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Verstraete MH, Dini P, Orellana D, Uribe-Salazar JM, Veras MM, Carneiro F, Daels P, Fernandes CB. Placental homogeneity: Characterizing transcriptional variation among equine chorioallantoic locations. Theriogenology 2024; 229:75-82. [PMID: 39167835 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
The proper function of the placenta is essential for the health and growth of the fetus and the mother. The placenta relies on dynamic gene expression for its correct and timely development and function. Although numerous studies have identified genes vital for placental functions, equine placental molecular research has primarily focused on single placental locations, in sharp contrast with the broader approach in human studies. Here, we hypothesized that the molecular differences across different regions of the equine placenta are negligible because of its diffuse placental type with a macroscopic homogenous distribution of villi across the placental surface. We compared the transcriptome and stereological findings of the body, pregnant horn, and non-pregnant horn within the equine chorioallantois. Our transcriptomic analysis indicates that the variation between regions of the placenta within individuals is less than the variation observed between individuals. A low number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (n = 8) was identified when comparing pregnant and non-pregnant horns within the same placenta, suggesting a remarkable molecular uniformity. A higher number of DEGs was identified when comparing each horn to the body (193 DEGs comparing pregnant horn with body and 207 DEGs comparing non-pregnant horn with body). Genes with a higher expression in the body were associated with processes such as extracellular matrix synthesis and remodeling, which is relevant for placental maturation and placenta-endometrial separation at term and implies asynchrony of these processes across locations. The stereological analysis showed no differences in microcotyledonary density, and width between the locations. However, we observed a greater chorioallantoic thickness in the body and pregnant horn compared to the non-pregnant horn. Overall, our findings reveal a uniform transcriptomic profile across the placental horns, alongside a more distinct gene expression pattern between the uterine body and horns. These regional differences in gene expression suggest a different pace in the placental maturation and detachment among the placental locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margo H Verstraete
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Pouya Dini
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Daniela Orellana
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Mariana M Veras
- Laboratory of environmental and experimental pathology, School of medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Francieli Carneiro
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Peter Daels
- Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Claudia B Fernandes
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil
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2
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Zhang J, Cheng H, Yevdokimova K, Zhu Y, Xie S, Liu R, Zhao P, Li G, Jiang L, Shao X, Zhang Z, Chen J, Rogers L, Hao K. Prenatal exposure to PM 2.5 led to impaired respiratory function in adult mice. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 285:117052. [PMID: 39299211 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117052] [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: 06/22/2024] [Revised: 09/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND PM2.5 is a complex mixture, with water-soluble inorganic ions (WSII), mainly NH4+, SO42-, and NO3-, constituting major components. Early-life PM2.5 exposure has been shown to induce adverse health consequence but it is difficult to determine whether such an effect occurs prenatally (preconception, gestational) or postnatally in human studies. METHODS Four groups of C57BL/6 J mice were assigned to four exposure conditions: PM2.5 NO3-, PM2.5 SO42-, PM2.5 NH4+ and clean air, and exposure started at 4 weeks old. At 8 weeks old, mice bred within group. The exposure continued during gestation. After delivery, both the maternal and F1 mice (offspring) were kept in clean air without exposure to PM2.5. Respiratory function and pulmonary pathology were assessed in offspring mice at 8 weeks of age. In parallel, placenta tissue was collected for transcriptome profiling and mechanistic investigation. RESULTS F1 mice in PM2.5 NH4+, SO42- and NO3- groups had 32.2 % (p=6.0e-10), 30.3 % (p=3.8e-10) and 16.9 % (p=5.7e-8) lower peak expiratory flow (PEF) than the clean air group. Importantly, the exposure-induced lung function decline was greater in male than female offspring. Moreover, exposure to PM2.5 WSII before conception and during gestation was linked to increased airway wall thickness and elevated pulmonary neutrophil and macrophage counts in the offspring mice. At the molecular level, the exposure significantly disrupted gene expression in the placenta, affecting crucial functional pathways related to sex hormone response and inflammation. CONCLUSIONS PM2.5 WSII exposure during preconception and gestational period alone without post-natal exposure substantially impacted offspring's respiratory function as measured at adolescent age. Our results support the paradigm of fetal origin of environmentally associated chronic lung disease and highlight sex differences in susceptibility to air pollution exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jushan Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse (Tongji University), China
| | - Haoxiang Cheng
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kateryna Yevdokimova
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yujie Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuanshuan Xie
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengbo Zhao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guohao Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Jiang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaowen Shao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongyang Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jia Chen
- Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Linda Rogers
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ke Hao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse (Tongji University), China; Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.
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3
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Dawid M, Kurowska P, Pawlicki P, Kotula-Balak M, Milewicz T, Dupont J, Rak A. Visfatin (NAMPT) expression in human placenta cells in normal and pathological conditions and its hormonal regulation in trophoblast JEG-3 cells. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0310389. [PMID: 39292698 PMCID: PMC11410215 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0310389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Visfatin is an adipokine involved in energy metabolism, insulin resistance, inflammation, and female reproduction. Due to limited data about its action in the human placenta, the aims of our studies included the analysis of visfatin expression and immunolocalization in trophoblast cell lines JEG-3 and BeWo as well as in human placentas from normal and pathological pregnancies. Moreover, we also checked the hormonal regulation of visfatin levels and the molecular mechanism of observed changes in JEG-3 cells. Cell culture and placental fragments collection along with statistical analysis were performed using standard laboratory procedures also described in our previous papers. We demonstrated an increased gene and protein expression of visfatin in JEG-3, BeWo cells, while variable expression in maternal and fetal parts of normal/ pathological pregnancy placentas. In addition, the immunolocalization of visfatin was observed in the cytoplasm of both cell lines, the capillary epithelium of the maternal part and syncytiotrophoblasts of the placental fetal part; in all tested pathologies, the signal was also detected in decidual cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that hormones: progesterone, estradiol, human chorionic gonadotropin, and insulin increased the visfatin levels in JEG-3 cells with the involvement of specific signaling pathways. Taken together, differences in the expression and localization of visfatin between normal and pathological placentas suggested that visfatin may be a potential marker for the diagnosis of pregnancy disorders. In addition, we found that placental levels of visfatin can be regulated by hormones known to modulate the function of placental cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Dawid
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Kraków, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Kraków, Poland
| | - Patrycja Kurowska
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Kraków, Poland
| | - Piotr Pawlicki
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Preclinical Sciences, University Centre of Veterinary Medicine JU-UA, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Kraków, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Kotula-Balak
- Center of Experimental and Innovative Medicine, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Kraków, Poland
| | - Tomasz Milewicz
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Joelle Dupont
- INRAE, UMR0085, Unité Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France
| | - Agnieszka Rak
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Kraków, Poland
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Owen MD, Kennedy MG, Quilang RC, Scott EM, Forbes K. The role of microRNAs in pregnancies complicated by maternal diabetes. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:1179-1207. [PMID: 39289953 PMCID: PMC11409017 DOI: 10.1042/cs20230681] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
With the global prevalence of diabetes increasing, more people of reproductive age are experiencing hyperglycaemic pregnancies. Maternal Type 1 (T1DM) or Type 2 (T2DM) diabetes mellitus, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are associated with maternal cardiovascular and metabolic complications. Pregnancies complicated by maternal diabetes also increase the risk of short- and long-term health complications for the offspring, including altered fetal growth and the onset of T2DM and cardiometabolic diseases throughout life. Despite advanced methods for improving maternal glucose control, the prevalence of adverse maternal and offspring outcomes associated with maternal diabetes remains high. The placenta is a key organ at the maternal-fetal interface that regulates fetal growth and development. In pregnancies complicated by maternal diabetes, altered placental development and function has been linked to adverse outcomes in both mother and fetus. Emerging evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) are key molecules involved in mediating these changes. In this review, we describe the role of miRNAs in normal pregnancy and discuss how miRNA dysregulation in the placenta and maternal circulation is associated with suboptimal placental development and pregnancy outcomes in individuals with maternal diabetes. We also discuss evidence demonstrating that miRNA dysregulation may affect the long-term health of mothers and their offspring. As such, miRNAs are potential candidates as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in diabetic pregnancies at risk of adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon D Owen
- Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, U.K
| | - Margeurite G Kennedy
- Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, U.K
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, Royal Free Hospital, Hampstead, London, U.K
- UCL Cancer Institute, Royal Free Campus, London, U.K
| | - Rachel C Quilang
- Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, U.K
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Eleanor M Scott
- Division of Clinical and Population Sciences, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, U.K
| | - Karen Forbes
- Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, U.K
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Zhao X, Xu A, Lu X, Chen B, Hua Y, Ma Y. Association of phthalates exposure and sex steroid hormones with late-onset preeclampsia: a case-control study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:577. [PMID: 39227873 PMCID: PMC11369995 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06793-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the relationship between phthalates exposure and estrogen and progesterone levels, as well as their role in late-onset preeclampsia. METHODS A total of 60 pregnant women who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited. Based on the diagnosis of preeclampsia, participants were divided into two groups: normotensive pregnant women (n = 30) and pregnant women with late-onset preeclampsia (n = 30). The major metabolites of phthalates (MMP, MEP, MiBP, MBP, MEHP, MEOHP, MEHHP) and sex steroid hormones (estrogen and progesterone) were quantified in urine samples of the participants. RESULTS No significant differences were observed in the levels of MMP, MEP, MiBP, MBP, MEHP, MEOHP, and MEHHP between women with preeclampsia and normotensive pregnant women (P > 0.05). The urinary estrogen showed a negative correlation with systolic blood pressure (rs= -0.46, P < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (rs= -0.47, P < 0.001). Additionally, the urinary estrogen and progesterone levels were lower in women with preeclampsia compared to those in normotensive pregnant women (P < 0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, we observed a significant association between reduced urinary estrogen levels and an increased risk of preeclampsia (aOR = 0.09, 95%CI = 0.02-0.46). Notably, in our decision tree model, urinary estrogen emerged as the most crucial variable for identifying pregnant women at a high risk of developing preeclampsia. A positive correlation was observed between urinary progesterone and MEHP (rs = 0.36, P < 0.05) in normotensive pregnant women. A negative correlation was observed between urinary estrogen and MEP in pregnant women with preeclampsia (rs= -0.42, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Phthalates exposure was similar in normotensive pregnant women and those with late-onset preeclampsia within the same region. Pregnant women with preeclampsia had lower levels of estrogen and progesterone in their urine, while maternal urinary estrogen was negatively correlated with the risk of preeclampsia and phthalate metabolites (MEP). TRIAL REGISTRATION Registration ID in Clinical Trials: NCT04369313; registration date: 30/04/2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shaoxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Shaoxing, China
| | - Anjian Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Xinyue Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Baoyi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Ying Hua
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
| | - Yanyan Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
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Balestrini PA, Abdelbaki A, McCarthy A, Devito L, Senner CE, Chen AE, Munusamy P, Blakeley P, Elder K, Snell P, Christie L, Serhal P, Odia RA, Sangrithi M, Niakan KK, Fogarty NME. Transcription factor-based transdifferentiation of human embryonic to trophoblast stem cells. Development 2024; 151:dev202778. [PMID: 39250534 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202778] [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: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
During the first week of development, human embryos form a blastocyst composed of an inner cell mass and trophectoderm (TE) cells, the latter of which are progenitors of placental trophoblast. Here, we investigated the expression of transcripts in the human TE from early to late blastocyst stages. We identified enrichment of the transcription factors GATA2, GATA3, TFAP2C and KLF5 and characterised their protein expression dynamics across TE development. By inducible overexpression and mRNA transfection, we determined that these factors, together with MYC, are sufficient to establish induced trophoblast stem cells (iTSCs) from primed human embryonic stem cells. These iTSCs self-renew and recapitulate morphological characteristics, gene expression profiles, and directed differentiation potential, similar to existing human TSCs. Systematic omission of each, or combinations of factors, revealed the crucial importance of GATA2 and GATA3 for iTSC transdifferentiation. Altogether, these findings provide insights into the transcription factor network that may be operational in the human TE and broaden the methods for establishing cellular models of early human placental progenitor cells, which may be useful in the future to model placental-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula A Balestrini
- Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Ahmed Abdelbaki
- Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
- The Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Afshan McCarthy
- Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Liani Devito
- Human Embryo and Stem Cell Unit, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Claire E Senner
- The Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Alice E Chen
- Trestle Biotherapeutics, Centre for Novel Therapeutics, 9310 Athena Circle, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Prabhakaran Munusamy
- KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore229899, Singapore
| | - Paul Blakeley
- Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kay Elder
- Bourn Hall Clinic, Bourn, Cambridge CB23 2TN, UK
| | - Phil Snell
- Bourn Hall Clinic, Bourn, Cambridge CB23 2TN, UK
| | | | - Paul Serhal
- The Centre for Reproductive & Genetic Health, 230-232 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5QS, UK
| | - Rabi A Odia
- The Centre for Reproductive & Genetic Health, 230-232 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5QS, UK
| | - Mahesh Sangrithi
- Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
- KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore229899, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Cancer Stem Cell Biology/OBGYN ACP, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Kathy K Niakan
- Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
- The Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Norah M E Fogarty
- Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
- Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
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7
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Stevens R, Gorman S, Arabiat D, Christophersen CT, Palmer DJ. Associations between sun exposure, skin pH, and epidermal permeability in pregnancy: A longitudinal observational study. Photochem Photobiol 2024; 100:1519-1526. [PMID: 38339836 DOI: 10.1111/php.13920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Little is known about how sun exposure may affect the maternal skin barrier during pregnancy when many hormonal and physiological changes occur. In this longitudinal observational study, 50 pregnant women were recruited at 18-24 weeks' gestation, 25 in summer-autumn, and 25 in winter-spring. At three time points in pregnancy at 18-24, 28-30, and 36-38 weeks' gestation, participants completed a validated sun exposure questionnaire and had skin permeability and surface pH measured on the volar forearm. We identified an association between increased sun exposure and increased skin permeability at 18-24 weeks' gestation (β = 0.85, p = 0.01). Lower transepidermal water loss (decreased skin permeability), mean = 12.1 (SD = 5.1) at 28-30 weeks' gestation was observed, compared to mean = 12.6 (SD = 4.0) at 18-24 weeks' and mean = 13.7 (SD = 8.5) at 36-38 weeks' gestation (n = 27, β = -1.83, p = 0.007). Higher skin pH readings, mean = 5.80 (SD = 0.58) were found at 28-30 weeks' gestation, compared to mean = 5.25 (SD = 0.62) at 18-24 weeks' and mean = 5.47 (SD = 0.57) at 36-38 weeks' gestation (n = 27, β = 0.40, p = 0.004). These gestational fluctuations remained after adjusting for Fitzpatrick skin type, season, and sun exposure. We observed gestational fluctuations in both skin permeability and skin pH, with 28-30 weeks' gestation being a significant point of difference compared to mid- and late-pregnancy periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Stevens
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Shelley Gorman
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Diana Arabiat
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- Maternal and Child Nursing Department, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Claus T Christophersen
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, WA Human Microbiome Collaboration Centre, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Debra J Palmer
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
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8
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Wu RS, Hamden JE, Salehzadeh M, Li MX, Poudel A, Schmidt KL, Kobor MS, Soma KK. Steroid profiling in human primary teeth via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for long-term retrospective steroid measurement. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0309478. [PMID: 39197060 PMCID: PMC11357110 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0309478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Steroid hormones are important modulators of many physiological processes, and measurements of steroids in blood, saliva, and urine matrices are widely used to assess endocrine pathologies and stress. However, these matrices cannot be used to retrospectively assess early-life stress and developmental endocrine pathologies, because they do not integrate steroid levels over the long term. A novel biological matrix in which to measure steroids is primary teeth (or "baby teeth"). Primary teeth develop early in life and accumulate various endogenous molecules during their gradual formation. Here, we developed and validated the first assay to measure steroids in human primary teeth using liquid chromatography-tandem spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Our assay is highly sensitive, specific, accurate, and precise. It allows for the simultaneous quantification of 17 steroids in primary teeth (16 of which have not been examined previously in primary teeth). Overall, steroid levels in primary teeth were relatively low, and 8 steroids were quantifiable. Levels of dehydroepiandrosterone, cortisol, and progesterone were the highest of the 17 steroids examined. Next, we used this assay to perform steroid profiling in primary teeth from males and females. The same 8 steroids were quantifiable, and no sex differences were found. Levels of androgens (androstenedione and testosterone) were positively correlated, and levels of glucocorticoids (cortisol, cortisone, corticosterone, 11-dehydrocorticosterone) were also positively correlated. These data demonstrate that multiple steroids can be quantified by LC-MS/MS in human primary teeth, and this method potentially provides a powerful new way to retrospectively assess early-life stress and developmental endocrine pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruolan S. Wu
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jordan E. Hamden
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Melody Salehzadeh
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Michael X. Li
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Asmita Poudel
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kim L. Schmidt
- Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Michael S. Kobor
- Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kiran K. Soma
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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9
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Park S, Hunter ES. Modeling the human placenta: in vitro applications in developmental and reproductive toxicology. Crit Rev Toxicol 2024; 54:431-464. [PMID: 39016688 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2023.2295349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
During its temporary tenure, the placenta has extensive and specialized functions that are critical for pre- and post-natal development. The consequences of chemical exposure in utero can have profound effects on the structure and function of pregnancy-associated tissues and the life-long health of the birthing person and their offspring. However, the toxicological importance and critical functions of the placenta to embryonic and fetal development and maturation have been understudied. This narrative will review early placental development in humans and highlight some in vitro models currently in use that are or can be applied to better understand placental processes underlying developmental toxicity due to in utero environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Park
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, TN, USA
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, ORD, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Edward Sidney Hunter
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, ORD, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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10
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Kumar RP, Kumar R, Ganguly A, Ghosh A, Ray S, Islam MR, Saha A, Roy N, Dasgupta P, Knowles T, Niloy AJ, Marsh C, Paul S. METTL3 shapes m6A epitranscriptomic landscape for successful human placentation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.12.603294. [PMID: 39026770 PMCID: PMC11257629 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.12.603294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), the catalytic enzyme of methyltransferase complex for m6A methylation of RNA, is essential for mammalian development. However, the importance of METTL3 in human placentation remains largely unexplored. Here, we show that a fine balance of METTL3 function in trophoblast cells is essential for successful human placentation. Both loss-of and gain-in METTL3 functions are associated with adverse human pregnancies. A subset of recurrent pregnancy losses and preterm pregnancies are often associated with loss of METTL3 expression in trophoblast progenitors. In contrast, METTL3 is induced in pregnancies associated with fetal growth restriction (FGR). Our loss of function analyses showed that METTL3 is essential for the maintenance of human TSC self-renewal and their differentiation to extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs). In contrast, loss of METTL3 in human TSCs promotes syncytiotrophoblast (STB) development. Global analyses of RNA m6A modification and METTL3-RNA interaction in human TSCs showed that METTL3 regulates m6A modifications on the mRNA molecules of critical trophoblast regulators, including GATA2, GATA3, TEAD1, TEAD4, WWTR1, YAP1, TFAP2C and ASCL2, and loss of METTL3 leads to depletion of mRNA molecules of these critical regulators. Importantly, conditional deletion of Mettl3 in trophoblast progenitors of an early post-implantation mouse embryo also leads to arrested self-renewal. Hence, our findings indicate that METLL3 is a conserved epitranscriptomic governor in trophoblast progenitors and ensures successful placentation by regulating their self-renewal and dictating their differentiation fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Parikshan Kumar
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Rajnish Kumar
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Avishek Ganguly
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Ananya Ghosh
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Soma Ray
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Md. Rashedul Islam
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Abhik Saha
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Namrata Roy
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Purbasa Dasgupta
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Taylor Knowles
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Asef Jawad Niloy
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Courtney Marsh
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Soumen Paul
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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11
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Gatto M, Esposito M, Morelli M, De Rose S, Gizurarson S, Meiri H, Mandalà M. Placental Protein 13: Vasomodulatory Effects on Human Uterine Arteries and Potential Implications for Preeclampsia. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7522. [PMID: 39062763 PMCID: PMC11276665 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Placental protein 13 (PP13) exhibits a plasma concentration that increases gradually during normal gestation, a process that is disrupted in preeclampsia, which is characterized by elevated vascular resistance, reduced utero-placental blood flow, and intrauterine growth restriction. This study investigated PP13's role in vascular tone regulation and its molecular mechanisms. Uterine and subcutaneous arteries, isolated from both pregnant and non-pregnant women, were precontracted with the thromboxane analogue U46619 and exposed to PP13 using pressurized myography. The molecular mechanisms were further investigated, using specific inhibitors for nitric oxide synthase (L-NAME+LNNA at 10-4 M) and guanylate cyclase (ODQ at 10-5 M). The results showed that PP13 induced vasodilation in uterine arteries, but not in subcutaneous arteries. Additionally, PP13 counteracted U46619-induced vasoconstriction, which is particularly pronounced in pregnancy. Further investigation revealed that PP13's mechanism of action is dependent on the activation of the nitric oxide-cGMP pathway. This study provides novel insights into the vasomodulatory effects of PP13 on human uterine arteries, underscoring its potential role in regulating utero-placental blood flow. These findings suggest that PP13 may be a promising candidate for improving utero-placental blood flow in conditions such as preeclampsia. Further research and clinical studies are warranted to validate PP13's efficacy and safety as a therapeutic agent for managing preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariacarmela Gatto
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.G.); (M.E.)
| | - Milena Esposito
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.G.); (M.E.)
| | - Michele Morelli
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hospital SS Annunziata, 87100 Cosenza, Italy; (M.M.); (S.D.R.)
| | - Silvia De Rose
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hospital SS Annunziata, 87100 Cosenza, Italy; (M.M.); (S.D.R.)
| | | | - Hamutal Meiri
- Hylabs Ltd., Rehovot 7670606, Israel;
- TeleMarpe Ltd., Tel Aviv 6908742, Israel
| | - Maurizio Mandalà
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.G.); (M.E.)
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05401, USA
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Keenen MM, Yang L, Liang H, Farmer VJ, Singh R, Gladfelter AS, Coyne CB. Comparative analysis of the syncytiotrophoblast in placenta tissue and trophoblast organoids using snRNA sequencing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.01.601571. [PMID: 39005304 PMCID: PMC11244908 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.01.601571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
The outer surface of chorionic villi in the human placenta consists of a single multinucleated cell called the syncytiotrophoblast (STB). The unique cellular ultrastructure of the STB presents challenges in deciphering its gene expression signature at the single-cell level, as the STB contains billions of nuclei in a single cell. There are many gaps in understanding the molecular mechanisms and developmental trajectories involved in STB formation and differentiation. To identify the underlying control of the STB, we performed comparative single nucleus (SN) and single cell (SC) RNA sequencing on placental tissue and tissue-derived trophoblast organoids (TOs). We found that SN was essential to capture the STB population from both tissue and TOs. Differential gene expression and pseudotime analysis of TO-derived STB identified three distinct nuclear subtypes reminiscent of those recently identified in vivo . These included a juvenile nuclear population that exhibited both CTB and STB marker expression, a population enriched in genes involved in oxygen sensing, and a fully differentiated subtype. Notably, suspension culture conditions of TOs that restore the native orientation of the STB (STB out ) showed elevated expression of canonical STB markers and pregnancy hormones, along with a greater proportion of the terminally differentiated mature STB subtype, compared to those cultivated with an inverted STB polarity (STB in ). Gene regulatory analysis identified novel markers of STB differentiation conserved in tissue and TOs, including the chromatin remodeler RYBP, that exhibited STB-specific RNA and protein expression. Finally, we compared STB gene expression signatures amongst first trimester tissue, full-term tissue, and TOs, identifying many commonalities but also notable variability across each sample type. This indicates that STB gene expression is responsive to its environmental context. Our findings emphasize the utility of TOs to accurately model STB differentiation and the distinct nuclear subtypes observed in vivo , offering a versatile platform for unraveling the molecular mechanisms governing STB functions in placental biology and disease.
