1
|
Bento GFC, Richardson L, da Silva MG, Tantengco OAG, Menon R. Modeling an ascending infection by Ureaplasma parvum and its cell signaling and inflammatory response at the feto-maternal interface. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 90:e13770. [PMID: 37766409 PMCID: PMC10571092 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Ascending bacterial infection is associated with ∼ 40% of spontaneous preterm birth (PTB), and Ureaplasma spp. is one of the most common bacteria isolated from the amniotic fluid. Developing novel in vitro models that mimic in vivo uterine physiology is essential to study microbial pathogenesis. We utilized the feto-maternal interface organ-on-chip (FMi-OOC) device and determined the propagation of Ureaplasma parvum, and its impact on cell signaling and inflammation. METHOD OF STUDY FMi-OOC is a microphysiologic device mimicking fetal membrane/decidua interconnected through microchannels. The impact of resident decidual CD45+ leukocytes was also determined by incorporating them into the decidual chamber in different combinations with U. parvum. We tested the propagation of live U. parvum from the decidual to the amniochorion membranes (immunocytochemistry and quantitative PCR), determined its impact on cytotoxicity (LDH assay), cell signaling (JESSTM Western Blot), cellular transition (immunostaining for vimentin and cytokeratin), and inflammation (cytokine bead array). RESULTS U. parvum transversed the chorion and reached the amnion epithelium after 72 hours but did not induce cell signaling kinases (p38MAPK and JNK) activation, or cellular transition (epithelial-mesenchymal), regardless of the presence of immune cells. The inflammatory response was limited to the choriodecidual interface and did not promote inflammation in the amnion layer. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that U. parvum is poorly immunogenic and does not produce massive inflammatory changes at the feto-maternal interface. We speculate that the presence of U. parvum may still compromise the feto-maternal interface making it susceptible to other pathogenic infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovana Fernanda Cosi Bento
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Lauren Richardson
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | | | - Ourlad Alzeus G. Tantengco
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
- Department of Biology, College of Science, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Costa E, Thrasivoulou C, Becker DL, Deprest JA, David AL, Chowdhury TT. Cx43 regulates mechanotransduction mechanisms in human preterm amniotic membrane defects. Prenat Diagn 2023; 43:1284-1295. [PMID: 37649228 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The effects of mechanical stimulation in preterm amniotic membrane (AM) defects were explored. METHODS Preterm AM was collected from women undergoing planned preterm caesarean section (CS) due to fetal growth restriction or emergency CS after spontaneous preterm prelabour rupture of the membranes (sPPROM). AM explants near the cervix or placenta were subjected to trauma and/or mechanical stimulation with the Cx43 antisense. Markers for nuclear morphology (DAPI), myofibroblasts (αSMA), migration (Cx43), inflammation (PGE2 ) and repair (collagen, elastin and transforming growth factor β [TGFβ1 ]) were examined by confocal microscopy, second harmonic generation, qPCR and biochemical assays. RESULTS In preterm AM defects, myofibroblast nuclei were highly deformed and contractile and expressed αSMA and Cx43. Mechanical stimulation increased collagen fibre polarisation and the effects on matrix markers were dependent on tissue region, disease state, gestational age and the number of fetuses. PGE2 levels were broadly similar but reduced after co-treatment with Cx43 antisense in late sPPROM AM defects. TGFβ1 and Cx43 gene expression were significantly increased after trauma and mechanical stimulation but this response dependent on gestational age. CONCLUSION Mechanical stimulation affects Cx43 signalling and cell/collagen mechanics in preterm AM defects. Establishing how Cx43 regulates mechanosignalling could be an approach to repair tissue integrity after trauma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Costa
- Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - David L Becker
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jan A Deprest
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, Medical School Building, London, UK
| | - Anna L David
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, Medical School Building, London, UK
| | - Tina T Chowdhury
- Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kammala AK, Richardson LS, Radnaa E, Han A, Menon R. Microfluidic technology and simulation models in studying pharmacokinetics during pregnancy. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1241815. [PMID: 37663251 PMCID: PMC10469630 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1241815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Preterm birth rates and maternal and neonatal mortality remain concerning global health issues, necessitating improved strategies for testing therapeutic compounds during pregnancy. Current 2D or 3D cell models and animal models often fail to provide data that can effectively translate into clinical trials, leading to pregnant women being excluded from drug development considerations and clinical studies. To address this limitation, we explored the utility of in silico simulation modeling and microfluidic-based organ-on-a-chip platforms to assess potential interventional agents. Methods: We developed a multi-organ feto-maternal interface on-chip (FMi-PLA-OOC) utilizing microfluidic channels to maintain intercellular interactions among seven different cell types (fetal membrane-decidua-placenta). This platform enabled the investigation of drug pharmacokinetics in vitro. Pravastatin, a model drug known for its efficacy in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation during pregnancy and currently in