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Adamo KB, Goudreau AD, Corson AE, MacDonald ML, O'Rourke N, Tzaneva V. Physically active pregnancies: Insights from the placenta. Physiol Rep 2024; 12:e16104. [PMID: 38872466 PMCID: PMC11176744 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.16104] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Physical activity (PA) positively influences pregnancy, a critical period for health promotion, and affects placental structure and function in ways previously overlooked. Here, we summarize the current body of literature examining the association between PA, placenta biology, and physiology while also highlighting areas where gaps in knowledge exist. PA during pregnancy induces metabolic changes, influencing nutrient availability and transporter expression in the placenta. Hormones and cytokines secreted during PA contribute to health benefits, with intricate interactions in pro- and anti-inflammatory markers. Extracellular vesicles and placental "-omics" data suggest that gestational PA can shape placental biology, affecting gene expression, DNA methylation, metabolite profiles, and protein regulation. However, whether cytokines that respond to PA alter placental proteomic profiles during pregnancy remains to be elucidated. The limited research on placenta mitochondria of physically active gestational parents (gesP), has shown improvements in mitochondrial DNA and antioxidant capacity, but the relationship between PA, placental mitochondrial dynamics, and lipid metabolism remains unexplored. Additionally, PA influences the placenta-immune microenvironment, angiogenesis, and may confer positive effects on neurodevelopment and mental health through placental changes, vascularization, and modulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Ongoing exploration is crucial for unraveling the multifaceted impact of PA on the intricate placental environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi B Adamo
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexandra D Goudreau
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Abbey E Corson
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meaghan L MacDonald
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicholas O'Rourke
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Velislava Tzaneva
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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2
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Barbosa PO, Tanus-Santos JE, Cavalli RDC, Bengtsson T, Montenegro MF, Sandrim VC. The Nitrate-Nitrite-Nitric Oxide Pathway: Potential Role in Mitigating Oxidative Stress in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy. Nutrients 2024; 16:1475. [PMID: 38794713 PMCID: PMC11124146 DOI: 10.3390/nu16101475] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypertensive diseases of pregnancy (HDPs) represent a global clinical challenge, affecting 5-10% of women and leading to complications for both maternal well-being and fetal development. At the heart of these complications is endothelial dysfunction, with oxidative stress emerging as a pivotal causative factor. The reduction in nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability is a vital indicator of this dysfunction, culminating in blood pressure dysregulation. In the therapeutic context, although antihypertensive medications are commonly used, they come with inherent concerns related to maternal-fetal safety, and a percentage of women do not respond to these therapies. Therefore, alternative strategies that directly address the pathophysiology of HDPs are required. This article focuses on the potential of the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway, abundantly present in dark leafy greens and beetroot, as an alternative approach to treating HDPs. The objective of this review is to discuss the prospective antioxidant role of nitrate. We hope our discussion paves the way for using nitrate to improve endothelial dysfunction and control oxidative stress, offering a potential therapy for managing HDPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Oliveira Barbosa
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo—USP, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil; (P.O.B.)
| | - José E. Tanus-Santos
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo—USP, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil;
| | - Ricardo de Carvalho Cavalli
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo—USP, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil; (P.O.B.)
| | - Tore Bengtsson
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcelo F. Montenegro
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
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3
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Gonzalez TL, Wertheimer S, Flowers AE, Wang Y, Santiskulvong C, Clark EL, Jefferies CA, Lawrenson K, Chan JL, Joshi NV, Zhu Y, Tseng HR, Karumanchi SA, Williams III J, Pisarska MD. High-throughput mRNA-seq atlas of human placenta shows vast transcriptome remodeling from first to third trimester†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:936-949. [PMID: 38271627 PMCID: PMC11094392 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The placenta, composed of chorionic villi, changes dramatically across gestation. Understanding differences in ongoing pregnancies are essential to identify the role of chorionic villi at specific times in gestation and develop biomarkers and prognostic indicators of maternal-fetal health. The normative mRNA profile is established using next-generation sequencing of 124 first trimester and 43 third trimester human placentas from ongoing healthy pregnancies. Stably expressed genes (SEGs) not different between trimesters and with low variability are identified. Differential expression analysis of first versus third trimester adjusted for fetal sex is performed, followed by a subanalysis with 23 matched pregnancies to control for subject variability using the same genetic and environmental background. Placenta expresses 14,979 polyadenylated genes above sequencing noise (transcripts per million > 0.66), with 10.7% SEGs across gestation. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) account for 86.7% of genes in the full cohort [false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05]. Fold changes highly correlate between the full cohort and subanalysis (Pearson = 0.98). At stricter thresholds (FDR < 0.001, fold change > 1.5), there remains 50.1% DEGs (3353 upregulated in first and 4155 upregulated in third trimester). This is the largest mRNA atlas of healthy human placenta across gestation, controlling for genetic and environmental factors, demonstrating substantial changes from first to third trimester in chorionic villi. Specific differences and SEGs may be used to understand the specific role of the chorionic villi throughout gestation and develop first trimester biomarkers of placental health that transpire across gestation, which can be used for future development of biomarkers for maternal-fetal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania L Gonzalez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sahar Wertheimer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Amy E Flowers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yizhou Wang
- Department of Computational Biomedicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chintda Santiskulvong
- CS Cancer Applied Genomics Shared Resource, CS Cancer, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ekaterina L Clark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Caroline A Jefferies
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Kao Autoimmune Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kate Lawrenson
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Center for Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Women’s Cancer Research Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jessica L Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nikhil V Joshi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yazhen Zhu
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- California NanoSystems Institute, Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hsian-Rong Tseng
- California NanoSystems Institute, Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - John Williams III
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Margareta D Pisarska
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Lekva T, Sundaram AYF, Roland MCP, Åsheim J, Michelsen AE, Norwitz ER, Aukrust P, Gilfillan GD, Ueland T. Platelet and mitochondrial RNA is decreased in plasma-derived extracellular vesicles in women with preeclampsia-an exploratory study. BMC Med 2023; 21:458. [PMID: 37996819 PMCID: PMC10666366 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-03178-x] [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: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) are increased in preeclampsia (PE) and are associated with severity and progression. We examined in this exploratory cohort study if the mRNAs and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in plasma-derived EVs were dysregulated in PE compared to normal pregnancy and display different temporal patterns during gestation. METHODS We isolated EVs from plasma at weeks 22-24 and 36-38 in women with and without PE (n=7 in each group) and performed RNA-seq, focusing on mRNAs and lncRNAs. We validated highly expressed mitochondrial and platelet-derived RNAs discovered from central pathways in 60 women with/without PE. We examined further one of the regulated RNAs, noncoding mitochondrially encoded tRNA alanine (MT-TA), in leukocytes and plasma to investigate its biomarker potential and association with clinical markers of PE. RESULTS We found abundant levels of platelet-derived and mitochondrial RNAs in EVs. Expression of these RNAs were decreased and lncRNAs increased in EVs from PE compared to without PE. These findings were further validated by qPCR for mitochondrial RNAs MT-TA, MT-ND2, MT-CYB and platelet-derived RNAs PPBP, PF4, CLU in EVs. Decreased expression of mitochondrial tRNA MT-TA in leukocytes at 22-24 weeks was strongly associated with the subsequent development of PE. CONCLUSIONS Platelet-derived and mitochondrial RNA were highly expressed in plasma EVs and were decreased in EVs isolated from women with PE compared to without PE. LncRNAs were mostly increased in PE. The MT-TA in leukocytes may be a useful biomarker for prediction and/or early detection of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tove Lekva
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Arvind Y Fm Sundaram
- Department Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - June Åsheim
- Department Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Annika E Michelsen
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Pål Aukrust
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Section of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gregor D Gilfillan
- Department Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thor Ueland
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- K. G. Jebsen Thrombosis Research and Expertise Center, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
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Chatterjee P, Holody CD, Kirschenman R, Graton ME, Spaans F, Phillips TJ, Case CP, Bourque SL, Lemieux H, Davidge ST. Sex-Specific Effects of Prenatal Hypoxia and a Placental Antioxidant Treatment on Cardiac Mitochondrial Function in the Young Adult Offspring. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13624. [PMID: 37686430 PMCID: PMC10487956 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713624] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal hypoxia is associated with placental oxidative stress, leading to impaired fetal growth and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in the adult offspring; however, the mechanisms are unknown. Alterations in mitochondrial function may result in impaired cardiac function in offspring. In this study, we hypothesized that cardiac mitochondrial function is impaired in adult offspring exposed to intrauterine hypoxia, which can be prevented by placental treatment with a nanoparticle-encapsulated mitochondrial antioxidant (nMitoQ). Cardiac mitochondrial respiration was assessed in 4-month-old rat offspring exposed to prenatal hypoxia (11% O2) from gestational day (GD)15-21 receiving either saline or nMitoQ on GD 15. Prenatal hypoxia did not alter cardiac mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation capacity in the male offspring. In females, the NADH + succinate pathway capacity decreased by prenatal hypoxia and tended to be increased by nMitoQ. Prenatal hypoxia also decreased the succinate pathway capacity in females. nMitoQ treatment increased respiratory coupling efficiency in prenatal hypoxia-exposed female offspring. In conclusion, prenatal hypoxia impaired cardiac mitochondrial function in adult female offspring only, which was improved with prenatal nMitoQ treatment. Therefore, treatment strategies targeting placental oxidative stress in prenatal hypoxia may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in adult offspring by improving cardiac mitochondrial function in a sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulami Chatterjee
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (R.K.); (M.E.G.); (F.S.)
