1
|
Geisler HC, Safford HC, Mitchell MJ. Rational Design of Nanomedicine for Placental Disorders: Birthing a New Era in Women's Reproductive Health. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023:e2300852. [PMID: 37191231 PMCID: PMC10651803 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202300852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The placenta is a transient organ that forms during pregnancy and acts as a biological barrier, mediating exchange between maternal and fetal circulation. Placental disorders, such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, placenta accreta spectrum, and gestational trophoblastic disease, originate in dysfunctional placental development during pregnancy and can lead to severe complications for both the mother and fetus. Unfortunately, treatment options for these disorders are severely lacking. Challenges in designing therapeutics for use during pregnancy involve selectively delivering payloads to the placenta while protecting the fetus from potential toxic side effects. Nanomedicine holds great promise in overcoming these barriers; the versatile and modular nature of nanocarriers, including prolonged circulation times, intracellular delivery, and organ-specific targeting, can control how therapeutics interact with the placenta. In this review, nanomedicine strategies are discussed to treat and diagnose placental disorders with an emphasis on understanding the unique pathophysiology behind each of these diseases. Finally, prior study of the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying these placental disorders has revealed novel disease targets. These targets are highlighted here to motivate the rational design of precision nanocarriers to improve therapeutic options for placental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C. Geisler
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
| | - Hannah C. Safford
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
| | - Michael J. Mitchell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
- Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
- Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19014, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yazawa T, Islam MS, Imamichi Y, Watanabe H, Yaegashi K, Ida T, Sato T, Kitano T, Matsuzaki S, Umezawa A, Muranishi Y. Comparison of Placental HSD17B1 Expression and Its Regulation in Various Mammalian Species. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040622. [PMID: 36830409 PMCID: PMC9951672 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
During mammalian gestation, large amounts of progesterone are produced by the placenta and circulate for the maintenance of pregnancy. In contrast, primary plasma estrogens are different between species. To account for this difference, we compared the expression of ovarian and placental steroidogenic genes in various mammalian species (mouse, guinea pig, porcine, ovine, bovine, and human). Consistent with the ability to synthesize progesterone, CYP11A1/Cyp11a1, and bi-functional HSD3B/Hsd3b genes were expressed in all species. CYP17A1/Cyp17a1 was expressed in the placenta of all species, excluding humans. CYP19A/Cyp19a1 was expressed in all placental estrogen-producing species, whereas estradiol-producing HSD17B1 was only strongly expressed in the human placenta. The promoter region of HSD17B1 in various species possesses a well-conserved SP1 site that was activated in human placental cell line JEG-3 cells. However, DNA methylation analyses in the ovine placenta showed that the SP1-site in the promoter region of HSD17B1 was completely methylated. These results indicate that epigenetic regulation of HSD17B1 expression is important for species-specific placental sex steroid production. Because human HSD17B1 showed strong activity for the conversion of androstenedione into testosterone, similar to HSD17B1/Hsd17b1 in other species, we also discuss the biological significance of human placental HSD17B1 based on the symptoms of aromatase-deficient patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yazawa
- Department of Biochemistry, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Hokkaido, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-166-68-2342
| | - Mohammad Sayful Islam
- Department of Biochemistry, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Imamichi
- Department of Marine Bioscience, Fukui Prefectural University, Obama 917-0003, Fukui, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Watanabe
- Department of Life and Food Science, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | | | - Takanori Ida
- Center for Animal Disease Control, Frontiers Science Research Center, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-1692, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Takahiro Sato
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Life Sciences, Kurume University, Kurume 830-0011, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kitano
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8555, Kumamoto, Japan
| | | | - Akihiro Umezawa
- Department of Reproduction, National Center for Child Health and Development Research Institute, Setagaya 157-8535, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Muranishi
