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Öztürk S, Demir M, Koçkaya EA, Karaaslan C, Süloğlu AK. Establishment of a 3D multicellular placental microtissues for investigating the effect of antidepressant vortioxetine. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 123:108519. [PMID: 38043629 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The placenta is a unique organ with an active metabolism and dynamically changing physiology throughout pregnancy. It is difficult to elucidate the structure of cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions of the placenta in in vivo studies due to interspecies differences and ethical constraints. In this study, human umbilical cord vein cells (HUVEC) and human placental choriocarcinoma cells (BeWo) were co-cultured for the first time to form spheroids (microtissues) on a three-dimensional (3D) Petri Dish® mold and compared with a traditional two-dimensional (2D) system. Vortioxetine is an antidepressant with a lack of literature on its use in pregnancy in established cultures, the toxicity of vortioxetine was studied to investigate the response of spheroids representing placental tissue. Spheroids were characterised by morphology and exposed to vortioxetine. Cell viability and barrier integrity were then measured. Intercellular junctions and the localisation of serotonin transporter (SERT) proteins were demonstrated by immunofluorescence (IF) staining in BeWo cells. Human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) hormone levels were also measured. In the 3D system, cell viability and hormone production were higher than in the 2D system. It was observed that the barrier structure was impaired, the structure of intracellular skeletal elements was altered and SERT expression decreased depending on vortioxetine exposure. These results demonstrate that the multicellular microtissue placenta model can be used to obtain results that more closely resemble in vivo toxicity studies of various xenobiotics than other 2D and mono-culture spheroid models in the literature. It also describes the use of 3D models for soft tissues other than the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selen Öztürk
- Hacettepe University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Zoology Section, Beytepe Campus, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Merve Demir
- Hacettepe University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Zoology Section, Beytepe Campus, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - E Arzu Koçkaya
- Gazi University, The Higher Vocational School of Health Services, Gölbaşı Campus, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Cagatay Karaaslan
- Hacettepe University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Molecular Biology Section, Beytepe Campus, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Aysun Kılıç Süloğlu
- Hacettepe University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Zoology Section, Beytepe Campus, Ankara, Türkiye.
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2
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Dusza HM, van Boxel J, van Duursen MBM, Forsberg MM, Legler J, Vähäkangas KH. Experimental human placental models for studying uptake, transport and toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 860:160403. [PMID: 36417947 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are ubiquitous in the environment and have recently been found in human lungs, blood and placenta. However, data on the possible effects of MNPs on human health is extremely scarce. The potential toxicity of MNPs during pregnancy, a period of increased susceptibility to environmental insults, is of particular concern. The placenta provides a unique interface between maternal and fetal circulation which is essential for in utero survival and healthy pregnancy. Placental toxicokinetics and toxicity of MNPs are still largely unexplored and the limited studies performed up to now focus mainly on polystyrene particles. Practical and ethical considerations limit research options in humans, and extrapolation from animal studies is challenging due to marked differences between species. Nevertheless, diverse in vitro and ex vivo human placental models exist e.g., plasma membrane vesicles, mono-culture and co-culture of placental cells, placenta-on-a-chip, villous tissue explants, and placental perfusion that can be used to advance this research area. The objective of this concise review is to recapitulate different human placental models, summarize the current understanding of placental uptake, transport and toxicity of MNPs and define knowledge gaps. Moreover, we provide perspectives for future research urgently needed to assess the potential hazards and risks of MNP exposure to maternal and fetal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna M Dusza
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Jeske van Boxel
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Majorie B M van Duursen
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Markus M Forsberg
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Juliette Legler
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Kirsi H Vähäkangas
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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3
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Krausová M, Braun D, Buerki-Thurnherr T, Gundacker C, Schernhammer E, Wisgrill L, Warth B. Understanding the Chemical Exposome During Fetal Development and Early Childhood: A Review. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 63:517-540. [PMID: 36202091 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-051922-113350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Early human life is considered a critical window of susceptibility to external exposures. Infants are exposed to a multitude of environmental factors, collectively referred to as the exposome. The chemical exposome can be summarized as the sum of all xenobiotics that humans are exposed to throughout a lifetime. We review different exposure classes and routes that impact fetal and infant metabolism and the potential toxicological role of mixture effects. We also discuss the progress in human biomonitoring and present possiblemodels for studying maternal-fetal transfer. Data gaps on prenatal and infant exposure to xenobiotic mixtures are identified and include natural biotoxins, in addition to commonly reported synthetic toxicants, to obtain a more holistic assessment of the chemical exposome. We highlight the lack of large-scale studies covering a broad range of xenobiotics. Several recommendations to advance our understanding of the early-life chemical exposome and the subsequent impact on health outcomes are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdaléna Krausová
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; , ,
| | - Dominik Braun
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; , ,
| | - Tina Buerki-Thurnherr
- Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Particles Biology Interactions, St. Gallen, Switzerland;
| | - Claudia Gundacker
- Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; .,Exposome Austria, Research Infrastructure and National EIRENE Hub, Austria
| | - Eva Schernhammer
- Exposome Austria, Research Infrastructure and National EIRENE Hub, Austria.,Center for Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; .,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lukas Wisgrill
- Exposome Austria, Research Infrastructure and National EIRENE Hub, Austria.,Division of Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria;
| | - Benedikt Warth
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; , , .,Exposome Austria, Research Infrastructure and National EIRENE Hub, Austria
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4
