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Grah M, Poljak L, Starčević M, Stanojević M, Vukojević K, Saraga-Babić M, Salihagić AK. Does placental VEGF-A protein expression predict early neurological outcome of neonates from FGR complicated pregnancies? J Perinat Med 2024; 0:jpm-2024-0138. [PMID: 39028860 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2024-0138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Fetal hypoxia due to placental dysfunction is the hallmark of fetal growth restriction (FGR). Preferential perfusion of the brain (brain-sparing effect), as a part of physiological placental cardiovascular compensatory mechanisms to hypoxia, in FGR was reported. Therefore, the correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) protein expression in the FGR placentas and newborns' early neurological outcome was examined. METHODS This study included 50 women with FGR complicated pregnancies and 30 uneventful pregnancies. Fetal hemodynamic parameters, neonatal acid-base status after delivery, placental pathohistology and VEGF-A expression were followed. Early neonatal morphological brain evaluation by ultrasound and functional evaluation of neurological status by Amiel - Tison Neurological Assessment at Term (ATNAT) were performed. RESULTS VEGF-A protein expression level was significantly higher in the FGR placentas than normal term placentas (Fisher-Freeman-Halton's test, p≤0.001). No statistically significant correlation between placental VEGF-A expression and different prenatal and postnatal parameters was noticed. Whereas the alteration of an early neurological status assessed by ATNAT was found in 58 % of FGR newborns, morphological brain changes evaluated by UZV was noticed in 48 % of cases. No association between the level of placental VEGF-A expression and the early neurological deficits was found. CONCLUSIONS As far as we know this is the first study of a possible connection between VEGF-A protein expression in the FGR placentas and neonates' early neurological outcomes. The lack of correlation between the FGR placental VEGF-A expression and neonates' neurological outcome could indicate that optimal early neurodevelopment may take place due to compensatory mechanism not related to placental VEGF-A expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Grah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Hospital "Sveti Duh", School of Medicine, 37632 University of Zagreb , Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ljiljana Poljak
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, 37632 University of Zagreb , Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mirta Starčević
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Hospital Center "Zagreb", Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Milan Stanojević
- Neonatal Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Hospital "Sveti Duh", School of Medicine, 37632 University of Zagreb , Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Katarina Vukojević
- Laboratory for Early Human Development, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
| | - Mirna Saraga-Babić
- Laboratory for Early Human Development, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
| | - Aida Kadić Salihagić
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, 37632 University of Zagreb , Zagreb, Croatia
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Umapathy A, Clark A, Sehgal A, Karanam V, Rajaraman G, Kalionis B, Jones H, James J, Murthi P. Molecular regulators of defective placental and cardiovascular development in fetal growth restriction. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:761-775. [PMID: 38904187 PMCID: PMC11193155 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220428] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Placental insufficiency is one of the major causes of fetal growth restriction (FGR), a significant pregnancy disorder in which the fetus fails to achieve its full growth potential in utero. As well as the acute consequences of being born too small, affected offspring are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases in later life. The placenta and heart develop concurrently, therefore placental maldevelopment and function in FGR may have profound effect on the growth and differentiation of many organ systems, including the heart. Hence, understanding the key molecular players that are synergistically linked in the development of the placenta and heart is critical. This review highlights the key growth factors, angiogenic molecules and transcription factors that are common causes of defective placental and cardiovascular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anandita Umapathy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alys Clark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, Bioengineering Institute, New Zealand
| | - Arvind Sehgal
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia and Monash Newborn, Monash Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Vijaya Karanam
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, University of Melbourne and Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gayathri Rajaraman
- First year college, Victoria University, St Albans, Victoria 3021, Australia
| | - Bill Kalionis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, University of Melbourne and Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helen N. Jones
- Department of Physiology and Aging, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Center for Research in Perinatal Outcomes, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
| | - Jo James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, Bioengineering Institute, New Zealand
| | - Padma Murthi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, University of Melbourne and Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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3
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Murthi P, Kalionis B. Homeobox genes in the human placenta: Twists and turns on the path to find novel targets. Placenta 2024:S0143-4004(24)00284-4. [PMID: 38908943 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a clinically important human pregnancy disorder that is thought to originate early in pregnancy and while its aetiology is not well understood, the disorder is associated with placental insufficiency. Currently treatment for FGR is limited by increased surveillance using ultrasound monitoring and premature delivery, or corticosteroid medication in the third trimester to prolong pregnancy. There is a pressing need for novel strategies to detect and treat FGR at its early stage. Homeobox genes are well established as master regulators of early embryonic development and increasing evidence suggests they are also important in regulating early placental development. Most important is that specific homeobox genes are abnormally expressed in human FGR. This review focusses on identifying the molecular pathways controlled by homeobox genes in the normal and FGR-affected placenta. This information will begin to address the knowledge gap in the molecular aetiology of FGR and lay the foundation for identifying potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padma Murthi
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital and Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Bill Kalionis
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital and Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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4
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Sengul M, Karadas B, Acar-Sahan S, Simsek F, Horoz E, Özok IC, Temiz T. Functional and Histological Changes in Umbilical Artery and Myometrium Isolated from IUGR Complicated Pregnancies. Fetal Pediatr Pathol 2023; 42:845-859. [PMID: 37578058 DOI: 10.1080/15513815.2023.2245892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the relaxation responses mediated by L-type Ca2+ channels and big-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channels and histological changes in the human umbilical artery (HUA) and myometrium smooth muscle isolated from pregnancies complicated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).Methods: The muscle reactivity and the histology of the smooth muscle of the HUA and myometrium retrieved from 14 women with IUGR and 14 controls were investigated by the isolated tissue bath and immunohistochemical method.Results: In HUA, the maximum relaxation responses and pD2 values of nifedipine and NS11021 (BKCa channel opener) were significantly increased and significant histopathological changes are observed in the IUGR group.Conclusions: The pathogenesis of IUGR might be associated with the impairment in the functional responses of L-type Ca2+ channels and BKCa channels in HUA smooth muscle. The increased staining of myometrium and UC with HIF-1α in IUGR may indicate apoptosis, histological damage, and impaired fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Sengul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Izmir, Izmir Katip Celebi University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey
| | - Baris Karadas
- Department of Pharmacology Izmir, Izmir Katip Celebi University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey
| | - Selin Acar-Sahan
- Department of Pharmacology Izmir, Izmir Katip Celebi University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey
| | - Fatma Simsek
- Department of Histology and Embryology Izmir, Izmir Katip Celebi University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey
| | - Ersan Horoz
- Department of Pharmacology Izmir, Izmir Katip Celebi University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey
| | - Işık Cem Özok
- Department of Pharmacology Izmir, Izmir Katip Celebi University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey
| | - Tijen Temiz
- Department of Pharmacology Izmir, Izmir Katip Celebi University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey
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5
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Sullivan RT, Raj JU, Austin ED. Recent Advances in Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension: Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment. Clin Ther 2023; 45:901-912. [PMID: 37517916 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2023.07.001] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a condition characterized by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure, which has the potential to be life-limiting. The etiology of pediatric PH varies. When compared with adult cohorts, the etiology is often multifactorial, with contributions from prenatal, genetic, and developmental factors. This review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the causes and classification of pediatric PH, describe current therapeutics in pediatric PH, and discuss upcoming and necessary research in pediatric PH. METHODS PubMed was searched for articles relating to pediatric pulmonary hypertension, with a particular focus on articles published within the past 10 years. Literature was reviewed for pertinent areas related to this topic. FINDINGS The evaluation and approach to pediatric PH are unique when compared with that of adults, in large part because of the different, often multifactorial, causes of the disease in children. Collaborative registry studies have found that the most common disease causes include developmental lung disease and subsets of pulmonary arterial hypertension, which includes genetic variants and PH associated with congenital heart disease. Treatment with PH-targeted therapies in pediatrics is often guided by extrapolation of adult data, small clinical studies in pediatrics, and/or expert consensus opinion. We review diagnostic considerations and treatment in some of the more common pediatric subpopulations of patients with PH, including developmental lung diseases, congenital heart disease, and trisomy 21. IMPLICATIONS The care of pediatric patients with PH requires consideration of unique pediatric-specific factors. With significant variability in disease etiology, ongoing efforts are needed to optimize treatment strategies based on disease phenotype and guide evidence-based practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel T Sullivan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Monroe Carrell Jr Children's Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee.
