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Li Y, Yu X, Shi J, Zhao J, Li L. The role of aryl hydrocarbon receptors in nutrient metabolism and immune regulation at the maternal-fetal interface. Placenta 2024; 154:9-17. [PMID: 38830294 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.05.134] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
The maternal-fetal interface is composed of the placenta, which is affiliated with the fetus, and the maternal decidua. During pregnancy, the placenta is mainly responsible for nutrient transport and immune tolerance maintenance, which plays a key role in fetal growth and development and pregnancy maintenance. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that exists in various cell types at the maternal-fetal interface and is involved in multiple cellular processes. Recent studies have highlighted the role of AhR in regulating various physiological processes, including glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as tryptophan metabolism and immune responses, within non-pregnant tissues. This review shifts focus towards understanding how AhR modulation impacts metabolism and immune regulation at the maternal-fetal interface. This may implicate the development of pregnancy-related complications and the potential target of the AhR pathway for therapeutic strategies against poor pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China; The Laboratory of Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center (Institute of Translational Medicine), Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences) of China, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Xiaojun Yu
- School of Public Health Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Jing Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100083, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, 100083, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100083, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China.
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2
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Louwen F, Kreis NN, Ritter A, Yuan J. Maternal obesity and placental function: impaired maternal-fetal axis. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:2279-2288. [PMID: 38494514 PMCID: PMC11147848 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-024-07462-w] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of maternal obesity rapidly increases, which represents a major public health concern worldwide. Maternal obesity is characteristic by metabolic dysfunction and chronic inflammation. It is associated with health problems in both mother and offspring. Increasing evidence indicates that the placenta is an axis connecting maternal obesity with poor outcomes in the offspring. In this brief review, we have summarized the current data regarding deregulated placental function in maternal obesity. The data show that maternal obesity induces numerous placental defects, including lipid and glucose metabolism, stress response, inflammation, immune regulation and epigenetics. These placental defects affect each other and result in a stressful intrauterine environment, which transduces and mediates the adverse effects of maternal obesity to the fetus. Further investigations are required to explore the exact molecular alterations in the placenta in maternal obesity, which may pave the way to develop specific interventions for preventing epigenetic and metabolic programming in the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Louwen
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nina-Naomi Kreis
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andreas Ritter
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Juping Yuan
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany.
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3
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Powell TL, Ferchaud-Roucher V, Madi L, Uhlson C, Zemski-Berry K, Kramer AC, Erickson K, Palmer C, Chassen SS, Castillo-Castrejon M. Synthesis of phospholipids in human placenta. Placenta 2024; 147:12-20. [PMID: 38278000 PMCID: PMC10923060 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Placental phospholipid synthesis is critical for the expansion of the placental exchange surface area and for production of signaling molecules. Despite their importance, it is not yet established which enzymes involved in the de novo synthesis and remodeling of placental phospholipids are expressed and active in the human placenta. METHODS We identified phospholipid synthesis enzymes by immunoblotting in placental homogenates and immunofluorescence in placenta tissue sections. Primary human trophoblast (PHT) cells from term healthy placentas (n = 10) were cultured and exposed to 13C labeled fatty acids (16:0, 18:1 and 18:2 n-6, 22:6 n-3) for 2 and 24 h. Three phospholipid classes; phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylcholine, and lysophosphatidylcholine containing 13C fatty acids were quantified by Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS). RESULTS Acyl transferase and phospholipase enzymes were detected in human placenta homogenate and primarily expressed in the syncytiotrophoblast. Three representative 13C fatty acids (16:0, 18:1 and 18:2 n-6) were incorporated rapidly into phosphatidic acid in trophoblasts, but 13C labeled docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6 n-3) incorporation was not detected. 13C DHA was incorporated into phosphatidylcholine. Lysophosphatidylcholine containing all four 13C labeled fatty acids were found in high abundance. CONCLUSIONS Phospholipid synthesis and remodeling enzymes are present in the syncytiotrophoblast. 13C labeled fatty acids were rapidly incorporated into cellular phospholipids. 13C DHA was incorporated into phospholipids through the remodeling pathway rather than by de novo synthesis. These understudied pathways are highly active and critical for structure and function of the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa L Powell
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Veronique Ferchaud-Roucher
- University of Nantes-INRAE UMR 1280 PhAN, CHU Nantes, CRNH Ouest CHU Hotel Dieu, 1 place Alexis Ricordeau, 1er etage aile nord HNB, 44093, Nantes Cedex 1, France.
| | - Lana Madi
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Charis Uhlson
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Karin Zemski-Berry
- Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Avery C Kramer
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Kathryn Erickson
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Claire Palmer
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Stephanie S Chassen
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Marisol Castillo-Castrejon
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 975 NE 10th St., Stanton L Young Biomedical Research Center Room 458, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA.
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Álvarez D, Ortiz M, Valdebenito G, Crisosto N, Echiburú B, Valenzuela R, Espinosa A, Maliqueo M. Effects of a High-Fat Diet and Docosahexaenoic Acid during Pregnancy on Fatty Acid Composition in the Fetal Livers of Mice. Nutrients 2023; 15:4696. [PMID: 37960348 PMCID: PMC10649644 DOI: 10.3390/nu15214696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A high-fat diet (HFD) during pregnancy promotes fat accumulation and reduces docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels in the liver of the offspring at postnatal ages, which can depend on fetal sex. However, the prenatal mechanisms behind these associations are still unclear. Thus, we analyzed if an HFD alters DHA content and the expression of molecules related to fatty acid (FA) metabolism in the fetal liver. Female C57BL/6 mice were fed a control diet or HFD for 4-6 weeks before pregnancy until the gestational day (GD) 17.5. A subgroup of each diet received DHA (100 mg/Kg) orally from GD 6.5 until 16.5. On GD 17.5, maternal livers, placentas, and livers from male and female fetuses were collected for FA profiling with gas-chromatography and gene expression of molecules related to FA metabolism using qPCR. PPAR-α protein expression was evaluated using Western blot. The gene expression of placental FA transporters was also assessed. An HFD increased eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and decreased DHA levels and protein expression of PPAR-α in the fetal livers of both sexes. DHA increased the gene expression of Ppara, Cpt1, and Acsl1 in the livers of female fetuses. Therefore, an HFD reduces DHA levels and PPAR-α, a master regulator of gene expression, in the fetal liver. In turn, the livers of female fetuses seem to be more sensitive to DHA action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Álvarez
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine West Division, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8350499, Chile; (D.Á.); (M.O.); (G.V.); (N.C.); (B.E.)
| | - Macarena Ortiz
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine West Division, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8350499, Chile; (D.Á.); (M.O.); (G.V.); (N.C.); (B.E.)
| | - Gabriel Valdebenito
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine West Division, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8350499, Chile; (D.Á.); (M.O.); (G.V.); (N.C.); (B.E.)
| | - Nicolás Crisosto
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine West Division, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8350499, Chile; (D.Á.); (M.O.); (G.V.); (N.C.); (B.E.)
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine, Clínica Alemana de Santiago, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7610658, Chile
| | - Bárbara Echiburú
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine West Division, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8350499, Chile; (D.Á.); (M.O.); (G.V.); (N.C.); (B.E.)
| | - Rodrigo Valenzuela
- Nutrition Department, School of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile;
| | - Alejandra Espinosa
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
| | - Manuel Maliqueo
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine West Division, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8350499, Chile; (D.Á.); (M.O.); (G.V.); (N.C.); (B.E.)
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Kramer AC, Jansson T, Bale TL, Powell TL. Maternal-fetal cross-talk via the placenta: influence on offspring development and metabolism. Development 2023; 150:dev202088. [PMID: 37831056 PMCID: PMC10617615 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Compelling epidemiological and animal experimental data demonstrate that cardiometabolic and neuropsychiatric diseases originate in a suboptimal intrauterine environment. Here, we review evidence suggesting that altered placental function may, at least in part, mediate the link between the maternal environment and changes in fetal growth and development. Emerging evidence indicates that the placenta controls the development and function of several fetal tissues through nutrient sensing, modulation of trophoblast nutrient transporters and by altering the number and cargo of released extracellular vesicles. In this Review, we discuss the development and functions of the maternal-placental-fetal interface (in humans and mice) and how cross-talk between these compartments may be a mechanism for in utero programming, focusing on mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), adiponectin and O-GlcNac transferase (OGT) signaling. We also discuss how maternal diet and stress influences fetal development and metabolism and how fetal growth restriction can result in susceptibility to developing chronic disease later in life. Finally, we speculate how interventions targeting placental function may offer unprecedented opportunities to prevent cardiometabolic disease in future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avery C. Kramer
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Tracy L. Bale
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Theresa L. Powell
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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Joshi N, Sahay A, Mane A, Sundrani D, Randhir K, Wagh G, Thornburg K, Powell T, Yajnik C, Joshi S. Altered expression of nutrient transporters in syncytiotrophoblast membranes in preeclampsia placentae. Placenta 2023; 139:181-189. [PMID: 37421872 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Expression of nutrient transporters in the placenta affects fetal growth. This study reports the protein expression of nutrient transporters in the syncytial membranes [microvillous membrane (MVM) and basal membrane (BM)] of normotensive control and preeclampsia placentae. METHODS Placentae were collected from fourteen normotensive control women and fourteen women with preeclampsia. The syncytiotrophoblast MVM and BM membranes were isolated. The protein expression of glucose transporter (GLUT1), vitamin B12 transporter (CD320) and fatty acid transporters (FATP2, FATP4) was assessed in both the membranes. RESULTS Comparison between membranes demonstrates similar CD320 protein expression in normotensive group whereas, in preeclampsia placentae it was higher in the BM as compared to MVM (p < 0.05). FATP2&4 protein expression was higher in the BM as compared to their respective MVM fraction in both the groups (p < 0.01 for both). Comparison between groups demonstrates higher GLUT1 expression in the MVM (p < 0.05) and BM (p < 0.05) whereas lower CD320 expression in the MVM (p < 0.05) of preeclampsia placentae as compared to their respective membranes in normotensive control. Furthermore, GLUT1 protein expression was positively associated and CD320 protein expression was negatively associated with maternal body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.05 for both). No difference was observed in the FATP2&4 protein expression. However, FATP4 protein expression was negatively associated with maternal blood pressure (p < 0.05 for MVM; p = 0.060 for BM) and birth weight (p < 0.05 for both membranes). DISCUSSION The current study for the first time demonstrates differential expression of various transporters in the syncytiotrophoblast membranes of the preeclampsia placentae which may influence fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Joshi
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India
| | - Akriti Sahay
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India
| | - Aditi Mane
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India
| | - Deepali Sundrani
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India
| | - Karuna Randhir
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India
| | - Girija Wagh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bharati Medical College and Hospital, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India
| | - Kent Thornburg
- Department of Medicine, Center for Developmental Health, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Bob and Charlee Moore Institute for Nutrition and Wellness, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Theresa Powell
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States; Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | | | - Sadhana Joshi
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India.
