1
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Jiang X, Li L. Decidual macrophage: a reversible role in immunotolerance between mother and fetus during pregnancy. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:1735-1744. [PMID: 38329548 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07364-3] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The tolerance of the semi-allogeneic fetus by the maternal immune system is an eternal topic of reproductive immunology for ensuring a satisfactory outcome. The maternal-fetal interface serves as a direct portal for communication between the fetus and the mother. It is composed of placental villi trophoblast cells, decidual immune cells, and stromal cells. Decidual immune cells engage in maintaining the homeostasis of the maternal-fetal interface microenvironment. Furthermore, growing evidence has shown that decidual macrophages play a crucial role in maternal-fetal tolerance during pregnancy. As the second largest cell population among decidual immune cells, decidual macrophages are divided into two subtypes: classically activated macrophages (M1) and alternatively activated macrophages (M2). M2 polarization is critical for placentation and embryonic development. Cytokines, exosomes, and metabolites regulate the polarization of decidual macrophages, and thereby modulate maternal-fetal immunotolerance. Explore the initial relationship between decidual macrophages polarization and maternal-fetal immunotolerance will help diagnose and treat the relevant pregnancy diseases, reverse the undesirable outcomes of mothers and infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Jiang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Lei Li
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China, No. 324, Jingwu Weiqi Road, Huaiyin District, 250021.
- The Laboratory of Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center (Institute of Translational Medicine), Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences) of China, Jinan, China, No. 6699, Qingdao Road, Huaiyin District, 250117.
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2
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Lyu F, Burzynski C, Fang YY, Tal A, Chen AY, Kisa J, Agrawal K, Kluger Y, Taylor HS, Tal R. Maternal CXCR4 deletion results in placental defects and pregnancy loss mediated by immune dysregulation. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e172216. [PMID: 37815869 PMCID: PMC10721256 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.172216] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
CXCR4 is a key regulator of the development of NK cells and DCs, both of which play an important role in early placental development and immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface. However, the role of CXCR4 in pregnancy is not well understood. Our study demonstrates that adult-induced global genetic CXCR4 deletion, but not uterine-specific CXCR4 deletion, was associated with increased pregnancy resorptions and decreased litter size. CXCR4-deficient mice had decreased NK cells and increased granulocytes in the decidua, along with increased leukocyte numbers in peripheral blood. We found that CXCR4-deficient mice had abnormal decidual NK cell aggregates and NK cell infiltration into trophoblast areas beyond the giant cell layer. This was associated with low NK cell expression of granzyme B, a NK cell granule effector, indicative of NK cell dysfunction. Pregnancy failure in these mice was associated with abnormalities in placental vascular development and increased placental expression of inflammatory genes. Importantly, adoptive BM transfer of WT CXCR4+ BM cells into CXCR4-deficient mice rescued the reproductive deficits by normalizing NK cell function and mediating normal placental vascular development. Collectively, our study found an important role for maternal CXCR4 expression in immune cell function, placental development, and pregnancy maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Lyu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and
| | - Chase Burzynski
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and
| | - Yuan yuan Fang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and
| | - Aya Tal
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and
| | - Alice Y. Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and
| | - Jacqueline Kisa
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and
| | - Kriti Agrawal
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Program of Applied Mathematics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Yuval Kluger
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Program of Applied Mathematics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Hugh S. Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and
| | - Reshef Tal
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and
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3
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de Andrade Vieira Alves F, Nunes PCG, Arruda LV, Salomão NG, Rabelo K. The Innate Immune Response in DENV- and CHIKV-Infected Placentas and the Consequences for the Fetuses: A Minireview. Viruses 2023; 15:1885. [PMID: 37766291 PMCID: PMC10535478 DOI: 10.3390/v15091885] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) and chikungunya (CHIKV) are arthropod-borne viruses belonging to the Flaviviridae and Togaviridae families, respectively. Infection by both viruses can lead to a mild indistinct fever or even lead to more severe forms of the diseases, which are characterized by a generalized inflammatory state and multiorgan involvement. Infected mothers are considered a high-risk group due to their immunosuppressed state and the possibility of vertical transmission. Thereby, infection by arboviruses during pregnancy portrays a major public health concern, especially in countries where epidemics of both diseases are regular and public health policies are left aside. Placental involvement during both infections has been already described and the presence of either DENV or CHIKV has been observed in constituent cells of the placenta. In spite of that, there is little knowledge regarding the intrinsic earlier immunological mechanisms that are developed by placental cells in response to infection by both arboviruses. Here, we approach some of the current information available in the literature about the exacerbated presence of cells involved in the innate immune defense of the placenta during DENV and CHIKV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe de Andrade Vieira Alves
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura e Biologia Tecidual, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro/UERJ, Rio de Janeiro 20550170, RJ, Brazil; (F.d.A.V.A.); (L.V.A.)
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas Médicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Priscila Conrado Guerra Nunes
- Laboratório de Imunologia Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040900, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Laíza Vianna Arruda
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura e Biologia Tecidual, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro/UERJ, Rio de Janeiro 20550170, RJ, Brazil; (F.d.A.V.A.); (L.V.A.)
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas Médicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Natália Gedeão Salomão
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas Médicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040900, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratório de Imunologia Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040900, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Kíssila Rabelo
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura e Biologia Tecidual, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro/UERJ, Rio de Janeiro 20550170, RJ, Brazil; (F.d.A.V.A.); (L.V.A.)