| | - J Usha Raj
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Eric D Austin
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Monroe Carrell Jr Children's Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee
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Yong HEJ, Maksym K, Yusoff MAB, Salazar-Petres E, Nazarenko T, Zaikin A, David AL, Hillman SL, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Integrated Placental Modelling of Histology with Gene Expression to Identify Functional Impact on Fetal Growth. Cells 2023; 12:1093. [PMID: 37048166 PMCID: PMC10093760 DOI: 10.3390/cells12071093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Altered placental formation and functional capacity are major contributors to FGR pathogenesis. Relating placental structure to function across the placenta in healthy and FGR pregnancies remains largely unexplored but could improve understanding of placental diseases. We investigated integration of these parameters spatially in the term human placenta using predictive modelling. Systematic sampling was able to overcome heterogeneity in placental morphological and molecular features. Defects in villous development, elevated fibrosis, and reduced expression of growth and functional marker genes (IGF2, VEGA, SLC38A1, and SLC2A3) were seen in age-matched term FGR versus healthy control placentas. Characteristic histopathological changes with specific accompanying molecular signatures could be integrated through computational modelling to predict if the placenta came from a healthy or FGR pregnancy. Our findings yield new insights into the spatial relationship between placental structure and function and the etiology of FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Ee Juen Yong
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 30 Medical Drive, Brenner Centre for Molecular Medicine, Singapore 117609, Singapore
| | - Katarzyna Maksym
- Elizabeth Gareth Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, 84-86 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HU, UK
- Fetal Medicine Unit Elizabeth Gareth Anderson Wing, University College Hospitals NHS Trust, 25 Grafton Way, London WC1E 6DB, UK
| | - Muhammad Ashraf Bin Yusoff
- Elizabeth Gareth Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, 84-86 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HU, UK
| | - Esteban Salazar-Petres
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Tatiana Nazarenko
- Elizabeth Gareth Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, 84-86 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HU, UK
- Department of Mathematics, University College London, London WC1E 6AE, UK
| | - Alexey Zaikin
- Elizabeth Gareth Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, 84-86 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HU, UK
- Department of Mathematics, University College London, London WC1E 6AE, UK
| | - Anna L. David
- Elizabeth Gareth Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, 84-86 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HU, UK
- Fetal Medicine Unit Elizabeth Gareth Anderson Wing, University College Hospitals NHS Trust, 25 Grafton Way, London WC1E 6DB, UK
- National Institute for Health Research University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7DN, UK
| | - Sara L. Hillman
- Elizabeth Gareth Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, 84-86 Chenies Mews, London WC1E 6HU, UK
- Fetal Medicine Unit Elizabeth Gareth Anderson Wing, University College Hospitals NHS Trust, 25 Grafton Way, London WC1E 6DB, UK
| | - Amanda N. Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
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7
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Alawadhi M, Kilarkaje N, Mouihate A, Al-Bader MD. Role of progesterone on dexamethasone-induced alterations in placental vascularization and progesterone receptors in rats†. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:133-149. [PMID: 36322157 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac192] [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: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is manifested by lower maternal progesterone levels, smaller placental size, and decreased placental vascularity indicated by lower expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Studies showed that progesterone increases angiogenesis and induces VEGF expression in different tissues. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of progesterone on placental vascular bed and VEGF expression and the modulation of nuclear and membranous progesterone receptors (PR) in dexamethasone-induced rat IUGR model. METHODS Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into four groups and given intraperitoneal injections of either saline, dexamethasone, dexamethasone, and progesterone or progesterone. Injections started on gestation day (DG) 15 and lasted until the days of euthanization (19 and 21 DG). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to evaluate plasma progesterone levels. Real-time PCR and western blotting were used to evaluate gene and protein expressions of VEGF, and PR in labyrinth and basal placental zones. Immunohistochemistry was used to locate VEGF and different PRs in placental cells. Immunofluorescence was used to monitor the expression of blood vessel marker (αSMA). RESULTS Dexamethasone decreased the vascular bed fraction and the expression of VEGF in both placental zones. Progesterone co-treatment with dexamethasone prevented this reduction. Nuclear and membrane PRs showed tissue-specific expression in different placental zones and responded differently to both dexamethasone and progesterone. CONCLUSIONS Progesterone treatment improves the outcomes in IUGR pregnancy. Progesterone alleviated DEX-induced IUGR probably by promoting placental VEGF and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Alawadhi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Narayana Kilarkaje
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Abdeslam Mouihate
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Maie D Al-Bader
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
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Placental angiogenesis, IUGR & CMV awareness in Iraqi women. CURRENT ISSUES IN PHARMACY AND MEDICAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/cipms-2022-0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The placenta is considered the first interface between mother and fetus, and a normal placenta is essential for pregnancy without complications. IUGR is considered the most common condition recognized in complicated pregnancy and accounts for 26% or more of stillbirth. The current study aims to explore the presence of IUGR and placental angiogenesis by investigating the expression of VEGF and eNOS in both placenta of IUGR of CMV-infected mother and placenta of normal mother in relation to awareness of CMV in Iraqi women.
The expressions of VEGF and e NOS was studied using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase technique, while awareness was studied using 10-minute surveys in Al-Karkh directorate (Baghdad) to investigate their knowledge of CMV infection in relation to the level of education and economic status.
The expression of angiogenic factors (VEGF, eNOS) was significant in syncitiotrophoblasts, smooth muscle cells and corionic villous stromal cells, and was significant in unaware, low-educated women with low income. Increased expression of angiogenic factors of IUGR babies may be a result of unawareness of CMV infection, which leads to dysregulation of angiogenic factors, and, subsequently, to inadequate placental vascularization.
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Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells from the Placentae of Growth Restricted Pregnancies Are Poor Stimulators of Angiogenesis. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 16:557-568. [PMID: 32080795 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-020-09959-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The extensively branched vascular network within the placenta is vital for materno-fetal exchange, and inadequate development of this network is implicated in the pregnancy disorder fetal growth restriction (FGR), where babies are born pathologically small. Placental mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (pMSCs) and placental macrophages both reside in close proximity to blood vessels within the placenta, where they are thought to promote angiogenesis via paracrine mechanisms. However, the relationship between pMSCs, macrophages and placental vascular development has not yet been examined. We aimed to determine if inadequate paracrine stimulation of placental vascular development by pMSCs and macrophages during pregnancy may contribute to the inadequate vascularisation seen in FGR. Media conditioned by MSCs from FGR placentae significantly inhibited endothelial tube formation, compared to conditioned media derived from normal pMSCs. Similarly, macrophages exposed to media conditioned by FGR pMSCs were less able to stimulate endothelial tube formation in comparison to macrophages exposed to media conditioned by normal pMSCs. While MSCs from normal placentae produce a combination of angiogenic and anti-angiogenic cytokines, there were no significant differences in the secretion of the anti-angiogenic cytokines thrombospondin-1, insulin growth factor binding protein-4, or decorin between normal and FGR pMSCs that could explain how FGR pMSCs inhibited endothelial tube formation. Together, these data suggest a dysregulation in the secretion of paracrine factors by pMSCs in FGR placentae. These findings illustrate how cross talk between pro-angiogenic cell types in the placenta may be crucial for adequate angiogenesis.
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Ruikar K, Aithala M, Shetty P, Dinesh US, Bargale A, Sadashiv R, Edachery Veedu S, Khode V, Neravi A, Patil P. Decreased expression of annexin A2 and loss of its association with vascular endothelial growth factor leads to the deficient trophoblastic invasion in preeclampsia. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2021; 33:419-428. [PMID: 33878253 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2020-0321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Preeclampsia (PE) remains the major cause for maternal and foetal mortality and morbidity. Invasion of endovascular trophoblast and remodelling of spiral artery are crucial actions of normal placental development. Non-fulfilment of these processes plays a leading role in the development of preeclampsia. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is produced by extravillous trophoblastic tissue and decidual cell population is a well-known angiogenic growth which plays a fundamental role in placental pathogenesis of PE. Annexin A2 (ANXA2) is a profibrinolytic protein receptor required for plasminolysis, which is an important step in the formation of new blood vessel along with VEGF. Role of ANXA2 is poorly studied in context with human reproductive disease like preeclampsia. The purpose of the present study is to examine the expression and association of VEGF and ANXA2 in the term placentas of pregnancies with and without PE. METHODS The study group comprised of placental tissues procured from gestations with PE (n=30) and without (n=20) PE. The expression of VEGF and ANXA2 in the placental villous tissue was evaluated quantitatively by means of IHC, western blotting and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS Our IHC, western blotting and RT-PCR analysis illustrated the significant decrease in the expression of VEGF and ANXA2 in PE group compared with the normotensive control group (p<0.005). We observed statistically significant positive correlation among the expression of ANXA2 and VEGF in placentas of normotensive control group (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The diminished expression of VEGF and ANXA2 in placenta may be associated with the defective angiogenesis and which may possibly play a vital role in PE pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Ruikar
- Department of Physiology, Shri BM Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, BLDE (Deemed to be University), Vijaypur, India.,Department of Physiology, SDM College of Medical Sciences & Hospital, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Dharwad, India
| | - Manjunatha Aithala
- Department of Physiology, Shri BM Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, BLDE (Deemed to be University), Vijaypur, India
| | - Praveenkumar Shetty
- Department of Biochemistry, K S Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India.,Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research, Mangalore, India
| | - Udupi Shastry Dinesh
- Department of Pathology, SDM College of Medical Sciences & Hospital Dharwad, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University,Dharwad, India
| | - Anil Bargale
- Department of Biochemistry, SDM College of Medical Sciences & Hospital, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Dharwad, India
| | - Roshni Sadashiv
- Department of Anatomy, SDM College of Medical Sciences & Hospital, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University,Dharwad, India
| | - Sarathkumar Edachery Veedu
- Department of Biochemistry, K S Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India
| | - Vitthal Khode
- Department of Physiology, SDM College of Medical Sciences & Hospital, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Dharwad, India
| | - Asha Neravi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, SDM College of Medical Sciences & Hospital, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University,Dharwad, India
| | - Prakash Patil
- Central Research Laboratory, K S Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India
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11
