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Chai Y, Wang H, Tang D, Wu Y, Sun Z, Zeng Y, Zhang B, Niu B, Dong X. Changes of serum cortisol during pregnancy and labor initiation: an onsite cross-sectional study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1379693. [PMID: 38808114 PMCID: PMC11130462 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1379693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Increased maternal cortisol secretion has been observed during pregnancy and labor. However, due to the limitations in diagnostic methods, the dynamic change of cortisol during the short period between threatened labor and labor is unknown. In this study, we aim to evaluate the changes in serum cortisol during late pregnancy and full-term labor initiation, verifying if cortisol could serve as a biomarker for the diagnosis of labor initiation from threatened labor. Methods This cross-sectional onsite study involved 564 participants of 6 different gestational stages (C: Control; T1: Trimester 1; T3: Trimester 3; E: expectant; TL: threatened labor; L: labor), all patients in the E, TL, and L groups were at full term. The serum cortisol concentration was quantified with a point-of-care test (POCT), and the gestation, age, parity, and BMI of participants were documented. Morning serum cortisol was collected between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m., except for the TL and L group women who were tested upon arrival or during latent labor. With cortisol levels or all five variables, L was distinguished from TL using machine learning algorithms. Results Significant elevation of cortisol concentration was observed between T1 and T3, or TL and L group (P< 0.001). Women belonging to the E and TL group showed similar gestation week and cortisol levels. Diagnosis of labor initiation using cortisol levels (cutoff = 21.46 μg/dL) yielded sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of 86.50%, 88.60%, and 0.934. With additional variables, a higher specificity (89.29%) was achieved. The diagnostic accuracy of all methods ranged from 85.93% to 87.90%. Conclusion Serum cortisol could serve as a potential biomarker for diagnosis of L form TL. The rapid onsite detection of serum cortisol with POCT could facilitate medical decision-making for admission and special treatments, either as an additional parameter or when other technical platforms are not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujuan Chai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Hairong Wang
- Greater Bay Area International Institute for Innovation, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Daiyu Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhonghao Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuping Zeng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Binmao Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Ben Niu
- Department of Management, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaojing Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Bhaumik S, Lockett J, Cuffe J, Clifton VL. Glucocorticoids and Their Receptor Isoforms: Roles in Female Reproduction, Pregnancy, and Foetal Development. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1104. [PMID: 37626990 PMCID: PMC10452123 DOI: 10.3390/biology12081104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and associated changes in circulating levels of glucocorticoids are integral to an organism's response to stressful stimuli. Glucocorticoids acting via glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) play a role in fertility, reproduction, placental function, and foetal development. GRs are ubiquitously expressed throughout the female reproductive system and regulate normal reproductive function. Stress-induced glucocorticoids have been shown to inhibit reproduction and affect female gonadal function by suppressing the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis at each level. Furthermore, during pregnancy, a mother's exposure to prenatal stress or external glucocorticoids can result in long-lasting alterations to the foetal HPA and neuroendocrine function. Several GR isoforms generated via alternative splicing or translation initiation from the GR gene have been identified in the mammalian ovary and uterus. The GR isoforms identified include the splice variants, GRα and GRβ, and GRγ and GR-P. Glucocorticoids can exert both stimulatory and inhibitory effects and both pro- and anti-inflammatory functions in the ovary, in vitro. In the placenta, thirteen GR isoforms have been identified in humans, guinea pigs, sheep, rats, and mice, indicating they are conserved across species and may be important in mediating a differential response to stress. Distinctive responses to glucocorticoids, differential birth outcomes in pregnancy complications, and sex-based variations in the response to stress could all potentially be dependent on a particular GR expression pattern. This comprehensive review provides an overview of the structure and function of the GR in relation to female fertility and reproduction and discusses the changes in the GR and glucocorticoid signalling during pregnancy. To generate this overview, an extensive non-systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, with a focus on original research articles, meta-analyses, and previous review papers addressing the subject. This review integrates the current understanding of GR variants and their roles in glucocorticoid signalling, reproduction, placental function, and foetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreeparna Bhaumik
- Mater Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4067, Australia; (S.B.); (J.L.)
| | - Jack Lockett
- Mater Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4067, Australia; (S.B.); (J.L.)
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Health, Brisbane 4102, Australia
| | - James Cuffe
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4067, Australia;
| | - Vicki L. Clifton
- Mater Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4067, Australia; (S.B.); (J.L.)
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Long J, Huang Y, Wang G, Tang Z, Shan Y, Shen S, Ni X. Mitochondrial ROS Accumulation Contributes to Maternal Hypertension and Impaired Remodeling of Spiral Artery but Not IUGR in a Rat PE Model Caused by Maternal Glucocorticoid Exposure. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12050987. [PMID: 37237853 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12050987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased maternal glucocorticoid levels have been implicated as a risk factor for preeclampsia (PE) development. We found that pregnant rats exposed to dexamethasone (DEX) showed hallmarks of PE features, impaired spiral artery (SA) remodeling, and elevated circulatory levels of sFlt1, sEng IL-1β, and TNFα. Abnormal mitochondrial morphology and mitochondrial dysfunction in placentas occurred in DEX rats. Omics showed that a large spectrum of placental signaling pathways, including oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), energy metabolism, inflammation, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system were affected in DEX rats. MitoTEMPO, a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, alleviated maternal hypertension and renal damage, and improved SA remodeling, uteroplacental blood flow, and the placental vasculature network. It reversed several pathways, including OXPHOS and glutathione pathways. Moreover, DEX-induced impaired functions of human extravillous trophoblasts were associated with excess ROS caused by mitochondrial dysfunction. However, scavenging excess ROS did not improve intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), and elevated circulatory sFlt1, sEng, IL-1β, and TNFα levels in DEX rats. Our data indicate that excess mitochondrial ROS contributes to trophoblast dysfunction, impaired SA remodeling, reduced uteroplacental blood flow, and maternal hypertension in the DEX-induced PE model, while increased sFlt1 and sEng levels and IUGR might be associated with inflammation and an impaired energy metabolism and IGF system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Long
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- National International Joint Research Center for Medical Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, General Hospital of Southern Theatre Command, Guangzhou 510010, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Physiology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zhengshan Tang
- National International Joint Research Center for Medical Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Yali Shan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- National International Joint Research Center for Medical Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Shiping Shen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- National International Joint Research Center for Medical Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Xin Ni
- National International Joint Research Center for Medical Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
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Saadedine M, El Sabeh M, Borahay MA, Daoud G. The influence of COVID-19 infection-associated immune response on the female reproductive system†. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:172-182. [PMID: 36173920 PMCID: PMC9620712 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a multi-system disease that has led to a pandemic with unprecedented ramifications. The pandemic has challenged scientists for the past 2 years and brought back previously abandoned research topics. COVID-19 infection causes a myriad of symptoms ranging from mild flu-like symptoms to severe illness requiring hospitalization. Case reports showed multiple systemic effects of COVID-19 infection, including acute respiratory distress syndrome, fibrosis, colitis, thyroiditis, demyelinating syndromes, and mania, indicating that COVID-19 can affect most human body systems. Unsurprisingly, a major concern for women all over the globe is whether a COVID-19 infection has any long-term effects on their menstrual cycle, fertility, or pregnancy. Published data have suggested an effect on the reproductive health, and we hypothesize that the reported reproductive adverse effects are due to the robust immune reaction against COVID-19 and the associated cytokine storm. While the COVID-19 receptor (angiotensin converting enzyme, ACE2) is expressed in the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and placenta, we hypothesize that it plays a less important role in the adverse effects on the reproductive system. Cytokines and glucocorticoids act on the hypothalamo-pituitary gonadal axis, arachidonic acid pathways, and the uterus, which leads to menstrual disturbances and pregnancy-related adverse events such as preterm labor and miscarriages. This hypothesis is further supported by the apparent lack of long-term effects on the reproductive health in females, indicating that when the cytokine storm and its effects are dampened, the reproductive health of women is no longer affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Saadedine
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Malak El Sabeh
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mostafa A Borahay
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Georges Daoud
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Lopes NA, Ambeskovic M, King SE, Faraji J, Soltanpour N, Falkenberg EA, Scheidl T, Patel M, Fang X, Metz GAS, Olson DM. Environmental Enrichment Promotes Transgenerational Programming of Uterine Inflammatory and Stress Markers Comparable to Gestational Chronic Variable Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043734. [PMID: 36835144 PMCID: PMC9962069 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal maternal stress is linked to adverse pregnancy and infant outcomes, including shortened gestation lengths, low birth weights, cardio-metabolic dysfunction, and cognitive and behavioural problems. Stress disrupts the homeostatic milieu of pregnancy by altering inflammatory and neuroendocrine mediators. These stress-induced phenotypic changes can be passed on to the offspring epigenetically. We investigated the effects of gestational chronic variable stress (CVS) in rats using restraint and social isolation stress in the parental F0 generation and its transgenerational transmission across three generations of female offspring (F1-F3). A subset of F1 rats was housed in an enriched environment (EE) to mitigate the adverse effects of CVS. We found that CVS is transmitted across generations and induces inflammatory changes in the uterus. CVS did not alter any gestational lengths or birth weights. However, inflammatory and endocrine markers changed in the uterine tissues of stressed mothers and their offspring, suggesting that stress is transgenerationally transmitted. The F2 offspring reared in EE had increased birth weights, but their uterine gene expression patterns remained comparable to those of stressed animals. Thus, ancestral CVS induced changes transgenerationally in fetal programming of uterine stress markers over three generations of offspring, and EE housing did not mitigate these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayara A. Lopes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Mirela Ambeskovic
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Stephanie E. King
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Jamshid Faraji
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Nasrin Soltanpour
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Erin A. Falkenberg
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Taylor Scheidl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Mansi Patel
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Xin Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Gerlinde A. S. Metz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
- Correspondence: (G.A.S.M.); (D.M.O.); Tel.: +1-403-394-3992 (G.A.S.M.); +1-780-492-8559 (D.M.O.)
| | - David M. Olson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Correspondence: (G.A.S.M.); (D.M.O.); Tel.: +1-403-394-3992 (G.A.S.M.); +1-780-492-8559 (D.M.O.)
