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Adamo KB, Goudreau AD, Corson AE, MacDonald ML, O'Rourke N, Tzaneva V. Physically active pregnancies: Insights from the placenta. Physiol Rep 2024; 12:e16104. [PMID: 38872466 PMCID: PMC11176744 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.16104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Physical activity (PA) positively influences pregnancy, a critical period for health promotion, and affects placental structure and function in ways previously overlooked. Here, we summarize the current body of literature examining the association between PA, placenta biology, and physiology while also highlighting areas where gaps in knowledge exist. PA during pregnancy induces metabolic changes, influencing nutrient availability and transporter expression in the placenta. Hormones and cytokines secreted during PA contribute to health benefits, with intricate interactions in pro- and anti-inflammatory markers. Extracellular vesicles and placental "-omics" data suggest that gestational PA can shape placental biology, affecting gene expression, DNA methylation, metabolite profiles, and protein regulation. However, whether cytokines that respond to PA alter placental proteomic profiles during pregnancy remains to be elucidated. The limited research on placenta mitochondria of physically active gestational parents (gesP), has shown improvements in mitochondrial DNA and antioxidant capacity, but the relationship between PA, placental mitochondrial dynamics, and lipid metabolism remains unexplored. Additionally, PA influences the placenta-immune microenvironment, angiogenesis, and may confer positive effects on neurodevelopment and mental health through placental changes, vascularization, and modulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Ongoing exploration is crucial for unraveling the multifaceted impact of PA on the intricate placental environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi B Adamo
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexandra D Goudreau
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Abbey E Corson
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meaghan L MacDonald
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicholas O'Rourke
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Velislava Tzaneva
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Zafaranieh S, Siwetz M, Leopold-Posch B, Kummer D, Huppertz B, Desoye G, van Poppel M. Placental structural adaptation to maternal physical activity and sedentary behavior: findings of the DALI lifestyle study. Hum Reprod 2024:deae090. [PMID: 38733100 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae090] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are maternal levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time (ST) in obese pregnant women associated with placental structural adaptations for facilitating oxygen delivery to the fetus? SUMMARY ANSWER Higher maternal MVPA and ST are associated with a higher density of villi, a proxy measure of placental surface area for oxygen delivery to the fetus, without further added placental vessels. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Physical activity during pregnancy intermittently reduces uterine blood flow, potentially limiting placental and fetal oxygen supply. The placenta can mount several adaptive responses, including enlargement of the surface area of villi and/or feto-placental vessels to accommodate fetal needs. Early research on the morphology and growth of the placenta with exercise interventions has shown inconsistencies and is lacking, particularly in non-lean pregnant women. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study is a secondary longitudinal analysis of the vitamin D and lifestyle intervention for gestational diabetes prevention (DALI) randomized controlled trial. The prospective study was conducted between 2012 and 2015 in nine European countries at 11 different sites. In this analysis, 92 pregnant women with a BMI ≥ 29 kg/m2 were combined into one cohort. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS MVPA and percentage of time spent sedentary (% ST) were measured with accelerometers during gestation. Placental sections were immunostained for endothelial cell-specific CD34. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based stereology assessed villous density, number, and cross-sectional area of vessels on whole-slide images and in selected regions comprising peripheral villi only, where the majority of vascular adaptations occur. Expression of pro- and anti-angiogenic factors was quantified using molecular counting analysis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In multivariable regression, higher levels of maternal MVPA (min/day) were associated with a higher density of villi in both whole-slide images (beta 0.12; 95% CI 0.05, 0.2) and selected regions (0.17; CI 0.07, 0.26). Unexpectedly, ST was also positively associated with density of villi (0.23; CI 0.04, 0.43). MVPA and ST were not associated with vessel count/mm2 villous area, vessel area, or pro- and anti-angiogenic factor mRNA expression. All estimates and statistical significance of the sensitivity analyses excluding smokers, women who developed gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia and/or pregnancy-induced hypertension were similar in the main analysis. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The placenta is a complex organ undergoing dynamic changes. While various adjustments were made to account for different maternal contributing factors, in addition to the outcome measures, various other factors could impact oxygen delivery to the fetus. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS For the first time, we evaluated the association between placental structures quantified using an AI-based approach with objectively measured physical activity and ST at multiple time points in pregnant women with obesity. The observed adaptations contribute to the advancement of our understanding of the hemodynamics and adaptations of the placental unit in response to MVPA and ST. However, our results might not be generalizable to lean pregnant women. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The DALI project has received funding from the European Community's 7th Framework Program (FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement no. 242187. The funders had no role in study design, collection of data, analyses, writing of the article, or the decision to submit it for publication. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN70595832.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saghi Zafaranieh
- Department of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Monika Siwetz
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Daniel Kummer
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Berthold Huppertz
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gernot Desoye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Mireille van Poppel
- Department of Human Movement Science, Sport and Health, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Ragsdale HB, Lee NR, Kuzawa CW. Evidence that highly canalized fetal traits are sensitive to intergenerational effects of maternal developmental nutrition. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2024; 183:e24883. [PMID: 38018347 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24883] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Maternal experiences before pregnancy predict birth outcomes, a key indicator of health trajectories, but the timing and pathways for these effects are poorly understood. Here we test the hypothesis that maternal pre-adult growth patterns predict pregnancy glucose and offspring fetal growth in Cebu, Philippines. METHODS Using multiple regression and path analysis, gestational age-adjusted birthweight and variables reflecting infancy, childhood, and post-childhood/adolescent weight gain (conditional weights) were used to predict pregnancy HbA1c and offspring birth outcomes among participants in the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey. RESULTS Maternal early/mid-childhood weight gain predicted birth weight, length, and head circumference in female offspring. Late-childhood/adolescent weight gain predicted birth length, birth weight, skinfold thickness, and head circumference in female offspring, and head circumference in male offspring. Pregnancy HbA1c did not mediate relationships between maternal growth and birth size parameters. DISCUSSION In Cebu, maternal growth patterns throughout infancy, childhood, and adolescence predict fetal growth via a pathway independent of circulating glucose, with stronger impacts on female than male offspring, consistent with a role of developmental nutrition on offspring fetal growth. Notably, the strength of relationships followed a pattern opposite to what occurs in response to acute pregnancy stress, with strongest effects on head circumference and birth length and weakest on skinfolds. We speculate that developmental sensitivities are reversed for stable, long-term nutritional cues that reflect average local environments. These findings are relevant to public health and life-history theory as further evidence of developmental influences on health and resource allocation across the life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley B Ragsdale
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Nanette R Lee
- USC-Office of Population Studies Foundation, University of San Carlos, Cebu, Philippines
| | - Christopher W Kuzawa
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
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Dong J, Xu Q, Qian C, Wang L, DiSciullo A, Lei J, Lei H, Yan S, Wang J, Jin N, Xiong Y, Zhang J, Burd I, Wang X. Fetal growth restriction exhibits various mTOR signaling in different regions of mouse placentas with altered lipid metabolism. Cell Biol Toxicol 2024; 40:15. [PMID: 38451382 PMCID: PMC10920423 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-024-09855-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a common complication of pregnancy and can have significant impact on obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Increasing evidence has shown that the inhibited mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling in placenta is associated with FGR. However, interpretation of existing research is limited due to inconsistent methodologies and varying understanding of the mechanism by which mTOR activity contributes to FGR. Hereby, we have demonstrated that different anatomic regions of human and mouse placentas exhibited different levels of mTOR activity in normal compared to FGR pregnancies. When using the rapamycin-induced FGR mouse model, we found that placentas of FGR pregnancies exhibited abnormal morphological changes and reduced mTOR activity in the decidual-junctional layer. Using transcriptomics and lipidomics, we revealed that lipid and energy metabolism was significantly disrupted in the placentas of FGR mice. Finally, we demonstrated that maternal physical exercise during gestation in our FGR mouse model was associated with increased fetal and placental weight as well as increased placental mTOR activity and lipid metabolism. Collectively, our data indicate that the inhibited placental mTOR signaling contributes to FGR with altered lipid metabolism in mouse placentas, and maternal exercise could be an effective method to reduce the occurrence of FGR or alleviate the adverse outcomes associated with FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, NO. 569, Xinsi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Qian Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, NO. 569, Xinsi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Chenxi Qian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, NO. 569, Xinsi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, NO. 569, Xinsi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Alison DiSciullo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland, 22 S. Greene Street, Suite P6H302, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Jun Lei
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland, 22 S. Greene Street, Suite P6H302, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Hui Lei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, NO. 569, Xinsi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Song Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, NO. 569, Xinsi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, NO. 569, Xinsi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ni Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, NO. 569, Xinsi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yujing Xiong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, NO. 569, Xinsi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Irina Burd
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland, 22 S. Greene Street, Suite P6H302, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, NO. 569, Xinsi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China.
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Wai KM, Swe T, Su Hninn TS, Paing AM, Naing YL, Htay ZW, Ihara K. Prenatal exposure to environmental heavy metals and newborn telomere length: A systematic review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123192. [PMID: 38135140 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to environmental heavy metals is associated with telomere length (TL) alteration. Available information regarding the effect of prenatal exposure to environmental pollutants on newborn TL is controversial. The aim of this study is to systematically review and conduct a meta-analysis of the existing epidemiological studies on the associations between prenatal metal exposure and newborn TL. A comprehensive literature search was performed using the online databases of PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect from their inception to December 1, 2023. Thirteen eligible studies were included from the overall initial identification of 3559 records. The effect size was expressed as standardized beta coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by the restricted maximum-likelihood approach with a weighted random-effects model. Prenatal exposure to environmental heavy metals was associated with a shorter newborn TL (standardized beta = -0.04; 95% CI: -0.08, 0.00; p = 0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that prenatal exposure to cadmium was significantly, negatively associated with TL in newborns (standardized beta = -0.05; 95% CI: -0.10, -0.01; p = 0.021). Heavy metal exposure during the third trimester was significantly associated with a shorter TL in newborns (standardized beta = -0.05; 95% CI: -0.11, -0.01; p = 0.045). No significant association was found between the newborn's sex and exposure sample type. This study provides evidence for the negative effect of prenatal exposure to heavy metals on newborn TL. In particular, cadmium exposure and exposure during the third trimester of pregnancy are critical factors associated with heavy metal-induced TL shortening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyi Mar Wai
- Department of Social Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki University, Japan; Department of Human Ecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Thinzar Swe
- Preclinical Department, University of Medicine (2), Myanmar
| | - Thae Su Su Hninn
- International Program in Hazardous Substance and Environmental Management, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
| | | | - Yoon Lei Naing
- Department of Human Resource for Health, University of Medicine (1), Myanmar
| | - Zin Wai Htay
- Department of Global Health Policy, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazushige Ihara
- Department of Social Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki University, Japan
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Cortes DRE, Stapleton MC, Schwab KE, West D, Coulson NW, O'Donnell MG, Powers RW, Wu YL. Modeling Normal Mouse Uterine Contraction and Placental Perfusion with Non-invasive Longitudinal Dynamic Contrast Enhancement MRI. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.31.577398. [PMID: 38352563 PMCID: PMC10862875 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.31.577398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
The placenta is a transient organ critical for fetal development. Disruptions of normal placental functions can impact health throughout an individual's entire life. Although being recognized by the NIH Human Placenta Project as an important organ, the placenta remains understudied, partly because of a lack of non-invasive tools for longitudinally evaluation for key aspects of placental functionalities. Non-invasive imaging that can longitudinally probe murine placental health in vivo are critical to understanding placental development throughout pregnancy. We developed advanced imaging processing schemes to establish functional biomarkers for non-invasive longitudinal evaluation of placental development. We developed a dynamic contrast enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) pipeline combined with advanced image process methods to model uterine contraction and placental perfusion dynamics. Our novel imaging pipeline uses subcutaneous administration of gadolinium for steepest-slope based perfusion evaluation. This enables non-invasive longitudinal monitoring. Additionally, we advance the placental perfusion chamber paradigm with a novel physiologically-based threshold model for chamber localization and demonstrate spatially varying placental chambers using multiple functional metrics that assess mouse placental development and continuing remodeling throughout gestation. Lastly, using optic flow to quantify placental motions arisen from uterine contractions in conjunction with time-frequency analysis, we demonstrated that the placenta exhibited asymmetric contractile motion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin Raine Everaldo Cortes