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Waker CA, Hwang AE, Bowman-Gibson S, Chandiramani CH, Linkous B, Stone ML, Keoni CI, Kaufman MR, Brown TL. Mouse models of preeclampsia with preexisting comorbidities. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1137058. [PMID: 37089425 PMCID: PMC10117893 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1137058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific condition and a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. It is thought to occur due to abnormal placental development or dysfunction, because the only known cure is delivery of the placenta. Several clinical risk factors are associated with an increased incidence of preeclampsia including chronic hypertension, diabetes, autoimmune conditions, kidney disease, and obesity. How these comorbidities intersect with preeclamptic etiology, however, is not well understood. This may be due to the limited number of animal models as well as the paucity of studies investigating the impact of these comorbidities. This review examines the current mouse models of chronic hypertension, pregestational diabetes, and obesity that subsequently develop preeclampsia-like symptoms and discusses how closely these models recapitulate the human condition. Finally, we propose an avenue to expand the development of mouse models of preeclampsia superimposed on chronic comorbidities to provide a strong foundation needed for preclinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A. Waker
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, United States
| | - Amy E. Hwang
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, United States
| | - Scout Bowman-Gibson
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, United States
| | - Chandni H. Chandiramani
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, United States
| | - Bryce Linkous
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, United States
| | - Madison L. Stone
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, United States
| | - Chanel I. Keoni
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, United States
| | - Melissa R. Kaufman
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, United States
| | - Thomas L. Brown
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Thomas L. Brown,
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Yong W, Wang J, Leng Y, Li L, Wang H. Role of Obesity in Female Reproduction. Int J Med Sci 2023; 20:366-375. [PMID: 36860674 PMCID: PMC9969507 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.80189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Contemporary scientists need no "p value" and "relative risk" statistics to be exquisitely aware of the increasing prevalence of obesity and complications posed by obesity. It is now well recognized that obesity is strongly associated with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, vascular disease, tumors and reproductive disorders. Obese women show lower levels of gonadotropin hormones, reduced fecundity, higher miscarriage rates and poorer outcomes of in vitro fertilization, revealing that obesity affects female reproduction. In addition, adipose tissue contains special immune cells and obesity-induced inflammation is a chronic, low-grade inflammatory response. Herein, we mainly review detrimental influences of obesity in the complete process of female reproduction, including hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, oocyte maturation, embryo and fetal development. In the latter part, we view obesity-induced inflammation and discuss related epigenetic impact on female reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yong
- Center Laboratory of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China
| | - Jiajia Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yan Leng
- Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Lijie Li
- Third Affiliated Clinical Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Han Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130021, China.,Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
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Rasool A, Mahmoud T, Mathyk B, Kaneko-Tarui T, Roncari D, White KO, O’Tierney-Ginn P. Obesity downregulates lipid metabolism genes in first trimester placenta. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19368. [PMID: 36371454 PMCID: PMC9653480 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24040-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Placentas of obese women have low mitochondrial β-oxidation of fatty acids (FA) and accumulate lipids in late pregnancy. This creates a lipotoxic environment, impairing placental efficiency. We hypothesized that placental FA metabolism is impaired in women with obesity from early pregnancy. We assessed expression of key regulators of FA metabolism in first trimester placentas of lean and obese women. Maternal fasting triglyceride and insulin levels were measured in plasma collected at the time of procedure. Expression of genes associated with FA oxidation (FAO; ACOX1, CPT2, AMPKα), FA uptake (LPL, LIPG, MFSD2A), FA synthesis (ACACA) and storage (PLIN2) were significantly reduced in placentas of obese compared to lean women. This effect was exacerbated in placentas of male fetuses. Placental ACOX1 protein was higher in women with obesity and correlated with maternal circulating triglycerides. The PPARα pathway was enriched for placental genes impacted by obesity, and PPARα antagonism significantly reduced 3H-palmitate oxidation in 1st trimester placental explants. These results demonstrate that obesity and hyperlipidemia impact placental FA metabolism as early as 7 weeks of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisha Rasool
- grid.67033.310000 0000 8934 4045Tufts Medical Center, Mother Infant Research Institute, Box# 394, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111 USA
| | - Taysir Mahmoud
- grid.67033.310000 0000 8934 4045Tufts Medical Center, Mother Infant Research Institute, Box# 394, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111 USA
| | | | - Tomoko Kaneko-Tarui
- grid.67033.310000 0000 8934 4045Tufts Medical Center, Mother Infant Research Institute, Box# 394, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111 USA
| | - Danielle Roncari
- grid.67033.310000 0000 8934 4045Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA
| | - Katharine O. White
- grid.189504.10000 0004 1936 7558Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA
| | - Perrie O’Tierney-Ginn
- grid.67033.310000 0000 8934 4045Tufts Medical Center, Mother Infant Research Institute, Box# 394, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111 USA ,grid.67033.310000 0000 8934 4045Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA ,grid.429997.80000 0004 1936 7531Friedman School of Nutrition, Tufts University, Boston, MA USA
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10
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Maternal Obesity and Gut Microbiota Are Associated with Fetal Brain Development. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14214515. [PMID: 36364776 PMCID: PMC9654759 DOI: 10.3390/nu14214515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity in pregnancy induces metabolic syndrome, low-grade inflammation, altered endocrine factors, placental function, and the maternal gut microbiome. All these factors impact fetal growth and development, including brain development. The lipid metabolic transporters of the maternal-fetal-placental unit are dysregulated in obesity. Consequently, the transport of essential long-chain PUFAs for fetal brain development is disturbed. The mother’s gut microbiota is vital in maintaining postnatal energy homeostasis and maternal-fetal immune competence. Obesity during pregnancy changes the gut microbiota, affecting fetal brain development. Obesity in pregnancy can induce placental and intrauterine inflammation and thus influence the neurodevelopmental outcomes of the offspring. Several epidemiological studies observed an association between maternal obesity and adverse neurodevelopment. This review discusses the effects of maternal obesity and gut microbiota on fetal neurodevelopment outcomes. In addition, the possible mechanisms of the impacts of obesity and gut microbiota on fetal brain development are discussed.
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Brombach C, Tong W, Giussani DA. Maternal obesity: new placental paradigms unfolded. Trends Mol Med 2022; 28:823-835. [PMID: 35760668 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of maternal obesity is increasing at an alarming rate, and is providing a major challenge for obstetric practice. Adverse effects on maternal and fetal health are mediated by complex interactions between metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress signaling in the placenta. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) are common downstream pathways of cell stress, and there is evidence that this conserved homeostatic response may be a key mediator in the pathogenesis of placental dysfunction. We summarize the current literature on the placental cellular and molecular changes that occur in obese women. A special focus is cast onto placental ER stress in obese pregnancy, which may provide a novel link for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wen Tong
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EL, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Cambridge Strategic Research Initiative in Reproduction, Cambridge CB2 3EL, Cambridge UK.
| | - Dino A Giussani
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EL, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Cambridge Strategic Research Initiative in Reproduction, Cambridge CB2 3EL, Cambridge UK; Cambridge Cardiovascular Centre for Research Excellence, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK.
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12
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Kallak TK, Fransson E, Bränn E, Berglund H, Lager S, Comasco E, Lyle R, Skalkidou A. Maternal prenatal depressive symptoms and toddler behavior: an umbilical cord blood epigenome-wide association study. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:186. [PMID: 35513368 PMCID: PMC9072531 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01954-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Children of mothers with prenatal depressive symptoms (PND) have a higher risk of behavioral problems; fetal programming through DNA methylation is a possible underlying mechanism. This study investigated DNA methylation in cord blood to identify possible "at birth" signatures that may indicate susceptibility to behavioral problems at 18 months of age. Cord blood was collected from 256 children of mothers who had self-reported on symptoms of depression during pregnancy and the behavior of their child at 18 months of age. Whole genome DNA methylation was assessed using Illumina MethylationEPIC assay. The mother and child pairs were categorized into four groups, based on both self-reported depressive symptoms, PND or Healthy control (HC), and scores from the Child Behavior checklist (high or low for internalizing, externalizing, and total scores). Adjustments were made for batch effects, cell-type, and clinical covariates. Differentially methylated sites were identified using Kruskal-Wallis test, and Benjamini-Hochberg adjusted p values < 0.05 were considered significant. The analysis was also stratified by sex of the child. Among boys, we observed higher and correlated DNA methylation of one CpG-site in the promoter region of TPP1 in the HC group, with high externalizing scores compared to HC with low externalizing scores. Boys in the PND group showed lower DNA methylation in NUDT15 among those with high, compared to low, internalizing scores; the DNA methylation levels of CpGs in this gene were positively correlated with the CBCL scores. Hence, the differentially methylated CpG sites could be of interest for resilience, regardless of maternal mental health during pregnancy. The findings are in a relatively healthy study cohort, thus limiting the possibility of detecting strong effects associated with behavioral difficulties. This is the first investigation of cord blood DNA methylation signs of fetal programming of PND on child behavior at 18 months of age and thus calls for independent replications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma Fransson
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Emma Bränn
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hanna Berglund
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Susanne Lager
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Erika Comasco
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Robert Lyle
- Department of Medical Genetics and Norwegian Sequencing Centre (NSC), Oslo University Hospital, Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Alkistis Skalkidou
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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13
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Acosta-Manzano P, Leopold-Posch B, Simmons D, Devlieger R, Galjaard S, Corcoy R, Adelantado JM, Dunne F, Harreiter J, Kautzky-Willer A, Damm P, Mathiesen ER, Jensen DM, Andersen LL, Tanvig M, Lapolla A, Dalfra MG, Bertolotto A, Wender-Ozegowska E, Zawiejska A, Hill DJ, Snoek FJ, Jelsma J, Desoye G, van Poppel M. The unexplored role of sedentary time and physical activity in glucose and lipid metabolism-related placental mRNAs in pregnant women who are obese: the DALI lifestyle randomised controlled trial. BJOG 2022; 129:708-721. [PMID: 34559946 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.16945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to explore: (i) the association of sedentary time (ST) and physical activity (PA) during pregnancy with the placental expression of genes related to glucose and lipid metabolism in pregnant women who are obese; (ii) maternal metabolic factors mediating changes in these placental transcripts; and (iii) cord blood markers related to the mRNAs mediating neonatal adiposity. DESIGN Multicentre randomised controlled trial. SETTING Hospitals in nine European countries. POPULATION A cohort of 112 pregnant women with placental tissue. METHODS Both ST and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) levels were measured objectively using accelerometry at three time periods during pregnancy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Placental mRNAs (FATP2, FATP3, FABP4, GLUT1 and PPAR-γ) were measured with NanoString technology. Maternal and fetal metabolic markers and neonatal adiposity were assessed. RESULTS Longer periods of ST, especially in early to middle pregnancy, was associated with lower placental FATP2 and FATP3 expression (P < 0.05), whereas MVPA at baseline was inversely associated with GLUT1 mRNA (P = 0.02). Although placental FATP2 and FATP3 expression were regulated by the insulin-glucose axis (P < 0.05), no maternal metabolic marker mediated the association of ST/MVPA with placental mRNAs (P > 0.05). Additionally, placental FATP2 expression was inversely associated with cord blood triglycerides and free fatty acids (FFAs; P < 0.01). No cord blood marker mediated neonatal adiposity except for cord blood leptin, which mediated the effects of PPAR-γ on neonatal sum of skinfolds (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In early to middle pregnancy, ST is associated with the expression of placental genes linked to lipid transport. PA is hardly related to transporter mRNAs. Strategies aimed at reducing sedentary behaviour during pregnancy could modulate placental gene expression, which may help to prevent unfavourable fetal and maternal pregnancy outcomes. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Reducing sedentary behaviour in pregnancy might modulate placental expression of genes related to lipid metabolism in women who are obese.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Acosta-Manzano