- Women and Children’s Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (S.L.B.); (H.L.)
| | - Claudia D. Holody
- Faculty Saint-Jean, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada;
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Raven Kirschenman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (R.K.); (M.E.G.); (F.S.)
- Women and Children’s Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (S.L.B.); (H.L.)
| | - Murilo E. Graton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (R.K.); (M.E.G.); (F.S.)
- Women and Children’s Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (S.L.B.); (H.L.)
| | - Floor Spaans
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (R.K.); (M.E.G.); (F.S.)
- Women and Children’s Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (S.L.B.); (H.L.)
| | - Tom J. Phillips
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK;
| | - C. Patrick Case
- Musculoskeletal Research Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK;
| | - Stephane L. Bourque
- Women and Children’s Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (S.L.B.); (H.L.)
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Hélène Lemieux
- Women and Children’s Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (S.L.B.); (H.L.)
- Faculty Saint-Jean, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada;
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Sandra T. Davidge
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (R.K.); (M.E.G.); (F.S.)
- Women and Children’s Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (S.L.B.); (H.L.)
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6
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Gonzalez TL, Wertheimer S, Flowers AE, Wang Y, Santiskulvong C, Clark EL, Jefferies CA, Lawrenson K, Chan JL, Joshi NV, Zhu Y, Tseng HR, Karumanchi SA, Williams J, Pisarska MD. High-throughput mRNA-seq atlas of human placenta shows vast transcriptome remodeling from first to third trimester. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.06.543972. [PMID: 37333287 PMCID: PMC10274746 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.06.543972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Background The placenta, composed of chorionic villi, changes dramatically across gestation. Understanding differences in ongoing pregnancies are essential to identify the role of chorionic villi at specific times in gestation and develop biomarkers and prognostic indicators of maternal- fetal health. Methods The normative mRNA profile is established using next-generation sequencing of 124 first trimester and 43 third trimester human placentas from ongoing healthy pregnancies. Stably expressed genes not different between trimesters and with low variability are identified. Differential expression analysis of first versus third trimester adjusted for fetal sex is performed, followed by a subanalysis with 23 matched pregnancies to control for subject variability using the same genetic and environmental background. Results Placenta expresses 14,979 mRNAs above sequencing noise (TPM>0.66), with 1,545 stably expressed genes across gestation. Differentially expressed genes account for 86.7% of genes in the full cohort (FDR<0.05). Fold changes highly correlate between the full cohort and subanalysis (Pearson = 0.98). At stricter thresholds (FDR<0.001, fold change>1.5), there are 6,941 differentially expressed protein coding genes (3,206 upregulated in first and 3,735 upregulated in third trimester). Conclusion This is the largest mRNA atlas of healthy human placenta across gestation, controlling for genetic and environmental factors, demonstrating substantial changes from first to third trimester in chorionic villi. Specific differences and stably expressed genes may be used to understand the specific role of the chorionic villi throughout gestation and develop first trimester biomarkers of placental health that transpire across gestation, which can be used for future development of biomarkers in maternal-fetal disease.
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Giovarelli M, Serati A, Zecchini S, Guelfi F, Clementi E, Mandò C. Cryopreserved placental biopsies maintain mitochondrial activity for high-resolution respirometry. Mol Med 2023; 29:45. [PMID: 37013473 PMCID: PMC10069067 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00645-2] [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: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-resolution respirometry (HRR) of human biopsies can provide useful metabolic, diagnostic, and mechanistic insights for clinical research and comparative medical studies. Fresh tissues analysis offers the potential best condition, the drawback being the need to use them shortly after dissection for mitochondrial respiratory experiments. The development of effective long-term storage protocols for biopsies that allow the assessment of key Electron Transport System (ETS) parameters at later stages is thus a major need. METHODS We optimised a cryopreservation protocol that preserves mitochondrial membranes intactness, otherwise affected by direct tissue freezing. The protocol is based on a gradual freezing step from on-ice to liquid nitrogen and - 80 °C storage using a specific DMSO-based buffer. RESULTS Placenta is a suitable tissue to design and test the effectiveness of long-term storage protocols being metabolically active foetal tissue with mitochondrial dysfunctions contributing to placental disease and gestational disorders. Here we designed and tested the effectiveness of the cryopreservation protocol using human placenta biopsies; we measured the ETS activity by HRR of placenta specimens comparing fresh, cryopreserved, and snap frozen conditions. CONCLUSIONS By this protocol, Oxygen Consumption Rate (OCR) measurements of fresh and cryopreserved placental specimens are comparable whereas snap frozen procedure impairs mitochondrial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Giovarelli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157, Milan, Italy.
| | - Anais Serati
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Zecchini
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabiola Guelfi
- Department of Woman Mother and Neonate 'V. Buzzi' Children Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20154, Milan, Italy
| | - Emilio Clementi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157, Milan, Italy
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Via Don Luigi Monza 20, 23842, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Chiara Mandò
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157, Milan, Italy
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Salazar-Petres E, Pereira-Carvalho D, Lopez-Tello J, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Maternal and Intrauterine Influences on Feto-Placental Growth Are Accompanied by Sexually Dimorphic Changes in Placental Mitochondrial Respiration, and Metabolic Signalling Pathways. Cells 2023; 12:797. [PMID: 36899933 PMCID: PMC10000946 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Adverse maternal environments such as small size, malnutrition, and metabolic conditions are known to influence fetal growth outcomes. Similarly, fetal growth and metabolic alterations may alter the intrauterine environment and affect all fetuses in multiple gestation/litter-bearing species. The placenta is the site of convergence between signals derived from the mother and the developing fetus/es. Its functions are fuelled by energy generated by mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). The aim of this study was to delineate the role of an altered maternal and/or fetal/intrauterine environment in feto-placental growth and placental mitochondrial energetic capacity. To address this, in mice, we used disruptions of the gene encoding phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) p110α, a growth and metabolic regulator to perturb the maternal and/or fetal/intrauterine environment and study the impact on wildtype conceptuses. We found that feto-placental growth was modified by a perturbed maternal and intrauterine environment, and effects were most evident for wildtype males compared to females. However, placental mitochondrial complex I+II OXPHOS and total electron transport system (ETS) capacity were similarly reduced for both fetal sexes, yet reserve capacity was additionally decreased in males in response to the maternal and intrauterine perturbations. These were also sex-dependent differences in the placental abundance of mitochondrial-related proteins (e.g., citrate synthase and ETS complexes), and activity of growth/metabolic signalling pathways (AKT and MAPK) with maternal and intrauterine alterations. Our findings thus identify that the mother and the intrauterine environment provided by littermates modulate feto-placental growth, placental bioenergetics, and metabolic signalling in a manner dependent on fetal sex. This may have relevance for understanding the pathways leading to reduced fetal growth, particularly in the context of suboptimal maternal environments and multiple gestation/litter-bearing species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Salazar-Petres
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomás, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| | - Daniela Pereira-Carvalho
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Jorge Lopez-Tello
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Amanda N. Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
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9
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Placental Mitochondrial Function and Dysfunction in Preeclampsia. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044177. [PMID: 36835587 PMCID: PMC9963167 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a vital organ of pregnancy, regulating adaptation to pregnancy, gestational parent/fetal exchange, and ultimately, fetal development and growth. Not surprisingly, in cases of placental dysfunction-where aspects of placental development or function become compromised-adverse pregnancy outcomes can result. One common placenta-mediated disorder of pregnancy is preeclampsia (PE), a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy with a highly heterogeneous clinical presentation. The wide array of clinical characteristics observed in pregnant individuals and neonates of a PE pregnancy are likely the result of distinct forms of placental pathology underlying the PE diagnosis, explaining why no one common intervention has proven effective in the prevention or treatment of PE. The historical paradigm of placental pathology in PE highlights an important role for utero-placental malperfusion, placental hypoxia and oxidative stress, and a critical role for placental mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis and progression of the disease. In the current review, the evidence of placental mitochondrial dysfunction in the context of PE will be summarized, highlighting how altered mitochondrial function may be a common feature across distinct PE subtypes. Further, advances in this field of study and therapeutic targeting of mitochondria as a promising intervention for PE will be discussed.