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Rangos Research Center Animal Imaging Core, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Margaret C Stapleton
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Rangos Research Center Animal Imaging Core, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Kristina E Schwab
- Rangos Research Center Animal Imaging Core, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Dalton West
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Noah W Coulson
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | | | - Yijen L Wu
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Rangos Research Center Animal Imaging Core, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
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Gloria A, Veronesi MC, Contri A. Does Placental Efficiency and Vascularization Affect Puppy Health? A Study in Boxer and Dobermann Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:423. [PMID: 38338066 PMCID: PMC10854954 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The anatomical and functional characteristics of the placenta influence the adaptive ability of the fetus to the extrauterine environment. Placental efficiency, measured as the gram of neonate produced by each gram of placenta, summarizes these characteristics. In the present study, placental efficiency and its impact on the 7-day postpartum life of the puppies were studied in canine large breeds. METHODS Placental efficiency (PE) was computed using chorioallantois weight (WPE) and surface (SPE) efficiency for puppies born from natural delivery or elective cesarean section. Capillary density was also histologically determined. Neonate viability was estimated by the APGAR score and the daily weight gain (DWG) was recorded on day 7 after delivery. RESULTS from 15 large-breed bitches, 69 live puppies were born by natural delivery (24 puppies) and elective cesarean section (45 puppies). Cluster analysis detected a group of neonates for which reduced placental efficiency (8 for the WPE, 9 for the SPE) was identified, despite a placental weight and surface within the mean and no difference in capillary density. In this group, the DWG was lower and the mortality within 7 days was higher. CONCLUSIONS the results suggest that placental efficiency could be an additional tool for the evaluation of a puppy in the first 7 days after delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Gloria
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
| | - Maria Cristina Veronesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università, 26900 Lodi, Italy;
| | - Alberto Contri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
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Nagaoka LT, Jorge BC, Stein J, Manoel BDM, Valente LC, de Toledo LL, de Castro TLA, Kassuya CAL, Cardoso CAL, Arena AC. Maternal-fetal safety evaluation of an aqueous extract of Casearia sylvestris leaves in rats. Birth Defects Res 2023; 115:1899-1911. [PMID: 37800320 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study evaluated the maternal, embryotoxic, and teratogenic effects of the aqueous extract of Casearia sylvestris (AECS), a species listed in the Unique Health System of Brazil, and widely used for treating several conditions, such as diarrhea, wounds, pain, and ulcers. METHODS Pregnant rats were daily treated orally with 0, 175, 350, or 700 mg/kg/body weight of AECS, from gestational day (GD) 6 to 15 (organogenesis period). On GD 20, the pregnant rats were euthanized, and the litters submitted to an assessment of fetal development. RESULTS No clinical signs of toxicity were observed in the dams during the treatment. In the embryo-fetal development study, a significant increase in the basal zone height of the placenta was observed in the intermediate dose group. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the relative anogenital distance measurement of female fetuses in the lowest and intermediate dose groups. Although no visceral abnormalities were observed in the treated-fetuses, skeletal anomalies evidenced by changes in the ossification of the sternum and the presence of supernumerary ribs were found in the intermediate and high dose groups. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the treatment with AECS during organogenesis at this dose level had detrimental effects on the normal development of fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Trippe Nagaoka
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Campos Jorge
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Júlia Stein
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Beatriz de Matos Manoel
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leticia Cardoso Valente
- College of Health Science, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Laura Leonel de Toledo
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thiago Luis Aguayo de Castro
- Center of Studies in Natural Resources, State University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UEMS), Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Claudia Andrea Lima Cardoso
- Center of Studies in Natural Resources, State University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UEMS), Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Arielle Cristina Arena
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
- Toxicological Information and Assistance Center (CIATOX), Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ. Estadual Paulista - Botucatu (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
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Jorge BC, Stein J, Reis ACC, de Matos Manoel B, Nagaoka LT, Arena AC. Insights from the maternal lineage of the F2 generation after exposure to an environmentally relevant dose of benzo(a)pyrene in the male rats of F0 generation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:110363-110376. [PMID: 37783996 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30089-4] [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: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) is a substance with the potential to induce endocrine disruption in the F0 generation and cause adverse multigenerational effects (F1 generation) for reproductive parameters in rats. The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of transgenerational inheritance in the reproductive aspects of male and female rats belonging to the F2 generation (MF2). This investigation was conducted following the exposure of male rats from the F0 generation to BaP to assess potential effects on subsequent generation from the maternal lineage (F1). For that, juvenile male Wistar rats (F0) were orally exposed to BaP (0.1 µg/kg/day) for 31 consecutive days. In adulthood, they were mated with untreated females to obtain female offspring (F1), which later produced the MF2. In the MF2 generation, both males and females exhibited increased body weight on postnatal day (PND) 1. In MF2 males, we observed delayed preputial separation, altered pup weight, reduced levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), increased intratesticular testosterone levels, decreased type A sperm, epididymal disturbances, reduced 5 α-reductase activity, increased testicular proliferation, and alterations in testicular antioxidant enzymes. In MF2 females, we noted morphological uterine enlargement, reduced sexual activity, and decreased progesterone levels. The findings suggest that the alterations observed in both MF2 males and females can be attributed to modifications in the sperm from F0 generation, which were subsequently transmitted to F1 females and MF2 generation due to BaP exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Campos Jorge
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University (Unesp), District of Rubião Junior, S/N, code post - 510, Botucatu, São Paulo, CEP: 18618970, Brazil.
| | - Julia Stein
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University (Unesp), District of Rubião Junior, S/N, code post - 510, Botucatu, São Paulo, CEP: 18618970, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Casali Reis
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University (Unesp), District of Rubião Junior, S/N, code post - 510, Botucatu, São Paulo, CEP: 18618970, Brazil
| | - Beatriz de Matos Manoel
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University (Unesp), District of Rubião Junior, S/N, code post - 510, Botucatu, São Paulo, CEP: 18618970, Brazil
| | - Lívia Trippe Nagaoka
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University (Unesp), District of Rubião Junior, S/N, code post - 510, Botucatu, São Paulo, CEP: 18618970, Brazil
| | - Arielle Cristina Arena
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University (Unesp), District of Rubião Junior, S/N, code post - 510, Botucatu, São Paulo, CEP: 18618970, Brazil
- Information and Toxicological Assistance Center (CIATOX), Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University (Unesp), São Paulo, Brazil
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Sur D, Agranyoni O, Kirby M, Cohen N, Bagaev A, Karandasheva K, Shmerkin E, Gorobets D, Savita BK, Avneri R, Divon MS, Lax E, Michaelevski I, Pinhasov A. Nurture outpaces nature: fostering with an attentive mother alters social dominance in a mouse model of stress sensitivity. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3816-3828. [PMID: 37845494 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02273-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Maternal care is critical for epigenetic programming during postnatal brain development. Stress is recognized as a critical factor that may affect maternal behavior, yet owing to high heterogeneity in stress response, its impact varies among individuals. We aimed here to understand the connection between inborn stress vulnerability, maternal care, and early epigenetic programming using mouse populations that exhibit opposite poles of the behavioral spectrum (social dominance [Dom] and submissiveness [Sub]) and differential response to stress. In contrast to stress-resilient Dom dams, stress-vulnerable Sub dams exhibit significantly lower maternal attachment, serum oxytocin, and colonic Lactobacillus reuteri populations. Sub offspring showed a reduced hippocampal expression of key methylation genes at postnatal day (PND) 7 and a lack of developmentally-dependent increase in 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) at PND 21. In addition, Sub pups exhibit significant hypermethylation of gene promoters connected with glutamatergic synapses and behavioral responses. We were able to reverse the submissive endophenotype through cross-fostering Sub pups with Dom dams (Sub/D). Thus, Sub/D pups exhibited elevated hippocampal expression of DNMT3A at PND 7 and increased 5-mC levels at PND 21. Furthermore, adult Sub/D offspring exhibited increased sociability, social dominance, and hippocampal glutamate and monoamine levels resembling the neurochemical profile of Dom mice. We postulate that maternal inborn stress vulnerability governs epigenetic patterning sculpted by maternal care and intestinal microbiome diversity during early developmental stages and shapes the array of gene expression patterns that may dictate neuronal architecture with a long-lasting impact on stress sensitivity and the social behavior of offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debpali Sur
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Ramat HaGolan St 65, 4077625, Ariel, Israel
| | - Oryan Agranyoni
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Ramat HaGolan St 65, 4077625, Ariel, Israel
| | - Michael Kirby
- Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Naamah Cohen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Ramat HaGolan St 65, 4077625, Ariel, Israel
| | - Anastasia Bagaev
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Ramat HaGolan St 65, 4077625, Ariel, Israel
| | - Kristina Karandasheva
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Ramat HaGolan St 65, 4077625, Ariel, Israel
| | - Elena Shmerkin
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Ramat HaGolan St 65, 4077625, Ariel, Israel
| | - Denis Gorobets
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Ramat HaGolan St 65, 4077625, Ariel, Israel
| | - Brajesh Kumar Savita
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Ramat HaGolan St 65, 4077625, Ariel, Israel
| | - Raphael Avneri
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Ramat HaGolan St 65, 4077625, Ariel, Israel
| | - Mali-Salmon Divon
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Ramat HaGolan St 65, 4077625, Ariel, Israel
- Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Elad Lax
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Ramat HaGolan St 65, 4077625, Ariel, Israel
| | - Izhak Michaelevski
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Ramat HaGolan St 65, 4077625, Ariel, Israel
| | - Albert Pinhasov
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ariel University, Ramat HaGolan St 65, 4077625, Ariel, Israel.
- Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.
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11
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Kim H. Visualization of maternal IL-17a across the placental membrane. Sci Prog 2023; 106:368504231195500. [PMID: 37643019 PMCID: PMC10467380 DOI: 10.1177/00368504231195500] [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] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
IL-17a is a pro-inflammatory cytokine produced primarily by T helper-17 cells. Several studies have shown that maternal IL-17a, associated with maternal immune activation (MIA), affects the developing brain. However, the mechanisms underlying maternal IL-17a signaling remain partially unknown. This study detected trans-placental IL-17a passage using luminescent activity studies and an in vitro transfer assay. First, the luminescent activity was observed using LiCoR dye-conjugated IL-17a injected into pregnant mice. IL-17a luminescent activity was highly detected in the placenta and isolated fetus, but positive control IgG and negative control IgM showed low or no luminescence in the placenta and fetus, respectively. Next, IL-17a transmission across the placenta was investigated using a transwell experiment with trophoblast BeWo cells and primary trophoblast cells. Significant amounts of IL-17a were detected in the lower compartment. And in various placenta cell lines, IL-17a treatment significantly increased IL-17RA mRNA expression. However, it did not affect IL-17RC mRNA expression.This study showed that elevated IL-17a increased the IL-17RA expression in the trophoblast and may accumulate in the placenta. Furthermore, these results indicate the molecular basis of an important role in IL-17a/IL-17RA in the maternal placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunju Kim
- Department of Medicinal Biotechnology, College of Health Science, Dong-A University, Busan, Korea (the Republic of)
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12
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Jorge BC, Stein J, Reis ACC, Bueno JN, Paschoalini BR, da Silva Moreira S, de Matos Manoel B, Arena AC. Paternal low-dose benzo(a)pyrene exposure in rats impairs sexual development and fertility of the paternal lineage in F2 generation: A transgenerational study. Toxicology 2023:153585. [PMID: 37369342 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
The field of Paternal Origins of Health and Disease (POHaD) is highly relevant but remains under-explored. The F2 generation from males indirectly exposed (F1 - via germ cells) to benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), named PF2, was investigated in this study under parameters of sexual development and reproductive performance of male and female rats. Male Wistar rats (F0) were exposed to BaP (0.1µg/kg/day) for 31 consecutive days (gavage) during prepuberty. The F0 rats were mated with untreated females to produce male offspring (F1), which were exposed to BaP via germ cells. The F1 males were later mated with untreated females to obtain the PF2 generation, which was the focus of our investigation. Our findings showed that PF2 males exhibited a decrease in anogenital distance, fertility potential, testosterone levels, and type A sperm. Meanwhile, PF2 females had an earlier vaginal opening, lower lordosis scores, and decreased fertility. Furthermore, changes in the histomorphology of the testis/epididymis and ovary/uterus were observed. The repercussions of the PF2 generation indicate that these animals showed losses in both sexual development and fertility potential, and we can conclude that this damage remained due to paternal transgenerational inheritance caused by a low dose of BaP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Campos Jorge
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ. Estadual Paulista - Botucatu (UNESP), São Paulo State, Brazil.
| | - Julia Stein
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ. Estadual Paulista - Botucatu (UNESP), São Paulo State, Brazil.
| | - Ana Carolina Casali Reis
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ. Estadual Paulista - Botucatu (UNESP), São Paulo State, Brazil.
| | - Jéssica Nogueira Bueno
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ. Estadual Paulista - Botucatu (UNESP), São Paulo State, Brazil.
| | - Beatriz Rizzo Paschoalini
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ. Estadual Paulista - Botucatu (UNESP), São Paulo State, Brazil.
| | - Suyane da Silva Moreira
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ. Estadual Paulista - Botucatu (UNESP), São Paulo State, Brazil.
| | - Beatriz de Matos Manoel
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ. Estadual Paulista - Botucatu (UNESP), São Paulo State, Brazil.
| | - Arielle Cristina Arena
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ. Estadual Paulista - Botucatu (UNESP), São Paulo State, Brazil; Information and Toxicological Assistance Center (CIATOX), Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ. Estadual Paulista - Botucatu (UNESP), São Paulo State, Brazil.
