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DeVuono MV, Nashed MG, Sarikahya MH, Kocsis A, Lee K, Vanin SR, Hudson R, Lonnee EP, Rushlow WJ, Hardy DB, Laviolette SR. Prenatal tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol exposure produce sex-specific pathophysiological phenotypes in the adolescent prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Neurobiol Dis 2024:106588. [PMID: 38960101 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106588] [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: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Clinical and preclinical evidence has demonstrated an increased risk for neuropsychiatric disorders following prenatal cannabinoid exposure. However, given the phytochemical complexity of cannabis, there is a need to understand how specific components of cannabis may contribute to these neurodevelopmental risks later in life. To investigate this, a rat model of prenatal cannabinoid exposure was utilized to examine the impacts of specific cannabis constituents (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol [THC]; cannabidiol [CBD]) alone and in combination on future neuropsychiatric liability in male and female offspring. Prenatal THC and CBD exposure were associated with low birth weight. At adolescence, offspring displayed sex-specific behavioural changes in anxiety, temporal order and social cognition, and sensorimotor gating. These phenotypes were associated with sex and treatment-specific neuronal and gene transcriptional alterations in the prefrontal cortex, and ventral hippocampus, regions where the endocannabinoid system is implicated in affective and cognitive development. Electrophysiology and RT-qPCR analysis in these regions implicated dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system and balance of excitatory and inhibitory signalling in the developmental consequences of prenatal cannabinoids. These findings reveal critical insights into how specific cannabinoids can differentially impact the developing fetal brains of males and females to enhance subsequent neuropsychiatric risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieka V DeVuono
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; Dept of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada.
| | - Mina G Nashed
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; Dept of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Mohammed H Sarikahya
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; Dept of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Andrea Kocsis
- Dept of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Dept of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Kendrick Lee
- Dept of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Dept of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Sebastian R Vanin
- Dept of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Dept of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Roger Hudson
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; Dept of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Eryn P Lonnee
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; Dept of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Walter J Rushlow
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; Dept of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Dept of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Daniel B Hardy
- Dept of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Dept of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Dept of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Division of Maternal, Fetal and Newborn Health, Children's Health Research Institute (CHRI), Lawson Health Research Institute, St. Joseph's Health Care, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
| | - Steven R Laviolette
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; Dept of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Dept of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Division of Maternal, Fetal and Newborn Health, Children's Health Research Institute (CHRI), Lawson Health Research Institute, St. Joseph's Health Care, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
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Hatami M, Özbek A, Deán‐Ben XL, Gutierrez J, Schill A, Razansky D, Larin KV. Noninvasive Tracking of Embryonic Cardiac Dynamics and Development with Volumetric Optoacoustic Spectroscopy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2400089. [PMID: 38526147 PMCID: PMC11165471 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Noninvasive monitoring of cardiac development can potentially prevent cardiac anomalies in adulthood. Mouse models provide unique opportunities to study cardiac development and disease in mammals. However, high-resolution noninvasive functional analyses of murine embryonic cardiac models are challenging because of the small size and fast volumetric motion of the embryonic heart, which is deeply embedded inside the uterus. In this study, a real time volumetric optoacoustic spectroscopy (VOS) platform for whole-heart visualization with high spatial (100 µm) and temporal (10 ms) resolutions is developed. Embryonic heart development on gestational days (GDs) 14.5-17.5 and quantify cardiac dynamics using time-lapse-4D image data of the heart is followed. Additionally, spectroscopic recordings enable the quantification of the blood oxygenation status in heart chambers in a label-free and noninvasive manner. This technology introduces new possibilities for high-resolution quantification of embryonic heart function at different gestational stages in mammalian models, offering an invaluable noninvasive method for developmental biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Hatami
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of HoustonHoustonTX77004USA
| | - Ali Özbek
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Institute of Pharmacology and ToxicologyFaculty of MedicineUniversity of ZurichZurich8057Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical EngineeringDepartment of Information Technology and Electrical EngineeringETH ZurichZurich8092Switzerland
| | - Xosé Luís Deán‐Ben
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Institute of Pharmacology and ToxicologyFaculty of MedicineUniversity of ZurichZurich8057Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical EngineeringDepartment of Information Technology and Electrical EngineeringETH ZurichZurich8092Switzerland
| | - Jessica Gutierrez
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of HoustonHoustonTX77004USA
| | - Alexander Schill
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of HoustonHoustonTX77004USA
| | - Daniel Razansky
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Institute of Pharmacology and ToxicologyFaculty of MedicineUniversity of ZurichZurich8057Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical EngineeringDepartment of Information Technology and Electrical EngineeringETH ZurichZurich8092Switzerland
| | - Kirill V. Larin
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of HoustonHoustonTX77004USA
- Department of Integrative PhysiologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTX77030USA
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Costa RM, Cerqueira DM, Francis L, Bruder-Nascimento A, Alves JV, Sims-Lucas S, Ho J, Bruder-Nascimento T. In utero exposure to maternal diabetes exacerbates dietary sodium intake-induced endothelial dysfunction by activating cyclooxygenase 2-derived prostanoids. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2024; 326:E555-E566. [PMID: 38446637 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00009.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to maternal diabetes has been recognized as a significant cardiovascular risk factor, increasing the susceptibility to the emergence of conditions such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and heart disease in later stages of life. However, it is unclear if offspring exposed to diabetes in utero have worse vascular outcomes on a high-salt (HS) diet. To test the hypothesis that in utero exposure to maternal diabetes predisposes to HS-induced vascular dysfunction, we treated adult male wild-type offspring (DM_Exp, 6 mo old) of diabetic Ins2+/C96Y mice (Akita mice) with HS (8% sodium chloride, 10 days) and analyzed endothelial function via wire myograph and cyclooxygenase (COX)-derived prostanoids pathway by ELISA, quantitative PCR, and immunochemistry. On a regular diet, DM_Exp mice did not manifest any vascular dysfunction, remodeling, or inflammation. However, HS increased aortic contractility to phenylephrine and induced endothelial dysfunction (analyzed by acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation), vascular hydrogen peroxide production, COX2 expression, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) overproduction. Interestingly, ex vivo antioxidant treatment (tempol) or COX1/2 (indomethacin) or COX2 (NS398) inhibitors improved or reverted the endothelial dysfunction in DM_Exp mice fed a HS diet. Finally, DM_Exp mice fed with HS exhibited greater circulating cytokines and chemokines accompanied by vascular inflammation. In summary, our findings indicate that prenatal exposure to maternal diabetes predisposes to HS-induced vascular dysfunction, primarily through the induction of oxidative stress and the generation of COX2-derived PGE2. This supports the concept that in utero exposure to maternal diabetes is a cardiovascular risk factor in adulthood.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Using a unique mouse model of prenatal exposure to maternal type 1 diabetes, our study demonstrates the novel observation that prenatal exposure to maternal diabetes results in a predisposition to high-salt (HS) dietary-induced vascular dysfunction and inflammation in adulthood. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that in utero exposure to maternal diabetes and HS intake induces vascular oxidative stress, cyclooxygenase-derived prostaglandin E2, and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael M Costa
- Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Center for Pediatrics Research in Obesity and Metabolism, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Endocrinology Division, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Jatai, Jatai, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Débora Malta Cerqueira
- Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Nephrology Division, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Lydia Francis
- Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Nephrology Division, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Ariane Bruder-Nascimento
- Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Center for Pediatrics Research in Obesity and Metabolism, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Endocrinology Division, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Jatai, Jatai, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Juliano V Alves
- Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Center for Pediatrics Research in Obesity and Metabolism, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Endocrinology Division, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Jatai, Jatai, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Sunder Sims-Lucas
- Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Nephrology Division, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Jacqueline Ho
- Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Nephrology Division, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Thiago Bruder-Nascimento
- Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Center for Pediatrics Research in Obesity and Metabolism, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Endocrinology Division, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
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Kim M, Jang YJ, Lee M, Guo Q, Son AJ, Kakkad NA, Roland AB, Lee BK, Kim J. The transcriptional regulatory network modulating human trophoblast stem cells to extravillous trophoblast differentiation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1285. [PMID: 38346993 PMCID: PMC10861538 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45669-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
During human pregnancy, extravillous trophoblasts play crucial roles in placental invasion into the maternal decidua and spiral artery remodeling. However, regulatory factors and their action mechanisms modulating human extravillous trophoblast specification have been unknown. By analyzing dynamic changes in transcriptome and enhancer profile during human trophoblast stem cell to extravillous trophoblast differentiation, we define stage-specific regulators, including an early-stage transcription factor, TFAP2C, and multiple late-stage transcription factors. Loss-of-function studies confirm the requirement of all transcription factors identified for adequate differentiation, and we reveal that the dynamic changes in the levels of TFAP2C are essential. Notably, TFAP2C pre-occupies the regulatory elements of the inactive extravillous trophoblast-active genes during the early stage of differentiation, and the late-stage transcription factors directly activate extravillous trophoblast-active genes, including themselves as differentiation further progresses, suggesting sequential actions of transcription factors assuring differentiation. Our results reveal stage-specific transcription factors and their inter-connected regulatory mechanisms modulating extravillous trophoblast differentiation, providing a framework for understanding early human placentation and placenta-related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mijeong Kim
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Yu Jin Jang
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Muyoung Lee
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Qingqing Guo
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Albert J Son
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Nikita A Kakkad
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Abigail B Roland
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Bum-Kyu Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Research Center, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, 12144, USA
| | - Jonghwan Kim
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
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Liu X, Wang W, Chen J, Chen D, Tao Y, Ouyang D. PBPK/PD Modeling of Nifedipine for Precision Medicine in Pregnant Women: Enhancing Clinical Decision-Making for Optimal Drug Therapy. Pharm Res 2024; 41:63-75. [PMID: 38049651 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-023-03638-2] [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: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to develop physiologically based pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PBPK/PD) predictive models for nifedipine in pregnant women, enhancing precision medicine and reducing adverse reactions for both mothers and infants. METHODS A PBPK/PD model was constructed using PK-Sim, MoBi, and MATLAB software, integrating literature and pregnancy-specific physiological information. The process involved: (1) establishing and validating a PBPK model for serum clearance after intravenous administration in non-pregnant individuals, (2) establishing and validating a PBPK model for serum clearance after oral administration in non-pregnant individuals, (3) constructing and validating a PBPK model for enzyme clearance after oral administration in non-pregnant individuals, and (4) adjusting the PBPK model structure and enzyme parameters according to pregnant women and validating it in oral administration. (5) PK/PD model was explored through MATLAB, and the PBPK and PK/PD models were integrated to form the PBPK/PD model. RESULTS The Nifedipine PBPK model's predictive accuracy was confirmed by non-pregnant and pregnant validation studies. The developed PBPK/PD model accurately predicted maximum antihypertensive effects for clinical doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg. The model suggested peak effect at 0.86 h post-administration, achieving blood pressure reductions of 5.4 mmHg, 14.3 mmHg, and 21.3 mmHg, respectively. This model provides guidance for tailored dosing in pregnancy-induced hypertension based on targeted blood pressure reduction. CONCLUSION Based on available literature data, the PBPK/PD model of Nifedipine in pregnancy demonstrated good predictive performance. It will help optimize individualized dosing of Nifedipine, improve treatment outcomes, and minimize the risk of adverse reactions in mothers and infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences (ICMS)/FHS, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences (ICMS)/FHS, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Jingsi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Key Laboratories for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Dunjin Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Key Laboratories for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Yong Tao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8, South Road of Worker's Stadium, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Defang Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences (ICMS)/FHS, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau, China.
- Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), University of Macau, Macau, China.
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6
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Rock CR, White TA, Piscopo BR, Sutherland AE, Pham Y, Camm EJ, Sehgal A, Polglase GR, Miller SL, Allison BJ. Cardiovascular decline in offspring during the perinatal period in an ovine model of fetal growth restriction. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 325:H1266-H1278. [PMID: 37773057 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00495.2023] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) increases the risk cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adulthood. Placental insufficiency and subsequent chronic fetal hypoxemia are causal factors for FGR, leading to a redistribution of blood flow that prioritizes vital organs. Subclinical signs of cardiovascular dysfunction are evident in growth-restricted neonates; however, the mechanisms programming for CVD in adulthood remain unknown. This study aimed to determine the potential mechanisms underlying structural and functional changes within the heart and essential (carotid) and nonessential (femoral) vascular beds in growth-restricted lambs. Placental insufficiency was surgically induced in ewes at 89 days gestational age (dGA, term = 148dGA). Three age groups were investigated: fetal (126dGA), newborn (24 h after preterm birth), and 4-wk-old lambs. In vivo and histological assessments of cardiovascular indices were undertaken. Resistance femoral artery function was assessed via in vitro wire myography and blockade of key vasoactive pathways including nitric oxide, prostanoids, and endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization. All lambs were normotensive throughout the first 4 wk of life. Overall, the FGR cohort had more globular hearts compared with controls (P = 0.0374). A progressive decline in endothelium-dependent vasodilation was demonstrated in FGR lambs compared with controls. Further investigation revealed that impairment of the prostanoid pathway may drive this reduction in vasodilatory capacity. Clinical indicators of CVD were not observed in our FGR lambs. However, subclinical signs of cardiovascular dysfunction were present in our FGR offspring. This study provides insight into potential mechanisms, such as the prostanoid pathway, that may warrant therapeutic interventions to improve cardiovascular development in growth-restricted newborns.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our findings provide novel insight into the potential mechanisms that program for cardiovascular dysfunction in growth-restricted neonates as our growth-restricted lambs exhibited a progressive decline in endothelium-dependent vasodilation in the femoral artery between birth and 4 wk of age. Subsequent analyses indicated that this reduction in vasodilatory capacity is likely to be mediated by the prostanoid pathway and prostanoids could be a potential target for therapeutic interventions for fetal growth restriction (FGR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Charmaine R Rock
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tegan A White
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Beth R Piscopo
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amy E Sutherland
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yen Pham
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emily J Camm
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Arvind Sehgal
- Monash Newborn, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Graeme R Polglase
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Suzanne L Miller
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Beth J Allison
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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7
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Tan SM, Nakanishi H, Ishida S, Kosaka Y, Sekiya R, Kawada K, Ooka M. Hemodynamic evaluation of extremely low birth weight infants during the first 7 days of life. Early Hum Dev 2023; 187:105900. [PMID: 37952309 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2023.105900] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM We aimed to investigate the hemodynamic status of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants during the transitional period under intensive management. METHODS This retrospective cohort study analyzed left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-systolic wall stress (ESWS), left ventricular internal dimension in diastole (LVIDd), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) of ELBW infants during their first week of life. Small for gestational age (SGA), histological chorioamnionitis (hCAM), severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and non-survival to discharge infants were compared to their counterparts. RESULTS Sixty-two infants (25.7 ± 2.1 weeks, 700.7 ± 165.4 g) were analyzed. MAP gradually increased. Median LVEF was 69.8 % on day 1, decreased to 62.7 % on day 2, then increased throughout the week. ESWS was lowest at birth, rose to 28.2 g/cm2 on day 2, and decreased on day 6. There were no significant changes in LVIDd. SGA infants had higher MAP throughout, higher LVEF on day 2 and 3, but lower LVEF on day 5 to 7. LVIDd was lower in hCAM group. Severe IVH group had a more significant drop in LVEF on day 2, higher ESWS, and a higher incidence of hemodynamic significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA). Non-survival had lower LVIDd. CONCLUSIONS MAP increased gradually. Hemodynamic instability was observed in the first two days, with decreased LVEF and increased ESWS before stabilization. We observed an alteration in hemodynamic adaptation in SGA and hCAM infants. Severe IVH group experienced early hemodynamic instability and a higher incidence of hsPDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Mee Tan
- Department of Pediatrics, Kitasato University Hospital, Japan.
| | - Hidehiko Nakanishi
- Research and Development Center for New Medical Frontiers, Department of Advanced Medicine, Division of Neonatal Intensive Care Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Shuji Ishida
- Department of Pediatrics, Kitasato University Hospital, Japan
| | - Yukako Kosaka
- Department of Pediatrics, Kitasato University Hospital, Japan
| | - Rika Sekiya
- Department of Pediatrics, Kitasato University Hospital, Japan
| | - Kouhei Kawada
- Department of Pediatrics, Kitasato University Hospital, Japan
| | - Mari Ooka
- Department of Pediatrics, Kitasato University Hospital, Japan
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Dimasi CG, Darby JRT, Cho SKS, Saini BS, Holman SL, Meakin AS, Wiese MD, Macgowan CK, Seed M, Morrison JL. Reduced in utero substrate supply decreases mitochondrial abundance and alters the expression of metabolic signalling molecules in the fetal sheep heart. J Physiol 2023. [PMID: 37996982 DOI: 10.1113/jp285572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Babies born with fetal growth restriction (FGR) are at higher risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases across the life course. The reduction in substrate supply to the developing fetus that causes FGR not only alters cardiac growth and structure but may have deleterious effects on metabolism and function. Using a sheep model of placental restriction to induce FGR, we investigated key cardiac metabolic and functional markers that may be altered in FGR. We also employed phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging MRI to assess left ventricular cardiac output (LVCO) as a measure of cardiac function. We hypothesized that signalling molecules involved in cardiac fatty acid utilisation and contractility would be impaired by FGR and that this would have a negative impact on LVCO in the late gestation fetus. Key glucose (GLUT4 protein) and fatty acid (FATP, CD36 gene expression) substrate transporters were significantly reduced in the hearts of FGR fetuses. We also found reduced mitochondrial numbers as well as abundance of electron transport chain complexes (complexes II and IV). These data suggest that FGR diminishes metabolic and mitochondrial capacity in the fetal heart; however, alterations were not correlated with fetal LVCO. Overall, these data show that FGR alters fetal cardiac metabolism in late gestation. If sustained ex utero, this altered metabolic profile may contribute to poor cardiac outcomes in FGR-born individuals after birth. KEY POINTS: Around the time of birth, substrate utilisation in the fetal heart switches from carbohydrates to fatty acids. However, the effect of fetal growth restriction (FGR) on this switch, and thus the ability of the fetal heart to effectively metabolise fatty acids, is not fully understood. Using a sheep model of early onset FGR, we observed significant downregulation in mRNA expression of fatty acid receptors CD36 and FABP in the fetal heart. FGR fetuses also had significantly lower cardiac mitochondrial abundance than controls. There was a reduction in abundance of complexes II and IV within the electron transport chain of the FGR fetal heart, suggesting altered ATP production. This indicates reduced fatty acid metabolism and mitochondrial function in the heart of the FGR fetus, which may have detrimental long-term implications and contribute to increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine G Dimasi
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jack R T Darby
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Steven K S Cho
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brahmdeep S Saini
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Research Institute, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stacey L Holman
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ashley S Meakin
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Michael D Wiese
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Christopher K Macgowan
- Research Institute, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mike Seed
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Research Institute, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Janna L Morrison
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Research Institute, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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9
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Pereira SP, Diniz MS, Tavares LC, Cunha-Oliveira T, Li C, Cox LA, Nijland MJ, Nathanielsz PW, Oliveira PJ. Characterizing Early Cardiac Metabolic Programming via 30% Maternal Nutrient Reduction during Fetal Development in a Non-Human Primate Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15192. [PMID: 37894873 PMCID: PMC10607248 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a common cause of fetal/neonatal morbidity and mortality and is associated with increased offspring predisposition for cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. Mitochondria are essential organelles in maintaining cardiac function, and thus, fetal cardiac mitochondria could be responsive to the IUGR environment. In this study, we investigated whether in utero fetal cardiac mitochondrial programming can be detectable in an early stage of IUGR pregnancy. Using a well-established nonhuman IUGR primate model, we induced IUGR by reducing by 30% the maternal diet (MNR), both in males (MNR-M) and in female (MNR-F) fetuses. Fetal cardiac left ventricle (LV) tissue and blood were collected at 90 days of gestation (0.5 gestation, 0.5 G). Blood biochemical parameters were determined and heart LV mitochondrial biology assessed. MNR fetus biochemical blood parameters confirm an early fetal response to MNR. In addition, we show that in utero cardiac mitochondrial MNR adaptations are already detectable at this early stage, in a sex-divergent way. MNR induced alterations in the cardiac gene expression of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) subunits (mostly for complex-I, III, and ATP synthase), along with increased protein content for complex-I, -III, and -IV subunits only for MNR-M in comparison with male controls, highlight the fetal cardiac sex-divergent response to MNR. At this fetal stage, no major alterations were detected in mitochondrial DNA copy number nor markers for oxidative stress. This study shows that in 90-day nonhuman primate fetuses, a 30% decrease in maternal nutrition generated early in utero adaptations in fetal blood biochemical parameters and sex-specific alterations in cardiac left ventricle gene and protein expression profiles, affecting predominantly OXPHOS subunits. Since the OXPHOS system is determinant for energy production in mitochondria, our findings suggest that these early IUGR-induced mitochondrial adaptations play a role in offspring's mitochondrial dysfunction and can increase predisposition to CVD in a sex-specific way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana P. Pereira
- Laboratory of Metabolism and Exercise (LaMetEx), Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Faculty of Sports, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- CNC-UC, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (M.S.D.); (T.C.-O.); (P.J.O.)
- CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Research, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA;
| | - Mariana S. Diniz
- CNC-UC, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (M.S.D.); (T.C.-O.); (P.J.O.)
- PDBEB—Ph.D. Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ludgero C. Tavares
- CNC-UC, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (M.S.D.); (T.C.-O.); (P.J.O.)
- CIVG—Vasco da Gama Research Center, University School Vasco da Gama—EUVG, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Teresa Cunha-Oliveira
- CNC-UC, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (M.S.D.); (T.C.-O.); (P.J.O.)
| | - Cun Li
- Texas Pregnancy & Life-Course Health Research Center, Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA;
| | - Laura A. Cox
- Center for Precision Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA; (L.A.C.); (P.W.N.)
- Section on Molecular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA
- Section on Comparative Medicine, Department of Pathology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Mark J. Nijland
- Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Research, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA;
| | - Peter W. Nathanielsz
- Center for Precision Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA; (L.A.C.); (P.W.N.)
| | - Paulo J. Oliveira
- CNC-UC, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (M.S.D.); (T.C.-O.); (P.J.O.)
- CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
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10
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de Waal K, Crendal E, Poon ACY, Latheef MS, Sachawars E, MacDougall T, Phad N. The association between patterns of early respiratory disease and diastolic dysfunction in preterm infants. J Perinatol 2023; 43:1268-1273. [PMID: 36823313 PMCID: PMC10541326 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-023-01608-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to determine the association between clinical patterns of early respiratory disease and diastolic dysfunction in preterm infants. METHODS Preterm infants <29 weeks' gestation underwent cardiac ultrasounds around day 7 and 14-21. Respiratory dysfunction patterns were classified as stable (ST), respiratory deterioration (RD) or early persistent respiratory dysfunction (EPRD) according to oxygen need. Diastolic dysfunction was diagnosed using a multi-parameter approach including left atrial strain (LASR) to help differentiate between cardiac or pulmonary pathophysiology. RESULTS 98 infants (mean 27 weeks) were included. The prevalence of ST, RD and EPRD was 53%, 21% and 26% respectively. Diastolic dysfunction was more prevalent in the RD and EPRD groups with patent ductus arteriosus and significant growth restriction as risk factors. Not all infants with a PDA developed diastolic dysfunction. LASR was lower in the EPDR group. CONCLUSION Respiratory dysfunction patterns are associated with diastolic dysfunction in preterm infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koert de Waal
- John Hunter Children's Hospital, department of neonatology, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
- University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
| | - Edward Crendal
- John Hunter Children's Hospital, department of neonatology, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- John Hunter Hospital, department of cardiology, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Elias Sachawars
- John Hunter Hospital, department of radiology, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Thomas MacDougall
- John Hunter Hospital, department of radiology, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Nilkant Phad
- John Hunter Children's Hospital, department of neonatology, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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11
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Mahadevan A, Tipler A, Jones H. Shared developmental pathways of the placenta and fetal heart. Placenta 2023; 141:35-42. [PMID: 36604258 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Congenital heart defects (CHD) remain the most common class of birth defect worldwide, affecting 1 in every 110 live births. A host of clinical and morphological indicators of placental dysfunction are observed in pregnancies complicated by fetal CHD and, with the recent emergence of single-cell sequencing capabilities, the molecular and physiological associations between the embryonic heart and developing placenta are increasingly evident. In CHD pregnancies, a hostile intrauterine environment may negatively influence and alter fetal development. Placental maldevelopment and dysfunction creates this hostile in-utero environment and may manifest in the development of various subtypes of CHD, with downstream perfusion and flow-related alterations leading to yet further disruption in placental structure and function. The adverse in-utero environment of CHD-complicated pregnancies is well studied, however the specific etiological role that the placenta plays in CHD development remains unclear. Many mouse and rat models have been used to characterize the relationship between CHD and placental dysfunction, but these paradigms present substantial limitations in the assessment of both the heart and placenta. Improvements in non-invasive placental assessment can mitigate these limitations and drive human-specific investigation in relation to fetal and placental development. Here, we review the clinical, structural, and molecular relationships between CHD and placental dysfunction, the CHD subtype-dependence of these changes, and the future of Placenta-Heart axis modeling and investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Mahadevan
- Physiology and Aging, University of Florida College of Medicine, USA; Center for Research in Perinatal Outcomes, University of Florida, USA
| | - Alyssa Tipler
- Physiology and Aging, University of Florida College of Medicine, USA; Center for Research in Perinatal Outcomes, University of Florida, USA
| | - Helen Jones
- Physiology and Aging, University of Florida College of Medicine, USA; Center for Research in Perinatal Outcomes, University of Florida, USA.
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12
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Lee B, Janzen C, Aliabadi AR, Lei MYY, Wu H, Liu D, Vangala SS, Devaskar SU, Sung K. Early pregnancy imaging predicts ischemic placental disease. Placenta 2023; 140:90-99. [PMID: 37549442 PMCID: PMC11090111 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.07.297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To characterize early-gestation changes in placental structure, perfusion, and oxygenation in the context of ischemic placental disease (IPD) as a composite outcome and in individual sub-groups. METHODS In a single-center prospective cohort study, 199 women were recruited from antenatal clinics between February 2017 and February 2019. Maternal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of the placenta were temporally conducted at two timepoints: 14-16 weeks gestational age (GA) and 19-24 weeks GA. The pregnancy was monitored via four additional study visits, including at delivery. Placental volume, perfusion, and oxygenation were assessed at both MRI timepoints. The primary outcome was defined as pregnancy complicated by IPD, with group assignment confirmed after delivery. RESULTS In early gestation, mothers with IPD who subsequently developed fetal growth restriction (FGR) and/or delivered small-for gestational age (SGA) infants showed significantly decreased MRI indices of placental volume, perfusion, and oxygenation compared to controls. The prediction of FGR or SGA by multiple logistic regression using placental volume, perfusion, and oxygenation revealed receiver operator characteristic curves with areas under the curve of 0.81 (Positive predictive value (PPV) = 0.84, negative predictive value (NPV) = 0.75) at 14-16 weeks GA and 0.66 (PPV = 0.78, NPV = 0.60) at 19-24 weeks GA. DISCUSSION MRI indices showing decreased placental volume, perfusion and oxygenation in early pregnancy were associated with subsequent onset of IPD, with the greatest deviation evident in subjects with FGR and/or SGA. These early-gestation MRI changes may be predictive of the subsequent development of FGR and/or SGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Carla Janzen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Arya R Aliabadi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Margarida Y Y Lei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Holden Wu
- Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, 300 Medical Plaza, B119, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Dapeng Liu
- Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, 300 Medical Plaza, B119, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Sitaram S Vangala
- Department of Medicine Statistical Core, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, 1100 Glendon Ave Suite 1820, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Sherin U Devaskar
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Kyunghyun Sung
- Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, 300 Medical Plaza, B119, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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13
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Pham MS, Tran DV, Pham CK, Truong TLG, Nguyen VQH. Added value of the pulmonary vein pulsatility index and its correlation to neonatal umbilical artery pH in fetal growth restrictions: a Vietnamese matched cohort study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:625. [PMID: 37648979 PMCID: PMC10468852 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05910-0] [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: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In clinical obstetrics, many guidelines recommended the use of Doppler fetal ductus venosus blood flow to monitor and to manage fetal growth restriction (FGR). The ductus venosus and the pulmonary venous flow pattern of fetuses are similar. Umbilical artery pH (UA pH) is essential in identifying adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly in fetal growth restriction cases. Nevertheless, the literature indicates that the relationship between pulmonary vein pulsatility index (PVPI) and UA pH in FGR cases has not been well investigated. This study aimed to identify the alteration in PVPI in FGR cases and evaluate the correlation between PVPI and UA pH in FGR newborns. METHODS This matched cohort study of singleton pregnancies from 28+ 0 to 40+ 0 weeks of gestation without congenital abnormalities included 135 cases of FGR (disease group) and 135 cases of normal growth (control group). The PVPI was measured at the proximal segment of the right or left pulmonary vein, approximately 5 mm from the left atrium wall. The umbilical artery pulsatility index (UAPI) was measured on the free umbilical cord. An elective cesarean section or labor induction are both options for ending the pregnancy, depending on the condition of the mother or fetus. Umbilical artery blood samples were collected within 5 min of delivery for UA pH measurement. SPSS version 20 and Medcalc version 20.1 were used for data analysis. RESULTS FGR cases had a significantly higher mean fetal PVPI than the control group (1.16 ± 0.26 vs. 0.84 ± 0.16; p < 0.01), and PVPI and UAPI were positively correlated (r = 0.63; p < 0.001). PVPI and UA pH were negatively correlated in FGR patients, with r = -0.68; p < 0.001. The PVPI value on the 95th percentile had a prognostic value of UA pH < 7.20 with a sensitivity of 88.2%, specificity of 66.3%, positive predictive value of 46.9%, and negative predictive value of 94.3%. CONCLUSIONS There was a statistically significant difference in PVPI values in FGR cases compared to the normal growth group, a positive correlation between PVPI and UAPI, and a negative correlation between PVPI and UA pH. PVPI might have a prognostic meaning in predicting UA pH at birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh Son Pham
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Da Nang Hospital for Women and Children, 402 Le Van Hien, Da Nang, Vietnam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Ngo Quyen, 491200, Hue, Vietnam
| | - Dinh Vinh Tran
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Da Nang Hospital for Women and Children, 402 Le Van Hien, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Chi Kong Pham
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Da Nang Hospital for Women and Children, 402 Le Van Hien, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Thi Linh Giang Truong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Ngo Quyen, 491200, Hue, Vietnam
| | - Vu Quoc Huy Nguyen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Ngo Quyen, 491200, Hue, Vietnam.