- Department of Life and Food Science, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rižner TL, Romano A. Targeting the formation of estrogens for treatment of hormone dependent diseases-current status. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1155558. [PMID: 37188267 PMCID: PMC10175629 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1155558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Local formation and action of estrogens have crucial roles in hormone dependent cancers and benign diseases like endometriosis. Drugs that are currently used for the treatment of these diseases act at the receptor and at the pre-receptor levels, targeting the local formation of estrogens. Since 1980s the local formation of estrogens has been targeted by inhibitors of aromatase that catalyses their formation from androgens. Steroidal and non-steroidal inhibitors have successfully been used to treat postmenopausal breast cancer and have also been evaluated in clinical studies in patients with endometrial, ovarian cancers and endometriosis. Over the past decade also inhibitors of sulfatase that catalyses the hydrolysis of inactive estrogen-sulfates entered clinical trials for treatment of breast, endometrial cancers and endometriosis, with clinical effects observed primarily in breast cancer. More recently, inhibitors of 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1, an enzyme responsible for formation of the most potent estrogen, estradiol, have shown promising results in preclinical studies and have already entered clinical evaluation for endometriosis. This review aims to provide an overview of the current status of the use of hormonal drugs for the major hormone-dependent diseases. Further, it aims to explain the mechanisms behind the -sometimes- observed weak effects and low therapeutic efficacy of these drugs and the possibilities and the advantages of combined treatments targeting several enzymes in the local estrogen formation, or drugs acting with different therapeutic mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tea Lanišnik Rižner
- Laboratory for Molecular Basis of Hormone-Dependent Diseases and Biomarkers, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- *Correspondence: Tea Lanišnik Rižner, ; Andrea Romano,
| | - Andrea Romano
- GROW Department of Gynaecology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML)/GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Tea Lanišnik Rižner, ; Andrea Romano,
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Salmeri N, Carbone IF, Cavoretto PI, Farina A, Morano D. Epigenetics Beyond Fetal Growth Restriction: A Comprehensive Overview. Mol Diagn Ther 2022; 26:607-626. [PMID: 36028645 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-022-00611-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction is a pathological condition occurring when the fetus does not reach the genetically determined growth potential. The etiology of fetal growth restriction is expected to be multifactorial and include fetal, maternal, and placental factors, the latter being the most frequent cause of isolated fetal growth restriction. Severe fetal growth restriction has been related to both an increased risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality, and also a greater susceptibility to developing diseases (especially cardio-metabolic and neurological disorders) later in life. In the last decade, emerging evidence has supported the hypothesis of the Developmental Origin of Health and Disease, which states that individual developmental 'programming' takes place via a delicate fine tuning of fetal genetic and epigenetic marks in response to a large variety of 'stressor' exposures during pregnancy. As the placenta is the maternal-fetal interface, it has a crucial role in fetal programming, such that any perturbation altering placental function interferes with both in-utero fetal growth and also with the adult life phenotype. Several epigenetic mechanisms have been highlighted in modulating the dynamic placental epigenome, including alterations in DNA methylation status, post-translational modification of histones, and non-coding RNAs. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and critical overview of the available literature on the epigenetic background of fetal growth restriction. A targeted research strategy was performed using PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and The Cochrane Library up to January 2022. A detailed and fully referenced synthesis of available literature following the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles guidelines is provided. A variety of epigenetic marks predominantly interfering with placental development, function, and metabolism were found to be potentially associated with fetal growth restriction. Available evidence on the role of environmental exposures in shaping the placental epigenome and the fetal phenotype were also critically discussed. Because of the highly dynamic crosstalk between epigenetic mechanisms and the extra level of complexity in interpreting the final placental transcriptome, a full comprehension of these phenomenon is still lacking and advances in multi-omics approaches are urgently needed. Elucidating the role of epigenetics in the developmental origins of health and disease represents a new challenge for the coming years, with the goal of providing early interventions and prevention strategies and, hopefully, new treatment opportunities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Salmeri
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilma Floriana Carbone
- Unit of Obstetrics, Department of Woman, Child and Neonate, Mangiagalli Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Ivo Cavoretto