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13
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Saeed H, Lu YC, Andescavage N, Kapse K, Andersen NR, Lopez C, Quistorff J, Barnett S, Henderson D, Bulas D, Limperopoulos C. Influence of maternal psychological distress during COVID-19 pandemic on placental morphometry and texture. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7374. [PMID: 37164993 PMCID: PMC10172401 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33343-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been accompanied by increased prenatal maternal distress (PMD). PMD is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes which may be mediated by the placenta. However, the potential impact of the pandemic on in vivo placental development remains unknown. To examine the impact of the pandemic and PMD on in vivo structural placental development using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), acquired anatomic images of the placenta from 63 pregnant women without known COVID-19 exposure during the pandemic and 165 pre-pandemic controls. Measures of placental morphometry and texture were extracted. PMD was determined from validated questionnaires. Generalized estimating equations were utilized to compare differences in PMD placental features between COVID-era and pre-pandemic cohorts. Maternal stress and depression scores were significantly higher in the pandemic cohort. Placental volume, thickness, gray level kurtosis, skewness and run length non-uniformity were increased in the pandemic cohort, while placental elongation, mean gray level and long run emphasis were decreased. PMD was a mediator of the association between pandemic status and placental features. Altered in vivo placental structure during the pandemic suggests an underappreciated link between disturbances in maternal environment and perturbed placental development. The long-term impact on offspring is currently under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haleema Saeed
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Yuan-Chiao Lu
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Nickie Andescavage
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
- Division of Neonatology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Kushal Kapse
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Nicole R Andersen
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Catherine Lopez
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Jessica Quistorff
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Scott Barnett
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Diedtra Henderson
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Dorothy Bulas
- Division of Radiology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Catherine Limperopoulos
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA.
- Division of Radiology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, 20010, USA.
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14
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Li Q, Lesseur C, Srirangam P, Kaur K, Hermetz K, Caudle WM, Fiedler N, Panuwet P, Prapamontol T, Naksen W, Suttiwan P, Baumert BO, Hao K, Barr DB, Marsit CJ, Chen J. Associations between prenatal organophosphate pesticide exposure and placental gene networks. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 224:115490. [PMID: 36828252 PMCID: PMC10054353 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115490] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to organophosphate (OP) pesticides during pregnancy has been linked to deficiencies of neurobehavioral development in childhood; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying this association remain elusive. The placenta plays a crucial role in protecting the fetus from environmental insults and safeguarding proper fetal development including neurodevelopment. The aim of our study is to evaluate changes in the placental transcriptome associated with prenatal OP exposure. METHODS Pregnant farm workers from two agricultural districts in northern Thailand were recruited for the Study of Asian Women and Offspring's Development and Environmental Exposures (SAWASDEE) from 2017 to 2019. For 254 participants, we measured maternal urinary concentrations of six nonspecific dialkyl phosphates (DAP) metabolites in early, middle, and late pregnancy. In parallel, we profiled the term placental transcriptome from the same participants using RNA-Sequencing and performed Weighted Gene co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA). Generalized linear regression modeling was used to examine associations of urinary OP metabolites and placental co-expression module eigenvalues. RESULTS We identified 21 gene co-expression modules in the placenta. From the six DAP metabolites assayed, diethylphosphate (DEP) and diethylthiophosphate (DETP) were detected in more than 70% of the urine samples. Significant associations between DEP at multiple time points and two specific placental gene modules were observed. The 'black' module, enriched in genes involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxia, was negatively associated with DEP in early (p = 0.034), and late pregnancies (p = 0.016). The 'lightgreen' module, enriched in genes involved in myogenesis and EMT, was negatively associated with DEP in late pregnancy (p = 0.010). We observed 2 hub genes (CELSR1 and PYCR1) of the 'black' module to be negatively associated with DEP in early and late pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that prenatal OP exposure may disrupt placental gene networks in a time-dependent manner. Such transcriptomic effects may lead to down-stream changes in placental function that ultimately affect the developing fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Corina Lesseur
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pranathi Srirangam
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Barnard College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kirtan Kaur
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Karen Hermetz
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - W Michael Caudle
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nancy Fiedler
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Parinya Panuwet
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tippawan Prapamontol
- Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Warangkana Naksen
- Faculty of Public Health, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Panrapee Suttiwan
- Psychology Center of Life-span Development and Intergeneration (LIFE Di), Faculty of Psychology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Brittney O Baumert
- Department of Population and Public Health Science, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Ke Hao
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dana Boyd Barr
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Carmen J Marsit
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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Salazar-Petres E, Pereira-Carvalho D, Lopez-Tello J, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Maternal and Intrauterine Influences on Feto-Placental Growth Are Accompanied by Sexually Dimorphic Changes in Placental Mitochondrial Respiration, and Metabolic Signalling Pathways. Cells 2023; 12:797. [PMID: 36899933 PMCID: PMC10000946 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Adverse maternal environments such as small size, malnutrition, and metabolic conditions are known to influence fetal growth outcomes. Similarly, fetal growth and metabolic alterations may alter the intrauterine environment and affect all fetuses in multiple gestation/litter-bearing species. The placenta is the site of convergence between signals derived from the mother and the developing fetus/es. Its functions are fuelled by energy generated by mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). The aim of this study was to delineate the role of an altered maternal and/or fetal/intrauterine environment in feto-placental growth and placental mitochondrial energetic capacity. To address this, in mice, we used disruptions of the gene encoding phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) p110α, a growth and metabolic regulator to perturb the maternal and/or fetal/intrauterine environment and study the impact on wildtype conceptuses. We found that feto-placental growth was modified by a perturbed maternal and intrauterine environment, and effects were most evident for wildtype males compared to females. However, placental mitochondrial complex I+II OXPHOS and total electron transport system (ETS) capacity were similarly reduced for both fetal sexes, yet reserve capacity was additionally decreased in males in response to the maternal and intrauterine perturbations. These were also sex-dependent differences in the placental abundance of mitochondrial-related proteins (e.g., citrate synthase and ETS complexes), and activity of growth/metabolic signalling pathways (AKT and MAPK) with maternal and intrauterine alterations. Our findings thus identify that the mother and the intrauterine environment provided by littermates modulate feto-placental growth, placental bioenergetics, and metabolic signalling in a manner dependent on fetal sex. This may have relevance for understanding the pathways leading to reduced fetal growth, particularly in the context of suboptimal maternal environments and multiple gestation/litter-bearing species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Salazar-Petres
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomás, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| | - Daniela Pereira-Carvalho
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Jorge Lopez-Tello
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Amanda N. Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
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16
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Bondarczuk NH, Schmidt NP, Breyer GM, de Moura AC, Molz P, Barshack AG, da Motta ADS, Guedes RP, Giovenardi M. A high-fat diet changes placental morphology but does not change biochemical parameters, placental oxidative stress or cytokine levels. Placenta 2023; 135:25-32. [PMID: 36913806 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The placenta is an organ that forms the bridge between mother and fetus during pregnancy. Changes in the intrauterine environment directly impact the fetus' health, with maternal nutrition determining its development. This study analyzed the effects of different diets and probiotic supplementation during pregnancy on the biochemical parameters of maternal serum and placental morphology, oxidative stress, and cytokine levels in mice. METHODS Female mice were fed standard (CONT), restrictive (RD), or high-fat (HFD) diets before and during pregnancy. During pregnancy, the CONT and HFD groups were divided into two groups that received the Lactobacillus rhamnosus LB1.5 three times per week (CONT + PROB and HFD + PROB). The RD, CONT, or HFD groups received vehicle control. Maternal serum biochemical parameters (glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides) were evaluated. The morphology, redox profile (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, sulfhydryls, catalase, and superoxide dismutase enzyme activity), and inflammatory cytokines (interleukins 1α, 1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) were evaluated in the placenta. RESULTS The serum biochemical parameters presented no differences between the groups. Regarding placental morphology, the HFD group showed an increased thickness of the labyrinth zone compared to the CONT + PROB group. However, no significant difference was found in the analysis of the placental redox profile and cytokine levels. DISCUSSION RD and HFD, for 16 weeks before and during pregnancy, as well as probiotic supplementation during pregnancy, caused no change in serum biochemical parameters nor the gestational viability rate, placental redox state, and cytokine levels. However, HFD increased the thickness of the placental labyrinth zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Hiller Bondarczuk
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Rua Sarmento Leite, 245, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Natália Perin Schmidt
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Rua Sarmento Leite, 245, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Merker Breyer
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia Agrícola e do Ambiente, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina de Moura
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Rua Sarmento Leite, 245, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Molz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Rua Sarmento Leite, 245, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Alethea Gatto Barshack
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Rua Sarmento Leite, 245, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Amanda de Souza da Motta
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia Agrícola e do Ambiente, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Renata Padilha Guedes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Rua Sarmento Leite, 245, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Rua Sarmento Leite, 245, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Márcia Giovenardi
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Rua Sarmento Leite, 245, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Rua Sarmento Leite, 245, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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McCoard S, Haack N, Heiser A, Maclean P. Effect of birth rank, and placentome subtype on expression of genes involved in placental nutrient transport in sheep. Theriogenology 2023; 203:109-117. [PMID: 37023492 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Placental function is a key determinant of fetal growth and development that can be influenced by maternal and fetal environmental factors. The molecular mechanisms by which the placenta senses and responds to environmental cues are poorly understood. This exploratory study aimed to characterize the effect of birth rank (single vs. twin) and placentome morphologic subtype on expression of genes involved in nutrient transport, angiogenesis, immunity and stress response. Cotyledonary tissue was collected from type A, B and C placentomes from five single and six twin fetuses at 140 days of gestation. GLUT1 and GLUT3 were the most highly expressed genes consistent with the high demand for glucose to support fetal growth. Expression of BCKDHβ and IGF-2 was 1.3- and 1.5-fold higher, respectively, and PCYT1A was 3-fold lower in singles compared to twins (P < 0.05) while no other differences in gene expression were observed between birth ranks. Expression of EAAT2 and LAT2 was higher while PCYT1A was lower in A compared to B type cotyledons. Expression of GUCY1B1/3 and IGF-1 was higher while CD98 and LAT2 were lower in type B compared to C cotyledons (P < 0.05). Compared to type C cotyledons, expression of EAAT2, IGF-1, IGF-2, LAT1 was higher, while TEK was lower in type A cotyledons. The effects of birth rank on placental gene expression in this study indicated that placental nutrient transport and/or function differs between single and twin pregnancies in sheep. Differences in gene expression between the placentome subtypes suggests that changes in placentome morphology are associated with shifts in amino acid transport and metabolism, oxidative stress and angiogenesis and/or blood flow. This study highlights that placental gene expression differs in response to birth rank and placentome morphologic subtype which suggests that both maternal and fetal factors may influence placental function in sheep. These associations provide insights into gene pathways for more targeted future investigations as well as potential adaptations to improve placental efficiency to support fetal growth in twin pregnancies.