clinical trials, was used to test its transfer rate across both feto-maternal interfaces. The data obtained from FMi-PLA-OOC were compared with existing data from in vivo animal models and ex vivo placenta perfusion models. Additionally, we employed mechanistically based simulation software (Gastroplus®) to predict pravastatin pharmacokinetics in pregnant subjects based on validated nonpregnant drug data. Results: Pravastatin transfer across the FMi-PLA-OOC and predicted pharmacokinetics in the in silico models were found to be similar, approximately 18%. In contrast, animal models showed supraphysiologic drug accumulation in the amniotic fluid, reaching approximately 33%. Discussion: The results from this study suggest that the FMi-PLA-OOC and in silico models can serve as alternative methods for studying drug pharmacokinetics during pregnancy, providing valuable insights into drug transport and metabolism across the placenta and fetal membranes. These advanced platforms offer promising opportunities for safe, reliable, and faster testing of therapeutic compounds, potentially reducing the number of pregnant women referred to as "therapeutic orphans" due to the lack of consideration in drug development and clinical trials. By bridging the gap between preclinical studies and clinical trials, these approaches hold great promise in improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ananth K. Kammala
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Lauren S. Richardson
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Enkhtuya Radnaa
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Arum Han
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Richardson L, Kammala AK, Kim S, Lam PY, Truong N, Radnaa E, Urrabaz-Garza R, Han A, Menon R. Development of oxidative stress-associated disease models using feto-maternal interface organ-on-a-chip. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23000. [PMID: 37249377 PMCID: PMC10259454 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300531r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation arising from cellular derangements at the fetal membrane-decidual interface (feto-maternal interface [FMi]) is a major antecedent to preterm birth (PTB). However, it is impractical to study OS-associated FMi disease state during human pregnancy, and thus it is difficult to develop strategies to reduce the incidences of PTB. A microfluidic organ-on-chip model (FMi-OOC) that mimics the in vivo structure and functions of FMi in vitro was developed to address this challenge. The FMi-OOC contained fetal (amnion epithelial, mesenchymal, and chorion) and maternal (decidua) cells cultured in four compartments interconnected by arrays of microchannels to allow independent but interconnected co-cultivation. Using this model, we tested the effects of OS and inflammation on both fetal (fetal → maternal) and maternal (maternal → fetal) sides of the FMi and determined their differential impact on PTB-associated pathways. OS was induced using cigarette smoke extract (CSE) exposure. The impacts of OS were assessed by measuring cell viability, disruption of immune homeostasis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), development of senescence, and inflammation. CSE propagated (LC/MS-MS analysis for nicotine) over a 72-hour period from the maternal to fetal side, or vice versa. However, they caused two distinct pathological effects on the maternal and fetal cells. Specifically, fetal OS induced cellular pathologies and inflammation, whereas maternal OS caused immune intolerance. The pronounced impact produced by the fetus supports the hypothesis that fetal inflammatory response is a mechanistic trigger for parturition. The FMi disease-associated changes identified in the FMi-OOC suggest the unique capability of this in vitro model in testing in utero conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Richardson
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Ananth Kumar Kammala
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Sungjin Kim
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Po Yi Lam
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Nina Truong
- John Sealy School of Medicine at Galveston, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Enkhtuya Radnaa
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Rheanna Urrabaz-Garza
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Arum Han
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA5
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kan H, Liu H, Mu Y, Li Y, Zhang M, Cao Y, Dong Y, Li Y, Wang K, Li Q, Hu A, Zheng Y. Novel genetic variants linked to prelabor rupture of membranes among Chinese pregnant women. Placenta 2023; 137:14-22. [PMID: 37054626 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The etiology of prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM), either preterm or term PROM (PPROM or TPROM), remains largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the association between maternal genetic variants (GVs) and PROM and further establish a GV-based prediction model for PROM. METHODS In this case-cohort study (n = 1166), Chinese pregnant women with PPROM (n = 51), TPROM (n = 283) and controls (n = 832) were enrolled. A weighted Cox model was applied to identify the GVs (single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs], insertions/deletions, and copy number variants) associated with either PPROM or TPROM. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was to explore the mechanisms. The suggestively significant GVs were applied to establish a random forest (RF) model. RESULTS PTPRT variants (rs117950601, P = 4.37 × 10-9; rs147178603, P = 8.98 × 10-9) and SNRNP40 variant (rs117573344, P = 2.13 × 10-8) were associated with PPROM. STXBP5L variant (rs10511405, P = 4.66 × 10-8) was associated with TPROM. GSEA results showed that genes associated with PPROM were enriched in cell adhesion, and TPROM in ascorbate and glucuronidation metabolism. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of SNP-based RF model for PPROM was 0.961, with a sensitivity of 100.0% and specificity of 83.3%. DISCUSSION Maternal GVs in PTPRT and SNRNP40 were associated with PPROM, and GV in STXBP5L was associated with TPROM. Cell adhesion participated in PPROM, while ascorbate and glucuronidation metabolism contributed in TPROM. The PPROM might be well predicted using the SNP-based RF model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Kan