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Bigler NA, Gross JJ, Baumrucker CR, Bruckmaier RM. Endocrine changes during the peripartal period related to colostrogenesis in mammalian species. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skad146. [PMID: 37158662 PMCID: PMC10237234 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad146] [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: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This review discusses endocrine and functional changes during the transition from late gestation to lactation that are related to the production of colostrum in different mammalian species. Species covered in this article include ungulate species (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses), rodents (rat, mouse), rabbits, and carnivores (cats, dogs), as well as humans. An immediate availability of high quality colostrum for the newborn after birth is crucial in species where a transfer of immunoglobulins (Ig) does not or only partially occur via the placenta during pregnancy. Declining activity of gestagens, in most species progesterone (P4), is crucial at the end of pregnancy to allow for the characteristic endocrine changes to initiate parturition and lactation, but the endocrine regulation of colostrogenesis is negligible. Both, the functional pathways and the timing of gestagen withdrawal differ considerably among mammalian species. In species with a sustaining corpus luteum throughout the entire pregnancy (cattle, goat, pig, cat, dog, rabbit, mouse, and rat), a prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α)-induced luteolysis shortly before parturition is assumed to be the key event to initiate parturition as well as lactogenesis. In species where the gestagen production is taken over by the placenta during the course of gestation (e.g., sheep, horse, and human), the reduction of gestagen activity is more complex, as PGF2α does not affect placental gestagen production. In sheep the steroid hormone synthesis is directed away from P4 towards estradiol-17β (E2) to achieve a low gestagen activity at high E2 concentrations. In humans the uterus becomes insensitive to P4, as parturition occurs despite still high P4 concentrations. However, lactogenesis is not completed as long as P4 concentration is high. Early colostrum and thus Ig intake for immune protection is not needed for the human newborn which allows a delayed onset of copious milk secretion for days until the placenta expulsion causes the P4 drop. Like humans, horses do not need low gestagen concentrations for successful parturition. However, newborn foals need immediate immune protection through Ig intake with colostrum. This requires the start of lactogenesis before parturition which is not fully clarified. The knowledge of the endocrine changes and related pathways to control the key events integrating the processes of colostrogenesis, parturition, and start of lactation are incomplete in many species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi A Bigler
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Josef J Gross
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Craig R Baumrucker
- Department of Animal Science, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Rupert M Bruckmaier
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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de Steenwinkel FDO, Dolhain RJEM, Hazes JMW, Hokken-Koelega ACS. Does prednisone use in pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis induce insulin resistance in the offspring? Clin Rheumatol 2023; 42:47-54. [PMID: 36040672 PMCID: PMC9823030 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-022-06347-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The use of long-term corticosteroids during pregnancy has been growing over the past decades. Corticosteroids can be given when an auto-inflammatory disease like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is too active. Several studies have shown that long-term corticosteroids use in pregnancy is associated with maternal and fetal adverse outcomes, like preeclampsia, shorter gestational age, lower birth weight, and rapid catch-up growth. These last two outcomes could influence the insulin resistance later in life. Our objective was to investigate whether prednisone use in pregnant women with RA induces insulin resistance in offspring. METHODS One hundred three children were included after their mother had participated in a prospective cohort study on RA and pregnancy. Forty-two children were in utero exposed to prednisone and 61 were non-exposed. To assess insulin resistance, we measured homeostasis model of assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and serum adiponectin and lipid levels, corrected for body fat distribution. RESULTS An average of 6 mg prednisone on a daily use gave no difference in mean HOMA-IR (SD) between the children who were prednisone-exposed in utero (1.10 (0.84)) and those non-exposed (1.09 (0.49)). No difference was found in mean adiponectin level, body fat distribution, or lipid levels such as total cholesterol, fasting triglyceride, or high-density lipoprotein. CONCLUSION Children who are prednisone-exposed in utero (low dose) have no increased risk for insulin resistance at the age of approximately 7 years. These findings are reassuring because the prednisone use during pregnancy is increasing worldwide. Further research has to be performed to evaluate if the insulin resistance remains absent in the future. Key Points • What is already known on this topic-long-term corticosteroids use in pregnancy is associated with fetal adverse outcomes, like lower birth weight and rapid catch-up growth which can influence the insulin resistance later in life. • What this study adds-long-term corticosteroids use in pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis has no increased risk for insulin resistance in the offspring. • How this study might affect research, practice, or policy-findings are reassuring because prednisone use during pregnancy is increasing worldwide. Further research should evaluate if the insulin resistance remains absent in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Radboud J E M Dolhain
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC, Postbus 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johanna M W Hazes
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus MC, Postbus 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anita C S Hokken-Koelega
- Department of Paediatrics, Subdivision of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Lu JW, Lei WJ, Ling LJ, Wang LY, Lin YK, Zhang F, Li MD, Pan F, Wang WS, Sun K. Cortisol Stimulates Local Progesterone Withdrawal Through Induction of AKR1C1 in Human Amnion Fibroblasts at Parturition. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6681118. [PMID: 36048433 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Fetal membrane activation is seen as being one of the crucial triggering components of human parturition. Increased prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production, a common mediator of labor onset in virtually all species, is recognized as one of the landmark events of membrane activation. Fetal membranes are also equipped with a high capacity of cortisol regeneration by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1), and the cortisol regenerated potently induces PGE2 synthesis, an effect normally suppressed by progesterone during gestation. There is no precipitous decline of progesterone synthesis in human parturition. It is intriguing how this suppression is lifted in parturition. Here, we investigated this issue by using human amnion tissue and primary amnion fibroblasts which synthesize the most PGE2 in the fetal membranes. Results showed that the expression of 11β-HSD1 and aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C1 (AKR1C1), a progesterone-inactivating enzyme, increased in parallel in human amnion tissue with gestational age toward the end of gestation and at parturition. Cortisol induced AKR1C1 expression via the transcription factor CCAAT enhancer binding protein δ (C/EBPδ) in amnion fibroblasts. Inhibition of AKR1C1 not only blocked progesterone catabolism induced by cortisol, but also enhanced the suppression of cortisol-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression by progesterone in amnion fibroblasts. In conclusion, our results indicate that cortisol regenerated in the fetal membranes triggers local progesterone withdrawal through enhancement of AKR1C1-mediated progesterone catabolism in amnion fibroblasts, so that the suppression of progesterone on the induction of COX-2 expression and PGE2 synthesis by cortisol can be lifted for parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Wen Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Jia Lei
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
| | - Li-Jun Ling
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, P.R. China
| | - Lu-Yao Wang
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Kai Lin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
| | - Meng-Die Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
| | - Fan Pan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
| | - Wang-Sheng Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
| | - Kang Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P.R. China
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Yu P, Zhou J, Ge C, Fang M, Zhang Y, Wang H. Differential expression of placental 11β-HSD2 induced by high maternal glucocorticoid exposure mediates sex differences in placental and fetal development. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 827:154396. [PMID: 35259391 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A variety of adverse environmental factors during pregnancy cause maternal chronic stress. Caffeine is a common stressor, and its consumption during pregnancy is widespread. Our previous study showed that prenatal caffeine exposure (PCE) increased maternal blood glucocorticoid levels and caused abnormal development of offspring. However, the placental mechanism for fetal development inhibition caused by PCE-induced high maternal glucocorticoid has not been reported. This study investigated the effects of PCE-induced high maternal glucocorticoid level on placental and fetal development by regulating placental 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 (11β-HSD2) expression and its underlying mechanism. First, human placenta and umbilical cord blood samples were collected from women without prenatal use of synthetic glucocorticoids. We found that placental 11β-HSD2 expression was significantly correlated with umbilical cord blood cortisol level and birth weight in male newborns but not in females. Furthermore, we established a rat model of high maternal glucocorticoids induced by PCE (caffeine, 60 mg/kg·d, ig), and found that the expression of 11β-HSD2 in male PCE placenta was decreased and negatively correlated with the maternal/fetal/placental corticosterone levels. Meanwhile, we found abnormal placental structure and nutrient transporter expression. In vitro, BeWo cells were used and confirm that 11β-HSD2 mediated inhibition of placental nutrient transporter expression induced by high levels of glucocorticoid. Finally, combined with the animal and cell experiments, we further confirmed that high maternal glucocorticoid could activate the GR-C/EBPα-Egr1 signaling pathway, leading to decreased expression of 11β-HSD2 in males. However, there was no significant inhibition of placental 11β-HSD2 expression, placental and fetal development in females. In summary, we confirmed that high maternal glucocorticoids could regulate placental 11β-HSD2 expression in a sex-specific manner, leading to differences in placental and fetal development. This study provides the theoretical and experimental basis for analyzing the inhibition of fetoplacental development and its sex difference caused by maternal stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengxia Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Caiyun Ge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Man Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yuanzhen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430071, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China.
