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Guerrero-Arroyo J, Jiménez-Córdova MI, Aztatzi-Aguilar OG, Del Razo LM. Impact of Fluoride Exposure on Rat Placenta: Foetal/Placental Morphometric Alterations and Decreased Placental Vascular Density. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024; 202:3237-3247. [PMID: 37882978 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03916-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Inorganic fluoride is a geogenic and anthropogenic contaminant widely distributed in the environment and commonly identified in contaminated groundwater. There is limited information on the effect of fluoride exposure on pregnancy. The aim of this study was to evaluate possible placental alterations of fluoride exposure in a rat model simulating preconception and pregnancy exposure conditions in endemic areas. Fluoride exposure was administered orally to foetuses of dams exposed to 2.5 and 5 mg fluoride/kg/d. Foetal weight, height, foetal/placental weight ratio, placental zone thickness, levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and vascular density in placental tissue were evaluated. The results showed a nonlinear relationship between these outcomes and the dose of fluoride exposure. In addition, a significant increase in the fluoride concentration in placental tissue was observed. The group that was exposed to 2.5 mg fluoride/kg/d had a greater increase in both MDA levels and VEGF-A levels than the higher dose group. A significant increase in the thickness of the placental zones and a decrease in the vascular density of the labyrinth zone area were also observed in the fluoride-exposed groups. In conclusion, the data obtained demonstrate that fluoride exposure results in morpho-structural alterations in the placenta and that non-monotonic changes in MDA, VEGF-A levels and placental foetal weight ratio were at environmentally relevant concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Guerrero-Arroyo
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 07360, México City, México
| | - Mónica I Jiménez-Córdova
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 07360, México City, México
| | - Octavio G Aztatzi-Aguilar
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 07360, México City, México
| | - Luz M Del Razo
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 07360, México City, México.
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Slator PJ, Cromb D, Jackson LH, Ho A, Counsell SJ, Story L, Chappell LC, Rutherford M, Hajnal JV, Hutter J, Alexander DC. Non-invasive mapping of human placenta microenvironments throughout pregnancy with diffusion-relaxation MRI. Placenta 2023; 144:29-37. [PMID: 37952367 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In-vivo measurements of placental structure and function have the potential to improve prediction, diagnosis, and treatment planning for a wide range of pregnancy complications, such as fetal growth restriction and pre-eclampsia, and hence inform clinical decision making, ultimately improving patient outcomes. MRI is emerging as a technique with increased sensitivity to placental structure and function compared to the current clinical standard, ultrasound. METHODS We demonstrate and evaluate a combined diffusion-relaxation MRI acquisition and analysis pipeline on a sizable cohort of 78 normal pregnancies with gestational ages ranging from 15 + 5 to 38 + 4 weeks. Our acquisition comprises a combined T2*-diffusion MRI acquisition sequence - which is simultaneously sensitive to oxygenation, microstructure and microcirculation. We analyse our scans with a data-driven unsupervised machine learning technique, InSpect, that parsimoniously identifies distinct components in the data. RESULTS We identify and map seven potential placental microenvironments and reveal detailed insights into multiple microstructural and microcirculatory features of the placenta, and assess their trends across gestation. DISCUSSION By demonstrating direct observation of micro-scale placental structure and function, and revealing clear trends across pregnancy, our work contributes towards the development of robust imaging biomarkers for pregnancy complications and the ultimate goal of a normative model of placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paddy J Slator
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre, School of Psychology, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK; School of Computer Science and Informatics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Centre for Medical Image Computing and Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Daniel Cromb
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Laurence H Jackson
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK; Biomedical Engineering Department, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Alison Ho
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Serena J Counsell
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Lisa Story
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Lucy C Chappell
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mary Rutherford
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Joseph V Hajnal
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK; Biomedical Engineering Department, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jana Hutter
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK; Biomedical Engineering Department, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Daniel C Alexander
- Centre for Medical Image Computing and Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, UK
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Dankó I, Kelemen E, Tankó A, Cserni G. Placental Pathology and Its Associations With Clinical Signs in Different Subtypes of Fetal Growth Restriction. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2023; 26:437-446. [PMID: 37334814 DOI: 10.1177/10935266231179587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We evaluated placental alterations in different subtypes of fetal growth restriction (FGR) to determine any clinical associations. METHODS FGR placentas classified according to the Amsterdam criteria were correlated with clinical findings. Percentage of intact terminal villi and villous capillarization ratio were calculated in each specimen. Correlations of placental histopathology and perinatal outcomes were studied. 61 FGR cases were studied. RESULTS Early-onset-FGR was more often associated with preeclampsia and recurrence than late-onset-FGR; placentas from early-onset-FGR often had diffuse maternal (or fetal) vascular malperfusion and villitis of unknown etiology. Decreased percentage of intact terminal villi was associated with pathologic CTG. Decreased villous capillarization was associated with early-onset-FGR and birth weight below the second percentile. Avascular villi and infarction were more common when femoral length/abdominal circumference ratio was >0.26, and perinatal outcome was poor in this group. CONCLUSION In early-onset-FGR and preeclamptic FGR, altered vascularization of villi may have a key role in pathogenesis, and recurrent FGR is associated with villitis of unknown etiology. There is an association between femoral length/abdominal circumference ratio >0.26 and histopathological alterations of placenta in FGR pregnancies. There are no significant differences in the percentage of intact terminal villi between different FGR subtypes by onset or recurrency.