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Zheng Y, Zhao Y, He W, Wang Y, Cao Z, Yang H, Wang W, Li S. Novel organic selenium source hydroxy-selenomethionine counteracts the blood-milk barrier disruption and inflammatory response of mice under heat stress. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1054128. [PMID: 36532046 PMCID: PMC9757697 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1054128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Heat stress (HS) in summer has caused huge economic losses to animal husbandry production recently. When mammary gland is exposed to high temperatures, it will cause blood-milk barrier damage. Hydroxy-selenomethionine (HMSeBA) is a new selenium source with better guarantee of animals' production performance under stress, but whether it has protective effect on heat stress-induced blood-milk damage is still unclear. We established mammary epithelial cells and mice heat stress injury models to fill this research gap, and hope to provide theoretical basis for using HMSeBA to alleviate heat stress damage mammary gland. The results showed that (1) Heat stress significantly decreases in vitro transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and cell viability (P < 0.01), and significantly decreases clinical score, histological score, and total alveoli area of mice mammary gland tissue (P < 0.01). (2) HMSeBA significantly increases TEER and fluorescein sodium leakage of HS-induced monolayer BMECs (P < 0.01), significantly improves the milk production and total area of alveoli (P < 0.01), and reduces clinical score, histological score, mRNA expression of heat stress-related proteins, and inflammatory cytokines release of heat-stressed mice (P < 0.01). (3) HMSeBA significantly improves tight junction structure damage, and significantly up-regulated the expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, claudin 1, and occludin) as well as signal molecules PI3K, AKT, and mTOR (P < 0.01) in heat-stressed mammary tissue. (4) HMSeBA significantly increases glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and superoxide dismutase release (SOD) (P < 0.01) and significantly reduce malondialdehyde (MDA) expression (P < 0.01) in heat-stressed mammary tissue. In conclusion, this study implemented heat-stressed cell and mice model and showed that HMSeBA significantly regulate antioxidant capacity, inhibited inflammation, and regulate tight junction proteins expression in blood-milk barrier via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, so as to alleviate mammary gland damage and ensure its structure and function integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Wei Wang
- *Correspondence: Wei Wang, ; Shengli Li,
| | - Shengli Li
- *Correspondence: Wei Wang, ; Shengli Li,
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Deval G, Boland S, Fournier T, Ferecatu I. On Placental Toxicology Studies and Cerium Dioxide Nanoparticles. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212266. [PMID: 34830142 PMCID: PMC8624015 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The human placenta is a transient organ essential for pregnancy maintenance, fetal development and growth. It has several functions, including that of a selective barrier against pathogens and xenobiotics from maternal blood. However, some pollutants can accumulate in the placenta or pass through with possible repercussions on pregnancy outcomes. Cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs), also termed nanoceria, are an emerging pollutant whose impact on pregnancy is starting to be defined. CeO2 NPs are already used in different fields for industrial and commercial applications and have even been proposed for some biomedical applications. Since 2010, nanoceria have been subject to priority monitoring by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development in order to assess their toxicity. This review aims to summarize the current methods and models used for toxicology studies on the placental barrier, from the basic ones to the very latest, as well as to overview the most recent knowledge of the impact of CeO2 NPs on human health, and more specifically during the sensitive window of pregnancy. Further research is needed to highlight the relationship between environmental exposure to CeO2 and placental dysfunction with its implications for pregnancy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaëlle Deval
- Université de Paris, Inserm, UMR-S 1139, 3PHM, Faculté de Pharmacie, 75006 Paris, France; (G.D.); (T.F.)
| | - Sonja Boland
- Université de Paris, BFA, UMR 8251, CNRS, F-75013 Paris, France;
| | - Thierry Fournier
- Université de Paris, Inserm, UMR-S 1139, 3PHM, Faculté de Pharmacie, 75006 Paris, France; (G.D.); (T.F.)
| | - Ioana Ferecatu
- Université de Paris, Inserm, UMR-S 1139, 3PHM, Faculté de Pharmacie, 75006 Paris, France; (G.D.); (T.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-1-5373-9605
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6
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A PDMS-Based Interdigitated Platform for Trophoblast Invasion Study Under Oxygen Stress Conditions. BIOCHIP JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13206-021-00035-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Dai Y, Huo X, Cheng Z, Faas MM, Xu X. Early-life exposure to widespread environmental toxicants and maternal-fetal health risk: A focus on metabolomic biomarkers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 739:139626. [PMID: 32535459 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to widespread environmental toxicants is detrimental to maternal health and fetal development. The effects of environmental toxicants on maternal and fetal metabolic profile changes have not yet been summarized. This systematic review aims to summarize the current studies exploring the association between prenatal exposure to environmental toxicants and metabolic profile alterations in mother and fetus. We searched the MEDLINE (PubMed) electronic database for relevant literature conducted up to September 18, 2019 with some key terms. From the initial 155 articles, 15 articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and consist of highly heterogeneous research methods. Seven studies assessed the effects of multiple environmental pollutants (metals, organic pollutants, nicotine, air pollutants) on the maternal urine and blood metabolomic profile; five studies evaluated the effects of arsenic, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), nicotine, and ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on the cord blood metabolomic profile; and one study assessed the effects of smoking exposure on the amniotic fluid metabolomic profile. The alteration of metabolic pathways in these studies mainly involve energy metabolism, hormone metabolism, oxidative stress and inflammation. No population study investigated the association between environmental toxicants and placental metabolomics. This systematic review provides evidence that prenatal exposure to a variety of environmental pollutants can affect maternal and fetal metabolomic characteristics. Integration of environmental toxicant exposure and metabolomics data in maternal-fetal samples is helpful to understand the interaction between toxicants and metabolites, so as to reveal the pathogenesis of fetal disease or diseases of fetal origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Dai
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China; Immunoendocrinology, Division of Medical Biology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Xia Huo
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiheng Cheng
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China; Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marijke M Faas
- Immunoendocrinology, Division of Medical Biology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Xijin Xu
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China.
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8
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Arumugasaamy N, Rock KD, Kuo CY, Bale TL, Fisher JP. Microphysiological systems of the placental barrier. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 161-162:161-175. [PMID: 32858104 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Methods to evaluate maternal-fetal transport across the placental barrier have generally involved clinical observations after-the-fact, ex vivo perfused placenta studies, or in vitro Transwell assays. Given the ethical and technical limitations in these approaches, and the drive to understand fetal development through the lens of transport-induced injury, such as with the examples of thalidomide and Zika Virus, efforts to develop novel approaches to study these phenomena have expanded in recent years. Notably, within the past 10 years, placental barrier models have been developed using hydrogel, bioreactor, organ-on-a-chip, and bioprinting approaches. In this review, we discuss the biology of the placental barrier and endeavors to recapitulate this barrier in vitro using these approaches. We also provide analysis of current limitations to drug discovery in this context, and end with a future outlook.