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10
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Naya CH, Toledo-Corral CM, Chavez T, Lerner D, Lurvey N, Eckel SP, Peterson AK, Grubbs BH, Dunton GF, Breton CV, Bastain TM. Third trimester cortisol is positively associated with gestational weight gain in pregnant women with class one obesity. Int J Obes (Lond) 2022; 46:366-373. [PMID: 34718334 PMCID: PMC9012147 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-021-01009-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Prevalence of pre-pregnancy obesity and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) are higher among women of color with low SES. Dysregulation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis and its end-product, cortisol, during pregnancy is hypothesized to be associated with excessive GWG. However, past studies have produced inconsistent findings and often did not include health disparities populations. This study examined the association between pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), third trimester diurnal cortisol, and GWG in low-income, predominantly Hispanic women. SUBJECTS/METHODS The MADRES study is an ongoing prospective cohort study of primarily Hispanic, low-income pregnant women and their children in Los Angeles, California. Data from 176 participants were included in this study. Total cortisol secretion (area under the curve, AUC) was quantified using four salivary cortisol samples (awakening, 30 min after awakening, afternoon, and bedtime) that were collected at home on one day during the third trimester of pregnancy. Moderation of the association between total cortisol and GWG by pre-pregnancy BMI was tested using multiple linear regression with a multiplicative interaction term. RESULTS There was no association between total cortisol secretion and GWG overall (p = 0.82), but the association between total cortisol and GWG was stronger for women with class 1 pre-pregnancy obesity compared to women with normal pre-pregnancy BMI (interaction term p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that obesity status before pregnancy may be exacerbating the physiological impact of cortisol on GWG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine H Naya
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Claudia M Toledo-Corral
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Health Sciences, California State University Northridge, Northridge, CA, USA
| | - Thomas Chavez
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Sandrah P Eckel
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alicia K Peterson
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brendan H Grubbs
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Genevieve F Dunton
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Carrie V Breton
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Theresa M Bastain
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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11
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Kieffer TE, Chin PY, Green ES, Moldenhauer LM, Prins JR, Robertson SA. Prednisolone in early pregnancy inhibits regulatory T cell generation and alters fetal and placental development in mice. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:340-352. [PMID: 32159777 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Corticosteroids have been utilised in the assisted reproduction setting with the expectation of suppressing aberrant immune activation and improving fertility in women. However, the effects of corticosteroids on fertility, and on pregnancy and offspring outcomes, are unclear. In this study, mice were administered prednisolone (1 mg/kg) or PBS daily in the pre-implantation phase, and effects on the adaptive immune response, the implantation rate, fetal development and postnatal outcomes were investigated. Prednisolone disrupted the expected expansion of CD4+ T cells in early pregnancy, inhibiting generation of both regulatory T cells (Treg cells) and effector T cells and suppressing IFNG required for T cell functional competence. Prednisolone caused an 8-20% increase in the embryo implantation rate and increased the number of viable pups per litter. In late gestation, fetal and placental weights were reduced in a litter size-dependent manner, and the canonical inverse relationship between litter size and fetal weight was lost. The duration of pregnancy was extended by ~ 0.5 day and birth weight was reduced by ~ 5% after prednisolone treatment. Viability of prednisolone-exposed offspring was comparable to controls, but body weight was altered in adulthood, particularly in male offspring. Thus, while prednisolone given in the pre-implantation phase in mice increases maternal receptivity to implantation and resource investment in fetal growth, there is a trade-off in long-term consequences for fetal development, birth weight and offspring health. These effects are associated with, and likely caused by, prednisolone suppression of the adaptive immune response at the outset of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Ec Kieffer
- Robinson Research Institute & Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peck Y Chin
- Robinson Research Institute & Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Ella S Green
- Robinson Research Institute & Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Lachlan M Moldenhauer
- Robinson Research Institute & Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Jelmer R Prins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute & Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
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12
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Stoye DQ, Sullivan G, Galdi P, Kirschbaum C, Lamb GJ, Black GS, Evans MJ, Boardman JP, Reynolds RM. Perinatal determinants of neonatal hair glucocorticoid concentrations. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 128:105223. [PMID: 33878601 PMCID: PMC8155393 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Adult hair glucocorticoid concentrations reflect months of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity. However, little is known about the determinants of neonatal hair glucocorticoids. We tested associations between perinatal exposures and neonatal hair glucocorticoids. Cortisol and cortisone were measured by LC-MS/MS in paired maternal and infant hair samples collected within 10 days of birth (n = 49 term, n = 47 preterm), with neonatal samples collected at 6-weeks in n = 54 preterm infants. We demonstrate cortisol accumulation in hair increases with fetal maturity, with hair cortisol being higher in term than preterm born infants after delivery (median 401 vs 106 pg/mg; p < 0.001). In term born infants, neonatal hair cortisol is positively associated with maternal hair cortisol concentration (β = 0.240, p = 0.045) and negatively associated with birthweight z-score (β = -0.340, p = 0.006). Additionally, being born without maternal labour is associated with lower hair cortisol concentrations (β = -0.489, p < 0.001) and a lower ratio of cortisol to cortisone (β = -0.484, p = 0.001). In preterm infants, histological chorioamnionitis is associated with a higher cortisol to cortisone ratio in hair (β = 0.459, p = 0.001). In samples collected 6 weeks after preterm birth, hair cortisol concentration is associated with cortisol hair concentrations measured after birth (β = 0.523, p < 0.001), chorioamnionitis (β = 0.250, p = 0.049) and postnatal exposures including intravenous hydrocortisone therapy (β = 0.343, p < 0.007) and neonatal sepsis (β = 0.290, p = 0.017). In summary, neonatal hair cortisol is associated with birth gestation, maternal hair cortisol concentration and fetal growth. Additionally, exposures at delivery are important determinants of hair cortisol, and should be considered in the design of future research investigating how neonatal hair cortisol relates to prenatal exposures or fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Q Stoye
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Gemma Sullivan
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Paola Galdi
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Gillian J Lamb
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Gill S Black
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Margaret J Evans
- Department of Pathology, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - James P Boardman
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rebecca M Reynolds
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, UK.
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13
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Camm EJ, Inzani I, De Blasio MJ, Davies KL, Lloyd IR, Wooding FBP, Blache D, Fowden AL, Forhead AJ. Thyroid Hormone Deficiency Suppresses Fetal Pituitary-Adrenal Function Near Term: Implications for the Control of Fetal Maturation and Parturition. Thyroid 2021; 31:861-869. [PMID: 33126831 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2020.0534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background: The fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis plays a key role in the control of parturition and maturation of organ systems in preparation for birth. In hypothyroid fetuses, gestational length may be prolonged and maturational processes delayed. The extent to which the effects of thyroid hormone deficiency in utero on the timing of fetal maturation and parturition are mediated by changes to the structure and function of the fetal HPA axis is unknown. Methods: In twin sheep pregnancies where one fetus was thyroidectomized and the other sham-operated, this study investigated the effect of hypothyroidism on circulating concentrations of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol, and the structure and secretory capacity of the anterior pituitary and adrenal glands. The relative population of pituitary corticotrophs and the masses of the adrenal zones were assessed by immunohistochemical and stereological techniques. Adrenal mRNA abundances of key steroidogenic enzymes and growth factors were examined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: Hypothyroidism in utero reduced plasma concentrations of ACTH and cortisol. In thyroid-deficient fetuses, the mass of corticotrophs in the anterior pituitary gland was unexpectedly increased, while the mass of the zona fasciculata and its proportion of the adrenal gland were decreased. These structural changes were associated with lower adrenocortical mRNA abundances of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and its receptor, and key steroidogenic enzymes responsible for glucocorticoid synthesis. The relative mass of the adrenal medulla and its proportion of the adrenal gland were increased by thyroid hormone deficiency in utero, without any change in expression of phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase or the IGF system. Conclusions: Thyroid hormones are important regulators of the structure and secretory capacity of the pituitary-adrenal axis before birth. In hypothyroid fetuses, low plasma cortisol may be due to impaired adrenocortical growth and steroidogenic enzyme expression, secondary to low circulating ACTH concentration. Greater corticotroph population in the anterior pituitary gland of the hypothyroid fetus indicates compensatory cell proliferation and that there may be abnormal corticotroph capacity for ACTH synthesis and/or impaired hypothalamic input. Suppression of the development of the fetal HPA axis by thyroid hormone deficiency may contribute to the delay in fetal maturation and delivery observed in hypothyroid offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Camm
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Isabella Inzani
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Miles J De Blasio
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Katie L Davies
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - India R Lloyd
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - F B Peter Wooding
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Dominique Blache
- School of Agriculture and Environment, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | - Abigail L Fowden
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alison J Forhead
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom
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14
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Huang W, Zhou J, Guo J, Hu W, Chen G, Li B, Wen Y, Jiang Y, Fu K, Bi H, Zhang Y, Wang H. Dexamethasone induces an imbalanced fetal-placental-maternal bile acid circulation: involvement of placental transporters. BMC Med 2021; 19:87. [PMID: 33827559 PMCID: PMC8028715 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-021-01957-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of prenatal dexamethasone remains controversial. Our recent studies found that prenatal dexamethasone exposure can induce maternal intrahepatic cholestasis and have a lasting adverse influence on bile acid (BA) metabolism in the offspring. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dexamethasone on fetal-placental-maternal BA circulation during the intrauterine period, as well as its placental mechanism. METHODS Clinical data and human placentas were collected and analyzed. Pregnant Wistar rats were injected subcutaneously with dexamethasone (0.2 mg/kg per day) from gestational day 9 to 20. The metabolomic spectra of BAs in maternal and fetal rat serum were determined by LC-MS. Human and rat placentas were collected for histological and gene expression analysis. BeWo human placental cell line was treated with dexamethasone (20-500 nM). RESULTS Human male neonates born after prenatal dexamethasone treatment showed an increased serum BA level while no significant change was observed in females. Moreover, the expression of organic anion transporter polypeptide-related protein 2B1 (OATP2B1) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) in the male neonates' placenta was decreased, while multidrug resistance-associated protein 4 (MRP4) was upregulated. In experimental rats, dexamethasone increased male but decreased female fetal serum total bile acid (TBA) level. LC-MS revealed that primary BAs were the major component that increased in both male and female fetal serum, and all kinds of BAs were significantly increased in maternal serum. The expression of Oatp2b1 and Bcrp were reduced, while Mrp4 expression was increased in the dexamethasone-treated rat placentas. Moreover, dexamethasone increased glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression and decreased farnesoid X receptor (FXR) expression in the rat placenta. In BeWo cells, dexamethasone induced GR translocation into the nucleus; decreased FXR, OATP2B1, and BCRP expression; and increased MRP4 expression. Furthermore, GR was verified to mediate the downregulation of OATP2B1, while FXR mediated dexamethasone-altered expression of BCRP and MRP4. CONCLUSIONS By affecting placental BA transporters, dexamethasone induces an imbalanced fetal-placental-maternal BA circulation, as showed by the increase of primary BA levels in the fetal serum. This study provides an important experimental and theoretical basis for elucidating the mechanism of dexamethasone-induced alteration of maternal and fetal BA metabolism and for exploring early prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Juanjuan Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Diseases, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Wen Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Diseases, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Guanghui Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Diseases, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Diseases, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yajie Wen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yimin Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Kaili Fu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Huichang Bi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Yuanzhen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China. .,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Diseases, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China. .,Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China. .,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Diseases, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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15