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Colson A, Sonveaux P, Debiève F, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Adaptations of the human placenta to hypoxia: opportunities for interventions in fetal growth restriction. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:531-569. [PMID: 33377492 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta is the functional interface between the mother and the fetus during pregnancy, and a critical determinant of fetal growth and life-long health. In the first trimester, it develops under a low-oxygen environment, which is essential for the conceptus who has little defense against reactive oxygen species produced during oxidative metabolism. However, failure of invasive trophoblasts to sufficiently remodel uterine arteries toward dilated vessels by the end of the first trimester can lead to reduced/intermittent blood flow, persistent hypoxia and oxidative stress in the placenta with consequences for fetal growth. Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is observed in ∼10% of pregnancies and is frequently seen in association with other pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia (PE). FGR is one of the main challenges for obstetricians and pediatricians, as smaller fetuses have greater perinatal risks of morbidity and mortality and postnatal risks of neurodevelopmental and cardio-metabolic disorders. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aim of this review was to examine the importance of placental responses to changing oxygen environments during abnormal pregnancy in terms of cellular, molecular and functional changes in order to highlight new therapeutic pathways, and to pinpoint approaches aimed at enhancing oxygen supply and/or mitigating oxidative stress in the placenta as a mean of optimizing fetal growth. SEARCH METHODS An extensive online search of peer-reviewed articles using PubMed was performed with combinations of search terms including pregnancy, placenta, trophoblast, oxygen, hypoxia, high altitude, FGR and PE (last updated in May 2020). OUTCOMES Trophoblast differentiation and placental establishment are governed by oxygen availability/hypoxia in early pregnancy. The placental response to late gestational hypoxia includes changes in syncytialization, mitochondrial functions, endoplasmic reticulum stress, hormone production, nutrient handling and angiogenic factor secretion. The nature of these changes depends on the extent of hypoxia, with some responses appearing adaptive and others appearing detrimental to the placental support of fetal growth. Emerging approaches that aim to increase placental oxygen supply and/or reduce the impacts of excessive oxidative stress are promising for their potential to prevent/treat FGR. WIDER IMPLICATIONS There are many risks and challenges of intervening during pregnancy that must be considered. The establishment of human trophoblast stem cell lines and organoids will allow further mechanistic studies of the effects of hypoxia and may lead to advanced screening of drugs for use in pregnancies complicated by placental insufficiency/hypoxia. Since no treatments are currently available, a better understanding of placental adaptations to hypoxia would help to develop therapies or repurpose drugs to optimize placental function and fetal growth, with life-long benefits to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Colson
- Pole of Obstetrics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Pole of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Sonveaux
- Pole of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Debiève
- Pole of Obstetrics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Ravikumar G, Mukhopadhyay A, Mani C, Kocchar P, Crasta J, Thomas T, Dwarkanath P, Thomas A, Kurpad AV, Sridhar TS. Placental expression of angiogenesis-related genes and their receptors in IUGR pregnancies: correlation with fetoplacental and maternal parameters. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2020; 33:3954-3961. [PMID: 30922130 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2019.1593362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: Aberrations in placental vascular development compromising fetal supply of oxygen and essential nutrients can be a significant contributor to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The development of placental vascular tree is under the influence of two families of growth factors, namely the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family and angiopoietin/TEK family. In this study, we have examined the expression of angiogenesis-related growth factors, mainly VEGF family and angiopoietin-TEK (endothelial-specific receptor tyrosine kinase) family genes in placentae from IUGR pregnancies uncomplicated by preeclampsia (PE) compared to normal pregnancies.Methods: Placentae from normotensive IUGR (n = 42) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) pregnancies (n = 47) were collected and examined histologically. Clinical parameters were obtained from the medical records. Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to assess placental transcript abundance of VEGF, PGF, FLT1, ANGPT1, ANGPT2, and TEK normalized to a panel of reference genes. Associations of placental transcript abundance of the genes with maternal, placental, and neonatal parameters were tested.Results: Placental transcript abundance for VEGF (relative expression 10.81 versus 12.98, p < .001), PGF (12.14 versus 13.8, p < .001) and ANGPT2 (3.67 versus 9.55, p = .002) were significantly lower in IUGR placentae compared to AGA. The transcript level of VEGF showed significant negative correlation with birth weight (r = -0.419, p = .006), placental weight (r = -0.318, p = .040), placental length (r = -0.389, p = .011) and breadth (r = -0.308, p = .047) only in the IUGR group. Presence of histopathological features of hypoxia correlated with significantly higher transcript levels of PGF in IUGR placentae (12.6 versus 10.9, p = .046).Conclusion: The low levels of VEGF transcripts may be responsible for the impaired angiogenesis in IUGR placentae. The significance of higher relative expression of PGF in the presence of chronic hypoxia needs to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayatri Ravikumar
- Department of Pathology, St. John's Medical College, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Arpita Mukhopadhyay
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Ceera Mani
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Prachi Kocchar
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Julian Crasta
- Department of Pathology, St. John's Medical College, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Tinku Thomas
- Department of Biostatistics, St. John's Medical College, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Pratibha Dwarkanath
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Annamma Thomas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St. John's Medical College Hospital, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Anura V Kurpad
- Department of Physiology, Division of Nutrition, St. John's Medical College, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Tirumalai Srinivas Sridhar
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
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Li W, Chung CYL, Wang CC, Chan TF, Leung MBW, Chan OK, Wu L, Appiah K, Chaemsaithong P, Cheng YKY, Poon LCY, Leung TY. Monochorionic twins with selective fetal growth restriction: insight from placental whole-transcriptome analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2020; 223:749.e1-749.e16. [PMID: 32437666 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The underlying pathomechanism in placenta-related selective fetal growth restriction in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy is not known. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate any differences in placental transcriptomic profile between the selectively growth-restricted twins and the normally grown cotwins in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN This was a prospective study of monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies complicated by selective fetal growth restriction. Placental biopsy specimens were obtained from the subjects in the delivery suite. The placental transcriptome of the selectively growth-restricted twin was compared with that of the normally grown cotwin. This study was divided into 2 stages: (1) gene discovery phase in which placental tissues from 5 monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies complicated by selective fetal growth restriction plus 2 control twin pregnancies underwent transcriptome profiling, and transcriptome profiling was carried out using whole-genome RNA sequencing; and (2) validation phase in which placental tissues from 13 monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies with selective fetal growth restriction underwent RNA and protein validation. RNA and protein expression levels of candidate genes were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry staining. RESULTS A total of 1429 transcripts were differentially expressed in the placentae of selectively growth-restricted twin pairs, where 610 were up-regulated and 819 were down-regulated. Endoplasmic reticulum lectin and mannose 6-phosphate receptor were consistently differentially up-regulated in all placentae of selectively growth-restricted twins. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry staining were used to validate the results (P<.05). CONCLUSION The expression of endoplasmic reticulum lectin and mannose 6-phosphate receptor, which are important for angiogenesis and fetal growth, was significantly increased in the placentae of selectively growth-restricted twin of a monochorionic twin pair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Claire Yik Lok Chung
- School of Life Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong; Hong Kong Bioinformatics Centre, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Chi Chiu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong; Department of Reproduction and Development, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong; School of Biomedical Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Ting Fung Chan
- School of Life Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Maran Bo Wah Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Oi Ka Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong; Hong Kong Bioinformatics Centre, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Ling Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Kubi Appiah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Piya Chaemsaithong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Yvonne Kwun Yue Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Liona Chiu Yee Poon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Tak Yeung Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
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Wang J, Liu X, Dong M, Sun X, Xiao J, Zeng W, Hu J, Li X, Guo L, Rong Z, He G, Sun J, Ning D, Chen D, Zhang Y, Zhang B, Ma W, Liu T. Associations of maternal ambient temperature exposures during pregnancy with the placental weight, volume and PFR: A birth cohort study in Guangzhou, China. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 139:105682. [PMID: 32248024 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta performs crucial functions to ensure normal fetal development. Experimental studies have indicated associations between exposure to elevated temperatures during pregnancy and reduction in placental weight and volume. However, epidemiological studies in humans are lacking. OBJECTIVE To estimate the associations between prenatal exposure to ambient temperature with placental weight, volume, and the placental weight to birth weight ratio (PFR). METHODS We conducted a prospective birth cohort study using the Prenatal Environment and Offspring Health Cohort (PEOH Cohort) beginning in 2016 in Guangzhou, China. Women in early pregnancy were recruited and followed up during their hospitalization for childbirth. An inverse distance-weighted method was employed to estimate the average temperature exposure of every 4 weeks as well as the trimester-specific average temperature exposure at the individual's residential address. A generalized linear model was applied to estimate the effects of temperature exposure during pregnancy on the placental weight, volume, and PFR. RESULTS A total of 4051 pregnant women were enrolled. Compared with the reference temperature of 20 °C, maternal exposure to 29 °C (95th centile) during late pregnancy was associated with an average of -6.03 g (95% confidence interval [CI]: -11.28 g, -0.78 g) in placental weight, -16.15 cm3 (95% CI: -26.24 cm3, -6.07 cm3) in placental volume, and 0.26 (95% CI: 0.07, 0.45) in PFR. The peak effects of high temperatures on placental weight, volume, and PFR were found from 29 to 32 weeks (β = -3.79 g, 95% CI: -8.39 g, 0.82 g), 37 to 40 weeks (β = -19.34 cm3, 95% CI: -30.99 cm3, -7.69 cm3), and 25 to 28 weeks (β = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.66), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Maternal exposure to elevated temperatures was associated with a decrease in placental weight and volume and an increase in PFR. The associations were stronger when exposures occurred during late pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 511430, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 511430, China
| | - Moran Dong
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 511430, China
| | - Xiaoli Sun
- Gynecology Department, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou 511442, China
| | - Jianpeng Xiao
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 511430, China
| | - Weilin Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 511430, China
| | - Jianxiong Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 511430, China
| | - Xing Li
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 511430, China
| | - Lingchuan Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 511430, China
| | - Zuhua Rong
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 511430, China
| | - Guanhao He
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 511430, China
| | - Jiufeng Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 511430, China
| | - Dan Ning
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 511430, China
| | - Dengzhou Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 511430, China
| | - Yonghui Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 511430, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Food Safety and Health Research Center, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Wenjun Ma
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 511430, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 511430, China.