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas Médicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040900, RJ, Brazil
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4
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Chu A, Kok SY, Tsui J, Lin MC, Aguirre B, Wadehra M. Epithelial membrane protein 2 (Emp2) modulates innate immune cell population recruitment at the maternal-fetal interface. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 145:103309. [PMID: 33774530 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial membrane protein 2 (EMP2) is a tetraspan membrane protein that has been revealed in cancer and placental models to mediate a number of vascular responses. Recently, Emp2 modulation has been shown to have an immunologic effect on uterine NK cell recruitment in the mouse placenta. Given the importance of immune cell populations on both placental vascularization and maternal immune tolerance of the developing fetus, we wanted to better characterize the immunologic effects of Emp2 at the placental-fetal interface. We performed flow cytometry of WT and Emp2 KO C57Bl/6 mouse uterine horns at GD12.5 to characterize immune cell populations localized to the various components of the maternal-fetal interface. We found that Emp2 KO decidua and placenta showed an elevated overall percentage of CD45+ cells compared to WT. Characterization of CD45+ cells in the decidua of Emp2 KO dams revealed an increase in NK cells, whereas in the placenta, Emp2 KO dams showed an increased percentage of M1 macrophages (with an increased ratio of M1/M2 macrophages). Given the differences detected in uNK cell populations in the decidua, we further characterized the interaction between Emp2 genetic KO and NK cell deletion via anti-asialo GM1 antibody injections. While the double knock-out of Emp2 and NK cells did not alter individual pup birthweight, it significantly reduced total litter weight and size by ∼50 %. In conclusion, Emp2 appears to regulate uNK and macrophage cell populations in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Chu
- Division of Neonatology and Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, MDCC B2-411, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Su-Yin Kok
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, 4525 MacDonald Research Laboratories, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Jessica Tsui
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, 4525 MacDonald Research Laboratories, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Meng-Chin Lin
- Division of Neonatology and Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, MDCC B2-411, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Brian Aguirre
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, 4525 MacDonald Research Laboratories, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Madhuri Wadehra
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, 4525 MacDonald Research Laboratories, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, 4525 MacDonald Research Laboratories, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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5
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Wang X, Zhu H, Lei L, Zhang Y, Tang C, Wu JX, Zhou JR, Xiao XR. Integrated Analysis of Key Genes and Pathways Involved in Fetal Growth Restriction and Their Associations With the Dysregulation of the Maternal Immune System. Front Genet 2021; 11:581789. [PMID: 33584788 PMCID: PMC7873903 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.581789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a common pregnancy complication and a risk factor for infant death. Most patients with FGR have preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, or other etiologies, making it difficult to determine the specific molecular mechanisms underlying FGR. In this study, an integrated analysis was performed using gene expression profiles obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between healthy and FGR groups were screened and evaluated by functional enrichment and network analyses. In total, 80 common DEGs (FDR < 0.05) and 17 significant DEGs (FDR < 0.005) were screened. These genes were enriched for functions in immune system dysregulation in the placenta based on Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses. Among hub genes identified as candidates for FGR and fetal reprogramming, LEP, GBP5, HLA–DQA1, and CTGF were checked by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and western blot assays in placental tissues. Immune imbalance could cause hypoxia environment in placenta tissues, thus regulating the fetal-reprogramming. A significant association between CTGF and HIF-1α levels was confirmed in placenta tissues and HTR8 cells under hypoxia. Our results suggest that an immune imbalance in the placenta causes FGR without other complications. We provide the first evidence for roles of CTGF in FGR and show that CTGF may function via HIF-1α-related pathways. Our findings elucidate the pathogenesis of FGR and provide new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Wang
- Despartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Despartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Lei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University Medical School, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Xing Wu
- Despartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie-Ru Zhou
- Despartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi-Rong Xiao
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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6
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Guardia-Escote L, Blanco J, Basaure P, Biosca-Brull J, Verkaik-Schakel RN, Cabré M, Peris-Sampedro F, Pérez-Fernández C, Sánchez-Santed F, Plösch T, Domingo JL, Colomina MT. Sex and Exposure to Postnatal Chlorpyrifos Influence the Epigenetics of Feeding-Related Genes in a Transgenic APOE Mouse Model: Long-Term Implications on Body Weight after a High-Fat Diet. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 18:ijerph18010184. [PMID: 33383760 PMCID: PMC7795072 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Developmental exposure to toxicants and diet can interact with an individual's genetics and produce long-lasting metabolic adaptations. The different isoforms of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) are an important source of variability in metabolic disorders and influence the response to the pesticide chlorpyrifos (CPF). We aimed to study the epigenetic regulation on feeding control genes and the influence of postnatal CPF exposure, APOE genotype, and sex, and how these modifications impact on the metabolic response to a high-fat diet (HFD). Both male and female apoE3- and apoE4-TR mice were exposed to CPF on postnatal days 10-15. The DNA methylation pattern of proopiomelanocortin, neuropeptide Y, leptin receptor, and insulin-like growth factor 2 was studied in the hypothalamus. At adulthood, the mice were given a HFD for eight weeks. The results highlight the importance of sex in the epigenetic regulation and the implication of CPF treatment and APOE genotype. The body weight progression exhibited sex-dimorphic differences, apoE4-TR males being the most susceptible to the effects induced by CPF and HFD. Overall, these results underscore the pivotal role of sex, APOE genotype, and developmental exposure to CPF on subsequent metabolic disturbances later in life and show that sex is a key variable in epigenetic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Guardia-Escote
- Research in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (L.G.-E.); (J.B.); (P.B.); (J.B.-B.); (M.C.)