- PA-HELP 'Physical Activity for Health Promotion, CTS-1018' Research Group, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sports Science, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - B Leopold-Posch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - D Simmons
- Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - R Devlieger
- Department of Development and Regeneration: Pregnancy, Fetus and Neonate, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, KU Leuven, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - S Galjaard
- Department of Development and Regeneration: Pregnancy, Fetus and Neonate, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, KU Leuven, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - R Corcoy
- CIBER Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - J M Adelantado
- Institut de Recerca de l'Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - F Dunne
- Galway Diabetes Research Centre (GDRC) and National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - J Harreiter
- Gender Medicine Unit, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - A Kautzky-Willer
- Gender Medicine Unit, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - P Damm
- Departments of Endocrinology and Obstetrics, Rigshospitalet and Department of Clinical Medicine, Centre for Pregnant Women with Diabetes, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - E R Mathiesen
- Departments of Endocrinology and Obstetrics, Rigshospitalet and Department of Clinical Medicine, Centre for Pregnant Women with Diabetes, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - D M Jensen
- Steno Diabetes Centre Odense, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - L L Andersen
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - M Tanvig
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - A Lapolla
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - M G Dalfra
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - A Bertolotto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - E Wender-Ozegowska
- Department of Reproduction, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - A Zawiejska
- Chair of Medical Education, Department of Medical Simulation, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - D J Hill
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - F J Snoek
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jgm Jelsma
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - G Desoye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Mnm van Poppel
- Institute of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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14
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Tashev SA, Parsons D, Hillman C, Harris S, Lofthouse EM, Goggin P, Chatelet DS, Cleal JK, Smyth N, Palaiologou H, Page A, Lewis RM. Folding of the syncytiotrophoblast basal plasma membrane increases the surface area available for exchange in human placenta. Placenta 2021; 117:57-63. [PMID: 34768170 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The placental syncytiotrophoblast is the primary barrier between the mother and the fetus. To cross the placenta, nutrients and wastes must be transported across the apical microvillous and basal plasma membranes. While the syncytiotrophoblast basal plasma membrane is typically represented as relatively smooth, it has been shown to have invaginations that may increase its surface area. This study aimed to quantify how folding of the syncytiotrophoblast basal membrane contributes to its surface area and to visualise three-dimensional structures of the basal membrane and cytotrophoblast cell structures. METHODS Transmission electron microscope images of human term placenta were analysed using stereological approaches to quantify how folding of the syncytiotrophoblast basal plasma membrane affected surface area. Serial block-face scanning electron microscopy was used to visualise the three-dimensional structure of the syncytiotrophoblast basal membrane and cytotrophoblast cells. RESULTS Syncytiotrophoblast basal membrane covered 69.1% of the basal lamina, with cytotrophoblast cells covering the remaining 30.9%. In basal lamina adjacent to syncytiotrophoblast, 34% was adjacent to smooth basal membrane and 66% to folded basal membrane. Syncytiotrophoblast basal membrane folds increased the surface area adjacent to basal lamina by 305%. Including regions overlying the cytotrophoblast cells, basal membrane folds increased syncytiotrophoblast basal membrane surface area by 4.4-fold relative to the basal lamina in terminal villi. Terminal and intermediate villi were similar in terms of trophoblast coverage of the basal lamina and basal membrane folding. The three-dimensional structures of the syncytiotrophoblast basal plasma membrane and cytotrophoblast cells were generated from serial block-face scanning electron microscopy image stacks. DISCUSSION These findings indicate that the surface area of the syncytiotrophoblast basal plasma membrane is far larger than had been appreciated. We suggest that these folds increase the surface area available for transport to and from the fetus. Changes in the extent of basal membrane folding could affect nutrient transfer capacity and underlie pathological fetal growth, including fetal growth restriction and macrosomia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daisy Parsons
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Cameron Hillman
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Life Sciences, United Kingdom
| | - Shelley Harris
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, United Kingdom
| | | | - Patricia Goggin
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Imaging Unit, United Kingdom
| | - David S Chatelet
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Imaging Unit, United Kingdom
| | - Jane K Cleal
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, United Kingdom; University of Southampton, Institute for Life Sciences, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Smyth
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Life Sciences, United Kingdom
| | | | - Anton Page
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Imaging Unit, United Kingdom
| | - Rohan M Lewis
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, United Kingdom; University of Southampton, Institute for Life Sciences, United Kingdom.
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15
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Espinoza C, Fuenzalida B, Leiva A. Increased Fetal Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Potential Synergy Between Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Maternal Hypercholesterolemia. Curr Vasc Pharmacol 2021; 19:601-623. [PMID: 33902412 DOI: 10.2174/1570161119666210423085407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain a major cause of death worldwide. Evidence suggests that the risk for CVD can increase at the fetal stages due to maternal metabolic diseases, such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and maternal supraphysiological hypercholesterolemia (MSPH). GDM is a hyperglycemic, inflammatory, and insulin-resistant state that increases plasma levels of free fatty acids and triglycerides, impairs endothelial vascular tone regulation, and due to the increased nutrient transport, exposes the fetus to the altered metabolic conditions of the mother. MSPH involves increased levels of cholesterol (mainly as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) which also causes endothelial dysfunction and alters nutrient transport to the fetus. Despite that an association has already been established between MSPH and increased CVD risk, however, little is known about the cellular processes underlying this relationship. Our knowledge is further obscured when the simultaneous presentation of MSPH and GDM takes place. In this context, GDM and MSPH may substantially increase fetal CVD risk due to synergistic impairment of placental nutrient transport and endothelial dysfunction. More studies on the separate and/or cumulative role of both processes are warranted to suggest specific treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Espinoza
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile
| | - Barbara Fuenzalida
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Leiva
- School of Medical Technology, Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad San Sebastian, Providencia 7510157, Chile
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16
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Belcastro L, Ferreira CS, Saraiva MA, Mucci DB, Murgia A, Lai C, Vigor C, Oger C, Galano JM, Pinto GDA, Griffin JL, Torres AG, Durand T, Burton GJ, Sardinha FLC, El-Bacha T. Decreased Fatty Acid Transporter FABP1 and Increased Isoprostanes and Neuroprostanes in the Human Term Placenta: Implications for Inflammation and Birth Weight in Maternal Pre-Gestational Obesity. Nutrients 2021; 13:2768. [PMID: 34444927 PMCID: PMC8398812 DOI: 10.3390/nu13082768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The rise in prevalence of obesity in women of reproductive age in developed and developing countries might propagate intergenerational cycles of detrimental effects on metabolic health. Placental lipid metabolism is disrupted by maternal obesity, which possibly affects the life-long health of the offspring. Here, we investigated placental lipid metabolism in women with pre-gestational obesity as a sole pregnancy complication and compared it to placental responses of lean women. Open profile and targeted lipidomics were used to assess placental lipids and oxidised products of docosahexaenoic (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA), respectively, neuroprostanes and isoprostanes. Despite no overall signs of lipid accumulation, DHA and AA levels in placentas from obese women were, respectively, 2.2 and 2.5 times higher than those from lean women. Additionally, a 2-fold increase in DHA-derived neuroprostanes and a 1.7-fold increase in AA-derived isoprostanes were seen in the obese group. These changes correlated with a 70% decrease in placental FABP1 protein. Multivariate analyses suggested that neuroprostanes and isoprostanes are associated with maternal and placental inflammation and with birth weight. These results might shed light on the molecular mechanisms associated with altered placental fatty acid metabolism in maternal pre-gestational obesity, placing these oxidised fatty acids as novel mediators of placental function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Belcastro
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, Institute of Nutrition Josué de Castro, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (L.B.); (M.A.S.); (D.B.M.)
| | - Carolina S. Ferreira
- LeBioME-Bioactives, Mitochondria and Placental Metabolism Core, Institute of Nutrition Josué de Castro, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (C.S.F.); (G.D.A.P.); (A.G.T.)
| | - Marcelle A. Saraiva
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, Institute of Nutrition Josué de Castro, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (L.B.); (M.A.S.); (D.B.M.)
| | - Daniela B. Mucci
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, Institute of Nutrition Josué de Castro, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (L.B.); (M.A.S.); (D.B.M.)
| | - Antonio Murgia
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QW, UK; (A.M.); (J.L.G.)
| | - Carla Lai
- Department of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Claire Vigor
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), UMR 5247, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Bâtiment Balard, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France; (C.V.); (C.O.); (J.-M.G.); (T.D.)
| | - Camille Oger
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), UMR 5247, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Bâtiment Balard, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France; (C.V.); (C.O.); (J.-M.G.); (T.D.)
| | - Jean-Marie Galano
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), UMR 5247, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Bâtiment Balard, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France; (C.V.); (C.O.); (J.-M.G.); (T.D.)
| | - Gabriela D. A. Pinto
- LeBioME-Bioactives, Mitochondria and Placental Metabolism Core, Institute of Nutrition Josué de Castro, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (C.S.F.); (G.D.A.P.); (A.G.T.)
| | - Julian L. Griffin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QW, UK; (A.M.); (J.L.G.)
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BX, UK
| | - Alexandre G. Torres
- LeBioME-Bioactives, Mitochondria and Placental Metabolism Core, Institute of Nutrition Josué de Castro, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (C.S.F.); (G.D.A.P.); (A.G.T.)
- Lipid Biochemistry and Lipidomics Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, Brazil
| | - Thierry Durand
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), UMR 5247, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Bâtiment Balard, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France; (C.V.); (C.O.); (J.-M.G.); (T.D.)
| | - Graham J. Burton
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK;
| | - Fátima L. C. Sardinha
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, Institute of Nutrition Josué de Castro, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (L.B.); (M.A.S.); (D.B.M.)
| | - Tatiana El-Bacha
- LeBioME-Bioactives, Mitochondria and Placental Metabolism Core, Institute of Nutrition Josué de Castro, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (C.S.F.); (G.D.A.P.); (A.G.T.)