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10
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Cosemans C, Wang C, Martens DS, Janssen BG, Vanpoucke C, Lefebvre W, Smeets K, Nawrot TS, Plusquin M. In Utero Exposure to Air Pollutants and Mitochondrial Heteroplasmy in Neonates. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:350-359. [PMID: 36516295 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c02556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria are sensitive to oxidative stress, which can be caused by traffic-related air pollution. Placental mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations have been previously linked with air pollution. However, the relationship between prenatal air pollution and cord-blood mtDNA mutations has been poorly understood. Therefore, we hypothesized that prenatal particulate matter (PM2.5) and NO2 exposures are associated with cord-blood mtDNA heteroplasmy. As part of the ENVIRONAGE cohort, 200 mother-newborn pairs were recruited. Cord-blood mitochondrial single-nucleotide polymorphisms were identified by whole mitochondrial genome sequencing, and heteroplasmy levels were evaluated based on the variant allele frequency (VAF). Outdoor PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations were determined by a high-resolution spatial-temporal interpolation method based on the maternal residential address. Distributed lag linear models were used to determine sensitive time windows for the association between NO2 exposure and cord-blood mtDNA heteroplasmy. A 5 μg/m3 increment in NO2 was linked with MT-D-Loop16311T>C heteroplasmy from gestational weeks 17-25. MT-CYTB14766C>T was negatively associated with NO2 exposure in mid pregnancy, from weeks 14-17, and positively associated in late pregnancy, from weeks 31-36. No significant associations were observed with prenatal PM2.5 exposure. This is the first study to show that prenatal NO2 exposure is associated with cord-blood mitochondrial mutations and suggests two critical windows of exposure in mid-to-late pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Cosemans
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Congrong Wang
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Dries S Martens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Bram G Janssen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Vanpoucke
- Belgian Interregional Environment Agency, IRCEL-CELINE, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wouter Lefebvre
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research, VITO, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Karen Smeets
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
- School of Public Health, Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Leuven University, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Michelle Plusquin
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
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11
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Shestakova MA, Vishnyakova PA, Fatkhudinov TK. Placenta: an organ with high energy requirements. RUDN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.22363/2313-0245-2022-26-4-353-363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Placenta is a unique organ, without which the very phenomenon of human pregnancy is impossible. Semiallogeneous nature, localization of the placenta, complex and heterogeneous cellular composition determines its complex and multifaceted role in the course of physiological pregnancy, indicates the importance of studying this organ in a number of reproductive pathologies. The purpose of this review was to analyze the literature sources illustrating the importance of energydependent processes in placental metabolism and to determine the molecular basis of placental energy conversion. Publications of foreign and Russian authors from PubMed database and scientific electronic library eLIBRARY.ru were used when writing the review. The review highlights the main functions of the placenta: transport and synthetic functions in terms of their place in the structure of energy expenditure of the organ. The systems by which the transport of ions and gases from maternal blood through the placental barrier is performed, are considered. The role of the placenta in the synthesis of steroid hormones and glucocorticoids is detailed. The main bioenergetic systems are also considered: placental glucose metabolism, the functional activity of mitochondria and the creatine kinase system of the placenta. These data allow us to put the placenta on a par with other organs with high energy requirements (brain, transverse striated skeletal muscles, heart, kidneys, liver), which are most susceptible to metabolic disorders. Maintaining a balance between expenditure and synthesis of macroergic compounds in the placenta is critical for an adequate course of physiological pregnancy, and imbalances can lead to such pathologies as fetal retardation syndrome or preeclampsia. Further study of placental energy supply systems seems important for understanding the mechanisms of intrauterine development disorders and developing their pathogenetic treatment.
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12
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Zych B, Górka A, Myszka A, Błoniarz D, Siekierzyńska A, Błaż W. Status of Oxidative Stress during Low-Risk Labour: Preliminary Data. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:157. [PMID: 36612477 PMCID: PMC9819319 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy and childbirth are associated with the forming of reactive oxygen species that generate oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a factor that may adversely affect the development of the fetus and the course of labour. Monitoring the parameters of oxidative stress can be used to assess the risk of health issues in the course of pregnancy and the condition of the newborn. Therefore, the analysis of oxidative stress in the physiological course of labour is the basis for understanding the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of miscarriages and neonatal health circumstances. The study aimed to assess oxidative stress of mother-child pairs in the venous blood and umbilical cord blood at the time of physiological labour. One hundred and sixty-eight mother-child pairs were recruited to donate the mother’s venous blood in the first stage of labour and the venous umbilical cord blood after the newborn’s birth. Total antioxidant status (TAS), the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) with cofactors (Zn, Cu, Mn) and the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were analysed in venous blood plasma and umbilical cord blood. TAS value (p = 0.034), GPx activity (p < 0.001) and Zn concentration (p = 0.007) were significantly lower in maternal blood plasma as compared to neonatal umbilical cord blood. However, the activity of SOD (p = 0.013) and the concentration of Cu (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the blood of mothers than of new-borns. The concentration of Mn in the plasma of the mother’s blood and the umbilical cord blood of the newborns was similar. Our research indicates higher levels of antioxidant enzyme (GPx) and total antioxidant potential (TAS) in umbilical cord blood compared to maternal blood, which may suggest depletion of redox reserves in women’s blood during labour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Zych
- Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, Warzywna 1a, 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Anna Górka
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Biology and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, University of Rzeszow, Pigonia 1, 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Aleksander Myszka
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, Warzywna 1a, 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Dominika Błoniarz
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Biology and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, University of Rzeszow, Pigonia 1, 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Siekierzyńska
- Department of Physiology and Plant Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Land Management and Environmental Protection, College of Natural Sciences, University of Rzeszow, Cwiklinskiej 2, 35-601 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Witold Błaż
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, Warzywna 1a, 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland
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13
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Purandare N, Kunji Y, Xi Y, Romero R, Gomez-Lopez N, Fribley A, Grossman LI, Aras S. Lipopolysaccharide induces placental mitochondrial dysfunction in murine and human systems by reducing MNRR1 levels via a TLR4-independent pathway. iScience 2022; 25:105342. [PMID: 36339251 PMCID: PMC9633742 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria play a key role in placental growth and development, and mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with inflammation in pregnancy pathologies. However, the mechanisms whereby placental mitochondria sense inflammatory signals are unknown. Mitochondrial nuclear retrograde regulator 1 (MNRR1) is a bi-organellar protein responsible for mitochondrial function, including optimal induction of cellular stress-responsive signaling pathways. Here, in a lipopolysaccharide-induced model of systemic placental inflammation, we show that MNRR1 levels are reduced both in mouse placental tissues in vivo and in human trophoblastic cell lines in vitro. MNRR1 reduction is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, enhanced oxidative stress, and activation of pro-inflammatory signaling. Mechanistically, we uncover a non-conventional pathway independent of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) that results in ATM kinase-dependent threonine phosphorylation that stabilizes mitochondrial protease YME1L1, which targets MNRR1. Enhancing MNRR1 levels abrogates the bioenergetic defect and induces an anti-inflammatory phenotype. We therefore propose MNRR1 as an anti-inflammatory therapeutic in placental inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeraja Purandare
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD 20892, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University; Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Yusef Kunji
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University; Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Yue Xi
- Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD 20892, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University; Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD 20892, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Andrew Fribley
- Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Lawrence I. Grossman
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD 20892, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University; Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Siddhesh Aras
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD 20892, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University; Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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14