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15
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Hu C, Yang Y, Deng M, Yang L, Shu G, Jiang Q, Zhang S, Li X, Yin Y, Tan C, Wu G. Placentae for Low Birth Weight Piglets Are Vulnerable to Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Impaired Angiogenesis. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:8715412. [PMID: 32566107 PMCID: PMC7267862 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8715412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with fetal mortality and morbidity. One of the most common causes of IUGR is placental insufficiency, including placental vascular defects, and mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition, a high level of oxidative stress induces placental vascular lesions. Here, we evaluated the oxidative stress status, mitochondrial function, angiogenesis, and nutrient transporters in placentae of piglets with different birth weights: <500 g (L), 500-600 g (LM), 600-700 g (M), and >700 g (H). Results showed that placentae from the L group had higher oxidative damage, lower adenosine triphosphate and citrate synthase levels, and lower vascular density, compared to those from the other groups. Protein expression of angiogenic markers, including vascular endothelial cadherin, vascular endothelial growth factor A, and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, was the lowest in the L group placentae compared to the other groups. In addition, the protein levels of glucose transporters GLUT1 and GLUT3 were downregulated in the L group, compared to the other groups. Furthermore, oxidative stress induced by H2O2 inhibited tube formation and migration in porcine vascular endothelial cells. Collectively, placentae for lower birth weight neonates are vulnerable to oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengjun Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Yunyu Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Ming Deng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Linfang Yang
- Guangdong Yihao Foodstuffs Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Gang Shu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Qingyan Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Yunnan Yin Yulong Academician Workstation, Yunnan Xinan Tianyou Animal Husbandry Technology Co., Ltd., Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China
| | - Xiaozhen Li
- Yunnan Yin Yulong Academician Workstation, Yunnan Xinan Tianyou Animal Husbandry Technology Co., Ltd., Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China
| | - Yulong Yin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, Hunan 410125, China
| | - Chengquan Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-2471, USA
| | - Guoyao Wu
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-2471, USA
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Aski SK, Akbari R, Hantoushzadeh S, Ghotbizadeh F. A bibliometric analysis of Intrauterine Growth Restriction research. Placenta 2020; 95:106-120. [PMID: 32452397 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is not a new subject in pregnancy. Nevertheless, this concept has newly begun to be integrated into pregnancy studies. We recognized articles that were published in English from 1977 to 2019 through electronic searches of the Web of Science™ database. The WoS database was searched for all published articles that compared preeclampsia from 1977 to January 2020. About 1469 documents in obstetrics and gynecology areas were analyzed in WoS database. VOSviewer software was employed to visualize the networks. The survey resulted in a 1469 published documents from 1977 to 2020. 'Gratacos' from Spain and 'Cetin' from Italy contributed the most publications. The greatest contribution came from the 'USA' (n = 498), 'Italy' (n = 155), and 'England' (n = 147). Furthermore, our results found that among these journals, the 'AJOG' (n = 318) and the 'Reproductive Sciences' (n = 209) published the largest number of papers. The top 100 most cited papers showed that 30% were reported in the 'AJOG'. About half the articles were published in the last decade and the most common studies were research paper (77%). The co-occurrence and co-citation analysis showed that the study formed four clusters. Finally, the strategic map was designed. We found that there existed an increasing trend in the large amount of publication on IUGR from 1977 to 2020. The number of studies in IUGR has substantially improved in the last decade. Authors from the 'USA' appeared the most proactive in addressing the IUGR area. By studying these articles, we propose important to support not only for grinding the IUGR challenges field but also for designing a new trend in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soudabeh Kazemi Aski
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Razieh Akbari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sedigheh Hantoushzadeh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Fahimeh Ghotbizadeh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Umapathy A, Chamley LW, James JL. Reconciling the distinct roles of angiogenic/anti-angiogenic factors in the placenta and maternal circulation of normal and pathological pregnancies. Angiogenesis 2019; 23:105-117. [DOI: 10.1007/s10456-019-09694-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Hu XQ, Zhang L. MicroRNAs in Uteroplacental Vascular Dysfunction. Cells 2019; 8:E1344. [PMID: 31671866 PMCID: PMC6912833 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy complications of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are major causes of maternal and perinatal/neonatal morbidity and mortality. Although their etiologies remain elusive, it is generally accepted that they are secondary to placental insufficiency conferred by both failure in spiral artery remodeling and uteroplacental vascular malfunction. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small no-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Increasing evidence suggests that miRNAs participate in virtually all biological processes and are involved in numerous human diseases. Differentially expressed miRNAs in the placenta are typical features of both preeclampsia and IUGR. Dysregulated miRNAs target genes of various signaling pathways in uteroplacental tissues, contributing to the development of both complications. In this review, we provide an overview of how aberrant miRNA expression in preeclampsia and IUGR impacts the expression of genes involved in trophoblast invasion and uteroplacental vascular adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Qun Hu
- Lawrence D. Longo MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California 92350, USA.
| | - Lubo Zhang
- Lawrence D. Longo MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California 92350, USA.
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Selcen Cebe F, Nur Tola E, Aslan Koşar P, Oral B. DNA methylation profiles of genes associated with angiogenesis in the samples of placenta in pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2019; 34:2854-2862. [PMID: 31581866 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2019.1671344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impairment in placental angiogenesis is blamed for the etiopathogenesis of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). AIM To assess the genes related to angiogenesis in placental biopsies of pregnancies complicated by IUGR that could be aberrantly methylated and adversely affect placental angiogenesis. METHODS The methylation profiles of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and the placental growth factor (PIGF) were evaluated using Illumina MiSeq™ System in placental biopsies from term IUGR pregnancies without preeclampsia (n = 18) and healthy controls (n = 17). DNA was isolated from samples of tissue collected from the fetal side of the placenta. In the targeted regions, we have identified 30, 24, and 29 CpG islands (CpGi) within sFLT-1, VEGF and PIGF genes, respectively. CpGi which are most methylated in the promoter regions of three genes were selected for the study from the database http://www.ensembl.org. RESULT(S) IUGR fetuses had significantly lower placental and fetal birth weight than controls. The promoter of sFLT-1 at three CpGi and VEGF at six CpGi were the regions with significant methylation differences between IUGR and control placentas. sFLT-1 was hypermethylated at 265 and 352 CpGi; however, hypermethylation was lower in IUGR group compared to control group at this position. sFLT-1 was hypomethylated at 456 CpGi in IUGR group and hypermethylated at the same region in control group. VEGF was hypomethylated at 668, 703, and 710 CpGi in control and IUGR groups; however, hypomethylation at these positions was significantly higher in control group compared to IUGR. 776, 845, and 863 CpGi of VEGF promoter were significantly hypermethylated in IUGR group whereas hypomethylated in control group. The methylation profile of PIGF did not differ between the groups. After adjustment for the factors known to affect fetal birth weight, DNA methylation of VEGF 668 CpGi had a significant negative association with fetal birth weight in the control and the IUGR group and a positive association with IUGR pregnancies. CONCLUSION(S) Our results do not support the hypothesis that altered DNA methylation in the placental angiogenic genes is a major mechanism generally involved in IUGR. Only a specific region (at 668 CpGi) corresponding to the promoter of VEGF may serve as an epigenetic marker of IUGR and may be involved in the mechanism of IUGR. Large sample-sized studies are needed to understand the effects of DNA methylation on placental gene function and how they might influence fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Selcen Cebe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey
| | - Esra Nur Tola
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey
| | - Pınar Aslan Koşar
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey
| | - Baha Oral
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey
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20
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Mochan S, Dhingra MK, Gupta SK, Saxena S, Arora P, Yadav V, Rani N, Luthra K, Dwivedi S, Bhatla N, Dhingra R. Status of VEGF in preeclampsia and its effect on endoplasmic reticulum stress in placental trophoblast cells. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol X 2019; 4:100070. [PMID: 31517301 PMCID: PMC6728727 DOI: 10.1016/j.eurox.2019.100070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore the role of VEGF in attenuating endoplasmic reticulum stress in placental trophoblast cells. Study design Study was divided into following parts: 1. Serum Analysis of GRP78 and VEGF using sandwich ELISA. 2. Expression of VEGF and GRP78 in placentae by immunohistochemistry (IHC). 3. In Vitro experiments. Status of ER stress markers (GRP78, eIF2α, XBP1, ATF6 and CHOP) was assessed at various time points (8 h, 14 h, 24 h) when trophoblast cells were treated with varying concentration(s) of VEGF and also by adding recombinant VEGF at protein (Immunofluorescence, Western blot) and transcript levels (qRT-PCR). Results Increased GRP78 and decreased VEGF protein levels in sera and placentae of preeclamptic pregnant women and reduced expression of various ER stress markers at both transcript and protein levels was observed in trophoblast cells when they were exposed to recombinant VEGF thereby indicating positive role of VEGF in alleviating ER stress. Conclusions Reduced expression of ER stress markers in trophoblast cells against increased VEGF highlighted a new window to explore prospective drugs that can be designed to modulate the activities of various ER stress sensors in order to alleviate ER stress in pregnant women with preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sankat Mochan
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, 110029, India
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Manoj Kumar Dhingra
- Department of Community Medicine, NC Medical college and hospital, Israna, Panipat, Haryana, 132107, India
| | - Sunil Kumar Gupta
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Shobhit Saxena
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Pallavi Arora
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Vineeta Yadav
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Neerja Rani
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Kalpana Luthra
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Sadanand Dwivedi
- Department of Biostatistics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Neerja Bhatla
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Renu Dhingra
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, 110029, India
- Corresponding authors.