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory for Health Technology Assessment, National Commission of Health and Family Planning, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Haiyan Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Anqing Municipal Hospital, Anqing, 246003, China; Department of Blood Transfusion, Anqing Municipal Hospital, Anqing, 246003, China
| | - Yutong Mu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory for Health Technology Assessment, National Commission of Health and Family Planning, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yijie Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory for Health Technology Assessment, National Commission of Health and Family Planning, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory for Health Technology Assessment, National Commission of Health and Family Planning, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yanmin Cao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory for Health Technology Assessment, National Commission of Health and Family Planning, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yao Dong
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory for Health Technology Assessment, National Commission of Health and Family Planning, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yaxin Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory for Health Technology Assessment, National Commission of Health and Family Planning, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Kailin Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory for Health Technology Assessment, National Commission of Health and Family Planning, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Anqing Municipal Hospital, Anqing, 246003, China.
| | - Anqun Hu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Anqing Municipal Hospital, Anqing, 246003, China.
| | - Yingjie Zheng
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Key Laboratory for Health Technology Assessment, National Commission of Health and Family Planning, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Jiao A, Sun Y, Sacks DA, Avila C, Chiu V, Molitor J, Chen JC, Sanders KT, Abatzoglou JT, Slezak J, Benmarhnia T, Getahun D, Wu J. The role of extreme heat exposure on premature rupture of membranes in Southern California: A study from a large pregnancy cohort. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 173:107824. [PMID: 36809710 PMCID: PMC10917632 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Significant mortality and morbidity in pregnant women and their offspring are linked to premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Epidemiological evidence for heat-related PROM risk is extremely limited. We investigated associations between acute heatwave exposure and spontaneous PROM. METHODS We conducted this retrospective cohort study among mothers in Kaiser Permanente Southern California who experienced membrane ruptures during the warm season (May-September) from 2008 to 2018. Twelve definitions of heatwaves with different cut-off percentiles (75th, 90th, 95th, and 98th) and durations (≥ 2, 3, and 4 consecutive days) were developed using the daily maximum heat index, which incorporates both daily maximum temperature and minimum relative humidity in the last gestational week. Cox proportional hazards models were fitted separately for spontaneous PROM, term PROM (TPROM), and preterm PROM (PPROM) with zip codes as the random effect and gestational week as the temporal unit. Effect modification by air pollution (i.e., PM2.5 and NO2), climate adaptation measures (i.e., green space and air conditioning [AC] penetration), sociodemographic factors, and smoking behavior was examined. RESULTS In total, we included 190,767 subjects with 16,490 (8.6%) spontaneous PROMs. We identified a 9-14% increase in PROM risks associated with less intense heatwaves. Similar patterns as PROM were found for TPROM and PPROM. The heat-related PROM risks were greater among mothers exposed to a higher level of PM2.5 during pregnancy, under 25 years old, with lower education and household income level, and who smoked. Even though climate adaptation factors were not statistically significant effect modifiers, mothers living with lower green space or lower AC penetration were at consistently higher heat-related PROM risks compared to their counterparts. CONCLUSION Using a rich and high-quality clinical database, we detected harmful heat exposure for spontaneous PROM in preterm and term deliveries. Some subgroups with specific characteristics were more susceptible to heat-related PROM risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Jiao
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Yi Sun
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Institute of Medical Information, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - David A Sacks
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chantal Avila
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Vicki Chiu
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - John Molitor
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Jiu-Chiuan Chen
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Kelly T Sanders
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California, CA, USA
| | | | - Jeff Slezak
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Tarik Benmarhnia
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive #0725, CA La Jolla 92093, USA
| | - Darios Getahun
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, USA; Department of Health Systems Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, CA, USA.