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Affiliation(s)
- István Dankó
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bács-Kiskun County Teaching Hospital, Kecskemét, Hungary
| | - Edit Kelemen
- Perinatal Intensive Centre, Bács-Kiskun County Teaching Hospital, Kecskemét, Hungary
| | - András Tankó
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bács-Kiskun County Teaching Hospital, Kecskemét, Hungary
| | - Gábor Cserni
- Department of Pathology, Bács-Kiskun County Teaching Hospital, Kecskemét, Hungary
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Clark A, Flouri D, Mufti N, James J, Clements E, Aughwane R, Aertsen M, David A, Melbourne A. Developments in functional imaging of the placenta. Br J Radiol 2023; 96:20211010. [PMID: 35234516 PMCID: PMC10321248 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20211010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is both the literal and metaphorical black box of pregnancy. Measurement of the function of the placenta has the potential to enhance our understanding of this enigmatic organ and serve to support obstetric decision making. Advanced imaging techniques are key to support these measurements. This review summarises emerging imaging technology being used to measure the function of the placenta and new developments in the computational analysis of these data. We address three important examples where functional imaging is supporting our understanding of these conditions: fetal growth restriction, placenta accreta, and twin-twin transfusion syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alys Clark
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Joanna James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Eleanor Clements
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Rosalind Aughwane
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Michael Aertsen
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anna David
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London, UK
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Yong HEJ, Maksym K, Yusoff MAB, Salazar-Petres E, Nazarenko T, Zaikin A, David AL, Hillman SL, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Integrated Placental Modelling of Histology with Gene Expression to Identify Functional Impact on Fetal Growth. Cells 2023; 12:1093. [PMID: 37048166 PMCID: PMC10093760 DOI: 10.3390/cells12071093] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Altered placental formation and functional capacity are major contributors to FGR pathogenesis. Relating placental structure to function across the placenta in healthy and FGR pregnancies remains largely unexplored but could improve understanding of placental diseases. We investigated integration of these parameters spatially in the term human placenta using predictive modelling. Systematic sampling was able to overcome heterogeneity in placental morphological and molecular features. Defects in villous development, elevated fibrosis, and reduced expression of growth and functional marker genes (IGF2, VEGA, SLC38A1, and SLC2A3) were seen in age-matched term FGR versus healthy control placentas. Characteristic histopathological changes with specific accompanying molecular signatures could be integrated through computational modelling to predict if the placenta came from a healthy or FGR pregnancy. Our findings yield new insights into the spatial relationship between placental structure and function and the etiology of FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Ee Juen Yong
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 30 Medical Drive, Brenner Centre for Molecular Medicine, Singapore 117609, Singapore
| | - Katarzyna Maksym
- Elizabeth Gareth Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, 84-86 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HU, UK
- Fetal Medicine Unit Elizabeth Gareth Anderson Wing, University College Hospitals NHS Trust, 25 Grafton Way, London WC1E 6DB, UK
| | - Muhammad Ashraf Bin Yusoff
- Elizabeth Gareth Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, 84-86 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HU, UK
| | - Esteban Salazar-Petres
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Tatiana Nazarenko
- Elizabeth Gareth Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, 84-86 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HU, UK
- Department of Mathematics, University College London, London WC1E 6AE, UK
| | - Alexey Zaikin
- Elizabeth Gareth Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, 84-86 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HU, UK
- Department of Mathematics, University College London, London WC1E 6AE, UK
| | - Anna L. David
- Elizabeth Gareth Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, 84-86 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HU, UK
- Fetal Medicine Unit Elizabeth Gareth Anderson Wing, University College Hospitals NHS Trust, 25 Grafton Way, London WC1E 6DB, UK
- National Institute for Health Research University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7DN, UK
| | - Sara L. Hillman
- Elizabeth Gareth Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, 84-86 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HU, UK
- Fetal Medicine Unit Elizabeth Gareth Anderson Wing, University College Hospitals NHS Trust, 25 Grafton Way, London WC1E 6DB, 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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Docter D, Dawood Y, Jacobs K, Hagoort J, Oostra RJ, van den Hoff MJB, Arthurs OJ, de Bakker BS. Microfocus computed tomography for fetal postmortem imaging: an overview. Pediatr Radiol 2023; 53:632-639. [PMID: 36169668 PMCID: PMC10027643 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-022-05517-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Over the last few years, fetal postmortem microfocus computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging has increased in popularity for both diagnostic and research purposes. Micro-CT imaging could be a substitute for autopsy, particularly in very early gestation fetuses for whom autopsy can be technically challenging and is often unaccepted by parents. This article provides an overview of the latest research in fetal postmortem micro-CT imaging with a focus on diagnostic accuracy, endovascular staining approaches, placental studies and the reversibility of staining. It also discusses new methods that could prove helpful for micro-CT of larger fetuses. While more research is needed, contrast-enhanced micro-CT has the potential to become a suitable alternative to fetal autopsy. Further research using this novel imaging tool could yield wider applications, such as its practise in imaging rare museum specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniël Docter
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMC at University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yousif Dawood
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMC at University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam UMC at University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karl Jacobs
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMC at University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Oral Pain and Dysfunction, Functional Anatomy, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jaco Hagoort
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMC at University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roelof-Jan Oostra
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMC at University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maurice J B van den Hoff
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMC at University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Owen J Arthurs
- Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research, Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Center, London, UK