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Ganguly E, Aljunaidy MM, Kirschenman R, Spaans F, Morton JS, Phillips TEJ, Case CP, Cooke CLM, Davidge ST. Sex-Specific Effects of Nanoparticle-Encapsulated MitoQ (nMitoQ) Delivery to the Placenta in a Rat Model of Fetal Hypoxia. Front Physiol 2019; 10:562. [PMID: 31178743 PMCID: PMC6543892 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy complications associated with chronic fetal hypoxia have been linked to the development of adult cardiovascular disease in the offspring. Prenatal hypoxia has been shown to increase placental oxidative stress and impair placental function in a sex-specific manner, thereby affecting fetal development. As oxidative stress is central to placental dysfunction, we developed a placenta-targeted treatment strategy using the antioxidant MitoQ encapsulated into nanoparticles (nMitoQ) to reduce placental oxidative/nitrosative stress and improve placental function without direct drug exposure to the fetus in order to avoid off-target effects during development. We hypothesized that, in a rat model of prenatal hypoxia, nMitoQ prevents hypoxia-induced placental oxidative/nitrosative stress, promotes angiogenesis, improves placental morphology, and ultimately improves fetal oxygenation. Additionally, we assessed whether there were sex differences in the effectiveness of nMitoQ treatment. Pregnant rats were intravenously injected with saline or nMitoQ (100 μl of 125 μM) on gestational day (GD) 15 and exposed to either normoxia (21% O2) or hypoxia (11% O2) from GD15 to 21. On GD21, placentae from both sexes were collected for detection of superoxide, nitrotyrosine, nitric oxide, CD31 (endothelial cell marker), and fetal blood spaces, Vegfa and Igf2 mRNA expression in the placental labyrinth zone. Prenatal hypoxia decreased male fetal weight, which was not changed by nMitoQ treatment; however, placental efficiency (fetal/placental weight ratio) decreased by hypoxia and was increased by nMitoQ in both males and females. nMitoQ treatment reduced the prenatal hypoxia-induced increase in placental superoxide levels in both male and female placentae but improved oxygenation in only female placentae. Nitrotyrosine levels were increased in hypoxic female placentae and were reduced by nMitoQ. Prenatal hypoxia reduced placental Vegfa and Igf2 expression in both sexes, while nMitoQ increased Vegfa and Igf2 expression only in hypoxic female placentae. In summary, our study suggests that nMitoQ treatment could be pursued as a potential preventative strategy against placental oxidative stress and programming of adult cardiovascular disease in offspring exposed to hypoxia in utero. However, sex differences need to be taken into account when developing therapeutic strategies to improve fetal development in complicated pregnancies, as nMitoQ treatment was more effective in placentae from females than males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esha Ganguly
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Women and Children’s Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Mais M. Aljunaidy
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Women and Children’s Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Raven Kirschenman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Women and Children’s Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Floor Spaans
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Women and Children’s Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jude S. Morton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Women and Children’s Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - C. Patrick Case
- Musculoskeletal Research Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Christy-Lynn M. Cooke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Women and Children’s Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sandra T. Davidge
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Women and Children’s Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Morales-Rubio RA, Alvarado-Cruz I, Manzano-León N, Andrade-Oliva MDLA, Uribe-Ramirez M, Quintanilla-Vega B, Osornio-Vargas Á, De Vizcaya-Ruiz A. In utero exposure to ultrafine particles promotes placental stress-induced programming of renin-angiotensin system-related elements in the offspring results in altered blood pressure in adult mice. Part Fibre Toxicol 2019; 16:7. [PMID: 30691489 PMCID: PMC6350404 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-019-0289-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Exposure to particulate matter (PM) is associated with an adverse intrauterine environment, which can promote adult cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Ultrafine particles (UFP) (small size and large surface area/mass ratio) are systemically distributed, induce inflammation and oxidative stress, and have been associated with vascular endothelial dysfunction and arterial vasoconstriction, increasing hypertension risk. Placental stress and alterations in methylation of promoter regions of renin-angiotensin system (RAS)-related elements could be involved in UFP exposure-related programming of hypertension. We investigated whether in utero UFP exposure promotes placental stress by inflammation and oxidative stress, alterations in hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 11b-type 2 (HSD11B2) and programming of RAS-related elements, and result in altered blood pressure in adult offspring. UFP were collected from ambient air using an aerosol concentrator and physicochemically characterized. Pregnant C57BL/6J pun/pun female mice were exposed to collected UFP (400 μg/kg accumulated dose) by intratracheal instillation and compared to control (nonexposed) and sterile H2O (vehicle) exposed mice. Embryo reabsorption and placental stress by measurement of the uterus, placental and fetal weights, dam serum and fetal cortisol, placental HSD11B2 DNA methylation and protein levels, were evaluated. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) biotransformation (CYP1A1 and NQO1 (NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (quinone)1)) enzymes, inflammation and oxidative stress in placentas and fetuses were measured. Postnatal day (PND) 50 in male offspring blood pressure was measured. Methylation and protein expression of (RAS)-related elements, angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1R) and angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) in fetuses and lungs of PND 50 male offspring were also assessed. Results In utero UFP exposure induced placental stress as indicated by an increase in embryo reabsorption, decreases in the uterus, placental, and fetal weights, and HSD11B2 hypermethylation and protein downregulation. In utero UFP exposure induced increases in the PAH-biotransforming enzymes, intrauterine oxidative damage and inflammation and stimulated programming and activation of AT1R and ACE, which resulted in increased blood pressure in the PND 50 male offspring. Conclusions In utero UFP exposure promotes placental stress through inflammation and oxidative stress, and programs RAS-related elements that result in altered blood pressure in the offspring. Exposure to UFP during fetal development could influence susceptibility to CVD in adulthood. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12989-019-0289-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell A Morales-Rubio
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Isabel Alvarado-Cruz
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Natalia Manzano-León
- Departamento de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Maria-de-Los-Angeles Andrade-Oliva
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Marisela Uribe-Ramirez
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Betzabet Quintanilla-Vega
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - Andrea De Vizcaya-Ruiz
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de México, México.
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Alahakoon TI, Zhang W, Arbuckle S, Zhang K, Lee V. Reduced angiogenic factor expression in intrauterine fetal growth restriction using semiquantitative immunohistochemistry and digital image analysis. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2018; 44:861-872. [DOI: 10.1111/jog.13592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thushari I. Alahakoon
- The University of Sydney, Westmead Clinical School; Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Westmead Institute for Maternal and Fetal Medicine; Westmead Hospital; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Weiyi Zhang
- Westmead Institute for Maternal and Fetal Medicine; Westmead Hospital; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Susan Arbuckle
- Anatomical Pathology; The Children's Hospital; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Kewei Zhang
- The University of Sydney, Westmead Clinical School; Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Westmead Institute for Maternal and Fetal Medicine; Westmead Hospital; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Vincent Lee
- The University of Sydney, Westmead Clinical School; Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Renal Medicine; Westmead Hospital; Sydney New South Wales Australia
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Sharma D, Sharma P, Shastri S. Genetic, metabolic and endocrine aspect of intrauterine growth restriction: an update. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2016; 30:2263-2275. [DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2016.1245285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Sharma
- Consultant Neonatologist, Department of Neonatology, NEOCLINIC, TN Mishra Marg, Everest Vihar, Nirman Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India,
| | - Pradeep Sharma
- Department of Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, and
| | - Sweta Shastri
- Department of Pathology, N.K.P Salve Medical College, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
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Tse JYM, Lao TT, Chan CCW, Chiu PM, Cheung ANY. Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Third-Trimester Placentas Is Not Increased in Growth-Restricted Fetuses. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/107155760100800203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Y. M. Tse
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, PRC
| | | | | | | | - Annie N. Y. Cheung
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
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Merchant SJ, Crocker IP, Baker PN, Tansinda D, Davidge ST, Guilbert LJ. Matrix Metalloproteinase Release From Placental Explants of Pregnancies Complicated by Intrauterine Growth Restriction. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 11:97-103. [PMID: 14980311 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsgi.2003.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is evidence of impaired placental development in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes that are released by placental cells during tissue remodeling processes. We hypothesized 1) that release of MMP-2 and -9 is decreased and/or release of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) is increased from placental explants in pregnancies complicated by IUGR and 2) that oxygen levels affect such release. METHODS Placental villous explants from normal (n = 7) and IUGR (n = 7) pregnancies were cultured at high (20%) and low (3%) oxygen levels for 24 hours. Supernatants were analyzed for MMP-2 and MMP-9 by zymography and for TIMP-1 and -2 by western blot analysis. RESULTS : At 20% oxygen there was significantly reduced MMP-2 (P < .05) and TIMP-1 (P < .01) release and a trend for decreased MMP-9 release (P = .07) in explants from IUGR pregnancies compared with normal pregnancies; however, there were no differences at 3% oxygen. TIMP-2 was below detectable levels in all samples. Although MMP-2 and TIMP-1 release was significantly reduced at 3% compared with 20% oxygen in explants from both normal (P < .001; P < .05) and IUGR (P < .05) pregnancies, MMP-2 release changed less in IUGR compared with normal explant cultures. There were no significant effects of oxygen on MMP-9 release. CONCLUSION Placental explants from IUGR pregnancies demonstrated reduced MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 release compared with explants from normal pregnancies at high (20%) but not low (3%) oxygen.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Merchant
- Perinatal Research Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Bairagi S, Quinn K, Crane A, Ashley R, Borowicz P, Caton J, Redden R, Grazul-Bilska A, Reynolds L. Maternal environment and placental vascularization in small ruminants. Theriogenology 2016; 86:288-305. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Revised: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Bibeau K, Sicotte B, Béland M, Bhat M, Gaboury L, Couture R, St-Louis J, Brochu M. Placental Underperfusion in a Rat Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction Induced by a Reduced Plasma Volume Expansion. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0145982. [PMID: 26727492 PMCID: PMC4703198 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Lower maternal plasma volume expansion was found in idiopathic intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) but the link remains to be elucidated. An animal model of IUGR was developed by giving a low-sodium diet to rats over the last week of gestation. This treatment prevents full expansion of maternal circulating volume and the increase in uterine artery diameter, leading to reduced placental weight compared to normal gestation. We aimed to verify whether this is associated with reduced remodeling of uteroplacental circulation and placental hypoxia. Dams were divided into two groups: IUGR group and normal-fed controls. Blood velocity waveforms in the main uterine artery were obtained by Doppler sonography on days 14, 18 and 21 of pregnancy. On day 22 (term = 23 days), rats were sacrificed and placentas and uterine radial arteries were collected. Diameter and myogenic response of uterine arteries supplying placentas were determined while expression of hypoxia-modulated genes (HIF-1α, VEGFA and VEGFR2), apoptotic enzyme (Caspase -3 and -9) and glycogen cells clusters were measured in control and IUGR term-placentas. In the IUGR group, impaired blood velocity in the main uterine artery along with increased resistance index was observed without alteration in umbilical artery blood velocity. Radial uterine artery diameter was reduced while myogenic response was increased. IUGR placentas displayed increased expression of hypoxia markers without change in the caspases and increased glycogen cells in the junctional zone. The present data suggest that reduced placental and fetal growth in our IUGR model may be mediated, in part, through reduced maternal uteroplacental blood flow and increased placental hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Bibeau
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Benoit Sicotte
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Mélanie Béland
- Department of Pathology and Cellular Biology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Menakshi Bhat
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Louis Gaboury
- Department of Pathology and Cellular Biology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Réjean Couture
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jean St-Louis
- Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Michèle Brochu