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Dugershaw‐Kurzer B, Bossart J, Buljan M, Hannig Y, Zehnder S, Gupta G, Kissling VM, Nowak‐Sliwinska P, van Beijnum JR, Griffioen AW, Masjosthusmann S, Zühr E, Fritsche E, Hornung R, Rduch T, Buerki‐Thurnherr T. Nanoparticles Dysregulate the Human Placental Secretome with Consequences on Angiogenesis and Vascularization. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2401060. [PMID: 38767187 PMCID: PMC11267331 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401060] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) in pregnancy is increasingly linked to adverse effects on embryo-fetal development and health later in life. However, the developmental toxicity mechanisms of NPs are largely unknown, in particular potential effects on the placental secretome, which orchestrates many developmental processes pivotal for pregnancy success. This study demonstrates extensive material- and pregnancy stage-specific deregulation of placental signaling from a single exposure of human placental explants to physiologically relevant concentrations of engineered (silica (SiO2) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) NPs) and environmental NPs (diesel exhaust particles, DEPs). This includes a multitude of secreted inflammatory, vascular, and endocrine placental factors as well as extracellular vesicle (EV)-associated proteins. Moreover, conditioned media (CM) from NP-exposed explants induce pronounced anti-angiogenic and anti-vasculogenic effects, while early neurodevelopmental processes are only marginally affected. These findings underscore the potential of metal oxide NPs and DEPs for widespread interference with the placental secretome and identify vascular morphogenesis as a sensitive outcome for the indirect developmental toxicity of different NPs. Overall, this work has profound implications for the future safety assessment of NPs for industrial, commercial, or medical applications in pregnancy, which should consider placenta-mediated toxicity by holistic secretomics approaches to ensure the development of safe nanotechnologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Battuja Dugershaw‐Kurzer
- Laboratory for Particles‐Biology InteractionsSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa)St. Gallen9014Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and TechnologyETH ZurichZurich8093Switzerland
| | - Jonas Bossart
- Laboratory for Particles‐Biology InteractionsSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa)St. Gallen9014Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and TechnologyETH ZurichZurich8093Switzerland
- SIBSwiss Institute of BioinformaticsLausanne1015Switzerland
| | - Marija Buljan
- Laboratory for Particles‐Biology InteractionsSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa)St. Gallen9014Switzerland
- SIBSwiss Institute of BioinformaticsLausanne1015Switzerland
| | - Yvette Hannig
- Laboratory for Particles‐Biology InteractionsSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa)St. Gallen9014Switzerland
| | - Sarah Zehnder
- Laboratory for Particles‐Biology InteractionsSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa)St. Gallen9014Switzerland
| | - Govind Gupta
- Laboratory for Particles‐Biology InteractionsSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa)St. Gallen9014Switzerland
| | - Vera M. Kissling
- Laboratory for Particles‐Biology InteractionsSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa)St. Gallen9014Switzerland
| | - Patrycja Nowak‐Sliwinska
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western SwitzerlandGeneva1211Switzerland
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of GenevaGeneva1205Switzerland
| | - Judy R. van Beijnum
- Angiogenesis LaboratoryDepartment of Medical OncologyUMC loacation Vrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdam1081The Netherlands
| | - Arjan W. Griffioen
- Angiogenesis LaboratoryDepartment of Medical OncologyUMC loacation Vrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdam1081The Netherlands
| | | | - Etta Zühr
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine40225DuesseldorfGermany
| | - Ellen Fritsche
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine40225DuesseldorfGermany
- Medical FacultyHeinrich Heine University40225DuesseldorfGermany
- DNTOX GmbH40223DuesseldorfGermany
| | - René Hornung
- Department of Gynaecology and ObstetricsCantonal Hospital St.Gallen (KSSG)St. Gallen9007Switzerland
| | - Thomas Rduch
- Laboratory for Particles‐Biology InteractionsSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa)St. Gallen9014Switzerland
- Department of Gynaecology and ObstetricsCantonal Hospital St.Gallen (KSSG)St. Gallen9007Switzerland
| | - Tina Buerki‐Thurnherr
- Laboratory for Particles‐Biology InteractionsSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa)St. Gallen9014Switzerland
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Kotta-Loizou I, Pritsa A, Antasouras G, Vasilopoulos SN, Voulgaridou G, Papadopoulou SK, Coutts RHA, Lechouritis E, Giaginis C. Fetus Exposure to Drugs and Chemicals: A Holistic Overview on the Assessment of Their Transport and Metabolism across the Human Placental Barrier. Diseases 2024; 12:114. [PMID: 38920546 PMCID: PMC11202568 DOI: 10.3390/diseases12060114] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta exerts a crucial role in fetus growth and development during gestation, protecting the fetus from maternal drugs and chemical exposure. However, diverse drugs and chemicals (xenobiotics) can penetrate the maternal placental barrier, leading to deleterious, adverse effects concerning fetus health. Moreover, placental enzymes can metabolize drugs and chemicals into more toxic compounds for the fetus. Thus, evaluating the molecular mechanisms through which drugs and chemicals transfer and undergo metabolism across the placental barrier is of vital importance. In this aspect, this comprehensive literature review aims to provide a holistic approach by critically summarizing and scrutinizing the potential molecular processes and mechanisms governing drugs and chemical transfer and metabolism across the placental barrier, which may lead to fetotoxicity effects, as well as analyzing the currently available experimental methodologies used to assess xenobiotics placental transfer and metabolism. METHODS A comprehensive and in-depth literature review was conducted in the most accurate scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science by using relevant and effective keywords related to xenobiotic placental transfer and metabolism, retrieving 8830 published articles until 5 February 2024. After applying several strict exclusion and inclusion criteria, a final number of 148 relevant published articles were included. RESULTS During pregnancy, several drugs and chemicals can be transferred from the mother to the fetus across the placental barrier by either passive diffusion or through placental transporters, resulting in fetus exposure and potential fetotoxicity effects. Some drugs and chemicals also appear to be metabolized across the placental barrier, leading to more toxic products for both the mother and the fetus. At present, there is increasing research development of diverse experimental methodologies to determine the potential molecular processes and mechanisms of drug and chemical placental transfer and metabolism. All the currently available methodologies have specific strengths and limitations, highlighting the strong demand to utilize an efficient combination of them to obtain reliable evidence concerning drug and chemical transfer and metabolism across the placental barrier. To derive the most consistent and safe evidence, in vitro studies, ex vivo perfusion methods, and in vivo animal and human studies can be applied together with the final aim to minimize potential fetotoxicity effects. CONCLUSIONS Research is being increasingly carried out to obtain an accurate and safe evaluation of drug and chemical transport and metabolism across the placental barrier, applying a combination of advanced techniques to avoid potential fetotoxic effects. The improvement of the currently available techniques and the development of novel experimental protocols and methodologies are of major importance to protect both the mother and the fetus from xenobiotic exposure, as well as to minimize potential fetotoxicity effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioly Kotta-Loizou
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK;
| | - Agathi Pritsa
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (G.V.); (S.K.P.)
| | - Georgios Antasouras
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Lemnos, Greece; (G.A.); (E.L.); (C.G.)
| | - Spyridon N. Vasilopoulos
- DNA Damage Laboratory, Physics Department, School of Applied Mathematical and Physical Sciences, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Zografou Campus, 15780 Athens, Greece;
| | - Gavriela Voulgaridou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (G.V.); (S.K.P.)
| | - Sousana K. Papadopoulou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (G.V.); (S.K.P.)
| | - Robert H. A. Coutts
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK;
| | - Eleftherios Lechouritis
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Lemnos, Greece; (G.A.); (E.L.); (C.G.)
| | - Constantinos Giaginis
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Lemnos, Greece; (G.A.); (E.L.); (C.G.)
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15
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Dawid M, Pich K, Mlyczyńska E, Respekta-Długosz N, Wachowska D, Greggio A, Szkraba O, Kurowska P, Rak A. Adipokines in pregnancy. Adv Clin Chem 2024; 121:172-269. [PMID: 38797542 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2024.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Reproductive success consists of a sequential events chronology, starting with the ovum fertilization, implantation of the embryo, placentation, and cellular processes like proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, endocrinology, or metabolic changes, which taken together finally conduct the birth of healthy offspring. Currently, many factors are known that affect the regulation and proper maintenance of pregnancy in humans, domestic animals, or rodents. Among the determinants of reproductive success should be distinguished: the maternal microenvironment, genes, and proteins as well as numerous pregnancy hormones that regulate the most important processes and ensure organism homeostasis. It is well known that white adipose tissue, as the largest endocrine gland in our body, participates in the synthesis and secretion of numerous hormones belonging to the adipokine family, which also may regulate the course of pregnancy. Unfortunately, overweight and obesity lead to the expansion of adipose tissue in the body, and its excess in both women and animals contributes to changes in the synthesis and release of adipokines, which in turn translates into dramatic changes during pregnancy, including those taking place in the organ that is crucial for the proper progress of pregnancy, i.e. the placenta. In this chapter, we are summarizing the current knowledge about levels of adipokines and their role in the placenta, taking into account the physiological and pathological conditions of pregnancy, e.g. gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, or intrauterine growth restriction in humans, domestic animals, and rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Dawid
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland; Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Karolina Pich
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland; Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ewa Mlyczyńska
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland; Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Natalia Respekta-Długosz
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland; Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Dominka Wachowska
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland; Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Greggio
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Oliwia Szkraba
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Patrycja Kurowska
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Rak
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland.
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16
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Chen Y, Ye Z, Lin M, Zhu L, Xu L, Wang X. Deciphering the Epigenetic Landscape: Placental Development and Its Role in Pregnancy Outcomes. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:996-1014. [PMID: 38457061 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10699-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The placenta stands out as a unique, transitory, and multifaceted organ, essential to the optimal growth and maturation of the fetus. Functioning as a vital nexus between the maternal and fetal circulatory systems, it oversees the critical exchange of nutrients and waste. This exchange is facilitated by placental cells, known as trophoblasts, which adeptly invade and remodel uterine blood vessels. Deviations in placental development underpin a slew of pregnancy complications, notably fetal growth restriction (FGR), preeclampsia (PE), recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA), and preterm birth. Central to placental function and development is epigenetic regulation. Despite its importance, the intricate mechanisms by which epigenetics influence the placenta are not entirely elucidated. Recently, the scientific community has turned its focus to parsing out the epigenetic alterations during placental development, such as variations in promoter DNA methylation, genomic imprints, and shifts in non-coding RNA expression. By establishing correlations between epigenetic shifts in the placenta and pregnancy complications, researchers are unearthing invaluable insights into the biology and pathophysiology of these conditions. This review seeks to synthesize the latest findings on placental epigenetic regulation, spotlighting its crucial role in shaping fetal growth trajectories and development. Through this lens, we underscore the overarching significance of the placenta in the larger narrative of gestational health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Chen
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-Human Primate, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhoujie Ye
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-Human Primate, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Meijia Lin
- Department of Pathology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liping Zhu
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-Human Primate, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liangpu Xu
- Medical Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy Center of Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Xinrui Wang
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-Human Primate, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
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Fischer F, Kretschmer T, Seifert P, Howanski J, Krieger E, Rödiger J, Fink B, Yin Z, Bauer M, Zenclussen ML, Meyer N, Schumacher A, Zenclussen AC. Single and combined exposures to bisphenol A and benzophenone-3 during early mouse pregnancy have differential effects on fetal and placental development. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 922:171386. [PMID: 38431166 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171386] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) possess the capability to interfere with the endocrine system by binding to hormone receptors, for example on immune cells. Specific effects have already been described for individual substances, but the impact of exposure to chemical mixtures during pregnancy on maternal immune regulation, placentation and fetal development is not known. In this study, we aimed to investigate the combined effects of two widespread EDCs, bisphenol A (BPA) and benzophenone-3 (BP-3), at allowed concentrations on crucial pregnancy processes such as implantation, placentation, uterine immune cell populations and fetal growth. From gestation day (gd) 0 to gd10, female mice were exposed to 4 μg/kg/d BPA, 50 mg/kg/d BP-3 or a BPA/BP-3 mixture. High frequency ultrasound and Doppler measurements were used to determine intrauterine fetal development and hemodynamic parameters. Furthermore, uterine spiral artery remodeling and placental mRNA expression were studied via histology and CHIP-RT-PCR, respectively. Effects of EDC exposure on multiple uterine immune cell populations were investigated using flow cytometry. We found that exposure to BP-3 caused intrauterine growth restriction in offspring at gd14, while BPA and BPA/BP-3 mixture caused varying effects. Moreover, placental morphology at gd12 and placental efficiency at gd14 were altered upon BP-3 exposure. Placental gene transcription was altered particularly in female offspring after in utero exposure to BP-3. Flow cytometry analyses revealed an increase in uterine T cells and NK cells in BPA and BPA/BP-3-treated dams at gd14. Doppler measurements revealed no effect on uterine hemodynamic parameters and spiral artery remodeling was not affected following EDC exposure. Our results provide evidence that exposure to BPA and BP-3 during early gestation affects fetal development in a sex-dependent manner, placental function and immune cell frequencies at the feto-maternal interface. These results call for inclusion of studies addressing pregnancy in the risk assessment of environmental chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Fischer
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ GmbH, Leipzig, Germany; Saxon Incubator for Clinical Translation, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany; Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tobias Kretschmer
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ GmbH, Leipzig, Germany; Saxon Incubator for Clinical Translation, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Paulina Seifert
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ GmbH, Leipzig, Germany; Saxon Incubator for Clinical Translation, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Julia Howanski
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ GmbH, Leipzig, Germany; Saxon Incubator for Clinical Translation, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Krieger
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ GmbH, Leipzig, Germany; Saxon Incubator for Clinical Translation, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jonas Rödiger
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ GmbH, Leipzig, Germany; Saxon Incubator for Clinical Translation, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Beate Fink
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ GmbH, Leipzig, Germany; Saxon Incubator for Clinical Translation, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ziran Yin
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ GmbH, Leipzig, Germany; Saxon Incubator for Clinical Translation, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mario Bauer
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ GmbH, Leipzig, Germany; Saxon Incubator for Clinical Translation, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - María Laura Zenclussen
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (UNL-CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Fisiología Humana (FBCB-UNL), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Nicole Meyer
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ GmbH, Leipzig, Germany; Saxon Incubator for Clinical Translation, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anne Schumacher
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ GmbH, Leipzig, Germany; Saxon Incubator for Clinical Translation, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ana Claudia Zenclussen
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ GmbH, Leipzig, Germany; Saxon Incubator for Clinical Translation, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.