| | - Bernadette S de Bakker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam UMC at University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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7
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Ni G, Zhong J, Gao X, Wu R, Wang W, Wang X, Xie Y, Liu Y, Mei J. Three-dimensional morphological revealing of human placental villi with common obstetric complications via optical coherence tomography. Bioeng Transl Med 2022; 8:e10372. [PMID: 36684097 PMCID: PMC9842035 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10372] [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: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Placental villi play a vital role in human fetal development, acting as the bridge of material exchange between the maternal and fetal. The abnormal morphology of placental villi is closely related to placental circulation disorder and pregnancy complications. Revealing placental villi three-dimensional (3D) morphology of common obstetric complications and healthy pregnancies provides a new perspective for studying the role of the placenta and its villi in the development of pregnancy diseases. In this study, we established a noninvasive, high-resolution 3D imaging platform via optical coherence tomography to reveal placental villi 3D morphological information of diseased and normal placentae. For the first time, 3D morphologies of placental villous tree structures in common obstetric complications were quantitatively revealed and corresponding 3D information could visualize the morphological characteristics of the placental villous tree from a more intuitive perspective, providing helpful information to the study of fetal development, feto-maternal material exchange, and gestational complications treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangming Ni
- School of Optoelectronic Science and EngineeringUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Junming Zhong
- School of Optoelectronic Science and EngineeringUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Xuemei Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologySichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduSichuanChina
| | - Renxiong Wu
- School of Optoelectronic Science and EngineeringUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologySichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduSichuanChina
| | - Xiaoshan Wang
- Cancer Center of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Sichuan Provincial People's HospitalChengduChina
| | - Yao Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologySichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yong Liu
- School of Optoelectronic Science and EngineeringUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Jie Mei
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologySichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduSichuanChina
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8
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Dawood Y, Honhoff C, van der Post A, Roosendaal SD, Coolen BF, Strijkers GJ, Pajkrt E, de Bakker BS. Comparison of postmortem whole-body contrast-enhanced microfocus computed tomography and high-field magnetic resonance imaging of human fetuses. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2022; 60:109-117. [PMID: 34826157 PMCID: PMC9328149 DOI: 10.1002/uog.24827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although fetal autopsy is generally recommended to confirm or refute the antemortem diagnosis, parental acceptance of the procedure has fallen over time, mainly due to its invasiveness. Contrast-enhanced microfocus CT (micro-CT) and high-field magnetic resonance imaging (HF-MRI, ≥ 3 Tesla) have both been suggested as non-invasive alternatives to conventional fetal autopsy for fetuses < 20 weeks of gestation. The aim of this study was to compare these two modalities in postmortem whole-body fetal imaging. METHODS In this study, the imaging process and quality of micro-CT and HF-MRI were compared using both qualitative and quantitative assessments. For the qualitative evaluation, fetal anatomy experts scored 56 HF-MRI and 56 micro-CT images of four human fetuses aged 13-18 gestational weeks on two components: overall image quality and the ability to recognize and assess 21 anatomical structures. For the quantitative evaluation, participants segmented manually three organs with increasing complexity to assess interobserver variability. In addition, the signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios of five major organs were determined. RESULTS Both imaging techniques were able to reach submillimeter voxel size. The highest resolution of micro-CT was 22 µm (isotropic), while the highest resolution of HF-MRI was 137 µm (isotropic). The qualitative image assessment form was sent to 45 fetal anatomy experts, of whom 36 (80%) responded. It was observed that micro-CT scored higher on all components of the qualitative assessment compared with HF-MRI. In addition, the quantitative assessment showed that micro-CT had lower interobserver variability and higher signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that micro-CT outperforms HF-MRI in postmortem whole-body fetal imaging in terms of both quantitative and qualitative outcomes. Combined, these findings suggest that the ability to extract diagnostic information is greater when assessing micro-CT compared with HF-MRI images. We, therefore, believe that micro-CT is the preferred imaging modality as an alternative to conventional fetal autopsy for early gestation and is an indispensable tool in postmortem imaging services. © 2021 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y. Dawood
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyAmsterdam UMC, University of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - C. Honhoff
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - A.‐S. van der Post
- Department of Radiology, Amsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - S. D. Roosendaal
- Department of Radiology, Amsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - B. F. Coolen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - G. J. Strijkers
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - E. Pajkrt
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyAmsterdam UMC, University of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - B. S. de Bakker
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyAmsterdam UMC, University of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Erasmus MC – Sophia Children's HospitalUniversity Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
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9
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Dap M, Chen B, Banasiak C, Hossu G, Morel O, Beaumont M, Bertholdt C. MRI Angiography of normal and pathological pregnancy PLacentas Ex vivo (MAPLE): protocol for a prospective pilot study. (Preprint). JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 11:e35051. [PMID: 35947435 PMCID: PMC9403824 DOI: 10.2196/35051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Preeclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are 2 major pregnancy complications due to abnormal placental vasculogenesis. Data on whole fetoplacental vasculature are still missing; hence, these pathologies are not well understood. Ex vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) angiography has been developed to characterize the human placental vasculature by injecting a contrast agent within the umbilical cord. Objective The primary objective of this study is to compare the placental vascular architecture between normal and pathological pregnancies. This study’s secondary objectives are to (1) compare texture features on MRI between groups (normal and pathological), (2) quantitatively compare the vascular architecture between both pathological groups (pathological IUGR, and pathological PE), (3) evaluate the quality of the histological examination in injected placentas, and (4) compare vascularization indices to histological characteristics. Methods This is a prospective controlled study. We expect to include 100 placentas: 40 from normal pregnancies and 60 from pathological pregnancies (30 for IUGR and 30 for PE). Ex vivo MR image acquisition will be performed shortly after delivery and with preparation by injection of a contrast agent in the umbilical cord. The vascular architecture will be quantitatively described by vascularization indices measured from ex vivo MRI angiography data. Comparisons of vascularization indices and texture features in accordance with the group and within comparable gestational age will be also performed. After MR image acquisition, placental histopathological analysis will be performed. Results The enrollment of women began in November 2019. In view of the recruitment capacity of our institution and the availability of the MRI, recruitment should be completed by March 2022. As of November 2021, we enrolled 70% of the intended study population. Conclusions This study protocol aims to provide information about the fetal side of placental vascular architecture in normal and pathological placenta through MRI. Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04389099; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04389099 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/35051
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Dap
- Obstetric and Fetal Medicine Unit, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire of Nancy, Nancy, France
- Department of Foetopathology and Placental Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire of Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Bailiang Chen
- INSERM U1254, IADI, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
- INSERM CIC-IT 1433 Innovative Technology, University of Lorraine and University Hospital of Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Claire Banasiak
- INSERM CIC-IT 1433 Innovative Technology, University of Lorraine and University Hospital of Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Gabriela Hossu
- INSERM CIC-IT 1433 Innovative Technology, University of Lorraine and University Hospital of Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Olivier Morel
- Obstetric and Fetal Medicine Unit, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire of Nancy, Nancy, France
- INSERM U1254, IADI, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Marine Beaumont
- INSERM U1254, IADI, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
- INSERM CIC-IT 1433 Innovative Technology, University of Lorraine and University Hospital of Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Charline Bertholdt
- Obstetric and Fetal Medicine Unit, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire of Nancy, Nancy, France
- INSERM U1254, IADI, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
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10
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Dang VN, Galati F, Cortese R, Di Giacomo G, Marconetto V, Mathur P, Lekadir K, Lorenzi M, Prados F, Zuluaga MA. Vessel-CAPTCHA: An efficient learning framework for vessel annotation and segmentation. Med Image Anal 2021; 75:102263. [PMID: 34731770 DOI: 10.1016/j.media.2021.102263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Deep learning techniques for 3D brain vessel image segmentation have not been as successful as in the segmentation of other organs and tissues. This can be explained by two factors. First, deep learning techniques tend to show poor performances at the segmentation of relatively small objects compared to the size of the full image. Second, due to the complexity of vascular trees and the small size of vessels, it is challenging to obtain the amount of annotated training data typically needed by deep learning methods. To address these problems, we propose a novel annotation-efficient deep learning vessel segmentation framework. The framework avoids pixel-wise annotations, only requiring weak patch-level labels to discriminate between vessel and non-vessel 2D patches in the training set, in a setup similar to the CAPTCHAs used to differentiate humans from bots in web applications. The user-provided weak annotations are used for two tasks: (1) to synthesize pixel-wise pseudo-labels for vessels and background in each patch, which are used to train a segmentation network, and (2) to train a classifier network. The classifier network allows to generate additional weak patch labels, further reducing the annotation burden, and it acts as a second opinion for poor quality images. We use this framework for the segmentation of the cerebrovascular tree in Time-of-Flight angiography (TOF) and Susceptibility-Weighted Images (SWI). The results show that the framework achieves state-of-the-art accuracy, while reducing the annotation time by ∼77% w.r.t. learning-based segmentation methods using pixel-wise labels for training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vien Ngoc Dang
- Data Science Department, EURECOM, Sophia Antipolis, France; Artificial Intelligence in Medicine Lab, Facultat de Matemátiques I Informática, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Rosa Cortese
- Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, UK; Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Giacomo
- Data Science Department, EURECOM, Sophia Antipolis, France; Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Viola Marconetto
- Data Science Department, EURECOM, Sophia Antipolis, France; Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Prateek Mathur
- Data Science Department, EURECOM, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Karim Lekadir
- Artificial Intelligence in Medicine Lab, Facultat de Matemátiques I Informática, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marco Lorenzi
- Université Côte d'Azur, Inria Sophia Antipolis, Epione Research Group, Valbonne, France
| | - Ferran Prados
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering, University College London, UK; Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, UK; National Institute for Health Research, University College London Hospitals, Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK; e-health Center, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
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11
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James JL, Tongpob Y, Srinivasan V, Crew RC, Bappoo N, Doyle B, Gerneke D, Clark AR, Wyrwoll CS. Three-dimensional visualisation of the feto-placental vasculature in humans and rodents. Placenta 2021; 114:8-13. [PMID: 34418753 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.08.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Adequate development of the feto-placental circulation is critical for placental exchange function and healthy fetal growth. Understanding the structure of this circulation and how it informs fetal outcomes is important both in the human placenta, and the rodent, a purported comparative experimental model. Vascular casting and micro-CT imaging approaches enable detailed quantification of the complex vascular relationships in the feto-circulation, and provide detailed data to parameterise in silico models. Here, to assist researchers to apply these technically challenging methods we provide detailed approaches to cast and image; 1) human placentas at the cotyledon-level, and 2) whole rodent placentas.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Y Tongpob
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia; Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - V Srinivasan
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - R C Crew
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - N Bappoo
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia; Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre and the UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, WA, Australia; School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - B Doyle
- Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre and the UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, WA, Australia; School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Australia; Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - D Gerneke
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - A R Clark
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - C S Wyrwoll
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
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12
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Penn AA, Wintermark P, Chalak LF, Armstrong J, Redline R, Scher MS, Nelson KB. Placental contribution to neonatal encephalopathy. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2021; 26:101276. [PMID: 34420894 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2021.101276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Placental assessment, although currently underused, can inform our understanding of the etiology and timing of Neonatal Encephalopathy (NE). We review our current understanding of the links between placental dysfunction and NE and how this information may inform clinical decisions, now and in the future, emphasizing the four major placental lesions associated with NE. In addition, we discuss maternal and fetal factors that are hypothesized to contribute to specific placental pathologies, especially innate or acquired thrombophilias. We outline the importance of assessing placenta across trimesters and after delivery. As this field continues to evolve, currently available placental histopathological examination methods may need to be combined with advanced prenatal molecular and imaging assessments of placenta and be applied in well-designed studies in large representative populations to better define the links between placental dysfunction and NE.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Penn
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - P Wintermark
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - L F Chalak
- Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA
| | - J Armstrong
- Department of Pediatrics (Section of Child Neurology, Neurology, and OB/GYN), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - R Redline
- Department of Pathology, UH Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - M S Scher
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Department of Neurology, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital/MacDonald Hospital for Women, UH Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - K B Nelson
- National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, Bethesda, MD, USA
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13
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On the use of multicompartment models of diffusion and relaxation for placental imaging. Placenta 2021; 112:197-203. [PMID: 34392172 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.07.302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Multi-compartment models of diffusion and relaxation are ubiquitous in magnetic resonance research especially applied to neuroimaging applications. These models are increasingly making their way into the world of placental imaging. This review provides a framework for their motivation and implementation and describes some of the outstanding questions that need to be answered before they can be routinely adopted.
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14
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Tun WM, Poologasundarampillai G, Bischof H, Nye G, King ONF, Basham M, Tokudome Y, Lewis RM, Johnstone ED, Brownbill P, Darrow M, Chernyavsky IL. A massively multi-scale approach to characterizing tissue architecture by synchrotron micro-CT applied to the human placenta. J R Soc Interface 2021; 18:20210140. [PMID: 34062108 PMCID: PMC8169212 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2021.0140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Multi-scale structural assessment of biological soft tissue is challenging but essential to gain insight into structure-function relationships of tissue/organ. Using the human placenta as an example, this study brings together sophisticated sample preparation protocols, advanced imaging and robust, validated machine-learning segmentation techniques to provide the first massively multi-scale and multi-domain information that enables detailed morphological and functional analyses of both maternal and fetal placental domains. Finally, we quantify the scale-dependent error in morphological metrics of heterogeneous placental tissue, estimating the minimal tissue scale needed in extracting meaningful biological data. The developed protocol is beneficial for high-throughput investigation of structure-function relationships in both normal and diseased placentas, allowing us to optimize therapeutic approaches for pathological pregnancies. In addition, the methodology presented is applicable in the characterization of tissue architecture and physiological behaviours of other complex organs with similarity to the placenta, where an exchange barrier possesses circulating vascular and avascular fluid spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. M. Tun
- Diamond Light Source, Didcot OX11 0DE, UK
| | | | - H. Bischof
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- MAHSC, St Mary's Hospital, NHS MFT, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - G. Nye
- Chester Medical School, University of Chester, Chester CH1 4BJ, UK
| | | | - M. Basham
- Diamond Light Source, Didcot OX11 0DE, UK
- Rosalind Franklin Institute, Didcot OX11 0DE, UK
| | - Y. Tokudome
- Department of Materials Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka 599-8531, Japan
| | - R. M. Lewis
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - E. D. Johnstone
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- MAHSC, St Mary's Hospital, NHS MFT, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - P. Brownbill
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- MAHSC, St Mary's Hospital, NHS MFT, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - M. Darrow
- SPT Labtech Ltd, Melbourn SG8 6HB, UK
| | - I. L. Chernyavsky
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- MAHSC, St Mary's Hospital, NHS MFT, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
- Department of Mathematics, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
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15
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Morrison JL, Ayonrinde OT, Care AS, Clarke GD, Darby JRT, David AL, Dean JM, Hooper SB, Kitchen MJ, Macgowan CK, Melbourne A, McGillick EV, McKenzie CA, Michael N, Mohammed N, Sadananthan SA, Schrauben E, Regnault TRH, Velan SS. Seeing the fetus from a DOHaD perspective: discussion paper from the advanced imaging techniques of DOHaD applications workshop held at the 2019 DOHaD World Congress. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2021; 12:153-167. [PMID: 32955011 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174420000884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Advanced imaging techniques are enhancing research capacity focussed on the developmental origins of adult health and disease (DOHaD) hypothesis, and consequently increasing awareness of future health risks across various subareas of DOHaD research themes. Understanding how these advanced imaging techniques in animal models and human population studies can be both additively and synergistically used alongside traditional techniques in DOHaD-focussed laboratories is therefore of great interest. Global experts in advanced imaging techniques congregated at the advanced imaging workshop at the 2019 DOHaD World Congress in Melbourne, Australia. This review summarizes the presentations of new imaging modalities and novel applications to DOHaD research and discussions had by DOHaD researchers that are currently utilizing advanced imaging techniques including MRI, hyperpolarized MRI, ultrasound, and synchrotron-based techniques to aid their DOHaD research focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janna L Morrison