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Alonso S, Cáceres S, Vélez D, Sanz L, Silvan G, Illera MJ, Illera JC. Accurate prediction of birth implementing a statistical model through the determination of steroid hormones in saliva. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5617. [PMID: 33692437 PMCID: PMC7970941 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84924-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroidal hormone interaction in pregnancy is crucial for adequate fetal evolution and preparation for childbirth and extrauterine life. Estrone sulphate, estriol, progesterone and cortisol play important roles in the initiation of labour mechanism at the start of contractions and cervical effacement. However, their interaction remains uncertain. Although several studies regarding the hormonal mechanism of labour have been reported, the prediction of date of birth remains a challenge. In this study, we present for the first time machine learning algorithms for the prediction of whether spontaneous labour will occur from week 37 onwards. Estrone sulphate, estriol, progesterone and cortisol were analysed in saliva samples collected from 106 pregnant women since week 34 by enzyme-immunoassay (EIA) techniques. We compared a random forest model with a traditional logistic regression over a dataset constructed with the values observed of these measures. We observed that the results, evaluated in terms of accuracy and area under the curve (AUC) metrics, are sensibly better in the random forest model. For this reason, we consider that machine learning methods contribute in an important way to the obstetric practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Alonso
- Department of Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Cáceres
- Department of Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Daniel Vélez
- Department of Statistics and Operational Research, Faculty of Mathematics, University Complutense of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Sanz
- Department of Statistics and Operational Research, Faculty of Mathematics, University Complutense of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Silvan
- Department of Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Jose Illera
- Department of Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Illera
- Department of Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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16
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Banker M, Puttabyatappa M, O’Day P, Goodrich JM, Kelley AS, Domino SE, Smith YR, Dolinoy DC, Song PXK, Auchus RJ, Padmanabhan V. Association of Maternal-Neonatal Steroids With Early Pregnancy Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and Pregnancy Outcomes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:665-687. [PMID: 33280001 PMCID: PMC7947779 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Steroids play an important role in fetal development and parturition. Gestational exposures to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) affect steroidal milieu and pregnancy outcomes, raising the possibility of steroids serving as biomarkers. Most studies have not addressed the impact of EDC mixtures, which are reflective of real life scenarios. OBJECTIVE Assess the association of maternal and neonatal steroids with pregnancy outcomes and early pregnancy EDC levels. DESIGN Prospective analysis of mother-infant dyads. SETTING University hospital. PARTICIPANTS 121 mother-infant dyads. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The associations of maternal and neonatal steroidal hormones from 121 dyads with pregnancy outcomes, the associations of first trimester EDCs individually and as mixtures with maternal and neonatal steroids in a subset of 56 dyads and the influence of body mass index (BMI), age, and offspring sex in modulating the EDC associations with steroids were determined. RESULTS Steroid-specific positive or negative associations with pregnancy measures were evident; many maternal first trimester EDCs were negatively associated with estrogens and positively with androgen/estrogen ratios; EDC-steroid associations were influenced by maternal age, pre-pregnancy BMI, and fetal sex; and EDCs individually and as mixtures showed direct and inverse fetal sex-dependent associations with maternal and neonatal steroids. CONCLUSIONS This proof-of-concept study indicates association of steroids with pregnancy outcomes depending on maternal age, prepregnancy BMI, and fetal sex, with the effects of EDCs differing when considered individually or as mixtures. These findings suggest that steroidal hormonal measures have potential to serve as biomarkers of impact of EDC exposures and pregnancy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Banker
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Patrick O’Day
- Departments of Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, & Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jaclyn M Goodrich
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Angela S Kelley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Steven E Domino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yolanda R Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Dana C Dolinoy
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Peter X K Song
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Richard J Auchus
- Departments of Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, & Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Vasantha Padmanabhan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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17
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Wang G, Huang Y, Hu T, Zhang B, Tang Z, Yao R, Huang Y, Fan X, Ni X. Contribution of placental 11β-HSD2 to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. FASEB J 2020; 34:15379-15399. [PMID: 32978833 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001003rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia, a major human pregnancy-specific disorder, leads to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Here we reported that 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2), an enzyme that degrades active glucocorticoids, is one of the key factors that contributes to preeclampsia development. In the pregnant rat model, we firstly confirmed that administration of 11β-HSD2 inhibitor carbenoxolone (CBX) subcutaneously or by placenta-targeted delivery system could lead to a decrease in placental 11β-HSD2 expression and activity and an increase in corticosterone level in placenta and maternal circulation. Then, we showed that subcutaneous administration and placenta-targeted delivery of CBX resulted in the hallmark of preeclampsia-like features including hypertension, proteinuria, renal damages as well as elevated circulatory soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1) and increased sFlt1/placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio in pregnant rats. These animals displayed decreased trophoblast invasion in uterus, impaired spiral artery remodeling, and reduced placental blood flow. Preeclampsia-like features could also be induced by administration of dexamethasone in pregnant rats. In the cultured human trophoblast models, we found that cortisol only inhibited migration and invasion of the extravillous trophoblasts with 11β-HSD2 knockdown, and promoted sFlt1 release in the cultured syncytiotrophoblasts with 11β-HSD2 knockdown. Furthermore, we elucidated that cortisol stimulated a disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM)17 expression in placentas, thereby promoting sFlt1 release in placenta. Collectively, our study provided the evidence that placental 11β-HSD2 dysfunction plays a key role in the development of preeclampsia and immediately identified innovative target to counteract preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics and Research Center for Molecular Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Physiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics and Research Center for Molecular Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Physiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianxiao Hu
- Department of Physiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Baozhen Zhang
- Center for Reproduction and Health Development, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine, CAS Key Lab for Health Informatics, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengshan Tang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics and Research Center for Molecular Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ruojing Yao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics and Research Center for Molecular Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Maternity and Child Health Hospital of Pudong New District, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiujun Fan
- Center for Reproduction and Health Development, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine, CAS Key Lab for Health Informatics, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xin Ni
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics and Research Center for Molecular Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Physiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
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18
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Musana JW, Cohen CR, Kuppermann M, Gerona R, Wanyoro A, Aguilar D, Santos N, Temmerman M, Weiss SJ. Association of differential symptoms of stress to hair cortisol and cortisone concentrations among pregnant women in Kenya. Stress 2020; 23:556-566. [PMID: 31747807 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2019.1696305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to characterize the stress experienced by pregnant women in Kenya and assess the relationship between perceived stress and stress-related biomarkers of cortisol and cortisone.Background: Kenyan women are exposed to multiple stressors that may result in chronic stress. However, antenatal stress has not been examined and characterized in Kenya; nor has the relationship between pregnant women's self-reported stress and stress biomarkers been established.Methods: One hundred and fifty women were recruited between 22 and 28 weeks gestation. Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Hair samples were obtained for analysis of cortisol and cortisone. Factor analysis was used to extract unique clusters of stress symptoms from items in the PSS. Regression models were computed to examine relationships of stress to cortisone and cortisol, controlling for obstetric risk.Results: Mean age of the women was 25 years (SD = 5, ±16-41). Their degree of perceived stress and cortisol/cortisone concentrations both indicated moderate levels of stress. There was no association between general perceived stress and either hair cortisol or cortisone. However, factor analysis of the PSS identified three clusters of stress symptoms and one cluster - a woman's negative frame of mind regarding life and inefficacy in handling its problems - was associated with higher levels of cortisone (β= -.231, p = 0.011).Conclusions: Specific stress symptoms may have unique relationships to specific biomarkers and be more useful in assessment than general perceived stress. Assays of both hair cortisol and cortisone might enable a more comprehensive assessment of glucocorticoid activity and better prediction of health risks from stress.Lay summaryUnderstanding stress among rural pregnant Kenyan women may help in addressing risks during pregnancy that lead to adverse birth outcomes. Findings suggest that a woman's tendency to think negatively about life and to doubt her ability to handle life's problems are symptoms of stress that may contribute to higher levels of stress hormones. Assessing women's specific symptoms of stress and different stress hormones during pregnancy may more effectively identify women who need intervention to reduce their health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph W Musana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Craig R Cohen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Miriam Kuppermann
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Roy Gerona
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Anthony Wanyoro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - David Aguilar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nicole Santos
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Marleen Temmerman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sandra J Weiss
- Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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19
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Abstract
Contractions are produced through a complex interplay of hormonal, mechanical, and electrical factors. In labor, contractions are measured using the Montevideo unit. Clinical considerations in labor wherein contraction assessment becomes paramount include the care of women whose labor is complicated by abnormal progress or tachysystole. In an era of obstetrics in which the high cesarean rate is a major issue of concern, there remain many questions as to how to best incorporate contraction monitoring into practice in order to optimize care. Technological advancement has led to the development on new modalities that can be used to study contraction physiology, and there may be an opportunity in the future to apply these methods for use in the clinical setting. This article also makes a case for the need to reevaluate the current measures of uterine contractile activity and the definition of contraction adequacy using updated definitions of normal labor progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen E Gee
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 395 W. 12th Ave, 5th floor, 43210 Columbus, OH, United States.
| | - Heather A Frey
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 395 W. 12th Ave, 5th floor, 43210 Columbus, OH, United States
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20
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Harris BN. Stress hypothesis overload: 131 hypotheses exploring the role of stress in tradeoffs, transitions, and health. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 288:113355. [PMID: 31830473 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.113355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Stress is ubiquitous and thus, not surprisingly, many hypotheses and models have been created to better study the role stress plays in life. Stress spans fields and is found in the literature of biology, psychology, psychophysiology, sociology, economics, and medicine, just to name a few. Stress, and the hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal/interrenal (HPA/I) axis and sympathetic nervous system (SNS), are involved in a multitude of behaviors and physiological processes, including life-history and ecological tradeoffs, developmental transitions, health, and survival. The goal of this review is to highlight and summarize the large number of available hypotheses and models, to aid in comparative and interdisciplinary thinking, and to increase reproducibility by a) discouraging hypothesizing after results are known (HARKing) and b) encouraging a priori hypothesis testing. For this review I collected 214 published hypotheses or models dealing broadly with stress. In the main paper, I summarized and categorized 131 of those hypotheses and models which made direct connections among stress and/or HPA/I and SNS, tradeoffs, transitions, and health. Of those 131, the majority made predictions about reproduction (n = 43), the transition from health to disease (n = 38), development (n = 23), and stress coping (n = 18). Additional hypotheses were classified as stage-spanning or models (n = 37). The additional 83 hypotheses found during searches were tangentially related, or pertained to immune function or oxidative stress, and these are listed separately. Many of the hypotheses share underlying rationale and suggest similar, if not identical, predictions, and are thus not mutually exclusive; some hypotheses spanned classification categories. Some of the hypotheses have been tested multiple times, whereas others have only been examined a few times. It is the hope that multi-disciplinary stress researchers will begin to harmonize their naming of hypotheses in the literature so as to build a clearer picture of how stress impacts various outcomes across fields. The paper concludes with some considerations and recommendations for robust testing of stress hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breanna N Harris
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States.
