renin–angiotensin system (RAS) in the pregnancy-related physiological changes is now well established. However, despite the fact that the local uteroplacental RAS has been described for several decades, its role in placental development and function seems to have been underestimated. In this review, we provide an overview of the multiple roles of the uteroplacental RAS in several cellular processes of placental development, its implication in the regulation of placental function during pregnancy, and the consequences of its dysregulation in PE pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucile Yart
- Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (L.Y.); (M.C.)
| | | | - Marie Cohen
- Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (L.Y.); (M.C.)
| | - Begoña Martinez de Tejada
- Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (L.Y.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence:
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6
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Siragher E, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Placental hypoxia: What have we learnt from small animal models? Placenta 2021; 113:29-47. [PMID: 34074553 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine hypoxia is a feature of pregnancy complications, both at high altitude and sea level. To understand the placental response to reduced oxygen availability, small animal models of maternal inhalation hypoxia (MIH) or reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) may be utilised. The aim of this review was to compare the findings of those studies to identify the role of oxygen availability in adapting placental structural and functional phenotypes in relation to fetal outcome. It also sought to explore the evidence for the involvement of particular genes and protein signalling pathways in the placenta in mediating hypoxia driven alterations. The data available demonstrate that both MIH and RUPP can induce placental hypoxia, which affects placental structure and vascularity, as well as glucose, amino acid, calcium and possibly lipid transport capacity. In addition, changes have been observed in HIF, VEGF, insulin/IGF2, AMPK, mTOR, PI3K and PPARγ signalling, which may be key in linking together observed phenotypes under conditions of placental hypoxia. Many different manipulations have been examined, with varied outcomes depending on the intensity, timing and duration of the insult. Some manipulations have detrimental effects on placental phenotype, viability and fetal growth, whereas in others, the placenta appears to adapt to uphold fetal growth despite the challenge of low oxygen. Together these data suggest a complex response of the placenta to reduced oxygen availability, which links to changes in fetal outcomes. However, further work is required to explore the role of fetal sex, altered maternal physiology and placental molecular mechanisms to fully understand placental responses to hypoxia and their relevance for pregnancy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Siragher
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Downing Street, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Downing Street, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK.
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7
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Mao Q, Chu S, Shapiro S, Bliss JM, De Paepe ME. Increased placental expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, the receptor of SARS-CoV-2, associated with hypoxia in twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS). Placenta 2021; 105:7-13. [PMID: 33497931 PMCID: PMC7833196 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent reports suggest SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, may be transmittable from pregnant mother to placenta and fetus, albeit rarely. The efficacy of vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 critically depends on the availability of its receptor, ACE2, in the placenta. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that placental ACE2 expression is oxygenation-dependent by studying the expression of ACE2 and associated cell entry regulators in the monochorionic twin anemia-polycythemia (TAPS) placenta, a model of discordant placental oxygenation. METHODS We performed a retrospective comparative immunohistochemical, immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis of ACE2, TMPRSS2 and Cathepsin B expression in anemic and polycythemic territories of TAPS placentas (N = 14). RESULTS ACE2 protein levels were significantly higher in the anemic twin territories than in the corresponding polycythemic territories, associated with upregulation of the key ACE2-related cell entry regulators, TMPRSS2 and Cathepsin B, immunolocalized to villous trophoblastic and stromal cells. Cellular colocalization of ACE2 and TMPRSS2, suggestive of functionality of this cell entry axis, was demonstrated by double immunofluorescence studies. DISCUSSION Placental hypoxia is associated with upregulation of ACE2 expression, concomitant with increased expression of its key cell entry proteases. ACE2-regulated placental functions, both infection- and non-infection related, may be highly oxygenation-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanfu Mao
- From the Departments of Pathology and Pediatrics, Women and Infants Hospital; and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and the Department of Pediatrics, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Sharon Chu
- From the Departments of Pathology and Pediatrics, Women and Infants Hospital; and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and the Department of Pediatrics, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Svetlana Shapiro
- From the Departments of Pathology and Pediatrics, Women and Infants Hospital; and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and the Department of Pediatrics, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Joseph M Bliss
- From the Departments of Pathology and Pediatrics, Women and Infants Hospital; and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and the Department of Pediatrics, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Monique E De Paepe
- From the Departments of Pathology and Pediatrics, Women and Infants Hospital; and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and the Department of Pediatrics, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
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8
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Asgharzadeh F, Hassanian SM, Ferns GA, Khazaei M, Hasanzadeh M. The Therapeutic Potential of Angiotensin-converting Enzyme and Angiotensin Receptor Inhibitors in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer: Rational Strategies and Recent Progress. Curr Pharm Des 2019; 24:4652-4658. [PMID: 30636592 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190111145140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death in the world. There is a document that angiotensin (AT) which is found to be involved in the progression of CRC. Furthermore, Angiotensin receptor inhibitors (ARIs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme Inhibitors (ACE-Is) demonstrate activity in CRC by their inhibition of both Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and therefore present a potentially novel therapeutic strategy in colorectal cancer, which have summarized in the current review. Preclinical studies have illustrated the direct effect of major active mediator angiotensin II (ATII) on the promotion of angiogenesis through VEGF and other proliferative mediators. Suppression of the angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1R) via ACE-Is has shown a reduction in the development of solid tumor and metastasis, particularly CRC incidence, polyp formation, and distant metastasis. MicroRNAs (miRs) are a family of small nucleotides without coding that plays an important role after transcribing hundreds to thousands of non-coding and coding gene. Against this background, the application of anti-hypertensive medications such as losartan might have a therapeutic impact, although further preclinical and clinical studies might provide novel insight into the potentially beneficial effect of ACE-Is in the treatment of colorectal cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fereshteh Asgharzadeh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahdi Hassanian