- Department of Psychology and Research Center for Behavior Assessment (CRAMC), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Campus Sescelades, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain;
| | - Jordi Blanco
- Research in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (L.G.-E.); (J.B.); (P.B.); (J.B.-B.); (M.C.)
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain;
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain
| | - Pia Basaure
- Research in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (L.G.-E.); (J.B.); (P.B.); (J.B.-B.); (M.C.)
| | - Judit Biosca-Brull
- Research in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (L.G.-E.); (J.B.); (P.B.); (J.B.-B.); (M.C.)
- Department of Psychology and Research Center for Behavior Assessment (CRAMC), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Campus Sescelades, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain;
| | - Rikst Nynke Verkaik-Schakel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (R.N.V.-S.); (T.P.)
| | - Maria Cabré
- Research in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (L.G.-E.); (J.B.); (P.B.); (J.B.-B.); (M.C.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Fiona Peris-Sampedro
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden;
| | - Cristian Pérez-Fernández
- Department of Psychology and Health Research Center (CEINSA), Almeria University-ceiA3, 04120 Almeria, Spain; (C.P.-F.); (F.S.-S.)
| | - Fernando Sánchez-Santed
- Department of Psychology and Health Research Center (CEINSA), Almeria University-ceiA3, 04120 Almeria, Spain; (C.P.-F.); (F.S.-S.)
| | - Torsten Plösch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (R.N.V.-S.); (T.P.)
| | - José L. Domingo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain;
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain
| | - Maria Teresa Colomina
- Research in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (L.G.-E.); (J.B.); (P.B.); (J.B.-B.); (M.C.)
- Department of Psychology and Research Center for Behavior Assessment (CRAMC), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Campus Sescelades, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain;
- Correspondence:
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7
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Lin F, Yang C, Feng T, Yang S, Zhou R, Li H. The Maternal-Fetal Interface in Small-for-Gestational-Age Pregnancies Is Associated With a Reduced Quantity of Human Decidual NK Cells With Weaker Functional Ability. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:633. [PMID: 33015028 PMCID: PMC7509437 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Small for gestational age (SGA) refers to a birth weight that is less than the 10th percentile of the mean weight of infants at the same gestational age. This condition is associated with a variety of complications, and a high risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in adulthood. Decidual natural killer (dNK) cells at the maternal–fetal interface have received significant research attention in terms of normal pregnancy or miscarriage; however, data relating to SGA are limited. In this study, we aimed to investigate the characteristics and regulatory role of dNK cells at the maternal–fetal interface in SGA. Using immunofluorescence assays, we found that dNK cells maintained close contact with extra-villous trophoblasts, and the proportion of dNK cells in SGA decreased more than in appropriate for gestational age (AGA). Flow cytometry also showed that there was a significantly lower percentage of dNK cells in SGA (25.01 ± 2.43%) than in AGA (34.25 ± 2.30%) (p = 0.0103). The expression of the inhibitory receptor NKG2A on dNK cells and the secretion levels of both perforin and TGF-β1 from dNK cells were significantly higher in SGA than in AGA, while the cytotoxicity of dNK cells in SGA against K562 cells was attenuated. Compared to AGA, the functional ability of dNK cells in SGA showed significant functional impairment in promoting proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation in trophoblast cells or vascular endothelial cells. The abnormal function of dNK cells may affect fetal growth and development, and could therefore participate in the pathogenesis of SGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Lin
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuan Yang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting Feng
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Li
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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8
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Freitag N, Tirado-Gonzalez I, Barrientos G, Powell KL, Boehm-Sturm P, Koch SP, Hecher K, Staff AC, Arck PC, Diemert A, Blois SM. Galectin-3 deficiency in pregnancy increases the risk of fetal growth restriction (FGR) via placental insufficiency. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:560. [PMID: 32703931 PMCID: PMC7378206 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02791-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is the most common pregnancy complication in developed countries. Pregnancies affected by FGR, frequently concur with complications and high risk of neonatal morbidity and mortality. To date, no approved treatment is available for pregnant women affected with FGR. The objective of this study was to investigate the contribution of galectin-3 (gal-3), a β-galactoside binding protein involved in pregnancy, placental function and fetal growth. We demonstrated that lack of gal-3 during mouse pregnancy leads to placental dysfunction and drives FGR in the absence of a maternal preeclampsia syndrome. Analysis of gal-3 deficient dams revealed placental inflammation and malperfusion, as well as uterine natural killer cell infiltration with aberrant activation. Our results also show that FGR is associated with a failure to increase maternal circulating gal-3 levels during the second and third trimester in human pregnancies. Placentas from human pregnancies affected by FGR displayed lower gal-3 expression, which correlated with placental dysfunction. These data highlight the importance of gal-3 in the promotion of proper placental function, as its absence leads to placental disease and subsequent FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Freitag
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a Cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department for Psychosomatic Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Irene Tirado-Gonzalez
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a Cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gabriela Barrientos
- Laboratorio de Medicina Experimental, Hospital Alemán, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Katie L Powell
- Division of Perinatal Research, Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
| | - Philipp Boehm-Sturm
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universitätzu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Experimental Neurology, Center for Stroke Research, Berlin, Germany.,NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence and Charité Core Facility 7 T Experimental MRIs, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan P Koch
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universitätzu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Experimental Neurology, Center for Stroke Research, Berlin, Germany.,NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence and Charité Core Facility 7 T Experimental MRIs, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kurt Hecher
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, Hamburg, 20251, Germany
| | - Anne C Staff
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Division of Obstetrics and Gyneacology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Petra C Arck
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, Hamburg, 20251, Germany
| | - Anke Diemert
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, Hamburg, 20251, Germany
| | - Sandra M Blois
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a Cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany. .,Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, Hamburg, 20251, Germany.