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Gundacker C, Ellinger I. The unique applicability of the human placenta to the Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) concept: the placenta provides fundamental insights into human organ functions at multiple levels of biological organization. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 96:273-281. [PMID: 32768559 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite the short lifespan of the human placenta, the proper formation and function of the organ is of crucial importance for fetal development. Placental dysfunction increases the risk of complications for mother and child during pregnancy and childbirth and beyond as it predisposes to fetal programming. The placenta is an upstream organ of the fetus. It performs the functions of fetal lungs, liver, intestines, kidneys and glands as long as these organs are not fully functional. Furthermore, it is the only human organ that is non-invasively available either after elective abortion or after birth. This is a crucial point given that the conceptual framework of Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) requires data on organ function. In vitro and ex vivo placental studies, combined with epidemiological and clinical data on pregnant women, newborns, and infants can uniquely cover all levels of information needed to develop new AOPs and complement existing AOPs related to reproductive toxicity and beyond. To stimulate further research in this area and to support researchers in future studies dealing with the development of AOPs related to the placenta, this review first gives a brief description of placental structure, placental development and relevant pregnancy diseases. The state of knowledge about the available placental models, their particularities and limitations are briefly discussed. Finally, the use of placental research for the development of AOPs is presented with an illustrative example.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Gundacker
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Isabella Ellinger
- Institute for Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Elad D, Zaretsky U, Kuperman T, Gavriel M, Long M, Jaffa A, Grisaru D. Tissue engineered endometrial barrier exposed to peristaltic flow shear stresses. APL Bioeng 2020; 4:026107. [PMID: 32548541 PMCID: PMC7269682 DOI: 10.1063/5.0001994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclic myometrial contractions of the non-pregnant uterus induce intra-uterine peristaltic flows, which have important roles in transport of sperm and embryos during early stages of reproduction. Hyperperistalsis in young females may lead to migration of endometrial cells and development of adenomyosis or endometriosis. We conducted an in vitro study of the biological response of a tissue engineered endometrial barrier exposed to peristaltic wall shear stresses (PWSSs). The endometrial barrier model was co-cultured of endometrial epithelial cells on top of myometrial smooth muscle cells (MSMCs) in custom-designed wells that can be disassembled for mechanobiology experiments. A new experimental setup was developed for exposing the uterine wall in vitro model to PWSSs that mimic the in vivo intra-uterine environment. Peristaltic flow was induced by moving a belt with bulges to deform the elastic cover of a fluid filled chamber that held the uterine wall model at the bottom. The in vitro biological model was exposed to peristaltic flows for 60 and 120 min and then stained for immunofluorescence studies of alternations in the cytoskeleton. Quantification of the F-actin mass in both layers revealed a significant increase with the length of exposure to PWSSs. Moreover, the inner layer of MSMCs that were not in direct contact with the fluid also responded with an increase in the F-actin mass. This new experimental approach can be expanded to in vitro studies of multiple structural changes and genetic expressions, while the tissue engineered uterine wall models are tested under conditions that mimic the in vivo physiological environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Elad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Uri Zaretsky
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Tatyana Kuperman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Mark Gavriel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Mian Long
- Center of Biomechanics and Bioengineering and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
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Abdelkhaliq A, van der Zande M, Peters RJB, Bouwmeester H. Combination of the BeWo b30 placental transport model and the embryonic stem cell test to assess the potential developmental toxicity of silver nanoparticles. Part Fibre Toxicol 2020; 17:11. [PMID: 32156294 PMCID: PMC7063716 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-020-00342-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are used extensively in various consumer products because of their antimicrobial potential. This requires insight in their potential hazards and risks including adverse effects during pregnancy on the developing fetus. Using a combination of the BeWo b30 placental transport model and the mouse embryonic stem cell test (EST), we investigated the capability of pristine AgNPs with different surface chemistries and aged AgNPs (silver sulfide (Ag2S) NPs) to cross the placental barrier and induce developmental toxicity. The uptake/association and transport of AgNPs through the BeWo b30 was characterized using ICP-MS and single particle (sp)ICP-MS at different time points. The developmental toxicity of the AgNPs was investigated by characterizing their potential to inhibit the differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) into beating cardiomyocytes. RESULTS The AgNPs are able to cross the BeWo b30 cell layer to a level that was limited and dependent on their surface chemistry. In the EST, no in vitro developmental toxicity was observed as the effects on differentiation of the mESCs were only detected at cytotoxic concentrations. The aged AgNPs were significantly less cytotoxic, less bioavailable and did not induce developmental toxicity. CONCLUSIONS Pristine AgNPs are capable to cross the placental barrier to an extent that is influenced by their surface chemistry and that this transport is likely low but not negligible. Next to that, the tested AgNPs have low intrinsic potencies for developmental toxicity. The combination of the BeWo b30 model with the EST is of added value in developmental toxicity screening and prioritization of AgNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Abdelkhaliq
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University, P.O. box 8000, 6700, EA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), P.O. Box 230, 6700, AE, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Food Science and Technology Department, Faculty of Agriculture - Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Meike van der Zande
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), P.O. Box 230, 6700, AE, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ruud J B Peters
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), P.O. Box 230, 6700, AE, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Bouwmeester
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University, P.O. box 8000, 6700, EA, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
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Tissue-engineered multi-cellular models of the uterine wall. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2020; 19:1629-1639. [PMID: 31997029 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-020-01296-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The human uterus is composed of three layers: endometrium, myometrium and perimetrium. It remodels during the monthly menstrual cycle and more significantly during the complex stages of reproduction. In vivo studies of the human uterine wall are yet incomplete due to ethical and technical limitations. The objective of this study was to develop in vitro uterine wall models that mimic the in vivo structure in humans. We co-cultured multiple cellular models of endometrial epithelial cells, endometrial stromal cells and smooth muscle cells on a synthetic membrane mounted in multi-purpose custom-designed wells. Immunofluorescence staining and confocal imaging confirmed that the new model represents the in vivo anatomical architecture of the inner uterine wall. Hormonal treatment with progesterone and β-estradiol demonstrated increased expression of progestogen-associated endometrial protein, which is associated with the in vivo receptive uterus. The new tissue-engineered in vitro models of the uterine wall will enable deeper investigation of molecular and biomechanical aspects of the blastocyst-uterus interaction during the window of implantation.