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Farina
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery (DIMEC), IRCCS Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Danila Morano
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Anna, University of Ferrara, Cona, Ferrara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dusza HM, Katrukha EA, Nijmeijer SM, Akhmanova A, Vethaak AD, Walker DI, Legler J. Uptake, Transport, and Toxicity of Pristine and Weathered Micro- and Nanoplastics in Human Placenta Cells. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:97006. [PMID: 36129437 PMCID: PMC9491364 DOI: 10.1289/ehp10873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The first evidence of micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) exposure in the human placenta is emerging. However, the toxicokinetics and toxicity of MNPs in the placenta, specifically environmentally relevant particles, remain unclear. OBJECTIVES We examined the transport, uptake, and toxicity of pristine and experimentally weathered MNPs in nonsyncytialized and syncytialized BeWo b30 choriocarcinoma cells. METHODS We performed untargeted chemical characterization of pristine and weathered MNPs using liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry to evaluate compositional differences following particle weathering. We investigated cellular internalization of pristine and weathered polystyrene (PS; 0.05-10μm) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE; 0-80μm) particles using high-resolution confocal imaging and three-dimensional rendering. We investigated the influence of particle coating with human plasma on the cellular transport of PS particles using a transwell setup and examined the influence of acute MNP exposure on cell viability, damage to the plasma membrane, and expression of genes involved in steroidogenesis. RESULTS Chemical characterization of MNPs showed a significantly higher number of unique features in pristine particles in comparison with weathered particles. Size-dependent placental uptake of pristine and weathered MNPs was observed in both placental cell types after 24 h exposure. Cellular transport was limited and size-dependent and was not influenced by particle coating with human plasma. None of the MNPs affected cell viability. Damage to the plasma membrane was observed only for 0.05μm PS particles in the nonsyncytialized cells at the highest concentration tested (100μg/mL). Modest down-regulation of hsd17b1 was observed in syncytialized cells exposed to pristine MNPs. DISCUSSION Our results suggest that pristine and weathered MNPs are internalized and translocated in placental cells in vitro. Effects on gene expression observed upon pristine PS and HDPE particle exposure warrant further examination. More in-depth investigations are needed to better understand the potential health risks of MNP and chemicals associated with them under environmentally relevant exposure scenarios. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10873.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna M. Dusza
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Eugene A. Katrukha
- Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sandra M. Nijmeijer
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Anna Akhmanova
- Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - A. Dick Vethaak
- Deltares, Delft, the Netherlands
- Department of Environment and Health, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Douglas I. Walker
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Juliette Legler
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zou Z, Harris LK, Forbes K, Heazell AEP. Placental expression of Estrogen related receptor gamma (ESRRG) is reduced in FGR pregnancies and is mediated by hypoxia. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:846-857. [PMID: 35594451 PMCID: PMC9476228 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) describes a fetus which has not achieved its genetic growth potential; it is closely linked to placental dysfunction and uteroplacental hypoxia. Estrogen-related receptor gamma (ESRRG) is regulated by hypoxia and is highly expressed in the placenta. We hypothesized ESRRG is a regulator of hypoxia-mediated placental dysfunction in FGR pregnancies. Placentas were collected from women delivering appropriate for gestational age (AGA; n = 14) or FGR (n = 14) infants. Placental explants (n = 15) from uncomplicated pregnancies were cultured for up to 4 days in 21% or 1% O2, or with 200 μM cobalt chloride (CoCl2), or treated with the ESRRG agonists DY131 under different oxygen concentrations. RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunochemistry were used to assess mRNA and protein levels of ESRRG and its localization in placental tissue from FGR or AGA pregnancies, and in cultured placental explants. ESRRG mRNA and protein expression were significantly reduced in FGR placentas, as was mRNA expression of the downstream targets of ESRRG, hydroxysteroid 11-beta dehydrogenase 2 (HSD11B2), and cytochrome P-450 (CYP19A1.1). Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha protein localized to the nuclei of the cytotrophoblasts and stromal cells in the explants exposed to CoCl2 or 1% O2. Both hypoxia and CoCl2 treatment decreased ESRRG and its downstream genes’ mRNA expression, but not ESRRG protein expression. DY131 increased the expression of ESRRG signaling pathways and prevented abnormal cell turnover induced by hypoxia. These data show that placental ESRRG is hypoxia-sensitive and altered ESRRG-mediated signaling may contribute to hypoxia-induced placental dysfunction in FGR. Furthermore, DY131 could be used as a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of placental dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Zou