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18
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Diniz WJS, Ward AK, McCarthy KL, Kassetas CJ, Baumgaertner F, Reynolds LP, Borowicz PP, Sedivec KK, Kirsch JD, Dorsam ST, Neville TL, Forcherio JC, Scott R, Caton JS, Dahlen CR. Periconceptual Maternal Nutrition Affects Fetal Liver Programming of Energy- and Lipid-Related Genes. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040600. [PMID: 36830387 PMCID: PMC9951695 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, the fetus relies on the dam for its nutrient supply. Nutritional stimuli during fetal organ development can program hepatic metabolism and function. Herein, we investigated the role of vitamin and mineral supplementation (VTM or NoVTM-at least 71 days pre-breeding to day 83 of gestation) and rate of weight gain (low (LG) or moderate (MG)-from breeding to day 83) on the fetal liver transcriptome and the underlying biological pathways. Crossbred Angus beef heifers (n = 35) were randomly assigned to one of four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial design (VTM_LG, VTM_MG, NoVTM_LG, and NoVTM_MG). Gene expression was measured with RNA-Seq in fetal livers collected on day 83 ± 0.27 of gestation. Our results show that vitamin and mineral supplementation and rate of weight gain led to the differential expression of hepatic genes in all treatments. We identified 591 unique differentially expressed genes across all six VTM-gain contrasts (FDR ≤ 0.1). Over-represented pathways were related to energy metabolism, including PPAR and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways, as well as lipid metabolism, mineral transport, and amino acid transport. Our findings suggest that periconceptual maternal nutrition affects fetal hepatic function through altered expression of energy- and lipid-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wellison J. S. Diniz
- Department of Animal Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Alison K. Ward
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Kacie L. McCarthy
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Cierrah J. Kassetas
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | | | - Lawrence P. Reynolds
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Pawel P. Borowicz
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Kevin K. Sedivec
- Central Grasslands Research and Extension Center, North Dakota State University, Streeter, ND 58483, USA
| | - James D. Kirsch
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Sheri T. Dorsam
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Tammi L. Neville
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | | | - Ronald Scott
- Purina Animal Nutrition LLC, Gray Summit, MO 63039, USA
| | - Joel S. Caton
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Carl R. Dahlen
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
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19
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Castaño-Moreno E, Ronco AM, Casanello P. Metabolic Interaction Between Folate, Vitamin B12, and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Pregnancy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1428:83-98. [PMID: 37466770 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-32554-0_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Fetal growth and development are influenced by maternal nutrition and gestational weight gain. Adequate intake of nutrients such as folate, vitamin B12, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is essential for healthy fetal and placental development. Many countries have a national flour fortification program with folic acid (FA), together with pre-pregnancy supplementation of FA (400 μg/day) during the first trimester of pregnancy. The latter has been recommended by the WHO and adapted to local requirements by perinatal guidelines. On the other hand, in population studies, many women of childbearing age have vitamin B12 deficiency (<148 pmol/L), which can be additionally masked by high FA intake and maternal pregestational obesity. Under these conditions, these patients could be having pregnancies in a folate/vitamin B12 imbalance, which is associated with higher adiposity, insulin resistance, altered lipid metabolism, and low DHA levels in their offspring. However, if these neonatal consequences of maternal pregestational obesity and folate/vitamin B12 imbalance can be reverted by DHA supplementation during pregnancy has not been addressed. This chapter reviews the literature and exposes the current gaps in knowledge and challenges in maternal nutrition with a life-course perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Castaño-Moreno
- Laboratorio de Nutrición y Regulación Metabólica, Unidad de Nutrición Humana - Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de los Alimentos (INTA) - Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Institute for Obesity Research, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Ana María Ronco
- Laboratorio de Nutrición y Regulación Metabólica, Unidad de Nutrición Humana - Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de los Alimentos (INTA) - Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paola Casanello
- Department of Neonatology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
- Department of Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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20
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Chemical inhibition of mitochondrial fission improves insulin signaling and subdues hyperglycemia induced stress in placental trophoblast cells. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:493-506. [PMID: 36352179 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07959-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a metabolic complication that affects millions of pregnant women in the world. Placental tissue function is endangered by hyperglycemia during GDM, which is correlated to increased incidences of pregnancy complications. Recently we showed that due to a significant decrease in mitochondrial fusion, mitochondrial dynamics equilibrium is altered in placental tissues from GDM patients. Evidence for the role of reduced mitochondrial fusion in the disruption of mitochondrial function in placental cells is limited. METHODS AND RESULTS Here we show that chemical inhibition of mitochondrial fission in cultured placental trophoblast cells leads to an increase in mitochondrial fusion and improves the physiological state of these cells and hence, their capacity to cope in a hyperglycemic environment. Specifically, mitochondrial fission inhibition led to a reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial unfolded protein marker expressions, and mitochondrial depolarization. It supported the increase in mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme expressions as well. Mitochondrial fission inhibition also increases the placental cell insulin sensitivity during hyperglycemia. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that mitochondrial fusion/fission equilibrium is critical for placental cell function and signify the therapeutic potential of small molecule inhibitors of fission during GDM.
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21
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Nealon E, Phelps C, Krawczeski C, Alexander R, Stiver C, Ball MK, Carrillo SA, Texter K. Impact of Maternal-Fetal Environment on Outcomes Following the Hybrid Procedure in the Single Ventricle Population. Pediatr Cardiol 2022:10.1007/s00246-022-03063-z. [PMID: 36462027 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-022-03063-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) remains challenging, and those affected remain with significant risks for mortality and morbidity throughout their lifetimes. The maternal-fetal environment (MFE) has been shown to affect outcomes for infants with HLHS after the Norwood procedure. The hybrid procedure, comprised of both catheterization and surgical components, is a less invasive option for initial intervention compared to the Norwood procedure. It is unknown how the MFE impacts outcomes following the hybrid procedure. This is a single-center, retrospective study of infants born with HLHS who underwent hybrid palliation from January 2009 to August 2021. Predictor variables analyzed included fetal, maternal, and postnatal factors. The primary outcome was mortality prior to Stage II palliation. We studied a 144-subject cohort. There was a statistically significant difference in mortality prior to stage II palliation in infants with prematurity, small for gestational age, and aortic atresia subtype (p < 0.001, p = 0.009, and p = 0.008, respectively). There was no difference in mortality associated with maternal diabetes, hypertension, obesity, smoking or illicit drug use, or advanced maternal age. State and national area deprivation index scores were associated with increased risk of mortality in the entire cohort, such that infants born in areas with higher deprivation had a higher incidence of mortality. Several markers of an impaired MFE, including prematurity, small for gestational age, and higher deprivation index scores, are associated with mortality following hybrid palliation. Individual maternal comorbidities were not associated with higher mortality. The MFE may be a target for prenatal counseling and future interventions to improve pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Nealon
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Christina Phelps
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Catherine Krawczeski
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Robin Alexander
- Department of Statistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Corey Stiver
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Molly K Ball
- Division of Neonatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sergio A Carrillo
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Karen Texter
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
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22
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Association between the ratio of placental weight to birthweight and the risk of neurodevelopmental delay in 3-year-Olds: The Japan environment and Children's study. Placenta 2022; 128:49-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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23
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Kaur K, Lesseur C, Deyssenroth MA, Kloog I, Schwartz JD, Marsit CJ, Chen J. PM 2.5 exposure during pregnancy is associated with altered placental expression of lipid metabolic genes in a US birth cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 211:113066. [PMID: 35248564 PMCID: PMC9177798 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Inhalation of ambient PM2.5, shown to be able to cross the placenta, has been linked to adverse obstetric and postnatal metabolic health outcomes. The placenta regulates fetal growth and influences postnatal development via fetal programming. Placental gene expression may be influenced by intrauterine exposures to PM2.5. Herein, we explore whether maternal PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy alters placental gene expression related to lipid and glucose metabolism in a U.S. birth cohort, the Rhode Island Child Health Study (RICHS). Average PM2.5 exposure level was estimated linking residential addresses and satellite data across the three trimesters using spatio-temporal models. Based on Gene Ontology annotations, we curated a list of 657 lipid and glucose metabolism genes. We conducted a two-staged analysis by leveraging placental RNA-Seq data from 148 subjects to identify top dysregulated metabolic genes associated with PM2.5 (Phase I) and then validated the results in placental samples from 415 participants of the cohort using RT-qPCR (Phase II). Associations between PM2.5 and placental gene expression were explored using multivariable linear regression models in the overall population and in sex-stratified analyses. The average level of PM2.5 exposure across pregnancy was 8.0μg/m3, which is below the national standard of 12μg/m3. Phase I revealed that expression levels of 32 out of the curated list of 657 genes were significantly associated with PM2.5 exposure (FDR P<0.01), 28 genes showed differential expression modified by sex of the infant. Five of these genes (ABHD3, ATP11A, CLTCL1, ST6GALNAC4 and PSCA) were validated using RT-qPCR. Associations were stronger in placentas from male births compared to females, indicating a sex-dependent effect. These genes are involved in inflammation, lipid transport, cell-cell communication or cell invasion. Our results suggest that gestational PM2.5 exposure may alter placental metabolic function. However, whether it confers long-term programming effects postnatally, especially in a sex-specific matter, warrants further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirtan Kaur
- Department of Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Corina Lesseur
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maya A Deyssenroth
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Itai Kloog
- Department of Geography and Environmental Development, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ben Gurion University, Beersheba, 8410501, Israel
| | - Joel D Schwartz
- Department of Environmental Health, Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carmen J Marsit
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, GA, USA
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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24
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Peng Z, Si S, Cheng H, Zhou H, Chi P, Mo M, Zhuang Y, Liu H, Yu Y. The Associations of Maternal Hemoglobin Concentration in Different Time Points and Its Changes during Pregnancy with Birth Weight Outcomes. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14122542. [PMID: 35745272 PMCID: PMC9229552 DOI: 10.3390/nu14122542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal hemoglobin (Hb) is related to nutritional status, which affects neonatal birth weight. However, it is very common for maternal Hb to fluctuate during pregnancy. To evaluate the associations of maternal Hb in different time points and its changes during pregnancy with neonatal birth weight, small for gestational age (SGA)/low birth weight (LBW) and large for gestational age (LGA)/macrosomia, we conducted this study by using data from the Electronic Medical Record System (EMRS) database of Zhoushan Maternal and Child Care Hospital in Zhejiang province, China. The pregnancy was divided into five periods: first, early-second, mediate-second, late-second, early-third and late-third trimesters; we further calculated the maternal Hb changes during pregnancy. Overall, the socio-demographic characteristics, health-related information and childbirth-related information of 24,183 mother−infant pairs were obtained. The average Hb concentration during the different periods were 123.95 ± 10.14, 117.95 ± 9.84, 114.31 ± 9.03, 113.26 ± 8.82, 113.29 ± 8.68 and 115.01 ± 8.85 g/L, respectively. Significant dose−response relationships between maternal Hb and birth weight were observed in the first, late-second and later trimesters (p non-linear < 0.05). Maternal Hb < 100 g/L was related to a high risk of LGA/macrosomia in the late-second (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.18, 1.83) and later trimesters; additionally, high maternal Hb (>140 g/L) increased the risk of SGA/LBW in the first (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.57) and late-third trimesters (OR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.20, 3.18). In addition, the increase in maternal Hb from the late-second to late-third trimesters had a positive correlation with SGA/LBW. In conclusion, maternal Hb markedly fluctuated during pregnancy; the negative dose−response association of maternal Hb in the late-second and third trimesters, and Hb change during pregnancy with neonatal birth weight outcomes were observed, respectively. Furthermore, the phenomenon of high Hb in the first trimester and after the late-second trimester and the increase of maternal Hb from the late-second to late-third trimesters more significantly increasing the risk of SGA/LBW should especially be given more attention. Its biological mechanism needs to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhicheng Peng
- Department of Public Health, and Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Z.P.); (S.S.); (H.C.); (H.Z.); (P.C.); (M.M.); (Y.Z.)
- Department of Epidemiology & Health Statistics, School of Public Health, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shuting Si
- Department of Public Health, and Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Z.P.); (S.S.); (H.C.); (H.Z.); (P.C.); (M.M.); (Y.Z.)
- Department of Epidemiology & Health Statistics, School of Public Health, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Haoyue Cheng
- Department of Public Health, and Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Z.P.); (S.S.); (H.C.); (H.Z.); (P.C.); (M.M.); (Y.Z.)
- Department of Epidemiology & Health Statistics, School of Public Health, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Haibo Zhou
- Department of Public Health, and Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Z.P.); (S.S.); (H.C.); (H.Z.); (P.C.); (M.M.); (Y.Z.)
- Department of Epidemiology & Health Statistics, School of Public Health, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Peihan Chi
- Department of Public Health, and Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Z.P.); (S.S.); (H.C.); (H.Z.); (P.C.); (M.M.); (Y.Z.)
- Department of Epidemiology & Health Statistics, School of Public Health, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Minjia Mo
- Department of Public Health, and Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Z.P.); (S.S.); (H.C.); (H.Z.); (P.C.); (M.M.); (Y.Z.)
- Department of Epidemiology & Health Statistics, School of Public Health, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yan Zhuang
- Department of Public Health, and Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Z.P.); (S.S.); (H.C.); (H.Z.); (P.C.); (M.M.); (Y.Z.)
- Department of Epidemiology & Health Statistics, School of Public Health, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China;
| | - Yunxian Yu
- Department of Public Health, and Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Z.P.); (S.S.); (H.C.); (H.Z.); (P.C.); (M.M.); (Y.Z.)