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK;
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Castillo-Castrejon M, Yamaguchi K, Rodel RL, Erickson K, Kramer A, Hirsch NM, Rolloff K, Jansson T, Barbour LA, Powell TL. Effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus on placental expression and activity of nutrient transporters and their association with birth weight and neonatal adiposity. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 532:111319. [PMID: 33989714 PMCID: PMC8206039 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Infants born to women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) are at risk of being born large for gestational age due to excess fetal fat accretion. Placental nutrient transport determines fetal nutrient availability, impacting fetal growth. The aims of the study were to evaluate the effect of T2DM on placental insulin signaling, placental nutrient transporters and neonatal adiposity. METHODS Placentas were collected from BMI-matched normoglycemic controls (NGT, n = 9) and T2DM (n = 9) women. Syncytiotrophoblast microvillous (MVM) and basal (BM) plasma membranes were isolated. Expression of glucose (GLUT1, -4), fatty acid (FATP2, -4, -6, FAT/CD36), amino acid (SNAT1, -2, -4, LAT1, -2) transporters, insulin signaling, and System A transporter activity was determined. Neonatal fat mass (%) was measured in a subset of neonates born to T2DM women. RESULTS GLUT1 protein expression was increased (p = 0.001) and GLUT4 decreased (p = 0.006) in BM from T2DM. MVM FATP6 expression was increased (p = 0.02) and correlated with birth weight in both T2DM and NGT groups (r = 0.65, p = 0.02). BM FATP6 expression was increased (p = 0.01) in T2DM. In MVM of T2DM placentas, SNAT1 expression was increased (p = 0.05) and correlated with birth weight (r = 0.84, p = 0.004); SNAT2 was increased (p = 0.01), however System A transporter activity was not different between groups. MVM LAT1 expression was increased (p = 0.01) in T2DM and correlated with birth weight (r = 0.59, p = 0.04) and neonatal fat mass (r = 0.76, p = 0.06). CONCLUSION In pregnancies complicated by T2DM placental protein expression of transporters for glucose, amino acids and fatty acids is increased, which may contribute to increased fetal growth and neonatal adiposity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisol Castillo-Castrejon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Kyohei Yamaguchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| | - Rachel L Rodel
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Kathryn Erickson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Anita Kramer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Nicole M Hirsch
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Kristy Rolloff
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Linda A Barbour
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
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18
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Abstract
Almost 2 billion adults in the world are overweight, and more than half of them are classified as obese, while nearly one-third of children globally experience poor growth and development. Given the vast amount of knowledge that has been gleaned from decades of research on growth and development, a number of questions remain as to why the world is now in the midst of a global epidemic of obesity accompanied by the "double burden of malnutrition," where overweight coexists with underweight and micronutrient deficiencies. This challenge to the human condition can be attributed to nutritional and environmental exposures during pregnancy that may program a fetus to have a higher risk of chronic diseases in adulthood. To explore this concept, frequently called the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD), this review considers a host of factors and physiological mechanisms that drive a fetus or child toward a higher risk of obesity, fatty liver disease, hypertension, and/or type 2 diabetes (T2D). To that end, this review explores the epidemiology of DOHaD with discussions focused on adaptations to human energetics, placental development, dysmetabolism, and key environmental exposures that act to promote chronic diseases in adulthood. These areas are complementary and additive in understanding how providing the best conditions for optimal growth can create the best possible conditions for lifelong health. Moreover, understanding both physiological as well as epigenetic and molecular mechanisms for DOHaD is vital to most fully address the global issues of obesity and other chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Hoffman
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Program in International Nutrition, and Center for Childhood Nutrition Research, New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Emily S Barrett
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Division of Exposure Science and Epidemiology, Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Daniel B Hardy
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Division of Exposure Science and Epidemiology, Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
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Adibi JJ, Layden AJ, Birru RL, Miragaia A, Xun X, Smith MC, Yin Q, Millenson ME, O’Connor TG, Barrett ES, Snyder NW, Peddada S, Mitchell RT. First trimester mechanisms of gestational sac placental and foetal teratogenicity: a framework for birth cohort studies. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 27:747-770. [PMID: 33675653 PMCID: PMC8222765 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The function of the gestational sac (GS) and the placenta in the closely related processes of embryogenesis and teratogenicity in the first trimester has been minimally described. The prevailing assumption is that direct teratogenic effects are mediated by the critical extraembryonic organ, the placenta, which either blocks or transfers exposures to the foetus. Placental transfer is a dominant mechanism, but there are other paradigms by which the placenta can mediate teratogenic effects. Knowledge of these paradigms and first trimester human developmental biology can be useful to the epidemiologist in the conduct of biomarker-based studies of both maternal and child health. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Our aim is to provide a causal framework for modelling the teratogenic effects of first trimester exposures on child health outcomes mediated by the GS and placenta using biomarker data collected in the first trimester. We initially present first trimester human developmental biology for the sake of informing and strengthening epidemiologic approaches. We then propose analytic approaches of modelling placental mechanisms by way of causal diagrams using classical non-embryolethal teratogens (diethylstilboestrol [DES], folic acid deficiency and cytomegalovirus [CMV]) as illustrative examples. We extend this framework to two chronic exposures of particular current interest, phthalates and maternal adiposity. SEARCH METHODS Information on teratogens was identified by a non-systematic, narrative review. For each teratogen, we included papers that answered the five following questions: (i) why were these exposures declared teratogens? (ii) is there a consensus on biologic mechanism? (iii) is there reported evidence of a placental mechanism? (iv) can we construct a theoretical model of a placental mechanism? and (v) can this knowledge inform future work on measurement and modelling of placental-foetal teratogenesis? We prioritized literature specific to human development, the organogenesis window in the first trimester and non-embryolethal mechanisms. OUTCOMES As a result of our review of the literature on five exposures considered harmful in the first trimester, we developed four analytic strategies to address first trimester placental mechanisms in birth cohort studies: placental transfer and direct effects on the foetus (DES and maternal adiposity), indirect effects through targeted placental molecular pathways (DES and phthalates), pre-placental effects through disruptions in embryonic and extraembryonic tissue layer differentiation (folic acid deficiency), and multi-step mechanisms that involve maternal, placental and foetal immune function and inflammation (DES and CMV). WIDER IMPLICATIONS The significance of this review is to offer a causal approach to classify the large number of potentially harmful exposures in pregnancy when the exposure occurs in the first trimester. Our review will facilitate future research by advancing knowledge of the first trimester mechanisms necessary for researchers to effectively associate environmental exposures with child health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer J Adibi
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alexander J Layden
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rahel L Birru
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alexandra Miragaia
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Xiaoshuang Xun
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Megan C Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Qing Yin
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Thomas G O’Connor
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Emily S Barrett
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Nathaniel W Snyder
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shyamal Peddada
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Queens Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
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20
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Fowden AL, Camm EJ, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Effects of Maternal Obesity On Placental Phenotype. Curr Vasc Pharmacol 2021; 19:113-131. [PMID: 32400334 DOI: 10.2174/1570161118666200513115316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of obesity is rising rapidly worldwide with the consequence that more women are entering pregnancy overweight or obese. This leads to an increased incidence of clinical complications during pregnancy and of poor obstetric outcomes. The offspring of obese pregnancies are often macrosomic at birth although there is also a subset of the progeny that are growth-restricted at term. Maternal obesity during pregnancy is also associated with cardiovascular, metabolic and endocrine dysfunction in the offspring later in life. As the interface between the mother and fetus, the placenta has a central role in programming intrauterine development and is known to adapt its phenotype in response to environmental conditions such as maternal undernutrition and hypoxia. However, less is known about placental function in the abnormal metabolic and endocrine environment associated with maternal obesity during pregnancy. This review discusses the placental consequences of maternal obesity induced either naturally or experimentally by increasing maternal nutritional intake and/or changing the dietary composition. It takes a comparative, multi-species approach and focusses on placental size, morphology, nutrient transport, metabolism and endocrine function during the later stages of obese pregnancy. It also examines the interventions that have been made during pregnancy in an attempt to alleviate the more adverse impacts of maternal obesity on placental phenotype. The review highlights the potential role of adaptations in placental phenotype as a contributory factor to the pregnancy complications and changes in fetal growth and development that are associated with maternal obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Fowden
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - E J Camm
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - A N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
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21
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Barrett E, Loverin A, Wang H, Carlson M, Larsen TD, Almeida MM, Whitman J, Baack ML, Joss-Moore LA. Uteroplacental Insufficiency with Hypoxia Upregulates Placental PPARγ-KMT5A Axis in the Rat. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:1476-1488. [PMID: 33398850 PMCID: PMC8215892 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00434-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The placenta represents a critical node in fetal lipid acquisition, yet the mechanisms by which the placenta handles lipids under normal and pathologic conditions are incompletely understood. A key player in placental lipid handling is peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). PPARγ influences global gene expression via its regulation of the epigenetic modifier lysine methyltransferase 5A (KMT5A), which places a methyl group on histone 4 lysine 20 (H4K20me) of target genes. Here we test the hypothesis that KMT5A is present in both the human and rat placentas and is affected by uteroplacental insufficiency (UPI) in the rat in association with increased placental lipid accumulation. We assessed levels and localization of KMT5A, as well as lipid droplet accumulation, in human placental tissue collected from maternal donors after delivery by planned cesarean section. Using a rat model of UPI, we also evaluated the effects of UPI on lipid accumulation, PPARγ, KMT5A, and H4K20me in the rat placenta. In this study, we show for the first time the presence and activity of KMT5A, in human and in rat placentas. We also demonstrate that in the rat placenta, UPI increases hypoxia, KMT5a expression, and activity in association with increased lipid accumulation in placenta supporting male fetuses. Placental PPARγ-KMT5A axis may be an important mediator of placental lipid handling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Barrett
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84109, USA
| | - Amy Loverin
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84109, USA
| | - Haimei Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, UT, 84108, Salt Lake City, USA
| | | | - Tricia D Larsen
- Environmental Influences on Health and Disease, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA
| | - Mariana M Almeida
- Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jenna Whitman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, UT, 84108, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - Michelle L Baack
- Environmental Influences on Health and Disease, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA
| | - Lisa A Joss-Moore
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, UT, 84108, Salt Lake City, USA.
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22
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Powell TL, Barner K, Madi L, Armstrong M, Manke J, Uhlson C, Jansson T, Ferchaud-Roucher V. Sex-specific responses in placental fatty acid oxidation, esterification and transfer capacity to maternal obesity. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2021; 1866:158861. [PMID: 33321178 PMCID: PMC11247378 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2020.158861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Fatty acid metabolism and oxidation capacity in the placenta, which likely affects the rate and composition of lipid delivered to the fetus remains poorly understood. Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are critical for fetal growth and brain development. We determined the impact of maternal obesity on placental fatty acid oxidation, esterification and transport capacity by measuring PhosphatidylCholine (PC) and LysoPhosphatidylCholine (LPC) containing DHA by mass spectrometry in mother-placenta-baby triads as well as placental free carnitine and acylcarnitine metabolites in women with normal and obese pre-pregnancy BMI. Placental protein expression of enzymes involved in beta-oxidation and esterification pathways, MFSD2a (lysophosphatidylcholine transporter) and OCTN2 (carnitine transporter) expression in syncytiotrophoblast microvillous (MVM) and basal (BM) membranes were determined by Western Blot. Maternal obesity was associated with decreased umbilical cord plasma DHA in LPC and PC fractions in male, but not female, fetuses. Basal membrane MFSD2a protein expression was increased in placenta of males of obese mothers. In female placentas, despite an increased MVM OCTN2 expression, maternal obesity was associated with a reduced MUFA-carnitine levels and increased esterification enzymes. We speculate that lower DHA-PL in fetal circulation of male offspring of obese mothers, despite a significant increase in transporter expression for LPC-DHA, may lead to low DHA needed for brain development contributing to neurological consequences that are more prevalent in male children. Female placentas likely have reduced beta-oxidation capacity and appear to store FA through greater placental esterification, suggesting impaired placenta function and lipid transfer in female placentas of obese mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa L Powell
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kelsey Barner
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Lana Madi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Michael Armstrong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jonathan Manke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Charis Uhlson
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Véronique Ferchaud-Roucher
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; University of Nantes, INRAe UMR1280 PhAN, Physiopathology of Nutritional Adaptations, CHU Nantes University Hospital, CRNH Ouest, 44000 Nantes, France.
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23
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Placental mobilization of free fatty acids contributes to altered materno-fetal transfer in obesity. Int J Obes (Lond) 2021; 45:1114-1123. [PMID: 33637949 PMCID: PMC8081658 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-021-00781-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic changes in obese pregnant women, such as changes of plasma lipids beyond physiological levels, may subsequently affect fetal development in utero. These metabolic derangements may remain in the offspring and continue throughout life. The placenta mediates bidirectional exchange of nutrients between mother and fetus. The impact of prepregnancy obesity on placental transfer of lipids is still unknown. OBJECTIVE We aimed to examine materno-to-fetal free fatty acid (FFA) transfer by a combined experimental and modeling approach. Flux of 13C-labeled FFA was evaluated by ex vivo perfusion of human placentae as a function of prepregnancy obesity. Mathematical modeling complemented ex vivo results by providing FFA kinetic parameters. RESULTS Obesity was strongly associated with elevated materno-to-fetal transfer of applied 13C-FFA. Clearance of polyunsaturated 13C-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was most prominently affected. The use of the mathematical model revealed a lower tissue storage capacity for DHA in obese compared with lean placentae. CONCLUSION Besides direct materno-to-fetal FFA transfer, placental mobilization accounts for the fetal FA supply. Together, with metabolic changes in the mother and an elevated materno-fetal FFA transfer shown in obesity, these changes suggest that they may be transmitted to the fetus, with yet unknown consequences.