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9
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Borowski S, Tirado-Gonzalez I, Freitag N, Garcia MG, Barrientos G, Blois SM. Altered Glycosylation Contributes to Placental Dysfunction Upon Early Disruption of the NK Cell-DC Dynamics. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1316. [PMID: 32760395 PMCID: PMC7372038 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune cells [e. g., dendritic cells (DC) and natural killer (NK) cells] are critical players during the pre-placentation stage for successful mammalian pregnancy. Proper placental and fetal development relies on balanced DC-NK cell interactions regulating immune cell homing, maternal vascular expansion, and trophoblast functions. Previously, we showed that in vivo disruption of the uterine NK cell-DC balance interferes with the decidualization process, with subsequent impact on placental and fetal development leading to fetal growth restriction. Glycans are essential determinants of reproductive health and the glycocode expressed in a particular compartment (e.g., placenta) is highly dependent on the cell type and its developmental and pathological state. Here, we aimed to investigate the maternal and placental glycovariation during the pre- and post-placentation period associated with disruption of the NK cell-DC dynamics during early pregnancy. We observed that depletion of NK cells was associated with significant increases of O- and N-linked glycosylation and sialylation in the decidual vascular zone during the pre-placental period, followed by downregulation of core 1 and poly-LacNAc extended O-glycans and increased expression of branched N-glycans affecting mainly the placental giant cells and spongiotrophoblasts of the junctional zone. On the other hand, expansion of DC induced a milder increase of Tn antigen (truncated form of mucin-type O-glycans) and branched N-glycan expression in the vascular zone, with only modest changes in the glycosylation pattern during the post-placentation period. In both groups, this spatiotemporal variation in the glycosylation pattern of the implantation site was accompanied by corresponding changes in galectin-1 expression. Our results show that pre- and post- placentation implantation sites have a differential glycopattern upon disruption of the NK cell-DC dynamics, suggesting that immune imbalance early in gestation impacts placentation and fetal development by directly influencing the placental glycocode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Borowski
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A Cooperation Between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, and the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, AG GlycoImmunology, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Irene Tirado-Gonzalez
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nancy Freitag
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A Cooperation Between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, and the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, AG GlycoImmunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mariana G Garcia
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, CONICET, Universidad Austral, Derqui-Pilar, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Barrientos
- Laboratorio de Medicina Experimental, Hospital Alemán-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sandra M Blois
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A Cooperation Between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, and the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, AG GlycoImmunology, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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10
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Schumacher A, Zenclussen AC. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin-Mediated Immune Responses That Facilitate Embryo Implantation and Placentation. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2896. [PMID: 31921157 PMCID: PMC6914810 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) serves as one of the first signals provided by the embryo to the mother. Exactly at the time when the first step of the implantation process is initiated and the blastocyst adheres to the maternal endometrium, the embryonic tissue starts to actively secrete hCG. Shortly thereafter, the hormone can be detected in the maternal circulation where its concentration steadily increases throughout early pregnancy as it is continuously released by the forming placenta. Accumulating evidence underlines the critical function of hCG for embryo implantation and placentation. hCG not only regulates biological aspects of these early pregnancy events but also supports maternal immune cells in their function as helpers in the establishment of an adequate embryo-endometrial relationship. In view of its early presence in the maternal circulation, hCG has the potential to influence both local uterine immune cell populations as well as peripheral ones. The current review aims to summarize recent literature on the participation of innate and adaptive immune cells in embryo implantation and placentation with a specific focus on their regulation by hCG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Schumacher
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ana C Zenclussen
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
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11
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Olmos-Ortiz A, Flores-Espinosa P, Mancilla-Herrera I, Vega-Sánchez R, Díaz L, Zaga-Clavellina V. Innate Immune Cells and Toll-like Receptor-Dependent Responses at the Maternal-Fetal Interface. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20153654. [PMID: 31357391 PMCID: PMC6695670 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, the placenta, the mother and the fetus exploit several mechanisms in order to avoid fetal rejection and to maintain an immunotolerant environment throughout nine months. During this time, immune cells from the fetal and maternal compartments interact to provide an adequate defense in case of an infection and to promote a tolerogenic milieu for the fetus to develop peacefully. Trophoblasts and decidual cells, together with resident natural killer cells, dendritic cells, Hofbauer cells and other macrophages, among other cell types, contribute to the modulation of the uterine environment to sustain a successful pregnancy. In this review, the authors outlined some of the various roles that the innate immune system plays at the maternal-fetal interface. First, the cell populations that are recruited into gestational tissues and their immune mechanisms were examined. In the second part, the Toll-like receptor (TLR)-dependent immune responses at the maternal-fetal interface was summarized, in terms of their specific cytokine/chemokine/antimicrobial peptide expression profiles throughout pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Olmos-Ortiz
- Departamento de Inmunobioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico
| | - Pilar Flores-Espinosa
- Departamento de Inmunobioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico
| | - Ismael Mancilla-Herrera
- Departamento de Infectología e Inmunología, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico
| | - Rodrigo Vega-Sánchez
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioprogramación, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico
| | - Lorenza Díaz
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico
| | - Verónica Zaga-Clavellina
- Departamento de Fisiología y Desarrollo Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico.