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Goldman B, Radnaa E, Kechichian T, Menon R. Silencing P38 MAPK reduces cellular senescence in human fetal chorion trophoblast cells. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 89:e13648. [PMID: 36334089 PMCID: PMC9771926 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Amniochorion senescence generates mechanistic signals to initiate parturition. Activation of p38 mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK) in fetal amnion cells is a key mediator of senescence as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of amnion cells. However, the impact of p38 MAPK in chorion trophoblast cells (CTCs) is unclear. We tested if eliminating p38 will reduce oxidative stress (OS) induced cell fates like cellular senescence, EMT, and inflammation induced by these processes in CTCs. METHODS p38MAPK in CTCs was silenced using CRISPR/Cas9. OS was evoked by cigarette smoke extract (CSE) exposure. EMT was evoked by transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß treatment. Cell cycle, senescence, EMT, and inflammation were analyzed. RESULTS CSE-induced changes in the cell cycle were not seen in p38KO CTCs compared to WT cells. OS induced by CSE evoked senescence and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP as indicated by IL-6 and IL-8 increase) in WT but not in p38MAPK KO CTCs. No changes were noted in HLA-G expression regardless of the status of p38MAPK. Neither CSE nor TGF-ß evoked EMT in either WT or p38 KO CTCs. CONCLUSION Senescence and senescence-associated inflammation in human fetal CTCs are mediated by p38MAPK. Compared to amnion epithelial cells, CTCs are resistant to EMT. This refractoriness may help them to maintain the barrier functions at the choriodecidual interface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brett Goldman
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Enkhtuya Radnaa
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Talar Kechichian
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rahimnejad M, Rasouli F, Jahangiri S, Ahmadi S, Rabiee N, Ramezani Farani M, Akhavan O, Asadnia M, Fatahi Y, Hong S, Lee J, Lee J, Hahn SK. Engineered Biomimetic Membranes for Organ-on-a-Chip. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:5038-5059. [PMID: 36347501 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Organ-on-a-chip (OOC) systems are engineered nanobiosystems to mimic the physiochemical environment of a specific organ in the body. Among various components of OOC systems, biomimetic membranes have been regarded as one of the most important key components to develop controllable biomimetic bioanalysis systems. Here, we review the preparation and characterization of biomimetic membranes in comparison with the features of the extracellular matrix. After that, we review and discuss the latest applications of engineered biomimetic membranes to fabricate various organs on a chip, such as liver, kidney, intestine, lung, skin, heart, vasculature and blood vessels, brain, and multiorgans with perspectives for further biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maedeh Rahimnejad
- Biomedical Engineering Institute, School of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1J4, Canada.,Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Quebec H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Fariba Rasouli
- Bioceramics and Implants Laboratory, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran 14174-66191, Iran
| | - Sepideh Jahangiri
- Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Quebec H2X 0A9, Canada.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Sepideh Ahmadi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19839-63113, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19839-63113, Iran
| | - Navid Rabiee
- Department of Physics, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran 11155-9161, Iran.,School of Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Korea
| | - Marzieh Ramezani Farani
- Toxicology and Diseases Group (TDG), Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14176-14411, Iran
| | - Omid Akhavan
- Department of Physics, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran 11155-9161, Iran
| | - Mohsen Asadnia
- School of Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Yousef Fatahi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14176-14411, Iran
| | - Sanghoon Hong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Korea
| | - Jungho Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Korea
| | - Junmin Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Korea
| | - Sei Kwang Hahn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Richardson LS, Emezienna N, Burd I, Taylor BD, Peltier MR, Han A, Menon R. Adapting an organ-on-chip device to study the effect of fetal sex and maternal race/ethnicity on preterm birth related intraamniotic inflammation leading to fetal neuroinflammation. Am J Reprod Immunol 2022; 88:e13638. [PMID: 36308737 PMCID: PMC9712252 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Fetal neuroinflammation has been linked to preterm birth-related intraamniotic infection and inflammation; However, the contribution of fetal sex and maternal race/ethnicity is unknown. To determine if fetal sex and maternal race/ethnicity influence neuroinflammation, an organ-on-chip (OOC) model were established under normal or pathologic conditions utilizing amniotic fluid. METHOD OF STUDY OOC is composed of two-cell culture chambers connected by Type IV collagen-coated microchannels. Human fetal astroglia (SVGp12) and microglia (HMC3) were co-cultured at an 80:20 ratio in the inner chamber. The outer chamber contained amniotic fluid (AF) from male and female fetuses of White Hispanic (WH) and African-American (AA) pregnant women with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS-100 ng/ml) and incubated for 48 h. Glial migration (brightfield microscopy), activation (Immunocytochemistry), and cytokine production (Luminex assays) were quantified and compared (N = 4 for each category of sex and race/ethnicity). RESULTS In a pooled analysis, AF+LPS did not induce glial activation or inflammatory changes compared to AF alone. When stratified by sex, male AF+LPS promoted significant glial activation (high CD11b:p < 0.05; low Iba1:p < 0.01) compared to male AF without LPS; however, this was not associated with changes in pro-inflammatory cytokines. When stratified by race/ethnicity, AF+LPS induced glial activation in both groups, but a differential increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines was seen between WH and AA AF (WH-interleukin-1β: p < 0.05; AA-interleukin-8: p < 0.01). CONCLUSION This OOC model of fetal neuroinflammation has determined that race/ethnicity differences do exist for perinatal brain injury. The fetal sex of neonates was not a determining factor of susceptibility to intraamniotic inflammation leading to neuroinflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren S. Richardson