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21
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Lambert K, Hunter RG, Bartlett AA, Lapp HE, Kent M. In search of optimal resilience ratios: Differential influences of neurobehavioral factors contributing to stress-resilience spectra. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 56:100802. [PMID: 31738947 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The ability to adapt to stressful circumstances, known as emotional resilience, is a key factor in the maintenance of mental health. Several individual biomarkers of the stress response (e.g., corticosterone) that influence an animal's position along the continuum that ranges from adaptive allostasis to maladaptive allostatic load have been identified. Extending beyond specific biomarkers of stress responses, however, it is also important to consider stress-related responses relative to other relevant responses for a thorough understanding of the underpinnings of adaptive allostasis. In this review, behavioral, neurobiological, developmental and genomic variables are considered in the context of emotional resilience [e.g., explore/exploit behavioral tendencies; DHEA/CORT ratios and relative proportions of protein-coding/nonprotein-coding (transposable) genomic elements]. As complex and multifaceted relationships between pertinent allostasis biomediators are identified, translational applications for optimal resilience are more likely to emerge as effective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Lambert
- Dept of Psychology, B326 Gottwald Science Center, University of Richmond, VA 23173, United States.
| | - Richard G Hunter
- Dept of Psychology, University of Massachusetts-Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA 00252, United States
| | - Andrew A Bartlett
- Dept of Psychology, University of Massachusetts-Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA 00252, United States
| | - Hannah E Lapp
- Dept of Psychology, University of Massachusetts-Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA 00252, United States
| | - Molly Kent
- Dept of Psychology, B326 Gottwald Science Center, University of Richmond, VA 23173, United States
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22
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Yoshida M, Takayanagi Y, Ichino-Yamashita A, Sato K, Sugimoto Y, Kimura T, Nishimori K. Functional Hierarchy of Uterotonics Required for Successful Parturition in Mice. Endocrinology 2019; 160:2800-2810. [PMID: 31517984 PMCID: PMC6887699 DOI: 10.1210/en.2019-00499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Parturition is an essential process in placental mammals for giving birth to offspring. However, the molecular machineries of parturition are not fully understood. We investigated whether oxytocin plays a crucial role in the progress of parturition in cooperation with the prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) receptor. We first examined alterations in the expression of uterine contraction-associated genes in uteri of oxytocin receptor-deficient mice (Oxtr-/-) during parturition. We found that induction of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and connexin 43 expression was impaired in Oxtr-/-, whereas that of PGF2α receptor expression was not. We next generated mice with double knockout of genes for the oxytocin receptor/oxytocin and PGF2α receptor (Oxtr-/-;Ptgfr-/- and Oxt-/-;Ptgfr-/-) and evaluated their parturition with Oxtr-/-, Oxt-/-, Ptgfr-/-, and wild-type mice. In Oxtr-/-;Ptgfr-/- and Oxt-/-;Ptgfr-/-, pregnancy rates were similar to those of other genotypes. However, normal parturition was not observed in Oxtr-/-;Ptgfr-/- or Oxt-/-;Ptgfr-/- because of persistent progesterone from the corpus luteum, as observed in Ptgfr-/-. We administered RU486, a progesterone antagonist, to Ptgfr-/-, Oxtr-/-;Ptgfr-/-, and Oxt-/-;Ptgfr-/- on gestation day 19. These mice were able to deliver a living first pup and the parturition onset was similar to that in Ptgfr-/-. Meanwhile, unlike Ptgfr-/-, ∼75% of Oxtr-/-;Ptgfr-/- and Oxt-/-;Ptgfr-/- administered RU486 remained in labor at 24 hours after the onset of parturition. All of the pups that experienced prolonged labor died. We thus revealed that the oxytocin receptor is an upstream regulator of COX-2 and connexin 43 in the uterus during parturition and that both oxytocin/oxytocin receptor and PGF2α receptor are major components for successful parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahide Yoshida
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai-shi, Miyagi-ken, Japan
- Division of Brain and Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi-ken, Japan
| | - Yuki Takayanagi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai-shi, Miyagi-ken, Japan
- Division of Brain and Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi-ken, Japan
| | - Azusa Ichino-Yamashita
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai-shi, Miyagi-ken, Japan
| | - Kei Sato
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai-shi, Miyagi-ken, Japan
- Division of Systems Virology, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo-to, Japan
- CREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi-shi, Saitama-ken, Japan
| | - Yukihiko Sugimoto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Chuo-Ku, Kumamoto-ken, Japan
| | - Tadashi Kimura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita-shi, Osaka-hu, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Nishimori
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai-shi, Miyagi-ken, Japan
- Department of Obesity and Inflammation Research, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima-shi, Fukushima-ken, Japan
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima-shi, Fukushima-ken, Japan
- Correspondence: Katsuhiko Nishimori, PhD, Department of Obesity and Inflammation Research, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima-shi, Fukushima-ken 960-1295, Japan. E-mail:
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23
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Cai E, Czuzoj-Shulman N, Abenhaim HA. Maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnancies with long-term corticosteroid use. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2019; 34:1797-1804. [PMID: 31429349 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2019.1649392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Long-term corticosteroids are administered in pregnant patients with an array of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. Our objective is to determine whether long-term corticosteroid use is associated with increased maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-national Inpatient Sample from the USA. All pregnant patients on long-term corticosteroids were identified using International Classification of Disease-9 coding from 2003 to 2015. The effect of long-term corticosteroid use on maternal and neonatal outcomes was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS Out of the 10,491,798 births included in our study, 3999 were among women with long-term use of steroids, for an overall prevalence of 38 per 100,000 births. There was a steady increase in chronic steroid use from 2 to 81 per 100,000 births over the 13-year study period (p < .0001). Women on long-term steroids were more likely to have pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia, 1.72 (1.30-2.29) and were at greater risk of preterm premature rupture of membranes, 1.63 (1.01-2.44), pyelonephritis, 4.81 (1.18-19.61), and venous thromboembolisms, 2.50 (1.32-4.73). Neonates born from mothers on long-term steroids were more likely to suffer from prematurity, 1.51 (1.13-2.05), and lower weight for gestational age, 2.10 (1.34-3.30). CONCLUSION Long-term corticosteroids use in pregnancy is associated with maternal and fetal adverse outcomes. These patients would benefit from close follow-up throughout their pregnancy to minimize complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmy Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Nicholas Czuzoj-Shulman
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Haim A Abenhaim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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24
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Sawyer KM, Zunszain PA, Dazzan P, Pariante CM. Intergenerational transmission of depression: clinical observations and molecular mechanisms. Mol Psychiatry 2019; 24:1157-1177. [PMID: 30283036 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0265-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Maternal mental illness can have a devastating effect during the perinatal period, and has a profound impact on the care that the baby receives and on the relationships that the baby forms. This review summarises clinical evidence showing the effects of perinatal depression on offspring physical and behavioural development, and on the transmission of psychopathology between generations. We then evaluate a number of factors which influence this relationship, such as genetic factors, the use of psychotropic medications during pregnancy, the timing within the perinatal period, the sex of the foetus, and exposure to maltreatment in childhood. Finally, we examine recent findings regarding the molecular mechanisms underpinning these clinical observations, and identify relevant epigenetic and biomarker changes in the glucocorticoid, oxytocin, oestrogen and immune systems, as key biological mediators of these clinical findings. By understanding these molecular mechanisms in more detail, we will be able to improve outcomes for both mothers and their offspring for generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi M Sawyer
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Patricia A Zunszain
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Paola Dazzan
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Carmine M Pariante
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
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25
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Initiation of human parturition: signaling from senescent fetal tissues via extracellular vesicle mediated paracrine mechanism. Obstet Gynecol Sci 2019; 62:199-211. [PMID: 31338337 PMCID: PMC6629986 DOI: 10.5468/ogs.2019.62.4.199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms by which signals from the fetus initiate human parturition is required. Our recent findings support the core hypothesis that oxidative stress (OS) and cellular senescence of the fetal membranes (amnion and chorion) trigger human parturition. Fetal membrane cell senescence at term is a natural physiological response to OS that occurs as a result of increased metabolic demands by the maturing fetus. Fetal membrane senescence is affected by the activation of the p38 mitogen activated kinase-mediated pathway. Similarly, various risk factors of preterm labor and premature rupture of the membranes also cause OS-induced senescence. Data suggest that fetal cell senescence causes inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) release. Besides SASP, high mobility group box 1 and cell-free fetal telomere fragments translocate from the nucleus to the cytosol in senescent cells, where they represent damage-associated molecular pattern markers (DAMPs). In fetal membranes, both SASPs and DAMPs augment fetal cell senescence and an associated ‘sterile’ inflammatory reaction. In senescent cells, DAMPs are encapsulated in extracellular vesicles, specifically exosomes, which are 30–150 nm particles, and propagated to distant sites. Exosomes traffic from the fetus to the maternal side and cause labor-associated inflammatory changes in maternal uterine tissues. Thus, fetal membrane senescence and the inflammation generated from this process functions as a paracrine signaling system during parturition. A better understanding of the premature activation of these signals can provide insights into the mechanisms by which fetal signals initiate preterm parturition.
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26
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Wang H, Hu C, Cheng C, Cui J, Ji Y, Hao X, Li Q, Ren W, Deng B, Yin Y, Deng J, Tan C. Unraveling the association of fecal microbiota and oxidative stress with stillbirth rate of sows. Theriogenology 2019; 136:131-137. [PMID: 31255919 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that the composition and function of gut microbiota possibly contribute to the oxidative stress and host metabolism of sows. However, a functional link between gut bacteria with oxidative stress and stillbirth rate of sows remain unclear. To address this issue, the reproductive performance, oxidative stress and gut microbiota of sows with high (H) and low (L) stillbirth rate were analyzed. Results showed that, compared with the H group, the L group had a shorter farrowing duration as well as higher concentration of serum total antioxidant capacity and hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity. For the gut microbiota composition of the tested sows, 6 genera differed between the two groups, 7 genera were correlative with stillbirth rate, and 2 genera were correlated with farrowing duration. The relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae_UCG-001, Marvinbryantia and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-004 were negatively correlated with antioxidant capacity, but positively correlated with the stillbirth rate of sows. Furthermore, the microbiota functions in the polyketide sugar unit biosynthesis and nitrotoluene degradation were found to be different between the two groups through the phylotypic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states. Collectively, gut microbiota and their functions vary between sows with high or low stillbirth rate, while stillbirth rate and farrowing duration are significantly correlated with the gut microbiota composition and oxidative stress status of sows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengjun Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuanhui Cheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiajie Cui
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongcheng Ji
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangyu Hao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiqi Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenkai Ren
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baichuan Deng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yulong Yin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, China; Academician Workstation of Changsha Medical University, Changsha, China
| | - Jinping Deng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengquan Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.