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Oyekoya T Ayonrinde
- Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch, WA, Australia
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Alison S Care
- The Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Geoffrey D Clarke
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jack R T Darby
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Anna L David
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Justin M Dean
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Stuart B Hooper
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marcus J Kitchen
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Andrew Melbourne
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Erin V McGillick
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Charles A McKenzie
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute and Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Navin Michael
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nuruddin Mohammed
- Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Suresh Anand Sadananthan
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Eric Schrauben
- Translational Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Timothy R H Regnault
- Lawson Health Research Institute and Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - S Sendhil Velan
- Singapore Bioimaging Consortium, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
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16
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Byrne M, Aughwane R, James JL, Hutchinson JC, Arthurs OJ, Sebire NJ, Ourselin S, David AL, Melbourne A, Clark AR. Structure-function relationships in the feto-placental circulation from in silico interpretation of micro-CT vascular structures. J Theor Biol 2021; 517:110630. [PMID: 33607145 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2021.110630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
A well-functioning placenta is critical for healthy fetal development, as the placenta brings fetal blood in close contact with nutrient rich maternal blood, enabling exchange of nutrients and waste between mother and fetus. The feto-placental circulation forms a complex branching structure, providing blood to fetal capillaries, which must receive sufficient blood flow to ensure effective exchange, but at a low enough pressure to prevent damage to placental circulatory structures. The branching structure of the feto-placental circulation is known to be altered in complications such as fetal growth restriction, and the presence of regions of vascular dysfunction (such as hypovascularity or thrombosis) are proposed to elevate risk of placental pathology. Here we present a methodology to combine micro-computed tomography and computational model-based analysis of the branching structure of the feto-placental circulation in ex vivo placentae from normal term pregnancies. We analyse how vascular structure relates to function in this key organ of pregnancy; demonstrating that there is a 'resilience' to placental vascular structure-function relationships. We find that placentae with variable chorionic vascular structures, both with and without a Hyrtl's anastomosis between the umbilical arteries, and those with multiple regions of poorly vascularised tissue are able to function with a normal vascular resistance. Our models also predict that by progressively introducing local heterogeneity in placental vascular structure, large increases in feto-placental vascular resistances are induced. This suggests that localised heterogeneities in placental structure could potentially provide an indicator of increased risk of placental dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Byrne
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rosalind Aughwane
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Prenatal Cell and Gene Therapy Group, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6HX, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna L James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - J Ciaran Hutchinson
- NIHR GOS Institute of Child Health Biomedical Research Centre, University College, London, United Kingdom; Department of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Owen J Arthurs
- NIHR GOS Institute of Child Health Biomedical Research Centre, University College, London, United Kingdom; Paediatric Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neil J Sebire
- NIHR GOS Institute of Child Health Biomedical Research Centre, University College, London, United Kingdom; Department of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastien Ourselin
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, Kings College London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna L David
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Prenatal Cell and Gene Therapy Group, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6HX, United Kingdom; NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7DN, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Melbourne
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, Kings College London, United Kingdom
| | - Alys R Clark
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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17
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Flouri D, Darby JRT, Holman SL, Perumal SR, David AL, Morrison JL, Melbourne A. Magnetic resonance imaging of placentome development in the pregnant Ewe. Placenta 2021; 105:61-69. [PMID: 33549925 PMCID: PMC7611430 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Novel imaging measurements of placental development are difficult to validate due to the invasive nature of gold-standard procedures. Animal studies have been important in validation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements in invasive preclinical studies, as they allow for controlled experiments and analysis of multiple time-points during pregnancy. This study characterises the longitudinal diffusion and perfusion properties of sheep placentomes using MRI, measurements that are required for future validation studies. METHODS Pregnant ewes were anaesthetised for a MRI session on a 3T scanner. Placental MRI was used to classify placentomes morphologically into three types based on their shape and size at two gestational ages. To validate classification accuracy, placentome type derived from MRI data were compared with placentome categorisation results after delivery. Diffusion-Weighted MRI and T2-relaxometry were used to measure a broad range of biophysical properties of the placentomes. RESULTS MRI morphological classification results showed consistent gestational age changes in placentome shape, as supported by post-delivery gold standard data. The mean apparent diffusion coefficient was significantly higher at 110 days gestation than at late gestation (~140 days; term, 150 days). Mean T2 was higher at mid gestation (152.2 ± 58.1 ms) compared to late gestation (127.8 ms ± 52.0). Significantly higher perfusion fraction was measured in late gestation placentomes that also had a significantly higher fractional anisotropy when compared to the earlier gestational age. DISCUSSION We report baseline measurements of techniques common in placental MRI for the sheep placenta. These measurements are essential to support future validation measurements of placental MRI techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra Flouri
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Jack R T Darby
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Stacey L Holman
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Sunthara R Perumal
- South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Preclinical, Imaging & Research Laboratories, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Anna L David
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, London, United Kingdom; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
| | - Janna L Morrison