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Khorami-Sarvestani S, Vanaki N, Shojaeian S, Zarnani K, Stensballe A, Jeddi-Tehrani M, Zarnani AH. Placenta: an old organ with new functions. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1385762. [PMID: 38707901 PMCID: PMC11066266 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1385762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The transition from oviparity to viviparity and the establishment of feto-maternal communications introduced the placenta as the major anatomical site to provide nutrients, gases, and hormones to the developing fetus. The placenta has endocrine functions, orchestrates maternal adaptations to pregnancy at different periods of pregnancy, and acts as a selective barrier to minimize exposure of developing fetus to xenobiotics, pathogens, and parasites. Despite the fact that this ancient organ is central for establishment of a normal pregnancy in eutherians, the placenta remains one of the least studied organs. The first step of pregnancy, embryo implantation, is finely regulated by the trophoectoderm, the precursor of all trophoblast cells. There is a bidirectional communication between placenta and endometrium leading to decidualization, a critical step for maintenance of pregnancy. There are three-direction interactions between the placenta, maternal immune cells, and the endometrium for adaptation of endometrial immune system to the allogeneic fetus. While 65% of all systemically expressed human proteins have been found in the placenta tissues, it expresses numerous placenta-specific proteins, whose expression are dramatically changed in gestational diseases and could serve as biomarkers for early detection of gestational diseases. Surprisingly, placentation and carcinogenesis exhibit numerous shared features in metabolism and cell behavior, proteins and molecular signatures, signaling pathways, and tissue microenvironment, which proposes the concept of "cancer as ectopic trophoblastic cells". By extensive researches in this novel field, a handful of cancer biomarkers has been discovered. This review paper, which has been inspired in part by our extensive experiences during the past couple of years, highlights new aspects of placental functions with emphasis on its immunomodulatory role in establishment of a successful pregnancy and on a potential link between placentation and carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Khorami-Sarvestani
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Vanaki
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sorour Shojaeian
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medical Sciences, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Kayhan Zarnani
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Allan Stensballe
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Clinical Cancer Research Center, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Mahmood Jeddi-Tehrani
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir-Hassan Zarnani
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Wang Y, Chen Z, Li J, Wan T, Hu R, Zhang L, Qin L, Zang L, Gu W, Chen R, Liu C, Li R. Gestational exposure to PM 2.5 disrupts fetal development by suppressing placental trophoblast syncytialization via progranulin/mTOR signaling. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:171101. [PMID: 38387595 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171101] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Recent epidemiological and animal studies have indicated that ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure during pregnancy is closely associated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be revealed. In this study, we found that gestational exposure to PM2.5 significantly decreased fetal weight and crown-rump length in mice, accompanied by insufficient placental trophoblast syncytialization and increased expression of progranulin (PGRN) in mice placenta. Administering PGRN neutralizing antibody to pregnant mice alleviated growth restriction and insufficient placental trophoblast syncytialization caused by PM2.5, accompanied with suppressed activation of the mTOR signaling pathway. Furthermore, in vitro experiments using human placental BeWo cells showed that 10 μg·mL-1 PM2.5 activated PGRN/mTOR signaling and suppressed forskolin-induced cell fusion, which was blocked by knockdown of PGRN. Taken together, our results demonstrated that PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy inhibited placental trophoblast syncytialization by activating PGRN/mTOR signaling, leading to abnormal placental development and IUGR. This study reveals a novel mechanism underlying the developmental toxicity of PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yirun Wang
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhuan Chen
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Li
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Teng Wan
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Renjie Hu
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Qin
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lu Zang
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weijia Gu
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rucheng Chen
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cuiqing Liu
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Ran Li
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
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Luna S, Malard F, Pereckas M, Aoki M, Aoki K, Olivier-Van Stichelen S. Studying the O-GlcNAcome of human placentas using banked tissue samples. Glycobiology 2024; 34:cwae005. [PMID: 38253038 PMCID: PMC11005170 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwae005] [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: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
O-GlcNAcylation is a dynamic modulator of signaling pathways, equal in magnitude to the widely studied phosphorylation. With the rapid development of tools for its detection at the single protein level, the O-GlcNAc modification rapidly emerged as a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target in human diseases. Yet, mapping the human O-GlcNAcome in various tissues is essential for generating relevant biomarkers. In this study, we used human banked tissue as a sample source to identify O-GlcNAcylated protein targets relevant to human diseases. Using human term placentas, we propose (1) a method to clean frozen banked tissue of blood proteins; (2) an optimized protocol for the enrichment of O-GlcNAcylated proteins using immunoaffinity purification; and (3) a bioinformatic workflow to identify the most promising O-GlcNAc targets. As a proof-of-concept, we used 45 mg of banked placental samples from two pregnancies to generate intracellular protein extracts depleted of blood protein. Then, antibody-based O-GlcNAc enrichment on denatured samples yielded over 2000 unique HexNAc PSMs and 900 unique sites using 300 μg of protein lysate. Due to efficient sample cleanup, we also captured 82 HexNAc proteins with high placental expression. Finally, we provide a bioinformatic tool (CytOVS) to sort the HexNAc proteins based on their cellular localization and extract the most promising O-GlcNAc targets to explore further. To conclude, we provide a simple 3-step workflow to generate a manageable list of O-GlcNAc proteins from human tissue and improve our understanding of O-GlcNAcylation's role in health and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarai Luna
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - Florian Malard
- INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR5320, ARNA Laboratory, University of Bordeaux, 146 rue Léo Saignat, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Michaela Pereckas
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - Mayumi Aoki
- Cancer Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - Kazuhiro Aoki
- Cancer Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy (CBNA), Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - Stephanie Olivier-Van Stichelen
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
- Cancer Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
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Podinic T, Limoges L, Monaco C, MacAndrew A, Minhas M, Nederveen J, Raha S. Cannabidiol Disrupts Mitochondrial Respiration and Metabolism and Dysregulates Trophoblast Cell Differentiation. Cells 2024; 13:486. [PMID: 38534330 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060486] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Trophoblast differentiation is a crucial process in the formation of the placenta where cytotrophoblasts (CTs) differentiate and fuse to form the syncytiotrophoblast (ST). The bioactive components of cannabis, such as Δ9-THC, are known to disrupt trophoblast differentiation and fusion, as well as mitochondrial dynamics and respiration. However, less is known about the impact of cannabidiol (CBD) on trophoblast differentiation. Due to the central role of mitochondria in stem cell differentiation, we evaluated the impact of CBD on trophoblast mitochondrial function and differentiation. Using BeWo b30 cells, we observed decreased levels of mRNA for markers of syncytialization (GCM1, ERVW1, hCG) following 20 µM CBD treatment during differentiation. In CTs, CBD elevated transcript levels for the mitochondrial and cellular stress markers HSP60 and HSP70, respectively. Furthermore, CBD treatment also increased the lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage marker 4-hydroxynonenal. Mitochondrial membrane potential, basal respiration and ATP production were diminished with the 20 µM CBD treatment in both sub-lineages. mRNA levels for endocannabinoid system (ECS) components (FAAH, NAPEPLD, TRPV1, CB1, CB2, PPARγ) were altered differentially by CBD in CTs and STs. Overall, we demonstrate that CBD impairs trophoblast differentiation and fusion, as well as mitochondrial bioenergetics and redox homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Podinic
- Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W., Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Louise Limoges
- Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W., Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Cristina Monaco
- Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W., Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Andie MacAndrew
- Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W., Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Mahek Minhas
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W., Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W., Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Joshua Nederveen
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W., Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W., Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Sandeep Raha
- Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W., Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
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Thach B, Wang Y, Heng S, Nie G. HtrA4 is required for human trophoblast stem cell differentiation into syncytiotrophoblast. Placenta 2024; 147:68-77. [PMID: 38325051 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The syncytiotrophoblast (STB) of the human placenta facilitates vital maternal-fetal communication and is maintained by fusion (syncytialization) of cytotrophoblasts. Serine protease HtrA4 (high temperature requirement factor A4) is highly expressed only in the human placenta and was previously reported to be important for BeWo fusion. This study investigated whether HtrA4 is critical for differentiation of human trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) into STB. METHODS Primary TSCs were isolated from first trimester placentas (n = 5) and validated by immunofluorescence (IF) for CD49f, CK7 and vimentin. TSCs were then differentiated into STB and the success of syncytialization was confirmed by RT-PCR, IF and ELISA of known markers. TSCs were next stably transfected with a HtrA4-targetting CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid, and cells with severe HtrA4 knockdown (HtrA4-KD) were analyzed to investigate the impact on STB differentiation. RESULTS Primary TSCs were confirmed to be of high purity by staining positively for CD49f and CK7 but negatively for vimentin. These TSCs readily syncytialized when stimulated for STB differentiation, significantly increasing β-hCG and syncytin-1, substantially decreasing E-cadherin, and markedly losing cell borders. While TSCs produced very low levels of HtrA4, upon stimulation for STB differentiation the cells drastically upregulated HtrA4 expression; secretion of HtrA4 protein also increased sharply, correlating positively and significantly with that of β-hCG. The HtrA4-KD TSCs, however, failed to show this surge of HtrA4 production upon stimulation, and ultimately remained primarily mononucleated with no significant STB differentiation. DISCUSSION This study demonstrates that HtrA4 plays a critical role in TSC differentiation into syncytiotrophoblast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bothidah Thach
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Yao Wang
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Sophea Heng
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Guiying Nie
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia.
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Orton S, Karkia R, Mustafov D, Gharanei S, Braoudaki M, Filipe A, Panfilov S, Saravi S, Khan N, Kyrou I, Karteris E, Chatterjee J, Randeva HS. In Silico and In Vitro Mapping of Receptor-Type Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Receptor Type D in Health and Disease: Implications for Asprosin Signalling in Endometrial Cancer and Neuroblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:582. [PMID: 38339334 PMCID: PMC10854520 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030582] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Receptor Type D (PTPRD) is involved in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation, and oncogenic transformation, as well as in brain development. PTPRD also mediates the effects of asprosin, which is a glucogenic hormone/adipokine derived following the cleavage of the C-terminal of fibrillin 1. Since the asprosin circulating levels are elevated in certain cancers, research is now focused on the potential role of this adipokine and its receptors in cancer. As such, in this study, we investigated the expression of PTPRD in endometrial cancer (EC) and the placenta, as well as in glioblastoma (GBM). METHODS An array of in silico tools, in vitro models, tissue microarrays (TMAs), and liquid biopsies were employed to determine the gene and protein expression of PTPRD in healthy tissues/organs and in patients with EC and GBM. RESULTS PTPRD exhibits high expression in the occipital lobe, parietal lobe, globus pallidus, ventral thalamus, and white matter, whereas in the human placenta, it is primarily localised around the tertiary villi. PTPRD is significantly upregulated at the mRNA and protein levels in patients with EC and GBM compared to healthy controls. In patients with EC, PTPRD is significantly downregulated with obesity, whilst it is also expressed in the peripheral leukocytes. The EC TMAs revealed abundant PTPRD expression in both low- and high-grade tumours. Asprosin treatment upregulated the expression of PTPRD only in syncytialised placental cells. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that PTPRD may have potential as a biomarker for malignancies such as EC and GBM, further implicating asprosin as a potential metabolic regulator in these cancers. Future studies are needed to explore the potential molecular mechanisms/signalling pathways that link PTPRD and asprosin in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Orton
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK; (S.O.); (S.G.); (I.K.)
| | - Rebecca Karkia
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK; (R.K.); (D.M.); (A.F.); (S.P.); (S.S.); (N.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Denis Mustafov
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK; (R.K.); (D.M.); (A.F.); (S.P.); (S.S.); (N.K.); (E.K.)
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9JA, UK;
| | - Seley Gharanei
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK; (S.O.); (S.G.); (I.K.)
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Maria Braoudaki
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9JA, UK;
| | - Alice Filipe
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK; (R.K.); (D.M.); (A.F.); (S.P.); (S.S.); (N.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Suzana Panfilov
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK; (R.K.); (D.M.); (A.F.); (S.P.); (S.S.); (N.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Sayeh Saravi
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK; (R.K.); (D.M.); (A.F.); (S.P.); (S.S.); (N.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Nabeel Khan
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK; (R.K.); (D.M.); (A.F.); (S.P.); (S.S.); (N.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Ioannis Kyrou
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK; (S.O.); (S.G.); (I.K.)
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
- Aston Medical School, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Research Institute for Health & Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
- College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby DE22 1GB, UK
- Laboratory of Dietetics and Quality of Life, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Karteris
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK; (R.K.); (D.M.); (A.F.); (S.P.); (S.S.); (N.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Jayanta Chatterjee
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK; (R.K.); (D.M.); (A.F.); (S.P.); (S.S.); (N.K.); (E.K.)
- Academic Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust Hospital, Guildford GU2 7XX, UK
| | - Harpal S. Randeva
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK; (S.O.); (S.G.); (I.K.)