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Pemathilaka RL, Reynolds DE, Hashemi NN. Drug transport across the human placenta: review of placenta-on-a-chip and previous approaches. Interface Focus 2019; 9:20190031. [PMID: 31485316 PMCID: PMC6710654 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2019.0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past few decades, the placenta became a very controversial topic that has had many researchers and pharmacists discussing the significance of the effects of pharmaceutical drug intake and how it is a possible leading cause towards birth defects. The creation of an in vitro microengineered model of the placenta can be used to replicate the interactions between the mother and fetus, specifically pharmaceutical drug intake reactions. As the field of nanotechnology significantly continues growing, nanotechnology will become more apparent in the study of medicine and other scientific disciplines, specifically microengineering applications. This review is based on past and current research that compares the feasibility and testing of the placenta-on-a-chip microengineered model to the previous and underdeveloped in vivo and ex vivo approaches. The testing of the practicality and effectiveness of the in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo models requires the experimentation of prominent pharmaceutical drugs that most mothers consume during pregnancy. In this case, these drugs need to be studied and tested more often. However, there are challenges associated with the in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo processes when developing a practical placental model, which are discussed in further detail.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David E. Reynolds
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Nicole N. Hashemi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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Gal N, Charwat V, Städler B, Reimhult E. Poly(ethylene glycol) Grafting of Nanoparticles Prevents Uptake by Cells and Transport Through Cell Barrier Layers Regardless of Shear Flow and Particle Size. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2019; 5:4355-4365. [PMID: 33438401 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.9b00611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
It has long been a central tenet of biomedical research that coating of nanoparticles with hydrated polymers can improve their performance in biomedical applications. However, the efficacy of the approach in vivo is still debated. In vitro model systems to test the performance of engineered nanoparticles for in vivo applications often use nonrepresentative cell lines and conditions for uptake and toxicity tests. We use our platform of monodisperse iron oxide nanoparticles densely grafted with nitrodopamide-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) to probe cell interactions with a set of cell types and culture conditions that are relevant for applications in which nanoparticles are injected into the bloodstream. In the past, these particles have proved to have excellent stability and negligible interaction with proteins and membranes under physiological conditions. We test the influence of flow on the uptake of nanoparticles. We also investigate the transport through endothelial barrier cell layers, as well as the effect that PEG-grafted iron oxide nanoparticles have on cell layers relevant for nanoparticles injected into the bloodstream. Our results show that the dense PEG brush and resulting lack of nonspecific protein and membrane interaction lead to negligible cell uptake, toxicity, and transport across barrier layers. These results contrast with far less well-defined polymer-coated nanoparticles that tend to aggregate and consequently strongly interact with cells, for example, by endocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noga Gal
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Brigitte Städler
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
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Li S, Chen M, Li Y, Tollefsbol TO. Prenatal epigenetics diets play protective roles against environmental pollution. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:82. [PMID: 31097039 PMCID: PMC6524340 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0659-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
It is thought that germ cells and preimplantation embryos during development are most susceptible to endogenous and exogenous environmental factors because the epigenome in those cells is undergoing dramatic elimination and reconstruction. Exposure to environmental factors such as nutrition, climate, stress, pathogens, toxins, and even social behavior during gametogenesis and early embryogenesis has been shown to influence disease susceptibility in the offspring. Early-life epigenetic modifications, which determine the expression of genetic information stored in the genome, are viewed as one of the general mechanisms linking prenatal exposure and phenotypic changes later in life. From atmospheric pollution, endocrine-disrupting chemicals to heavy metals, research increasingly suggests that environmental pollutions have already produced significant consequences on human health. Moreover, mounting evidence now links such pollution to relevant modification in the epigenome. The epigenetics diet, referring to a class of bioactive dietary compounds such as isothiocyanates in broccoli, genistein in soybean, resveratrol in grape, epigallocatechin-3-gallate in green tea, and ascorbic acid in fruits, has been shown to modify the epigenome leading to beneficial health outcomes. This review will primarily focus on the causes and consequences of prenatal environment pollution exposure on the epigenome, and the potential protective role of the epigenetics diet, which could play a central role in neutralizing epigenomic aberrations against environmental pollutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizhao Li
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
- Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | - Trygve O Tollefsbol
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
- Nutrition Obesity Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
- Comprehensive Center for Healthy Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
- Comprehensive Diabetes Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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16
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Luyten LJ, Saenen ND, Janssen BG, Vrijens K, Plusquin M, Roels HA, Debacq-Chainiaux F, Nawrot TS. Air pollution and the fetal origin of disease: A systematic review of the molecular signatures of air pollution exposure in human placenta. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 166:310-323. [PMID: 29908461 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal development is a crucial window of susceptibility in which exposure-related alterations can be induced on the molecular level, leading to potential changes in metabolism and development. The placenta serves as a gatekeeper between mother and fetus, and is in contact with environmental stressors throughout pregnancy. This makes the placenta as a temporary organ an informative non-invasive matrix suitable to investigate omics-related aberrations in association with in utero exposures such as ambient air pollution. OBJECTIVES To summarize and discuss the current evidence and define the gaps of knowledge concerning human placental -omics markers in association with prenatal exposure to ambient air pollution. METHODS Two investigators independently searched the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases to identify all studies published until January 2017 with an emphasis on epidemiological research on prenatal exposure to ambient air pollution and the effect on placental -omics signatures. RESULTS From the initial 386 articles, 25 were retained following an a priori set inclusion and exclusion criteria. We identified eleven studies on the genome, two on the transcriptome, five on the epigenome, five on the proteome category, one study with both genomic and proteomic topics, and one study with both genomic and transcriptomic topics. Six studies discussed the triple relationship between exposure to air pollution during pregnancy, the associated placental -omics marker(s), and the potential effect on disease development later in life. So far, no metabolomic or exposomic data discussing associations between the placenta and prenatal exposure to air pollution have been published. CONCLUSIONS Integration of placental biomarkers in an environmental epidemiological context enables researchers to address fundamental questions essential in unraveling the fetal origin of disease and helps to better define the pregnancy exposome of air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leen J Luyten
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium; Unité de Recherche en Biologie Cellulaire (URBC) - Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (Narilis), University of Namur, Belgium
| | - Nelly D Saenen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Bram G Janssen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Karen Vrijens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Michelle Plusquin
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Harry A Roels
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium; Louvain Centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Florence Debacq-Chainiaux
- Unité de Recherche en Biologie Cellulaire (URBC) - Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (Narilis), University of Namur, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium; Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Leuven University (KULeuven), Leuven, Belgium.