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14
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Jing Y, Gan M, Xie Z, Ma J, Chen L, Zhang S, Zhao Y, Niu L, Wang Y, Zhu L, Shen L. Characteristics of microRNAs in Skeletal Muscle of Intrauterine Growth-Restricted Pigs. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1372. [PMID: 37510277 PMCID: PMC10379088 DOI: 10.3390/genes14071372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
microRNAs are a class of small RNAs that have been extensively studied, which are involved in many biological processes and disease occurrence. The incidence of intrauterine growth restriction is higher in mammals, especially multiparous mammals. In this study, we found that the weight of the longissimus dorsi of intrauterine growth-restricted pigs was significantly lower than that of normal pigs. Then, intrauterine growth-restricted pig longissimus dorsi were used to characterize miRNA expression profiles by RNA sequencing. A total of 333 miRNAs were identified, of which 26 were differentially expressed. Functional enrichment analysis showed that these differentially expressed miRNAs regulate the expression of their target genes (such as PIK3R1, CCND2, AKT3, and MAP3K7), and these target genes play an important role in the proliferation and differentiation of skeletal muscle through signaling pathways such as the PI3K-Akt, MAPK, and FoxO signaling pathways. Furthermore, miRNA-451 was significantly upregulated in IUGR pig skeletal muscle. Overexpression of miR-451 in C2C12 cells significantly promoted the expression of Mb, Myod, Myog, Myh1, and Myh7, suggesting that miR-451 may be involved in the regulation of the myoblastic differentiation of C2C12 cells. Our results reveal the role of miRNA-451 in regulating myogenic differentiation of skeletal muscle in pigs with intrauterine growth restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhong Jing
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Mailin Gan
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Zhongwei Xie
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Jianfeng Ma
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Shunhua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Ye Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Lili Niu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Li Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Linyuan Shen
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
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15
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Kadife E, Harper A, Chien K, Lino TK, Brownfoot FC. Novel genes associated with a placental phenotype in knockout mice also respond to cellular stressors in primary human trophoblasts. Placenta 2023; 139:68-74. [PMID: 37331027 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Placental insufficiency is a leading cause of intrauterine growth restriction, contributing to perinatal morbidity and mortality. The molecular regulation of placental development and what causes placental insufficiency is poorly understood. Recently, a panel of genes were found to cause significant placental dysmorphologies in mice with severely growth restricted off-spring. We aimed to assess whether these genes were also implicated in human intrauterine growth restriction. METHODS We explored the expression of nine genes in primary cytotrophoblast cells in hypoxic (n = 6) and glucose starvation (n = 5) conditions in vitro. We also explored whether the genes were dysregulated in intrauterine growth restricted human placental samples (n = 11), with (n = 20) or without preeclampsia compared to gestationally matched controls (<34 weeks gestation) (n = 17). RESULTS Hypoxic stress significantly upregulated the expressions of BRD2 (p = 0.0313), SMG9 (p = 0.0313) genes. In contrast, glucose starvation significantly suppressed Kif1bp (p = 0.0089) in primary cytotrophoblasts. The FRYL, NEK9, CHTOP, PSPH, ATP11A, HM13 genes did not change under hypoxia or glucose starvation conditions. The expression of these genes was not altered in placenta from patients with intrauterine growth restriction, compared to gestationally matched controls. DISCUSSION We demonstrate that some of the genes that cause a placental phenotype in mice, respond to hypoxic and glucose mediated stress in human cytotrophoblast isolations. Despite this, they are unchanged in placenta from patients with intrauterine growth restriction. Therefore, dysregulation of these genes is less likely to contribute to preterm intrauterine growth restriction in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Kadife
- Obstetric Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women Heidelberg, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alesia Harper
- Obstetric Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women Heidelberg, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Keegan Chien
- Obstetric Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women Heidelberg, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tu'uhevaha Kaitu'u Lino
- Diagnostics Discovery and Reverse Translation in Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fiona C Brownfoot
- Obstetric Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women Heidelberg, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia.
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16
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Sutherland MR, Black MJ. The impact of intrauterine growth restriction and prematurity on nephron endowment. Nat Rev Nephrol 2023; 19:218-228. [PMID: 36646887 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-022-00668-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In humans born at term, maximal nephron number is reached by the time nephrogenesis is completed - at approximately 36 weeks' gestation. The number of nephrons does not increase further and subsequently remains stable until loss occurs through ageing or disease. Nephron endowment is key to the functional capacity of the kidney and its resilience to disease; hence, any processes that impair kidney development in the developing fetus can have lifelong adverse consequences for renal health and, consequently, for quality and length of life. The timing of nephrogenesis underlies the vulnerability of developing human kidneys to adverse early life exposures. Indeed, exposure of the developing fetus to a suboptimal intrauterine environment during gestation - resulting in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) - and/or preterm birth can impede kidney development and lead to reduced nephron endowment. Furthermore, emerging research suggests that IUGR and/or preterm birth is associated with an elevated risk of chronic kidney disease in later life. The available data highlight the important role of early life development in the aetiology of kidney disease and emphasize the need to develop strategies to optimize nephron endowment in IUGR and preterm infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan R Sutherland
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology and Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Mary Jane Black
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology and Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
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17
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Effects of uteroplacental insufficiency on cardiac development in growth-restricted newborn rats. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2023; 14:272-278. [PMID: 36239256 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174422000575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with reduced cardiac function in neonates. Uteroplacental insufficiency (UPI) is the most common cause of FGR. The mechanisms underlying these alterations remain unknown. We hypothesized that UPI would influence cardiac development in offspring rats. Through this study, we evaluated the effects of UPI during pregnancy on heart histology and pulmonary hypertension in growth-restricted newborn rats. On gestation Day 18, either UPI was induced through bilateral uterine vessel ligation (FGR group) or sham surgery (control group) was performed. The right middle lobe of the lung and the heart were harvested for histological and immunohistochemical evaluation on postnatal days 0 and 7. The FGR group exhibited significantly lower body weight, hypertrophy and degeneration of cardiomyocytes, increased intercellular spaces between the cardiomyocytes and collagen deposition, and decreased glycogen deposition and HNK-1 expression compared with the control group on postnatal days 0 and 7. These results suggest that neonates with FGR may have inadequate myocardial reserves, which may cause subsequent cardiovascular compromise in future life. Further studies are required to evaluate the hemodynamic changes in these growth-restricted neonates.
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18
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Ren M, Chan WX, Green L, Armstrong A, Tulzer A, Tulzer G, Buist ML, Yap CH. Contribution of Ventricular Motion and Sampling Location to Discrepancies in Two-Dimensional Versus Three-Dimensional Fetal Ventricular Strain Measures. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2023; 36:543-552. [PMID: 36623710 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2022.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Echocardiographic quantification of fetal cardiac strain is important to evaluate function and the need for intervention, with both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) strain measurements currently feasible. However, discrepancies between 2D and 3D measurements have been reported, the etiologies of which are unclear. This study sought to determine the etiologies of the differences between 2D and 3D strain measurements. METHODS A validated cardiac motion-tracking algorithm was used on 3D cine ultrasound images acquired in 26 healthy fetuses. Both 2D and 3D myocardial strain quantifications were performed on each image set for controlled comparisons. Finite element modeling of 2 left ventricle (LV) models with minor geometrical differences were performed with various helix angle configurations for validating image processing results. RESULTS Three-dimensional longitudinal strain (LS) was significantly lower than 2D LS for the LV free wall and septum but not for the right ventricular (RV) free wall, while 3D circumferential strain (CS) was significantly higher than 2D CS for the LV, RV, and septum. The LS discrepancy was due to 2D long-axis imaging not capturing the out-of-plane motions associated with LV twist, while the CS discrepancy was due to the systolic motion of the heart toward the apex that caused out-of-plane motions in 2D short-axis imaging. A timing mismatch between the occurrences of peak longitudinal and circumferential dimensions caused a deviation in zero-strain referencing between 2D and 3D strain measurements, contributing to further discrepancies between the 2. CONCLUSIONS Mechanisms for discrepancies between 2D and 3D strain measurements in fetal echocardiography were identified, and inaccuracies associated with 2D strains were highlighted. Understanding of this mechanism is useful and important for future standardization of fetal cardiac strain measurements, which we propose to be important in view of large discrepancies in measured values in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meifeng Ren
- Deparment of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wei Xuan Chan
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Green
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Aimee Armstrong
- The Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Andreas Tulzer
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Kepler University Hospital, Linz, Austria
| | - Gerald Tulzer
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Kepler University Hospital, Linz, Austria
| | - Martin L Buist
- Deparment of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Choon Hwai Yap
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
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19
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McPeek AC, Patton B, Columbus DA, Olver TD, Rodrigues LA, Sands JM, Weber LP, Ferguson DP. Low birth weight and reduced postnatal nutrition lead to cardiac dysfunction in piglets. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skad364. [PMID: 37880833 PMCID: PMC10656296 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad364] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in humans and evidence suggests early life growth-restriction increases heart disease risk in adulthood. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the effects of low birth weight (LBW) and postnatal restricted nutrition (RN) on cardiac function in neonatal pigs. We hypothesized that LBW and RN would reduce cardiac function in pigs but this effect would be reversed with refeeding. To investigate this hypothesis, pigs born weighing <1.5 kg were assigned LBW, and pigs born >1.5 kg were assigned normal birth weight (NBW). Half the LBW and NBW pigs underwent ~25% total nutrient restriction via intermittent suckling (assigned RN) for the first 4 wk post-farrowing. The other half of piglets were allowed unrestricted suckling access to the sow (assigned NN). At 28 d of age (weaning), pigs were weaned and provided ad libitum access to a standard diet. Echocardiographic, vascular ultrasound, and blood pressure (BP) measurements were performed on day 28 and again on day 56 to assess cardiovascular structure and function. A full factorial three-way ANOVA (NN vs. RN, LBW vs. NBW, male vs. female) was performed. Key findings include reduced diastolic BP (P = 0.0401) and passive ventricular filling (P = 0.0062) in RN pigs at 28 d but this was reversed after refeeding. LBW piglets have reduced cardiac output index (P = 0.0037) and diastolic and systolic wall thickness (P = 0.0293 and P = 0.0472) at 56 d. Therefore, cardiac dysfunction from RN is recovered with adequate refeeding while LBW programs irreversible cardiac dysfunction despite proper refeeding in neonatal pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley C McPeek
- Department of Kinesiology Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
- Center for Health Sciences Interprofessional Education, Research, and Practice, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98144, USA
| | - Breanna Patton
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Daniel A Columbus
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8, Canada
- Prairie Swine Centre, Inc., Saskatoon, SK S7H 5N9, Canada
| | - T Dylan Olver
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Lucas A Rodrigues
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8, Canada