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Gordon A Ferns
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Division of Medical Education, Falmer, Brighton, Sussex BN1 9PH, United Kingdom
| | - Majid Khazaei
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Malihe Hasanzadeh
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Woman Health Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Shaheen G, Sajid S, Razak S, Mazhar SB, Afsar T, Almajwal A, Alam I, Jahan S. Role of ACE I/D polymorphism in pathological assessment of preeclampsia in Pakistan. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2019; 7:e00799. [PMID: 31173490 PMCID: PMC6625086 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-related hypertensive disorder, which may stem from impair placentation. Renin-angiotensin system is one of the mediators of decidualization and trophoblastic proliferation. In the present study women with PE were studied in a comparison of normotensive controls to determine whether Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene I/D polymorphism affect the placental villi and umbilical cord formation with the assessment of biochemical and clinical risk factors. METHODS Total 400 blood (PE/controls = 200), 400 urine (PE/controls = 200), 90 tissue samples of UC (PE = 50, controls = 40) and 90 placental tissue samples (PE = 50, controls = 40) were recruited. Histomorphological and Histomorphometric analysis were done for placental and umbilical cord tissues. Blood and serum parameters were analyzed, samples were genotyped for I/D polymorphism. Data were statistically analyzed by Independent sample t-test, Chi-square test and the odds ratio. RESULTS Histological study revealed significant increase (p < 0.001) in distance from Wharton jelly (in both artery and vein) and outer layer thickness of vein; significant reduction (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05) in the lumen area of artery and vein. Abnormal villi, more syncytial knots (SK) and a significant decrease in elongated and large villi in PE placentas. Analysis of ACE gene determined that genotypic frequencies were statistically significant (p < 0.02) among both groups and DD genotype was predominant in the PE group. CONCLUSION Present study reveals that ACE I/D polymorphism might affect the normal placental villi and umbilical cord formation in women with PE. In addition, histological studies and genetic evaluation can provide useful information in the determination of various reasons and mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of PE in Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazala Shaheen
- Reproductive Physiology Lab, Department of Animal SciencesQuaid‐i‐Azam UniversityIslamabadPakistan
| | - Sabahat Sajid
- Reproductive Physiology Lab, Department of Animal SciencesQuaid‐i‐Azam UniversityIslamabadPakistan
| | - Suhail Razak
- Reproductive Physiology Lab, Department of Animal SciencesQuaid‐i‐Azam UniversityIslamabadPakistan
- Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical SciencesKing Saud UniversityRiyadhKSA
| | - Saeeda Batool Mazhar
- Department of Gynae/ObstatricsPakistan Institute of Medical SciencesIslamabadPakistan
| | - Tayyaba Afsar
- Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical SciencesKing Saud UniversityRiyadhKSA
| | - Ali Almajwal
- Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical SciencesKing Saud UniversityRiyadhKSA
| | - Iftikhar Alam
- Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical SciencesKing Saud UniversityRiyadhKSA
| | - Sarwat Jahan
- Reproductive Physiology Lab, Department of Animal SciencesQuaid‐i‐Azam UniversityIslamabadPakistan
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10
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Arthurs AL, Lumbers ER, Delforce SJ, Mathe A, Morris BJ, Pringle KG. The role of oxygen in regulating microRNAs in control of the placental renin-angiotensin system. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 25:206-217. [PMID: 30726964 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaz004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Human placental renin-angiotensin system (RAS) expression is highest in early gestation, at a time when placental oxygen tension is at its lowest (1-3%), and promotes placental development. Some miRNAs predicted to target RAS mRNAs are downregulated in early gestation. We tested the hypothesis that low oxygen suppresses expression of miRNAs that target placental RAS mRNAs, thus increasing concentrations of RAS mRNAs. HTR-8/SVneo cells were cultured in 1, 5 and 20% oxygen for 48 h. Differences in miRNA expression were measured on an Affymetrix miRNA microarray (n = 3/group). Those predicted to target RAS mRNAs, or that were decreased in early gestation, were confirmed by qPCR (n = 9/group). RAS protein levels were assessed by ELISAs or immuno-blotting. Microarray analysis identified four miRNAs predicted to target RAS mRNAs that were differentially expressed between 1 and 5% oxygen. Using qPCR, 15 miRNAs that target the RAS were measured in HTR-8/SVneo cells. Five miRNAs were downregulated in 1% compared with 5% oxygen. Expression of a number of RAS mRNAs (ATP6AP2, AGT, ACE and AGTR1) were increased in either, or both, 1 and 5% oxygen compared with 20% oxygen. AGT protein levels were increased in 1% oxygen compared with 5%. Further validation is needed to confirm that these miRNAs target RAS mRNAs directly and that placental development is partly regulated by oxygen-sensitive miRNAs that target RAS mRNAs. Since placental oxygen tension changes across gestation, changes in expression of these miRNAs may contribute to the transgestational changes in placental RAS expression and the resulting effects on placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anya L Arthurs
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Lot 1, Kookaburra Cct, New Lambton Heights NSW, Australia
| | - Eugenie R Lumbers
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Lot 1, Kookaburra Cct, New Lambton Heights NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah J Delforce
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Lot 1, Kookaburra Cct, New Lambton Heights NSW, Australia
| | - Andrea Mathe
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brian J Morris
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, Anderson Stuart Building, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kirsty G Pringle
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Lot 1, Kookaburra Cct, New Lambton Heights NSW, Australia
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11
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Lin YJ, Huang LT, Tsai CC, Sheen JM, Tiao MM, Yu HR, Lin IC, Tain YL. Maternal high-fat diet sex-specifically alters placental morphology and transcriptome in rats: Assessment by next-generation sequencing. Placenta 2019; 78:44-53. [PMID: 30955710 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Maternal nutrition is an extremely important health issue. We evaluated the impact of maternal high fat diet (HFD) on pregnancy outcomes, elucidated how the rat placenta and fetus respond to diet manipulation based on fetal sex, and identified candidate genes and pathways. METHODS Rats were fed a normal or HFD diet for 10 weeks before conception and during gestation. The placenta was collected on gestational day 21 and sexed. Placental histology was analyzed and placental candidate genes and pathways were identified using whole-genome RNA next-generation sequencing. RESULTS Pup weights in both sexes from HFD dams were reduced. The weight of the placenta from the HFD group was also decreased in both sexes, but changes in placental layer distributions were only significant for female fetuses. Maternal HFD altered the placental transcriptome in a sex-specific manner. Activation of the placental renin-angiotensin system (RAS) by maternal HFD was associated with fetal growth restriction in both fetal sexes. CONCLUSIONS The placenta reacts to maternal HFD by altering the placental layer distribution and gene expression in a sex-specific manner. The male placenta in late gestation is thought to exhibit greater plasticity relative to the female placenta; however, fetuses of both sexes exhibited similar growth restriction. Our data reveal an association between the placental RAS and HFD-induced fetal growth restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ju Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Li-Tung Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Ching-Chou Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Jiunn-Ming Sheen