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Nkechinyere Emezienna
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Irina Burd
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Johns Hopkin University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Brandie D. Taylor
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Morgan R. Peltier
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, New Jersey, USA
| | - Arum Han
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Richardson LS, K Kammala A, Costantine MM, Fortunato SJ, Radnaa E, Kim S, Taylor RN, Han A, Menon R. Testing of drugs using human feto-maternal interface organ-on-chips provide insights into pharmacokinetics and efficacy. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:4574-4592. [PMID: 36322152 PMCID: PMC9682442 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00691j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: To improve preclinical drug testing during pregnancy, we developed multiple microfluidic organ-on-chip (OOC) devices that represent the structure, functions, and responses of the two feto-maternal interfaces (FMis) in humans (fetal membrane [FMi-OOC] and placenta [PLA-OOC]). This study utilized feto-maternal interface OOCs to test the kinetics and efficacy of drugs during pregnancy. Study design: The FMi-OOC contained amnion epithelial, mesenchymal, chorion trophoblast, and decidual cells. The PLA-OOC contained cytotrophoblasts (BeWo), syncytiotrophoblasts (BeWo + forskolin), and human umbilical vein endothelial cell lines. Therapeutic concentrations of either pravastatin or rosuvastatin (200 ng mL-1), a model drug for these experiments, were applied to either decidua (in FMi-OOC) and syncytiotrophoblasts (in PLA-OOC) chambers under normal and oxidative stress conditions (induced by cigarette smoke extract [CSE 1 : 25]) to evaluate maternal drug exposure during normal pregnancy or oxidative stress (OS) associated pathologies, respectively. We determined statin pharmacokinetics and metabolism (LC-MS/MS), drug-induced cytotoxicity (LDH assay), and efficacy to reduce OS-induced inflammation (multiplex cytokine assay). Results: Both OOCs mimicked two distinct human feto-maternal interfaces. The drugs tested permeated the maternal-fetal cell layers of the FMi-OOC and PLA-OOC within 4 hours and generated cell and time-specific statin metabolites from various cell types without causing any cytotoxicity. OS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines were effectively reduced by statins by increasing anti-inflammatory cytokine response across the FMi-OOC and PLA-OOC. Conclusion: Two distinct feto-maternal interface OOCs were developed, tested, and validated for their utility to conduct preclinical trials during pregnancy. We demonstrated that the placenta and fetal membranes-decidual interface both are able to transport and metabolize drugs and that the safety and efficacy of a drug can be determined using the anatomical structures recreated on OOCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren S Richardson
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-1062, Texas, USA.
| | - Ananth K Kammala
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-1062, Texas, USA.
| | - Maged M Costantine
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Stephen J Fortunato
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Ochsner Medical Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Enkhtuya Radnaa
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-1062, Texas, USA.
| | - Sungjin Kim
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.
| | - Robert N Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Arum Han
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-1062, Texas, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Vidal MS, Lintao RCV, Severino MEL, Tantengco OAG, Menon R. Spontaneous preterm birth: Involvement of multiple feto-maternal tissues and organ systems, differing mechanisms, and pathways. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1015622. [PMID: 36313741 PMCID: PMC9606232 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1015622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Survivors of preterm birth struggle with multitudes of disabilities due to improper in utero programming of various tissues and organ systems contributing to adult-onset diseases at a very early stage of their lives. Therefore, the persistent rates of low birth weight (birth weight < 2,500 grams), as well as rates of neonatal and maternal morbidities and mortalities, need to be addressed. Active research throughout the years has provided us with multiple theories regarding the risk factors, initiators, biomarkers, and clinical manifestations of spontaneous preterm birth. Fetal organs, like the placenta and fetal membranes, and maternal tissues and organs, like the decidua, myometrium, and cervix, have all been shown to uniquely respond to specific exogenous or endogenous risk factors. These uniquely contribute to dynamic changes at the molecular and cellular levels to effect preterm labor pathways leading to delivery. Multiple intervention targets in these different tissues and organs have been successfully tested in preclinical trials to reduce the individual impacts on promoting preterm birth. However, these preclinical trial data have not been effectively translated into developing biomarkers of high-risk individuals for an early diagnosis of the disease. This becomes more evident when examining the current global rate of preterm birth, which