- Department of Epidemiology & Health Statistics, School of Public Health, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Correspondence:
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25
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Gonçalves BM, Graceli JB, da Rocha PB, Tilli HP, Vieira EM, de Sibio MT, Peghinelli VV, Deprá IC, Mathias LS, Olímpio RMC, Belik VC, Nogueira CR. Placental model as an important tool to study maternal-fetal interface. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 112:7-13. [PMID: 35714933 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The placenta is a temporary organ that plays critical roles at the maternal-fetal interface. Normal development and function of the placenta is dependent on hormonal signaling pathways that make the placenta a target of endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) action. Studies showing association between prenatal exposure, hormone disruption, and reproductive damage indicate that EDCs are developmentally toxic and can impact future generations. In this context, new placental models (trophoblast-derived cell lines, organotypic or 3D cell models, and physiologically based kinetic models) have been developed in order to create new approach methodology (NAM) to assess and even prevent such disastrous toxic harm in future generations. With the widespread discouragement of conducting animal studies, it has become irrefutable to develop in vitro models that can serve as a substitute for in vivo models. The goal of this review is to discuss the newest in vitro models to understand the maternal-fetal interface and predict placental development, physiology, and dysfunction generated by failures in molecular hormone control mechanisms, which, consequently, may change epigenetic programming to increase susceptibility to metabolic and other disorders in the offspring. We summarize the latest placental models for developmental toxicology studies, focusing mainly on three-dimensional (3D) culture models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca M Gonçalves
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
| | - Jones B Graceli
- Department of Morphology, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Espirito Santo (UFES), Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Paula B da Rocha
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Helena P Tilli
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Ester M Vieira
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria T de Sibio
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Vinícius V Peghinelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Igor C Deprá
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas S Mathias
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Regiane M C Olímpio
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Virgínia C Belik
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Célia R Nogueira
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
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26
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Effects of Different Prenatal Nutrition Strategies on the Liver Metabolome of Bulls and Its Correlation with Body and Liver Weight. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12050441. [PMID: 35629945 PMCID: PMC9143101 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12050441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of prenatal nutrition on liver metabolome and on body (BW) and liver weight (LW) of Nellore bulls at slaughter. Three treatments were applied in 126 cows during pregnancy: NP—control (mineral supplementation); PP—protein-energy supplementation in the third trimester; and FP—protein-energy supplementation during the entire pregnancy. Offspring BW and LW were evaluated, and a targeted metabolomics analysis was performed on their livers (n = 18, 22.5 ± 1 months of age). Data were submitted to principal component analysis (PCA), analysis of variance (ANOVA), enrichment analysis, and Pearson’s correlation analysis. The phenotypes did not show differences between treatments (p > 0.05). Metabolites PCA showed an overlap of treatment clusters in the analysis. We found significant metabolites in ANOVA (p ≤ 0.05; Glycine, Hydroxytetradecadienylcarnitine, Aminoadipic acid and Carnosine). Enrichment analysis revealed some biological processes (Histidine metabolism, beta-Alanine metabolism, and Lysine degradation). Pearson’s correlation analysis showed 29 significant correlated metabolites with BW and 1 metabolite correlated with LW. In summary, prenatal nutrition did not show effects on the phenotypes evaluated, but affected some metabolites and biological pathways, mainly related to oxidative metabolism. In addition, BW seems to influence the hepatic metabolome more than LW, due to the amount and magnitude of correlations found.
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27
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Sandovici I, Fernandez-Twinn DS, Hufnagel A, Constância M, Ozanne SE. Sex differences in the intergenerational inheritance of metabolic traits. Nat Metab 2022; 4:507-523. [PMID: 35637347 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-022-00570-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Strong evidence suggests that early-life exposures to suboptimal environmental factors, including those in utero, influence our long-term metabolic health. This has been termed developmental programming. Mounting evidence suggests that the growth and metabolism of male and female fetuses differ. Therefore, sexual dimorphism in response to pre-conception or early-life exposures could contribute to known sex differences in susceptibility to poor metabolic health in adulthood. However, until recently, many studies, especially those in animal models, focused on a single sex, or, often in the case of studies performed during intrauterine development, did not report the sex of the animal at all. In this review, we (a) summarize the evidence that male and females respond differently to a suboptimal pre-conceptional or in utero environment, (b) explore the potential biological mechanisms that underlie these differences and (c) review the consequences of these differences for long-term metabolic health, including that of subsequent generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ionel Sandovici
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Denise S Fernandez-Twinn
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Antonia Hufnagel
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Miguel Constância
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Susan E Ozanne
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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28
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Nema J, Joshi N, Sundrani D, Joshi S. Influence of maternal one carbon metabolites on placental programming and long term health. Placenta 2022; 125:20-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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29
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Air Pollution and Perinatal Health in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Challenges, Limitations, and the Potential of Epigenetics. Curr Environ Health Rep 2022; 9:1-10. [PMID: 35080743 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-022-00337-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Even though the burden of disease attributable to air pollution is high in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), the number of studies linking environmental exposures to negative health outcomes remains scarce and limited in scope. This review aims to assess the literature on exposure to air pollutants and perinatal health in the EMR and to explain the potential of epigenetics in exploring the processes behind adverse birth outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS In the last three decades, hundreds of studies and publications tackled the health effects of air pollution on birth outcomes and early life development, but only a small number of these studies was conducted in the EMR. The existing literature is concentrated in specific geographic locations and is focused on a limited number of exposures and outcomes. Main limitations include inconsistent and poorly funded air quality monitoring, inappropriate study designs, imprecise and/or unreliable assessments of exposures, and outcomes. Even though the studies establish associations between air pollutants and adverse birth outcomes, the mechanisms through which these processes take place are yet to be fully understood. A likely candidate to explain these processes is epigenetics; however, epigenetics research on the impact of air pollution in EMR is still in its infancy. This review highlights the need for future research examining perinatal health and air pollutants, especially the epigenetic processes that underlie the adverse birth outcomes, to better understand them and to develop effective recommendations and intervention strategies.
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Mortimer R, James K, Bormann CL, Harris AL, Yeh J, Toth TL, Souter I, Roberts DJ, Sacha CR. Male factor infertility and placental pathology in singleton live births conceived with in vitro fertilization. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:3223-3232. [PMID: 34704166 PMCID: PMC8666390 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02344-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We sought to determine whether pregnancies conceived in those with male factor infertility have unique placental pathology profiles compared to those undergoing infertility treatments for other indications. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of placental pathology from 464 live births conceived from autologous fresh IVF cycles at an academic fertility center from 2004 to 2017. Placental pathology was compared between live births arising from patients with male factor infertility alone and those with another infertility diagnosis. Placental outcomes were compared with parametric or non-parametric tests; logistic regression was performed to account for potential confounders. RESULTS Compared to cycles performed for a non-male factor diagnosis, male factor infertility cycles had a higher mean paternal age (38.2 years vs. 36.5 years, p < 0.001), a higher female mean BMI (24.3 vs. 23.3 kg/m2, p = 0.01), and a lower day 3 follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level (6.8 vs. 7.3 IU/mL, p = 0.02). The mean numbers of embryos transferred, and day of transfer were similar between groups, and more cycles used ICSI in the male factor infertility group (90.6% vs. 22.5%, p < 0.001). Placental pathology in our adjusted model was similar between the male factor and non-male factor groups. In our unadjusted subgroup analysis, cycles for male factor using ICSI appeared to lead to more small placentas by weight compared to cycles performed with conventional insemination (45.8% < 10th percentile vs. 18.8%, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION Male factor infertility is not associated with significantly different placental pathology compared to other infertility diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roisin Mortimer
- Department of OB/GYN, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - K James
- Center for Outcomes Research, Department of OB/GYN, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - C L Bormann
- Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A L Harris
- Department of Women's Health, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Wright Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, USA
- Department of OB/GYN, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA
| | - J Yeh
- Division of Reprod Endo & Infertil, UMass Medical, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - T L Toth
- Boston IVF, Department of OB/GYN, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - I Souter
- Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - D J Roberts
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General, Boston Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - C R Sacha
- Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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31
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Rosario FJ, Kelly AC, Gupta MB, Powell TL, Cox L, Jansson T. Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 2 Regulation of the Primary Human Trophoblast Cell Transcriptome. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:670980. [PMID: 34805133 PMCID: PMC8599300 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.670980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 2 (mTORC2) regulates placental amino acid and folate transport. However, the role of mTORC2 in modulating other placental functions is largely unexplored. We used a gene array following the silencing of rictor to identify genes regulated by mTORC2 in primary human trophoblast (PHT) cells. Four hundred and nine genes were differentially expressed; 102 genes were down-regulated and 307 up-regulated. Pathway analyses demonstrated that inhibition of mTORC2 resulted in increased expression of genes encoding for pro-inflammatory IL-6, VEGF-A, leptin, and inflammatory signaling (SAPK/JNK). Furthermore, down-regulated genes were functionally enriched in genes involved in angiogenesis (Osteopontin) and multivitamin transport (SLC5A6). In addition, the protein expression of leptin, VEGFA, IL-6 was increased and negatively correlated to mTORC2 signaling in human placentas collected from pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). In contrast, the protein expression of Osteopontin and SLC5A6 was decreased and positively correlated to mTORC2 signaling in human IUGR placentas. In conclusion, mTORC2 signaling regulates trophoblast expression of genes involved in inflammation, micronutrient transport, and angiogenesis, representing novel links between mTOR signaling and multiple placental functions necessary for fetal growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrick J Rosario
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of OB/GYN University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Amy Catherine Kelly
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of OB/GYN University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Madhulika B Gupta
- Children's Health Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics and Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of OB/GYN University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States.,Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Laura Cox
- Section of Molecular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Precision Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of OB/GYN University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
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Thompson WA, Vijayan MM. Venlafaxine deposition in the zygote disrupts the endocrine control of growth in juvenile zebrafish. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 202:111665. [PMID: 34252433 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The antidepressant venlafaxine can be found at levels nearing μg/L in waterways receiving municipal wastewater effluent, exposing non-target organisms, such as fish, to this chemical. We showed previously that zygotic exposure to venlafaxine alters neurodevelopment and behaviour in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the zygotic deposition of venlafaxine disrupts endocrine pathways related to growth in zebrafish. This was carried out by microinjecting embryos (1-4 cell stage) with either 0, 1, or 10 ng venlafaxine. Zygotic venlafaxine deposition reduced the growth of fish after 30 days post-fertilization. Specific growth rate was particularly impacted by 1 ng venlafaxine. This growth retardation corresponded with the disruption of endocrine pathways involved in growth and metabolism. Venlafaxine exposed embryos displayed reduced transcript abundance of key genes involved in anabolic hormone action. Early-life venlafaxine exposure also reduced whole-body insulin and glucose content in juveniles. Target-tissue glucose uptake measurements indicated that high venlafaxine deposition preferentially increased glucose uptake to the brain. Zygotic venlafaxine did not affect feed intake nor altered the transcript abundance of key feeding-related peptides. Taken together, zygotic venlafaxine deposition compromises zebrafish growth by disrupting multiple endocrine pathways, and this study has identified key markers for potential use in risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Andrew Thompson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Mathilakath M Vijayan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada.
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Yu P, Chen Y, Ge C, Wang H. Sexual dimorphism in placental development and its contribution to health and diseases. Crit Rev Toxicol 2021; 51:555-570. [PMID: 34666604 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2021.1977237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
According to the Developmental Origin of Health and Disease (DOHaD), intrauterine exposure to adverse environments can affect fetus and birth outcomes and lead to long-term disease susceptibility. Evidence has shown that neonatal outcomes and the timing and severity of adult diseases are sexually dimorphic. As the link between mother and fetus, the placenta is an essential regulator of fetal development programming. It is found that the physiological development trajectory of the placenta has sexual dimorphism. Furthermore, under pathological conditions, the placental function undergoes sex-specific adaptation to ensure fetal survival. Therefore, the placenta may be an important mediator of sexual dimorphism in neonatal outcomes and adult disease susceptibility. Few systematic reviews have been conducted on sexual dimorphism in placental development and its underlying mechanisms. In this review, sex chromosomes and sex hormones, as the main reasons for sexual differentiation of the placenta, will be discussed. Besides, in the etiology of fetal-originated adult diseases, overexposure to glucocorticoids is closely related to adverse neonatal outcomes and long-term disease susceptibility. Studies have found that prenatal glucocorticoid overexposure leads to sexually dimorphic expression of placental glucocorticoid receptor isoforms, resulting in different sensitivity of the placenta to glucocorticoids, and may further affect fetal development. The present review examines what is currently known about sex differences in placental development and the underlying regulatory mechanisms of this sex bias. This review highlights the importance of placental contributions to the origins of sexual dimorphism in health and diseases. It may help develop personalized diagnosis and treatment strategies for fetal development in pathological pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengxia Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yawen Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Caiyun Ge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, China
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Periconceptional maternal and paternal homocysteine levels and early utero-placental (vascular) growth trajectories: The Rotterdam periconception cohort. Placenta 2021; 115:45-52. [PMID: 34560327 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Maternal elevated plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) is involved in the origin of several placenta-related pregnancy complications. The first trimester is the most sensitive period for placentation influenced by maternal and paternal health. The aim is to study associations between periconceptional parental tHcy levels and utero-placental growth trajectories in the first trimester of pregnancy. METHODS Pregnant women and their partners were enrolled before 10 weeks of gestation in the Virtual Placenta study as subcohort of the Rotterdam periconception cohort (Predict study). A total of 190 women with a singleton pregnancy, of which 109 conceived naturally and 81 after IVF/ICSI treatment, were included. We measured serial utero-placental vascular volumes (uPVV) and placental volumes (PV) at 7, 9 and 11 weeks of gestation. First-trimester trajectories of PV were also measured in 662 pregnancies from the total Predict study. RESULTS Comparing all participants of the virtual placenta study, no association between maternal tHcy and uPVV was observed. However, in IVF/ICSI pregnancies sub-analyses showed significantly negative associations between maternal tHcy in the 3rd and 4th quartile and uPVV trajectories (beta: -0.38 (95%CI -0.74 to -0.02) and beta: -0.42 (95% CI -0.78 to -0.05), respectively) with the 1st quartile as reference. Analysis in the total Predict cohort showed similar negative associations for the total study population. DISCUSSION Periconceptional high maternal tHcy levels are associated with smaller placental growth trajectories depicted as PV and uPVV in the first trimester of pregnancy. The stronger negative associations with uPVV in IVF/ICSI pregnancies underline the need for further investigation.