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17
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In Vitro Models for Studying Transport Across Epithelial Tissue Barriers. Ann Biomed Eng 2018; 47:1-21. [DOI: 10.1007/s10439-018-02124-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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18
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Chatuphonprasert W, Jarukamjorn K, Ellinger I. Physiology and Pathophysiology of Steroid Biosynthesis, Transport and Metabolism in the Human Placenta. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1027. [PMID: 30258364 PMCID: PMC6144938 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The steroid hormones progestagens, estrogens, androgens, and glucocorticoids as well as their precursor cholesterol are required for successful establishment and maintenance of pregnancy and proper development of the fetus. The human placenta forms at the interface of maternal and fetal circulation. It participates in biosynthesis and metabolism of steroids as well as their regulated exchange between maternal and fetal compartment. This review outlines the mechanisms of human placental handling of steroid compounds. Cholesterol is transported from mother to offspring involving lipoprotein receptors such as low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and scavenger receptor class B type I (SRB1) as well as ATP-binding cassette (ABC)-transporters, ABCA1 and ABCG1. Additionally, cholesterol is also a precursor for placental progesterone and estrogen synthesis. Hormone synthesis is predominantly performed by members of the cytochrome P-450 (CYP) enzyme family including CYP11A1 or CYP19A1 and hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSDs) such as 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD. Placental estrogen synthesis requires delivery of sulfate-conjugated precursor molecules from fetal and maternal serum. Placental uptake of these precursors is mediated by members of the solute carrier (SLC) family including sodium-dependent organic anion transporter (SOAT), organic anion transporter 4 (OAT4), and organic anion transporting polypeptide 2B1 (OATP2B1). Maternal-fetal glucocorticoid transport has to be tightly regulated in order to ensure healthy fetal growth and development. For that purpose, the placenta expresses the enzymes 11β-HSD 1 and 2 as well as the transporter ABCB1. This article also summarizes the impact of diverse compounds and diseases on the expression level and activity of the involved transporters, receptors, and metabolizing enzymes and concludes that the regulatory mechanisms changing the physiological to a pathophysiological state are barely explored. The structure and the cellular composition of the human placental barrier are introduced. While steroid production, metabolism and transport in the placental syncytiotrophoblast have been explored for decades, few information is available for the role of placental-fetal endothelial cells in these processes. With regard to placental structure and function, significant differences exist between species. To further decipher physiologic pathways and their pathologic alterations in placental steroid handling, proper model systems are mandatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waranya Chatuphonprasert
- Pathophysiology of the Placenta, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, Thailand
| | - Kanokwan Jarukamjorn
- Research Group for Pharmaceutical Activities of Natural Products Using Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (PANPB), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Isabella Ellinger
- Pathophysiology of the Placenta, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Biomimetic Placenta-Fetus Model Demonstrating Maternal-Fetal Transmission and Fetal Neural Toxicity of Zika Virus. Ann Biomed Eng 2018; 46:1963-1974. [PMID: 30003503 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-018-2090-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Recent global epidemics of viral infection such as Zika virus (ZIKV) and associated birth defects from maternal-fetal viral transmission highlights the critical unmet need for experimental models that adequately recapitulates the biology of the human maternal-fetal interface and downstream fetal development. Herein, we report an in vitro biomimetic placenta-fetus model of the maternal-fetal interface and downstream fetal cells. Using a tissue engineering approach, we built a 3D model incorporating placental trophoblast and endothelial cells into an extracellular matrix environment and validated formation of the maternal-fetal interface. We utilized this model to study ZIKV exposure to the placenta and neural progenitor cells. Our results indicated ZIKV infects both trophoblast and endothelial cells, leading to a higher viral load exposed to fetal cells downstream of the barrier. Viral inhibition by chloroquine reduced the amount of virus both in the placenta and transmitted to fetal cells. A sustained downstream neural cell viability in contrast to significantly reduced viability in an acellular model indicates that the placenta sequesters ZIKV consistent with clinical observations. These findings suggest that the placenta can modulate ZIKV exposure-induced fetal damage. Moreover, such tissue models can enable rigorous assessment of potential therapeutics for maternal-fetal medicine.