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Research Institute for Health & Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
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Arany Z. Peripartum Cardiomyopathy. N Engl J Med 2024; 390:154-164. [PMID: 38197818 DOI: 10.1056/nejmra2306667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Zoltan Arany
- From the Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
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25
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Amato KR, Pradhan P, Mallott EK, Shirola W, Lu A. Host-gut microbiota interactions during pregnancy. Evol Med Public Health 2024; 12:7-23. [PMID: 38288320 PMCID: PMC10824165 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoae001] [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: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammalian pregnancy is characterized by a well-known suite of physiological changes that support fetal growth and development, thereby positively affecting both maternal and offspring fitness. However, mothers also experience trade-offs between current and future maternal reproductive success, and maternal responses to these trade-offs can result in mother-offspring fitness conflicts. Knowledge of the mechanisms through which these trade-offs operate, as well as the contexts in which they operate, is critical for understanding the evolution of reproduction. Historically, hormonal changes during pregnancy have been thought to play a pivotal role in these conflicts since they directly and indirectly influence maternal metabolism, immunity, fetal growth and other aspects of offspring development. However, recent research suggests that gut microbiota may also play an important role. Here, we create a foundation for exploring this role by constructing a mechanistic model linking changes in maternal hormones, immunity and metabolism during pregnancy to changes in the gut microbiota. We posit that marked changes in hormones alter maternal gut microbiome composition and function both directly and indirectly via impacts on the immune system. The gut microbiota then feeds back to influence maternal immunity and metabolism. We posit that these dynamics are likely to be involved in mediating maternal and offspring fitness as well as trade-offs in different aspects of maternal and offspring health and fitness during pregnancy. We also predict that the interactions we describe are likely to vary across populations in response to maternal environments. Moving forward, empirical studies that combine microbial functional data and maternal physiological data with health and fitness outcomes for both mothers and infants will allow us to test the evolutionary and fitness implications of the gestational microbiota, enriching our understanding of the ecology and evolution of reproductive physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine R Amato
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Priyanka Pradhan
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Elizabeth K Mallott
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Wesley Shirola
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Amy Lu
- Department of Anthropology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
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Kitahara G, Higashisaka K, Nakamoto Y, Yamamoto R, Okuno W, Serizawa M, Sakahashi Y, Tsujino H, Haga Y, Tsutsumi Y. Valproic acid elevates HIF-1α-mediated CGB expression and suppresses glucose uptake in BeWo cells. J Toxicol Sci 2024; 49:69-77. [PMID: 38296531 DOI: 10.2131/jts.49.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Placental dysfunction can disrupt pregnancy. However, few studies have assessed the effects of chemical-induced toxicity on placental function. Here, we examined the effects of valproic acid (VPA) as a model chemical on production of hormones and on glucose uptake in human choriocarcinoma cell line BeWo. Cells were treated with forskolin to differentiate into syncytiotrophoblasts, which were then treated with VPA for 72 hr. Real-time RT-PCR analysis showed that VPA significantly increased the mRNA expression of chorionic gonadotropin β (CGB), a hormone that is produced by the placenta in the first trimester of pregnancy, relative to that in the forskolin-only group. It also suppressed the increase in intracellular glucose uptake and GLUT1 level observed in the forskolin-only group. RNA-seq analysis and pathway database analysis revealed that VPA consistently decreased the level of HIF-1α protein and expression of its downstream target genes HK2 and ADM in the hypoxia pathway. Cobalt chloride, a HIF-1α inducer, inhibited CGB upregulation in VPA-treated cells and rescued VPA-induced suppression of glucose uptake and GLUT1 level. Thus, HIF-1α-mediated elevation of CGB expression and suppression of glucose uptake by VPA is a novel mechanism of placental dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Go Kitahara
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
| | - Kazuma Higashisaka
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
- Institute for Advanced Co-Creation Studies, Osaka University
| | - Yurina Nakamoto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
| | - Rena Yamamoto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
| | - Wakako Okuno
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
| | - Momoe Serizawa
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
| | - Yuji Sakahashi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
| | - Hirofumi Tsujino
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
- The Museum of Osaka University
| | - Yuya Haga
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
| | - Yasuo Tsutsumi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University
- Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University
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Yan J, Wu T, Zhang J, Gao Y, Wu JM, Wang S. Revolutionizing the female reproductive system research using microfluidic chip platform. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:490. [PMID: 38111049 PMCID: PMC10729361 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02258-7] [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: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Comprehensively understanding the female reproductive system is crucial for safeguarding fertility and preventing diseases concerning women's health. With the capacity to simulate the intricate physio- and patho-conditions, and provide diagnostic platforms, microfluidic chips have fundamentally transformed the knowledge and management of female reproductive health, which will ultimately promote the development of more effective assisted reproductive technologies, treatments, and drug screening approaches. This review elucidates diverse microfluidic systems in mimicking the ovary, fallopian tube, uterus, placenta and cervix, and we delve into the culture of follicles and oocytes, gametes' manipulation, cryopreservation, and permeability especially. We investigate the role of microfluidics in endometriosis and hysteromyoma, and explore their applications in ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer and cervical cancer. At last, the current status of assisted reproductive technology and integrated microfluidic devices are introduced briefly. Through delineating the multifarious advantages and challenges of the microfluidic technology, we chart a definitive course for future research in the woman health field. As the microfluidic technology continues to evolve and advance, it holds great promise for revolutionizing the diagnosis and treatment of female reproductive health issues, thus propelling us into a future where we can ultimately optimize the overall wellbeing and health of women everywhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Yan
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Engineering Research Center of Ceramic Materials for Additive Manufacturing, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Tong Wu
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jinjin Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yueyue Gao
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jia-Min Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Ceramic Materials for Additive Manufacturing, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| | - Shixuan Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Toudic C, Maurer M, St-Pierre G, Xiao Y, Bannert N, Lafond J, Rassart É, Sato S, Barbeau B. Galectin-1 Modulates the Fusogenic Activity of Placental Endogenous Retroviral Envelopes. Viruses 2023; 15:2441. [PMID: 38140682 PMCID: PMC10747188 DOI: 10.3390/v15122441] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Syncytin-1 and -2 are glycoproteins encoded by human endogenous retrovirus (hERV) that, through their fusogenic properties, are needed for the formation of the placental syncytiotrophoblast. Previous studies suggested that these proteins, in addition to the EnvP(b) envelope protein, are also involved in other cell fusion events. Since galectin-1 is a β-galactoside-binding protein associated with cytotrophoblast fusion during placental development, we previously tested its effect on Syncytin-mediated cell fusion and showed that this protein differently modulates the fusogenic potential of Syncytin-1 and -2. Herein, we were interested in comparing the impact of galectin-1 on hERV envelope proteins in different cellular contexts. Using a syncytium assay, we first demonstrated that galectin-1 increased the fusion of Syncytin-2- and EnvP(b)-expressing cells. We then tested the infectivity of Syncytin-1 and -2 vs. VSV-G-pseudotyped viruses toward Cos-7 and various human cell lines. In the presence of galectin-1, infection of Syncytin-2-pseudotyped viruses augmented for all cell lines. In contrast, the impact of galectin-1 on the infectivity of Syncytin-1-pseudotyped viruses varied, being cell- and dose-dependent. In this study, we report the functional associations between three hERV envelope proteins and galectin-1, which should provide information on the fusogenic activity of these proteins in the placenta and other biological and pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Toudic
- Département des Sciences Biologiques and Centre d’excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines-Fondation Courtois, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; (C.T.); (Y.X.); (J.L.); (É.R.)
| | - Maike Maurer
- Robert-Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (M.M.); (N.B.)
| | - Guillaume St-Pierre
- Glycobiology and Bioimaging Laboratory, Research Centre for Infectious Diseases and Axe Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (G.S.-P.); (S.S.)
| | - Yong Xiao
- Département des Sciences Biologiques and Centre d’excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines-Fondation Courtois, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; (C.T.); (Y.X.); (J.L.); (É.R.)
| | - Norbert Bannert
- Robert-Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (M.M.); (N.B.)
| | - Julie Lafond
- Département des Sciences Biologiques and Centre d’excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines-Fondation Courtois, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; (C.T.); (Y.X.); (J.L.); (É.R.)
| | - Éric Rassart
- Département des Sciences Biologiques and Centre d’excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines-Fondation Courtois, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; (C.T.); (Y.X.); (J.L.); (É.R.)
| | - Sachiko Sato
- Glycobiology and Bioimaging Laboratory, Research Centre for Infectious Diseases and Axe Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (G.S.-P.); (S.S.)
| | - Benoit Barbeau
- Département des Sciences Biologiques and Centre d’excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines-Fondation Courtois, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; (C.T.); (Y.X.); (J.L.); (É.R.)
- Regroupement Intersectoriel de Recherche en Santé de l’Université du Québec, Montréal, QC H2X 1E3, Canada
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Zheng X, Ma W, Wang Y, Wu C, Wang J, Ma Z, Wei Y, Cui C, Zhang S, Guan W, Chen F. Heat Stress-Induced Fetal Intrauterine Growth Restriction Is Associated with Elevated LPS Levels Along the Maternal Intestine-Placenta-Fetus Axis in Pregnant Mice. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:19592-19609. [PMID: 38018895 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c07058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The exacerbation of the greenhouse effect has made heat stress (HS) an important risk factor for the occurrence of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The experiment aims to uncover the effects of maternal HS on IUGR and its mechanisms. The results showed that HS leads to decreased maternal and fetal birth weights, accompanied by increased serum oxidative stress and cortisol levels. Moreover, HS inflicted significant damage to both the intestinal and placental barriers, altering maternal gut microbiota and increasing intestinal LPS levels. As a result, LPS levels increased in maternal serum, placenta, and fetus. Furthermore, HS damaged the intestinal structure, intensifying inflammation and disrupting the redox balance. The placenta exposed to HS exhibited changes in the placental structure along with disrupted angiogenesis and decreased levels of nutritional transporters. Additionally, the leakage of LPS triggered placental JNK and ERK phosphorylation, ultimately inducing severe placental inflammation and oxidative stress. This study suggests that LPS translocation from the maternal intestine to the fetus, due to a disrupted gut microbiota balance and compromised intestinal and placental barrier integrity, may be the primary cause of HS-induced IUGR. Furthermore, increased LPS leakage leads to placental inflammation, redox imbalance, and impaired nutrient transport, further restricting fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zheng
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Wen Ma
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yibo Wang
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Caichi Wu
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jun Wang
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Ziwei Ma
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yulong Wei
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Chang Cui
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Shihai Zhang
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510642, China
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Pig Breeding Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510642, China
- Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture in Lingnan, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510642, China
| | - Wutai Guan
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510642, China
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Pig Breeding Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510642, China
- Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture in Lingnan, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510642, China
| | - Fang Chen
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510642, China
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Pig Breeding Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510642, China
- Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture in Lingnan, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510642, China
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30
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Elkin ER, Campbell KA, Lapehn S, Harris SM, Padmanabhan V, Bakulski KM, Paquette AG. Placental single cell transcriptomics: Opportunities for endocrine disrupting chemical toxicology. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 578:112066. [PMID: 37690473 PMCID: PMC10591899 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The placenta performs essential biologic functions for fetal development throughout pregnancy. Placental dysfunction is at the root of multiple adverse birth outcomes such as intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia, and preterm birth. Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals during pregnancy can cause placental dysfunction, and many prior human studies have examined molecular changes in bulk placental tissues. Placenta-specific cell types, including cytotrophoblasts, syncytiotrophoblasts, extravillous trophoblasts, and placental resident macrophage Hofbauer cells play unique roles in placental development, structure, and function. Toxicant-induced changes in relative abundance and/or impairment of these cell types likely contribute to placental pathogenesis. Although gene expression insights gained from bulk placental tissue RNA-sequencing data are useful, their interpretation is limited because bulk analysis can mask the effects of a chemical on individual populations of placental cells. Cutting-edge single cell RNA-sequencing technologies are enabling the investigation of placental cell-type specific responses to endocrine disrupting chemicals. Moreover, in situ bioinformatic cell deconvolution enables the estimation of cell type proportions in bulk placental tissue gene expression data. These emerging technologies have tremendous potential to provide novel mechanistic insights in a complex heterogeneous tissue with implications for toxicant contributions to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elana R Elkin
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Kyle A Campbell
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Samantha Lapehn
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sean M Harris
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Vasantha Padmanabhan
- Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kelly M Bakulski