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Andrew Melbourne
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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18
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Lewis RM, Pearson-Farr JE. Multiscale three-dimensional imaging of the placenta. Placenta 2020; 102:55-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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19
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Nguyen CD, Correia-Branco A, Adhikari N, Mercan E, Mallidi S, Wallingford MC. New Frontiers in Placenta Tissue Imaging. EMJ. RADIOLOGY 2020; 1:54-62. [PMID: 35949207 PMCID: PMC9361653 DOI: 10.33590/emjradiol/19-00210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The placenta is a highly vascularized organ with unique structural and metabolic complexities. As the primary conduit of fetal support, the placenta mediates transport of oxygen, nutrients, and waste between maternal and fetal blood. Thus, normal placenta anatomy and physiology is absolutely required for maintenance of maternal and fetal health during pregnancy. Moreover, impaired placental health can negatively impact offspring growth trajectories as well as increase the risk of maternal cardiovascular disease later in life. Despite these crucial roles for the placenta, placental disorders, such as preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and preterm birth, remain incompletely understood. Effective noninvasive imaging and image analysis are needed to advance the obstetrician's clinical reasoning toolkit and improve the utility of the placenta in interpreting maternal and fetal health trajectories. Current paradigms in placental imaging and image analysis aim to improve the traditional imaging techniques that may be time-consuming, costly, or invasive. In concert with conventional clinical approaches such as ultrasound (US), advanced imaging modalities can provide insightful information on the structure of placental tissues. Herein we discuss such imaging modalities, their specific applications in structural, vascular, and metabolic analysis of placental health, and emerging frontiers in image analysis research in both preclinical and clinical contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D. Nguyen
- Tufts University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 4 Colby St, Medford, MA 02155
| | - Ana Correia-Branco
- Tufts Medical Center, Mother Infant Research Institute, 800 Washington Street Box #394, Boston, MA 02111
- ufts Medical Center, Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, 800 Washington Street Box #394, Boston, MA 02111
| | - Nimish Adhikari
- Tufts University, Department of Computer Science, 419 Boston Ave, Medford, MA 02155
| | - Ezgi Mercan
- Seattle Children’s Hospital, Craniofacial Center, 4800 Sand Point Way NE Seattle, WA 98105
| | - Srivalleesha Mallidi
- Tufts University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 4 Colby St, Medford, MA 02155
| | - Mary C. Wallingford
- Tufts Medical Center, Mother Infant Research Institute, 800 Washington Street Box #394, Boston, MA 02111
- ufts Medical Center, Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, 800 Washington Street Box #394, Boston, MA 02111
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, 800 Washington Street Box #394, Boston, MA 02111
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20
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Link D, Many A, Ben Sira L, Tarrasch R, Bak S, Kidron D, Gordon Z, Yagel S, Harel S, Ben Bashat D. Placental vascular tree characterization based on ex-vivo MRI with a potential application for placental insufficiency assessment. Placenta 2020; 101:252-260. [PMID: 32933767 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Understanding regarding the whole placental vascular network structure is limited. Our aim was to quantitatively characterize the human placental vascular tree ex-vivo using high-resolution MRI. METHODS 34 normal placentas were rinsed and injected with a solution of gelatin and contrast agent through the umbilical vessels. A sample of six placentas taken from pregnancies with intrauterine-growth-restriction (IUGR) was used to demonstrate the potential application to cases with placental insufficiency. Structural ex-vivo MR scans of the placenta were performed using high resolution T1 weighted images. A semi-automatic method was developed to segment and characterize the placental vascular architecture: placental volume and cord insertion location; number of bifurcations, generations and vessels diameters. RESULTS Different vascular patterns were found in placentas with central versus marginal cord-insertion. Based on the placental volume and number of bifurcations we were able to predict birth weight. Furthermore, preliminary results on IUGR sample demonstrated the potential of this method to differentiate between small newborns with suspected IUGR from small normal newborns who reached their full growth potential. Results obtained using the automatic method were validated against manual values demonstrating no significant differences or bias. Histopathology supported the imaging findings. DISCUSSION This is the first study to quantitatively characterize the human placental vascular architecture using high resolution ex-vivo MRI. Different patterns of vascular architecture may be related to different functioning of the placenta and affect fetal development. This method is simple, relatively fast, provides detailed information of the placental vascular architecture, and may have important clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphna Link
- Sagol Brain Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ariel Many
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Liat Ben Sira
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Division of Pediatric Radiology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ricardo Tarrasch
- Jaime and Joan Constantiner School of Education, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Stella Bak
- Division of Pathology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Debora Kidron
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Pathology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - Zoya Gordon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Medical Engineering Afeka, Tel Aviv Academic College of Engineering, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Simcha Yagel
- Obstretrics and Gynecology Division, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shaul Harel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Pediatric Neurology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dafna Ben Bashat
- Sagol Brain Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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21
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Barapatre N, Aschauer B, Kampfer C, Schmitz C, von Koch FE, Frank HG. Air contrast of the intervillous space enables non-disruptive Micro-CT analysis of paraffin-embedded archival placental tissue. Placenta 2020; 100:66-68. [PMID: 32862057 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The morphometric parameters of the villous tree are a strong indicator of deviant placentas. Methods have been established to digitally reconstruct small peripheral branches by tracing with 3D Microscopy at subcellular resolution. Micro-CT can help scale up the scanning of villous trees with resolution in the range of a few micrometers. As placental tissue samples are routinely conserved and archived by fixation and paraffin embedding, the villous structures are inaccessible to Micro-CT imaging due to poor contrast between paraffin and paraffinized tissue. We present a novel procedure for contrast enhancement by selectively replacing wax by air in the intervillous space.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Barapatre
- LMU Munich, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy II, Pettenkoferstr. 11, 80336, Munich, Germany.