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Aengenheister L, Keevend K, Muoth C, Schönenberger R, Diener L, Wick P, Buerki-Thurnherr T. An advanced human in vitro co-culture model for translocation studies across the placental barrier. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5388. [PMID: 29599470 PMCID: PMC5876397 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23410-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Although various drugs, environmental pollutants and nanoparticles (NP) can cross the human placental barrier and may harm the developing fetus, knowledge on predictive placental transfer rates and the underlying transport pathways is mostly lacking. Current available in vitro placental transfer models are often inappropriate for translocation studies of macromolecules or NPs and do not consider barrier function of placental endothelial cells (EC). Therefore, we developed a human placental in vitro co-culture transfer model with tight layers of trophoblasts (BeWo b30) and placental microvascular ECs (HPEC-A2) on a low-absorbing, 3 µm porous membrane. Translocation studies with four model substances and two polystyrene (PS) NPs across the individual and co-culture layers revealed that for most of these compounds, the trophoblast and the EC layer both demonstrate similar, but not additive, retention capacity. Only the paracellular marker Na-F was substantially more retained by the BeWo layer. Furthermore, simple shaking, which is often applied to mimic placental perfusion, did not alter translocation kinetics compared to static exposure. In conclusion, we developed a novel placental co-culture model, which provides predictive values for translocation of a broad variety of molecules and NPs and enables valuable mechanistic investigations on cell type-specific placental barrier function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Aengenheister
- Particles-Biology Interactions, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Kerda Keevend
- Particles-Biology Interactions, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Carina Muoth
- Particles-Biology Interactions, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - René Schönenberger
- UTOX, EAWAG, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Ueberlandstrasse 133, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Liliane Diener
- Particles-Biology Interactions, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Peter Wick
- Particles-Biology Interactions, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Tina Buerki-Thurnherr
- Particles-Biology Interactions, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
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21
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Decreased expression of fibroblast growth factor 13 in early-onset preeclampsia is associated with the increased trophoblast permeability. Placenta 2018; 62:43-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2017.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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22
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Cerci Gurbuz B, Soyoz M, Ozkale Okyay D, Kilicaslan Ayna T, Pirim I. Comparison of Anti-HLA Antibody Production According to Gestational Periods in Pregnant Women. Transplant Proc 2017; 49:464-466. [PMID: 28340813 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2017.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To evaluate paternal anti-HLA antibody profiles, sera samples were collected from pregnant women in different trimesters and the panel-reactive antibody (PRA) specificities were identified. METHODS From 2013 to 2015, serum samples were obtained from 41 pregnant women who had registered at the Izmir Tepecik Education and Research Hospital Gynecology Clinic. Anti-HLA antibodies were screened by using the panel reactive antibody screening and identification tests. Sera samples were obtained at the first, second, and third trimesters. The primary outcome was to determine the anti-HLA antibody production term during pregnancy; the secondary outcome was identification of anti-HLA antibodies. RESULTS None of the women had a sensitization history except during pregnancy. We observed that 54% of the women produced paternal antibodies, either class I or II. Class I PRA positivity of the women who had a first or second pregnancy was the same in all 3 trimesters, whereas class II positivity was increased in the third trimester. Class II and both class I and II positivity increased in the third trimester; class I positivity was decreased in the third trimester. PRA positivity could be affected by the history of pregnancy and could be raised, but no impact was observed from the history of abortion and miscarriage (odds ratios, 1.9, 0.4, and 0.5 [95% confidence intervals, 0.5-7.8, 0.1-2.0, and 0.3-0.7], respectively; P > .05). The most frequently detected antibodies were A2, B7, DR7, DR4, DR11, DR13, DQ2, and DQ8. CONCLUSIONS Anti-HLA antibodies against paternal HLA antigens were detected more in multiparous women than in primiparous women. Anti-HLA antibody detection ratios did not change until the third trimester and were followed by a specific increase in class II anti-HLA antibody production.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Cerci Gurbuz
- Izmir Katip Celebi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Izmir, Turkey; University of Health Science Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Tissue Typing Laboratory, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - M Soyoz
- Izmir Katip Celebi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Izmir, Turkey; University of Health Science Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Tissue Typing Laboratory, Izmir, Turkey
| | - D Ozkale Okyay
- University of Health Science Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Gynecology, Izmir, Turkey
| | - T Kilicaslan Ayna
- Izmir Katip Celebi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Izmir, Turkey; University of Health Science Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Tissue Typing Laboratory, Izmir, Turkey
| | - I Pirim
- Izmir Katip Celebi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Izmir, Turkey; University of Health Science Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Tissue Typing Laboratory, Izmir, Turkey
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Biechonski S, Gourevich D, Rall M, Aqaqe N, Yassin M, Zipin-Roitman A, Trakhtenbrot L, Olender L, Raz Y, Jaffa AJ, Grisaru D, Wiesmuller L, Elad D, Milyavsky M. Quercetin alters the DNA damage response in human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cellsviaTopoII- and PI3K-dependent mechanisms synergizing in leukemogenic rearrangements. Int J Cancer 2016; 140:864-876. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.30497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shahar Biechonski
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine; Tel-Aviv University; Tel-Aviv Israel
| | - Dana Gourevich
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine; Tel-Aviv University; Tel-Aviv Israel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering; Tel Aviv University; Tel Aviv Israel
| | - Melanie Rall
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Gynecological Oncology, University of Ulm; Ulm Germany
| | - Nasma Aqaqe
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine; Tel-Aviv University; Tel-Aviv Israel
| | - Muhammad Yassin
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine; Tel-Aviv University; Tel-Aviv Israel
| | - Adi Zipin-Roitman
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine; Tel-Aviv University; Tel-Aviv Israel
| | | | - Leonid Olender
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine; Tel-Aviv University; Tel-Aviv Israel
| | - Yael Raz
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine; Tel-Aviv University; Tel-Aviv Israel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Gynecologic Oncology Division, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Tel-Aviv Israel
| | - Ariel J. Jaffa
- Ultrasound Unit in Obstetrics and Gynecology; Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Tel-Aviv Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine; Tel-Aviv University; Tel-Aviv Israel
| | - Dan Grisaru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Gynecologic Oncology Division, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Tel-Aviv Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine; Tel-Aviv University; Tel-Aviv Israel
| | - Lisa Wiesmuller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Gynecological Oncology, University of Ulm; Ulm Germany
| | - David Elad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering; Tel Aviv University; Tel Aviv Israel
| | - Michael Milyavsky
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine; Tel-Aviv University; Tel-Aviv Israel
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24
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Genetics of the human placenta: implications for toxicokinetics. Arch Toxicol 2016; 90:2563-2581. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1816-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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25
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Brownbill P, Chernyavsky I, Bottalico B, Desoye G, Hansson S, Kenna G, Knudsen LE, Markert UR, Powles-Glover N, Schneider H, Leach L. An international network (PlaNet) to evaluate a human placental testing platform for chemicals safety testing in pregnancy. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 64:191-202. [PMID: 27327413 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The human placenta is a critical life-support system that nourishes and protects a rapidly growing fetus; a unique organ, species specific in structure and function. We consider the pressing challenge of providing additional advice on the safety of prescription medicines and environmental exposures in pregnancy and how ex vivo and in vitro human placental models might be advanced to reproducible human placental test systems (HPTSs), refining a weight of evidence to the guidance given around compound risk assessment during pregnancy. The placental pharmacokinetics of xenobiotic transfer, dysregulated placental function in pregnancy-related pathologies and influx/efflux transporter polymorphisms are a few caveats that could be addressed by HPTSs, not the specific focus of current mammalian reproductive toxicology systems. An international consortium, "PlaNet", will bridge academia, industry and regulators to consider screen ability and standardisation issues surrounding these models, with proven reproducibility for introduction into industrial and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Brownbill
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.
| | - Igor Chernyavsky
- School of Mathematics, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Barbara Bottalico
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden,.
| | - Gernot Desoye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | - Stefan Hansson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden,.
| | | | - Lisbeth E Knudsen
- Department of Public Health, Faculty Of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Udo R Markert
- Placenta-Labor Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics, Friedrich Schiller University, D-07740, Jena, Germany.
| | - Nicola Powles-Glover
- Reproductive, Development and Paediatric Centre of Excellence, AstraZeneca, Mereside, Alderley Park, Alderley Edge SK10 4TG, UK.
| | - Henning Schneider
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inselspital, University of Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Lopa Leach
- Molecular Cell Biology & Development, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, UK.