- Prairie Swine Centre, Inc., Saskatoon, SK S7H 5N9, Canada
| | - Jade M Sands
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8, Canada
- Prairie Swine Centre, Inc., Saskatoon, SK S7H 5N9, Canada
| | - Lynn P Weber
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - David P Ferguson
- Department of Kinesiology Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
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20
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Martin NR, Patel R, Kossack ME, Tian L, Camarillo MA, Cintrón-Rivera LG, Gawdzik JC, Yue MS, Nwagugo FO, Elemans LMH, Plavicki JS. Proper modulation of AHR signaling is necessary for establishing neural connectivity and oligodendrocyte precursor cell development in the embryonic zebrafish brain. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1032302. [PMID: 36523606 PMCID: PMC9745199 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1032302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-[p]-dioxin (TCDD) is a persistent global pollutant that exhibits a high affinity for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a ligand activated transcription factor. Epidemiological studies have associated AHR agonist exposure with multiple human neuropathologies. Consistent with the human data, research studies using laboratory models have linked pollutant-induced AHR activation to disruptions in learning and memory as well as motor impairments. Our understanding of endogenous AHR functions in brain development is limited and, correspondingly, scientists are still determining which cell types and brain regions are sensitive to AHR modulation. To identify novel phenotypes resulting from pollutant-induced AHR activation and ahr2 loss of function, we utilized the optically transparent zebrafish model. Early embryonic TCDD exposure impaired embryonic brain morphogenesis, resulted in ventriculomegaly, and disrupted neural connectivity in the optic tectum, habenula, cerebellum, and olfactory bulb. Altered neural network formation was accompanied by reduced expression of synaptic vesicle 2. Loss of ahr2 function also impaired nascent network development, but did not affect gross brain or ventricular morphology. To determine whether neural AHR activation was sufficient to disrupt connectivity, we used the Gal4/UAS system to express a constitutively active AHR specifically in differentiated neurons and observed disruptions only in the cerebellum; thus, suggesting that the phenotypes resulting from global AHR activation likely involve multiple cell types. Consistent with this hypothesis, we found that TCDD exposure reduced the number of oligodendrocyte precursor cells and their derivatives. Together, our findings indicate that proper modulation of AHR signaling is necessary for the growth and maturation of the embryonic zebrafish brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan R. Martin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Ratna Patel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Michelle E. Kossack
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Lucy Tian
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Manuel A. Camarillo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Layra G. Cintrón-Rivera
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Joseph C. Gawdzik
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, WI, United States,Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Monica S. Yue
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, WI, United States,Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Favour O. Nwagugo
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Loes M. H. Elemans
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jessica S. Plavicki
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States,*Correspondence: Jessica S. Plavicki,
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21
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Misan N, Michalak S, Rzymski P, Poniedziałek B, Kapska K, Osztynowicz K, Ropacka-Lesiak M. Molecular Indicators of Blood-Brain Barrier Breakdown and Neuronal Injury in Pregnancy Complicated by Fetal Growth Restriction. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213798. [PMID: 36430274 PMCID: PMC9695431 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the damage to the endothelial tight junctions (TJs) in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction (FGR) and investigated whether FGR is related to blood-brain barrier disintegration and, subsequently, to the appearance of proteins indicative of neuronal injury in maternal blood. The studied group included 90 pregnant women diagnosed with FGR. The control group consisted of 70 women with an uncomplicated pregnancy. The biochemical measurements included serum neuronal proteins (subunit of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-NR1, nucleoside diphosphate kinase A-NME1, and S100 calcium-binding protein B-S100B), serum TJ proteins (occludin-OCLN, claudin-5-CLN5, zonula occludens-zo-1, and OCLN/zo-1 and CLN5/zo-1 ratios), and placental expression of TJ proteins (OCLN, claudin-4 CLN4, CLN5, zo-1). The significantly higher serum S100B and CLN5 levels and serum CLN5/zo-1 ratio were observed in FGR compared to healthy pregnancies. Moreover, FGR was characterized by increased placental CLN5 expression. Both serum NME1 levels and placental CLN4 expression in FGR pregnancies were significantly related to the incidence of neurological disorders in newborns. Mothers of FGR neonates who developed neurological complications and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) had statistically higher NME1 concentrations during pregnancy and significantly lower placental CLN4 expression than mothers of FGR neonates without neurological abnormalities. The serum NME1 levels and placental CLN4 expression were predictive markers of IVH in the FGR group. The blood-brain barrier is destabilized in pregnancies complicated by FGR. Neurological disorders, including IVH, are associated with higher serum concentrations of NME1 and the decreased placental expression of CLN4. The serum NME1 levels and placental CLN4 expression may serve as biomarkers, helpful in predicting IVH in FGR. It may allow for more precise monitoring and influence decision-making on the optimal delivery time to avoid developing neurological complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Misan
- Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-535 Poznan, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Sławomir Michalak
- Department of Neurochemistry and Neuropathology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland
| | - Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-848 Poznan, Poland
- Integrated Science Association (ISA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), 60-806 Poznań, Poland
| | - Barbara Poniedziałek
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-848 Poznan, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kapska
- Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-535 Poznan, Poland
| | - Krystyna Osztynowicz
- Department of Neurochemistry and Neuropathology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland
| | - Mariola Ropacka-Lesiak
- Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-535 Poznan, Poland
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22
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Misan N, Michalak S, Kapska K, Osztynowicz K, Ropacka-Lesiak M. Blood-Brain Barrier Disintegration in Growth-Restricted Fetuses with Brain Sparing Effect. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012349. [PMID: 36293204 PMCID: PMC9604432 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier adhere closely, which is provided by tight junctions (TJs). The aim of the study was to assess the damage to the endothelial TJs in pregnancy, complicated by fetal growth restriction (FGR) and circulatory centralization (brain-sparing effect, BS). The serum concentrations of NR1 subunit of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NR1), nucleoside diphosphate kinase A (NME1), S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B), occludin (OCLN), claudin-5 (CLN5), and zonula occludens protein – 1 (zo-1), and the placental expressions of OCLN, claudin-4 (CLN4), CLN5, and zo-1 were assessed with ELISA. The significantly higher serum NME1 concentrations and the serum CLN5/zo-1 index were observed in FGR pregnancy with BS, as compared to the FGR group without BS. The FGR newborns with BS were about 20 times more likely to develop an intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) than the FGR infants without BS. The cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) allowed to predict the IVH in growth-restricted fetuses. The significantly lower placental CLN4 expression was observed in the FGR group with BS and who postnatally developed an IVH, as compared to the growth-restricted infants with BS without IVH signs. Pregnancy complicated by FGR and BS is associated with the destabilization of the fetal blood-brain barrier. The IVH in newborns is reflected in the inhibition of the placental CLN4 expression, which may be a useful marker in the prediction of an IVH among growth-restricted fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Misan
- Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 33 Polna Street, 60-535 Poznan, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Sławomir Michalak
- Department of Neurochemistry and Neuropathology, Chair of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 49 Przybyszewskiego Street, 60-355 Poznan, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kapska
- Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 33 Polna Street, 60-535 Poznan, Poland
| | - Krystyna Osztynowicz
- Department of Neurochemistry and Neuropathology, Chair of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 49 Przybyszewskiego Street, 60-355 Poznan, Poland
| | - Mariola Ropacka-Lesiak
- Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 33 Polna Street, 60-535 Poznan, Poland
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23
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King VJ, Bennet L, Stone PR, Clark A, Gunn AJ, Dhillon SK. Fetal growth restriction and stillbirth: Biomarkers for identifying at risk fetuses. Front Physiol 2022; 13:959750. [PMID: 36060697 PMCID: PMC9437293 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.959750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major cause of stillbirth, prematurity and impaired neurodevelopment. Its etiology is multifactorial, but many cases are related to impaired placental development and dysfunction, with reduced nutrient and oxygen supply. The fetus has a remarkable ability to respond to hypoxic challenges and mounts protective adaptations to match growth to reduced nutrient availability. However, with progressive placental dysfunction, chronic hypoxia may progress to a level where fetus can no longer adapt, or there may be superimposed acute hypoxic events. Improving detection and effective monitoring of progression is critical for the management of complicated pregnancies to balance the risk of worsening fetal oxygen deprivation in utero, against the consequences of iatrogenic preterm birth. Current surveillance modalities include frequent fetal Doppler ultrasound, and fetal heart rate monitoring. However, nearly half of FGR cases are not detected in utero, and conventional surveillance does not prevent a high proportion of stillbirths. We review diagnostic challenges and limitations in current screening and monitoring practices and discuss potential ways to better identify FGR, and, critically, to identify the “tipping point” when a chronically hypoxic fetus is at risk of progressive acidosis and stillbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria J. King
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Laura Bennet
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter R. Stone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alys Clark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Biomedical Engineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alistair J. Gunn
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Simerdeep K. Dhillon
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- *Correspondence: Simerdeep K. Dhillon,
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24
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Risato G, Celeghin R, Brañas Casas R, Dinarello A, Zuppardo A, Vettori A, Pilichou K, Thiene G, Basso C, Argenton F, Visentin S, Cosmi E, Tiso N, Beffagna G. Hyperactivation of Wnt/β-catenin and Jak/Stat3 pathways in human and zebrafish foetal growth restriction models: Implications for pharmacological rescue. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:943127. [PMID: 36051436 PMCID: PMC9424487 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.943127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Foetal Growth Restriction (FGR), previously known as Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), is an obstetrical condition due to placental insufficiency, affecting yearly about 30 million newborns worldwide. In this work, we aimed to identify and pharmacologically target signalling pathways specifically involved in the FGR condition, focusing on FGR-related cardiovascular phenotypes. The transcriptional profile of human umbilical cords from FGR and control cases was compared with the response to hypoxia of zebrafish (Danio rerio) transgenic lines reporting in vivo the activity of twelve signalling pathways involved in embryonic development. Wnt/β-catenin and Jak/Stat3 were found as key pathways significantly dysregulated in both human and zebrafish samples. This information was used in a chemical-genetic analysis to test drugs targeting Wnt/β-catenin and Jak/Stat3 pathways to rescue a set of FGR phenotypes, including growth restriction and cardiovascular modifications. Treatments with the Wnt/β-catenin agonist SB216763 successfully rescued body dimensions, cardiac shape, and vessel organization in zebrafish FGR models. Our data support the Wnt/β-catenin pathway as a key FGR marker and a promising target for pharmacological intervention in the FGR condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Risato
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Rudy Celeghin
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Andrea Vettori
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Kalliopi Pilichou
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Gaetano Thiene
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Cristina Basso
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Cristina Basso, ; Silvia Visentin, ; Natascia Tiso,
| | | | - Silvia Visentin
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Cristina Basso, ; Silvia Visentin, ; Natascia Tiso,
| | - Erich Cosmi
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Natascia Tiso