remains staggeringly high despite years of research. We postulate that studying each tissue and organ in silos, as how the majority of research has been conducted in the past years, is unlikely to address the network interaction between various systems leading to a synchronized activity during either term or preterm labor and delivery. To address current limitations, this review proposes an integrated approach to studying various tissues and organs involved in the maintenance of normal pregnancy, promotion of normal parturition, and more importantly, contributions towards preterm birth. We also stress the need for biological models that allows for concomitant observation and analysis of interactions, rather than focusing on these tissues and organ in silos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel S. Vidal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Ryan C. V. Lintao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Mary Elise L. Severino
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Ourlad Alzeus G. Tantengco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Menon R. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of feto-maternal reproductive tissues generates inflammation: a detrimental factor for preterm birth. BMB Rep 2022. [PMID: 35880430 PMCID: PMC9442346 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2022.55.8.174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pregnancy is a delicate and complex process where multiorgan interactions between two independent systems, the mother, and her fetus, maintain pregnancy. Intercellular interactions that can define homeostasis at the various cellular level between the two systems allow uninterrupted fetal growth and development until delivery. Interactions are needed for tissue remodeling during pregnancy at both fetal and maternal tissue layers. One of the mechanisms that help tissue remodeling is via cellular transitions where epithelial cells undergo a cyclic transition from epithelial to mesenchymal (EMT) and back from mesenchymal to epithelial (MET). Two major pregnancy-associated tissue systems that use EMT, and MET are the fetal membrane (amniochorion) amnion epithelial layer and cervical epithelial cells and will be reviewed here. EMT is often associated with localized inflammation, and it is a well-balanced process to facilitate tissue remodeling. Cyclic transition processes are important because a terminal state or the static state of EMT can cause accumulation of proinflammatory mesenchymal cells in the matrix regions of these tissues and increase localized inflammation that can cause tissue damage. Interactions that determine homeostasis are often controlled by both endocrine and paracrine mediators. Pregnancy maintenance hormone progesterone and its receptors are critical for maintaining the balance between EMT and MET. Increased intrauterine oxidative stress at term can force a static (terminal) EMT and increase inflammation that are physiologic processes that destabilize homeostasis that maintain pregnancy to promote labor and delivery of the fetus. However, conditions that can produce an untimely increase in EMT and inflammation can be pathologic. These tissue damages are often associated with adverse pregnancy complications such as preterm prelabor rupture of the membranes (pPROM) and spontaneous preterm birth (PTB). Therefore, an understanding of the biomolecular processes that maintain cyclic EMT-MET is critical to reducing the risk of pPROM and PTB. Extracellular vesicles (exosomes of 40-160 nm) that can carry various cargo are involved in cellular transitions as paracrine mediators. Exosomes can carry a variety of biomolecules as cargo. Studies specifically using exosomes from cells undergone EMT can carry a pro-inflammatory cargo and in a paracrine fashion can modify the neighboring tissue environment to cause enhancement of uterine inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston 77555-1062, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Richardson L, Menon R. Fetal membrane at the feto-maternal interface: An underappreciated and understudied intrauterine tissue. PLACENTA AND REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE 2022; 1:10.54844/prm.2022.0104. [PMID: 37502422 PMCID: PMC10373051 DOI: 10.54844/prm.2022.0104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Richardson
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston 77555, TX, USA
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston 77555, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kammala A, Benson M, Ganguly E, Richardson L, Menon R. Functional role and regulation of permeability-glycoprotein (P-gp) in the fetal membrane during drug transportation. Am J Reprod Immunol 2022; 87:e13515. [PMID: 34873775 PMCID: PMC8776608 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Na+ /H+ exchange regulatory factor-1 (NHERF-1) is a class I PDZ (PSD95/Discs-large/ZO-1) binding protein involved in cell-surface expression and stabilization of transporter proteins, including permeability-glycoprotein (P-gp) in various cell types. P-gp, expressed in placental trophoblasts, is an efflux transporter protein that influences the pharmacokinetics of various drugs used during pregnancy. Previously we have reported that NHERF-1 regulates fetal membrane inflammation. However, the role of NHERF-1 in regulating P-gp in the fetal membrane during drug transportation remains unclear. This study determined the interplay between NHERF-1 and P-gp in human fetal membrane cells. METHODS Fetal membranes from normal, term cesareans were screened for P-gp by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Chorionic trophoblast (CTC), with the highest expression of P-gp among fetal membrane cells, was further used to test interactive properties between NHERF-1 and P-gp. BeWo (placental trophoblast cell line) cells were used as a control. Immunoprecipitation (IP) of CTC lysates using the P-gp antibody followed by western blot determined co-precipitation of NHERF-1. Silencing NHERF-1 using small interfering RNA further tested the relevance of NHERF-1 in P-gp expression and function in CTC and BeWo cells. NHERF-1 regulation of P-gp's efflux function (drug resistance) was further tested using the ENZOTM efflux dye kit. RESULTS Immunohistochemistry localized, and western blot confirmed P-gp in human fetal membranes, primarily in the CTC with limited expression in the amnion epithelial layer. P-gp expression in the membranes was similar to that seen in the placenta. IP data showed P-gp co-precipitating with NHERF1. Silencing of NHERF-1 resulted in significant drug resistance suggesting P-gp function mediated through NHERF1 in CTCs. CONCLUSION Proinflammatory mediator NHERF-1 regulates P-gp and control drug transportation across the fetal membranes. Our data suggest a novel functional role for fetal membranes during pregnancy. Besides the placenta, fetal membranes may also regulate efflux of materials at the feto-maternal interface and control drug transport during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ramkumar Menon