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Mao-Meng Tiao
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Hong-Ren Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - I-Chun Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - You-Lin Tain
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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12
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Abstract
The human cerebral vasculature originates in the fourth week of gestation and continues to expand and diversify well into the first few years of postnatal life. A key feature of this growth is smooth muscle differentiation, whereby smooth muscle cells within cerebral arteries transform from migratory to proliferative to synthetic and finally to contractile phenotypes. These phenotypic transformations can be reversed by pathophysiological perturbations such as hypoxia, which causes loss of contractile capacity in immature cerebral arteries. In turn, loss of contractility affects all whole-brain cerebrovascular responses, including those involved in flow-metabolism coupling, vasodilatory responses to acute hypoxia and hypercapnia, cerebral autoregulation, and reactivity to activation of perivascular nerves. Future strategies to minimize cerebral injury following hypoxia-ischemic insults in the immature brain might benefit by targeting treatments to preserve and promote contractile differentiation in the fetal cerebrovasculature. This could potentially be achieved through inhibition of receptor tyrosine kinase-mediated growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor, which are mobilized by hypoxic and ischemic injury and which facilitate contractile dedifferentiation. Interruption of the effects of other vascular mitogens, such as endothelin and angiotensin-II, and even some miRNA species, also could be beneficial. Future experimental work that addresses these possibilities offers promise to improve current clinical management of neonates who have suffered and survived hypoxic, ischemic, asphyxic, or inflammatory cerebrovascular insults.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Pearce
- From the Center for Perinatal Biology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA.
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13
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Ducsay CA, Goyal R, Pearce WJ, Wilson S, Hu XQ, Zhang L. Gestational Hypoxia and Developmental Plasticity. Physiol Rev 2018; 98:1241-1334. [PMID: 29717932 PMCID: PMC6088145 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00043.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is one of the most common and severe challenges to the maintenance of homeostasis. Oxygen sensing is a property of all tissues, and the response to hypoxia is multidimensional involving complicated intracellular networks concerned with the transduction of hypoxia-induced responses. Of all the stresses to which the fetus and newborn infant are subjected, perhaps the most important and clinically relevant is that of hypoxia. Hypoxia during gestation impacts both the mother and fetal development through interactions with an individual's genetic traits acquired over multiple generations by natural selection and changes in gene expression patterns by altering the epigenetic code. Changes in the epigenome determine "genomic plasticity," i.e., the ability of genes to be differentially expressed according to environmental cues. The genomic plasticity defined by epigenomic mechanisms including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNAs during development is the mechanistic substrate for phenotypic programming that determines physiological response and risk for healthy or deleterious outcomes. This review explores the impact of gestational hypoxia on maternal health and fetal development, and epigenetic mechanisms of developmental plasticity with emphasis on the uteroplacental circulation, heart development, cerebral circulation, pulmonary development, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and adipose tissue. The complex molecular and epigenetic interactions that may impact an individual's physiology and developmental programming of health and disease later in life are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles A. Ducsay
- The Lawrence D. Longo, MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California
| | - Ravi Goyal
- The Lawrence D. Longo, MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California
| | - William J. Pearce
- The Lawrence D. Longo, MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California
| | - Sean Wilson
- The Lawrence D. Longo, MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California
| | - Xiang-Qun Hu
- The Lawrence D. Longo, MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California
| | - Lubo Zhang
- The Lawrence D. Longo, MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California
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14
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Cai M, Kolluru GK, Ahmed A. Small Molecule, Big Prospects: MicroRNA in Pregnancy and Its Complications. J Pregnancy 2017; 2017:6972732. [PMID: 28713594 PMCID: PMC5496128 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6972732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are small, noncoding RNA molecules that regulate target gene expression in the posttranscriptional level. Unlike siRNA, microRNAs are "fine-tuners" rather than "switches" in the regulation of gene expression; thus they play key roles in maintaining tissue homeostasis. The aberrant microRNA expression is implicated in the disease process. To date, numerous studies have demonstrated the regulatory roles of microRNAs in various pathophysiological conditions. In contrast, the study of microRNA in pregnancy and its associated complications, such as preeclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction (FGR), and preterm labor, is a young field. Over the last decade, the knowledge of pregnancy-related microRNAs has increased and the molecular mechanisms by which microRNAs regulate pregnancy or its associated complications are emerging. In this review, we focus on the recent advances in the research of pregnancy-related microRNAs, especially their function in pregnancy-associated complications and the potential clinical applications. Here microRNAs that associate with pregnancy are classified as placenta-specific, placenta-associated, placenta-derived circulating, and uterine microRNA according to their localization and origin. MicroRNAs offer a great potential for developing diagnostic and therapeutic targets in pregnancy-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Cai
- Aston Medical Research Institute, Aston Medical School, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Gopi K. Kolluru
- Aston Medical Research Institute, Aston Medical School, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Asif Ahmed
- Aston Medical Research Institute, Aston Medical School, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
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15