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12
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Vogtmann R, Kühnel E, Dicke N, Verkaik-Schakel RN, Plösch T, Schorle H, Stojanovska V, Herse F, Köninger A, Kimmig R, Winterhager E, Gellhaus A. Human sFLT1 Leads to Severe Changes in Placental Differentiation and Vascularization in a Transgenic hsFLT1/rtTA FGR Mouse Model. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:165. [PMID: 30949132 PMCID: PMC6437783 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The anti-angiogenic soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFLT1) is one of the candidates in the progression of preeclampsia, often associated with fetal growth restriction (FGR). Therapeutic agents against preeclampsia with/without FGR, as well as adequate transgenic sFLT1 mouse models for testing such agents, are still missing. Much is known about sFLT1-mediated endothelial dysfunction in several tissues; however, the influence of sFLT1 on placental and fetal development is currently unknown. We hypothesize that sFLT1 is involved in the progression of FGR by influencing placental differentiation and vascularization and is a prime candidate for interventional strategies. Therefore, we generated transgenic inducible human sFLT1/reverse tetracycline-controlled transactivator (hsFLT1/rtTA) mice, in which hsFLT1 is ubiquitously overexpressed during pregnancy in dams and according to the genetics in hsFLT1/rtTA homozygous and heterozygous fetuses. Induction of hsFLT1 led to elevated hsFLT1 levels in the serum of dams and on mRNA level in all placentas and hetero-/homozygous fetuses, resulting in FGR in all fetuses at term. The strongest effects in respect to FGR were observed in the hsFLT1/rtTA homozygous fetuses, which exhibited the highest hsFLT1 levels. Only fetal hsFLT1 expression led to impaired placental morphology characterized by reduced placental efficiency, enlarged maternal sinusoids, reduced fetal capillaries, and impaired labyrinthine differentiation, associated with increased apoptosis. Besides impaired placental vascularization, the expression of several transporter systems, such as glucose transporter 1 and 3 (Glut-1; Glut-3); amino acid transporters, solute carrier family 38, member one and two (Slc38a1; Slc38a2); and most severely the fatty acid translocase Cd36 and fatty acid binding protein 3 (Fabp3) was reduced upon hsFLT1 expression, associated with an accumulation of phospholipids in the maternal serum. Moreover, the Vegf pathway showed alterations, resulting in reduced Vegf, Vegfb, and Plgf protein levels and increased Bad and Caspase 9 mRNA levels. We suggest that hsFLT1 exerts an inhibitory influence on placental vascularization by reducing Vegf signaling, which leads to apoptosis in fetal vessels, impairing placental differentiation, and the nutrient exchange function of the labyrinth. These effects were more pronounced when both the dam and the fetus expressed hsFLT1 and ultimately result in FGR and resemble the preeclamptic phenotype in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka Vogtmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Kühnel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Nikolai Dicke
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Rikst Nynke Verkaik-Schakel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Torsten Plösch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Violeta Stojanovska
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Florian Herse
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité Medical Faculty, and the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Angela Köninger
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Rainer Kimmig
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Elke Winterhager
- EM Unit, Imaging Center Essen, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alexandra Gellhaus
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Alexandra Gellhaus
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13
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Barrientos G, Pussetto M, Rose M, Staff AC, Blois SM, Toblli JE. Defective trophoblast invasion underlies fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia-like symptoms in the stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat. Mol Hum Reprod 2018; 23:509-519. [PMID: 28402512 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the impact of chronic hypertension on placental development, fetal growth and maternal outcome in the stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRSP)? SUMMARY ANSWER SHRSP showed an impaired remodeling of the spiral arteries and abnormal pattern of trophoblast invasion during placentation, which were associated with subsequent maternal glomerular injury and increased baseline hypertension as well as placental insufficiency and asymmetric fetal growth restriction (FGR). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY A hallmark in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE) is abnormal placentation with defective remodeling of the spiral arteries preceding the onset of the maternal syndrome. Pregnancies affected by chronic hypertension display an increased risk for PE, often associated with poor maternal and fetal outcomes. However, the impact of chronic hypertension on the placentation process as well as the nature of the factors promoting the development of PE in pregnant hypertensive women remain elusive. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Timed pregnancies [n = 5] were established by mating 10-12-week-old SHRSP and Wistar Kyoto (WKY, normotensive controls) females with congenic males. Maternal systolic blood pressures (SBPs) were recorded pre-mating, throughout pregnancy (GD1-19) and post-partum by the tail-cuff method. On selected dates, 24 h urine- and blood samples were collected, and animals were euthanized for isolation of implantation sites and kidneys for morphometrical analyses. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The 24 h proteinuria and the albumin:creatinine ratio were used for evaluation of maternal renal function. Renal injury was assessed on periodic acid Schiff, Masson's trichrome and Sirius red stainings. Placental and fetal weights were recorded on gestation day (GD)18 and GD20, followed by determination of fetal cephalization indexes and developmental stage, according to the Witschi scale. Morphometric analyses of placental development were conducted on hematoxylin-eosin stained tissue sections collected on GD14 and GD18, and complemented with immunohistochemical evaluation of isolectin B4 binding for assessment of placental vascularization. Analyses of vascular wall alpha actin content, perforin-positive natural killer (NK) cells and cytokeratin expression by immunohistochemistry were used for evaluation of spiral artery remodeling and trophoblast invasion. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE SHRSP females presented significantly increased SBP records from GD13 to GD17 (SBPGD13 = 183.9 ± 3.9 mmHg, P < 0.005 versus baseline) and increased proteinuria at GD18 (P < 0.01 versus WKY). Histological examination of GD18 kidneys revealed glomerular enlargement and mesangial matrix expansion, which were not evident in pregnant WKY or age-matched virgin SHRSP. At GD20, SHRSP displayed a significant reduction of placental mass (P < 0.01 versus WKY) and signs of placental insufficiency (i.e. hypertrophy and reduced branching morphogenesis of the labyrinth layer), associated with decreased offspring weights and increased cephalization index (both P < 0.001 versus WKY) indicating asymmetric FGR. Notably, SHRSP placentas displayed an incomplete remodeling of spiral arteries starting as early as GD14, with luminal narrowing and reduced densities of perivascular NK cells followed by decreased infiltration of endovascular trophoblasts at GD18. LARGE SCALE DATA n/a. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION A pitfall of the present study is the differences in the blood pressure profiles between rats and humans (i.e. unlike pregnancies affected by PE, blood pressure in SHRSP and other hypertensive rat models decreases pre-delivery), which limits extrapolation of the results. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings provide new insights on the role of chronic hypertension as a risk factor for PE by interfering with early events during the placentation process. The SHRSP strain represents an attractive model for further studies aimed at addressing the relative contribution of intrinsic (i.e. placental) and extrinsic (i.e. decidual/vascular) factors to defective spiral artery remodeling in pregnancies affected by PE. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by research grants from Fundación Florencio Fiorini to G.B., from Charité Stiftung to S.M.B. and University of Buenos Aires (UBACyt) to J.T. The authors have no competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Barrientos
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Hospital Alemán, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, CONICET. Av. Pueyrredon 1640 (C1118AAT), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Charité-Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Division of General Internal and Psychosomatic Medicine, Reproductive Medicine Research Group, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - M Pussetto
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Hospital Alemán, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, CONICET. Av. Pueyrredon 1640 (C1118AAT), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Rose
- Charité-Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Division of General Internal and Psychosomatic Medicine, Reproductive Medicine Research Group, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - A C Staff
- Department of Obstetrics and Department of Gynaecology, Women's Division, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - S M Blois
- Charité-Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Division of General Internal and Psychosomatic Medicine, Reproductive Medicine Research Group, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - J E Toblli
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Hospital Alemán, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, CONICET. Av. Pueyrredon 1640 (C1118AAT), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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14
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Activated NK cells cause placental dysfunction and miscarriages in fetal alloimmune thrombocytopenia. Nat Commun 2017; 8:224. [PMID: 28794456 PMCID: PMC5550461 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-00269-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Miscarriage and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are devastating complications in fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT). We previously reported the mechanisms for bleeding diatheses, but it is unknown whether placental, decidual immune cells or other abnormalities at the maternal-fetal interface contribute to FNAIT. Here we show that maternal immune responses to fetal platelet antigens cause miscarriage and IUGR that are associated with vascular and immune pathologies in murine FNAIT models. Uterine natural killer (uNK) cell recruitment and survival beyond mid-gestation lead to elevated NKp46 and CD107 expression, perforin release and trophoblast apoptosis. Depletion of NK cells restores normal spiral artery remodeling and placental function, prevents miscarriage, and rescues hemorrhage in neonates. Blockade of NK activation receptors (NKp46, FcɣRIIIa) also rescues pregnancy loss. These findings shed light on uNK antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity of invasive trophoblasts as a pathological mechanism in FNAIT, and suggest that anti-NK cell therapies may prevent immune-mediated pregnancy loss and ameliorate FNAIT.Fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) is a gestational disease caused by maternal immune responses against fetal platelets. Using a FNAIT mouse model and human trophoblast cell lines, here the authors show that uterine natural killer cell-mediated trophoblast apoptosis contributes to FNAIT pathogenesis.