- Corresponding author: Ramkumar Menon, Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Director of the Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, Texas 77555-1062, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
The Impact of Oxidative Stress of Environmental Origin on the Onset of Placental Diseases. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11010106. [PMID: 35052610 PMCID: PMC8773163 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11010106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) plays a pivotal role in placental development; however, abnormal loads in oxidative stress molecules may overwhelm the placental defense mechanisms and cause pathological situations. The environment in which the mother evolves triggers an exposure of the placental tissue to chemical, physical, and biological agents of OS, with potential pathological consequences. Here we shortly review the physiological and developmental functions of OS in the placenta, and present a series of environmental pollutants inducing placental oxidative stress, for which some insights regarding the underlying mechanisms have been proposed, leading to a recapitulation of the noxious effects of OS of environmental origin upon the human placenta.
Collapse
|
16
|
Radnaa E, Urrabaz-Garza R, Elrod ND, de Castro Silva M, Pyles R, Han A, Menon R. Generation and characterization of human Fetal membrane and Decidual cell lines for reproductive biology experiments†. Biol Reprod 2021; 106:568-582. [PMID: 34935931 PMCID: PMC8934701 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Human fetal membrane and maternal decidua parietalis form one of the major feto-maternal interfaces during pregnancy. Studies on this feto-maternal interface is limited as several investigators have limited access to the placenta, and experience difficulties to isolate and maintain primary cells. Many cell lines that are currently available do not have the characteristics or properties of their primary cells of origin. Therefore, we created, characterized the immortalized cells from primary isolates from fetal membrane-derived amnion epithelial cells, amnion and chorion mesenchymal cells, chorion trophoblast cells and maternal decidua parietalis cells. Primary cells were isolated from a healthy full-term, not in labor placenta. Primary cells were immortalized using either a HPV16E6E7 retroviral or a SV40T lentiviral system. The immortalized cells were characterized for the morphology, cell type-specific markers, and cell signalling pathway activation. Genomic stability of these cells was tested using RNA seq, karyotyping, and short tandem repeats DNA analysis. Immortalized cells show their characteristic morphology, and express respective epithelial, mesenchymal and decidual markers similar to that of primary cells. Gene expression of immortalized and primary cells were highly correlated (R = 0.798 to R = 0.974). Short tandem repeats DNA analysis showed in the late passage number (>P30) of cell lines matched 84-100% to the early passage number (<P10) of the cell lines revealing there were no genetic drift over the passages. Karyotyping also revealed no chromosomal anomalies. Creation of these cell lines can standardize experimental approaches, eliminate subject to subject variabilities, and benefit the reproductive biological studies on pregnancies by using these cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enkhtuya Radnaa
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Rheanna Urrabaz-Garza
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Nathan D Elrod
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0144, USA
| | - Mariana de Castro Silva
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Richard Pyles
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0144, USA
| | - Arum Han
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3128, USA
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Correspondence: Department of Basic Science and Translational Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Šket T, Ramuta TŽ, Starčič Erjavec M, Kreft ME. The Role of Innate Immune System in the Human Amniotic Membrane and Human Amniotic Fluid in Protection Against Intra-Amniotic Infections and Inflammation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:735324. [PMID: 34745106 PMCID: PMC8566738 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.735324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Intra-amniotic infection and inflammation (IAI) affect fetal development and are highly associated with preterm labor and premature rupture of membranes, which often lead to adverse neonatal outcomes. Human amniotic membrane (hAM), the inner part of the amnio-chorionic membrane, protects the embryo/fetus from environmental dangers, including microbial infection. However, weakened amnio-chorionic membrane may be breached or pathogens may enter through a different route, leading to IAI. The hAM and human amniotic fluid (hAF) respond by activation of all components of the innate immune system. This includes changes in 1) hAM structure, 2) presence of immune cells, 3) pattern recognition receptors, 4) cytokines, 5) antimicrobial peptides, 6) lipid derivatives, and 7) complement system. Herein we provide a comprehensive and integrative review of the current understanding of the innate immune response in the hAM and hAF, which will aid in design of novel studies that may lead to breakthroughs in how we perceive the IAI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tina Šket