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Cristina Basso, ; Silvia Visentin, ; Natascia Tiso,
| | - Giorgia Beffagna
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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25
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Chen F, Zeng S, Yi A, Chen L, Zhou D, Liu Y, Yao L. Z-score model of foetal ascending aorta diameter distensibility. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:858235. [PMID: 36035956 PMCID: PMC9403074 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.858235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The purpose of this study is to establish Z-scores models of normal fetal ascending aorta diameter and diameter distensibility. Methods The maximum systolic diameter (Dmax), minimum diastolic diameter (Dmin), and diameter distensibility of the sinotubular junction were measured and taken as dependent variables in 490 normal fetuses at 18–40 gestational weeks, and gestational age (GA), biparietal diameter (BPD), and femoral length (FL) were taken as independent variables. The data were subjected to regression analysis, and the best-fitting equations for the dependent variables based on the independent variables were determined. The fitting equations were then applied to construct the Z-scores models. Results The Dmax, Dmin and Diameter Distensibility in normal fetuses between 18 and 40 weeks of GA could be evaluated by utilizing the Z-scores models. Dmax and Dmin increased significantly with increasing GA, BPD, and FL. Diameter distensibility, assessed as (Dmax–Dmin)/Dmin, decreased significantly with increasing GA, BPD, and FL. Conclusion The Z-scores are valuable, and can be utilized as a potent supplement to the conventional approach as they can indirectly reflect the development of fetal ascending aortic elastic property.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuli Chen
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, The Central Hospital of Yueyang City, Yueyang, China
| | - Shi Zeng
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Shi Zeng, ;
| | - Aijiao Yi
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, The Central Hospital of Yueyang City, Yueyang, China
| | - Lihua Chen
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, The Central Hospital of Yueyang City, Yueyang, China
| | - Dan Zhou
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yushan Liu
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Longmei Yao
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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26
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Kannan S, Bodurtha JN, Hamosh A, Jordan C. Monochorionic twins with 15q26.3 duplication presenting with selective intrauterine growth restriction and discordant cardiac anomalies: A case report. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2022; 10:e1947. [PMID: 35795918 PMCID: PMC9356548 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Duplication of the distal end of chromosome 15q has been previously implicated in a characteristic overgrowth syndrome. Additionally, many patients have other congenital malformations, including cardiac, renal, genital, and musculoskeletal anomalies. However, some patients may present with intrauterine growth restriction and short stature. Different breakpoints within 15q, as well as different environmental factors, may underlie these varied presentations. CASE PRESENTATION We discuss monochorionic-diamniotic twins with a ~345 kb maternally inherited duplication in 15q26.3. The twins presented with discordant pathology-one twin with a single umbilical artery, selective intrauterine growth restriction, and multiple cardiac defects including aortic coarctation, aortic valve stenosis, and ventricular septal defect, whereas the other twin was unaffected. To our knowledge, this case represents the smallest reported duplication of distal 15q. CONCLUSION The discordant phenotype seen in the twins is likely due to a complex interplay between genetic and environmental causes. The affected infant presented prenatally with growth restriction and a single umbilical artery rather than overgrowth, potentially due to a unique breakpoint within 15q. This, in turn, may have produced hemodynamic perturbations between the twins, leading to discordant cardiac disease. Our report thus highlights the importance of genetic and nongenetic mechanisms underlying discordant anomalies in monochorionic twins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suraj Kannan
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Joann N Bodurtha
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ada Hamosh
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Christopher Jordan
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Goncu Ayhan S, Turgut E, Ozden Tokalioglu E, Oluklu D, Sakcak B, Uyan Hendem D, Tanacan A, Moraloglu Tekin O, Sahin D. Post-COVID-19 fetal cardiac evaluation in moderate infection group of pregnant women. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND : JCU 2022; 50:630-635. [PMID: 35524502 PMCID: PMC9348261 DOI: 10.1002/jcu.23220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the long-term fetal cardiac effects of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women recovered from moderate COVID-19 with fetal echocardiography (ECHO). METHODS Forty-five pregnant women that recovered from moderate COVID-19 (CRG) 4 weeks after the infection confirmation, were compared with 45 gestational and maternal age-matched control groups (CG) in terms of demographic features fetal cardiac morphological (sphericity index, cardiothoracic ratio), and functional (myocardial performance index, mitral E/A, tricuspid E/A, mitral and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion) parameters. RESULTS There was no difference in demographic features between the groups. Fetal cardiac morphologic parameters were found to be similar between the two groups. When the fetal cardiac functional assessment of the two groups was compared, only mitral E/A ratio results were found to be statistically significantly lower in the CRG than in the control group (p = 0.030). CONCLUSION The fetal heart does not seem to be negatively affected by COVID-19 after recovery from moderate infection. These results about the fetal effect of SARS-CoV-2 may improve our limited knowledge of the utility of fetal ECHO in pregnant women who recovered from COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sule Goncu Ayhan
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMinistry of Health Ankara City HospitalAnkaraTurkey
| | - Ezgi Turgut
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMinistry of Health Ankara City HospitalAnkaraTurkey
| | - Eda Ozden Tokalioglu
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMinistry of Health Ankara City HospitalAnkaraTurkey
| | - Deniz Oluklu
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMinistry of Health Ankara City HospitalAnkaraTurkey
| | - Bedri Sakcak
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMinistry of Health Ankara City HospitalAnkaraTurkey
| | - Derya Uyan Hendem
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMinistry of Health Ankara City HospitalAnkaraTurkey
| | - Atakan Tanacan
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMinistry of Health Ankara City HospitalAnkaraTurkey
| | - Ozlem Moraloglu Tekin
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMinistry of Health Ankara City HospitalAnkaraTurkey
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of Health SciencesIstanbulTurkey
| | - Dilek Sahin
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMinistry of Health Ankara City HospitalAnkaraTurkey
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of Health SciencesIstanbulTurkey
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Turgut E, Özdemir H, Turan G, Bayram M, Karcaaltincaba D. Comparison of cardiac morphology and function in small for gestational age fetuses and fetuses with late-onset fetal growth retardation. J Perinat Med 2022; 50:391-397. [PMID: 34905668 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2021-0345] [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: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare cardiac structural and functional findings of fetuses with fetal growth restriction (FGR) and small for gestational age (SGA). METHODS In this prospective cohort study, patients were classified into three groups using Delphi procedure according to fetal weight, umbilical, uterine artery Doppler and cerebroplacental ratio. Fetal cardiac ultrasonographic morphology and Doppler examination was performed to all pregnant women at 36 weeks of gestation. RESULTS Seventy three patients were included in the study. There were one (6.7%) patient in the control group, 2 (13.3%) in the SGA group and 12 (80%) in the FGR group who needed neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and NICU requirement was significantly higher in FGR fetuses (p<0.001). Left spherical index was found to be lower only among FGR fetuses (p=0.046). Left ventricular wall thickness was decreased and the right/left ventricular wall ratio was increased in FGR fetuses (p=0.006, p<0.001). Tricuspid/mitral valve ratio and mitral annular plane systolic excursion value was lower in FGR fetuses (p=0.034, p=0.024 respectively). Also, myocardial performance index was remarkably higher in FGR group (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS We detected cardiac morphological changes in cases of both SGA and FGR-more pronounced in the FGR cases. Findings related to morphological changes on the left side in FGR cases were considered secondary to volume increase in FGR cases as an indicator of a brain-protective effect. In the FGR group, both systolic and diastolic dysfunctions were detected in the left heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezgi Turgut
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Perinatology, Gazi University Medical Faculty, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Halis Özdemir
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Perinatology, Gazi University Medical Faculty, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gökçe Turan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Perinatology, Gazi University Medical Faculty, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Merih Bayram
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Perinatology, Gazi University Medical Faculty, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Deniz Karcaaltincaba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Perinatology, Gazi University Medical Faculty, Ankara, Turkey
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Impact of intrauterine growth restriction on cerebral and renal oxygenation and perfusion during the first 3 days after birth. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5067. [PMID: 35332251 PMCID: PMC8948256 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09199-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with a higher incidence of perinatal complications as well as cardiovascular and renal diseases later on. A better insight into the disease mechanisms underlying these sequalae is important in order to identify which IUGR infants are at a higher risk and find strategies to improve their outcome. In this prospective case–control study we examined whether IUGR had any effect on renal and cerebral perfusion and oxygen saturation in term neonates. We integrated near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), echocardiographic, Doppler and renal function data of 105 IUGR infants and 105 age/gender-matched controls. Cerebral and renal regional oxygen saturation values were measured by NIRS during the first 12 h after birth. Echocardiography alongside Doppler assessment of renal and anterior cerebral arteries were performed at 6, 24, 48 and 72 h of age. Glomerular and tubular functions were also assessed. We found a left ventricular dysfunction together with a higher cerebral oxygen saturation and perfusion values in the IUGR group. IUGR term infants showed a higher renal oxygen saturation and a reduced oxygen extraction together with a subclinical renal damage, as indicated by higher values of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and microalbumin. These data suggest that some of the haemodynamic changes present in growth-restricted foetuses may persist postnatally. The increased cerebral oxygenation may suggest an impaired transition to normal autoregulation as a consequence of intra-uterine chronic hypoxia. The higher renal oxygenation may reflect a reduced renal oxygen consumption due to a subclinical kidney damage.
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Mulligan MK, Kleiman JE, Caldemeyer AC, Harding JCS, Pasternak JA. Porcine reproductive and respiratory virus 2 infection of the fetus results in multi-organ cell cycle suppression. Vet Res 2022; 53:13. [PMID: 35189966 PMCID: PMC8860275 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-022-01030-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractPorcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection during late gestation negatively affects fetal development. The objective of this study was to identify the fetal organs most severely impacted following infection, and evaluate the relationship between this response and fetal phenotypes. RNA was extracted from fetal heart, liver, lung, thymus, kidney, spleen, and loin muscle, collected following late gestation viral challenge of pregnant gilts. Initially, gene expression for three cell cycle promoters (CDK1, CDK2, CDK4) and one inhibitor (CDKN1A) were evaluated in biologically extreme phenotypic subsets including gestational age-matched controls (CON), uninfected (UNIF), high-viral load viable (HV-VIA), and high-viral load meconium-stained (HV-MEC) fetuses. There were no differences between CON and UNIF groups for any gene, indicating no impact of maternal infection alone. Relative to CON, high-viral load (HV-VIA, HV-MEC) fetuses showed significant downregulation of at least one CDK gene in all tissues except liver, while CDKN1A was upregulated in all tissues except muscle, with the heart and kidney most severely impacted. Subsequent evaluation of additional genes known to be upregulated following activation of P53 or TGFb/SMAD signaling cascades indicated neither pathway was responsible for the observed increase in CDKN1A. Finally, analysis of heart and kidney from a larger unselected population of infected fetuses from the same animal study showed that serum thyroxin and viral load were highly correlated with the expression of CDKN1A in both tissues. Collectively these results demonstrate the widespread suppression in cell division across all tissues in PRRSV infected fetuses and indicate a non-canonical regulatory mechanism.