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 5th floor (Research), St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK, M13 9WL.,St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Lynda K Harris
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 5th floor (Research), St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK, M13 9WL.,St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.,Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Karen Forbes
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 5th floor (Research), St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK, M13 9WL.,St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.,Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Alexander E P Heazell
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 5th floor (Research), St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK, M13 9WL.,St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zou Z, Harris LK, Forbes K, Heazell AEP. Sex-specific effects of Bisphenol a on the signalling pathway of ESRRG in the human placenta. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:1278-1291. [PMID: 35220427 PMCID: PMC9198953 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure during pregnancy is associated with low fetal weight, particularly in male fetuses. The expression of estrogen-related receptor gamma (ESRRG), a receptor for BPA in the human placenta, is reduced in fetal growth restriction. This study sought to explore whether ESRRG signaling mediates BPA-induced placental dysfunction and determine whether changes in the ESRRG signaling pathway are sex-specific. Placental villous explants from 18 normal term pregnancies were cultured with a range of BPA concentrations (1 nM–1 μM). Baseline BPA concentrations in the placental tissue used for explant culture ranged from 0.04 to 5.1 nM (average 2.3 ±1.9 nM; n = 6). Expression of ESRRG signaling pathway constituents and cell turnover were quantified. BPA (1 μM) increased ESRRG mRNA expression after 24 h in both sexes. ESRRG mRNA and protein expression was increased in female placentas treated with 1 μM BPA for 24 h but was decreased in male placentas treated with 1 nM or 1 μM for 48 h. Levels of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD17B1) and placenta specific-1 (PLAC1), genes downstream of ESRRG, were also affected. HSD17B1 mRNA expression was increased in female placentas by 1 μM BPA; however, 1 nM BPA reduced HSD17B1 and PLAC1 expression in male placentas at 48 h. BPA treatment did not affect rates of proliferation, apoptosis, or syncytiotrophoblast differentiation in cultured villous explants. This study has demonstrated that BPA affects the ESRRG signaling pathway in a sex-specific manner in human placentas and a possible biological mechanism to explain the differential effects of BPA exposure on male and female fetuses observed in epidemiological studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Zou
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, 5th floor (Research), St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK, M13 9WL
| | - Lynda K Harris
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, 5th floor (Research), St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK, M13 9WL
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Karen Forbes
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, 5th floor (Research), St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK, M13 9WL
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Alexander E P Heazell
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, 5th floor (Research), St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK, M13 9WL
- St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hu XQ, Zhang L. MicroRNAs in Uteroplacental Vascular Dysfunction. Cells 2019; 8:E1344. [PMID: 31671866 PMCID: PMC6912833 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy complications of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are major causes of maternal and perinatal/neonatal morbidity and mortality. Although their etiologies remain elusive, it is generally accepted that they are secondary to placental insufficiency conferred by both failure in spiral artery remodeling and uteroplacental vascular malfunction. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small no-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Increasing evidence suggests that miRNAs participate in virtually all biological processes and are involved in numerous human diseases. Differentially expressed miRNAs in the placenta are typical features of both preeclampsia and IUGR. Dysregulated miRNAs target genes of various signaling pathways in uteroplacental tissues, contributing to the development of both complications. In this review, we provide an overview of how aberrant miRNA expression in preeclampsia and IUGR impacts the expression of genes involved in trophoblast invasion and uteroplacental vascular adaptation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Qun Hu
- Lawrence D. Longo MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California 92350, USA.