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Kurtoglu E, Avci B, Kokcu A, Celik H, Cengiz Dura M, Malatyalioglu E, Zehra Ozdemir A. Serum VEGF and PGF may be significant markers in prediction of severity of preeclampsia. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2015; 29:1987-92. [PMID: 26333278 DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2015.1072157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study evaluate the value of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PGF) serum levels in prediction of preeclampsia, severity and onset time of the disease. METHODS Twenty five placentas of pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia (15 severe preeclampsia, 10 mild preeclampsia) and peripheral venous blood samples were collected. The placental and serum levels of VEGF and PGF were measured. RESULTS VEGF level was significantly higher in cases and the optimal cut-off point was calculated as 600.5 to differentiate the cases and the controls, with 64% sensitivity and 100% specificity. There was a significant increase in median serum level of VEGF in severe cases compared to the mild cases and the controls. The optimal cut-off point for VEGF was calculated as 673.5 to differentiate mild and severe cases, with 93.3% sensitivity and 90% specificity. Whereas, PGF was significantly lower in severe cases than that in the mild cases and controls. The optimal cut-off point for PGF was calculated as 16.1 to differentiate mild and severe cases, with 66.7% sensitivity and 100% specificity. CONCLUSION VEGF and PGF may be significant markers in prediction of severity of preeclampsia, and VEGF may also be valuable in prediction of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emel Kurtoglu
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Ondokuz Mayis University , Samsun , Turkey and
| | - Bahattin Avci
- b Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine , Ondokuz Mayis University , Samsun , Turkey
| | - Arif Kokcu
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Ondokuz Mayis University , Samsun , Turkey and
| | - Handan Celik
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Ondokuz Mayis University , Samsun , Turkey and
| | - Mustafa Cengiz Dura
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Ondokuz Mayis University , Samsun , Turkey and
| | - Erdal Malatyalioglu
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Ondokuz Mayis University , Samsun , Turkey and
| | - Ayse Zehra Ozdemir
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Ondokuz Mayis University , Samsun , Turkey and
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30
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Kurtoglu E, Altunkaynak BZ, Aydin I, Ozdemir AZ, Altun G, Kokcu A, Kaplan S. Role of vascular endothelial growth factor and placental growth factor expression on placenta structure in pre-eclamptic pregnancy. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2015; 41:1533-40. [PMID: 26177586 DOI: 10.1111/jog.12751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Revised: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM Pre-eclampsia is a hypertensive disease that is characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria after 20 gestational weeks and complicates 3-8% of all pregnancies. It is classified as either mild or severe pre-eclampsia according to severity, and the aim of this study was to investigate the structural differences between these two classifications. METHODS Placenta samples were collected from 68 women who underwent cesarean delivery. Total volume of villi and numerical density of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)- and placental growth factor (PIGF)-positive cells were estimated on stereology and evaluated using one-way ANOVA. RESULTS There was no significantly difference in total villi volumes between the groups (P > 0.05). In contrast, on immunohistochemistry, the numerical density of VEGF-positive cells in severe pre-eclampsia was significantly different to the control and mild pre-eclampsia groups (P<0.05). Additionally, the numerical density of PIGF-positive cells in the mild and severe pre-eclampsia group was significantly higher than in the control group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION There is no relationship between villi volume and pre-eclampsia, although growth factors play a role in placental changes. The present results were supported by histopathology and several studies in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emel Kurtoglu
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsun, Turkey
| | | | - Isinsu Aydin
- Histology and Embryology, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Ayse Z Ozdemir
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Gamze Altun
- Histology and Embryology, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Arif Kokcu
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Suleyman Kaplan
- Histology and Embryology, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
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Zhang S, Regnault TRH, Barker PL, Botting KJ, McMillen IC, McMillan CM, Roberts CT, Morrison JL. Placental adaptations in growth restriction. Nutrients 2015; 7:360-89. [PMID: 25580812 PMCID: PMC4303845 DOI: 10.3390/nu7010360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is the primary interface between the fetus and mother and plays an important role in maintaining fetal development and growth by facilitating the transfer of substrates and participating in modulating the maternal immune response to prevent immunological rejection of the conceptus. The major substrates required for fetal growth include oxygen, glucose, amino acids and fatty acids, and their transport processes depend on morphological characteristics of the placenta, such as placental size, morphology, blood flow and vascularity. Other factors including insulin-like growth factors, apoptosis, autophagy and glucocorticoid exposure also affect placental growth and substrate transport capacity. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is often a consequence of insufficiency, and is associated with a high incidence of perinatal morbidity and mortality, as well as increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in later life. Several different experimental methods have been used to induce placental insufficiency and IUGR in animal models and a range of factors that regulate placental growth and substrate transport capacity have been demonstrated. While no model system completely recapitulates human IUGR, these animal models allow us to carefully dissect cellular and molecular mechanisms to improve our understanding and facilitate development of therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Zhang
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Timothy R H Regnault
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada.
| | - Paige L Barker
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Kimberley J Botting
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Isabella C McMillen
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Christine M McMillan
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Claire T Roberts
- The Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
| | - Janna L Morrison
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
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A putative role for telocytes in placental barrier impairment during preeclampsia. Med Hypotheses 2014; 84:72-7. [PMID: 25499002 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2014.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 11/22/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a major health problem occurring in pregnant women and the principal cause of maternal morbidity and perinatal mortality. It is characterized by alteration of the extravilli trophoblast cell migration toward the endometrial spiral arteries with a concomitant reduction in maternal blood flow in the placenta. This result in a state of ischemia-hypoxia which triggers an oxidative stress stage with production of reactive oxygen species. A cascade of cellular and molecular events leads then to endothelial dysfunction, transduction pathway signal disruption and induction of apoptosis and necrosis mechanisms and therefore a significant reduction in the amount of nutrients required for normal fetal development. Placental anchoring chorionic and stem villi present a skeleton of myofibroblasts arranged in parallel disposition to its longitudinal axis. The intraplacental blood volume is controlled by the contraction/relaxation of these myofibroblasts, promoting the delivery of nutrients and metabolites to the fetus. Recently, a new mesodermal originated cell type has been described in the villous stroma, the so named "telocytes". These cells are strategically located between the smooth muscle cells of the blood vessel wall and the myofibroblasts, and it is reasonable to hypothesize that they may play a pacemaker role, as in the intestine. This study provide new information supporting the notion that the occurrence of oxidative stress in PE is not only related to endothelial dysfunction and apoptosis of the trophoblast cells, but also involves telocytes and its putative role in the regulation of fetal blood flow and the intra-placental blood volume. Some ideas aimed at dilucidating the relationship between placental failure and the behavior of telocytes in pathological organs in adulthood, are also discussed.
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Elfayomy AK, Almasry SM. Effects of a single course versus repeated courses of antenatal corticosteroids on fetal growth, placental morphometry and the differential regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2014; 40:2135-45. [PMID: 25163747 DOI: 10.1111/jog.12466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the impact of antenatal exposure to a single course or repeated courses of dexamethasone (DEX) on neonatal anthropometrics, placental morphometry and potential effect on maternal plasma levels and placental expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). METHODS Pregnant women between 27 and 32 weeks of gestation who delivered between 28 and 40 weeks and received a single course (n = 38) or repeated courses (n = 33) of DEX were compared to gestational age-matched controls (n = 30). Maternal blood samples were obtained, and placental biopsy was taken. Area percent of VEGF immunostaining and villous capillarization index were evaluated using image analysis. RESULTS Infants exposed to repeated courses of DEX were significantly associated with decreased birthweight, body length, head circumference and placental weight compared with controls (P = 0.011, P < 0.001, P = 0.004, P < 0.001, respectively) and with the group that received a single course of DEX (P = 0.021, P = 0.020, P = 0.049, P = 0.010, respectively). There was a significant decrease in maternal VEGF plasma levels and percentage of VEGF immunostained area after repeated courses of DEX compared with controls (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively) or a single course (P = 0.028 and P = 0.002, respectively). Notably, repeated courses of DEX impaired normal increase in villous capillarization index compared with controls or a single course (P = 0.001 and P = 0.041, respectively). CONCLUSION Repeated antenatal courses of DEX compromised fetal and placental growth compared with a single course of DEX, and these effects were potentially mediated by altered maternal plasma levels and placental expression of VEGF with consequent decrease in placental vascularization. Because of continuing uncertainties, several key messages for clinicians are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr K Elfayomy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawarah, Saudi Arabia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Escudero C, Roberts JM, Myatt L, Feoktistov I. Impaired adenosine-mediated angiogenesis in preeclampsia: potential implications for fetal programming. Front Pharmacol 2014; 5:134. [PMID: 24926270 PMCID: PMC4046493 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2014.00134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific syndrome, defined by such clinical hallmarks as the onset of maternal hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. The syndrome is also characterized by impaired blood flow through the utero-placental circulation and relative placental ischemia, which in turn, may generate feto-placental endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial dysfunction in offspring born from preeclamptic pregnancies has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, later in life. Interestingly, diminished endothelial function, manifested by low angiogenic capacity, leads to hypertension in animal studies. Recently, we have shown that the adenosine receptor A2A/nitric oxide/vascular endothelial growth factor axis is reduced in human umbilical vein endothelial cells derived from preeclamptic pregnancies, an effect correlated with gestational age at onset of preeclampsia. We and others suggested that impaired vascular function might be associated with high cardiovascular risk in offspring exposed to pregnancy diseases. However, we are not aware of any studies that examine impaired adenosine-mediated angiogenesis as a possible link to hypertension in offspring born from preeclamptic pregnancies. In this review, we present evidence supporting the hypothesis that reduced adenosine-mediated angiogenesis during preeclamptic pregnancies might be associated with development of hypertension in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Escudero
- Vascular Physiology Laboratory, Group of Investigation in Tumor Angiogenesis, Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health, Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad del Bío-Bío Chillán, Chile
| | - James M Roberts
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Department of Epidemiology and Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Leslie Myatt
- Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Research, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Igor Feoktistov
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN, USA ; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN, USA
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Lacko LA, Massimiani M, Sones JL, Hurtado R, Salvi S, Ferrazzani S, Davisson RL, Campagnolo L, Stuhlmann H. Novel expression of EGFL7 in placental trophoblast and endothelial cells and its implication in preeclampsia. Mech Dev 2014; 133:163-76. [PMID: 24751645 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2014.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Revised: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian placenta is the site of nutrient and gas exchange between the mother and fetus, and is comprised of two principal cell types, trophoblasts and endothelial cells. Proper placental development requires invasion and differentiation of trophoblast cells, together with coordinated fetal vasculogenesis and maternal vascular remodeling. Disruption in these processes can result in placental pathologies such as preeclampsia (PE), a disease characterized by late gestational hypertension and proteinuria. Epidermal Growth Factor Like Domain 7 (EGFL7) is a largely endothelial-restricted secreted factor that is critical for embryonic vascular development, and functions by modulating the Notch signaling pathway. However, the role of EGFL7 in placental development remains unknown. In this study, we use mouse models and human placentas to begin to understand the role of EGFL7 during normal and pathological placentation. We show that Egfl7 is expressed by the endothelium of both the maternal and fetal vasculature throughout placental development. Importantly, we uncovered a previously unknown site of EGFL7 expression in the trophoblast cell lineage, including the trophectoderm, trophoblast stem cells, and placental trophoblasts. Our results demonstrate significantly reduced Egfl7 expression in human PE placentas, concurrent with a downregulation of Notch target genes. Moreover, using the BPH/5 mouse model of PE, we show that the downregulation of Egfl7 in compromised placentas occurs prior to the onset of characteristic maternal signs of PE. Together, our results implicate Egfl7 as a possible factor in normal placental development and in the etiology of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauretta A Lacko
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, Box 60, New York, NY 10065, United States.