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Mata-Greenwood E, Goyal D, Goyal R. Comparative and Experimental Studies on the Genes Altered by Chronic Hypoxia in Human Brain Microendothelial Cells. Front Physiol 2017; 8:365. [PMID: 28620317 PMCID: PMC5450043 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background : Hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1A) is a master regulator of acute hypoxia; however, with chronic hypoxia, HIF1A levels return to the normoxic levels. Importantly, the genes that are involved in the cell survival and viability under chronic hypoxia are not known. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that chronic hypoxia leads to the upregulation of a core group of genes with associated changes in the promoter DNA methylation that mediates the cell survival under hypoxia. Results : We examined the effect of chronic hypoxia (3 days; 0.5% oxygen) on human brain micro endothelial cells (HBMEC) viability and apoptosis. Hypoxia caused a significant reduction in cell viability and an increase in apoptosis. Next, we examined chronic hypoxia associated changes in transcriptome and genome-wide promoter methylation. The data obtained was compared with 16 other microarray studies on chronic hypoxia. Nine genes were altered in response to chronic hypoxia in all 17 studies. Interestingly, HIF1A was not altered with chronic hypoxia in any of the studies. Furthermore, we compared our data to three other studies that identified HIF-responsive genes by various approaches. Only two genes were found to be HIF dependent. We silenced each of these 9 genes using CRISPR/Cas9 system. Downregulation of EGLN3 significantly increased the cell death under chronic hypoxia, whereas downregulation of ERO1L, ENO2, adrenomedullin, and spag4 reduced the cell death under hypoxia. Conclusions : We provide a core group of genes that regulates cellular acclimatization under chronic hypoxic stress, and most of them are HIF independent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Mata-Greenwood
- Center for Perinatal Biology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda UniversityLoma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Dipali Goyal
- Center for Perinatal Biology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda UniversityLoma Linda, CA, United States.,Epigenuity LLCLoma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Ravi Goyal
- Center for Perinatal Biology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda UniversityLoma Linda, CA, United States.,Epigenuity LLCLoma Linda, CA, United States
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16
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Regulation of the prorenin - angiotensin system by oxygen and miRNAs; parallels between placentation and tumour development? Placenta 2017; 56:27-33. [PMID: 28318555 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Tissue renin-angiotensin systems (RASs) are involved in tissue growth and development as they are important regulators of angiogenesis, cell proliferation and migration. The placental RAS is most highly expressed in early gestation, at a time when the oxygen tension within the conceptus is reduced, and plays a key role in placental growth and development. Similar to the placenta, tumour development relies on proliferation, angiogenesis and invasion in order to grow and metastasize. The RAS is known to be upregulated in a variety of solid tumours, including ovarian, endometrial, cervical, breast and prostate. This review explores the roles of oxygen and microRNAs in regulating the normal expression of the placental RAS, providing insight into regulation of its development as well as the development of disease states in which the RAS is overexpressed. We propose that the placental RAS is downregulated by microRNAs that are suppressed during the physiologically normal 'hypoxic' phase of early placentation. Suppression of these miRNAs allows the placental RAS to stimulate placental growth and angiogenesis. We propose that similar mechanisms may be at play in solid tumours, which are characterised by hypoxia.
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17
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Zhu X, Gao Q, Tu Q, Zhong Y, Zhu D, Mao C, Xu Z. Prenatal hypoxia enhanced angiotensin II-mediated vasoconstriction via increased oxidative signaling in fetal rats. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 60:21-8. [PMID: 26796766 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Toxic factors could cause in utero hypoxia, and prenatal hypoxia (PH) increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases in late life. It is unclear whether/how PH causes vascular injury during fetal life. This study found that PH significantly increased angiotensin II (Ang II)-mediated vessel contractions in fetal thoracic aortas, which was blocked by losartan, not PD123319, indicating that AT1 receptors played a dominant role in the enhanced fetal vasoconstriction following hypoxia. Prenatal hypoxia increased superoxide production and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression, associated with the enhanced NADPH oxidase (Nox) 4, but not Nox1 or Nox2 in fetal aortas. Ang II-increased vasoconstriction was inhibited by Nox inhibitor apocynin and SOD mimetic blocker tempol. These findings suggested that PH resulted in Ang II/AT1R-mediated fetal vascular hypertensive re-activity via pathways of Nox4-dependent oxidative stress, providing new information regarding the impact of PH on the functional and molecular development of fetal vascular systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Zhu
- Institute for Fetology and Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qinqin Gao
- Institute for Fetology and Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qing Tu
- Institute for Fetology and Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yuan Zhong
- Institute for Fetology and Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Di Zhu
- Institute for Fetology and Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Caiping Mao
- Institute for Fetology and Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhice Xu
- Institute for Fetology and Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Center for Perinatal Biology, Loma Linda University, CA, USA.
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18
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Delforce SJ, Wang Y, Van-Aalst ME, Corbisier de Meaultsart C, Morris BJ, Broughton-Pipkin F, Roberts CT, Lumbers ER, Pringle KG. Effect of oxygen on the expression of renin-angiotensin system components in a human trophoblast cell line. Placenta 2015; 37:1-6. [PMID: 26748156 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2015.11.011] [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] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Revised: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
During the first trimester, normal placental development occurs in a low oxygen environment that is known to stimulate angiogenesis via upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Expression of the placental renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is highest in early pregnancy. While the RAS and oxygen both stimulate angiogenesis, how they interact within the placenta is unknown. We postulated that low oxygen increases expression of the proangiogenic RAS pathway and that this is associated with increased VEGF in a first trimester human trophoblast cell line (HTR-8/SVneo). HTR-8/SVneo cells were cultured in one of three oxygen tensions (1%, 5% and 20%). RAS and VEGF mRNA expression were determined by qPCR. Prorenin, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and VEGF protein levels in the supernatant, as well as prorenin and ACE in cell lysates, were measured using ELISAs. Low oxygen significantly increased the expression of both angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AGTR1) and VEGF (both P < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between AGTR1 and VEGF expression at low oxygen (r = 0.64, P < 0.005). Corresponding increases in VEGF protein were observed with low oxygen (P < 0.05). Despite no change in ACE1 mRNA expression, ACE levels in the supernatant increased with low oxygen (1% and 5%, P < 0.05). Expression of other RAS components did not change. Low oxygen increased AGTR1 and VEGF expression, as well as ACE and VEGF protein levels, suggesting that the proangiogenic RAS pathway is activated. This highlights a potential role for the placental RAS in mediating the proangiogenic effects of low oxygen in placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Delforce
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yu Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Meg E Van-Aalst
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Celine Corbisier de Meaultsart
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brian J Morris
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fiona Broughton-Pipkin
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Claire T Roberts
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Eugenie R Lumbers
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kirsty G Pringle
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.