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27
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Lu JW, Wang WS, Zhou Q, Gan XW, Myatt L, Sun K. Activation of prostaglandin EP4 receptor attenuates the induction of cyclooxygenase-2 expression by EP2 receptor activation in human amnion fibroblasts: implications for parturition. FASEB J 2019; 33:8148-8160. [PMID: 30917001 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201802642r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Human amnion fibroblasts produce abundant prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which plays a crucial role in parturition by stimulating not only myometrial contraction and cervical ripening but also the expression of the rate-limiting enzyme in PGE2 synthesis-namely, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). This feed-forward induction of COX-2 expression by PGE2 is mediated via its receptors coupled with the cAMP and PKA pathway and subsequent phosphorylation of the transcription factors cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Although prostaglandin E receptor (EP)-2 and EP4 for PGE2 are coupled with activation of the cAMP and PKA pathway, the exact roles of these 2 receptors in the regulation of COX-2 expression in amnion fibroblasts remain to be determined. Here, we clarify this issue by employing human amnion tissue and fibroblasts with the long-term objective of specific targeting of prostaglandin synthesis in prevention of preterm birth. We find that an EP2 agonist caused long-lasting increases in CREB phosphorylation and COX-2 expression, whereas an EP4 agonist induced only transient increases in CREB phosphorylation and COX-2 expression in amnion fibroblasts. Moreover, only EP2 stimulation increased STAT3 phosphorylation, whereas only EP4 stimulation increased PI3K activity. EP4 antagonist or inhibition of PI3K enhanced the induction of CREB and STAT3 phosphorylation and COX-2 expression by PGE2 or EP2 stimulation, which was attenuated by EP4 overexpression. Of interest, PGE2 and cortisol, both well-demonstrated stimulants of COX-2 expression in amnion fibroblasts, increased EP2 but decreased EP4 receptor expression. Furthermore, increased EP2 but decreased EP4 abundance were observed in amnion tissue at parturition. We conclude that EP2 and EP4 receptors play different roles in the regulation of COX-2 expression in human amnion fibroblasts. EP2 is the dominant PGE2 receptor mediating the induction of COX-2 at parturition, which can be attenuated by simultaneous activation of PI3K coupled to the EP4 receptor.-Lu, J.-W., Wang, W.-S., Zhou, Q., Gan, X.-W., Myatt, L., Sun, K. Activation of prostaglandin EP4 receptor attenuates the induction of cyclooxygenase-2 expression by EP2 receptor activation in human amnion fibroblasts: implications for parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Wen Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Wang-Sheng Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Wen Gan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Leslie Myatt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Kang Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
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28
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Zhu P, Wang W, Zuo R, Sun K. Mechanisms for establishment of the placental glucocorticoid barrier, a guard for life. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:13-26. [PMID: 30225585 PMCID: PMC11105584 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2918-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The fetus is shielded from the adverse effects of excessive maternal glucocorticoids by 11β-HSD2, an enzyme which is expressed in the syncytial layer of the placental villi and is capable of converting biologically active cortisol into inactive cortisone. Impairment of this placental glucocorticoid barrier is associated with fetal intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and development of chronic diseases in later life. Ontogeny studies show that the expression of 11β-HSD2 is initiated at a very early stage after conception and increases with gestational age but declines around term. The promoter for HSD11B2, the gene encoding 11β-HSD2, has a highly GC-rich core. However, the pattern of methylation on HSD11B2 may have already been set up in the blastocyst when the trophoblast identity is committed. Instead, hCG-initiated signals appear to be responsible for the upsurge of 11β-HSD2 expression during trophoblast syncytialization. By activating the cAMP/PKA pathway, hCG not only alters the modification of histones but also increases the expression of Sp1 which activates the transcription of HSD11B2. Adverse conditions such as stress, hypoxia and nutritional restriction can cause IUGR of the fetus. It appears that different causes of IUGR may attenuate HSD11B2 expression differentially in the placenta. While stress and nutritional restriction may reduce HSD11B2 expression by increasing its methylation, hypoxia may decrease HSD11B2 expression via alternative mechanisms rather than by methylation. Herein, we summarize the advances in the study of mechanisms underlying the establishment of the placental glucocorticoid barrier and the attenuation of this barrier by adverse conditions during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200135, People's Republic of China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, No. 401 Hospital, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Wangsheng Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200135, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Rujuan Zuo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200135, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Kang Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200135, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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Dickens MJ, Pawluski JL. The HPA Axis During the Perinatal Period: Implications for Perinatal Depression. Endocrinology 2018; 159:3737-3746. [PMID: 30256957 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The transition to motherhood is characterized by some of the most pronounced endocrine changes a woman will experience in her lifetime. Unfortunately, matrescence is also a time in a woman's life when she is most susceptible to mental illness such as perinatal depression. A growing body of research has aimed to determine how key endocrine systems, such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, are involved in the dysregulation of perinatal mental health. However, very little research has consistently linked perinatal changes in the HPA axis with maternal mental illness. Therefore, the aims of this mini review are to: (i) clearly summarize the normative changes in the HPA axis that occur during pregnancy and the postpartum period; (ii) summarize what we know about the HPA axis in perinatal depression, and (iii) propose key areas for future research. Understanding physiological biomarkers that can predict which women are at risk for perinatal mood disorders will lead to better tools for treating, and ultimately preventing, these debilitating disorders, improving the health of mother, child, and family.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jodi L Pawluski
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
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30
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Wang W, Chen ZJ, Myatt L, Sun K. 11β-HSD1 in Human Fetal Membranes as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Preterm Birth. Endocr Rev 2018; 39:241-260. [PMID: 29385440 DOI: 10.1210/er.2017-00188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Human parturition is a complex process involving interactions between the myometrium and signals derived from the placenta, fetal membranes, and fetus. Signals originating from fetal membranes are crucial components that trigger parturition, which is clearly illustrated by the labor-initiating consequence of membrane rupture. It has been recognized for a long time that among fetal tissues in late gestation the fetal membranes possess the highest capacity for cortisol regeneration by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1). However, the exact role of this unique feature remains a mystery. Accumulating evidence indicates that this extra-adrenal source of cortisol may serve as an upstream signal for critical events in human parturition, including enhanced prostaglandin and estrogen synthesis as well as extracellular matrix remodeling. This may explain why such high capacity for cortisol regeneration develops in human fetal membranes at late gestation. Therefore, inhibition of 11β-HSD1 may provide a potential therapeutic target for prevention of preterm birth. This review summarizes the current understanding of the functional role of cortisol regeneration by 11β-HSD1 in human fetal membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangsheng Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Leslie Myatt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Kang Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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31
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Lu J, Wang W, Mi Y, Zhang C, Ying H, Wang L, Wang Y, Myatt L, Sun K. AKAP95-mediated nuclear anchoring of PKA mediates cortisol-induced PTGS2 expression in human amnion fibroblasts. Sci Signal 2017; 10:10/506/eaac6160. [PMID: 29162743 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aac6160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Phosphorylation of the transcription factors cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (CREB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) by protein kinase A (PKA) is required for the cortisol-induced production of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in human amnion fibroblasts, which critically mediates human parturition (labor). We found that PKA was confined in the nucleus by A-kinase-anchoring protein 95 (AKAP95) in amnion fibroblasts and that this localization was key to the cortisol-induced expression of PTGS2, the gene encoding COX-2. Cortisol increased the abundance of nuclear PKA by stimulating the expression of the gene encoding AKAP95. Knockdown of AKAP95 not only reduced the amounts of nuclear PKA and phosphorylated CREB but also attenuated the induction of PTGS2 expression in primary human amnion fibroblasts treated with cortisol, whereas the phosphorylation of STAT3 in response to cortisol was not affected. The abundances of AKAP95, phosphorylated CREB, and COX-2 were markedly increased in human amnion tissue after labor compared to those in amnion tissues from cesarean sections without labor. These results highlight an essential role for PKA that is anchored in the nucleus by AKAP95 in the phosphorylation of CREB and the consequent induction of COX-2 expression by cortisol in amnion fibroblasts, which may be important in human parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangwen Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P. R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P. R. China
| | - Wangsheng Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P. R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P. R. China
| | - Yabing Mi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P. R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P. R. China
| | - Chuyue Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P. R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P. R. China
| | - Hao Ying
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, P. R. China
| | - Luyao Wang
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, P. R. China
| | - Yawei Wang
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, P. R. China
| | - Leslie Myatt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Kang Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P. R. China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P. R. China
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Stress and the HPA Axis: Balancing Homeostasis and Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18102224. [PMID: 29064426 PMCID: PMC5666903 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18102224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
An organism’s reproductive fitness is sensitive to the environment, integrating cues of resource availability, ecological factors, and hazards within its habitat. Events that challenge the environment of an organism activate the central stress response system, which is primarily mediated by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. The regulatory functions of the HPA axis govern the cardiovascular and metabolic system, immune functions, behavior, and reproduction. Activation of the HPA axis by various stressors primarily inhibits reproductive function and is able to alter fetal development, imparting a biological record of stress experienced in utero. Clinical studies and experimental data indicate that stress signaling can mediate these effects through direct actions in the brain, gonads, and embryonic tissues. This review focuses on the mechanisms by which stress activation of the HPA axis impacts fertility and fetal development.