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alison G Paquette
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Adams S, Stapleton PA. Nanoparticles at the maternal-fetal interface. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 578:112067. [PMID: 37689342 PMCID: PMC10591848 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
The increasing production of intentional and unintentional nanoparticles (NPs) has led to their accumulation in the environment as air and ground pollution. The heterogeneity of these particles primarily relies on the NP physicochemical properties (i.e., chemical composition, size, shape, surface chemistry, etc.). Pregnancy represents a vulnerable life stage for both the woman and the developing fetus. The ubiquitous nature of these NPs creates a concern for developmental fetal exposures. At the maternal-fetal interface lies the placenta, a temporary endocrine organ that facilitates nutrient and waste exchange as well as communication between maternal and fetal tissues. Recent evidence in human and animal models identifies that gestational exposure to NPs results in placental translocation leading to local effects and endocrine disruption. Currently, the mechanisms underlying placental translocation and cellular uptake of NPs in the placenta are poorly understood. The purpose of this review is to assess the current understanding of the physiochemical factors influencing NP translocation, cellular uptake, and endocrine disruption at the maternal-fetal interface within the available literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Adams
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, USA
| | - P A Stapleton
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, USA; Environmental Occupational and Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
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Li C, Yang D, Yang W, Wang Y, Li D, Li Y, Xiao B, Zhang H, Zhao H, Dong H, Zhang J, Chu G, Wang A, Jin Y, Liu Y, Chen H. Hypoxia activation attenuates progesterone synthesis in goat trophoblast cells via NR1D1 inhibition of StAR expression†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:720-735. [PMID: 37552055 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad094] [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: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Trophoblast plays a crucial role in gestation maintenance and embryo implantation, partly due to the synthesis of progesterone. It has been demonstrated that hypoxia regulates invasion, proliferation, and differentiation of trophoblast cells. Additionally, human trophoblasts display rhythmic expression of circadian clock genes. However, it remains unclear if the circadian clock system is present in goat trophoblast cells (GTCs), and its involvement in hypoxia regulation of steroid hormone synthesis remains elusive. In this study, immunofluorescence staining revealed that both BMAL1 and NR1D1 (two circadian clock components) were highly expressed in GTCs. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that several circadian clock genes were rhythmically expressed in forskolin-synchronized GTCs. To mimic hypoxia, GTCs were treated with hypoxia-inducing reagents (CoCl2 or DMOG). Quantitative real-time PCR results demonstrated that hypoxia perturbed the mRNA expression of circadian clock genes and StAR. Notably, the increased expression of NR1D1 and the reduction of StAR expression in hypoxic GTCs were also detected by western blotting. In addition, progesterone secretion exhibited a notable decline in hypoxic GTCs. SR9009, an NR1D1 agonist, significantly decreased StAR expression at both the mRNA and protein levels and markedly inhibited progesterone secretion in GTCs. Moreover, SR8278, an NR1D1 antagonist, partially reversed the inhibitory effect of CoCl2 on mRNA and protein expression levels of StAR and progesterone synthesis in GTCs. Our results demonstrate that hypoxia reduces StAR expression via the activation of NR1D1 signaling in GTCs, thus inhibiting progesterone synthesis. These findings provide new insights into the NR1D1 regulation of progesterone synthesis in GTCs under hypoxic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Li
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dan Yang
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wanghao Yang
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yiqun Wang
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yating Li
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Bonan Xiao
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haisen Zhang
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hongcong Zhao
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hao Dong
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Guiyan Chu
- Laboratory of Animal Fat Deposition & Muscle Development, Department of Animal Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Aihua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yaping Jin
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yingqiu Liu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Huatao Chen
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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Zangeneh FZ, Hantoushzadeh S. The physiological basis with uterine myometrium contractions from electro-mechanical/hormonal myofibril function to the term and preterm labor. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22259. [PMID: 38034762 PMCID: PMC10687101 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Most labor-related problems can be attributed to the uterine myometrium muscle, as this irritable tissue must suppress its irritability potential during pregnancy. Unfortunately, fewer studies have investigated the causes of this lack of suppression in preterm labor. Methods We conducted a scoping narrative review using three online databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct). Results The review focused on ion channel functions in the myometrium, including sodium channels [Na K-ATPase, Na-activated K channels (Slo2), voltage-gated (SCN) Na+, Na+ leaky channels, nonselective (NALCN) channels], potassium channels [KATP (Kir6) channels, voltage-dependent K channels (Kv4, Kv7, and Kv11), twin-pore domain K channels (TASK, TREK), inward rectifier Kir7.1, Ca2+-activated K+ channels with large (KCNMA1, Slo1), small (KCNN1-3), intermediate (KCNN4) conductance], and calcium channels [L-Type and T-type Ca2+ channels, calcium-activated chloride channels (CaCC)], as well as hyperpolarization-activated cation channels. These channels' functions are associated with hormonal effects such as oxytocin, estrogen/progesterone, and local prostaglandins. Conclusion Electromechanical/hormonal activity and environmental autocrine factors can serve as the primary practical basis for premature uterine contractions in term/preterm labor. Our findings highlight the significance of.1.the amplitude rate of hyperpolarization and the frequency of contractions,2.changes in the estrogen/progesterone ratio,3.Prostaglandins E/F involvement in initiating potential spikes and the increase of intracytoplasmic Ca2+.This narrative study highlights the range of hyperpolarization and the frequency of myometrium contractions as crucial factors. The synchronized complex progress of estrogen to progesterone ratio and prostaglandins plays a significant role in initiating potential spikes and increasing intracytoplasmic Ca2+, which further influences the contraction process during labor. Insights into myometrium physiology gained from this study may pave the way for much-needed new treatments to reduce problems associated with normal and preterm labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farideh Zafari Zangeneh
- Vali-E-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Family Health Research Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sedighe Hantoushzadeh
- Department of Fetal-Maternal Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran, Iran
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Zomer HD, Cooke PS. Targeting estrogen signaling and biosynthesis for aged skin repair. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1281071. [PMID: 38028803 PMCID: PMC10645088 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1281071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-healing skin wounds are disproportionally prevalent in older adults. Current treatments do not account for the particularities of aged skin and result in inadequate outcomes. Overall, healing chronic wounds in the elderly remains a major unmet clinical need. Estrogens play a critical role in reproduction but also have important actions in non-reproductive organs. Estrogen biosynthesis and signaling pathways are locally activated during physiological wound healing, processes that are inhibited in elderly estrogen-deprived skin. Estrogen deprivation has been shown to be a critical mediator of impaired wound healing in both postmenopausal women and aged men, and topical estrogen application reverses age-associated delayed wound healing in both elderly men and women. These data indicate that adequate estrogen biosynthesis and properly regulated estrogen signaling pathways are essential for normal wound healing and can be targeted to optimize tissue repair in the elderly. However, due to fundamental questions regarding how to safely restore estrogen signaling locally in skin wounds, there are currently no therapeutic strategies addressing estrogen deficiency in elderly chronic wounds. This review discusses established and recent literature in this area and proposes the hypothesis that estrogen plays a pleiotropic role in skin aging and that targeting estrogen signaling and biosynthesis could promote skin repair in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena D. Zomer
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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35
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Bake S, Rouzer SK, Mavuri S, Miranda RC, Mahnke AH. The interaction of genetic sex and prenatal alcohol exposure on health across the lifespan. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023; 71:101103. [PMID: 37802472 PMCID: PMC10922031 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can reprogram the development of cells and tissues, resulting in a spectrum of physical and neurobehavioral teratology. PAE immediately impacts fetal growth, but its effects carry forward post-parturition, into adolescence and adulthood, and can result in a cluster of disabilities, collectively termed Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Emerging preclinical and clinical research investigating neurological and behavioral outcomes in exposed offspring point to genetic sex as an important modifier of the effects of PAE. In this review, we discuss the literature on sex differences following PAE, with studies spanning the fetal period through adulthood, and highlight gaps in research where sex differences are likely, but currently under-investigated. Understanding how sex and PAE interact to affect offspring health outcomes across the lifespan is critical for identifying the full complement of PAE-associated secondary conditions, and for refining targeted interventions to improve the quality of life for individuals with PAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shameena Bake
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Medical Research and Education Building I, 8447 Riverside Parkway, Bryan, TX 77807-3620, United States
| | - Siara K Rouzer
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Medical Research and Education Building I, 8447 Riverside Parkway, Bryan, TX 77807-3620, United States
| | - Shruti Mavuri
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Medical Research and Education Building I, 8447 Riverside Parkway, Bryan, TX 77807-3620, United States
| | - Rajesh C Miranda
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Medical Research and Education Building I, 8447 Riverside Parkway, Bryan, TX 77807-3620, United States
| | - Amanda H Mahnke
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Medical Research and Education Building I, 8447 Riverside Parkway, Bryan, TX 77807-3620, United States.
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Shaha S, Patel K, Riddell M. Cell polarity signaling in the regulation of syncytiotrophoblast homeostasis and inflammatory response. Placenta 2023; 141:26-34. [PMID: 36443107 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Maintenance of cell polarity and the structure of the apical surface of epithelial cells is a tightly regulated process necessary for tissue homeostasis. The syncytiotrophoblast of the human placenta is an entirely unique epithelial layer. It is a single giant multinucleate syncytial layer that comprises the maternal-facing surface of the human placenta. Like other epithelia, the syncytiotrophoblast is highly polarized with the apical surface dominated by microvillar membrane protrusions. Syncytiotrophoblast dysfunction is a key feature of pregnancy complications like preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is commonly associated with a heightened maternal immune response and pro-inflammatory environment. Importantly, reports have observed disruption of syncytiotrophoblast apical microvilli in placentas from preeclamptic pregnancies, indicating a loss of apical polarity, but little is known about how the syncytiotrophoblast regulates polarity. Here, we review the evolutionarily conserved mechanisms that regulate apical-basal polarization in epithelial cells, and the emerging evidence that PAR polarity complex components are critical regulators of syncytiotrophoblast homeostasis and apical membrane structure. Pro-inflammatory cytokines have been shown to disrupt the expression of polarity regulating proteins. We also discuss initial data showing that syncytiotrophoblast apical polarity can be disrupted by the addition of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α, revealing that physiologically relevant signals can modulate syncytiotrophoblast polarization. Since disrupted polarity is a feature of preeclampsia, further elucidation of the syncytiotrophoblast-specific polarity signaling network and testing whether the disruption of polarity-factor signaling networks may contribute to the development of preeclampsia is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumaiyah Shaha
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2S2, Canada
| | - Khushali Patel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2S2, Canada
| | - Meghan Riddell
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2S2, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2S2, Canada.
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Ohyama N, Furugen A, Sawada R, Aoyagi R, Nishimura A, Umazume T, Narumi K, Kobayashi M. Effects of valproic acid on syncytialization in human placental trophoblast cell lines. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 474:116611. [PMID: 37385477 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
The placenta is a critical organ for fetal development and a healthy pregnancy, and has multifaceted functions (e.g., substance exchange and hormone secretion). Syncytialization of trophoblasts is important for maintaining placental functions. Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to reveal the influence of antiepileptic drugs, including valproic acid (VPA), carbamazepine, lamotrigine, gabapentin, levetiracetam, topiramate, lacosamide, and clobazam, at clinically relevant concentrations on syncytialization using in vitro models of trophoblasts. To induce differentiation into syncytiotrophoblast-like cells, BeWo cells were treated with forskolin. Exposure to VPA was found to dose-dependently influence syncytialization-associated genes (ERVW-1, ERVFRD-1, GJA1, CGB, CSH, SLC1A5, and ABCC4) in differentiated BeWo cells. Herein, the biomarkers between differentiated BeWo cells and the human trophoblast stem model (TSCT) were compared. In particular, MFSD2A levels were low in BeWo cells but abundant in TSCT cells. VPA exposure affected the expression of ERVW-1, ERVFRD-1, GJA1, CSH, MFSD2A, and ABCC4 in differentiated cells (ST-TSCT). Furthermore, VPA exposure attenuated BeWo and TSCT cell fusion. Finally, the relationships between neonatal/placental parameters and the expression of syncytialization markers in human term placentas were analyzed. MFSD2A expression was positively correlated with neonatal body weight, head circumference, chest circumference, and placental weight. Our findings have important implications for better understanding the mechanisms of toxicity of antiepileptic drugs and predicting the risks to placental and fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanami Ohyama
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmaceutics & Therapeutics, Division of Pharmasciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Japan
| | - Ayako Furugen
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmaceutics & Therapeutics, Division of Pharmasciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Japan.
| | - Riko Sawada
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmaceutics & Therapeutics, Division of Pharmasciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Japan
| | - Ryoichi Aoyagi
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmaceutics & Therapeutics, Division of Pharmasciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Japan
| | | | - Takeshi Umazume
- Department of Obstetrics, Hokkaido University Hospital, Japan
| | - Katsuya Narumi
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmaceutics & Therapeutics, Division of Pharmasciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Japan
| | - Masaki Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmaceutics & Therapeutics, Division of Pharmasciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Japan.