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19
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Vaswani K, Chan HW, Verma P, Dekker Nitert M, Peiris HN, Wood-Bradley RJ, Armitage JA, Rice GE, Mitchell MD. The rat placental renin-angiotensin system - a gestational gene expression study. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2015; 13:89. [PMID: 26260700 PMCID: PMC4532142 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-015-0088-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta is an essential organ that provides nutrients and oxygen to the developing fetus and removes toxic waste products from the fetal circulation. Maintaining placental blood osmotic pressure and blood flow is crucial for viable offspring. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the placenta is a key player in the regulation of maternal-fetal blood flow during pregnancy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if RAS genes are differentially expressed in mid to late gestation in rat placenta. METHODS Whole placental tissue samples from pregnant Sprague Dawley rats at embryonic (E) days 14.25, 15.25, 17.25 and 20 (n = 6 for each gestational age) were used for genome-wide gene expression by microarray. RAS genes with expression differences of >2 fold were further analyzed. Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qPCR) was performed on independent samples to confirm and validate microarray data. Immunohistochemisty and Western blotting were performed on a differentially expressed novel RAS pathway gene (ANPEP). RESULTS Six out of 17 genes of the RAS pathway were differentially expressed at different gestational ages. Gene expression of four genes (Angiotensin converting enzyme (Ace), angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (Ace2), membrane metalloendopeptidase (Mme) and angiotensin II receptor 1A (Agtr1a)) were significantly upregulated at E20 whereas two others (Thimet oligopeptidase 1 (Thop1) and Alanyl aminopeptidase (Anpep)) were downregulated at E20 prior to the onset of labour. These changes were confirmed by qPCR. Western blots revealed no overall differences in ANPEP protein expression in the placentae. Immunohistochemical studies, however, indicated that the localization of ANPEP differed at E17.25 and E20 as ANPEP localization in the giant trophoblast cell of the junctional zone was no longer detectable at E20. CONCLUSIONS The current study investigated the expression of members of the RAS pathway in rat placentae and observed significantly altered expression of 6 RAS genes at 4 gestational ages. These findings present the need for further comprehensive investigation of RAS genes in normal and complicated pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanchan Vaswani
- Centre for Clinical Diagnostics, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Campus, Building 71/918, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston, QLD, 4029, Australia.
| | - Hsiu-Wen Chan
- Centre for Clinical Diagnostics, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Campus, Building 71/918, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston, QLD, 4029, Australia.
| | - Pali Verma
- Centre for Clinical Diagnostics, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Campus, Building 71/918, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston, QLD, 4029, Australia.
| | - Marloes Dekker Nitert
- Centre for Clinical Diagnostics, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Campus, Building 71/918, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston, QLD, 4029, Australia.
| | - Hassendrini N Peiris
- Centre for Clinical Diagnostics, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Campus, Building 71/918, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston, QLD, 4029, Australia.
| | - Ryan J Wood-Bradley
- Department of Anatomy & Developmental Biology Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.
- School of Medicine (Optometry), Deakin University, Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3800, Australia.
| | - James A Armitage
- Department of Anatomy & Developmental Biology Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.
- School of Medicine (Optometry), Deakin University, Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3800, Australia.
| | - Gregory E Rice
- Centre for Clinical Diagnostics, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Campus, Building 71/918, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston, QLD, 4029, Australia.
| | - Murray D Mitchell
- Centre for Clinical Diagnostics, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Campus, Building 71/918, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston, QLD, 4029, Australia.
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20
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Jang EA, Longo LD, Goyal R. Antenatal maternal hypoxia: criterion for fetal growth restriction in rodents. Front Physiol 2015; 6:176. [PMID: 26106333 PMCID: PMC4458570 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2015.00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rodents are a useful model for life science research. Accumulating evidence suggests that the offspring of mice and rats suffer from similar disorders as humans when exposed to hypoxia during pregnancy. Importantly, with antenatal hypoxic exposure, human neonates demonstrate low birth weight or growth restriction. Similarly, with antenatal hypoxic exposure rodents also demonstrate the fetal growth restriction (FGR). Surprisingly, there is no consensus on the minimum duration or degree of hypoxic exposure required to cause FGR in rodents. Thus, we have reviewed the available literature in an attempt to answer these questions. Based on studies in rats, birth weight reduction of 31% corresponded to 10th percentile reduction in birth weight curve. With the similar criterion (10th percentile), in mice 3 days or more and in rats 7 days or more of 14% or lower hypoxia administration was required to produce statistically significant FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eeun Amy Jang
- Department of Basic Sciences, Center for Perinatal Biology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Lawrence D Longo
- Department of Basic Sciences, Center for Perinatal Biology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University Loma Linda, CA, USA ; Epigenuity LLC Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Ravi Goyal
- Department of Basic Sciences, Center for Perinatal Biology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University Loma Linda, CA, USA ; Epigenuity LLC Loma Linda, CA, USA
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21
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Goyal R, Van-Wickle J, Goyal D, Longo LD. Antenatal maternal low protein diet: ACE-2 in the mouse lung and sexually dimorphic programming of hypertension. BMC PHYSIOLOGY 2015; 15:2. [PMID: 25971747 PMCID: PMC4430899 DOI: 10.1186/s12899-015-0016-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2013] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Elevated blood pressure is an important global health problem, and in-utero under-nutrition may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of hypertension. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that antenatal maternal low protein diet (MLPD) leads to sexually dimorphic developmental programming of the components of the pulmonary renin-angiotensin system. This may be important in the antenatal MLPD-associated development of hypertension. In pregnant mice, we administered normal (control) and isocaloric 50 % protein restricted diet, commencing one week before mating and continuing until delivery of the pups. From the 18th to 24th week postnatal, we measured blood pressure in the offspring by use of a non-invasive tail-cuff method. In the same mice, we examined the mRNA and protein expression of the key components of the pulmonary renin-angiotensin system. Also, we examined microRNA complementary to angiotensin converting enzymes (ACE) 2 in the offspring lungs. Our results demonstrate that as a consequence of antenatal MLPD: 1) pup birthweight was significantly reduced in both sexes. 2) female offspring developed hypertension, but males did not. 3) In female offspring, ACE-2 protein expression was significantly reduced without any change in the mRNA levels. 4) miRNA 429, which has a binding site on ACE-2 - 3’ UTR was significantly upregulated in the female antenatal MLPD offspring. 5) In males, ACE-2 mRNA and protein expression were unaltered. We conclude that in the mouse, antenatal MLPD-induced reduction of ACE-2 in the female offspring lung may be an important mechanisms in sexually dimorphic programming of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Goyal
- Center for Perinatal Biology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA. .,Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA.