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Gräfe C, Slabu I, Wiekhorst F, Bergemann C, von Eggeling F, Hochhaus A, Trahms L, Clement JH. Magnetic particle spectroscopy allows precise quantification of nanoparticles after passage through human brain microvascular endothelial cells. Phys Med Biol 2016; 61:3986-4000. [PMID: 27163489 DOI: 10.1088/0031-9155/61/11/3986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Crossing the blood-brain barrier is an urgent requirement for the treatment of brain disorders. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are a promising tool as carriers for therapeutics because of their physical properties, biocompatibility, and their biodegradability. In order to investigate the interaction of nanoparticles with endothelial cell layers in detail, in vitro systems are of great importance. Human brain microvascular endothelial cells are a well-suited blood-brain barrier model. Apart from generating optimal conditions for the barrier-forming cell units, the accurate detection and quantification of SPIONs is a major challenge. For that purpose we use magnetic particle spectroscopy to sensitively and directly quantify the SPION-specific iron content. We could show that SPION concentration depends on incubation time, nanoparticle concentration and location. This model system allows for further investigations on particle uptake and transport at cellular barriers with regard to parameters including particles' shape, material, size, and coating.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gräfe
- Abteilung Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Erlanger Allee 101, D-07747 Jena, Germany
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Correia Carreira S, Walker L, Paul K, Saunders M. In vitro models of the human placental barrier--In regione caecorum rex est luscus. Nanotoxicology 2016; 9 Suppl 1:135-6. [PMID: 25923350 DOI: 10.3109/17435390.2013.869628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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28
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Muoth C, Aengenheister L, Kucki M, Wick P, Buerki-Thurnherr T. Nanoparticle transport across the placental barrier: pushing the field forward! Nanomedicine (Lond) 2016; 11:941-57. [PMID: 26979802 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2015-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The human placenta is a multifunctional organ constituting the barrier between maternal and fetal tissues. Nanoparticles can cross the placental barrier, and there is increasing evidence that the extent of transfer is dependent on particle characteristics and functionalization. While translocated particles may pose risks to the growing fetus particles may also be engineered to enable new particle-based therapies in pregnancy. In both cases, a comprehensive understanding of nanoparticle uptake, accumulation and translocation is indispensable and requires predictive placental transfer models. We examine and evaluate the current literature to draw first conclusions on the possibility to steer translocation of nanoparticles. In addition, we discuss if current placental models are suitable for nanoparticle transfer studies and suggest strategies to improve their predictability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Muoth
- Empa-Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science & Technology, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Leonie Aengenheister
- Empa-Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science & Technology, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Melanie Kucki
- Empa-Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science & Technology, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Peter Wick
- Empa-Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science & Technology, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Tina Buerki-Thurnherr
- Empa-Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science & Technology, St. Gallen, Switzerland
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Grafmueller S, Manser P, Diener L, Diener PA, Maeder-Althaus X, Maurizi L, Jochum W, Krug HF, Buerki-Thurnherr T, von Mandach U, Wick P. Bidirectional Transfer Study of Polystyrene Nanoparticles across the Placental Barrier in an ex Vivo Human Placental Perfusion Model. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2015; 123:1280-6. [PMID: 25956008 PMCID: PMC4671239 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1409271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nanoparticle exposure in utero might not be a major concern yet, but it could become more important with the increasing application of nanomaterials in consumer and medical products. Several epidemiologic and in vitro studies have shown that nanoparticles can have potential toxic effects. However, nanoparticles also offer the opportunity to develop new therapeutic strategies to treat specifically either the pregnant mother or the fetus. Previous studies mainly addressed whether nanoparticles are able to cross the placental barrier. However, the transport mechanisms underlying nanoparticle translocation across the placenta are still unknown. OBJECTIVES In this study we examined which transport mechanisms underlie the placental transfer of nanoparticles. METHODS We used the ex vivo human placental perfusion model to analyze the bidirectional transfer of plain and carboxylate modified polystyrene particles in a size range between 50 and 300 nm. RESULTS We observed that the transport of polystyrene particles in the fetal to maternal direction was significantly higher than for the maternal to fetal direction. Regardless of their ability to cross the placental barrier and the direction of perfusion, all polystyrene particles accumulated in the syncytiotrophoblast of the placental tissue. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that the syncytiotrophoblast is the key player in regulating nanoparticle transport across the human placenta. The main mechanism underlying this translocation is not based on passive diffusion, but is likely to involve an active, energy-dependent transport pathway. These findings will be important for reproductive toxicology as well as for pharmaceutical engineering of new drug carriers.