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Cindrova-Davies T, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Human placental development and function. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 131:66-77. [PMID: 35393235 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The placenta is a transient fetal organ that plays a critical role in the health and wellbeing of both the fetus and its mother. Functionally, the placenta sustains the growth of the fetus as it facilitates delivery of oxygen and nutrients and removal of waste products. Not surprisingly, defective early placental development is the primary cause of common disorders of pregnancy, including recurrent miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, pre-eclampsia and stillbirth. Adverse pregnancy conditions will also affect the life-long health of the fetus via developmental programming[1]. Despite its critical importance in reproductive success and life-long health, our understanding of placental development is not extensive, largely due to ethical limitations to studying early or chronological placental development, lack of long-term in vitro models, or comparative animal models. In this review, we examine current knowledge of early human placental development, discuss the critical role of the maternal endometrium and of the fetal-maternal dialogue in pregnancy success, and we explore the latest models of trophoblast and endometrial stem cells. In addition, we discuss the role of oxygen in placental formation and function, how nutrient delivery is mediated during the periods of histotrophic nutrition (uptake of uterine secretions) and haemotrophic nutrition (exchange between the maternal and fetal circulations), and how placental endocrine function facilitates fetal growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Cindrova-Davies
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
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15
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Tarry-Adkins JL, Robinson IG, Reynolds RM, Aye ILMH, Charnock-Jones DS, Jenkins B, Koulmann A, Ozanne SE, Aiken CE. Impact of Metformin Treatment on Human Placental Energy Production and Oxidative Stress. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:935403. [PMID: 35784487 PMCID: PMC9247405 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.935403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin is increasingly prescribed in pregnancy, with beneficial maternal effects. However, it is not known how metformin-treatment impacts metabolism and energy production in the developing feto-placental unit. We assessed the human placental response to metformin using both in vivo and in vitro treated samples. trophoblasts were derived from placentas collected from non-laboured Caesarean deliveries at term, then treated in vitro with metformin (0.01 mM, 0.1 mM or vehicle). Metformin-concentrations were measured using liquid-chromatography mass-spectrometry. Oxygen consumption in cultured-trophoblasts was measured using a Seahorse-XF Mito Stress Test. Markers of oxidative-stress were assayed using qRT-PCR. Metformin-transporter mRNA and protein-levels were determined by quantitative RT-PCR and Western-blotting respectively. Metformin concentrations were also measured in sample trios (maternal plasma/fetal plasma/placental tissue) from pregnancies exposed to metformin on clinical-grounds. Maternal and fetal metformin concentrations in vivo were highly correlated over a range of concentrations (R2 = 0.76, p < 0.001; average fetal:maternal ratio 1.5; range 0.8-2.1). Basal respiration in trophoblasts was reduced by metformin treatment (0.01 mM metformin; p < 0.05, 0.1 mM metformin; p < 0.001). Mitochondrial-dependent ATP production and proton leak were reduced after treatment with metformin (p < 0.001). Oxidative stress markers were significantly reduced in primary-trophoblast-cultures following treatment with metformin. There is a close linear relationship between placental, fetal, and maternal metformin concentrations. Primary-trophoblast cultures exposed to clinically-relevant metformin concentrations have reduced mitochondrial-respiration, mitochondrial-dependent ATP-production, and reduced markers of oxidative-stress. Given the crucial role of placental energy-production in supporting fetal growth and well-being during pregnancy, the implications of these findings are concerning for intrauterine fetal growth and longer-term metabolic programming in metformin-exposed pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane L. Tarry-Adkins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - India G. Robinson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca M. Reynolds
- Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Irving L. M. H. Aye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - D. Stephen Charnock-Jones
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Jenkins
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Albert Koulmann
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Susan E. Ozanne
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine E. Aiken
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom,Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Catherine E. Aiken,
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16
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Preeclampsia complicates 5-10% of all pregnancies and is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. The placenta plays a pivotal role in determining pregnancy outcome by supplying the fetus with oxygen and nutrients and by synthesizing hormones. Placental function is highly dependent on energy supplied by mitochondria. It is well-known that preeclampsia is originated from placental dysfunction, although the etiology of it remains elusive. RECENT FINDINGS During the last three decades, substantial evidence suggests that mitochondrial abnormality is a major contributor to placental dysfunction. In addition, mitochondrial damage caused by circulating bioactive factors released from the placenta may cause endothelial dysfunction and subsequent elevation in maternal blood pressure. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of mitochondrial abnormality in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and discuss therapeutic approaches targeting mitochondria for treatment of preeclampsia.
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17
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Balogun K, Serghides L. Comparison of the Effects of Three Dual-Nucleos(t)ide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor Backbones on Placenta Mitochondria Toxicity and Oxidative Stress Using a Mouse Pregnancy Model. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:1063. [PMID: 35631648 PMCID: PMC9146125 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14051063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) are the backbone of HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART use in pregnancy has been associated with adverse birth outcomes, in part due to NRTI-induced mitochondrial toxicity. Direct comparison on the effects of commonly used dual-NRTI regimens on placental mitochondria toxicity in pregnancy is lacking. We compared zidovudine/lamivudine, abacavir/lamivudine, and tenofovir/emtricitabine using a mouse model and examined markers of placental mitochondrial function and oxidative stress. Zidovudine/lamivudine and abacavir/lamivudine were associated with lower fetal and placental weights compared to controls, whereas tenofovir/emtricitabine was associated with the least fetal and placental weight reduction, as well as lower resorption rates. Placental mitochondrial DNA content, as well as placental expression of cytochrome c-oxidase subunit-II, DNA polymerase gamma, and citrate synthase, was higher in tenofovir/emtricitabine-treated mice compared to other groups. Zidovudine/lamivudine-treated mice had elevated malondialdehyde levels (oxidative stress marker) compared to other groups and lower mRNA levels of manganese superoxide dismutase and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha in the placenta compared to tenofovir/emtricitabine-treated mice. We observed differences in effects between NRTI regimens on placental mitochondrial function and birth outcomes. Tenofovir/emtricitabine was associated with larger fetuses, increased mtDNA content, and higher expression of mitochondrial-specific antioxidant enzymes and mitochondrial biogenesis enzymes, whereas zidovudine/lamivudine was associated with markers of placental oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayode Balogun
- Saskatchewan Health Authority, Regina, SK S4S 0A5, Canada;
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8, Canada
| | - Lena Serghides
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Immunology and Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
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18
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Peng X, Hou R, Yang Y, Luo Z, Cao Y. Current Studies of Mitochondrial Quality Control in the Preeclampsia. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:836111. [PMID: 35295266 PMCID: PMC8920482 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.836111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are cellular energy powerhouses that play important roles in regulating cellular processes. Mitochondrial quality control (mQC), including mitochondrial biogenesis, mitophagy, mitochondrial fusion and fission, maintains physiological demand and adapts to changed conditions. mQC has been widely investigated in neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease and cancer because of the high demand for ATP in these diseases. Although placental implantation and fetal growth similarly require a large amount of energy, the investigation of mQC in placental-originated preeclampsia (PE) is limited. We elucidate mitochondrial morphology and function in different pregnancy stages, outline the role of mQC in cellular homeostasis and PE and summarize the current findings of mQC-related PE studies. This review also provides suggestions on the future investigation of mQC in PE, which will lead to the development of new prevention and therapy strategies for PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ruirui Hou
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanyuan Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhigang Luo
- Department of Cardiovascular, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Zhigang Luo
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Yunxia Cao
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19
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Aye IL, Aiken CE, Charnock-Jones DS, Smith GC. Placental energy metabolism in health and disease-significance of development and implications for preeclampsia. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 226:S928-S944. [PMID: 33189710 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The placenta is a highly metabolically active organ fulfilling the bioenergetic and biosynthetic needs to support its own rapid growth and that of the fetus. Placental metabolic dysfunction is a common occurrence in preeclampsia although its causal relationship to the pathophysiology is unclear. At the outset, this may simply be seen as an "engine out of fuel." However, placental metabolism plays a vital role beyond energy production and is linked to physiological and developmental processes. In this review, we discuss the metabolic basis for placental dysfunction and propose that the alterations in energy metabolism may explain many of the placental phenotypes of preeclampsia such as reduced placental and fetal growth, redox imbalance, oxidative stress, altered epigenetic and gene expression profiles, and the functional consequences of these aberrations. We propose that placental metabolic reprogramming reflects the dynamic physiological state allowing the tissue to adapt to developmental changes and respond to preeclampsia stress, whereas the inability to reprogram placental metabolism may result in severe preeclampsia phenotypes. Finally, we discuss common tested and novel therapeutic strategies for treating placental dysfunction in preeclampsia and their impact on placental energy metabolism as possible explanations into their potential benefits or harm.