| | - Jonathan Van-Wickle
- Center for Perinatal Biology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA.
| | - Dipali Goyal
- Center for Perinatal Biology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA.
| | - Lawrence D Longo
- Center for Perinatal Biology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA. .,Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA.
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22
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Wang Y, Lumbers ER, Sykes SD, Pringle KG. Regulation of the Renin-Angiotensin System Pathways in the Human Decidua. Reprod Sci 2014; 22:865-72. [PMID: 25544673 DOI: 10.1177/1933719114565029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy outcome is influenced, in part, by the sex of the fetus. Decidual renin messenger RNA (REN) abundance is greater in women carrying a female fetus than a male fetus. Here, we explore whether the sex of the fetus also influences the regulation of decidual RAS expression with a known stimulator of renal renin and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Cyclic adenosine monophosphate had no affect on decidual REN expression, since REN abundance was still greater in decidual explants from women carrying a female fetus than a male fetus after cAMP treatment. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate decreased prorenin levels in the supernatant if the fetus was female (ie, prorenin levels were no longer sexually dimorphic) and altered the fetal sex-specific differences in other RAS genes seen in vitro. Therefore, fetal sex influences the decidual renin-angiotensin system response to cAMP. This may be related to the presence of fetal cells in the maternal decidua.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy, Mothers & Babies Research Centre, University of Newcastle, Hunter Medical Research Institute & John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Eugenie R Lumbers
- School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy, Mothers & Babies Research Centre, University of Newcastle, Hunter Medical Research Institute & John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Shane D Sykes
- School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy, Mothers & Babies Research Centre, University of Newcastle, Hunter Medical Research Institute & John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Kirsty G Pringle
- School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy, Mothers & Babies Research Centre, University of Newcastle, Hunter Medical Research Institute & John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, Australia
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Cuffe J, Walton S, Steane S, Singh R, Simmons D, Moritz K. The effects of gestational age and maternal hypoxia on the placental renin angiotensin system in the mouse. Placenta 2014; 35:953-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2014.09.004] [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: 07/23/2014] [Revised: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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MicroRNAs: potential regulators of renal development genes that contribute to CAKUT. Pediatr Nephrol 2014; 29:565-74. [PMID: 23996519 PMCID: PMC3944105 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-013-2599-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Revised: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are the leading cause of childhood chronic kidney disease (CKD). While mutations in several renal development genes have been identified as causes for CAKUT, most cases have not yet been linked to known mutations. Furthermore, the genotype-phenotype correlation is variable, suggesting that there might be additional factors that have an impact on the severity of CAKUT. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, and are involved in many developmental processes. Although little is known about the function of specific miRNAs in kidney development, several have recently been shown to regulate the expression of, and/or are regulated by, crucial renal development genes present in other organ systems. In this review, we discuss how miRNA regulation of common developmental signaling pathways may be applicable to renal development. We focus on genes that are known to contribute to CAKUT in humans, for which miRNA interactions in other contexts have been identified, with miRNAs that are present in the kidney. We hypothesize that miRNA-mediated processes might play a role in kidney development through similar mechanisms, and speculate that genotypic variations in these small RNAs or their targets could be associated with CAKUT.
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Chappell MC, Marshall AC, Alzayadneh EM, Shaltout HA, Diz DI. Update on the Angiotensin converting enzyme 2-Angiotensin (1-7)-MAS receptor axis: fetal programing, sex differences, and intracellular pathways. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 4:201. [PMID: 24409169 PMCID: PMC3886117 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2013.00201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) constitutes an important hormonal system in the physiological regulation of blood pressure. Indeed, dysregulation of the RAS may lead to the development of cardiovascular pathologies including kidney injury. Moreover, the blockade of this system by the inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) or antagonism of the angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) constitutes an effective therapeutic regimen. It is now apparent with the identification of multiple components of the RAS that the system is comprised of different angiotensin peptides with diverse biological actions mediated by distinct receptor subtypes. The classic RAS can be defined as the ACE-Ang II-AT1R axis that promotes vasoconstriction, sodium retention, and other mechanisms to maintain blood pressure, as well as increased oxidative stress, fibrosis, cellular growth, and inflammation in pathological conditions. In contrast, the non-classical RAS composed of the ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas receptor axis generally opposes the actions of a stimulated Ang II-AT1R axis through an increase in nitric oxide and prostaglandins and mediates vasodilation, natriuresis, diuresis, and oxidative stress. Thus, a reduced tone of the Ang-(1-7) system may contribute to these pathologies as well. Moreover, the non-classical RAS components may contribute to the effects of therapeutic blockade of the classical system to reduce blood pressure and attenuate various indices of renal injury. The review considers recent studies on the ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas receptor axis regarding the precursor for Ang-(1-7), the intracellular expression and sex differences of this system, as well as an emerging role of the Ang1-(1-7) pathway in fetal programing events and cardiovascular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark C. Chappell
- The Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Allyson C. Marshall
- The Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Ebaa M. Alzayadneh
- The Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Hossam A. Shaltout
- The Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Debra I. Diz
- The Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- *Correspondence: Debra I. Diz, The Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1032, USA e-mail:
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26
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Lumbers ER, Pringle KG, Wang Y, Gibson KJ. The renin-angiotensin system from conception to old age: the good, the bad and the ugly. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2013; 40:743-52. [DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2013] [Revised: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 04/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eugenie R Lumbers
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy; Hunter Medical Research Institute; University of Newcastle and Mothers and Babies Research Centre; Newcastle NSW Australia
| | - Kirsty G Pringle
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy; Hunter Medical Research Institute; University of Newcastle and Mothers and Babies Research Centre; Newcastle NSW Australia
| | - Yu Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy; Hunter Medical Research Institute; University of Newcastle and Mothers and Babies Research Centre; Newcastle NSW Australia