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Jovandaric MZ, Babic S, Raus M, Medjo B. The Importance of Metabolic and Environmental Factors in the Occurrence of Oxidative Stress during Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11964. [PMID: 37569340 PMCID: PMC10418910 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic changes in pregnant women begin in the first weeks after conception under the influence of placental hormones that affect the metabolism of all nutrients. An increased concentration of total lipids accompanies pregnancy and an increased accumulation of triglycerides in low-density lipoproteins (LDL) particles. Lipids in small dense LDL particles are more susceptible to oxidative modification than normal-density LDL particles. Unlike LDL high-density lipoproteins (HDL), lipoprotein particles have an atheroprotective role in lipid metabolism. The very growth of the fetus depends on the nutrition of both parents, so obesity is not only in the mother but also in the father. Nutritional programming of the offspring occurs through changes in lipid metabolism and leads to an increased risk for cardiometabolic diseases. Pregnancy is accompanied by an increased need for oxygen in the mitochondria of the placenta and a tendency to develop oxidative stress. Oxidative stress represents a disturbance in the balance of oxidation-reduction processes in the body that occurs due to the excessive production of free oxygen radicals that cellular homeostatic mechanisms are unable to neutralize. When the balance with the antioxidant system is disturbed, which happens when free oxygen radicals are in high concentrations, serious damage to biological molecules occurs, resulting in a series of pathophysiological and pathological changes, including cell death. Therefore, oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of many complications that can occur during pregnancy. The oxidative status of pregnant women is also influenced by socioeconomic living conditions, lifestyle habits, diet, smoking, and exposure to environmental air pollution. During a healthy pregnancy, the altered lipid profile and oxidative stress create an increased risk for premature birth and pregnancy-related diseases, and a predisposition to adult diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miljana Z. Jovandaric
- Department of Neonatology, Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sandra Babic
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Misela Raus
- Department of Neonatology, University Children’s Hospital, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Biljana Medjo
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Department Pediatrics and Neonatal Intensive Care, University Children’s Hospital, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Wu Z, Zhang L, Jia Y, Bi B, Fang L, Cheng JC. GDF-11 downregulates placental human chorionic gonadotropin expression by activating SMAD2/3 signaling. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:179. [PMID: 37480123 PMCID: PMC10362589 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01201-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The production of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) by the placental trophoblast cells is essential for maintaining a normal pregnancy. Aberrant hCG levels are associated with reproductive disorders. The protein of hCG is a dimer consisting of an α subunit and a β subunit. The β subunit is encoded by the CGB gene and is unique to hCG. Growth differentiation factor-11 (GDF-11), a member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, is expressed in the human placenta and can stimulate trophoblast cell invasion. However, whether the expression of CGB and the production of hCG are regulated by GDF-11 remains undetermined. METHODS Two human choriocarcinoma cell lines, BeWo and JEG-3, and primary cultures of human cytotrophoblast (CTB) cells were used as experimental models. The effects of GDF-11 on CGB expression and hCG production, as well as the underlying mechanisms, were explored by a series of in vitro experiments. RESULTS Our results show that treatment of GDF-11 downregulates the expression of CGB and the production of hCG in both BeWo and JEG-3 cells as well as in primary CTB cells. Using a pharmacological inhibitor and siRNA-mediated approach, we reveal that both ALK4 and ALK5 are required for the GDF-11-induced downregulation of CGB expression. In addition, treatment of GDF-11 activates SMAD2/3 but not SMAD1/5/8 signaling pathways. Moreover, both SMAD2 and SMAD3 are involved in the GDF-11-downregulated CGB expression. ELISA results show that the GDF-11-suppressed hCG production requires the ALK4/5-mediated activation of SMAD2/3 signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS This study not only discovers the biological function of GDF-11 in the human placenta but also provides important insights into the regulation of the expression of hCG. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Jia
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Beibei Bi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Lanlan Fang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Jung-Chien Cheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
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Ortega MA, García-Montero C, Fraile-Martinez Ó, De Leon-Oliva D, Boaru DL, Bravo C, De Leon-Luis JA, Saez MA, Asúnsolo A, Romero-Gerechter I, Sanz-Giancola A, Diaz-Pedrero R, Lopez-Gonzalez L, Guijarro LG, Barrena-Blázquez S, Bujan J, García-Honduvilla N, Alvarez-Mon M, Alvarez-Mon MÁ, Lahera G. Assessment of Tissue Expression of the Oxytocin-Vasopressin Pathway in the Placenta of Women with a First-Episode Psychosis during Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10254. [PMID: 37373400 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychosis refers to a mental health condition characterized by a loss of touch with reality, comprising delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thought, disorganized behavior, catatonia, and negative symptoms. A first-episode psychosis (FEP) is a rare condition that can trigger adverse outcomes both for the mother and newborn. Previously, we demonstrated the existence of histopathological changes in the placenta of pregnant women who suffer an FEP in pregnancy. Altered levels of oxytocin (OXT) and vasopressin (AVP) have been detected in patients who manifested an FEP, whereas abnormal placental expression of these hormones and their receptors (OXTR and AVPR1A) has been proven in different obstetric complications. However, the precise role and expression of these components in the placenta of women after an FEP have not been studied yet. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to analyze the gene and protein expression, using RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC), of OXT, OXTR, AVP, and AVPR1a in the placental tissue of pregnant women after an FEP in comparison to pregnant women without any health complication (HC-PW). Our results showed increased gene and protein expression of OXT, AVP, OXTR, and AVPR1A in the placental tissue of pregnant women who suffer an FEP. Therefore, our study suggests that an FEP during pregnancy may be associated with an abnormal paracrine/endocrine activity of the placenta, which can negatively affect the maternofetal wellbeing. Nevertheless, additional research is required to validate our findings and ascertain any potential implications of the observed alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Ortega
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cielo García-Montero
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Óscar Fraile-Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego De Leon-Oliva
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego Liviu Boaru
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Coral Bravo
- Department of Public and Maternal and Child Health, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain
- Health Research Institute Gregorio Marañón, 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan A De Leon-Luis
- Department of Public and Maternal and Child Health, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain
- Health Research Institute Gregorio Marañón, 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A Saez
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Pathological Anatomy Service, Central University Hospital of Defence-UAH Madrid, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Angel Asúnsolo
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Surgery, Medical and Social Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Ignacio Romero-Gerechter
- Psychiatry Service, Center for Biomedical Research in the Mental Health Network, University Hospital Príncipe de Asturias, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Alejandro Sanz-Giancola
- Psychiatry Service, Center for Biomedical Research in the Mental Health Network, University Hospital Príncipe de Asturias, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Raul Diaz-Pedrero
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Surgery, Medical and Social Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Laura Lopez-Gonzalez
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Surgery, Medical and Social Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Luis G Guijarro
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (CIBEREHD), Department of System Biology, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Silvestra Barrena-Blázquez
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Julia Bujan
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Natalio García-Honduvilla
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Melchor Alvarez-Mon
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Immune System Diseases-Rheumatology and Internal Medicine Service, University Hospital Príncipe de Asturias, CIBEREHD, 28806 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Alvarez-Mon
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Guillermo Lahera
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Surgery, Medical and Social Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
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Beckers KF, Gomes VCL, Crissman KR, Liu CC, Schulz CJ, Childers GW, Sones JL. Metagenetic Analysis of the Pregnant Microbiome in Horses. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1999. [PMID: 37370509 DOI: 10.3390/ani13121999] [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: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Placentitis is the leading cause of infectious abortion in the horse. Additionally, it can result in weak and/or growth restricted offspring. While the etiology of ascending placentitis is well described in mares, less is known regarding the pathogenesis of other types, such as nocardioform placentitis. This study aims to identify the microbial communities in different body sites of the pregnant mare in early gestation to establish a core microbiome that may be perturbed in pathologic pregnancies such as placentitis. We hypothesize that the equine placenta harbors a distinct resident microbiome in early pregnancy when characterized by metagenetics and that there will be a disparity in bacterial communities from the oral, vaginal, and fecal microbiome. Samples were collected from the oral cavity, vagina, anus, and the allantoic portion of the allantochorion ("placenta") from five pregnant mares between 96 and 120 days of gestation. The V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified for Illumina MiSeq sequencing to examine core bacterial communities present in the different body sites. Microbial community composition of the pregnant ponies by body site was significantly different (Bray-Curtis dissimilarity). The placenta was significantly different from the feces, oral cavity, and vagina. Alpha diversity measuring the Shannon diversity matrix was significant, with the body sites being a compounding variable, meaning there was a difference in richness and evenness in the different microbial communities. Feces had the greatest alpha diversity, while the oral cavity and placenta similarly had the least. In conclusion, metagenetics did reveal distinct community differences in the oral, fecal, vaginal, and placenta cavities of the horse. The equine placenta does show similarities in its microbial communities to the oral cavity. Further research needs to be completed to investigate how bacteria may be translocated to the placenta from these other body sites and how they contribute to the development of placentitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalie F Beckers
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Viviane C L Gomes
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Kassandra R Crissman
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Chin-Chi Liu
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Christopher J Schulz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA 70402, USA
| | - Gary W Childers
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA 70402, USA
| | - Jenny L Sones
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
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Tossetta G, Fantone S, Piani F, Crescimanno C, Ciavattini A, Giannubilo SR, Marzioni D. Modulation of NRF2/KEAP1 Signaling in Preeclampsia. Cells 2023; 12:1545. [PMID: 37296665 PMCID: PMC10252212 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Placentation is a key and tightly regulated process that ensures the normal development of the placenta and fetal growth. Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive pregnancy-related disorder involving about 5-8% of all pregnancies and clinically characterized by de novo maternal hypertension and proteinuria. In addition, PE pregnancies are also characterized by increased oxidative stress and inflammation. The NRF2/KEAP1 signaling pathway plays an important role in protecting cells against oxidative damage due to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. ROS activate NRF2, allowing its binding to the antioxidant response element (ARE) region present in the promoter of several antioxidant genes such as heme oxygenase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase that neutralize ROS, protecting cells against oxidative stress damages. In this review, we analyze the current literature regarding the role of the NRF2/KEAP1 pathway in preeclamptic pregnancies, discussing the main cellular modulators of this pathway. Moreover, we also discuss the main natural and synthetic compounds that can regulate this pathway in in vivo and in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Tossetta
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (S.F.); (D.M.)
| | - Sonia Fantone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (S.F.); (D.M.)
| | - Federica Piani
- Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40128 Bologna, Italy;
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Caterina Crescimanno
- School of Human and Social Science, University “Kore” of Enna, 94100 Enna, Italy;
| | - Andrea Ciavattini
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Salesi Hospital, 60123 Ancona, Italy; (A.C.); (S.R.G.)
| | - Stefano Raffaele Giannubilo
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Salesi Hospital, 60123 Ancona, Italy; (A.C.); (S.R.G.)
| | - Daniela Marzioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (S.F.); (D.M.)
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Heeralall C, Ibrahim UH, Lazarus L, Gathiram P, Mackraj I. The effects of COVID-19 on placental morphology. Placenta 2023; 138:88-96. [PMID: 37235921 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The impact of the COVID-19 infection, caused by Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), during the pandemic has been considerably more severe in pregnant women than non-pregnant women. Therefore, a review detailing the morphological alterations and physiological changes associated with COVID-19 during pregnancy and the effect that these changes have on the feto-placental unit is of high priority. This knowledge is crucial for these mothers, their babies and clinicians to ensure a healthy life post-pandemic. Hence, we review the placental morphological changes due to COVID-19 to enhance the general understanding of how pregnant mothers, their placentas and unborn children may have been affected by this pandemic. Based on current literature, we deduced that COVID-19 pregnancies were oxygen deficient, which could further result in other pregnancy-related complications like preeclampsia and IUGR. Therefore, we present an up-to-date review of the COVID-19 pathophysiological implications on the placenta, covering the function of the placenta in COVID-19, the effects of this virus on the placenta, its functions and its link to other gestational complications. Furthermore, we highlight the possible effects of COVID-19 therapeutic interventions on pregnant mothers and their unborn children. Based on the literature, we strongly suggest that consistent surveillance for the mothers and infants from COVID-19 pregnancies be prioritised in the future. Though the pandemic is now in the past, its effects are long-term, necessitating the monitoring of clinical manifestations in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Heeralall
- Discipline of Clinical Anatomy, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - U H Ibrahim
- Discipline of Human Physiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
| | - L Lazarus
- Discipline of Clinical Anatomy, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - P Gathiram
- Discipline of Family Medicine, School of Public Health and Nursing, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - I Mackraj
- Discipline of Human Physiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
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Mahfouz M, Harmouche-Karaki M, Matta J, Mahfouz Y, Salameh P, Younes H, Helou K, Finan R, Abi-Tayeh G, Meslimani M, Moussa G, Chahrour N, Osseiran C, Skaiki F, Narbonne JF. Maternal Serum, Cord and Human Milk Levels of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), Association with Predictors and Effect on Newborn Anthropometry. TOXICS 2023; 11:toxics11050455. [PMID: 37235269 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11050455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The understanding of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) health effects is rapidly advancing among critical populations. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess PFAS serum levels among Lebanese pregnant women, cord serum and human milk levels, their determinants, and effects on newborn anthropometry. METHODS We measured concentrations of six PFAS (PFHpA, PFOA, PFHxS, PFOS, PFNA and PFDA) using liquid chromatography MS/MS for 419 participants, of which 269 had sociodemographic, anthropometric, environmental and dietary information. RESULTS The percentage of detection for PFHpA, PFOA, PFHxS and PFOS was 36.3-37.7%. PFOA and PFOS levels (95th percentile) were higher than HBM-I and HBM-II values. While PFAS were not detected in cord serum, five compounds were detected in human milk. Multivariate regression showed that fish/shellfish consumption, vicinity to illegal incineration and higher educational level were associated with an almost twice higher risk of elevated PFHpA, PFOA, PFHxS and PFOS serum levels. Higher PFAS levels in human milk were observed with higher eggs and dairy products consumption, in addition to tap water (preliminary findings). Higher PFHpA was significantly associated with lower newborn weight-for-length Z-score at birth. CONCLUSIONS Findings establish the need for further studies, and urgent action to reduce exposure among subgroups with higher PFAS levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Mahfouz