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24
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Hu M, Li J, Baker PN, Tong C. Revisiting preeclampsia: a metabolic disorder of the placenta. FEBS J 2021; 289:336-354. [PMID: 33529475 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity worldwide, impacting the long-term health of both mother and offspring. PE has long been characterized by deficient trophoblast invasion into the uterus and consequent placental hypoperfusion, yet the upstream causative factors and effective interventional targets for PE remain unknown. Alterations in the metabolism of preeclamptic placentas are thought to result from placental ischemia, while disturbances of the metabolism and of metabolites in PE pathogenesis are largely ignored. In fact, as one of the largest fetal organs at birth, the placenta consumes a considerable amount of glucose and fatty acid. Increasing evidence suggests glucose and fatty acid exist as energy substrates and regulate placental development through bioactive derivates. Moreover, recent findings have revealed that the placental metabolism adapts readily to environmental changes, altering its response to nutrients and endocrine signals; this adaptability optimizes pregnancy outcomes by diversifying available carbon sources for energy production, hormone synthesis, angiogenesis, immune activation, and tolerance, and fetoplacental growth. These observations raise the possibility that carbohydrate and lipid metabolism abnormalities play a role in both the etiology and clinical progression of PE, sparking a renewed interest in the interrelationship between PE and metabolic dysregulation. This review will focus on key metabolic substrates and regulatory molecules in the placenta and aim to provide novel insights with respect to the metabolism's role in modulating placental development and functions. Further investigations from this perspective are poised to decipher the etiology of PE and suggest potential therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyu Hu
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, China
| | - Ji Li
- Department of Surgery, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | - Chao Tong
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, China
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25
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Álvarez D, Muñoz Y, Ortiz M, Maliqueo M, Chouinard-Watkins R, Valenzuela R. Impact of Maternal Obesity on the Metabolism and Bioavailability of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding. Nutrients 2020; 13:nu13010019. [PMID: 33374585 PMCID: PMC7822469 DOI: 10.3390/nu13010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal and postnatal development are closely related to healthy maternal conditions that allow for the provision of all nutritional requirements to the offspring. In this regard, an appropriate supply of fatty acids (FA), mainly n-3 and n-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), is crucial to ensure a normal development, because they are an integral part of cell membranes and participate in the synthesis of bioactive molecules that regulate multiple signaling pathways. On the other hand, maternal obesity and excessive gestational weight gain affect FA supply to the fetus and neonate, altering placental nutrient transfer, as well as the production and composition of breast milk during lactation. In this regard, maternal obesity modifies FA profile, resulting in low n-3 and elevated n-6 PUFA levels in maternal and fetal circulation during pregnancy, as well as in breast milk during lactation. These modifications are associated with a pro-inflammatory state and oxidative stress with short and long-term consequences in different organs of the fetus and neonate, including in the liver, brain, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue. Altogether, these changes confer to the offspring a higher risk of developing obesity and its complications, as well as neuropsychiatric disorders, asthma, and cancer. Considering the consequences of an abnormal FA supply to offspring induced by maternal obesity, we aimed to review the effects of obesity on the metabolism and bioavailability of FA during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with an emphasis on LCPUFA homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Álvarez
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Laboratory, West Division, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile; (D.Á.); (Y.M.); (M.O.); (M.M.)
| | - Yasna Muñoz
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Laboratory, West Division, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile; (D.Á.); (Y.M.); (M.O.); (M.M.)
| | - Macarena Ortiz
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Laboratory, West Division, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile; (D.Á.); (Y.M.); (M.O.); (M.M.)
| | - Manuel Maliqueo
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Laboratory, West Division, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile; (D.Á.); (Y.M.); (M.O.); (M.M.)
| | - Raphaël Chouinard-Watkins
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S1A8, Canada;
| | - Rodrigo Valenzuela
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S1A8, Canada;
- Nutrition Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +56-2-9786746
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26
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Bidne KL, Rister AL, McCain AR, Hitt BD, Dodds ED, Wood JR. Maternal obesity alters placental lysophosphatidylcholines, lipid storage, and the expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism‡. Biol Reprod 2020; 104:197-210. [PMID: 33048132 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dyslipidemia is a characteristic of maternal obesity and previous studies have demonstrated abnormalities in fatty acid oxidation and storage in term placentas. However, there is little information about the effect of pre-pregnancy obesity on placental lipid metabolism during early pregnancy. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between lipid profiles and markers of metabolism in placentas from obese and lean dams at midgestation. Mice were fed a western diet (WD) or normal diet (ND) and lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs) and/or phosphatidylcholines (PCs) were measured in dam circulation and placenta sections using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and mass spectrometry imaging, respectively. In WD dam, circulating LPCs containing 16:1, 18:1, 20:0, and 20:3 fatty acids were increased and 18:2 and 20:4 were decreased. In WD placenta from both sexes, LPC 18:1 and PC 36:1 and 38:3 were increased. Furthermore, there were moderate to strong correlations between LPC 18:1, PC 36:1, and PC 38:3. Treatment-, spatial-, and sex-dependent differences in LPC 20:1 and 20:3 were also detected. To identify genes that may regulate diet-dependent differences in placenta lipid profiles, the expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism and nutrient transport was measured in whole placenta and isolated labyrinth using droplet digital PCR and Nanostring nCounter assays. Several apolipoproteins were increased in WD placentas. However, no differences in nutrient transport or fatty acid metabolism were detected. Together, these data indicate that lipid storage is increased in midgestation WD placentas, which may lead to lipotoxicity, altered lipid metabolism and transport to the fetus later in gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie L Bidne
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Alana L Rister
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Andrea R McCain
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Brianna D Hitt
- Department of Statistics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Eric D Dodds
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA.,Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Jennifer R Wood
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
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27
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FATP2-targeted therapies - A role beyond fatty liver disease. Pharmacol Res 2020; 161:105228. [PMID: 33027714 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Fatty acid transport protein 2 (FATP2) is a multifunctional protein whose specific function is determined by the type of located cell, its intracellular location, or organelle-specific interactions. In the different diseases setting, a newfound appreciation for the biological function of FATP2 has come into view. Two main functions of FATP2 are to activate long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) as a very long-chain acyl-coenzyme A (CoA) synthetase (ACSVL) and to transport LCFAs as a fatty acid transporter. FATP2 is not only involved in the occurrence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but also plays an important role in lithogenic diet-induced cholelithiasis, the formation of cancer tumor immunity, the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and the regulation of zoledronate-induced nephrotoxicity. Herein, we review the updated information on the role of FATP2 in related diseases. In particular, we discuss the new functions of FATP2 and propose that FATP2 is a potential clinical biomarker and therapeutic target. In conclusion, regulatory strategies for FATP2 may bring new treatment options for cancer and lipid metabolism-related disorders.
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28
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Shrestha N, Ezechukwu HC, Holland OJ, Hryciw DH. Developmental programming of peripheral diseases in offspring exposed to maternal obesity during pregnancy. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2020; 319:R507-R516. [PMID: 32877239 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00214.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is an increasing global health epidemic that affects all ages, including women of reproductive age. During pregnancy, maternal obesity is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes that lead to complications for the mother. In addition, maternal obesity can increase the risk of poor perinatal outcomes for the infant due to altered development. Recent research has investigated the effects of maternal obesity on peripheral organ development and health in later life in offspring. In this review, we have summarized studies that investigated the programming effects of maternal obesity before and during pregnancy on metabolic, cardiovascular, immune, and microbiome perturbations in offspring. Epidemiological studies investigating the effects of maternal obesity on offspring development can be complex due to other copathologies and genetic diversity. Animal studies have provided some insights into the specific mechanisms and pathways involved in programming peripheral disease risk. The effects of maternal obesity during pregnancy on offspring development are often sex specific, with sex-specific changes in placental transport and function suggestive that this organ is likely to play a central role. We believe that this review will assist in facilitating future investigations regarding the underlying mechanisms that link maternal obesity and offspring disease risk in peripheral organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirajan Shrestha
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Henry C Ezechukwu
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, EKO University of Medicine and Health Science, Ijanikin, Nigeria
| | - Olivia J Holland
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia.,Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Deanne H Hryciw
- Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia.,School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia.,Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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29
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Placental function in maternal obesity. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020; 134:961-984. [PMID: 32313958 DOI: 10.1042/cs20190266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Maternal obesity is associated with pregnancy complications and increases the risk for the infant to develop obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease later in life. However, the mechanisms linking the maternal obesogenic environment to adverse short- and long-term outcomes remain poorly understood. As compared with pregnant women with normal BMI, women entering pregnancy obese have more pronounced insulin resistance, higher circulating plasma insulin, leptin, IGF-1, lipids and possibly proinflammatory cytokines and lower plasma adiponectin. Importantly, the changes in maternal levels of nutrients, growth factors and hormones in maternal obesity modulate placental function. For example, high insulin, leptin, IGF-1 and low adiponectin in obese pregnant women activate mTOR signaling in the placenta, promoting protein synthesis, mitochondrial function and nutrient transport. These changes are believed to increase fetal nutrient supply and contribute to fetal overgrowth and/or adiposity in offspring, which increases the risk to develop disease later in life. However, the majority of obese women give birth to normal weight infants and these pregnancies are also associated with activation of inflammatory signaling pathways, oxidative stress, decreased oxidative phosphorylation and lipid accumulation in the placenta. Recent bioinformatics approaches have expanded our understanding of how maternal obesity affects the placenta; however, the link between changes in placental function and adverse outcomes in obese women giving birth to normal sized infants is unclear. Interventions that specifically target placental function, such as activation of placental adiponectin receptors, may prevent the transmission of metabolic disease from obese women to the next generation.
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30
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Rani A, Chavan-Gautam P, Mehendale S, Wagh G, Mani NS, Joshi S. Region-specific changes in the mRNA and protein expression of LCPUFA biosynthesis enzymes and transporters in the placentae of women with preeclampsia. Placenta 2020; 95:33-43. [PMID: 32452400 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The biosynthesis and transport of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) require the activity of fatty acid desaturase (FADS) enzymes, fatty acid transport proteins (FATP) and fatty acid binding proteins (FABP). In a previous study we have demonstrated region-specific changes in the LCPUFA levels in preeclampsia (PE) as compared to the normotensive control (NC) placentae. AIM To understand the region-specific changes in the mRNA levels and protein expression of biosynthesis enzymes and transporters of LCPUFA in PE and NC placentae. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 20 NC women and 44 women with PE (23 term (TPE) and 21 preterm PE (PTPE)) were recruited. The samples were collected from four regions of the placentae considering cord insertion as the center (CM, central maternal/basal; CF, central fetal/chorionic; PM, peripheral maternal/basal and PF, peripheral fetal/chorionic). The mRNA levels were estimated using qRT-PCR. Statistical analysis was done using both post hoc least significant difference (LSD) test and Benjamini Hochberg correction in the analysis of covariance. Preliminarily, localization and expression of proteins were studied by immunohistochemistry (n = 3/group). RESULTS The mRNA levels of FADS1, FADS2 and FATP1 were lower in the central regions (CM and CF) of the PE placentae (both TPE and PTPE) as compared to NC. These differences in the mRNA levels were observed by the LSD test and were not significant after the Benjamini Hochberg correction. Preliminary findings of IHC indicate that the protein expression of FADS1 and FATP4 was higher in the basal regions (CM and PM) of the PE placentae as compared to NC. FADS1, FADS2 and FATP4 proteins were localized in the syncytiotrophoblasts, cytotrophoblasts, mesenchymal cells, endothelial cells of the fetal capillaries and extravillous trophoblasts of the placenta. CONCLUSION FADS enzymes are detected in the placentae of Indian women. In PE placentae, there are region-specific alterations in the mRNA and protein levels of LCPUFA biosynthesis enzymes (FADS1 and FADS2) and transporters (FATP1, FATP4 and FABP3) as compared to term NC. These changes were more pronounced toward the basal side and region around the cord insertion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alka Rani
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, India
| | - Preeti Chavan-Gautam
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
| | - Savita Mehendale
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Medical College and Bharati Hospital, Pune, India
| | - Girija Wagh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Medical College and Bharati Hospital, Pune, India
| | | | - Sadhana Joshi
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, India.