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20
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Brunst KJ, Hsu HHL, Zhang L, Zhang X, Carroll KN, Just A, Coull BA, Kloog I, Wright RO, Baccarelli AA, Wright RJ. Prenatal particulate matter exposure and mitochondrial mutational load at the maternal-fetal interface: Effect modification by genetic ancestry. Mitochondrion 2022; 62:102-110. [PMID: 34785263 PMCID: PMC9175302 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal ambient particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure impacts infant development and alters placental mitochondrial DNA abundance. We investigated whether the timing of PM2.5 exposure predicts placental mitochondrial mutational load using NextGen sequencing in 283 multi-ethnic mother-infant dyads. We observed increased PM2.5exposure, particularly during mid- to late-pregnancy and among genes coding for NADH dehydrogenase and subunits of ATP synthase, was associated with a greater amount of nonsynonymous mutations. The strongest associations were observed for participants of African ancestry. Further work is needed to tease out the role of mitochondrial genetics and its impact on offspring development and emerging disease disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J Brunst
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 160 Panzeca Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
| | - Hsiao-Hsien Leon Hsu
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 17 East 102(nd) St. New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 160 Panzeca Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 160 Panzeca Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
| | - Kecia N Carroll
- Kravis Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 17 East 102(nd) St. New York, NY 10029, USA; Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 17 East 102(nd) St., New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Allan Just
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 17 East 102(nd) St. New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Brent A Coull
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 655 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Itai Kloog
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 17 East 102(nd) St. New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Geography and Environmental Development, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B 653, Beer Sheva, Israel.
| | - Robert O Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 17 East 102(nd) St. New York, NY 10029, USA; Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 17 East 102(nd) St., New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Andrea A Baccarelli
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Medical Center, 722 W 168(th) St. New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Rosalind J Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 17 East 102(nd) St. New York, NY 10029, USA; Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 17 East 102(nd) St., New York, NY 10029, USA.
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21
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Chae SA, Son JS, Du M. Prenatal exercise in fetal development: a placental perspective. FEBS J 2021; 289:3058-3071. [PMID: 34449982 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Maternal obesity (MO) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are common in Western societies, which impair fetal development and predispose offspring to metabolic dysfunction. Placenta is the organ linking the mother to her fetus, and MO suppresses the development of vascular system and expression of nutrient transporters in placenta, thereby affecting fetal development. For maintaining its proper physiological function, placenta is energy demanding, which is met through extensive oxidative phosphorylation. However, the oxidative capacity of placenta is suppressed due to MO and GDM. Recently, several studies showed that physical activity during pregnancy enhances oxidative metabolism and improves placental function, which might be partially mediated by exerkines, referring to cytokines elicited by exercise. In addition, as an endocrine organ, placenta secretes cytokines, termed placentokines, including apelin, superoxide dismutase 3, irisin, and adiponectin, which mediate fetal development and maternal metabolism. Possible molecular mechanisms linking maternal exercise and placentokines to placental and fetal development are further discussed. As an emerging field, up to now, available studies are limited, mostly conducted in rodents. Given the epidemics of obesity and metabolic disorders, as well as the prevalence of maternal sedentary lifestyle, the effects of exercise of pregnant women on placental function and placentokine secretion, as well as their impacts on fetal development, need to be further examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Ah Chae
- Nutrigenomics and Growth Biology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Jun Seok Son
- Laboratory of Perinatal Kinesioepigenetics, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Min Du
- Nutrigenomics and Growth Biology Laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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22
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Bartho LA, O'Callaghan JL, Fisher JJ, Cuffe JSM, Kaitu'u-Lino TJ, Hannan NJ, Clifton VL, Perkins AV. Analysis of mitochondrial regulatory transcripts in publicly available datasets with validation in placentae from pre-term, post-term and fetal growth restriction pregnancies. Placenta 2021; 112:162-171. [PMID: 34364121 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.07.303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The human placenta has a defined lifespan and placental aging is a key feature as pregnancy progresses. Placental aging and mitochondrial dysfunction are known to play a key role in pregnancy pathophysiology. Premature aging of the placenta has also been linked with placental dysfunction resulting in poor fetal development and premature birth. METHODS The expression of key mitochondrial-related genes were analysed in a series of publicly available databases then expression changes were validated in placental samples collected from term, pre-term, post-term pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction (FGR). Gene and protein expression levels of MFN1, MFN2, TFAM, TOMM20, OPA3 and SIRT4 were measured in placental tissues via qPCR and western blotting. RESULTS Initial analysis found that key mitochondrial transcripts related to biogenesis, bioenergetics and mitophagy clustered by pregnancy trimester. A refined list of 13 mitochondrial-related genes were investigated in additional external datasets of pregnancy complications. In the new cohort, protein expression of MFN1 was decreased in FGR and MFN2 is decreased in post-term placenta. Analysis of placental tissues revealed that TOMM20 gene and protein expression was altered in FGR and post-term placenta. DISCUSSION MFN1 and MFN2 play a major role in mitochondrial dynamics, and alterations in these markers have been highlighted in early unexplained miscarriage. TOMM20 is an importer protein that plays a major role in mitophagy and changes have also been identified in age-related diseases. Significant changes in MFN1, MFN2 and TOMM20 indicate that mitochondrial regulators play a critical role in placental aging and placental pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy A Bartho
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jessica L O'Callaghan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Joshua J Fisher
- Hunter Medical Research Institute and School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - James S M Cuffe
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tu'uhevaha J Kaitu'u-Lino
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Dept of Obstetrics and Gynaecology University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natalie J Hannan
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Dept of Obstetrics and Gynaecology University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vicki L Clifton
- Pregnancy and Development Group, Mater Research, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Anthony V Perkins
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland, Australia.
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23
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Olmos-Ortiz A, Flores-Espinosa P, Díaz L, Velázquez P, Ramírez-Isarraraz C, Zaga-Clavellina V. Immunoendocrine Dysregulation during Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: The Central Role of the Placenta. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8087. [PMID: 34360849 PMCID: PMC8348825 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a transitory metabolic condition caused by dysregulation triggered by intolerance to carbohydrates, dysfunction of beta-pancreatic and endothelial cells, and insulin resistance during pregnancy. However, this disease includes not only changes related to metabolic distress but also placental immunoendocrine adaptations, resulting in harmful effects to the mother and fetus. In this review, we focus on the placenta as an immuno-endocrine organ that can recognize and respond to the hyperglycemic environment. It synthesizes diverse chemicals that play a role in inflammation, innate defense, endocrine response, oxidative stress, and angiogenesis, all associated with different perinatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Olmos-Ortiz
- Departamento de Inmunobioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes (INPer), Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico; (A.O.-O.); (P.F.-E.)
| | - Pilar Flores-Espinosa
- Departamento de Inmunobioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes (INPer), Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico; (A.O.-O.); (P.F.-E.)