| | - Karen J Gibson
- School of Medical Sciences; University of New South Wales; Sydney NSW Australia
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Yang J, Shang J, Zhang S, Li H, Liu H. The role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in preeclampsia: genetic polymorphisms and microRNA. J Mol Endocrinol 2013; 50:R53-66. [PMID: 23369849 DOI: 10.1530/jme-12-0216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The compensatory alterations in the rennin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) contribute to the salt-water balance and sufficient placental perfusion for the subsequent well-being of the mother and fetus during normal pregnancy and is characterized by an increase in almost all the components of RAAS. Preeclampsia, however, breaks homeostasis and leads to a disturbance of this delicate equilibrium in RAAS both for circulation and the uteroplacental unit. Despite being a major cause for maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, the pathogenesis of preeclampsia remains elusive, where RAAS has been long considered to be involved. Epidemiological studies have indicated that preeclampsia is a multifactorial disease with a strong familial predisposition regardless of variations in ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic features. The heritable allelic variations, especially the genetic polymorphisms in RAAS, could be the foundation for the genetics of preeclampsia and hence are related to the development of preeclampsia. Furthermore, at a posttranscriptional level, miRNA can interact with the targeted site within the 3'-UTR of the RAAS gene and thereby might participate in the regulation of RAAS and the pathology of preeclampsia. In this review, we discuss the recent achievements of genetic polymorphisms, as well as the interactions between maternal and fetal genotypes, and miRNA posttranscriptional regulation associated with RAAS in preeclampsia. The results are controversial but utterly inspiring and attractive in terms of potential prognostic significance. Although many studies suggest positive associations with genetic mutations and increased risk for preeclampsia, more meticulously designed large-scale investigations are needed to avoid the interference from different variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, People's Republic of China
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Gao H, Yallampalli U, Yallampalli C. Gestational protein restriction increases angiotensin II production in rat lung. Biol Reprod 2013; 88:64. [PMID: 23365412 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.103770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Gestational protein restriction (PR) alters the renin-angiotensin system in uterine arteries and placentas and elevates plasma levels of angiotensin II in pregnant rats. To date, how PR increases maternal plasma levels of angiotensin II remains unknown. In this study, we hypothesize that the expression and/or the activity of angiotensin I converting enzyme (peptidyl-dipeptidase A) 1 (ACE) in lungs, but not kidneys and blood, largely contribute to elevated plasma angiotensin II levels in pregnant rats subject to gestational PR. Time-scheduled pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a normal or low-protein diet from Day 3 of pregnancy until euthanized at Day 19 or 22. Expressions of Ace and Ace2 (angiotens in I converting enzyme [peptidyl-dipeptidase A] 2) in lungs and kidneys from pregnant rats by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting, and the activities of these proteins in lungs, kidneys, and plasma, were measured. The mRNA levels of Ace and Ace2 in lungs were elevated by PR at both Days 19 and 22 of pregnancy. The abundance of ACE protein in lungs was increased, but ACE2 protein was decreased, by PR. The activities of ACE, but not ACE2, in lungs were increased by PR. PR did not change expressions of Ace and Ace2, the activities of both ACE and ACE2 in kidneys, and the abundance and activity of plasma ACE. These findings suggest that maternal lungs contribute to the elevated plasma levels of angiotensin II by increasing both the expression and the activity of ACE in response to gestational PR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijun Gao
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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29
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Junno J, Bruun E, Gutierrez JH, Erkinaro T, Haapsamo M, Acharya G, Räsänen J. Fetal sheep left ventricle is more sensitive than right ventricle to progressively worsening hypoxemia and acidemia. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2012; 167:137-41. [PMID: 23266204 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2012.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2012] [Accepted: 11/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In a sheep model we tested the hypothesis that the fetal left ventricle is less tolerant to worsening acidemia than the right ventricle. STUDY DESIGN At 106-124/145 days of gestation, 12 fetuses were instrumented. After a 4-day recovery, placental vascular resistance was increased by fetal angiotensin (AT) II infusion. After a 2h ATII infusion, to further deteriorate fetal oxygenation, maternal hypoxemia was induced. Fetal cardiac function and hemodynamics were assessed by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and pulsed Doppler imaging. Ultrasonography was performed at baseline, at 1 and 2h after the beginning of ATII infusion and during the ATII+hypoxemia phase. RESULTS Fetal pH and pO₂ decreased significantly and progressively during the experiment. Left ventricular TDI-derived isovolumic relaxation velocity (IVRV) was lower during ATII 2h and ATII+hypoxemia phases than at baseline. The IVRV deceleration was significantly less during the ATII+hypoxemia phase than at baseline. Right ventricular IVRV was significantly lower during the ATII+hypoxemia phase than at baseline. IVRV deceleration did not change. Only left ventricular IVRV deceleration correlated with fetal pO₂ (R=0.36, p<0.05). Fetal right and left ventricular cardiac outputs, as well as umbilical artery, aortic isthmus and ductus venosus pulsatility indices remained unchanged during the experiment. CONCLUSION Our results show that signs of cardiac dysfunction develop earlier in the left ventricle than in the right ventricle. The fetal left ventricle seems to be more sensitive to progressively worsening hypoxemia and acidemia than the right ventricle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juulia Junno
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
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Goyal R, Wong C, Van Wickle J, Longo LD. Antenatal maternal protein deprivation: sexually dimorphic programming of the pancreatic renin-angiotensin system. J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst 2012; 14:137-45. [PMID: 22898440 DOI: 10.1177/1470320312456329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
As an underlying mechanism of antenatal maternal malnutrition-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), alterations in the local pancreatic renin-angiotensin system (RAS) may play a significant role. We tested the hypothesis that antenatal maternal protein deprivation (AMPD) leads to increased activity of the local pancreatic RAS, with associated hyperglycemia in the adult progeny. Mice dams were fed either control or 50% protein restricted diet (AMPD) starting one week before conception and maintained during complete gestation. Our results demonstrate low birth weight (control 1.5 ± 0.03 and AMPD 1.3 ± 0.03) and sexually dimorphic programming of the pancreatic RAS, with development of hyperglycemia only in the female mice offspring as a consequence of AMPD. No significant difference in serum insulin concentration was observed; however, AMPD was associated with increased mRNA and protein expression of angiotensinogen, renin and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-1 in male and female offspring. Of importance, mRNA and protein expression of ACE 2 and angiotensin II receptors was up-regulated only in the male offspring, as a consequence of AMPD. We conclude that sexually dimorphic programming of the pancreatic RAS expression is associated with AMPD diet-mediated development of hyperglycemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Goyal
- Center for Perinatal Biology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350 , USA.