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31
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Helle E, Priest JR. Maternal Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus as Risk Factors for Congenital Heart Disease in the Offspring. J Am Heart Assoc 2020; 9:e011541. [PMID: 32308111 PMCID: PMC7428516 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.119.011541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common anatomical malformation occurring live‐born infants and an increasing cause of morbidity and mortality across the lifespan and throughout the world. Population‐based observations have long described associations between maternal cardiometabolic disorders and the risk of CHD in the offspring. Here we review the epidemiological evidence and clinical observations relating maternal obesity and diabetes mellitus to the risk of CHD offspring with particular attention to mechanistic models of maternal‐fetal risk transmission and first trimester disturbances of fetal cardiac development. A deeper understanding of maternal risk factors holds the potential to improve both prenatal detection of CHD by identifying at‐risk pregnancies, along with primary prevention of disease by improving preconception and prenatal treatment of at‐risk mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmi Helle
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program Faculty of Medicine University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland.,Pediatric Cardiology Children's Hospital, and Pediatric Research Center Helsinki University Hospital University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - James R Priest
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology) Stanford University School of Medicine Stanford CA.,Chan-Zuckerberg Biohub San Francisco CA
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32
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Duttaroy AK, Basak S. Maternal dietary fatty acids and their roles in human placental development. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2020; 155:102080. [PMID: 32120190 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2020.102080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Fatty acids are essential for feto-placental growth and development. Maternal fatty acids and their metabolites are involved in every stage of pregnancy by supporting cell growth and development, cell signaling, and modulating other critical aspects of structural and functional processes. Early placentation process is critical for placental growth and function. Several fatty acids modulate angiogenesis as observed by increased tube formation and secretion of angiogenic growth factors in first-trimester human placental trophoblasts. Long-chain fatty acids stimulate angiogenesis in these cells via vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4), fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs), or eicosanoids. Inadequate placental angiogenesis and trophoblast invasion of the maternal decidua and uterine spiral arterioles leads to structural and functional deficiency of placenta, which contributes to preeclampsia, pre-term intrauterine growth restriction, and spontaneous abortion and also affects overall fetal growth and development. During the third trimester of pregnancy, placental preferential transport of maternal plasma long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids is of critical importance for fetal growth and development. Fatty acids cross the placental microvillous and basal membranes by mainly via plasma membrane fatty acid transport system (FAT, FATP, p-FABPpm, & FFARs) and cytoplasmic FABPs. Besides, a member of the major facilitator superfamily-MFSD2a, present in the placenta is involved in the supply of DHA to the fetus. Maternal factors such as diet, obesity, endocrine, inflammation can modulate the expression and activity of the placental fatty acid transport activity and thereby impact feto-placental growth and development. In this review, we discuss the maternal dietary fatty acids, and placental transport and metabolism, and their roles in placental growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asim K Duttaroy
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway.
| | - Sanjay Basak
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India
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33
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James-Allan LB, Teal S, Powell TL, Jansson T. Changes in Placental Nutrient Transporter Protein Expression and Activity Across Gestation in Normal and Obese Women. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:1758-1769. [PMID: 32072607 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00173-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Fetal growth and development are dependent on placental nutrient transport. The syncytiotrophoblast (ST) and its two polarized plasma membranes, the maternal-facing microvillous membrane (MVM) and fetal-facing basal membrane (BM), represent the primary barrier in the human placenta, controlling transplacental transfer of small solutes. MVM and BM nutrient transporter expression and activity are increased in obese mothers delivering large babies. However, placental nutrient transporter expression and activity in early gestation in normal and obese women are largely unknown. Placentas from normal BMI and obese women at 6-24 weeks of gestation, and term placentas from normal BMI women, were collected and ST plasma membranes isolated. The activity and protein expression of amino acid, glucose, and fatty acid transporters was assessed. No significant differences were observed in placental nutrient transporter protein expression between normal BMI and obese women in early pregnancy. In the MVM, system A amino acid activity (p = 0.02), SNAT2 (p < 0.0001), SNAT4 (p < 0.001), and GLUT1 (p = 0.01) protein expression were higher at term compared with early gestation. In contrast, MVM system L activity (p = 0.001), FATP4 (p = 0.03), and FATP6 (p = 0.009) protein expression were lower at term compared with early pregnancy. In the BM, there was no change in system L activity across gestation; however, BM FATP6 (p = 0.002) protein expression was lower at term compared with early pregnancy. These results suggest that placental transport of amino acids, glucose, and fatty acids are subjected to coordinated regulation across gestation to meet a fetal nutrient demand that changes with advancing pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura B James-Allan
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Stephanie Teal
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Chassen S, Jansson T. Complex, coordinated and highly regulated changes in placental signaling and nutrient transport capacity in IUGR. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165373. [PMID: 30684642 PMCID: PMC6650384 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The most common cause of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in the developed world is placental insufficiency, a concept often used synonymously with reduced utero-placental and umbilical blood flows. However, placental insufficiency and IUGR are associated with complex, coordinated and highly regulated changes in placental signaling and nutrient transport including inhibition of insulin and mTOR signaling and down-regulation of specific amino acid transporters, Na+/K+-ATPase, the Na+/H+-exchanger, folate and lactate transporters. In contrast, placental glucose transport capacity is unaltered and Ca2+-ATPase activity and the expression of proteins involved in placental lipid transport are increased in IUGR. These findings are not entirely consistent with the traditional view that the placenta is dysfunctional in IUGR, but rather suggest that the placenta adapts to reduce fetal growth in response to an inability of the mother to allocate resources to the fetus. This new model has implications for the understanding of the mechanisms underpinning IUGR and for the development of intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Chassen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA.
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35
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Weinheimer C, Wang H, Comstock JM, Singh P, Wang Z, Locklear BA, Goodwin KL, Maschek JA, Cox JE, Baack ML, Joss-Moore LA. Maternal Tobacco Smoke Exposure Causes Sex-Divergent Changes in Placental Lipid Metabolism in the Rat. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:631-643. [PMID: 32046449 PMCID: PMC7539808 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-019-00065-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Maternal tobacco smoke exposure (MTS) affects fetal acquisition of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) and increases the risk of obesity and cardio-metabolic disease in the offspring. Alterations in fetal LCPUFA acquisition in maternal smoking are mediated by the placenta. The handling of LCPUFA by the placenta involves protein-mediated transfer and storage. Molecular mediators of placental LCPUFA handling include PPARγ and the fatty acid transport proteins. We previously demonstrated, in a rat model, that MTS results in programming of adult-onset obesity and metabolic disease in male, but not female, offspring. In this study, we test the hypothesis that in utero MTS exposure alters placental structure, placental LCPUFA handling, and fetal fatty acid levels, in a sex-divergent manner. We exposed pregnant rats to tobacco smoke from embryonic day 11 to term gestation. We measured placental and fetal fatty acid profiles, the systolic/diastolic ratio (SD ratio), placental histology, and expression of molecular mediators in the placenta. Our primary finding is that MTS alters fatty acid profiles in male, but not female fetuses and placenta, including increasing the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. MTS also increased SD ratio in male, but not female placenta. In contrast, the expression of PPARγ and FATPs was upregulated in female, but not male placenta. We conclude that MTS causes sex-divergent changes in placental handling of LCPUFA in the rat. We speculate that our results demonstrate an adaptive response to MTS by the female placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Weinheimer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA
| | - Haimei Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA
| | | | - Purneet Singh
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA
| | - Zhengming Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA
| | - Brent A Locklear
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA
| | - Kasi L Goodwin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA
| | - J Alan Maschek
- Health Science Center Cores, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - James E Cox
- Health Science Center Cores, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Lisa A Joss-Moore
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA.
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Castillo-Castrejon M, Jansson T, Powell TL. No evidence of attenuation of placental insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation and amino acid transport in maternal obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2019; 317:E1037-E1049. [PMID: 31573844 PMCID: PMC6962503 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00196.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancies complicated by obesity and/or gestational diabetes (GDM) are associated with peripheral insulin resistance; however, the insulin responsiveness of the placenta in these pregnancy complications remains largely unknown. We tested the hypothesis that primary human trophoblast cells and placental villous explants will be insulin responsive, characterized by amino acid transport, Akt and Erk activity with maternal obesity, and/or GDM. We evaluated term placentas from women with normal body mass index (BMI) (normal; n = 15), obesity (OB; n = 11), normal BMI with GDM (N-GDM; n = 11), and obesity with GDM (OB-GDM; n = 11). In a subgroup, primary human trophoblast cells (PHT) were isolated, and in an independent subgroup placental villous explants were exposed to varying concentrations of insulin. Amino acid transport capacity and insulin signaling activity were determined. Insulin significantly increased amino acid transport activity to a similar degree in PHT cells isolated from normal (+21%), N-GDM (+38%), OB (+37%), and OB-GDM (+35%) pregnancies. Insulin increased Akt and Erk phosphorylation in PHT cells (3-fold) and in villous explants (2-fold) in all groups to a similar degree. In contrast to the peripheral maternal insulin resistance commonly associated with obesity and/or GDM, we found that the placenta is insulin sensitive in these pregnancy complications. We suggest that elevated maternal insulin levels in pregnancies complicated by obesity and/or GDM promote critical placental functions, including amino acid transport. Insulin-stimulated placental nutrient delivery may contribute to the increased risk of fetal overgrowth and adiposity in these pregnancies. Moreover, our findings may inform efforts to optimize insulin regimens for women with GDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisol Castillo-Castrejon
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
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37
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Barta E. Transport of Docosahexaenoic Acid via the Human Placenta: A Theoretical Study. J Membr Biol 2019; 252:617-626. [PMID: 31555851 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-019-00097-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The high demand of the fetus for Docosahexaenoic acid, DHA, is satisfied by a concert of several mechanisms that take place in the placental terminal villi. Scarcity of laboratory data makes the detailed description of these mechanisms elusive. Here, the DHA transport across the placenta is modeled as a boundary value problem that accounts for diffusion, reactions with fatty acids binding proteins, FABPs, and metabolic consumption within the Syncytiotrophoblast, ST. For any given DHA fluxes at the bordering membranes, analytical and numerical solutions yield the DHA concentration profile within the ST. We find that in order to comply with adequate DHA delivery to the fetus and with physiological DHA concentrations in the maternal and fetal circulations, it is essential to have a significant rise of DHA concentration at the microvillus membrane, MVM and a rapid dissociation of the DHA from the FABP. The model establishes the relations between the concentrations of the FABPs in the ST, their equilibrium dissociation constant from the DHA, and the placental DHA metabolic degradation rate, hitherto unknown. We conclude that the bound (to the protein) DHA molecule is degraded at a rate of 0.3-0.45 s-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efrath Barta
- Bar-Code Computers Ltd., POB 2013, 3912001, Tirat-Carmel, Israel.