| | - Lorenza Díaz
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico;
| | - Pilar Velázquez
- Departamento de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Hospital Ángeles México, Ciudad de México 11800, Mexico;
| | - Carlos Ramírez-Isarraraz
- Clínica de Urología Ginecológica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes (INPer), Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico;
| | - Verónica Zaga-Clavellina
- Departamento de Fisiología y Desarrollo Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes (INPer), Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico
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24
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Aplin JD, Jones CJP. Cell dynamics in human villous trophoblast. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 27:904-922. [PMID: 34125187 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Villous cytotrophoblast (vCTB) is a precursor cell population that supports the development of syncytiotrophoblast (vSTB), the high surface area barrier epithelium of the placental villus, and the primary interface between maternal and fetal tissue. In light of increasing evidence that the placenta can adapt to changing maternal environments or, under stress, can trigger maternal disease, we consider what properties of these cells empower them to exert a controlling influence on pregnancy progression and outcome. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE How are cytotrophoblast proliferation and differentiation regulated in the human placental villus to allow for the increasing demands of the fetal and environmental challenges and stresses that may arise during pregnancy? SEARCH METHODS PubMed was interrogated using relevant keywords and word roots combining trophoblast, villus/villous, syncytio/syncytium, placenta, stem, transcription factor (and the individual genes), signalling, apoptosis, autophagy (and the respective genes) from 1960 to the present. Since removal of trophoblast from its tissue environment is known to fundamentally change cell growth and differentiation kinetics, research that relied exclusively on cell culture has not been the main focus of this review, though it is mentioned where appropriate. Work on non-human placenta is not systematically covered, though mention is made where relevant hypotheses have emerged. OUTCOMES The synthesis of data from the literature has led to a new hypothesis for vCTB dynamics. We propose that a reversible transition can occur from a reserve population in G0 to a mitotically active state. Cells from the in-cycle population can then differentiate irreversibly to intermediate cells that leave the cycle and turn on genes that confer the capacity to fuse with the overlying vSTB as well as other functions associated with syncytial barrier and transport function. We speculate that alterations in the rate of entry to the cell cycle, or return of cells in the mitotic fraction to G0, can occur in response to environmental challenge. We also review evidence on the life cycle of trophoblast from the time that fusion occurs, and point to gaps in knowledge of how large quantities of fetal DNA arrive in maternal circulation. We critique historical methodology and make a case for research to re-address questions about trophoblast lifecycle and dynamics in normal pregnancy and the common diseases of pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction, where altered trophoblast kinetics have long been postulated. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The hypothesis requires experimental testing, moving research away from currently accepted methodology towards a new standard that includes representative cell and tissue sampling, assessment of cell cycle and differentiation parameters, and robust classification of cell subpopulations in villous trophoblast, with due attention to gestational age, maternal and fetal phenotype, disease and outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Aplin
- Maternal and Fetal Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Carolyn J P Jones
- Maternal and Fetal Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
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25
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Cowell W, Brunst K, Colicino E, Zhang L, Zhang X, Bloomquist TR, Baccarelli AA, Wright RJ. Placental mitochondrial DNA mutational load and perinatal outcomes: Findings from a multi-ethnic pregnancy cohort. Mitochondrion 2021; 59:267-275. [PMID: 34102325 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2021.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria fuel placental activity, with mitochondrial dysfunction implicated in several perinatal complications. We investigated placental mtDNA mutational load using NextGen sequencing in relation to birthweight and gestational length among 358 mother-newborn pairs. We found that higher heteroplasmy, especially in the hypervariable displacement loop region, was associated with shorter gestational length. Results were similar among male and female pregnancies, but stronger in magnitude among females. With regard to growth, we observed that higher mutational load was associated with lower birthweight-for-gestational age (BWGA) among females, but higher BWGA among males. These findings support potential sex-differential fetal biological strategies for coping with increased heteroplasmies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney Cowell
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Kelly Brunst
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Elena Colicino
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Tessa R Bloomquist
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Andrea A Baccarelli
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Rosalind J Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Kravis Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
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26
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Carvajal L, Gutiérrez J, Morselli E, Leiva A. Autophagy Process in Trophoblast Cells Invasion and Differentiation: Similitude and Differences With Cancer Cells. Front Oncol 2021; 11:637594. [PMID: 33937039 PMCID: PMC8082112 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.637594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Early human placental development begins with blastocyst implantation, then the trophoblast differentiates and originates the cells required for a proper fetal nutrition and placental implantation. Among them, extravillous trophoblast corresponds to a non-proliferating trophoblast highly invasive that allows the vascular remodeling which is essential for appropriate placental perfusion and to maintain the adequate fetal growth. This process involves different placental cell types as well as molecules that allow cell growth, cellular adhesion, tissular remodeling, and immune tolerance. Remarkably, some of the cellular processes required for proper placentation are common between placental and cancer cells to finally support tumor growth. Indeed, as in placentation trophoblasts invade and migrate, cancer cells invade and migrate to promote tumor metastasis. However, while these processes respond to a controlled program in trophoblasts, in cancer cells this regulation is lost. Interestingly, it has been shown that autophagy, a process responsible for the degradation of damaged proteins and organelles to maintain cellular homeostasis, is required for invasion of trophoblast cells and for vascular remodeling during placentation. In cancer cells, autophagy has a dual role, as it has been shown both as tumor promoter and inhibitor, depending on the stage and tumor considered. In this review, we summarized the similarities and differences between trophoblast cell invasion and cancer cell metastasis specifically evaluating the role of autophagy in both processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Carvajal
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jaime Gutiérrez
- School of Medical Technology, Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad San Sebastian, Santiago, Chile
| | - Eugenia Morselli
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Autophagy Research Center, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrea Leiva
- School of Medical Technology, Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad San Sebastian, Santiago, Chile
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27
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Hu XQ, Zhang L. Hypoxia and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Pregnancy Complications. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10030405. [PMID: 33800426 PMCID: PMC7999178 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10030405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is a common and severe stress to an organism's homeostatic mechanisms, and hypoxia during gestation is associated with significantly increased incidence of maternal complications of preeclampsia, adversely impacting on the fetal development and subsequent risk for cardiovascular and metabolic disease. Human and animal studies have revealed a causative role of increased uterine vascular resistance and placental hypoxia in preeclampsia and fetal/intrauterine growth restriction (FGR/IUGR) associated with gestational hypoxia. Gestational hypoxia has a major effect on mitochondria of uteroplacental cells to overproduce reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress. Excess mitochondrial ROS in turn cause uteroplacental dysfunction by damaging cellular macromolecules, which underlies the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and FGR. In this article, we review the current understanding of hypoxia-induced mitochondrial ROS and their role in placental dysfunction and the pathogenesis of pregnancy complications. In addition, therapeutic approaches selectively targeting mitochondrial ROS in the placental cells are discussed.
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28
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Lu M, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Placental mitochondrial function in response to gestational exposures. Placenta 2021; 104:124-137. [PMID: 33338764 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Poor environmental conditions, including malnutrition, hypoxia and obesity in the mother increase the risk of pregnancy complications, such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus, which impacts the lifelong health of the mother and her offspring. The placenta plays an important role in determining pregnancy outcome by acting as an exchange interface and endocrine hub to support fetal growth. Mitochondria are energy powerhouses of cells that fuel placental physiology throughout pregnancy, including placental development, substrate exchange and hormone secretion. They are responsive to environmental cues and changes in mitochondrial function may serve to mediate or mitigate the impacts of poor gestational environments on placental physiology and hence, the risks of pregnancy complications. Thus, a more integrated understanding about the role of placental mitochondria in orchestrating changes in relation to environmental conditions and pregnancy outcome is paramount. This review summarises the functions of mitochondria in the placenta and findings from humans and experimental animals that demonstrate how mitochondrial structure and function are altered in different gestational environments (namely complicated pregnancies and adverse environmental conditions). Together the available data suggest that mitochondria in the placenta play a major role in determining placental physiology, fetal growth and pregnancy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhui Lu
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Amanda Nancy Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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29
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Hebert JF, Myatt L. Placental mitochondrial dysfunction with metabolic diseases: Therapeutic approaches. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:165967. [PMID: 32920120 PMCID: PMC8043619 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Both obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) lead to poor maternal and fetal outcomes, including pregnancy complications, fetal growth issues, stillbirth, and developmental programming of adult-onset disease in the offspring. Increased placental oxidative/nitrative stress and reduced placental (trophoblast) mitochondrial respiration occur in association with the altered maternal metabolic milieu of obesity and GDM. The effect is particularly evident when the fetus is male, suggesting a sexually dimorphic influence on the placenta. In addition, obesity and GDM are associated with inflexibility in trophoblast, limiting the ability to switch between usage of glucose, fatty acids, and glutamine as substrates for oxidative phosphorylation, again in a sexually dimorphic manner. Here we review mechanisms underlying placental mitochondrial dysfunction: its relationship to maternal and fetal outcomes and the influence of fetal sex. Prevention of placental oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction may improve pregnancy outcomes. We outline pathways to ameliorate deficient mitochondrial respiration, particularly the benefits and pitfalls of mitochondria-targeted antioxidants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica F Hebert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Leslie Myatt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America.