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Taja Železnik Ramuta
- Institute of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Mateja Erdani Kreft
- Institute of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Li C, Xu JJ, He YC, Chen L, Dennis CL, Huang HF, Wu YT. Effects of acute ambient pollution exposure on preterm prelabor rupture of membranes: A time-series analysis in Shanghai, China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 276:116756. [PMID: 33662814 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
While the effects of ambient pollutants on adverse perinatal outcomes have been studied, most studies have focused on preterm birth, stillbirth, and low birthweight. Few studies have examined the effects of ambient pollutants on prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM). This study was designed to explore the acute effects of ambient pollutants on both term PROM (TPROM) and preterm PROM (PPROM). We enrolled pregnant women receiving antenatal care between October 2013 and December 2019 at the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital (IPMCHH). The effects of ambient pollutants (including PM2.5, PM10, SO2, CO, NO2, and 8-h O3) on TPROM and PPROM were estimated using generalized additive models (GAMs). Exposure-response relationship curves were also evaluated using GAMs after adjustment for confounding factors. Potential lagged effects were examined using various lag models. The data of 100,200 pregnant women who delivered at IPMCHH were analyzed. The fitted spline curves for PPROM were similar to the temporal trends of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, CO and NO2 but not O3, while those for TPROM were different from the temporal trends of all six air pollutants. An increased risk of PPROM was associated with increased concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, SO2 and CO on lag days 2 and 3, while no association was found between PPROM and daily concentration of O3. After adjustment for confounding factors, there was a shift in the exposure-response curves, indicating associations between PPROM and PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and CO on lag days 2-3. Interaction effects of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and CO were also found to increase the risk of PPROM. In conclusion, acute exposures to six critical air pollutants were not associated with an increased risk of TPROM; however, PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and CO were found to interact, increasing the risk for PPROM on lag days 2 and 3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Li
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Jing Xu
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Chen He
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Chen
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Cindy-Lee Dennis
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - He-Feng Huang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China; Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-Ting Wu
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China; Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Richardson L, Kim S, Han A, Menon R. Modeling ascending infection with a feto-maternal interface organ-on-chip. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:4486-4501. [PMID: 33112317 PMCID: PMC7815379 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00875c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Maternal infection (i.e., ascending infection) and the resulting host inflammatory response are risk factors associated with spontaneous preterm birth (PTB), a major pregnancy complication. However, the path of infection and its propagation from the maternal side to the fetal side have been difficult to study due to the lack of appropriate in vitro models and limitations of animal models. A better understanding of the propagation kinetics of infectious agents and development of the host inflammatory response at the feto-maternal (amniochorion-decidua, respectively) interface (FMi) is critical in curtailing host inflammatory responses that can lead to PTB. To model ascending infection and determine inflammatory responses at the FMi, we developed a microfluidic organ-on-chip (OOC) device containing primary cells from the FMi (decidua, chorion, and amnion [mesenchyme and epithelium]) and collagen matrix harvested from primary tissue. The FMi-OOC is composed of four concentric circular cell/collagen chambers designed to mimic the thickness and cell density of the FMi in vivo. Each layer is connected by arrays of microchannels filled with type IV collagen to recreate the basement membrane of the amniochorion. Cellular characteristics (viability, morphology, production of nascent collagen, cellular transitions, and migration) in the OOC were similar to those seen in utero, validating the physiological relevance and utility of the developed FMi-OOC. The ascending infection model of the FMi-OOC, triggered by exposing the maternal (decidua) side of the OOC to lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 100 ng mL-1), shows that LPS propagated through the chorion, amnion mesenchyme, and reached the fetal amnion within 72 h. LPS induced time-dependent and cell-type-specific pro-inflammatory cytokine production (24 h decidua: IL-6, 48 h chorion: GM-CSF and IL-6, and 72 h amnion mesenchyme and epithelium: GM-CSF and IL-6). Collectively, this OOC model and study successfully modeled ascending infection, its propagation, and distinct inflammatory response at the FMi indicative of pathologic pathways of PTB. This OOC model provides a novel platform to study physiological and pathological cell status at the FMi, and is expected to have broad utility in the field of obstetrics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Richardson
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Perinatal Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-1062, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Sungjin Kim
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Arum Han
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Perinatal Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-1062, USA
| |
Collapse
|