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Dong J, Guo X, Qian C, Wang J, Lei H, Chen S, Wang X. In vitro fertilization causes excessive glycogen accumulation in mouse placenta. Placenta 2021; 114:29-38. [PMID: 34418752 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.08.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Children conceived by assisted reproductive technologies have a high risk of suffering from obstetrical complications and long-term health problems, but the related mechanisms are not fully understood. Normal placental function is closely linked with foetal growth and future health. Given the significance of glycogen metabolism in placentas, we investigated the effect of in vitro fertilization (IVF) on glycogen storage in placentas using a mouse model. METHODS Mouse placentas were collected at E18.5 after natural mating or IVF, and the placental and foetal weights were recorded. The quantitative assay kit and histological staining were used to measure the glycogen content. Additionally, we detected the expression of multiple genes associated with glycogen synthesis/decomposition, glucose transporters, and the phosphorylation of Akt and Gsk3β. RESULTS Our findings showed that IVF resulted in a significantly increased mouse placental weight and enlarged junctional area. We found, compared to the control, excessive glycogen was accumulated in IVF placentas. However, we observed that multiple genes involved in glycogen generation (Gsk3b, Phka1, Phkb, Phkg1, and Phkg2) and glycogenolysis (Agl and Pygm) had lower mRNA levels in IVF placentas. Moreover, the expression levels of glycogen synthase, phosphorylase, Glut1, and Glut3 were significantly decreased in IVF placentas. The phosphorylation activities of Akt Ser473 and Gsk3β Ser9 were inhibited in IVF placentas. DISCUSSION IVF leads to enlarged mouse placentas with excessive glycogen storage in late pregnancy, and these abnormal changes may be associated with the activation of the Akt-Gsk3β pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiangyu Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, General Hospital of Tibet Military Region, Lhasa, 850007, Tibet, China
| | - Chenxi Qian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hui Lei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shuqiang Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China.
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36
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van Duijn L, Rousian M, Reijnders IF, Willemsen SP, Baart EB, Laven JSE, Steegers-Theunissen RPM. The influence of frozen-thawed and fresh embryo transfer on utero-placental (vascular) development: the Rotterdam Periconception cohort. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2091-2100. [PMID: 33974704 PMCID: PMC8289318 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does frozen-thawed or fresh embryo transfer (ET) influence utero-placental (vascular) development, when studied using three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound and virtual reality imaging techniques? SUMMARY ANSWER In the first trimester, placental developmental parameters, that is, placental volume (PV) and utero-placental vascular volume (uPVV), were comparable between pregnancies resulting from frozen-thawed ET, fresh ET and natural conception; and in the second and the third trimester, uterine artery Doppler indices were lower in pregnancies after frozen-thawed ET compared to pregnancies after fresh ET and natural conception. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Pregnancies after frozen-thawed ET are at risk of developing placenta-related pregnancy complications. There is strong evidence that impaired first-trimester spiral artery remodelling is involved in the pathophysiology of these complications. Studies on longitudinal placental development in pregnancies with different modes of conception, that is, after frozen-thawed ET, fresh ET or natural conception, are lacking. STUDY, DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Women with singleton pregnancies were included before 10 weeks of gestation, between January 2017 and July 2018, as a subcohort of the ongoing Rotterdam Periconception cohort. Results were partially validated in 722 women from the total cohort, which was conducted from November 2010 onwards. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A total of 214 women, of whom 32 conceived after frozen-thawed ET, 56 conceived after fresh ET and 126 conceived naturally, were selected. PV and uPVV measurements were obtained at 7, 9 and 11 weeks of gestation by transvaginal 3D (power Doppler) ultrasound. The uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI) and resistance index (UtA-RI) were measured transvaginally at 7, 9, 11 and 13 weeks and abdominally at 22 and 32 weeks of gestation by pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound. In the validation cohort, the PV was measured in 722 women. Associations between mode of conception and placental development were studied using linear mixed models. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE First-trimester parameters of placental development, that is, PV, uPVV, UtA-PI and UtA-RI, were comparable between pregnancies after frozen-thawed and fresh ET and naturally conceived pregnancies. In our validation cohort, comparable results were found for PV. However, the second- and third-trimester UtA-PI and UtA-RI in pregnancies after frozen-thawed ET were significantly lower than in pregnancies after fresh ET (βUtA-PI −0.158 (95% CI: −0.268, −0.048), P = 0.005; βUtA-RI −0.052 (95% CI: −0.089, −0.015), P = 0.006). The second- and third-trimester uterine artery indices in pregnancies after fresh ET were comparable to those in pregnancies after natural conception. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The main limitation of this study is the lack of power to optimally detect differences in placental development and placenta-related pregnancy outcomes between pregnancies after different modes of conception. Moreover, our population was selected from a tertiary hospital and included a relatively limited number of pregnancies. Therefore, external validity of the results should be confirmed in a larger sample size. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings indicate no significant impact of conception mode on early placental development and a beneficial impact for frozen-thawed ET on the second- and third-trimester Doppler indices. This suggests that frozen-thawed ET may not be as detrimental for placental perfusion as previous research has demonstrated. As the number of clinics applying the ‘freeze-all strategy’ increases, future research should focus on establishing the optimal uterine environment, with regards to hormonal preparation, prior to ET to reduce placental-related pregnancy complications after frozen-thawed ET. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This research was funded by the Erasmus MC Medical Research Advisor Committee’s ‘Health Care Efficiency Research’ program and the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. JSEL reports grants and personal fees from Ferring, personal fees from Titus Healthcare, grants and personal fees from Ansh Labs, grants from NIH, grants from Dutch Heart Association and grants from ZonMW outside the submitted work. None of the other authors have a conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Registered at the Dutch Trial Register (NTR6684).
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Affiliation(s)
- Linette van Duijn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Melek Rousian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Igna F Reijnders
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sten P Willemsen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Biostatistics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esther B Baart
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Developmental Biology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joop S E Laven
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Warner GR, Dettogni RS, Bagchi IC, Flaws JA, Graceli JB. Placental outcomes of phthalate exposure. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 103:1-17. [PMID: 34015474 PMCID: PMC8260441 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Proper placental development and function relies on hormone receptors and signaling pathways that make the placenta susceptible to disruption by endocrine disrupting chemicals, such as phthalates. Here, we review relevant research on the associations between phthalate exposures and dysfunctions of the development and function of the placenta, including morphology, physiology, and genetic and epigenetic effects. This review covers in vitro studies, in vivo studies in mammals, and studies in humans. We also discuss important gaps in the literature. Overall, the evidence indicates that toxicity to the placental and maternal-fetal interface is associated with exposure to phthalates. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the mechanisms through which phthalates act in the placenta as well as additional human studies that assess placental disruption through pregnancy with larger sample sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genoa R Warner
- Dept of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | | | - Indrani C Bagchi
- Dept of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Jodi A Flaws
- Dept of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA.
| | - Jones B Graceli
- Dept of Morphology, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Brazil
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Overweight and obesity in pregnancy: their impact on epigenetics. Eur J Clin Nutr 2021; 75:1710-1722. [PMID: 34230629 PMCID: PMC8636269 DOI: 10.1038/s41430-021-00905-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Over the last few decades, the prevalence of obesity has risen to epidemic proportions worldwide. Consequently, the number of obesity in pregnancy has risen drastically. Gestational overweight and obesity are associated with impaired outcomes for mother and child. Furthermore, studies show that maternal obesity can lead to long-term consequences in the offspring, increasing the risk for obesity and cardiometabolic disease in later life. In addition to genetic mechanisms, mounting evidence demonstrates the induction of epigenetic alterations by maternal obesity, which can affect the offspring’s phenotype, thereby influencing the later risk of obesity and cardiometabolic disease. Clear evidence in this regard comes from various animal models of maternal obesity. Evidence derived from clinical studies remains limited. The current article gives an overview of pathophysiological changes associated with maternal obesity and their consequences on placental structure and function. Furthermore, a short excurse is given on epigenetic mechanisms and emerging data regarding a putative interaction between metabolism and epigenetics. Finally, a summary of important findings of animal and clinical studies investigating maternal obesity-related epigenetic effects is presented also addressing current limitations of clinical studies.
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Bedell S, Hutson J, de Vrijer B, Eastabrook G. Effects of Maternal Obesity and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on the Placenta: Current Knowledge and Targets for Therapeutic Interventions. Curr Vasc Pharmacol 2021; 19:176-192. [PMID: 32543363 DOI: 10.2174/1570161118666200616144512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are becoming more common among pregnant women worldwide and are individually associated with a number of placenta-mediated obstetric complications, including preeclampsia, macrosomia, intrauterine growth restriction and stillbirth. The placenta serves several functions throughout pregnancy and is the main exchange site for the transfer of nutrients and gas from mother to fetus. In pregnancies complicated by maternal obesity or GDM, the placenta is exposed to environmental changes, such as increased inflammation and oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, and altered hormone levels. These changes can affect placental development and function and lead to abnormal fetal growth and development as well as metabolic and cardiovascular abnormalities in the offspring. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on the effects of obesity and GDM on placental development and function. Understanding these processes is key in developing therapeutic interventions with the goal of mitigating these effects and preventing future cardiovascular and metabolic pathology in subsequent generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Bedell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, ON N6A 3B4, Canada
| | - Janine Hutson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, ON N6A 3B4, Canada
| | - Barbra de Vrijer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, ON N6A 3B4, Canada
| | - Genevieve Eastabrook
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, ON N6A 3B4, Canada
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40
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Lizárraga D, García-Gasca A. The Placenta as a Target of Epigenetic Alterations in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Potential Implications for the Offspring. EPIGENOMES 2021; 5:epigenomes5020013. [PMID: 34968300 PMCID: PMC8594713 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes5020013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a pregnancy complication first detected in the second or third trimester in women that did not show evident glucose intolerance or diabetes before gestation. In 2019, the International Diabetes Federation reported that 15.8% of live births were affected by hyperglycemia during pregnancy, of which 83.6% were due to gestational diabetes mellitus, 8.5% were due to diabetes first detected in pregnancy, and 7.9% were due to diabetes detected before pregnancy. GDM increases the susceptibility to developing chronic diseases for both the mother and the baby later in life. Under GDM conditions, the intrauterine environment becomes hyperglycemic, while also showing high concentrations of fatty acids and proinflammatory cytokines, producing morphological, structural, and molecular modifications in the placenta, affecting its function; these alterations may predispose the baby to disease in adult life. Molecular alterations include epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA and RNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, histone modifications, and expression of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). The placenta is a unique organ that originates only in pregnancy, and its main function is communication between the mother and the fetus, ensuring healthy development. Thus, this review provides up-to-date information regarding two of the best-documented (epigenetic) mechanisms (DNA methylation and miRNA expression) altered in the human placenta under GDM conditions, as well as potential implications for the offspring.