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Yoo HN, Park KH, Jung EY, Kim YM, Kook SY, Jeon SJ. Non-invasive prediction of preterm birth in women with cervical insufficiency or an asymptomatic short cervix (≤25 mm) by measurement of biomarkers in the cervicovaginal fluid. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180878. [PMID: 28700733 PMCID: PMC5507270 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether various proteins in the cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) known to be involved in immune regulation, alone or in combination with clinical risk factors, can predict spontaneous preterm delivery (SPTD) in women with cervical insufficiency or a short cervix (≤25 mm). METHODS This retrospective cohort study included 62 asymptomatic women with cervical insufficiency (n = 27) or an asymptomatic short cervix (n = 35) at 18-27 weeks. CVF swab samples were taken for assays of vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), interleukin (IL)-8, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1, and Dickkopf-related protein 3 (DKK3) before cervical examination, and maternal blood was collected for the determination of the C-reactive protein (CRP) level. The primary outcome measurement was SPTD at <32 weeks of gestation. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves were used for the statistical analyses. RESULTS The rate of SPTD at <32 weeks was 40.3% (25/62). The CVF levels of VDBP, TIMP-1, and DKK3, but not IL-8 and MMP-9, were significantly higher in the women who had SPTD at <32 weeks than in those who did not deliver spontaneously at <32 weeks. The women who had SPTD at <32 weeks had a significantly more advanced cervical dilatation at presentation and a higher level of serum CRP. Using the stepwise regression analysis, a prediction model was developed by combining various proteins in the CVF and clinical factors, resulting in the inclusion of cervical dilatation, CVF VDBP, and use of corticosteroids (area under curve, 0.909). CONCLUSIONS In women with cervical insufficiency or a short cervix, VDBP, TIMP-1, and DKK3 in the CVF may be useful as non-invasive predictors of SPTD at <32 weeks. A combination of these markers and clinical factors appears to improve the predictability of SPTD compared with the markers alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha-Na Yoo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Kyo Hoon Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
- * E-mail:
| | - Eun Young Jung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Yu Mi Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Song Yi Kook
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Se Jeong Jeon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
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Evidence of lower oxygen reserves during labour in the growth restricted human foetus: a retrospective study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2017; 17:209. [PMID: 28668074 PMCID: PMC5494130 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-017-1392-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of the present study is to test the hypothesis that Growth Restricted foetuses (FGR) have the tendency to develop more pathological cardiotocograpic tracings during labour than do appropriate for gestational age foetuses and that there is a shorter time lapse from the beginning of labour and the advent of a pathological cardiotocograpic tracing. Methods The study was carried out at the Maternal-Foetal Medicine Unit of the Sant’Anna University Hospital, Turin, Italy. A total of 930 foetuses born at term between January and December 2012 were analysed: 355 small for gestational age (SGA) comprising both constitutional small for gestational age and growth restricted foetuses (cases group) and 575 Appropriate for Gestational Age (AGA) foetuses (control group). Tracings were evaluated independently by two obstetric consultants, according to the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) classification. The main outcomes considered were the incidence of pathological cardiotocograpic tracings and the time interval between the beginning of labour and the advent of pathological cardiotocograpic tracing. The Student’s t-test, chi-square test and ANOVA were used for comparisons between cases and controls and amongst groups. Significance was set at <0.05. Univariate and multivariate odds-ratios were calculated. Results Foetuses with birthweight <3rd centile (growth restricted foetuses) more frequently presented pathological cardiotocograpic tracings in labour than did controls (43.8% vs. 21.6%; p < 0.001). Pathological cardiotocograpic tracing developed faster in the foetuses with birthweight <3rd centile group (53′, 0′-277′) than it did in the control group (170.5′, 0′-550′; p < 0.05). A higher induction rate was observed in the cases (29.6%) than in the control group (17%), with statistical significance p < 0.001. To correct for this possible confounding factor a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. It confirmed a statistically significant increased risk of pathological cardiotocographic tracings in the FGR group (OR 1.63; CI 1.30–2.05). Conclusion The results confirm the hypothesis that Growth Restricted foetuses (FGR) have fewer oxygen reserves to deal with labour. Our results underscore the importance of the prenatal detection of these foetuses and of their continuous cardiotocographic monitoring during labour. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12884-017-1392-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Whirledge S, Cidlowski JA. Glucocorticoids and Reproduction: Traffic Control on the Road to Reproduction. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2017; 28:399-415. [PMID: 28274682 PMCID: PMC5438761 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2017.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Revised: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are steroid hormones that regulate diverse cellular functions and are essential to facilitate normal physiology. However, stress-induced levels of glucocorticoids result in several pathologies including profound reproductive dysfunction. Compelling new evidence indicates that glucocorticoids are crucial to the establishment and maintenance of reproductive function. The fertility-promoting or -inhibiting activity of glucocorticoids depends on timing, dose, and glucocorticoid responsiveness within a given tissue, which is mediated by the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). The GR gene and protein are subject to cellular processing, contributing to signaling diversity and providing a mechanism by which both physiological and stress-induced levels of glucocorticoids function in a cell-specific manner. Understanding how glucocorticoids regulate fertility and infertility may lead to novel approaches to the regulation of reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Whirledge
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
| | - John A Cidlowski
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, 111 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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36
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Damiani F, Makieva S, Rinaldi SF, Hua L, Marcolongo P, Petraglia F, Norman JE. 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and pregnancy: Role in the timing of labour onset and in myometrial contraction. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 447:79-86. [PMID: 28237720 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids play a primary role in the maturation of fetal organs and may contribute to the onset of labour. Glucocorticoid activity depends on the 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase family (11β-HSDs), catalysing the interconversion between "active" cortisol into inactive cortisone. No definitive study exists on 11β-HSD expression profile in human decidua and myometrium during pregnancy. We investigated the implications of 11β-HSD1 in the regulation of uterine activity in pregnancy, examining its role on contraction of a myocyte cell line and murine 11β-hsd1 levels in utero. Murine 11β-hsd1 mRNA and protein levels in utero progressively increased until the last day of gestation and significantly decreased at the onset of labour (P < 0.0001) (n = 3 to 5 in the various gestational days analysed). Experiments on human myometrial samples confirm the significant fall in 11β-hsd1 mRNA levels at labour, compared to end pregnancy samples (n = 5 to 8). In vitro experiments showed that human myometrial contraction is inhibited by using a non-selective inhibitor of 11β-HSD1. The present study shows the temporal localisation of 11β-HSD1 in uterus, highlighting its importance in the timing of gestation and suggesting its contribution in the myometrium contraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Damiani
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
| | - Sofia Makieva
- Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health at the Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sara F Rinaldi
- Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health at the Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lei Hua
- Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health at the Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Paola Marcolongo
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Jane E Norman
- Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health at the Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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37
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Induction of pro-inflammatory genes by serum amyloid A1 in human amnion fibroblasts. Sci Rep 2017; 7:693. [PMID: 28386088 PMCID: PMC5429602 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00782-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Serum amyloid A1 (SAA1) is an acute response protein, which is mainly produced by the liver, during infection. However, it remains unknown whether SAA1 can be produced in human fetal membranes where it is able to elicit events pertinent to labor initiation. We demonstrated that SAA1 was expressed in the fibroblasts and epithelium of the amnion and the trophoblasts of the chorion. Further study in human amnion fibroblasts showed that SAA1 production was augmented by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and cortisol alone and synergistically, and SAA1 in turn induced the expression of IL-1β, interleukin-6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and PGE2 production. These effects of SAA1 were mediated through activation of the NF-κB, p38 and ERK1/2 pathways via the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Inhibition of TLR4 attenuated not only SAA1-induced activation of NF-κB, p38 and ERK1/2 but also increases in IL-1β, IL-6 and COX-2 expression. Moreover, SAA1 expression was increased in human amnion tissue following spontaneous labor. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated for the first time that SAA1 can be produced in human fetal membranes, which can be greatly induced in the presence of proinflammatory cytokines and glucocorticoids thereby producing effects associated with parturition.
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Mi Y, Wang W, Zhang C, Liu C, Lu J, Li W, Zuo R, Myatt L, Sun K. Autophagic Degradation of Collagen 1A1 by Cortisol in Human Amnion Fibroblasts. Endocrinology 2017; 158:1005-1014. [PMID: 28323983 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Rupture of fetal membranes can initiate parturition at both term and preterm. Collagen is the crucial factor determining the tensile strength of the membranes. Toward the end of gestation, a feed-forward regeneration of cortisol via 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 exists in fetal membranes. It remains undetermined whether cortisol contributes to collagen reduction in fetal membranes. In this study, we have examined whether cortisol accumulation is a causative factor for collagen reduction in human amnion fibroblasts, the major source of collagens in the membranes. Cortisol had no effect on collagen 1A1 (COL1A1) and 1A2 (COL1A2) messenger RNA (mRNA) abundance but decreased their protein abundance. The latter effect was affected by neither mRNA transcription inhibitor nor protein translation inhibitor. Mechanistic studies revealed that the reduction in COL1A1 but not COL1A2 protein by cortisol was blocked by lysosome inhibitor chloroquine or small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of autophagy-related protein 7, an essential protein for autophagy, whereas the proteasome inhibitors MG132 and bortezomib were ineffective. Further analysis showed that cortisol dose dependently increased the ratio of LC3II/LC3I, a marker of lysosome activation, an effect blocked by the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist RU486 and siRNA-mediated knockdown of GR. Consistently, cortisol decreased COL1A1 and COL1A2 protein abundance in amnion tissue explants, and decreased COL1A1 and COL1A2 protein abundance was observed at parturition in the amnion tissue. Conclusively, cortisol regeneration in fetal membranes may contribute to rupture of fetal membranes at parturition by reducing collagen protein abundance. Lysosome-mediated autophagy accounts for the reduction in COL1A1 by cortisol, but the mechanism underlying the reduction in COL1A2 awaits further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yabing Mi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Wangsheng Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Chuyue Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Chao Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Jiangwen Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Wenjiao Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Rujuan Zuo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Leslie Myatt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Kang Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, P.R. China
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Gram A, Trachsel A, Boos A, Kowalewski MP. Elevated utero/placental GR/NR3C1 is not required for the induction of parturition in the dog. Reproduction 2016; 152:303-11. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The endocrine mechanisms that lead to initiation of parturition in dogs are still not fully understood. The prepartum luteolysis is associated with increased prostaglandin (PG) F2α secretion; however, there is no pregnancy- or parturition-related increase in estrogens. Moreover, unlike in other mammalian species, in the dog, increased peripartum levels of cortisol measured sporadically in maternal peripheral blood are not mandatory for normal parturition. Nevertheless, auto/paracrine effects of cortisol at the placental feto-maternal level cannot be excluded. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the expression and localization of glucocorticoid receptor (GR/NR3C1) in canine utero/placental (Ut/Pl) units and uterine interplacental sites at selected time points during pregnancy (pre-implantation, post-implantation and mid-gestation), and at normal and antigestagen-induced parturition. The Ut/Pl expression of GR/NR3C1 did not change significantly from pre-implantation until mid-gestation; however, it was strongly induced during the prepartum luteolysis. Within the interplacental samples, expression of GR/NR3C1-mRNA was greater post-implantation than pre-implantation and did not change afterward, i.e. toward mid-gestation. Compartmentalization studies within the Ut/Pl units, involving placenta, endometrium and myometrium separately, performed at the prepartum luteolysis revealed the highest GR/NR3C1-mRNA levels in placenta compared with endometrium and myometrium. Interestingly, in antigestagen-treated mid-pregnancy dogs, Ut/Pl and interplacental GR/NR3C1-mRNA expression remained unaffected. At the cellular level, placental GR/NR3C1 was clearly detectable in placenta fetalis, i.e. in trophoblast cells. In conclusion, increased expression of GR/NR3C1 during normal parturition, but not following antigestagen-treatment, suggest that it is not required for initiating the signaling cascade of PG synthesis leading to the induction of parturition in the dog.