| | - Micol Massimiani
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Jenny L Sones
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, T9-014 Veterinary Research Tower, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States.
| | - Romulo Hurtado
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, United States.
| | - Silvia Salvi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Sergio Ferrazzani
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Robin L Davisson
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, Box 60, New York, NY 10065, United States; Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, T9-014 Veterinary Research Tower, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States.
| | - Luisa Campagnolo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Heidi Stuhlmann
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, Box 60, New York, NY 10065, United States.
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Escudero C, Celis C, Saez T, San Martin S, Valenzuela F, Aguayo C, Bertoglia P, Roberts J, Acurio J. Increased placental angiogenesis in late and early onset pre-eclampsia is associated with differential activation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2. Placenta 2014; 35:207-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2014.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Revised: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Zamudio S, Borges M, Echalar L, Kovalenko O, Vargas E, Torricos T, Khan AA, Alvarez M, Illsley NP. Maternal and fetoplacental hypoxia do not alter circulating angiogenic growth effectors during human pregnancy. Biol Reprod 2014; 90:42. [PMID: 24352559 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.115592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
One causal model of preeclampsia (PE) postulates that placental hypoxia alters the production of angiogenic growth effectors (AGEs), causing an imbalance leading to maternal endothelial cell dysfunction. We tested this model using the natural experiment of high-altitude (HA) residence. We hypothesized that in HA pregnancies 1) circulating soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) is increased and placental growth factor (PlGF) decreased, and 2) AGE concentrations correlate with measures of hypoxia. A cross-sectional study of healthy pregnancies at low altitude (LA) (400 m) versus HA (3600 m) compared normal (n = 80 at HA, n = 90 at LA) and PE pregnancies (n = 20 PE at HA, n = 19 PE at LA). Blood was collected using standard serum separation and, in parallel, by a method designed to inhibit platelet activation. AGEs were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. AGEs did not differ between altitudes in normal or PE pregnancies. AGE concentrations were unrelated to measures of maternal or fetal hypoxia. PlGF was lower and sFlt-1 higher in PE, but overlapped considerably with the range observed in normal samples. PlGF correlated with placental mass in both normal and PE pregnancies. The contribution of peripheral cells to the values measured for AGEs was similar at LA and HA, but was greater in PE than in normotensive women. Hypoxia, across a wide physiological range in pregnancy, does not alter levels of circulating AGEs in otherwise normal pregnancies. Peripheral cell release of AGEs with the hemostasis characteristic of standard blood collection is highly variable and contributes to a doubling of the amount of sFlt-1 measured in PE as compared to normal pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy Zamudio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine and Surgery, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, New Jersey
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Cağlar M, Yavuzcan A, Göksu M, Alkan Bulbul G, Sıtkı Isenlik B, Ustün Y, Aydin S, Kumru S. Decorin: a possible marker for fetal growth restriction. Gynecol Endocrinol 2014; 30:141-4. [PMID: 24256371 DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2013.860125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare decorin (DCN) levels between pregnancies complicated by idiopathic fetal growth restriction (FGR) and uncomplicated pregnancies and to determine the relationship between DCN levels and clinical parameters. The study population consisted of two groups: control group consisted of 13 women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies in the third trimester. Study group consisted of 14 singleton pregnancies complicated by idiopathic FGR who were admitted to the hospital for delivery in the third trimester of pregnancy. Maternal and fetal DCN levels were measured. Color Doppler flow assessments were performed. Relationship between DCN levels and clinical parameters was determined. Maternal DCN serum levels were significantly higher in complicated pregnancies by idiopathic FGR (p = 0.01). A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between maternal DCN serum levels and neonatal birth weight (r = -0.0506; p = 0.007). There was a significant correlation between umbilical artery (UA) DCN levels and UA S/D ratio (r = 0.512; p = 0.006) and UA RI (r = 0.405; p = 0.036). The risk of high DCN maternal serum levels (>7986.6 pg/mL) in pregnancy complicated by FGR was 8.25 times higher (RR = 8.25; 95% CI, 1.4-46.8). The results of our study showed that the presence of increased DCN levels in women with FGR could contribute to pathogenesis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mete Cağlar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Düzce University, Düzce , Turkey
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Zamudio S, Kovalenko O, Echalar L, Torricos T, Al-Khan A, Alvarez M, Illsley NP. Evidence for extraplacental sources of circulating angiogenic growth effectors in human pregnancy. Placenta 2013; 34:1170-6. [PMID: 24161217 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2013.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2013] [Revised: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are associated with reduced blood flow, contributing to placental and fetal hypoxia. Placental hypoxia is thought to cause altered production of angiogenic growth effectors (AGEs), reflected in the circulation of mother and fetus. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor (PlGF) and their soluble binding protein (sFlt-1) are, in turn, postulated as being causally involved in PE via induction of systemic endothelial cell dysfunction. To dissect the role of AGEs, accurate measurement is of great importance. However, the values of AGEs are highly variable, contributing to heterogeneity in their association (or lack thereof) with preeclampsia. To test the hypothesis that variability may be due to peripheral cell release of AGEs we obtained blood samples from normal healthy pregnant women (n = 90) and the cord blood of a subset of their neonates using standard serum separation and compared results obtained in parallel samples collected into reagents designed to inhibit peripheral cell activation (sodium citrate, theophylline, adenosine and dipyridamole-CTAD). AGEs were measured by ELISA. CTAD collection reduced maternal and fetal free VEGF by 83%, and 98%, respectively. Free PlGF was decreased by 29%, maternal sFlt-1 by >20% and fetal sFlt-1 by 59% in the CTAD-treated vs. serum sample (p < 0.0001). In summary blood collection techniques can profoundly alter measured concentrations of AGEs in mother and fetus. This process is highly variable, contributes to variation reported in the literature, and renders questionable the true impact of alteration in AGEs on pregnancy pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Zamudio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Surgery and the Center for Abnormal Placentation, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, USA.
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Sezer SD, Küçük M, Döger FK, Yüksel H, Odabaşi AR, Türkmen MK, Cakmak BÇ, Ömürlü IK, Kinaş MG. VEGF, PIGF and HIF-1α in placentas of early- and late-onset pre-eclamptic patients. Gynecol Endocrinol 2013; 29:797-800. [PMID: 23767832 DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2013.801437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to compare the VEGF, PIGF, and HIF-1α levels in the placentas of early- and late-onset pre-eclamptic patients, which are thought to be important in pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia. MATERIAL AND METHOD Pre-eclamptic early-onset (n = 22) and late-onset (n = 24) pregnant women and a control group of healthy pregnant women (n = 22) were recruited for this case-control study. A semi-quantitative immunohistochemical analysis of VEGF, PIGF and HIF-1α was performed in cross-sections of the placentas of the subjects, after which results were compared. RESULTS Levels of VEGF and PIGF in the placentas of pre-eclamptic patients were found to be lower than the levels in the placentas of healthy pregnant women (p < 0.001 and p = 0.025, respectively), whereas the levels of HIF-1α were found significantly higher (p < 0.001). No difference was observed in terms of VEGF, PIGF and HIF-1α in a comparison of the early- and late-onset pre-eclampsia groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION The results of the study indicated that there is no relationship between the time of onset of pre-eclampsia and the placental changes that occur in these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selda Demircan Sezer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Medicine, Aydin, Turkey.