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30
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Colson A, Sonveaux P, Debiève F, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Adaptations of the human placenta to hypoxia: opportunities for interventions in fetal growth restriction. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:531-569. [PMID: 33377492 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta is the functional interface between the mother and the fetus during pregnancy, and a critical determinant of fetal growth and life-long health. In the first trimester, it develops under a low-oxygen environment, which is essential for the conceptus who has little defense against reactive oxygen species produced during oxidative metabolism. However, failure of invasive trophoblasts to sufficiently remodel uterine arteries toward dilated vessels by the end of the first trimester can lead to reduced/intermittent blood flow, persistent hypoxia and oxidative stress in the placenta with consequences for fetal growth. Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is observed in ∼10% of pregnancies and is frequently seen in association with other pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia (PE). FGR is one of the main challenges for obstetricians and pediatricians, as smaller fetuses have greater perinatal risks of morbidity and mortality and postnatal risks of neurodevelopmental and cardio-metabolic disorders. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aim of this review was to examine the importance of placental responses to changing oxygen environments during abnormal pregnancy in terms of cellular, molecular and functional changes in order to highlight new therapeutic pathways, and to pinpoint approaches aimed at enhancing oxygen supply and/or mitigating oxidative stress in the placenta as a mean of optimizing fetal growth. SEARCH METHODS An extensive online search of peer-reviewed articles using PubMed was performed with combinations of search terms including pregnancy, placenta, trophoblast, oxygen, hypoxia, high altitude, FGR and PE (last updated in May 2020). OUTCOMES Trophoblast differentiation and placental establishment are governed by oxygen availability/hypoxia in early pregnancy. The placental response to late gestational hypoxia includes changes in syncytialization, mitochondrial functions, endoplasmic reticulum stress, hormone production, nutrient handling and angiogenic factor secretion. The nature of these changes depends on the extent of hypoxia, with some responses appearing adaptive and others appearing detrimental to the placental support of fetal growth. Emerging approaches that aim to increase placental oxygen supply and/or reduce the impacts of excessive oxidative stress are promising for their potential to prevent/treat FGR. WIDER IMPLICATIONS There are many risks and challenges of intervening during pregnancy that must be considered. The establishment of human trophoblast stem cell lines and organoids will allow further mechanistic studies of the effects of hypoxia and may lead to advanced screening of drugs for use in pregnancies complicated by placental insufficiency/hypoxia. Since no treatments are currently available, a better understanding of placental adaptations to hypoxia would help to develop therapies or repurpose drugs to optimize placental function and fetal growth, with life-long benefits to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Colson
- Pole of Obstetrics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Pole of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Sonveaux
- Pole of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Debiève
- Pole of Obstetrics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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31
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Fisher JJ, Vanderpeet CL, Bartho LA, McKeating DR, Cuffe JSM, Holland OJ, Perkins AV. Mitochondrial dysfunction in placental trophoblast cells experiencing gestational diabetes mellitus. J Physiol 2020; 599:1291-1305. [PMID: 33135816 DOI: 10.1113/jp280593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Mitochondrial dysfunction is known to occur in diabetic phenotypes including type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus. The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing and defined as the onset of a diabetic phenotype during pregnancy. The role of placental mitochondria in the aetiology of GDM remains unclear and is an emerging area of research. Differing mitochondrial morphologies within the placenta may influence the pathogenesis of the disorder. This study observed mitochondrial dysfunction in GDM placenta when assessing whole tissue. Upon further investigation into mitochondrial isolates from the cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast, mitochondrial dysfunction appears exaggerated in syncytiotrophoblast. Assessing mitochondrial populations individually enabled the determination of differences between cell lineages of the placenta and established varying levels of mitochondrial dysfunction in GDM, in some instances establishing significance in pathways previously inconclusive or confounded when assessing whole tissue. This research lays the foundation for future work into mitochondrial dysfunction in the placenta and the role it may play in the aetiology of GDM. ABSTRACT Mitochondrial dysfunction has been associated with diabetic phenotypes, yet the involvement of placental mitochondria in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) remains inconclusive. This is in part complicated by the different mitochondrial subpopulations present in the two major trophoblast cell lineages of the placenta. To better elucidate the role of mitochondria in this pathology, this study examined key aspects of mitochondrial function in placentas from healthy pregnancies and those complicated by GDM in both whole tissue and isolated mitochondria. Mitochondrial content, citrate synthase activity, reactive oxygen species production and gene expression regulating metabolic, hormonal and antioxidant control was examined in placental tissue, before examining functional differences between mitochondrial isolates from cytotrophoblast (Cyto-Mito) and syncytiotrophoblast (Syncytio-Mito). Our study observed evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction across multiple pathways when assessing whole placental tissue from GDM pregnancies compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, by examining isolated mitochondria from the cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast cell lineages of the placenta we established that although both mitochondrial populations were dysfunctional, they were differentially impacted. These data highlight the need to consider changes in mitochondrial subpopulations at the feto-maternal interface when studying pregnancy pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua J Fisher
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chelsea L Vanderpeet
- School of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lucy A Bartho
- School of Medical Science, Griffith Health, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Daniel R McKeating
- School of Medical Science, Griffith Health, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - James S M Cuffe
- School of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Olivia J Holland
- School of Medical Science, Griffith Health, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anthony V Perkins
- School of Medical Science, Griffith Health, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland, Australia
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32
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Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in early-onset and late-onset preeclampsia. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165961. [PMID: 32916282 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific syndrome with multisystem involvement which leads to foetal, neonatal, and maternal morbidity and mortality. This syndrome is characterized by the onset of clinical signs and symptoms and delivery before (early-onset preeclampsia, eoPE), or after (late-onset preeclampsia, loPE), the 34 weeks of gestation. Preeclampsia is a mitochondrial disorder where its differential involvement in eoPE and loPE is unclear. Mitochondria regulate cell metabolism and are a significant source of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The syncytiotrophoblast in eoPE and loPE show altered mitochondrial structure and function resulting in ROS overproduction, oxidative stress, and cell damage and death. Mitochondrial dysfunction in eoPE may result from altered expression of several molecules, including dynamin-related protein 1 and mitofusins, compared with loPE where these factors are either reduced or unaltered. Equally, mitochondrial fusion/fission dynamics seem differentially modulated in eoPE and loPE. It is unclear whether the electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation are differentially altered in these two subgroups of preeclampsia. However, the activity of complex IV (cytochrome c oxidase) and the expression of essential proteins involved in the electron transport chain are reduced, leading to lower oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial respiration in the preeclamptic placenta. Interventional studies in patients with preeclampsia using the coenzyme Q10, a key molecule in the electron transport chain, suggest that agents that increase the antioxidative capacity of the placenta may be protective against preeclampsia development. In this review, the mitochondrial dysfunction in both eoPE and loPE is summarized. Therapeutic approaches are discussed in the context of contributing to the understanding of mitochondrial dysfunction in eoPE and loPE.
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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: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [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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Rock KD, St Armour G, Horman B, Phillips A, Ruis M, Stewart AK, Jima D, Muddiman DC, Stapleton HM, Patisaul HB. Effects of Prenatal Exposure to a Mixture of Organophosphate Flame Retardants on Placental Gene Expression and Serotonergic Innervation in the Fetal Rat Brain. Toxicol Sci 2020; 176:203-223. [PMID: 32243540 PMCID: PMC7357193 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaa046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a growing need to understand the potential neurotoxicity of organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) and plasticizers because use and, consequently, human exposure, is rapidly expanding. We have previously shown in rats that developmental exposure to the commercial flame retardant mixture Firemaster 550 (FM 550), which contains OPFRs, results in sex-specific behavioral effects, and identified the placenta as a potential target of toxicity. The placenta is a critical coordinator of fetal growth and neurodevelopment, and a source of neurotransmitters for the developing brain. We have shown in rats and humans that flame retardants accumulate in placental tissue, and induce functional changes, including altered neurotransmitter production. Here, we sought to establish if OPFRs (triphenyl phosphate and a mixture of isopropylated triarylphosphate isomers) alter placental function and fetal forebrain development, with disruption of tryptophan metabolism as a primary pathway of interest. Wistar rat dams were orally exposed to OPFRs (0, 500, 1000, or 2000 μg/day) or a serotonin (5-HT) agonist 5-methoxytryptamine for 14 days during gestation and placenta and fetal forebrain tissues collected for analysis by transcriptomics and metabolomics. Relative abundance of genes responsible for the transport and synthesis of placental 5-HT were disrupted, and multiple neuroactive metabolites in the 5-HT and kynurenine metabolic pathways were upregulated. In addition, 5-HTergic projections were significantly longer in the fetal forebrains of exposed males. These findings suggest that OPFRs have the potential to impact the 5-HTergic system in the fetal forebrain by disrupting placental tryptophan metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie D Rock
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27619
| | - Genevieve St Armour
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27619
| | - Brian Horman
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27619
| | - Allison Phillips
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708
| | - Matthew Ruis
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708
| | - Allison K Stewart
- Molecular Education, Technology, and Research Innovation Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695
| | - Dereje Jima
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695
| | - David C Muddiman
- Molecular Education, Technology, and Research Innovation Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708
| | - Heather B Patisaul
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27619