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Medical Sciences Campus, Damascus Road, P.O. Box 115076, Riad Solh Beirut 1107 2180, Lebanon
| | - Mireille Harmouche-Karaki
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Medical Sciences Campus, Damascus Road, P.O. Box 115076, Riad Solh Beirut 1107 2180, Lebanon
| | - Joseph Matta
- Industrial Research Institute, Lebanese University Campus, Hadath Baabda P.O. Box 112806, Lebanon
| | - Yara Mahfouz
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Medical Sciences Campus, Damascus Road, P.O. Box 115076, Riad Solh Beirut 1107 2180, Lebanon
| | - Pascale Salameh
- School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Hassan Younes
- Institut Polytechnique UniLaSalle, Collège Santé, Equipe PANASH, Membre de l'ULR 7519, Université d'Artois, 19 Rue Pierre Waguet, 60026 Beauvais, France
| | - Khalil Helou
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Medical Sciences Campus, Damascus Road, P.O. Box 115076, Riad Solh Beirut 1107 2180, Lebanon
| | - Ramzi Finan
- Hotel-Dieu de France, Saint Joseph University of Beirut Hospital, Blvd Alfred Naccache, Beirut P.O. Box 166830, Lebanon
| | - Georges Abi-Tayeh
- Hotel-Dieu de France, Saint Joseph University of Beirut Hospital, Blvd Alfred Naccache, Beirut P.O. Box 166830, Lebanon
| | | | - Ghada Moussa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chtoura Hospital, Beqaa, Lebanon
| | - Nada Chahrour
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, SRH University Hospital, Nabatieh, Lebanon
| | - Camille Osseiran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kassab Hospital, Saida, Lebanon
| | - Farouk Skaiki
- Department of Molecular Biology, General Management, Al Karim Medical Laboratories, Saida, Lebanon
| | - Jean-François Narbonne
- Laboratoire de Physico-Toxico Chimie des Systèmes Naturels, University of Bordeaux, CEDEX, 33405 Talence France
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Prasad P, Romero R, Chaiworapongsa T, Gomez-Lopez N, Lo A, Galaz J, Taran AB, Jung E, Gotsch F, Than NG, Tarca AL. Further Evidence that an Episode of Premature Labor Is a Pathologic State: Involvement of the Insulin-Like Growth Factor System. Fetal Diagn Ther 2023; 50:236-247. [PMID: 37231893 PMCID: PMC10591834 DOI: 10.1159/000530862] [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: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Approximately 47% of women with an episode of preterm labor deliver at term; however, their infants are at greater risk of being small for gestational age and for neurodevelopmental disorders. In these cases, a pathologic insult may disrupt the homeostatic responses sustaining pregnancy. We tested the hypothesis of an involvement of components of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study in which maternal plasma concentrations of pregnancy-associated plasma protease (PAPP)-A, PAPP-A2, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1), and IGFBP-4 were determined in the following groups of women: (1) no episodes of preterm labor, term delivery (controls, n = 100); (2) episode of preterm labor, term delivery (n = 50); (3) episode of preterm labor, preterm delivery (n = 100); (4) pregnant women at term not in labor (n = 61); and (5) pregnant women at term in labor (n = 61). Pairwise differences in maternal plasma concentrations of PAPP-A, PAPP-A2, IGFBP-1, and IGFBP-4 among study groups were assessed by fitting linear models on log-transformed data and included adjustment for relevant covariates. Significance of the group coefficient in the linear models was assessed via t-scores, with p < 0.05 deemed a significant result. RESULTS Compared to controls, (1) women with an episode of premature labor, regardless of a preterm or a term delivery, had higher mean plasma concentrations of PAPP-A2 and IGFBP-1 (each p < 0.05); (2) women with an episode of premature labor who delivered at term also had a higher mean concentration of PAPP-A (p < 0.05); and (3) acute histologic chorioamnionitis and spontaneous labor at term were not associated with significant changes in these analytes. CONCLUSION An episode of preterm labor involves the IGF system, supporting the view that the premature activation of parturition is a pathologic state, even in those women who delivered at term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Prasad
- Pregnancy Research Branch**, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Pregnancy Research Branch**, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Tinnakorn Chaiworapongsa
- Pregnancy Research Branch**, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Pregnancy Research Branch**, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Anderson Lo
- Pregnancy Research Branch**, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Jose Galaz
- Pregnancy Research Branch**, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Andreea B. Taran
- Pregnancy Research Branch**, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Eunjung Jung
- Pregnancy Research Branch**, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Francesca Gotsch
- Pregnancy Research Branch**, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Nandor Gabor Than
- Pregnancy Research Branch**, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Maternity Private Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Adi L. Tarca
- Pregnancy Research Branch**, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, MI, USA
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Tossetta G, Fantone S, Giannubilo SR, Ciavattini A, Senzacqua M, Frontini A, Marzioni D. HTRA1 in Placental Cell Models: A Possible Role in Preeclampsia. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:3815-3828. [PMID: 37232715 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45050246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The HtrA serine peptidase 1 (HTRA1) is a multidomain secretory protein with serine-protease activity involved in the regulation of many cellular processes in both physiological and pathological conditions. HTRA1 is normally expressed in the human placenta, and its expression is higher in the first trimester compared to the third trimester, suggesting an important role of this serine protease in the early phases of human placenta development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional role of HTRA1 in in vitro models of human placenta in order to define the role of this serine protease in preeclampsia (PE). BeWo and HTR8/SVneo cells expressing HTRA1 were used as syncytiotrophoblast and cytotrophoblast models, respectively. Oxidative stress was induced by treating BeWo and HTR8/SVneo cells with H2O2 to mimic PE conditions in order to evaluate its effect on HTRA1 expression. In addition, HTRA1 overexpression and silencing experiments were performed to evaluate the effects on syncytialization, cell mobility, and invasion processes. Our main data showed that oxidative stress significantly increased HTRA1 expression in both BeWo and HTR8/SVneo cells. In addition, we demonstrated that HTRA1 has a pivotal role in cell motility and invasion processes. In particular, HTRA1 overexpression increased while HTRA1 silencing decreased cell motility and invasion in HTR8/SVneo cell model. In conclusion, our results suggest an important role of HTRA1 in regulating extravillous cytotrophoblast invasion and motility during the early stage of placentation in the first trimester of gestation, suggesting a key role of this serine protease in PE onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Tossetta
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Salesi Hospital, 60123 Ancona, Italy
| | - Sonia Fantone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Stefano Raffaele Giannubilo
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Salesi Hospital, 60123 Ancona, Italy
| | - Andrea Ciavattini
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Salesi Hospital, 60123 Ancona, Italy
| | - Martina Senzacqua
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Andrea Frontini
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60128 Ancona, Italy
| | - Daniela Marzioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
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47
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Zhou Z, Luo D, Li M, Lao G, Zhou Z, Dinnyés A, Xu W, Sun Q. A Novel Multicellular Placental Barrier Model to Investigate the Effect of Maternal Aflatoxin B 1 Exposure on Fetal-Side Neural Stem Cells. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15050312. [PMID: 37235346 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15050312] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Ingestion of food toxins such as aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) during pregnancy may impair fetal neurodevelopment. However, animal model results may not be accurate due to the species' differences, and testing on humans is ethically impermissible. Here, we developed an in vitro human maternal-fetal multicellular model composed of a human hepatic compartment, a bilayer placental barrier, and a human fetal central nervous system compartment using neural stem cells (NSCs) to investigate the effect of AFB1 on fetal-side NSCs. AFB1 passed through the HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells to mimic the maternal metabolic effects. Importantly, even at the limited concentration (0.0641 ± 0.0046 μM) of AFB1, close to the national safety level standard of China (GB-2761-2011), the mixture of AFB1 crossing the placental barrier induced NSC apoptosis. The level of reactive oxygen species in NSCs was significantly elevated and the cell membrane was damaged, causing the release of intracellular lactate dehydrogenase (p < 0.05). The comet experiment and γ-H2AX immunofluorescence assay showed that AFB1 caused significant DNA damage to NSCs (p < 0.05). This study provided a new model for the toxicological evaluation of the effect of food mycotoxin exposure during pregnancy on fetal neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment Ministry of the Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Dongmei Luo
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment Ministry of the Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Mengxue Li
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment Ministry of the Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Guangjie Lao
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment Ministry of the Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhou
- Department of Food Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - András Dinnyés
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment Ministry of the Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
- BioTalentum Ltd., Aulich Lajos Str. 26, 2100 Godollo, Hungary
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Wenming Xu
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Regulation Laboratory West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Qun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment Ministry of the Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
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Grzeszczak K, Kapczuk P, Kupnicka P, Mularczyk M, Kwiatkowski S, Chlubek D, Kosik-Bogacka D. Preliminary Study of Iron Concentration in the Human Placenta in Twin Pregnancies. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050749. [PMID: 37238619 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050749] [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: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy significantly increases the demand for iron (Fe) in the female body to facilitate maternal blood volume expansion, placental development, and fetal growth. As Fe flux in pregnancy is significantly influenced by the placenta, the aim of this study was to determine the dependencies between the Fe concentration in the placenta, the infant's morphometric parameters and the woman's morphological blood parameters in the last trimester. METHODS The study was conducted on 33 women with multiple (dichorionic-diamniotic) pregnancies from whom the placentas were drawn, and their 66 infants, including pairs of monozygotic (n = 23) and mixed-sex twins (n = 10). Fe concentrations were determined based on inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) using ICAP 7400 Duo, Thermo Scientific. RESULTS The results of the analysis showed that lower placental Fe concentrations were associated with deteriorated morphometric parameters of infants, including weight and head circumference. Although we found no statistically significant dependencies between Fe concentration in the placenta and the women's morphological blood parameters, higher Fe concentration in the placenta of mothers supplemented with Fe correlated with better morphometric parameters in infants compared to those whose mothers received no Fe supplementation. CONCLUSIONS The research adds additional knowledge for placental iron-related processes during multiple pregnancies. However, many limitations of the study do not allow detailed conclusions to be assessed, and statistical data should be assessed conservatively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konrad Grzeszczak
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Patrycja Kapczuk
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Patrycja Kupnicka
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Maciej Mularczyk
- Chair and Department of Human and Clinical Anatomy, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Sebastian Kwiatkowski
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Dariusz Chlubek
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Danuta Kosik-Bogacka
- Independent Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Botany, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
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49
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Maxwell A, Adzibolosu N, Hu A, You Y, Stemmer PM, Ruden DM, Petriello MC, Sadagurski M, Debarba LK, Koshko L, Ramadoss J, Nguyen AT, Richards D, Liao A, Mor G, Ding J. Intrinsic sexual dimorphism in the placenta determines the differential response to benzene exposure. iScience 2023; 26:106287. [PMID: 37153445 PMCID: PMC10156617 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106287] [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: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal immune activation (MIA) by environmental challenges is linked to severe developmental complications, such as neurocognitive disorders, autism, and even fetal/maternal death. Benzene is a major toxic compound in air pollution that affects the mother as well as the fetus and has been associated with reproductive complications. Our objective was to elucidate whether benzene exposure during gestation triggers MIA and its impact on fetal development. We report that benzene exposure during pregnancy leads MIA associated with increased fetal resorptions, fetal growth, and abnormal placenta development. Furthermore, we demonstrate the existence of a sexual dimorphic response to benzene exposure in male and female placentas. The sexual dimorphic response is a consequence of inherent differences between male and female placenta. These data provide crucial information on the origins or sexual dimorphism and how exposure to environmental factors can have a differential impact on the development of male and female offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Maxwell
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Nicholas Adzibolosu
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Anna Hu
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Yuan You
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Paul M. Stemmer
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Douglas M. Ruden
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Michael C. Petriello
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Marianna Sadagurski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Lucas K. Debarba
- Department of Biological Sciences, Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Lisa Koshko
- Department of Biological Sciences, Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Jayanth Ramadoss
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | | | - Darby Richards
- School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Aihua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, PR China
| | - Gil Mor
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Jiahui Ding
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
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50
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Ji D, Pan Y, Qiu X, Gong J, Li X, Niu C, Yao J, Luo S, Zhang Z, Wang Q, Dai J, Wei Y. Unveiling Distribution of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Matched Placenta-Serum Tetrads: Novel Implications for Birth Outcome Mediated by Placental Vascular Disruption. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:5782-5793. [PMID: 36988553 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c09184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The placenta is pivotal for fetal development and maternal-fetal transfer of many substances, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). However, the intraplacental distribution of PFASs and their effects on placental vascular function remain unclear. In this study, 302 tetrads of matched subchorionic placenta (fetal-side), parabasal placenta (maternal-side), cord serum, and maternal serum samples were collected from Guangzhou, China. Eighteen emerging and legacy PFASs and five placental vascular biomarkers were measured. Results showed that higher levels of perfluorooctanoic (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), and chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonic acids (Cl-PFESAs) were detected in subchorionic placenta compared to parabasal placenta. There were significant associations of PFASs in the subchorionic placenta, but not in the serum, with placental vascular biomarkers (up to 32.5%) and lower birth size. Birth weight was negatively associated with PFOA (β: -103.8, 95% CI: -186.3 and -21.32) and 6:2 Cl-PFESA (β: -80.04, 95% CI: -139.5 and -20.61), primarily in subchorionic placenta. Mediation effects of altered placental angiopoietin-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 were evidenced on associations of adverse birth outcomes with intraplacental PFOS and 8:2 Cl-PFESA, explaining 9.5%-32.5% of the total effect. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report on differential intraplacental distribution of PFASs and placental vascular effects mediating adverse birth outcomes and provides novel insights into the placental plate-specific measurement in PFAS-associated health risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Ji
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yitao Pan
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xuelin Qiu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jingjin Gong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, He Xian Memorial Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 511402, China
| | - Xianjie Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Conying Niu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jingzhi Yao
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Shili Luo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zhuyi Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jiayin Dai
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yanhong Wei
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
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