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Sureshchandra S, Marshall NE, Messaoudi I. Impact of pregravid obesity on maternal and fetal immunity: Fertile grounds for reprogramming. J Leukoc Biol 2019; 106:1035-1050. [PMID: 31483523 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.3ri0619-181r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal pregravid obesity results in several adverse health outcomes during pregnancy, including increased risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, placental abruption, and complications at delivery. Additionally, pregravid obesity and in utero exposure to high fat diet have been shown to have detrimental effects on fetal programming, predisposing the offspring to adverse cardiometabolic, endocrine, and neurodevelopmental outcomes. More recently, a deeper appreciation for the modulation of offspring immunity and infectious disease-related outcomes by maternal pregravid obesity has emerged. This review will describe currently available animal models for studying the impact of maternal pregravid obesity on fetal immunity and review the data from clinical and animal model studies. We also examine the burden of pregravid obesity on the maternal-fetal interface and the link between placental and systemic inflammation. Finally, we discuss future studies needed to identify key mechanistic underpinnings that link maternal inflammatory changes and fetal cellular reprogramming events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhas Sureshchandra
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Nicole E Marshall
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Ilhem Messaoudi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
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James-Allan LB, Arbet J, Teal SB, Powell TL, Jansson T. Insulin stimulates GLUT4 trafficking to the syncytiotrophoblast basal plasma membrane in the human placenta. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:4225-4238. [PMID: 31112275 PMCID: PMC6688457 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2018-02778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Placental transport capacity influences fetal glucose supply. The syncytiotrophoblast is the transporting epithelium in the human placenta, expressing glucose transporters (GLUT) and insulin receptors (IR) in its maternal-facing microvillous (MVM) and fetal-facing basal plasma membrane (BM). OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the expression of the insulin-sensitive GLUT4 glucose transporter and IR in the syncytiotrophoblast plasma membranes across gestation in normal pregnancy and in pregnancies complicated by maternal obesity and (2) assess the effect of insulin on GLUT4 plasma membrane trafficking in human placental explants. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS Placental tissue was collected across gestation from women with normal body mass index (BMI) and obese mothers with appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and macrosomic infants. MVM and BM were isolated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Protein expression of GLUT4, GLUT1 and IR were determined by western blot. RESULTS GLUT4 was exclusively expressed in the BM and IR was predominantly expressed in the MVM, with increasing expression across gestation. BM GLUT1 expression was increased and BM GLUT4 expression was decreased in obese women delivering macrosomic babies. In placental villous explants incubation with insulin stimulated Akt (S473) phosphorylation (+76%, p=0.0003, n=13) independent of maternal BMI and increased BM GLUT4 protein expression (+77%, p=0.0013, n=7) in placentas from lean but not obese women. CONCLUSION We propose that maternal insulin stimulates placental glucose transport by promoting GLUT4 trafficking to the BM, which may enhance glucose transfer to the fetus in response to postprandial hyperinsulinemia in women with normal BMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura B James-Allan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Laura B. James-Allan, PhD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, Colorado 80045. E-mail:
| | - Jaron Arbet
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Stephanie B Teal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
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40
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Ferchaud-Roucher V, Barner K, Jansson T, Powell TL. Maternal obesity results in decreased syncytiotrophoblast synthesis of palmitoleic acid, a fatty acid with anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing properties. FASEB J 2019; 33:6643-6654. [PMID: 30811959 PMCID: PMC6463919 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201802444r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The fetus is dependent on delivery of fatty acids (FAs) by the syncytiotrophoblast, the transporting epithelium of the human placenta. Obese pregnant women have dyslipidemia; however, whether obesity impacts placental lipid transport and metabolism remains to be fully established. Palmitoleic acid (POA), an FA with anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing properties, is synthesized from palmitic acid (PA) catalyzed by stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase (SCD) activity. We hypothesized that the uptake and incorporation of FAs and POA synthesis are reduced in primary human trophoblasts (PHTs) isolated from pregnancies complicated by maternal obesity. Villous cytotrophoblasts were isolated from 7 placentas of obese [body mass index (BMI) = 37.5 ± 1.9] and 12 normal (BMI = 23.6 ± 0.6) mothers. FA uptake and incorporation were assessed using uniformly labeled (U[13C])-FA mixtures of PA, oleic acid (OA), linoleic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid. Cellular [13C] FAs were quantified both in total cellular lipids and in lipid classes by GC-MS. Uptake and incorporation of [13C] FAs in total cellular lipids were not different in PHTs isolated from obese mothers compared with normal mothers. Only the concentration of OA was increased in the triglyceride fraction (P < 0.05) if the mother was obese. We found an isotopic enrichment of POA after U[13C]-PA treatment, demonstrating SCD activity in PHT cells. Labeled POA content and the POA:PA ratio were significantly lower in PHTs isolated from placentas of obese mothers compared with normal, healthy controls. Decreased syncytiotrophoblast POA synthesis may contribute to insulin resistance and low-grade inflammation in the mother, placenta, or fetus (or a combination of the 3) in pregnancies complicated by obesity.-Ferchaud-Roucher, V., Barner, K., Jansson, T., Powell, T. L. Maternal obesity results in decreased syncytiotrophoblast synthesis of palmitoleic acid, a fatty acid with anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Ferchaud-Roucher
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Kelsey Barner
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Theresa L. Powell
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Gázquez A, Prieto-Sánchez MT, Blanco-Carnero JE, Ruíz-Palacios M, Nieto A, van Harskamp D, Oosterink JE, Schierbeek H, van Goudoever JB, Demmelmair H, Koletzko B, Larqué E. Altered materno-fetal transfer of 13C-polyunsaturated fatty acids in obese pregnant women. Clin Nutr 2019; 39:1101-1107. [PMID: 31029479 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2019.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Maternal obesity at conception is considered a major predictor of offspring obesity. This could by driven at least in part by an altered placental fat transfer. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms involved are not fully understood. We investigated the in vivo materno-fetal transfer of fatty acids (FAs) in obese pregnant women using stable isotopes. METHODS Ten obese and ten normo-weight pregnant women (control) received orally a bolus of 13C-labeled FAs 12 h before elective caesarean section: oleic acid (13C-OA), linoleic acid (13C-LA) and docosahexaenoic acid (13C-DHA). Maternal blood samples were collected at -12 (basal), -8, -4, -2, 0 h relative to the time of cesarean section. At the time of birth, arterial and venous cord bloods as well as placental tissue were collected. FAs composition was determined by gas-liquid chromatography and isotopic enrichment by gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry. RESULTS Maternal plasma insulin and placental weight tended to higher values in obese pregnant women although they did not present serum hyperlipidemia. Higher concentrations of 13C-LA and 13C-DHA were found in non-esterified FAs fraction in maternal plasma of obese mothers. The ratio of placental uptake for 13C-LA and 13C-DHA was lower in obese women compared to normal weight pointing toward a limited capacity of FA placental transfer, especially of essential FAs. Maternal insulin was associated to this lower placenta/maternal plasma ratio for both 13C-LA (R = -0.563, P = 0.012) and 13C-DHA (R = -0.478, P = 0.033). In addition, the ratio cord/maternal plasma of 13C-LA was significantly lower in obese women compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, obese mothers without hyperlipidemia showed a reduced materno-fetal transfer of polyunsaturated FAs which could affect fetal development. This affect dietary recommendation for obese pregnant women. TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER ISRCTN69794527.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gázquez
- LMU - Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Division of Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Munich, Germany; Department of Physiology, School of Biology, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University Clinical Hospital "Virgen de la Arrixaca", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - M T Prieto-Sánchez
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University Clinical Hospital "Virgen de la Arrixaca", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - J E Blanco-Carnero
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University Clinical Hospital "Virgen de la Arrixaca", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - M Ruíz-Palacios
- Department of Physiology, School of Biology, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University Clinical Hospital "Virgen de la Arrixaca", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - A Nieto
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University Clinical Hospital "Virgen de la Arrixaca", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - D van Harskamp
- Department of Paediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J E Oosterink
- Department of Paediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - H Schierbeek
- Department of Paediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J B van Goudoever
- Department of Paediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Paediatrics, Free University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - H Demmelmair
- LMU - Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Division of Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - B Koletzko
- LMU - Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Division of Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - E Larqué
- Department of Physiology, School of Biology, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University Clinical Hospital "Virgen de la Arrixaca", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
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Zhao Q, Yang D, Gao L, Zhao M, He X, Zhu M, Tian C, Liu G, Li L, Hu C. Downregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma in the placenta correlates to hyperglycemia in offspring at young adulthood after exposure to gestational diabetes mellitus. J Diabetes Investig 2019; 10:499-512. [PMID: 30187673 PMCID: PMC6400209 DOI: 10.1111/jdi.12928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS/INTRODUCTION Children who are exposed to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in utero are at high risk of developing related illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus in young adulthood, but the underlying mechanism and related predictive biomarkers are not known. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present study identified the related biomarkers of hyperglycemia in young adults from the relationship between fetal blood glucose and placental lipid transporters at messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein expression levels. We recruited patients from a prospective cohort, and determined the mRNA and protein levels of placental fatty acid transporters. Diet-induced mouse models of GDM were established, and the mRNA and protein levels of the same transporters in placentas were validated. RESULTS Only the mRNA levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma correlated with the levels of neonatal blood glucose in GDM patients using linear regression and Spearman's correlation analyses (r = 0.774, P = 0.001). The mRNA levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, matrix metalloproteinase-2 and fatty acid transport protein-6 correlated with blood glucose levels in mouse offspring (r = 0.82, P = 0.001, r = 0.737, P = 0.006 and r = -0.891, P = 0.001, respectively) at young adulthood using the same analyses. Notably, we observed significantly higher blood glucose levels in GDM offspring at 12 weeks-of-age compared with the control and rosiglitazone-supplemented groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The downregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma in the placenta might predict hyperglycemia in offspring at young adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihong Zhao
- Department of Nutrition and Food HygieneSchool of Public HealthAnhui Medical UniversityAnhuiHefeiChina
| | - Dong Yang
- Department of Nutrition and Food HygieneSchool of Public HealthAnhui Medical UniversityAnhuiHefeiChina
| | - Lei Gao
- Department of Nutrition and Food HygieneSchool of Public HealthAnhui Medical UniversityAnhuiHefeiChina
| | - Mingqiu Zhao
- Department of Nutrition and Food HygieneSchool of Public HealthAnhui Medical UniversityAnhuiHefeiChina
| | - Xiujie He
- Department of Nutrition and Food HygieneSchool of Public HealthAnhui Medical UniversityAnhuiHefeiChina
| | - Meng Zhu
- Department of Nutrition and Food HygieneSchool of Public HealthAnhui Medical UniversityAnhuiHefeiChina
| | - Chaoqing Tian
- Department of Nutrition and Food HygieneSchool of Public HealthAnhui Medical UniversityAnhuiHefeiChina
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Nutrition and Food HygieneSchool of Public HealthAnhui Medical UniversityAnhuiHefeiChina
| | - Li Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food HygieneSchool of Public HealthAnhui Medical UniversityAnhuiHefeiChina
| | - Chuanlai Hu
- Department of Nutrition and Food HygieneSchool of Public HealthAnhui Medical UniversityAnhuiHefeiChina
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Ferchaud-Roucher V, Kramer A, Silva E, Pantham P, Weintraub ST, Jansson T, Powell TL. A potential role for lysophosphatidylcholine in the delivery of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids to the fetal circulation. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2019; 1864:394-402. [PMID: 30572119 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Ferchaud-Roucher
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Anita Kramer
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Elena Silva
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Priyadarshini Pantham
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Susan T Weintraub
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Lewis RM, Childs CE, Calder PC. New perspectives on placental fatty acid transfer. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2018; 138:24-29. [PMID: 30392577 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The human foetus depends on placental transfer for the fatty acids required for its growth and development. Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) may specifically influence neurodevelopment. Therefore, it is important to understand the mechanisms of placental transfer of LC-PUFAs. The simple view of placental fatty acid transfer is that it occurs by diffusion down the maternal to foetal gradient, facilitated by membrane transporters. This view has been complicated by studies highlighting the role of placental metabolism in fatty acid transfer. Most fatty acids taken up by the placenta will be esterified and incorporated into lipid rather than diffusing directly across to the foetus. Furthermore, this esterification is likely to mean that placental intracellular "free" fatty acid concentrations are lower than in foetal plasma which would not be conducive to simple diffusion of fatty acids to the foetus. Placental structure poses additional questions, in particular how fatty acids cross the hydrophilic villous stroma separating the trophoblast from the endothelium and how they cross the endothelium itself. The understanding of placental fatty acid transfer needs to evolve to address these questions. The role of the placenta is not simply to mediate solute transfer; it is also a central endocrine organ of pregnancy. Placental-derived lipid mediators, such as prostaglandins, have well-established roles in parturition and, almost certainly, throughout gestation. Metabolic targeting of specific fatty acids to different lipid pools in the placenta may determine their availability as both nutrients and signalling molecules. Placental transfer will determine fatty acid availability within the foetus as well as influencing maternal levels. Fatty acids and their derivatives may also act as signals to the placenta indicating metabolic states in both mother and foetus. Placental uptake and metabolism of LC-PUFAs are important to meet both foetal and placental demands. This paper will review placental fatty acid transfer and metabolism and highlight issues which need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan M Lewis
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP 887, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, United Kingdom.