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Änghagen O, Engvall J, Gottvall T, Nelson N, Nylander E, Bang P. Developmental Differences in Left Ventricular Strain in IUGR vs. Control Children the First Three Months of Life. Pediatr Cardiol 2022; 43:1286-1297. [PMID: 35333947 PMCID: PMC9293814 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-022-02850-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) may directly affect cardiovascular function in early life. Longitudinal data on left ventricular longitudinal strain (LVLS), a key measure of cardiac function independent of body size, is not available. We hypothesize impaired cardiac function among IUGR newborns and persistence of the impairment until age 3 months. METHOD This is a prospective cohort study of consecutive pregnancies where IUGR was identified at 18-38 weeks gestational age (GA) with healthy controls randomly selected at 18-20 weeks GA. Echocardiograms were performed at birth and at age 3-4 months, and then compared. RESULTS At birth, mean (SD) LVLS did not differ between the IUGR group [N = 19; - 15.76 (3.12) %] and controls [N = 35; - 15.53 (3.56) %]. The IUGR group demonstrated no significant change in LVLS at age 3-4 months [- 17.80 (3.82) %], while the control group [- 20.91 (3.31) %] showed a significant increase (P < 0.001). Thus, LVLS was lower in the IUGR group at age 3-4 months (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION The lack of increase in LVLS may suggest that IUGR has a direct impact on cardiac function as early as during the first months of life. Trial registration Clinical trials.gov Identifier: NCT02583763, registration October 22, 2015. Retrospectively registered September 2014-October 2015, thereafter, registered prospectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olov Änghagen
- Crown Princess Victoria's Child and Youth Hospital, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden. .,Division of Children's and Women's Health, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Jan Engvall
- grid.5640.70000 0001 2162 9922Department of Clinical Physiology in Linköping, and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden ,grid.5640.70000 0001 2162 9922Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Tomas Gottvall
- grid.5640.70000 0001 2162 9922Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Linköping, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Nina Nelson
- grid.5640.70000 0001 2162 9922Crown Princess Victoria’s Child and Youth Hospital, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden ,grid.24381.3c0000 0000 9241 5705National Highly Specialized Care, Karolinska University Hospital Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden ,grid.5640.70000 0001 2162 9922Division of Children’s and Women’s Health, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Eva Nylander
- grid.5640.70000 0001 2162 9922Department of Clinical Physiology in Linköping, and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Peter Bang
- grid.5640.70000 0001 2162 9922Crown Princess Victoria’s Child and Youth Hospital, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden ,grid.5640.70000 0001 2162 9922Division of Children’s and Women’s Health, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Loscalzo G, Scheel J, Ibañez-Cabellos JS, García-Lopez E, Gupta S, García-Gimenez JL, Mena-Mollá S, Perales-Marín A, Morales-Roselló J. Overexpression of microRNAs miR-25-3p, miR-185-5p and miR-132-3p in Late Onset Fetal Growth Restriction, Validation of Results and Study of the Biochemical Pathways Involved. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010293. [PMID: 35008715 PMCID: PMC8745308 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In a prospective study, 48 fetuses were evaluated with Doppler ultrasound after 34 weeks and classified, according to the cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) and estimated fetal weight (EFW), into fetuses with normal growth and fetuses with late-onset fetal growth restriction (LO-FGR). Overexpression of miRNAs from neonatal cord blood belonging to LO-FGR fetuses, was validated by real-time PCR. In addition, functional characterization of overexpressed miRNAs was performed by analyzing overrepresented pathways, gene ontologies, and prioritization of synergistically working miRNAs. Three miRNAs: miR-25-3p, miR-185-5p and miR-132-3p, were significantly overexpressed in cord blood of LO-FGR fetuses. Pathway and gene ontology analysis revealed over-representation of certain molecular pathways associated with cardiac development and neuron death. In addition, prioritization of synergistically working miRNAs highlighted the importance of miR-185-5p and miR-25-3p in cholesterol efflux and starvation responses associated with LO-FGR phenotypes. Evaluation of miR-25-3p; miR-132-3p and miR-185-5p might serve as molecular biomarkers for the diagnosis and management of LO-FGR; improving the understanding of its influence on adult disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Loscalzo
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.P.-M.); (J.M.-R.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence: (G.L.); (J.S.)
| | - Julia Scheel
- Department of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, University Rostock, 18055 Rostock, Germany;
- Correspondence: (G.L.); (J.S.)
| | - José Santiago Ibañez-Cabellos
- EpiDisease S.L, Parc Científic, University of Valencia, 46980 Paterna, Spain; (J.S.I.-C.); (E.G.-L.); (J.L.G.-G.); (S.M.-M.)
- Consortium Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Carrer d’Alvaro de Bazan, 10, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Eva García-Lopez
- EpiDisease S.L, Parc Científic, University of Valencia, 46980 Paterna, Spain; (J.S.I.-C.); (E.G.-L.); (J.L.G.-G.); (S.M.-M.)
| | - Shailendra Gupta
- Department of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, University Rostock, 18055 Rostock, Germany;
| | - José Luis García-Gimenez
- EpiDisease S.L, Parc Científic, University of Valencia, 46980 Paterna, Spain; (J.S.I.-C.); (E.G.-L.); (J.L.G.-G.); (S.M.-M.)
- Consortium Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Carrer d’Alvaro de Bazan, 10, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Institute of Health Carlos III, Biomedical Research Institute INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Salvador Mena-Mollá
- EpiDisease S.L, Parc Científic, University of Valencia, 46980 Paterna, Spain; (J.S.I.-C.); (E.G.-L.); (J.L.G.-G.); (S.M.-M.)
- Institute of Health Carlos III, Biomedical Research Institute INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Alfredo Perales-Marín
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.P.-M.); (J.M.-R.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - José Morales-Roselló
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.P.-M.); (J.M.-R.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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Peral-Sanchez I, Hojeij B, Ojeda DA, Steegers-Theunissen RPM, Willaime-Morawek S. Epigenetics in the Uterine Environment: How Maternal Diet and ART May Influence the Epigenome in the Offspring with Long-Term Health Consequences. Genes (Basel) 2021; 13:31. [PMID: 35052371 PMCID: PMC8774448 DOI: 10.3390/genes13010031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The societal burden of non-communicable disease is closely linked with environmental exposures and lifestyle behaviours, including the adherence to a poor maternal diet from the earliest preimplantation period of the life course onwards. Epigenetic variations caused by a compromised maternal nutritional status can affect embryonic development. This review summarises the main epigenetic modifications in mammals, especially DNA methylation, histone modifications, and ncRNA. These epigenetic changes can compromise the health of the offspring later in life. We discuss different types of nutritional stressors in human and animal models, such as maternal undernutrition, seasonal diets, low-protein diet, high-fat diet, and synthetic folic acid supplement use, and how these nutritional exposures epigenetically affect target genes and their outcomes. In addition, we review the concept of thrifty genes during the preimplantation period, and some examples that relate to epigenetic change and diet. Finally, we discuss different examples of maternal diets, their effect on outcomes, and their relationship with assisted reproductive technology (ART), including their implications on epigenetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Peral-Sanchez
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (D.A.O.); (S.W.-M.)
| | - Batoul Hojeij
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (B.H.); (R.P.M.S.-T.)
| | - Diego A. Ojeda
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; (D.A.O.); (S.W.-M.)
| | - Régine P. M. Steegers-Theunissen
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (B.H.); (R.P.M.S.-T.)
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Correlation between Severity of Fetal Growth Restriction and Oxidative Stress in Severe Small-for-Gestational-Age Infants. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182010726. [PMID: 34682470 PMCID: PMC8535480 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Severe small-for-gestational-age (sSGA) infants exhibit increased mortality and morbidity. Oxidative stress is suggested to be involved in intrauterine growth restriction. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the oxidative stress level at birth in an sSGA population. Sera of 28 sSGA (sSGA group) and 31 non-sSGA (control group) infants, born at our hospital between March 2017 and March 2020, were evaluated. Oxidative stress (derivative of reactive oxidative metabolites: d-ROM level), biological antioxidant potential (BAP) level, and the ratio of d-ROM/BAP level (oxidative stress index: OSI) were measured. The sSGA group had a significantly lower birth weight (BW), BW z-score, head circumference, and height than the control group (all p < 0.05). No significant difference was noted in the BAP level; sSGA infants exhibited a significantly higher d-ROM level than control infants. sSGA infants showed a significantly increased OSI compared with control infants, and the BW z-score was inversely correlated with d-ROM levels and OSI in sSGA infants (R2 = 0.300; p < 0.01 and R2 = 0.319; p = 0.02, respectively) but not in controls. In conclusion, sSGA infants, including preterm infants, exhibited higher oxidative stress at birth. The severity of fetal growth restriction was significantly correlated with oxidative stress levels at birth in sSGA infants.