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31
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Vaughan OR, Sferruzzi-Perri AN, Coan PM, Fowden AL. Environmental regulation of placental phenotype: implications for fetal growth. Reprod Fertil Dev 2012; 24:80-96. [PMID: 22394720 DOI: 10.1071/rd11909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental conditions during pregnancy determine birthweight, neonatal viability and adult phenotype in human and other animals. In part, these effects may be mediated by the placenta, the principal source of nutrients for fetal development. However, little is known about the environmental regulation of placental phenotype. Generally, placental weight is reduced during suboptimal conditions like maternal malnutrition or hypoxaemia but compensatory adaptations can occur in placental nutrient transport capacity to help maintain fetal growth. In vivo studies show that transplacental glucose and amino acid transfer adapt to the prevailing conditions induced by manipulating maternal calorie intake, dietary composition and hormone exposure. These adaptations are due to changes in placental morphology, metabolism and/or abundance of specific nutrient transporters. This review examines environmental programming of placental phenotype with particular emphasis on placental nutrient transport capacity and its implications for fetal growth, mainly in rodents. It also considers the systemic, cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in signalling environmental cues to the placenta. Ultimately, the ability of the placenta to balance the competing interests of mother and fetus in resource allocation may determine not only the success of pregnancy in producing viable neonates but also the long-term health of the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- O R Vaughan
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
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32
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Gao H, Yallampalli U, Yallampalli C. Protein restriction to pregnant rats increases the plasma levels of angiotensin II and expression of angiotensin II receptors in uterine arteries. Biol Reprod 2012; 86:68. [PMID: 22088913 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.095844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Whether gestational protein restriction affects the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in uterine artery remains unknown. In this study, we hypothesized that gestational protein restriction alters the expression of RAS components in uterine artery. In study one, time-scheduled pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were fed a normal or low-protein (LP) diet from Day 3 of pregnancy until they were killed at Days 19 and 22. The uterine arteries were collected and used for gene expression of Ace, Ace2, Agtr1a, Agtr1b, Agtr2, Esr1, and Esr2 by quantitative real-time PCR and/or Western blotting. LP increased plasma levels of angiotensin II in pregnant rats. In the uterine artery, the expressions of Agtr1a, Agtr1b, and Esr1 were increased by LP at Days 19 and 22 of pregnancy, whereas the abundance of AGTR1 and AGTR2 was increased by LP at Day 19 of pregnancy. The expression of Ace2 was not detectable in rat uterine artery. In study two, virgin female rats were ovariectomized and implanted with either 17beta-estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), both E2 and P4, or placebo pellets until they were killed 7 days later. In rat uterine artery, E2 and P4 reduced the expression of Agtr1a, and E2 increased the expression of Agtr1b and Agtr2, but neither E2 nor P4 regulated the expression of Ace. These results indicate that gestational protein restriction induces an increase in Agtr1 expression in uterine artery, and thus may exacerbate the vasoconstriction to elevated angiotensin II present in maternal circulation, and that female sex hormones also play a role in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijun Gao
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555-1062, USA
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33
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Gao H, Yallampalli U, Yallampalli C. Maternal protein restriction reduces expression of angiotensin I-converting enzyme 2 in rat placental labyrinth zone in late pregnancy. Biol Reprod 2012; 86:31. [PMID: 22011389 PMCID: PMC3290663 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.094607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2011] [Revised: 08/30/2011] [Accepted: 10/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Both the systemic and the uteroplacental renin-angiotensin system (RAS) display dramatic changes during pregnancy. However, whether gestational protein insufficiency affects the expressions of RAS in the placenta remains unknown. In this study, we hypothesized that the expression of Ace2 in the placental labyrinth was reduced by maternal protein restriction. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a normal diet or a low-protein diet (LP) from Day 1 of pregnancy until they were killed at Day 14 or Day 18. The labyrinth zone (LZ) of the placenta was then dissected and snap frozen for expression analysis by quantitative real-time PCR of Ace, Ace2, Agtr1a, Agtr1b, and Agtr2. Formalin-fixed placentas were used for immunohistochemical analysis on ACE and ACE2 proteins. The findings include 1) the expression of Ace2 in rat LZ was reduced by maternal protein restriction in late pregnancy; 2) ACE protein was mainly present in syncytiotrophoblasts, whereas ACE2 protein was found predominantly in fetal mesenchymal tissue and fetal capillaries; 3) Agtr1a was predominant in the rat LZ, and its mRNA levels, but not protein levels, were reduced by LP; 4) expressions of Ace, Ace2, and Agtr1a in the rat LZ and their response to LP occurred in a gender-dependent manner. These results may indicate that a reduced expression of Ace2 and perhaps an associated reduction in angiotensin (1-7) production in the placenta by maternal protein restriction may be responsible for fetal growth restriction and associated programming of adulthood hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijun Gao
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Uma Yallampalli
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Chandra Yallampalli
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
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