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Maurice C, Dalvai M, Lambrot R, Deschênes A, Scott-Boyer MP, McGraw S, Chan D, Côté N, Ziv-Gal A, Flaws JA, Droit A, Trasler J, Kimmins S, Bailey JL. Early-Life Exposure to Environmental Contaminants Perturbs the Sperm Epigenome and Induces Negative Pregnancy Outcomes for Three Generations via the Paternal Lineage. EPIGENOMES 2021; 5:epigenomes5020010. [PMID: 34968297 PMCID: PMC8594730 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes5020010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the grasshopper effect, the Arctic food chain in Canada is contaminated with persistent organic pollutants (POPs) of industrial origin, including polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides. Exposure to POPs may be a contributor to the greater incidence of poor fetal growth, placental abnormalities, stillbirths, congenital defects and shortened lifespan in the Inuit population compared to non-Aboriginal Canadians. Although maternal exposure to POPs is well established to harm pregnancy outcomes, paternal transmission of the effects of POPs is a possibility that has not been well investigated. We used a rat model to test the hypothesis that exposure to POPs during gestation and suckling leads to developmental defects that are transmitted to subsequent generations via the male lineage. Indeed, developmental exposure to an environmentally relevant Arctic POPs mixture impaired sperm quality and pregnancy outcomes across two subsequent, unexposed generations and altered sperm DNA methylation, some of which are also observed for two additional generations. Genes corresponding to the altered sperm methylome correspond to health problems encountered in the Inuit population. These findings demonstrate that the paternal methylome is sensitive to the environment and that some perturbations persist for at least two subsequent generations. In conclusion, although many factors influence health, paternal exposure to contaminants plays a heretofore-underappreciated role with sperm DNA methylation contributing to the molecular underpinnings involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clotilde Maurice
- Research Centre on Reproduction and Intergenerational Health, Department of Animal Sciences, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (C.M.); (M.D.)
| | - Mathieu Dalvai
- Research Centre on Reproduction and Intergenerational Health, Department of Animal Sciences, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (C.M.); (M.D.)
| | - Romain Lambrot
- Department of Animal Sciences, McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, QC H9X 3V9, Canada; (R.L.); (S.K.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Astrid Deschênes
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Research Center of CHU of Quebec City, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 4G, Canada; (A.D.); (M.-P.S.-B.); (A.D.)
| | - Marie-Pier Scott-Boyer
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Research Center of CHU of Quebec City, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 4G, Canada; (A.D.); (M.-P.S.-B.); (A.D.)
| | - Serge McGraw
- Research Center of CHU Sainte-Justine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montral, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada;
| | - Donovan Chan
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H3Z 2Z3, Canada; (D.C.); (J.T.)
- Departments of Pediatrics, Human Genetics and Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3Z 2Z3, Canada
| | - Nancy Côté
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 4G5, Canada;
| | - Ayelet Ziv-Gal
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61802, USA; (A.Z.-G.); (J.A.F.)
| | - Jodi A. Flaws
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61802, USA; (A.Z.-G.); (J.A.F.)
| | - Arnaud Droit
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Research Center of CHU of Quebec City, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 4G, Canada; (A.D.); (M.-P.S.-B.); (A.D.)
| | - Jacquetta Trasler
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H3Z 2Z3, Canada; (D.C.); (J.T.)
- Departments of Pediatrics, Human Genetics and Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3Z 2Z3, Canada
| | - Sarah Kimmins
- Department of Animal Sciences, McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, QC H9X 3V9, Canada; (R.L.); (S.K.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Janice L. Bailey
- Research Centre on Reproduction and Intergenerational Health, Department of Animal Sciences, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (C.M.); (M.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-418-643-3230
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Sandovici I, Hammerle CM, Virtue S, Vivas-Garcia Y, Izquierdo-Lahuerta A, Ozanne SE, Vidal-Puig A, Medina-Gómez G, Constância M. Autocrine IGF2 programmes β-cell plasticity under conditions of increased metabolic demand. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7717. [PMID: 33833312 PMCID: PMC8032793 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87292-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
When exposed to nutrient excess and insulin resistance, pancreatic β-cells undergo adaptive changes in order to maintain glucose homeostasis. The role that growth control genes, highly expressed in early pancreas development, might exert in programming β-cell plasticity in later life is a poorly studied area. The imprinted Igf2 (insulin-like growth factor 2) gene is highly transcribed during early life and has been identified in recent genome-wide association studies as a type 2 diabetes susceptibility gene in humans. Hence, here we investigate the long-term phenotypic metabolic consequences of conditional Igf2 deletion in pancreatic β-cells (Igf2βKO) in mice. We show that autocrine actions of IGF2 are not critical for β-cell development, or for the early post-natal wave of β-cell remodelling. Additionally, adult Igf2βKO mice maintain glucose homeostasis when fed a chow diet. However, pregnant Igf2βKO females become hyperglycemic and hyperinsulinemic, and their conceptuses exhibit hyperinsulinemia and placentomegalia. Insulin resistance induced by congenital leptin deficiency also renders Igf2βKO females more hyperglycaemic compared to leptin-deficient controls. Upon high-fat diet feeding, Igf2βKO females are less susceptible to develop insulin resistance. Based on these findings, we conclude that in female mice, autocrine actions of β-cell IGF2 during early development determine their adaptive capacity in adult life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ionel Sandovici
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research, Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0SW, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK.
| | - Constanze M Hammerle
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research, Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0SW, UK.
- Novo Nordisk A/S, 2880, Bagsværd, Denmark.
| | - Sam Virtue
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Yurena Vivas-Garcia
- Área de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Adriana Izquierdo-Lahuerta
- Área de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Susan E Ozanne
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Antonio Vidal-Puig
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- Welcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
- Cambridge University Nanjing Centre of Technology and Innovation, Jiangbei Area, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Gema Medina-Gómez
- Área de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Constância
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research, Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0SW, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK.
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Ozmen A, Kipmen-Korgun D, Isenlik BS, Erman M, Sakinci M, Berkkanoglu M, Coetzee K, Ozgur K, Cetindag E, Yanar K, Korgun ET. Does fresh or frozen embryo transfer affect imprinted gene expressions in human term placenta? Acta Histochem 2021; 123:151694. [PMID: 33571695 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2021.151694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Our research aimed to compare the epigenetic alterations between placentae of in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients and spontaneous pregnancies. Additionally, the expression levels of proliferation markers (PCNA, Ki67) and glucose transporter proteins (GLUT1, GLUT3) were assessed in control and IVF placentae to examine the possible consequences of epigenetic alterations on placental development. Control group placentae were obtained from spontaneous pregnancies of healthy women (n = 16). IVF placentae were obtained from fresh (n = 16) and frozen (n = 16) embryo transfer pregnancies. A group of maternal and paternal imprint genes H19, IGF2, IGF2, IGF2R, PHLDA2, PLAGL1, MASH2, GRB10, PEG1, PEG3, and PEG10 were detected by Real-Time PCR. Additionally, PCNA, Ki67, GLUT1, and GLUT3 protein levels were assessed by immunohistochemistry and western blot. In the fresh embryo transfer placenta group (fETP), gene expression of paternal PEG1 and PEG10 was upregulated compared with the control group. Increased gene expression in paternal PEG1 and maternal IGFR2 genes was detected in the frozen embryo transfer placenta group (FET) compared with the control group. Conversely, expression levels of H19 and IGF2 genes were downregulated in the FET group. On the other hand, GLUT3 and PCNA expression was increased in FET group placentae. IVF techniques affect placental imprinted gene expressions which are important for proper placental development. Imprinted genes are differently expressed in fresh ET placentae and frozen ET placentae. In conclusion, these data indicate that altered imprinted gene expression may affect glucose transport and cell proliferation, therefore play an important role in placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asli Ozmen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Dijle Kipmen-Korgun
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Bekir Sitki Isenlik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Training and Research Hospital, Health Sciences University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Munire Erman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Sakinci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | | | - Kevin Coetzee
- Antalya IVF, Halide Edip Cd. No:7, Kanal Mh., Antalya, Turkey
| | - Kemal Ozgur
- Antalya IVF, Halide Edip Cd. No:7, Kanal Mh., Antalya, Turkey
| | - Emre Cetindag
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Kerem Yanar
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Emin Turkay Korgun
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey.
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Diniz WJS, Reynolds LP, Borowicz PP, Ward AK, Sedivec KK, McCarthy KL, Kassetas CJ, Baumgaertner F, Kirsch JD, Dorsam ST, Neville TL, Forcherio JC, Scott RR, Caton JS, Dahlen CR. Maternal Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation and Rate of Maternal Weight Gain Affects Placental Expression of Energy Metabolism and Transport-Related Genes. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12030385. [PMID: 33803164 PMCID: PMC8001966 DOI: 10.3390/genes12030385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal nutrients are essential for proper fetal and placental development and function. However, the effects of vitamin and mineral supplementation under two rates of maternal weight gain on placental genome-wide gene expression have not been investigated so far. Furthermore, biological processes and pathways in the placenta that act in response to early maternal nutrition are yet to be elucidated. Herein, we examined the impact of maternal vitamin and mineral supplementation (from pre-breeding to day 83 post-breeding) and two rates of gain during the first 83 days of pregnancy on the gene expression of placental caruncles (CAR; maternal placenta) and cotyledons (COT; fetal placenta) of crossbred Angus beef heifers. We identified 267 unique differentially expressed genes (DEG). Among the DEGs from CAR, we identified ACAT2, SREBF2, and HMGCCS1 that underlie the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. Furthermore, the transcription factors PAX2 and PAX8 were over-represented in biological processes related to kidney organogenesis. The DEGs from COT included SLC2A1, SLC2A3, SLC27A4, and INSIG1. Our over-representation analysis retrieved biological processes related to nutrient transport and ion homeostasis, whereas the pathways included insulin secretion, PPAR signaling, and biosynthesis of amino acids. Vitamin and mineral supplementation and rate of gain were associated with changes in gene expression, biological processes, and KEGG pathways in beef cattle placental tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wellison J. S. Diniz
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA; (L.P.R.); (P.P.B.); (A.K.W.); (C.J.K.); (F.B.); (J.D.K.); (S.T.D.); (T.L.N.); (J.S.C.); (C.R.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-701-5411997
| | - Lawrence P. Reynolds
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA; (L.P.R.); (P.P.B.); (A.K.W.); (C.J.K.); (F.B.); (J.D.K.); (S.T.D.); (T.L.N.); (J.S.C.); (C.R.D.)
| | - Pawel P. Borowicz
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA; (L.P.R.); (P.P.B.); (A.K.W.); (C.J.K.); (F.B.); (J.D.K.); (S.T.D.); (T.L.N.); (J.S.C.); (C.R.D.)
| | - Alison K. Ward
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA; (L.P.R.); (P.P.B.); (A.K.W.); (C.J.K.); (F.B.); (J.D.K.); (S.T.D.); (T.L.N.); (J.S.C.); (C.R.D.)
| | - Kevin K. Sedivec
- Central Grasslands Research and Extension Center, North Dakota State University, Streeter, ND 58483, USA;
| | - Kacie L. McCarthy
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA;
| | - Cierrah J. Kassetas
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA; (L.P.R.); (P.P.B.); (A.K.W.); (C.J.K.); (F.B.); (J.D.K.); (S.T.D.); (T.L.N.); (J.S.C.); (C.R.D.)
| | - Friederike Baumgaertner
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA; (L.P.R.); (P.P.B.); (A.K.W.); (C.J.K.); (F.B.); (J.D.K.); (S.T.D.); (T.L.N.); (J.S.C.); (C.R.D.)
| | - James D. Kirsch
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA; (L.P.R.); (P.P.B.); (A.K.W.); (C.J.K.); (F.B.); (J.D.K.); (S.T.D.); (T.L.N.); (J.S.C.); (C.R.D.)
| | - Sheri T. Dorsam
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA; (L.P.R.); (P.P.B.); (A.K.W.); (C.J.K.); (F.B.); (J.D.K.); (S.T.D.); (T.L.N.); (J.S.C.); (C.R.D.)
| | - Tammi L. Neville
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA; (L.P.R.); (P.P.B.); (A.K.W.); (C.J.K.); (F.B.); (J.D.K.); (S.T.D.); (T.L.N.); (J.S.C.); (C.R.D.)
| | - J. Chris Forcherio
- Purina Animal Nutrition LLC, Gray Summit, MO 63039, USA; (J.C.F.); (R.R.S.)
| | - Ronald R. Scott
- Purina Animal Nutrition LLC, Gray Summit, MO 63039, USA; (J.C.F.); (R.R.S.)
| | - Joel S. Caton
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA; (L.P.R.); (P.P.B.); (A.K.W.); (C.J.K.); (F.B.); (J.D.K.); (S.T.D.); (T.L.N.); (J.S.C.); (C.R.D.)
| | - Carl R. Dahlen
- Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA; (L.P.R.); (P.P.B.); (A.K.W.); (C.J.K.); (F.B.); (J.D.K.); (S.T.D.); (T.L.N.); (J.S.C.); (C.R.D.)