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Weintraub AY, Amash A, Eshkoli T, Piltcher Haber E, Bronfenmacher B, Sheiner E, Holcberg G, Huleihel M. The effects of magnesium sulfate on placental vascular endothelial growth factor expression in preeclampsia. Hypertens Pregnancy 2013; 32:178-88. [DOI: 10.3109/10641955.2013.784787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Sundrani DP, Reddy US, Joshi AA, Mehendale SS, Chavan-Gautam PM, Hardikar AA, Chandak GR, Joshi SR. Differential placental methylation and expression of VEGF, FLT-1 and KDR genes in human term and preterm preeclampsia. Clin Epigenetics 2013; 5:6. [PMID: 23621880 PMCID: PMC3640948 DOI: 10.1186/1868-7083-5-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2012] [Accepted: 04/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication of placental origin is associated with altered expression of angiogenic factors and their receptors. Recently, there is considerable interest in understanding the role of adverse intrauterine conditions in placental dysfunction and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Since we have observed changes in placental global DNA methylation levels in preeclampsia, this study was undertaken to examine gene promoter CpG methylation and expression of several angiogenic genes. We recruited 139 women comprising, 46 normotensive women with term delivery (≥37 weeks), 45 women with preeclampsia delivering preterm (<37 weeks) and 48 women with preeclampsia delivering at term. Expression levels and promoter CpG methylation of VEGF, FLT-1 and KDR genes in placentae from respective groups were determined by Taqman-based quantitative real time PCR and by the Sequenom® EpiTYPER™ technology respectively. Results We observed several differentially methylated CpG sites in the promoter regions of VEGF, FLT-1 and KDR between the normotensive and preeclampsia groups. We specifically observed hypomethylated CpGs in the promoter region and an increased expression of VEGF gene between term and preterm preeclampsia. However, mean promoter CpG methylation could not account for the higher expression of FLT-1 and KDR in preterm preeclampsia as compared to normotensive group. Conclusions Our data indicates altered DNA methylation patterns in the VEGF, FLT-1 and KDR genes in preeclampsia as compared to the normotensive group, which could be involved in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Hypomethylation of VEGF promoter and consequent upregulation of VEGF mRNA levels could be a compensatory mechanism to restore normal angiogenesis and blood flow in preterm preeclampsia. This study suggests a role of altered DNA methylation in placental angiogenesis and in determining adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepali P Sundrani
- Department of Nutritional Medicine, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, 411043, India
| | - Umakar S Reddy
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Hyderabad, 500007, India
| | - Asmita A Joshi
- Department of Nutritional Medicine, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, 411043, India
| | - Savita S Mehendale
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bharati Medical College and Hospital, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, 411043, India
| | - Preeti M Chavan-Gautam
- Department of Nutritional Medicine, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, 411043, India
| | - Anandwardhan A Hardikar
- Diabetes and Islet-biology Group, NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Giriraj R Chandak
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Hyderabad, 500007, India
| | - Sadhana R Joshi
- Department of Nutritional Medicine, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, 411043, India
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Szentpéteri I, Rab A, Kornya L, Kovács P, Joó JG. Gene expression patterns of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) in human placenta from pregnancies with intrauterine growth restriction. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2013; 26:984-9. [DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2013.766702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Kulandavelu S, Whiteley KJ, Bainbridge SA, Qu D, Adamson SL. Endothelial NO Synthase Augments Fetoplacental Blood Flow, Placental Vascularization, and Fetal Growth in Mice. Hypertension 2013; 61:259-66. [DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.112.201996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
It is not known whether eNOS deficiency in the mother or the conceptus (ie, placenta and fetus) causes fetal growth restriction in mice lacking the endothelial NO synthase gene (eNOS knockout [KO]). We hypothesized that eNOS sustains fetal growth by maintaining low fetoplacental vascular tone and promoting fetoplacental vascularity and that this is a conceptus effect and is independent of maternal genotype. We found that eNOS deficiency blunted fetal growth, and blunted the normal increase in umbilical blood flow and umbilical venous diameter and the decrease in umbilical arterial Resistance Index in late gestation (14.5–17.5 days) in eNOS KO relative to C57Bl/6J controls. On day 17.5, fetoplacental capillary lobule length and capillary density in vascular corrosion casts were reduced in eNOS KO placentas. Reduced vascularization may be a result of decreased vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA and protein expression in eNOS KO placentas at this stage. These factors, combined with significant anemia found in eNOS KO fetuses, would be anticipated to reduce fetal oxygen delivery and contribute to the fetal tissue hypoxia that was detected in the heart, lung, kidney, and liver by immunohistochemistry using pimonidazole. Although maternal eNOS deficiency impairs uteroplacental adaptations to pregnancy, maternal genotype was not a significant factor affecting growth in heterozygous conceptuses. This indicates that fetal growth restriction was primarily caused by conceptus eNOS deficiency. In mice, placental hemodynamic and vascular changes with gestation and growth restriction showed strong parallels with human pregnancy. Thus, the eNOS KO model could provide insights into the pathogenesis of human intrauterine growth restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shathiyah Kulandavelu
- From the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (S.K., K.J.W., S.A.B., D.Q., S.L.A.); and the Departments of Physiology, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (S.K., S.A.B., S.L.A.)
| | - Kathie J. Whiteley
- From the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (S.K., K.J.W., S.A.B., D.Q., S.L.A.); and the Departments of Physiology, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (S.K., S.A.B., S.L.A.)
| | - Shannon A. Bainbridge
- From the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (S.K., K.J.W., S.A.B., D.Q., S.L.A.); and the Departments of Physiology, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (S.K., S.A.B., S.L.A.)
| | - Dawei Qu
- From the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (S.K., K.J.W., S.A.B., D.Q., S.L.A.); and the Departments of Physiology, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (S.K., S.A.B., S.L.A.)
| | - S. Lee Adamson
- From the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (S.K., K.J.W., S.A.B., D.Q., S.L.A.); and the Departments of Physiology, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (S.K., S.A.B., S.L.A.)
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Espinoza J. Uteroplacental ischemia in early- and late-onset pre-eclampsia: a role for the fetus? ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2012; 40:373-382. [PMID: 23161443 DOI: 10.1002/uog.12280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J Espinoza
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Children's Hospital Pavilion for Women, Baylor College of Medicine, 6651 Main Street, Suite 1020, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Bosco C, González J, Gutiérrez R, Parra-Cordero M, Barja P, Rodrigo R. Oxidative damage to pre-eclamptic placenta: immunohistochemical expression of VEGF, nitrotyrosine residues and von Willebrand factor. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2012; 25:2339-45. [PMID: 22612323 DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2012.695823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the relationship of biomarkers of placental damage by oxidative stress in pre-eclamptic placenta. METHODS A case-control study was performed on a population of 14 pregnant women with PE and 12 women with normal pregnancies. Immunohistochemical expressions of VEGF, vWF distribution, (Na + K)-ATPase activity, and abundance of nitrotyrosine residues, were assessed in the placental tissue. RESULTS Women with pre-eclampsia showed increased VEGF expression and abundance of nitrotyrosine residues in placental villous, and plasma vWF levels (p < 0.05), whereas placental (Na + K)-ATPase activity were significantly reduced. The syncytiotrophoblast and the maternal space of pre-eclamptic placenta showed diminished and increased vWF expression, respectively, but no significant differences in its expression were found in the placental endothelium and stroma (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS It could be suggested that increased oxidative stress and VEGF contribute to enhance the impairment of placental perfusion by increasing peroxynitrite formation, product of the NO and superoxide reaction, thereby partly contributing to account for the pathophysiology of this disease. The presence of vWF in the maternal space and its diminished expression in syncytiotrophoblast of pre-eclamptic placenta also might have pathogenic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cleofina Bosco
- Anatomy and Developmental Biology Programme, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Placental expression of VEGF family mRNA in adverse pregnancy outcomes. Placenta 2012; 33:467-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2012.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2011] [Revised: 02/10/2012] [Accepted: 02/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Abstract
PET (pre-eclamptic toxaemia), characterized by pregnancy-related hypertension and proteinuria, due to widespread endothelial dysfunction, is a primary cause of maternal morbidity. Altered circulating factors, particularly the VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) family of proteins and their receptors, are thought to be key contributors to this disease. Plasma from patients with PET induces numerous cellular and physiological changes in endothelial cells, indicating the presence of a circulating imbalance of the normal plasma constituents. These have been narrowed down to macromolecules of the VEGF family of proteins and receptors. It has been shown that responses of endothelial cells in intact vessels to plasma from patients with pre-eclampsia is VEGF-dependent. It has recently been shown that this may be specific to the VEGF₁₆₅b isoform, and blocked by addition of recombinant human PlGF (placental growth factor). Taken together with results that show that sVEGFR1 (soluble VEGF receptor 1) levels are insufficient to bind VEGF-A in human plasma from patients with pre-eclampsia, and that other circulating macromolecules bind, but do not inactivate, VEGF-A, this suggests that novel hypotheses involving altered bioavailability of VEGF isoforms resulting from reduced or bound PlGF, or increased sVEGFR1 increasing biological activity of circulating plasma, could be tested. This suggests that knowing how to alter the balance of VEGF family members could prevent endothelial activation, and potentially some symptoms, of pre-eclampsia.
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Rennie MY, Detmar J, Whiteley KJ, Jurisicova A, Adamson SL, Sled JG. Expansion of the fetoplacental vasculature in late gestation is strain dependent in mice. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2012; 302:H1261-73. [PMID: 22268107 PMCID: PMC3311476 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00776.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2011] [Accepted: 01/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
How the fetoplacental arterial tree grows and expands during late gestational development is largely unknown. In this study, we quantified changes in arterial branching in the fetal exchange region of the mouse placenta during late gestation, when capillarization increases rapidly. We studied two commonly used mouse strains, CD1 and C57Bl/6 (B6), at embryonic days (E)13.5, 15.5, and 17.5. B6 mice differ from CD1 mice by exhibiting a blunted fetal weight gain in late gestation. We found that B6 capillarization and interhemal membrane thinning were reduced and placental hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and VEGF-A expression were higher than CD1 near term. Automated vascular segmentation of microcomputed tomography data sets revealed that the number of arterial vessels ≥50 μm remained constant during late gestation in both strains, despite large increases in downstream capillary volume quantified by stereology (+65% in B6 mice and +200% in CD1 mice). Arterial diameters expanded in both strains from E13.5 to E15.5; however, diameters continued to expand to E17.5 in B6 mice only. The diameter scaling coefficient at branch sites was near optimal (-3.0) and remained constant in CD1 mice, whereas it decreased, becoming abnormal, in B6 mice at term (-3.5 ± 0.2). Based on arterial tree geometry, resistance remained constant throughout late gestation (∼0.45 mmHg·s·μl(-1)) in CD1 mice, whereas it decreased by 50% in late gestation in B6 mice. Quantification of the fetoplacental vasculature revealed significant strain-dependent differences in arterial and capillary expansion in late gestation. In both strains, enlargement of the fetoplacental arterial tree occurred primarily by increased arterial diameters with no change in segment numbers in late gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Y Rennie
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Toronto Centre for Phenogenomics, Hospital for Sick Children, Canada
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