| | - Lubo Zhang
- Lawrence D. Longo MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California 92350, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Potential role of microRNA-424 in regulating ERRγ to suppress trophoblast proliferation and invasion in fetal growth restriction. Placenta 2019; 83:57-62. [PMID: 31477209 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormal expression of estrogen-related receptor γ (ERRγ) protein is associated with fetal growth restriction (FGR). The upstream regulators of ERRγ are still unknown. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the placental expression level of microRNA-424 (miR-424) and to demonstrate the relationship between miR-424 and FGR. METHODS The expression levels of miR-424 were detected in FGR and control placentas. HTR-8/SVneo cells were transfected with mimics or inhibitors to increase or decrease the miR-424 expression level, respectively. The transwell and CCK-8 assays were used to determine trophoblast-derived cell line invasion and proliferation. The expression levels of miR-424, ERRγ, and 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD17B1) were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. The relationship between miR-424, ERRγ, and HSD17B1 was determined by luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS Compared to the normal pregnancy group, FGR placental tissues showed a significantly higher expression level of miR-424. The up-regulation of miR-424 decreased trophoblast-derived cell line invasion and proliferation. Down-regulation of miR-424 enhanced invasive and proliferative abilities of the cell lines. Over-expression of miR-424 reduced ERRγ protein levels and decreased both mRNA and protein levels of HSD17B1. Thus down-regulation of miR-424 induced protein expression of ERRγ and enhanced the mRNA and protein expressions of HSD17B1. MiR-424 probably mediated the expression of ERRγ via binding to sites other than mRNA 3'UTR. CONCLUSION MiR-424 may be associated with the pathogenesis of FGR by modulating trophoblast-derived cell line proliferation and invasion. MiR-424 may play a role in mediating the protein expressions of ERRγ and HSD17B1.
Collapse
|
10
|
Anelli GM, Mandò C, Letizia T, Mazzocco MI, Novielli C, Lisso F, Personeni C, Vago T, Cetin I. Placental ESRRG-CYP19A1 Expressions and Circulating 17-Beta Estradiol in IUGR Pregnancies. Front Pediatr 2019; 7:154. [PMID: 31069202 PMCID: PMC6491753 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Sex steroids are regulating factors for intrauterine growth. 17-β Estradiol (E2) is particularly critical to a physiological pregnancy, as increased maternal E2 was correlated to lower fetal weight at delivery. The placenta itself is a primary source of estrogens, synthetized from cholesterol precursors. Cytochrome P450 aromatase (encoded by CYP19A1 gene) is a rate-limiting enzyme for E2 biosynthesis. CYP19A1 transcription is supported by Estrogen Related-Receptor Gamma (ERRγ- ESRRG gene), which thus has an indirect role in placental steroidogenesis. Here we investigated maternal E2 levels and placental CYP19A1 and ESRRG expressions in pregnancies with IntraUterine Growth Restriction (IUGR). Methods: Singleton pregnancies were studied. E2 was measured in maternal plasma by electrochemiluminescence in 16 term controls and 11 IUGR (classified by umbilical artery doppler pulsatility index) at elective cesarean section, and also in 13 controls during pregnancy at a gestational age comparable to IUGR. CYP19A1 and ESRRG expressions were analyzed in placental tissue. Maternal/fetal characteristics, placental and molecular data were compared among study groups and tested for correlations. Results: Maternal E2 plasma concentrations were significantly decreased in IUGR compared to controls at delivery. When analyzing normal pregnancies at a gestational age similar to IUGR, E2 levels were not different to pathological cases. However, E2 levels at delivery positively correlated with placental efficiency. Placental CYP19A1 levels were significantly higher in IUGR placental tissue vs. controls, and specifically increased in female IUGR placentas. ESRRG expression was not different among groups. Discussion: We report a positive correlation between 17-β Estradiol levels and placental efficiency, that might indicate a disrupted steroidogenesis in IUGR pregnancies. Moreover, we show alterations of CYP19A1 expression in IUGR placentas, possibly indicating a compensatory effect to the adverse IUGR intrauterine environment, also depending on fetal sex. Further studies are needed to deeper investigate IUGR alterations in the complex interaction among molecules involved in placental steroidogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Maria Anelli
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco University Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Mandò
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco University Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Teresa Letizia
- Endocrinology Laboratory, Sacco University Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Ilaria Mazzocco
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco University Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Novielli
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco University Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Lisso
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco University Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Personeni
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco University Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Tarcisio Vago
- Endocrinology Laboratory, Sacco University Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Cetin
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco University Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Buzzi University Hospital, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|