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Lee JS, Romero R, Han YM, Kim HC, Kim CJ, Hong JS, Huh D. Placenta-on-a-chip: a novel platform to study the biology of the human placenta. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2015; 29:1046-54. [PMID: 26075842 DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2015.1038518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Studying the biology of the human placenta represents a major experimental challenge. Although conventional cell culture techniques have been used to study different types of placenta-derived cells, current in vitro models have limitations in recapitulating organ-specific structure and key physiological functions of the placenta. Here we demonstrate that it is possible to leverage microfluidic and microfabrication technologies to develop a microengineered biomimetic model that replicates the architecture and function of the placenta. MATERIALS AND METHODS A "Placenta-on-a-Chip" microdevice was created by using a set of soft elastomer-based microfabrication techniques known as soft lithography. This microsystem consisted of two polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic channels separated by a thin extracellular matrix (ECM) membrane. To reproduce the placental barrier in this model, human trophoblasts (JEG-3) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were seeded onto the opposite sides of the ECM membrane and cultured under dynamic flow conditions to form confluent epithelial and endothelial layers in close apposition. We tested the physiological function of the microengineered placental barrier by measuring glucose transport across the trophoblast-endothelial interface over time. The permeability of the barrier study was analyzed and compared to that obtained from acellular devices and additional control groups that contained epithelial or endothelial layers alone. RESULTS Our microfluidic cell culture system provided a tightly controlled fluidic environment conducive to the proliferation and maintenance of JEG-3 trophoblasts and HUVECs on the ECM scaffold. Prolonged culture in this model produced confluent cellular monolayers on the intervening membrane that together formed the placental barrier. This in vivo-like microarchitecture was also critical for creating a physiologically relevant effective barrier to glucose transport. Quantitative investigation of barrier function was conducted by calculating permeability coefficients and metabolic rates in varying conditions of barrier structure. The rates of glucose transport and metabolism were consistent with previously reported in vivo observations. CONCLUSION The "Placenta-on-a-Chip" microdevice described herein provides new opportunities to simulate and analyze critical physiological responses of the placental barrier. This system may be used to address the major limitations of existing placenta model systems and serve to enable research platforms for reproductive biology and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Soo Lee
- a Interdisciplinary Program of Bioengineering, Seoul National University Graduate School , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Roberto Romero
- b Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development , NIH, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI , USA .,c Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA .,d Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics , Michigan State University , East Lansing , MI , USA .,e Department of Molecular Obstetrics and Genetics , Wayne State University , Detroit , MI , USA
| | - Yu Mi Han
- f Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Seoul National University Bundang Hospital , Gyeonggi-do , Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Chan Kim
- g Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University , Seoul , Republic of Korea .,h Department of Biomedical Engineering , Seoul National University College of Medicine , Seoul , Republic of Korea .,i Department of Biomedical Engineering , Seoul National University Hospital , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Chong Jai Kim
- j Department of Pathology , Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine , Seoul , Republic of Korea , and
| | - Joon-Seok Hong
- f Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Seoul National University Bundang Hospital , Gyeonggi-do , Republic of Korea
| | - Dongeun Huh
- k Department of Bioengineering , University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , PA , USA
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Srinivasan B, Kolli AR, Esch MB, Abaci HE, Shuler ML, Hickman JJ. TEER measurement techniques for in vitro barrier model systems. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 20:107-26. [PMID: 25586998 DOI: 10.1177/2211068214561025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1255] [Impact Index Per Article: 139.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Transepithelial/transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) is a widely accepted quantitative technique to measure the integrity of tight junction dynamics in cell culture models of endothelial and epithelial monolayers. TEER values are strong indicators of the integrity of the cellular barriers before they are evaluated for transport of drugs or chemicals. TEER measurements can be performed in real time without cell damage and generally are based on measuring ohmic resistance or measuring impedance across a wide spectrum of frequencies. The measurements for various cell types have been reported with commercially available measurement systems and also with custom-built microfluidic implementations. Some of the barrier models that have been widely characterized using TEER include the blood-brain barrier (BBB), gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and pulmonary models. Variations in these values can arise due to factors such as temperature, medium formulation, and passage number of cells. The aim of this article is to review the different TEER measurement techniques and analyze their strengths and weaknesses, determine the significance of TEER in drug toxicity studies, examine the various in vitro models and microfluidic organs-on-chips implementations using TEER measurements in some widely studied barrier models (BBB, GI tract, and pulmonary), and discuss the various factors that can affect TEER measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balaji Srinivasan
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Aditya Reddy Kolli
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | | | | | | | - James J Hickman
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA Biomolecular Science Center, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
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Elad D, Levkovitz R, Jaffa AJ, Desoye G, Hod M. Have We Neglected the Role of Fetal Endothelium in Transplacental Transport? Traffic 2013; 15:122-6. [DOI: 10.1111/tra.12130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2013] [Revised: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David Elad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering; Tel Aviv University; Tel Aviv 69978 Israel
| | - Riki Levkovitz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering; Tel Aviv University; Tel Aviv 69978 Israel
| | - Ariel J. Jaffa
- Ultrasound Unit in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lis Maternity Hospital; Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; Tel Aviv 64239 Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine; Tel Aviv University; Tel Aviv 69978 Israel
| | - Gernot Desoye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Medical University of Graz; Graz A-8036 Austria
| | - Moshe Hod
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center; Petach Tikva 9100 Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine; Tel Aviv University; Tel Aviv 69978 Israel
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Mauri A, Perrini M, Mateos JM, Maake C, Ochsenbein-Koelble N, Zimmermann R, Ehrbar M, Mazza E. Second harmonic generation microscopy of fetal membranes under deformation: normal and altered morphology. Placenta 2013; 34:1020-6. [PMID: 24070621 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2013.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2013] [Revised: 09/02/2013] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Insight into the microstructure of fetal membrane and its response to deformation is important for understanding causes of preterm premature rupture of the membrane. However, the microstructure of fetal membranes under deformation has not been visualized yet. Second harmonic generation microscopy, combined with an in-situ stretching device, can provide this valuable information. METHODS Eight fetal membranes were marked over the cervix with methylene blue during elective caesarean section. One sample per membrane of reflected tissue, between the placenta and the cervical region, was cyclically stretched with a custom built inflation device. Samples were mounted on an in-situ stretching device and imaged with a multiphoton microscope at different deformation levels. Microstructural parameters such as thickness and collagen orientation were determined. Image entropy was evaluated for the spongy layer. RESULTS The spongy layer consistently shows an altered collagen structure in the cervical and cycled tissue compared with the reflected membrane, corresponding to a significantly higher image entropy. An increased thickness of collagenous layers was found in cervical and stretched samples in comparison to the reflected tissue. Significant collagen fibre alignment was found to occur already at moderate deformation in all samples. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, second harmonic generation microscopy has been used to visualize the microstructure of fetal membranes. Repeated mechanical loading was shown to affect the integrity of the amnion-chorion interface which might indicate an increased risk of premature rupture of fetal membrane. Moreover, mechanical loading might contribute to morphological alterations of the fetal membrane over the cervical region.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mauri
- Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland.
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