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Sedlmeier EM, Meyer DM, Stecher L, Sailer M, Daniel H, Hauner H, Bader BL. Fetal sex modulates placental microRNA expression, potential microRNA-mRNA interactions, and levels of amino acid transporter expression and substrates: INFAT study subpopulation analysis of n-3 LCPUFA intervention during pregnancy and associations with offspring body composition. BMC Mol Cell Biol 2021; 22:15. [PMID: 33657992 PMCID: PMC7931339 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-021-00345-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previously, we revealed sexually dimorphic mRNA expression and responsiveness to maternal dietary supplementation with n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) in placentas from a defined INFAT study subpopulation. Here, we extended these analyses and explored the respective placental microRNA expression, putative microRNA-mRNA interactions, and downstream target processes as well as their associations with INFAT offspring body composition. Results We performed explorative placental microRNA profiling, predicted microRNA-mRNA interactions by bioinformatics, validated placental target microRNAs and their putative targets by RT-qPCR and western blotting, and measured amino acid levels in maternal and offspring cord blood plasma and placenta. microRNA, mRNA, protein, and amino acid levels were associated with each other and with offspring body composition from birth to 5 years of age. Forty-six differentially regulated microRNAs were found. Validations identified differential expression for microRNA-99a (miR-99a) and its predicted target genes mTOR, SLC7A5, encoding L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1), and SLC6A6, encoding taurine transporter (TauT), and their prevailing significant sexually dimorphic regulation. Target mRNA levels were mostly higher in placentas from control male than from female offspring, whereas respective n-3 LCPUFA responsive target upregulation was predominantly found in female placentas, explaining the rather balanced expression levels between the sexes present only in the intervention group. LAT1 and TauT substrates tryptophan and taurine, respectively, were significantly altered in both maternal plasma at 32 weeks’ gestation and cord plasma following intervention, but not in the placenta. Several significant associations were observed for miR-99a, mTOR mRNA, SLC7A5 mRNA, and taurine and tryptophan in maternal and cord plasma with offspring body composition at birth, 1 year, 3 and 5 years of age. Conclusions Our data suggest that the analyzed targets may be part of a sexually dimorphic molecular regulatory network in the placenta, possibly modulating gene expression per se and/or counteracting n-3 LCPUFA responsive changes, and thereby stabilizing respective placental and fetal amino acid levels. Our data propose placental miR-99, SLC7A5 mRNA, and taurine and tryptophan levels in maternal and fetal plasma as potentially predictive biomarkers for offspring body composition. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12860-021-00345-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Maria Sedlmeier
- ZIEL-PhD Graduate School 'Epigenetics, Imprinting and Nutrition', ZIEL-Institute for Food and Health, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Gregor-Mendel-Straße 2, 85354, Freising, Germany.,Else Kröner-Fresenius-Center for Nutritional Medicine, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Gregor-Mendel-Straße 2, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Dorothy M Meyer
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 62, 80992, Munich, Germany
| | - Lynne Stecher
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 62, 80992, Munich, Germany
| | - Manuela Sailer
- Molecular Nutrition Unit, ZIEL-Institute for Food and Health, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Gregor-Mendel-Straße 2, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Hannelore Daniel
- Molecular Nutrition Unit, ZIEL-Institute for Food and Health, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Gregor-Mendel-Straße 2, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Hans Hauner
- Else Kröner-Fresenius-Center for Nutritional Medicine, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Gregor-Mendel-Straße 2, 85354, Freising, Germany.,Institute of Nutritional Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 62, 80992, Munich, Germany.,Clinical Nutritional Medicine Unit, ZIEL-Institute for Food and Health, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Gregor-Mendel-Straße 2, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Bernhard L Bader
- ZIEL-PhD Graduate School 'Epigenetics, Imprinting and Nutrition', ZIEL-Institute for Food and Health, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Gregor-Mendel-Straße 2, 85354, Freising, Germany. .,Else Kröner-Fresenius-Center for Nutritional Medicine, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Gregor-Mendel-Straße 2, 85354, Freising, Germany. .,Clinical Nutritional Medicine Unit, ZIEL-Institute for Food and Health, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Gregor-Mendel-Straße 2, 85354, Freising, Germany.
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Arias A, Schander JA, Bariani MV, Correa F, Domínguez Rubio AP, Cella M, Cymeryng CB, Wolfson ML, Franchi AM, Aisemberg J. Dexamethasone-induced intrauterine growth restriction modulates expression of placental vascular growth factors and fetal and placental growth. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:gaab006. [PMID: 33528567 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to glucocorticoids (GC) is a central topic of interest in medicine since GCs are essential for the maturation of fetal organs and intrauterine growth. Synthetic glucocorticoids, which are used in obstetric practice, exert beneficial effects on the fetus, but have also been reported to lead to intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). In this study, a model of growth restriction in mice was established through maternal administration of dexamethasone during late gestation. We hypothesised that GC overexposure may adversely affect placental angiogenesis and fetal and placental growth. Female BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to control or dexamethasone treatment, either left to give birth or euthanised on days 15, 16, 17 and 18 of gestation followed by collection of maternal and fetal tissue. The IUGR rate increased to 100% in the dexamethasone group (8 mg/kg body weight on gestational days 14 and 15) and pups had clinical features of symmetrical IUGR at birth. Dexamethasone administration significantly decreased maternal body weight gain and serum corticosterone levels. Moreover, prenatal dexamethasone treatment not only induced fetal growth retardation but also decreased placental weight. In IUGR placentas, VEGFA protein levels and mRNA expression of VEGF receptors were reduced and NOS activity was lower. Maternal dexamethasone administration also reduced placental expression of the GC receptor, αGR. We demonstrated that maternal dexamethasone administration causes fetal and placental growth restriction. Furthermore, we propose that the growth retardation induced by prenatal GC overexposure may be caused, at least partially, by an altered placental angiogenic profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Arias
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Preñez y el Parto, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO-UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - J A Schander
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Preñez y el Parto, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO-UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M V Bariani
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Preñez y el Parto, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO-UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - F Correa
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Preñez y el Parto, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO-UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - A P Domínguez Rubio
- Laboratorio Interdisciplinario de Dinámica Celular y Nanoherramientas, Instituto de Química Biológica Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN-UBA-CONICET), Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Cella
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Preñez y el Parto, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO-UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - C B Cymeryng
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología Molecular, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO-UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M L Wolfson
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Preñez y el Parto, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO-UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - A M Franchi
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Preñez y el Parto, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO-UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - J Aisemberg
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Preñez y el Parto, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO-UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Owaydhah WH, Ashton N, Verrey F, Glazier JD. Differential expression of system L amino acid transporter subtypes in rat placenta and yolk sac. Placenta 2020; 103:188-198. [PMID: 33160252 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amino acid transport across the placenta is crucial for fetal growth. In rodent models, the visceral yolk sac (referred to as yolk sac hereafter) is also likely to contribute to fetal amino acid provision. System L amino acid transporters mediate the transport of essential amino acids. System L activity is mediated by light chains LAT1 (Slc7a5) and LAT2 (Slc7a8) which form functional complexes by heterodimeric linkage to CD98 (Slc3a2). LAT4 (Slc43a2) is monomeric, possessing overlapping amino acid substrate specificity with LAT1 and LAT2. METHODS This study investigates the expression of these LAT subtypes in fetus-matched rat placenta and yolk sac. RESULTS Slc7a5, Slc7a8 and Slc43a2 transcripts were expressed in placenta and yolk sac with similar expression patterns between sexes. LAT1 expression was significantly higher in placenta than yolk sac. Conversely, LAT2 and LAT4 expression was significantly higher in yolk sac than placenta; CD98 expression was comparable. LAT1, LAT2, LAT4 and CD98 were distributed to rat placental labyrinth zone (LZ) and junctional zone (JZ). LAT1 and LAT4 demonstrated higher expression in LZ, whilst LAT2 was more intensely distributed to JZ. LAT1, LAT2, LAT4 and CD98 were expressed in yolk sac, with punctate LAT1 staining to endodermal cell cytoplasm, contrasting with the intense LAT2, LAT4 and CD98 endodermal cell basolateral distribution, accounting for greater LAT2 and LAT4 expression in yolk sac compared to placenta. CONCLUSION LAT1, LAT2 and LAT4 are expressed in rat placenta and yolk sac implicating a combined role for these LAT subtypes in supporting fetal growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wejdan H Owaydhah
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Nick Ashton
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
| | - François Verrey
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Jocelyn D Glazier
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
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Bowman CE, Arany Z, Wolfgang MJ. Regulation of maternal-fetal metabolic communication. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 78:1455-1486. [PMID: 33084944 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03674-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy may be the most nutritionally sensitive stage in the life cycle, and improved metabolic health during gestation and early postnatal life can reduce the risk of chronic disease in adulthood. Successful pregnancy requires coordinated metabolic, hormonal, and immunological communication. In this review, maternal-fetal metabolic communication is defined as the bidirectional communication of nutritional status and metabolic demand by various modes including circulating metabolites, endocrine molecules, and other secreted factors. Emphasis is placed on metabolites as a means of maternal-fetal communication by synthesizing findings from studies in humans, non-human primates, domestic animals, rabbits, and rodents. In this review, fetal, placental, and maternal metabolic adaptations are discussed in turn. (1) Fetal macronutrient needs are summarized in terms of the physiological adaptations in place to ensure their proper allocation. (2) Placental metabolite transport and maternal physiological adaptations during gestation, including changes in energy budget, are also discussed. (3) Maternal nutrient limitation and metabolic disorders of pregnancy serve as case studies of the dynamic nature of maternal-fetal metabolic communication. The review concludes with a summary of recent research efforts to identify metabolites, endocrine molecules, and other secreted factors that mediate this communication, with particular emphasis on serum/plasma metabolomics in humans, non-human primates, and rodents. A better understanding of maternal-fetal metabolic communication in health and disease may reveal novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for metabolic disorders of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn E Bowman
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zoltan Arany
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael J Wolfgang
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Zhang J, Xue L, Nie A, Yang Q, Peng X, Chen Z, Yang L, Xie Y, Yuan A, Xu J. Spatiotemporal heterogeneity of PPARγ expression in porcine uteroplacenta for regulating of placental angiogenesis through VEGF-mediated signalling. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:1479-1489. [PMID: 32762098 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Non-infectious prenatal mortality severely affects the porcine industry, with pathological placentation as a likely key reason. Previous studies have demonstrated that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) deficiency causes defects in the uteroplacental vasculature and induces embryonic losses in mice. However, its role in porcine placental angiogenesis remains unclear. In the present study, PPARγ expression was investigated in porcine uteroplacental tissues at gestational day (GD) 25, GD40 and GD70 via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Moreover, the roles of PPARγ in porcine placental angiogenesis were investigated using a cell model of porcine umbilical vein endothelial cells (PUVECs) to conduct proliferation, migration and tube formation assays in vitro and a mouse xenograft model to assess capillary formation in vivo. The results showed that PPARγ was mainly located in the glandular epithelium, trophoblast, amniotic chorion epithelium and vascular endothelium, as indicated by the higher expression levels at GD25 and GD40 than at GD70 in endometrium and by higher expression levels at GD40 and GD70 than at GD25 in placenta. Moreover, PPARγ expression was significantly downregulated in placenta with dead foetus. In PUVECs, knocking out PPARγ significantly inhibited proliferation, migration and tube formation in vitro and inhibited capillary formation in mouse xenografts in vivo by blocking S-phase, promoting apoptosis and downregulating the angiogenic factors of VEGF and its receptors. Overall, the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of PPARγ expression in porcine uteroplacental tissue suggests its vital role in endometrial remodelling and placental angiogenesis, and PPARγ regulates placental angiogenesis through VEGF-mediated signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juzuo Zhang
- College of Biological and Food Engineering, 'Double First-Class' Applied Characteristic Discipline of Bioengineering in Hunan High Educational Institution, Huaihua University, Huaihua, China.,Department of Clinic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Liqun Xue
- Department of Clinic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Ang Nie
- Department of Clinic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Huaihua Municipal Center of Animal Husbandry and Aquatic Products Bureau, Huaihua, China
| | - Qing Yang
- Department of Clinic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Xuan Peng
- Department of Clinic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhilong Chen
- Department of Clinic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Lisha Yang
- Department of Clinic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Yang Xie
- Department of Clinic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Anwen Yuan
- Department of Clinic Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Junfei Xu
- College of Biological and Food Engineering, 'Double First-Class' Applied Characteristic Discipline of Bioengineering in Hunan High Educational Institution, Huaihua University, Huaihua, China
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Gestational Diabetes Type 2: Variation in High-Density Lipoproteins Composition and Function. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176281. [PMID: 32872663 PMCID: PMC7504441 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims: Class A2 gestational diabetes mellitus (GDMA2) has short- and long-term effects on the mother and child. These may include abnormalities of placentation, damage to endothelial cells and cardiovascular disease. This research investigated the function and composition of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) among women with GDMA2 and their fetuses. Methods: Thirty pregnant women were recruited during admission for delivery. The function and expression of HDL, paraoxonase1 (PON1) and apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1) in the blood samples and the placental tissue were evaluated. The effect of HDL on migration of endothelial cells was measured in vitro. Results: Compared to normal pregnancy (NP), APOA1 in the maternal plasma of women with GDMA2 was decreased. More APOA1 and PON1 were released from HDL of women with GDMA2, compared to NP. Placental APOA1 and PON1 were decreased in GDMA2. For endothelial cells stimulated with TNFα, HDL cell migration was decreased when cells were evaluated with NP-HDL, as compared to GDMA2-HDL. Conclusions: GDMA2 affects the composition and function of HDL in plasma. Changes in HDL commonly seen in GDMA2 were observed in maternal and placental samples, but not in cord samples. These results might indicate a placental role in protecting the fetus by preserving the components and functions of HDL and require further investigation.
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