| | - Caroline E Childs
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP 887, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, United Kingdom
| | - Philip C Calder
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, MP 887, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, United Kingdom; NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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Kolahi KS, Valent AM, Thornburg KL. Real-time microscopic assessment of fatty acid uptake kinetics in the human term placenta. Placenta 2018; 72-73:1-9. [PMID: 30501875 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2018.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The placenta employs an efficient and selective fatty acid transport system to supply lipids for fetal development. Disruptions in placental fatty acid transport lead to restricted fetal growth along with cardiovascular and neurologic deficits. Nevertheless, little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved in human placental fatty acid trafficking during the initial steps of uptake, or the importance of fatty acid chain length in determining uptake rates. METHODS We employed BODIPY fluorophore conjugated fatty acid analogues of three chain lengths, medium (BODIPY-C5), long (BODIPY-C12), and very-long (BODIPY-C16), to study fatty acid uptake in isolated human trophoblast and explants using confocal microscopy. The three BODIPY-labeled fatty acids were added to freshly isolated explants and tracked for up to 30 min. Fatty acid uptake kinetics were quantified in trophoblast (cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast together) and the fetal capillary lumen. RESULTS Long- (BODIPY-C12) and Very long-chain (BODIPY-C16) fatty acids accumulated more rapidly in the trophoblast layer than did medium-chain (BODIPY-C5) whereas BODIPY-C5 accumulated more rapidly in the fetal capillary than did the longer chain length fatty acids. The long-chain fatty acids, BODIPY-C12 and BODIPY-C16, are esterified and stored in lipid droplets in the cytotrophoblast layer, but medium-chain fatty acid, BODIPY-C5, is not. DISCUSSION Fatty acids accumulate in trophoblast and fetal capillaries inversely according to their chain length. BODIPY-C5 accumulates in the fetal capillary in concentrations far greater than in the trophoblast, suggesting that medium-chain length BODIPY-labeled fatty acids are capable of being transported against a concentration gradient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin S Kolahi
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Center for Developmental Health, Knight Cardiovascular Institute Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Amy M Valent
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Center for Developmental Health, Knight Cardiovascular Institute Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Kent L Thornburg
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Center for Developmental Health, Knight Cardiovascular Institute Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
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Delhaes F, Giza SA, Koreman T, Eastabrook G, McKenzie CA, Bedell S, Regnault TRH, de Vrijer B. Altered maternal and placental lipid metabolism and fetal fat development in obesity: Current knowledge and advances in non-invasive assessment. Placenta 2018; 69:118-124. [PMID: 29907450 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2018.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal maternal lipid profiles, a hallmark of increased maternal adiposity, are associated with pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, and offspring long-term metabolic health is impacted as the consequence of altered fetal growth, physiology and often iatrogenic prematurity. The metabolic changes associated with maternal obesity and/or the consumption of a high-fat diet effecting maternal lipid profiles and metabolism have also been documented to specifically affect placental function and may underlie changes in fetal development and life course disease risk. The placenta plays a critical role in mediating nutritional signals between the fetus and the mother. As obesity rates in women of reproductive age continue to increase, it is becoming evident that inclusion of new technologies that allow for a better understanding of early changes in placental lipid transport and metabolism, non-invasively in maternal circulation, maternal tissues, placenta, fetal circulation and fetal tissues are needed to aid timely clinical diagnosis and treatment for obesity-associated diseases. This review describes pregnancy lipid homeostasis, with specific reference to changes arising from altered maternal body composition on placental and fetal lipid transport and metabolism. Current technologies for lipid assessments, such as metabolomics and lipidomics may be impacted by labour or mode of delivery and are only reflective of a single time point. This review further addresses how established and novel technologies for assessing lipids and their metabolism non-invasively and during the course of pregnancy may guide future research into the effect of maternal metabolic health on pregnancy outcome, placenta and fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavien Delhaes
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Stephanie A Giza
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Tianna Koreman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Genevieve Eastabrook
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute and Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Charles A McKenzie
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute and Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Samantha Bedell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Timothy R H Regnault
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute and Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Barbra de Vrijer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute and Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.
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Glastras SJ, Chen H, Pollock CA, Saad S. Maternal obesity increases the risk of metabolic disease and impacts renal health in offspring. Biosci Rep 2018; 38:BSR20180050. [PMID: 29483369 PMCID: PMC5874265 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20180050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 02/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity, together with insulin resistance, promotes multiple metabolic abnormalities and is strongly associated with an increased risk of chronic disease including type 2 diabetes (T2D), hypertension, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The incidence of obesity continues to rise in astronomical proportions throughout the world and affects all the different stages of the lifespan. Importantly, the proportion of women of reproductive age who are overweight or obese is increasing at an alarming rate and has potential ramifications for offspring health and disease risk. Evidence suggests a strong link between the intrauterine environment and disease programming. The current review will describe the importance of the intrauterine environment in the development of metabolic disease, including kidney disease. It will detail the known mechanisms of fetal programming, including the role of epigenetic modulation. The evidence for the role of maternal obesity in the developmental programming of CKD is derived mostly from our rodent models which will be described. The clinical implication of such findings will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Glastras
- Department of Medicine, Kolling Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Hui Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
| | - Carol A Pollock
- Department of Medicine, Kolling Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sonia Saad
- Department of Medicine, Kolling Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Alterations in placental long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism in human intrauterine growth restriction. Clin Sci (Lond) 2018; 132:595-607. [PMID: 29463583 DOI: 10.1042/cs20171340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Fatty acids (FA) are critical for fetal brain development and are transferred across the placenta by membrane-bound FA transport proteins (FATP), translocases (FAT/CD36), and cytosolic binding proteins (FABP). The cytosolic protein perilipin-2 aids in neutral lipid storage within lipid droplets. Decreased placental nutrient transport is believed to contribute to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR); however, IUGR placental lipid transport and metabolism are poorly understood. We hypothesized that protein expression of FATPs, FABPs, and perilipin-2 in human placenta is decreased and placental lipid content and incorporation into lipid classes are reduced in IUGR. Placental tissue of idiopathic IUGR (n=25) and gestational age-matched, appropriately grown for gestational age (AGA) fetuses (n=19) was collected. We determined protein expression of FABP4 and perilipin-2 in placental homogenate and FATPs (2, 4, 6, CD36) in syncytiotrophoblast microvillous plasma membrane (MVM) by Western blot. Lipid droplet area (Oil Red O stain) and cellular FA content (GC/MS) were measured in chorionic villous tissue. MVM expression of FATP6 and CD36 was significantly increased in IUGR. The concentrations of seven n-6 and n-3 species long chain polyunsaturated FAs (LCPUFA) were significantly increased in the triglyceride fraction in IUGR vs AGA placenta. In summary, MVM FATP6 and CD36 protein expression is increased and LCPUFA are preferentially routed toward cellular storage in TG in the IUGR placenta, possibly to protect against oxidative stress associated with cellular FA accumulation. We speculate that these changes may be caused by impaired efflux of FA across the fetal-facing syncytiotrophoblast basal plasma membrane in IUGR placenta.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review outlines recent advances in placental lipid transport in relation to maternal metabolic status and pregnancy outcome. A particular focus of this review will be on the way these findings may influence our understanding of placental transfer of the essential fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which is crucial for fetal neurodevelopment and of lipid transfer as a predisposing factor for childhood obesity. RECENT FINDINGS Placental metabolism may determine the quantity and composition of fatty acids delivered to the fetus. Maternal factors, such as obesity, appear to regulate placental lipid metabolism and may influence fatty acids delivery to the fetus. Although the role of placental metabolism is now recognized, new evidence also suggests important roles for nontraditional fatty acid transporters such as Mfsd2a which facilitates transfer of DHA. SUMMARY Placental lipid metabolism is likely to be a determinant of placental transfer of fatty acids to the fetus. Maternal conditions, such as obesity, have now been shown to regulate placental lipid metabolism and thus may influence fatty acid transfer and fetal development. However, it is not yet clear how regulation of placental lipid metabolism affects fatty acid delivery to the fetus and its long-term health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan M Lewis
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, England, UK
| | - Christian Wadsack
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz
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Lager S, Ramirez VI, Acosta O, Meireles C, Miller E, Gaccioli F, Rosario FJ, Gelfond JAL, Hakala K, Weintraub ST, Krummel DA, Powell TL. Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation in Pregnancy Modulates Placental Cellular Signaling and Nutrient Transport Capacity in Obese Women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2017; 102:4557-4567. [PMID: 29053802 PMCID: PMC5718695 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2017-01384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Context Maternal obesity in pregnancy has profound impacts on maternal metabolism and promotes placental nutrient transport, which may contribute to fetal overgrowth in these pregnancies. The fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has bioactive properties that may improve outcomes in obese pregnant women by modulating placental function. Objective To determine the effects of DHA supplementation in obese pregnant women on maternal metabolism and placental function. Design Pregnant women were supplemented with DHA or placebo. Maternal fasting blood was collected at 26 and 36 weeks' gestation, and placentas were collected at term. Setting Academic health care institution. Subjects Thirty-eight pregnant women with pregravid body mass index ≥30 kg/m2. Intervention DHA (800 mg, algal oil) or placebo (corn/soy oil) daily from 26 weeks to term. Main Outcomes DHA content of maternal erythrocyte and placental membranes, maternal fasting blood glucose, cytokines, metabolic hormones, and circulating lipids were determined. Insulin, mTOR, and inflammatory signaling were assessed in placental homogenates, and nutrient transport capacity was determined in isolated syncytiotrophoblast plasma membranes. Results DHA supplementation increased erythrocyte (P < 0.0001) and placental membrane DHA levels (P < 0.0001) but did not influence maternal inflammatory status, insulin sensitivity, or lipids. DHA supplementation decreased placental inflammation, amino acid transporter expression, and activity (P < 0.01) and increased placental protein expression of fatty acid transporting protein 4 (P < 0.05). Conclusions Maternal DHA supplementation in pregnancy decreases placental inflammation and differentially modulates placental nutrient transport capacity and may mitigate adverse effects of maternal obesity on placental function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Lager
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Vanessa I Ramirez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center
| | - Ometeotl Acosta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center
| | - Christiane Meireles
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center
| | - Evelyn Miller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center
| | - Francesca Gaccioli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Fredrick J Rosario
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
| | - Jonathan A L Gelfond
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center
| | - Kevin Hakala
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Health Science Center
| | - Susan T Weintraub
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Health Science Center
| | | | - Theresa L Powell
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
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