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695
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Hofstee P, Bartho LA, McKeating DR, Radenkovic F, McEnroe G, Fisher JJ, Holland OJ, Vanderlelie JJ, Perkins AV, Cuffe JSM. Maternal selenium deficiency during pregnancy in mice increases thyroid hormone concentrations, alters placental function and reduces fetal growth. J Physiol 2019; 597:5597-5617. [PMID: 31562642 DOI: 10.1113/jp278473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Inappropriate intake of key micronutrients in pregnancy is known to alter maternal endocrine status, impair placental development and induce fetal growth restriction. Selenium is an essential micronutrient required for the function of approximately 25 important proteins. However, the specific effects of selenium deficiency during pregnancy on maternal, placental and fetal outcomes are poorly understood. The present study demonstrates that maternal selenium deficiency increases maternal triiodothyronine and tetraiodothyronine concentrations, reduces fetal blood glucose concentrations, and induces fetal growth restriction. Placental expression of key selenium-dependent thyroid hormone converting enzymes were reduced, whereas the expression of key placental nutrient transporters was dysregulated. Selenium deficiency had minimal impact on selenium-dependent anti-oxidants but increased placental copper concentrations and expression of superoxide dismutase 1. These results highlight the idea that selenium deficiency during pregnancy may contribute to thyroid dysfunction, causing reduced fetal growth, that may precede programmed disease outcomes in offspring. ABSTRACT Selenium is a trace element fundamental to diverse homeostatic processes, including anti-oxidant regulation and thyroid hormone metabolism. Selenium deficiency in pregnancy is common and increases the risk of pregnancy complications including fetal growth restriction. Although altered placental formation may contribute to these poor outcomes, the mechanism by which selenium deficiency contributes to complications in pregnancy is poorly understood. Female C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated to control (>190 µg kg-1 , n = 8) or low selenium (<50 µg kg-1 , n = 8) diets 4 weeks prior to mating and throughout gestation. Pregnant mice were killed at embryonic day 18.5 followed by collection of maternal and fetal tissue. Maternal and fetal plasma thyroid hormone concentrations were analysed, as was placental expression of key selenoproteins involved in thyroid metabolism and anti-oxidant defences. Selenium deficiency increased plasma tetraiodothyronine and triiodothyronine concentrations. This was associated with a reduction in placental expression of key selenodependent deiodinases, DIO2 and DIO3. Placental expression of selenium-dependent anti-oxidants was unaffected by selenium deficiency. Selenium deficiency reduced fetal glucose concentrations, leading to reduced fetal weight. Placental glycogen content was increased within the placenta, as was Slc2a3 mRNA expression. This is the first study to demonstrate that selenium deficiency may reduce fetal weight through increased maternal thyroid hormone concentrations, impaired placental thyroid hormone metabolism and dysregulated placental nutrient transporter expression. The study suggests that the magnitude of selenium deficiency commonly reported in pregnant women may be sufficient to impair thyroid metabolism but not placental anti-oxidant concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Hofstee
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Lucy A Bartho
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Daniel R McKeating
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Filip Radenkovic
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Georgia McEnroe
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Joshua J Fisher
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Olivia J Holland
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Anthony V Perkins
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - James S M Cuffe
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
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Fisher JJ, Bartho LA, Perkins AV, Holland OJ. Placental mitochondria and reactive oxygen species in the physiology and pathophysiology of pregnancy. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2019; 47:176-184. [PMID: 31469913 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are central to cell function. The placenta forms the interface between maternal and fetal systems, and placental mitochondria have critical roles in maintaining pregnancy. The placenta is unusual in having two adjacent cell layers (cytotrophoblasts and the syncytiotrophoblast) with vastly different mitochondria that have distinct functions in health and disease. Mitochondria both produce the majority of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and are sensitive to ROS. ROS are important in allowing cells to sense their environment through mitochondrial-centred signalling, and this signalling also helps cells/tissues adapt to changing environments. However, excessive ROS are damaging, and increased ROS levels are associated with pregnancy complications, including the important disorders preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus. Here we review the function of placental mitochondria in healthy pregnancy, and also in pregnancy complications. Placental mitochondria are critical to cell function, and mitochondrial damage is a feature of pregnancy complications. However, the responsiveness of mitochondria to ROS signalling may be central to placental adaptations that mitigate damage, and placental mitochondria are an attractive target for the development of therapeutics to improve pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua J Fisher
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lucy A Bartho
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anthony V Perkins
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Olivia J Holland
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland, Australia
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Olvera-Sánchez S, Esparza-Perusquía M, Flores-Herrera O, Urban-Sosa VA, Martínez F. Aspectos generales del transporte de colesterol en la esteroidogénesis de la placenta humana. TIP REVISTA ESPECIALIZADA EN CIENCIAS QUÍMICO-BIOLÓGICAS 2019. [DOI: 10.22201/fesz.23958723e.2019.0.180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
La placenta humana requiere de colesterol para sintetizar la progesterona que mantiene la relación entre el feto y la madre, lo que le permite concluir de manera exitosa el embarazo. La placenta incorpora el colesterol principalmente a través de las lipoproteínas de baja densidad (LDL) que se obtienen del torrente circulatorio materno por un mecanismo de endocitosis. A los endosomas que se generan en este proceso se les unen varias proteínas conformando los endosomas tardíos, que degradan las LDL y liberan el colesterol a las mitocondrias del sinciciotrofoblasto que lo transforman en pregnenolona y posteriormente en progesterona. Las proteínas de fusión de membranas denominados complejos SNARE participan en la liberación del colesterol en sitios de contacto específicos en donde se localizan las proteínas mitocondriales responsables de la esteroidogénesis.
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Placental mitochondria adapt developmentally and in response to hypoxia to support fetal growth. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:1621-1626. [PMID: 30655345 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1816056116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria respond to a range of stimuli and function in energy production and redox homeostasis. However, little is known about the developmental and environmental control of mitochondria in the placenta, an organ vital for fetal growth and pregnancy maintenance in eutherian mammals. Using respirometry and molecular analyses, the present study examined mitochondrial function in the distinct transport and endocrine zones of the mouse placenta during normal pregnancy and maternal inhalation hypoxia. The data show that mitochondria of the two zones adopt different strategies in modulating their respiration, substrate use, biogenesis, density, and efficiency to best support the growth and energy demands of fetoplacental tissues during late gestation in both normal and hypoxic conditions. The findings have important implications for environmentally induced adaptations in mitochondrial function in other tissues and for compromised human pregnancy in which hypoxia and alterations in placental mitochondrial function are associated with poor outcomes like fetal growth restriction.
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Placental mitochondrial adaptations in preeclampsia associated with progression to term delivery. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:1150. [PMID: 30455461 PMCID: PMC6242930 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-1190-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a devastating pregnancy disorder. Severity varies widely, and while severe preeclampsia often requires pre-term delivery, women with mild preeclampsia may reach term with minor interventions. The mechanisms that mediate disease severity are poorly understood, but may include adaptive processes by the placenta. We aimed to establish whether in pregnancies that reached term and those that delivered pre-term, the placental response to preeclampsia was intrinsically different, and explore potential adaptive mechanisms. Hydrogen peroxide production and antioxidant activity were increased in term preeclamptic placentae, whereas pre-term preeclamptic placentae had reduced hydrogen peroxide production and reduced function of the antioxidant system superoxide dismutase compared to control placentae. Markers of mitochondrial fission/fusion, apoptosis and the expression level of mitochondrial complexes were differentially disrupted in term compared to pre-term preeclamptic placentae. Mitochondrial respiration and content were increased in term preeclamptic placentae, but mitochondria had a lower respiratory reserve capacity. Mitochondrial respiration and hydrogen peroxide production were increased in healthy term placentae after in vitro hypoxia/reoxygenation. Placentae from preeclamptic pregnancies that reached term showed multiple adaptions that were not present in pre-term preeclamptic placentae. Increased antioxidant activity, and expression of markers of mitochondrial fusion and apoptotic suppression, may relate to salvaging damaged mitochondria. Increased mitochondrial respiration may allow ongoing tissue function even with reduced respiratory efficiency in term preeclamptic pregnancies. Response after in vitro hypoxia/reoxygenation suggests that disruption of oxygen supply is key to placental mitochondrial adaptations. Reactive oxygen species signalling in term preeclamptic placentae may be at a level to trigger compensatory antioxidant and mitochondrial responses, allowing tissue level maintenance of function when there is organelle level dysfunction.
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Impact of Obesity and Hyperglycemia on Placental Mitochondria. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2018; 2018:2378189. [PMID: 30186542 PMCID: PMC6112210 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2378189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
A lipotoxic placental environment is recognized in maternal obesity, with increased inflammation and oxidative stress. These changes might alter mitochondrial function, with excessive production of reactive oxygen species, in a vicious cycle leading to placental dysfunction and impaired pregnancy outcomes. Here, we hypothesize that maternal pregestational body mass index (BMI) and glycemic levels can alter placental mitochondria. We measured mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA, real-time PCR) and morphology (electron microscopy) in placentas of forty-seven singleton pregnancies at elective cesarean section. Thirty-seven women were normoglycemic: twenty-one normal-weight women, NW, and sixteen obese women, OB/GDM(−). Ten obese women had gestational diabetes mellitus, OB/GDM(+). OB/GDM(−) presented higher mtDNA levels versus NW, suggesting increased mitochondrial biogenesis in the normoglycemic obese group. These mitochondria showed similar morphology to NW. On the contrary, in OB/GDM(+), mtDNA was not significantly increased versus NW. Nevertheless, mitochondria showed morphological abnormalities, indicating impaired functionality. The metabolic response of the placenta to impairment in obese pregnancies can possibly vary depending on several parameters, resulting in opposite strains acting when insulin resistance of GDM occurs in the obese environment, characterized by inflammation and oxidative stress. Therefore, mitochondrial alterations represent a feature of obese pregnancies with changes in placental energetics that possibly can affect pregnancy outcomes.
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