| | - B Aschauer
- LMU Munich, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy II, Pettenkoferstr. 11, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - C Kampfer
- LMU Munich, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy II, Pettenkoferstr. 11, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - C Schmitz
- LMU Munich, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy II, Pettenkoferstr. 11, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - F E von Koch
- Clinic for Obstetrics and Gynecology Dritter Orden, Menzinger Str. 44, 80638, Munich, Germany
| | - H-G Frank
- LMU Munich, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy II, Pettenkoferstr. 11, 80336, Munich, Germany
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22
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Advances in imaging feto-placental vasculature: new tools to elucidate the early life origins of health and disease. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2020; 12:168-178. [PMID: 32746961 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174420000720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Optimal placental function is critical for fetal development, and therefore a crucial consideration for understanding the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD). The structure of the fetal side of the placental vasculature is an important determinant of fetal growth and cardiovascular development. There are several imaging modalities for assessing feto-placental structure including stereology, electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, micro-computed tomography, light-sheet microscopy, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. In this review, we present current methodologies for imaging feto-placental vasculature morphology ex vivo and in vivo in human and experimental models, their advantages and limitations and how these provide insight into placental function and fetal outcomes. These imaging approaches add important perspective to our understanding of placental biology and have potential to be new tools to elucidate a deeper understanding of DOHaD.
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23
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Clark AR, Lee TC, James JL. Computational modeling of the interactions between the maternal and fetal circulations in human pregnancy. WIREs Mech Dis 2020; 13:e1502. [PMID: 32744412 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In pregnancy, fetal growth is supported by its placenta. In turn, the placenta is nourished by maternal blood, delivered from the uterus, in which the vasculature is dramatically transformed to deliver this blood an ever increasing volume throughout gestation. A healthy pregnancy is thus dependent on the development of both the placental and maternal circulations, but also the interface where these physically separate circulations come in close proximity to exchange gases and nutrients between mum and baby. As the system continually evolves during pregnancy, our understanding of normal vascular anatomy, and how this impacts placental exchange function is limited. Understanding this is key to improve our ability to understand, predict, and detect pregnancy pathologies, but presents a number of challenges, due to the inaccessibility of the pregnant uterus to invasive measurements, and limitations in the resolution of imaging modalities safe for use in pregnancy. Computational approaches provide an opportunity to gain new insights into normal and abnormal pregnancy, by connecting observed anatomical changes from high-resolution imaging to function, and providing metrics that can be observed by routine clinical ultrasound. Such advanced modeling brings with it challenges to scale detailed anatomical models to reflect organ level function. This suggests pathways for future research to provide models that provide both physiological insights into pregnancy health, but also are simple enough to guide clinical focus. We the review evolution of computational approaches to understanding the physiology and pathophysiology of pregnancy in the uterus, placenta, and beyond focusing on both opportunities and challenges. This article is categorized under: Reproductive System Diseases >Computational Models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alys R Clark
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tet Chuan Lee
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Joanna L James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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24
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Placental vascular tree characterization based on ex-vivo MRI with a potential application for placental insufficiency assessment. Placenta 2020; 96:34-43. [PMID: 32560856 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Understanding regarding the whole placental vascular network structure is limited. Our aim was to quantitatively characterize the human placental vascular tree ex-vivo using high-resolution MRI. METHODS 34 normal placentas were rinsed and injected with a solution of gelatin and contrast agent through the umbilical vessels. A sample of six placentas taken from pregnancies with intrauterine-growth-restriction (IUGR) was used to demonstrate the potential application to cases with placental insufficiency. Structural ex-vivo MR scans of the placenta were performed using high resolution T1 weighted images. A semi-automatic method was developed to segment and characterize the placental vascular architecture: placental volume and cord insertion location, number of bifurcations, generations and vessels diameters. RESULTS Different vascular patterns were found in placentas with central versus marginal cord-insertion. Based on the placental volume and number of bifurcations we were able to predict birth weight. Furthermore, preliminary results on IUGR sample demonstrated the potential of this method to differentiate between small newborns with suspected IUGR from small normal newborns who reached their full growth potential. Results obtained using the automatic method were validated against manual values demonstrating no significant differences or bias. Histopathology supported the imaging findings. DISCUSSION This is the first study to quantitatively characterize the human placental vascular architecture using high resolution ex-vivo MRI. Different patterns of vascular architecture may be related to different functioning of the placenta and affect fetal development. This method is simple, relatively fast, provides detailed information of the placental vascular architecture, and may have important clinical applications.
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