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15
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Blois SM, Freitag N, Tirado-González I, Cheng SB, Heimesaat MM, Bereswill S, Rose M, Conrad ML, Barrientos G, Sharma S. NK cell-derived IL-10 is critical for DC-NK cell dialogue at the maternal-fetal interface. Sci Rep 2017; 7:2189. [PMID: 28526846 PMCID: PMC5438353 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-02333-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
DC-NK cell interactions are thought to influence the development of maternal tolerance and de novo angiogenesis during early gestation. However, it is unclear which mechanism ensures the cooperative dialogue between DC and NK cells at the feto-maternal interface. In this article, we show that uterine NK cells are the key source of IL-10 that is required to regulate DC phenotype and pregnancy success. Upon in vivo expansion of DC during early gestation, NK cells expressed increased levels of IL-10. Exogenous administration of IL-10 was sufficient to overcome early pregnancy failure in dams treated to achieve simultaneous DC expansion and NK cell depletion. Remarkably, DC expansion in IL-10−/− dams provoked pregnancy loss, which could be abrogated by the adoptive transfer of IL-10+/+ NK cells and not by IL-10−/− NK cells. Furthermore, the IL-10 expressing NK cells markedly enhanced angiogenic responses and placental development in DC expanded IL-10−/− dams. Thus, the capacity of NK cells to secrete IL-10 plays a unique role facilitating the DC-NK cell dialogue during the establishment of a healthy gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M Blois
- Charité-Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Division of General Internal and Psychosomatic Medicine, Reproductive Medicine Research Group, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Nancy Freitag
- Charité-Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Division of General Internal and Psychosomatic Medicine, Reproductive Medicine Research Group, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Irene Tirado-González
- Charité-Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Division of General Internal and Psychosomatic Medicine, Reproductive Medicine Research Group, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Shi-Bin Cheng
- Department of Pediatrics, Women and Infants Hospital-Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Markus M Heimesaat
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Bereswill
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Rose
- Charité-Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Division of General Internal and Psychosomatic Medicine, Reproductive Medicine Research Group, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Melanie L Conrad
- Charité-Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Division of General Internal and Psychosomatic Medicine, Reproductive Medicine Research Group, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gabriela Barrientos
- Laboratorio de Medicina Experimental, Hospital Alemán - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Surendra Sharma
- Department of Pediatrics, Women and Infants Hospital-Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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16
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Kühnel E, Kleff V, Stojanovska V, Kaiser S, Waldschütz R, Herse F, Plösch T, Winterhager E, Gellhaus A. Placental-Specific Overexpression of sFlt-1 Alters Trophoblast Differentiation and Nutrient Transporter Expression in an IUGR Mouse Model. J Cell Biochem 2017; 118:1316-1329. [PMID: 27859593 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Since it is known that placental overexpression of the human anti-angiogenic molecule sFlt-1, the main candidate in the progression of preeclampsia, lead to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in mice by lentiviral transduction of mouse blastocysts, we hypothesize that sFlt-1 influence placental morphology and physiology resulting in fetal IUGR. We therefore examined the effect of sFlt-1 on placental morphology and physiology at embryonic day 18.5 with histologic and morphometric analyses, transcript analyses, immunoblotting, and methylation studies. Interestingly, placental overexpression of sFlt-1 leads to IUGR in the fetus and results in lower placental weights. Moreover, we observed altered trophoblast differentiation with reduced expression of IGF2, resulting in a smaller placenta, a smaller labyrinth, and the loss of glycogen cells in the junctional zone. Changes in IGF2 are accompanied by small changes in its DNA methylation, whereas overall DNA methylation is unaffected. In addition, the expression of placental nutrient transporters, such as the glucose diffusion channel Cx26, is decreased. In contrast, the expression of the fatty acid transporter CD36 and the cholesterol transporter ABCA1 is significantly increased. In conclusion, placental sFlt-1 overexpression resulted in a reduction in the differentiation of the spongiotrophoblast into glycogen cells. These findings of a reduced exchange area of the labyrinth and glycogen stores, as well as decreased expression of glucose transporter, could contribute to the intrauterine growth restriction phenotype. All of these factors change the intrauterine availability of nutrients. Thus, we speculate that the alterations triggered by increased anti-angiogenesis strongly affect fetal outcome and programming. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1316-1329, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Kühnel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Veronika Kleff
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Violeta Stojanovska
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Stephanie Kaiser
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ralph Waldschütz
- Central Animal Laboratory, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Florian Herse
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a joint cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and the Charité Medical Faculty, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Torsten Plösch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Elke Winterhager
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alexandra Gellhaus
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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17
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Naninck EFG, Oosterink JE, Yam K, Vries LP, Schierbeek H, Goudoever JB, Verkaik‐Schakel R, Plantinga JA, Plosch T, Lucassen PJ, Korosi A. Early micronutrient supplementation protects against early stress‐induced cognitive impairments. FASEB J 2016; 31:505-518. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.201600834r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eva F. G. Naninck
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for NeuroscienceUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - J. Efraim Oosterink
- Department of Mother and Child, Emma Children's HospitalAcademic Medical CenterAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Kit‐Yi Yam
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for NeuroscienceUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Lennart P. Vries
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for NeuroscienceUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Henk Schierbeek
- Department of Mother and Child, Emma Children's HospitalAcademic Medical CenterAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Johannes B. Goudoever
- Department of Mother and Child, Emma Children's HospitalAcademic Medical CenterAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Rikst‐Nynke Verkaik‐Schakel