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40
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Menon R, Bonney EA, Condon J, Mesiano S, Taylor RN. Novel concepts on pregnancy clocks and alarms: redundancy and synergy in human parturition. Hum Reprod Update 2016; 22:535-60. [PMID: 27363410 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmw022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The signals and mechanisms that synchronize the timing of human parturition remain a mystery and a better understanding of these processes is essential to avert adverse pregnancy outcomes. Although our insights into human labor initiation have been informed by studies in animal models, the timing of parturition relative to fetal maturation varies among viviparous species, indicative of phylogenetically different clocks and alarms; but what is clear is that important common pathways must converge to control the birth process. For example, in all species, parturition involves the transition of the myometrium from a relaxed to a highly excitable state, where the muscle rhythmically and forcefully contracts, softening the cervical extracellular matrix to allow distensibility and dilatation and thus a shearing of the fetal membranes to facilitate their rupture. We review a number of theories promulgated to explain how a variety of different timing mechanisms, including fetal membrane cell senescence, circadian endocrine clocks, and inflammatory and mechanical factors, are coordinated as initiators and effectors of parturition. Many of these factors have been independently described with a focus on specific tissue compartments.In this review, we put forth the core hypothesis that fetal membrane (amnion and chorion) senescence is the initiator of a coordinated, redundant signal cascade leading to parturition. Whether modified by oxidative stress or other factors, this process constitutes a counting device, i.e. a clock, that measures maturation of the fetal organ systems and the production of hormones and other soluble mediators (including alarmins) and that promotes inflammation and orchestrates an immune cascade to propagate signals across different uterine compartments. This mechanism in turn sensitizes decidual responsiveness and eventually promotes functional progesterone withdrawal in the myometrium, leading to increased myometrial cell contraction and the triggering of parturition. Linkage of these processes allows convergence and integration of the gestational clocks and alarms, prompting a timely and safe birth. In summary, we provide a comprehensive synthesis of the mediators that contribute to the timing of human labor. Integrating these concepts will provide a better understanding of human parturition and ultimately improve pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramkumar Menon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., MRB, Room 11.138, Galveston, TX 77555-1062, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Bonney
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Vermont College of Medicine, 792 College Parkway, Fanny Allen Campus, Suite 101, Colchester, Burlington, VT 05446, USA
| | - Jennifer Condon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Perinatal Research Branch, NICHD, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Sam Mesiano
- Department of Reproductive Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Case Western Reserve University, 11100 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Robert N Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Center Boulevard, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
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Vannuccini S, Bocchi C, Severi FM, Challis JR, Petraglia F. Endocrinology of human parturition. ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2016; 77:105-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2016.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Zannas AS, Chrousos GP. Glucocorticoid signaling drives epigenetic and transcription factors to induce key regulators of human parturition. Sci Signal 2015; 8:fs19. [PMID: 26508787 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aad3022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are thought to play an important role in parturition. Two recent articles by Di Stefano et al. in the Archives and Wang et al. in this issue of Science Signaling reveal novel mechanisms by which glucocorticoid signaling can drive the epigenetic and transcriptional machinery to induce molecules involved in parturition, including the neuropeptide corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and the autacoid hormone prostaglandin E2. These findings contribute to our understanding of how glucocorticoids may regulate human parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony S Zannas
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - George P Chrousos
- First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens Medical School, Athens 115 28, Greece.
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Wang W, Guo C, Zhu P, Lu J, Li W, Liu C, Xie H, Myatt L, Chen ZJ, Sun K. Phosphorylation of STAT3 mediates the induction of cyclooxygenase-2 by cortisol in the human amnion at parturition. Sci Signal 2015; 8:ra106. [PMID: 26508788 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aac6151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The induction of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and subsequent production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by cortisol in the amnion contrast with the effect of cortisol on most other tissues, but this proinflammatory effect of cortisol may be a key event in human parturition (labor). We evaluated the underlying mechanism activated by cortisol in primary human amnion fibroblasts. Exposure of the amnion fibroblasts to cortisol led to the activation of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-protein kinase A (PKA) pathway, which induced the phosphorylation of the kinase SRC and STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3). STAT3 interacted with the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and the transcription factor CREB-1 (cAMP response element-binding protein 1) at the promoter of the gene encoding COX-2, which promoted the production of the secreted prostaglandin PGE2. PGE2 activates the prostaglandin receptors EP2 and EP4, which stimulate cAMP-PKA signaling. Thus, cortisol reinforced the activation of cAMP-PKA signaling through an SRC-STAT3-COX-2-PGE2-mediated feedback loop. Inhibiting STAT3, SRC, or the cAMP-PKA pathway attenuated the cortisol-stimulated induction of COX-2 and PGE2 production in amnion fibroblasts. In human amnion tissue, the amount of phosphorylated STAT3 correlated positively with that of cortisol, COX-2, and PGE2, and all were more abundant in tissue obtained after active labor than in tissue obtained from cesarean surgeries in the absence of labor. These results indicated that the coordinated recruitment of STAT3, CREB-1, and GR to the promoter of the gene encoding COX-2 contributes to the feed-forward induction of COX-2 activity and prostaglandin synthesis in the amnion during parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangsheng Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P. R. China. Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P. R. China
| | - Chunming Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Ping Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, No. 401 Hospital, Qingdao 266100, P. R. China
| | - Jiangwen Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P. R. China. Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P. R. China
| | - Wenjiao Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P. R. China. Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P. R. China
| | - Chao Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P. R. China. Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P. R. China
| | - Huiliang Xie
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P. R. China
| | - Leslie Myatt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P. R. China. Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P. R. China
| | - Kang Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, P. R. China. Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, P. R. China.
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Veronesi MC, Comin A, Meloni T, Faustini M, Rota A, Prandi A. Coat and claws as new matrices for noninvasive long-term cortisol assessment in dogs from birth up to 30 days of age. Theriogenology 2015; 84:791-6. [PMID: 26081135 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Revised: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The last stage of fetal development and the neonatal period represent the most critical phases for the mammals' offspring. In the dog, the knowledge about the final intrauterine fetal development and biology, as well as about the neonatal physiology, remains scarce. Hormonal changes occurring in the last intrauterine fetal phase and during the early neonatal age are still not completely clear, probably because of the invasiveness related to the collection of the more common biological matrix, represented by circulating blood. Toward term of pregnancy, during parturition, and after birth, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is a key system regulating several physiological processes, and its activity was previously investigated by blood analysis, considered an invasive procedure providing a single-point measurement. In respect to animal welfare, and for a more correct long-term retrospective investigation, noninvasive hormonal studies were performed firstly on the hair of humans and coat of animals and, more recently, in the nails of human beings. This study was aimed to assess cortisol (COR) in coat and claws of newborn puppies and to evaluate the possible influence of the newborn gender, breed body size, and age on coat and claws COR concentrations. The results obtained from 165 newborn puppies evidenced that coat and claws COR levels were highly correlated each other (P < 0.0001), although the COR accumulation in the two matrices was different in relation to the class of age. Moreover, the puppies age influenced both coat and claws COR concentrations (P < 0.05), with premature puppies showing higher values when compared to term born-dead puppies or puppies dead between 1 and 30 days of age. The present study reported that COR is quantifiable in coat and claws of newborn dogs. Moreover, both matrices appear as useful tools for new, noninvasive, long-term perinatal and neonatal researches also in canine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Veronesi
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - A Comin
- Department of Food Science, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - T Meloni
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - M Faustini
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - A Rota
- Ambulatorio Veterinario Associato Dr. Pellegrini-Dr. Rota, Bergamo, Italy
| | - A Prandi
- Department of Food Science, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
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Zelena D. The janus face of stress on reproduction: from health to disease. Int J Endocrinol 2015; 2015:458129. [PMID: 25945091 PMCID: PMC4405284 DOI: 10.1155/2015/458129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Parenthood is a fundamental feature of all known life. However, infertility has been recognized as a public health issue worldwide. But even when the offspring are conceived, in utero problems can lead to immediate (abortion), early (birth), and late (adulthood) consequences. One of the most studied factors is stress. However, stress response is, per se, of adaptive nature allowing the organism to cope with challenges. Stressors lead to deterioration if one is faced with too long lasting, too many, and seemingly unsolvable situations. In stress adaptation the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenocortical axis and the resulting glucocorticoid elevation are one of the most important mechanisms. At cellular level stress can be defined as an unbalance between production of free radicals and antioxidant defenses. Oxidative stress is widely accepted as an important pathogenic mechanism in different diseases including infertility. On the other hand, the goal of free radical production is to protect the cells from infectious entities. This review aims to summarize the negative and positive influence of stress on reproduction as a process leading to healthy progeny. Special emphasis was given to the balance at the level of the organism and cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dóra Zelena
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Szigony 43, Budapest 1083, Hungary
- *Dóra Zelena:
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Alzamil HA, Pawade J, Fortier MA, Bernal AL. Expression of the prostaglandin F synthase AKR1B1 and the prostaglandin transporter SLCO2A1 in human fetal membranes in relation to spontaneous term and preterm labor. Front Physiol 2014; 5:272. [PMID: 25126080 PMCID: PMC4115629 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human labor is a complex series of cellular and molecular events that occur at the materno-fetal and uterine levels. Many hypotheses have been proposed for the initiation of human labor, one hypothesis suggests that maturation of the fetus releases a signal in the amniotic fluid that will be transmitted to myometrium via the fetal membranes and initiate uterine contractions. There is strong evidence that prostaglandins (PGs) play a central role in initiation and progression of human labor. OBJECTIVES In this study we intended to investigate the expression of prostaglandin F synthase and the prostaglandin transporter in the human fetal membranes and to explore the relationship between cytokines and PGs in the mechanism of human labor. METHODS We used fetal membranes obtained before labor at term and after spontaneous labor at term or preterm to identify the changes in prostaglandin F synthase (AKR1B1) and human prostaglandin transporter (SLCO2A1) proteins in relation to parturition. Using fetal membranes explants we tested the effect of cytokines (interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor alpha) on PG production and the concomitant changes in cyclooxygenase-2 (PTGS2), AKR1B1 and SLCO2A1 expression. RESULTS Expression of PTGS2 and AKR1B1 was upregulated in the fetal membranes in association with term labor while SLCO2A1 was downregulated with advancing gestation and during term labor. Before labor, IL-1 increased the expression of PTGS2, however during labor TNF upregulated PTGS2 and AKR1B1 proteins. CONCLUSIONS The prostaglandin F synthase AKR1B1 is upregulated while prostaglandin transporter is downregulated during term labor. The amnion is more responsive than choriodecidua to stimulation with pro-inflammatory cytokines. The mechanisms of term and preterm labor are different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana A Alzamil
- Department of Physiology, King Saud University Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Joya Pawade
- Pathology, University Hospitals Bristol Haemato-Oncology Diagnostic Service, Bristol Royal Infirmary Bristol, UK
| | - Michel A Fortier
- Axe Reproduction, Santé Périnatale et Pédiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Université Laval QC, Canada
| | - A López Bernal
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol Bristol, UK
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