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity Medical Center Groningen, University of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Josèe A. Plantinga
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity Medical Center Groningen, University of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Torsten Plosch
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity Medical Center Groningen, University of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Paul J. Lucassen
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for NeuroscienceUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Aniko Korosi
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for NeuroscienceUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
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Meems LMG, Mahmud H, Buikema H, Tost J, Michel S, Takens J, Verkaik-Schakel RN, Vreeswijk-Baudoin I, Mateo-Leach IV, van der Harst P, Plösch T, de Boer RA. Parental vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is associated with increased blood pressure in offspring via Panx1 hypermethylation. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2016; 311:H1459-H1469. [PMID: 27769995 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00141.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Revised: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide. Maternal vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased susceptibility to hypertension in offspring, but the reasons for this remain unknown. The aim of this study was to determine if parental vitamin D deficiency leads to altered DNA methylation in offspring that may relate to hypertension. Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a standard or vitamin D-depleted diet. After 10 wk, nonsibling rats were mated. The conceived pups received standard chow. We observed an increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the offspring from depleted parents (F1-depl). Genome-wide methylation analyses in offspring identified hypermethylation of the promoter region of the Pannexin-1 (Panx1) gene in F1-depl rats. Panx1 encodes a hemichannel known to be involved in endothelial-dependent relaxation, and we demonstrated that in F1-depl rats the increase in blood pressure was associated with impaired endothelial relaxation of the large vessels, suggesting an underlying biological mechanism of increased blood pressure in children from parents with vitamin deficiency. Parental vitamin D deficiency is associated with epigenetic changes and increased blood pressure levels in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M G Meems
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hasan Mahmud
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hendrik Buikema
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jörg Tost
- Centre National de Génotypage, CEA-Institute de Génomique, Laboratory for Epigenetics and Environment, Evry, France
| | - Sven Michel
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Allergy, University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO), Regensburg, Germany; and
| | - Janny Takens
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rikst N Verkaik-Schakel
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Inge Vreeswijk-Baudoin
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Irene V Mateo-Leach
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Pim van der Harst
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Torsten Plösch
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rudolf A de Boer
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands;
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Li B, Xiao X, Chen S, Huang J, Ma Y, Tang N, Sun H, Wang X. Changes of Phospholipids in Fetal Liver of Mice Conceived by In Vitro Fertilization1. Biol Reprod 2016; 94:105. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.136325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
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Zhang J, Dunk C, Croy AB, Lye SJ. To serve and to protect: the role of decidual innate immune cells on human pregnancy. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 363:249-265. [PMID: 26572540 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2315-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The maternal-fetal interface undergoes dynamic changes that promote successful development of the embryo/fetal allograft during pregnancy. This immune privilege of the conceptus is mediated through local and systemic cellular responses. In species in which endometrial decidualization accompanies pregnancy, unique immune cell niches are found. Many studies have addressed the enigmatic roles of uterine (u)NK cells as killers and helpers because they are frequently found in the uterine lining and decidua of normal and pathological pregnancies. Accumulating evidence indicates that uNK cells are induced and transformed by sensing signals within their microenvironment to both protect the mother from the fetal allograft and support the fetus during its development. Here, we review the mechanisms that modulate these functions of uNK cells during pregnancy. We suggest that uNK cells must be tightly regulated in order to serve these two roles and support a healthy pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhong Zhang
- Research Centre for Women's and Infants' Health, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, 25 Orde St., Toronto, ON, M5T 3H7, Canada.
| | - Caroline Dunk
- Research Centre for Women's and Infants' Health, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, 25 Orde St., Toronto, ON, M5T 3H7, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anne B Croy
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen J Lye
- Research Centre for Women's and Infants' Health, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, 25 Orde St., Toronto, ON, M5T 3H7, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Solano ME, Kowal MK, O'Rourke GE, Horst AK, Modest K, Plösch T, Barikbin R, Remus CC, Berger RG, Jago C, Ho H, Sass G, Parker VJ, Lydon JP, DeMayo FJ, Hecher K, Karimi K, Arck PC. Progesterone and HMOX-1 promote fetal growth by CD8+ T cell modulation. J Clin Invest 2015; 125:1726-38. [PMID: 25774501 DOI: 10.1172/jci68140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) affects up to 10% of pregnancies in Western societies. IUGR is a strong predictor of reduced short-term neonatal survival and impairs long-term health in children. Placental insufficiency is often associated with IUGR; however, the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of placental insufficiency and IUGR are largely unknown. Here, we developed a mouse model of fetal-growth restriction and placental insufficiency that is induced by a midgestational stress challenge. Compared with control animals, pregnant dams subjected to gestational stress exhibited reduced progesterone levels and placental heme oxygenase 1 (Hmox1) expression and increased methylation at distinct regions of the placental Hmox1 promoter. These stress-triggered changes were accompanied by an altered CD8+ T cell response, as evidenced by a reduction of tolerogenic CD8+CD122+ T cells and an increase of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. Using progesterone receptor- or Hmox1-deficient mice, we identified progesterone as an upstream modulator of placental Hmox1 expression. Supplementation of progesterone or depletion of CD8+ T cells revealed that progesterone suppresses CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity, whereas the generation of CD8+CD122+ T cells is supported by Hmox1 and ameliorates fetal-growth restriction in Hmox1 deficiency. These observations in mice could promote the identification of pregnancies at risk for IUGR and the generation of clinical interventional strategies.
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