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Dudink I, Hüppi PS, Sizonenko SV, Castillo-Melendez M, Sutherland AE, Allison BJ, Miller SL. Altered trajectory of neurodevelopment associated with fetal growth restriction. Exp Neurol 2021; 347:113885. [PMID: 34627856 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is principally caused by suboptimal placental function. Poor placental function causes an under supply of nutrients and oxygen to the developing fetus, restricting development of individual organs and overall growth. Estimated fetal weight below the 10th or 3rd percentile with uteroplacental dysfunction, and knowledge regarding the onset of growth restriction (early or late), provide diagnostic criteria for fetuses at greatest risk for adverse outcome. Brain development and function is altered with FGR, with ongoing clinical and preclinical studies elucidating neuropathological etiology. During the third trimester of pregnancy, from ~28 weeks gestation, neurogenesis is complete and neuronal complexity is expanding, through axonal and dendritic outgrowth, dendritic branching and synaptogenesis, accompanied by myelin production. Fetal compromise over this period, as occurs in FGR, has detrimental effects on these processes. Total brain volume and grey matter volume is reduced in infants with FGR, first evident in utero, with cortical volume particularly vulnerable. Imaging studies show that cerebral morphology is disturbed in FGR, with altered cerebral cortex, volume and organization of brain networks, and reduced connectivity of long- and short-range circuits. Thus, FGR induces a deviation in brain development trajectory affecting both grey and white matter, however grey matter volume is preferentially reduced, contributed by cell loss, and reduced neurite outgrowth of surviving neurons. In turn, cell-to-cell local networks are adversely affected in FGR, and whole brain left and right intrahemispheric connections and interhemispheric connections are altered. Importantly, disruptions to region-specific brain networks are linked to cognitive and behavioral impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Dudink
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Translational Research Facility, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Petra S Hüppi
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stéphane V Sizonenko
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Margie Castillo-Melendez
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Translational Research Facility, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amy E Sutherland
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Translational Research Facility, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Beth J Allison
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Translational Research Facility, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Suzanne L Miller
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Translational Research Facility, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
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Borna S, Khanjany S, Hantoushzade S, Khazardoost S, Mirzaeian S, Ariana S, Hashemnezhad M. Evaluation of cardiac sphericity index among intrauterine growth restriction and normal fetuses. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2021; 42:614-619. [PMID: 34472415 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2021.1945005] [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] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Foetal growth restriction (FGR) describes the pregnancy complications of pathological reduced foetal growth, leading to significant perinatal mortality and morbidity, and subsequent long-term cardiovascular outcomes. This prospective case-control study was performed on pregnant women referred to the hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2017-2019. All pregnant women underwent ultrasound scan and doppler sonography. FGR was defined as a sonographic estimation of foetal weight below the tenth percentile for a given gestational age. Cardiac sphericity index, including basal-apical length (BAL), transverse length (TL), global sphericity index (GSI), umbilical artery pulsatility index (PI), middle cerebral artery (MCA) PI and cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) were assessed. Mean gestational age in FGR and control groups were 233.90 ± 22.00 days and 229.00 ± 25.02 days, respectively. Foetal size index and estimated foetal weight in FGR foetuses were significantly lower than the control group (p < .05). BAL, TL and GSI were significantly affected by FGR (p = .0001, p = .018 and p = .0001, respectively). Abnormal GSI, MCA PI, umbilical artery PI and CPR were significantly more prevalent among FGR foetuses (p = .017, p = .0001, p = .0001 and p = .0001, respectively). Cardiac sphericity index, as well as uterine PI, MCA PI and CPR, were the determinants of FGR in foetuses with normal Doppler and abnormal GSI.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Foetal growth restriction (FGR) describes the foetus that does not grow to its expected biological potential in utero, and is a relatively common complication of pregnancy. FGR is accosted with negative birth outcomes and long-term cardiovascular outcomes. One of the indicators of FGR is cardiac sphericity.What do the results of this study add? The findings of this study revealed that the cardiac sphericity index as well as umbilical PI, MCA PI and CPR ratio change in FGR foetuses.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? It is recommended that more studies be performed to follow FGR foetuses longitudinally and evaluate the long-term cardiac abnormalities in infancy and childhood and compare it between FGR foetuses and normal foetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedigheh Borna
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal, Fetal and Neonatal Research Center, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Khanjany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Hantoushzade
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal, Fetal and Neonatal Research Center, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soghra Khazardoost
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal, Fetal and Neonatal Research Center, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Mirzaeian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Shideh Ariana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Hashemnezhad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Ashrafi AH, Lai W, Gaffar S, Renella P. Normative Echocardiographic Values for Right and Left Ventricular Function in Extremely Premature Neonates. J Pediatr 2021; 236:34-39. [PMID: 34022248 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the measures of biventricular function and surrogates of pulmonary vascular resistance that can be expected in relatively stable extremely premature neonates, and evaluate maturational changes in myocardial performance in this patient population. STUDY DESIGN This was a prospective observational study. Clinically stable extremely preterm newborns were divided into 3 cohorts based on gestational age: cohort 1 (240/7-256/7 weeks), cohort 2 (260/7-276/7 weeks), and cohort 3 (280/7-296/7 weeks). Serial echocardiograms were obtained on day of life 3-5, 7-10, and just prior to discharge. RESULTS In total, 46 subjects met the criteria aimed at capturing only the most clinically healthy and stable newborns less than 296/7 weeks of gestational age. Myocardial performance was reliably assessed by echocardiography with high inter-reader correlation. Normative values were identified for right ventricular function, left ventricular function, and surrogates of pulmonary vascular resistance. CONCLUSIONS Biventricular systolic performance is significantly different in the clinically stable extremely premature neonate when compared with healthy full-term newborns. All participants had evidence of poor biventricular compliance at birth which improved with maturation. Extreme prematurity does not appear to adversely affect myocardial functional maturation at the time of term corrected age and/or discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir H Ashrafi
- CHOC Children's Hospital, Orange, CA; University of California Irvine, Orange, CA.
| | - Wyman Lai
- CHOC Children's Hospital, Orange, CA; University of California Irvine, Orange, CA
| | - Sharib Gaffar
- CHOC Children's Hospital, Orange, CA; University of California Irvine, Orange, CA
| | - Pierangelo Renella
- CHOC Children's Hospital, Orange, CA; University of California Irvine, Orange, CA
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Effect of Preterm Birth on Cardiac and Cardiomyocyte Growth and the Consequences of Antenatal and Postnatal Glucocorticoid Treatment. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10173896. [PMID: 34501343 PMCID: PMC8432182 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10173896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth coincides with a key developmental window of cardiac growth and maturation, and thus has the potential to influence long-term cardiac function. Individuals born preterm have structural cardiac remodelling and altered cardiac growth and function by early adulthood. The evidence linking preterm birth and cardiovascular disease in later life is mounting. Advances in the perinatal care of preterm infants, such as glucocorticoid therapy, have improved survival rates, but at what cost? This review highlights the short-term and long-term impact of preterm birth on the structure and function of the heart and focuses on the impact of antenatal and postnatal glucocorticoid treatment on the immature preterm heart.
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Endothelial Progenitor Cells Dysfunctions and Cardiometabolic Disorders: From Mechanisms to Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136667. [PMID: 34206404 PMCID: PMC8267891 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of several disorders, such as hypertension, central obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Despite health policies based on the promotion of physical exercise, the reduction of calorie intake and the consumption of healthy food, there is still a global rise in the incidence and prevalence of MetS in the world. This phenomenon can partly be explained by the fact that adverse events in the perinatal period can increase the susceptibility to develop cardiometabolic diseases in adulthood. Individuals born after intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are particularly at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and metabolic disorders later in life. It has been shown that alterations in the structural and functional integrity of the endothelium can lead to the development of cardiometabolic diseases. The endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are circulating components of the endothelium playing a major role in vascular homeostasis. An association has been found between the maintenance of endothelial structure and function by EPCs and their ability to differentiate and repair damaged endothelial tissue. In this narrative review, we explore the alterations of EPCs observed in individuals with cardiometabolic disorders, describe some mechanisms related to such dysfunction and propose some therapeutical approaches to reverse the EPCs dysfunction.
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Association of high maternal blood alpha-fetoprotein level with risk of delivering small for gestational age: a meta-analysis. Pediatr Res 2021; 89:1742-1750. [PMID: 32919396 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-020-01124-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early identification of pregnant women at risk of delivering small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants is required to reduce the rates of mortality and morbidity in their whole life. This meta-analysis was performed to determine whether women with higher blood alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels are at increased risk of SGA. METHODS Studies identified by searching 11 databases, including PubMed, were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses and sensitivity analysis removing a potential outlier were performed. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's test. RESULTS A total of 39 good-quality cohort studies involving 93,968 women and their newborn infants or fetuses ensured both internal and external validity. Relative risk of SGA among women with higher in comparison to lower blood AFP levels was 2.021 (95% CI: 1.751-2.334). Maternal blood AFP levels showed a dose-response relationship with risk of SGA. Relative risk was higher with diagnosis of SGA by ultrasound than actual birth weight (P = 0.004). Sources of heterogeneity, subgroups, confounding factors, or potential outliers did not alter the interpretations without publication bias (P = 0.320). CONCLUSIONS Pregnant women with higher blood AFP levels are at increased risk of SGA compared to those with lower blood AFP levels. IMPACT Pregnant women with higher blood alpha-fetoprotein levels (AFP) levels are at increased risk of small for gestational age (SGA) compared to those with lower blood AFP levels. High-quality evidence showed a dose-response relationship of maternal blood AFP levels with risk of delivering SGA and was robust to sources of heterogeneity, subgroups, confounding factors, potential outliers, or publication bias. Politically and practically, monitoring of maternal blood AFP level is strongly recommended to identify women at risk of delivering SGA.
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Romanowicz J, Guerrelli D, Dhari Z, Mulvany C, Reilly M, Swift L, Vasandani N, Ramadan M, Leatherbury L, Ishibashi N, Posnack NG. Chronic perinatal hypoxia delays cardiac maturation in a mouse model for cyanotic congenital heart disease. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2021; 320:H1873-H1886. [PMID: 33739154 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00870.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Compared with acyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD), cyanotic CHD has an increased risk of lifelong mortality and morbidity. These adverse outcomes may be attributed to delayed cardiomyocyte maturation, since the transition from a hypoxic fetal milieu to oxygen-rich postnatal environment is disrupted. We established a rodent model to replicate hypoxic myocardial conditions spanning perinatal development, and tested the hypothesis that chronic hypoxia impairs cardiac development. Pregnant mice were housed in hypoxia beginning at embryonic day 16. Pups stayed in hypoxia until postnatal day (P)8 when cardiac development is nearly complete. Global gene expression was quantified at P8 and at P30, after recovering in normoxia. Phenotypic testing included electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and ex vivo electrophysiology study. Hypoxic P8 animals were 47% smaller than controls with preserved heart size. Gene expression was grossly altered by hypoxia at P8 (1,427 genes affected), but normalized after recovery (P30). Electrocardiograms revealed bradycardia and slowed conduction velocity in hypoxic animals at P8, with noticeable resolution after recovery (P30). Notable differences that persisted after recovery (P30) included a 65% prolongation in ventricular effective refractory period, sinus node dysfunction, 23% reduction in ejection fraction, and 16% reduction in fractional shortening in animals exposed to hypoxia. We investigated the impact of chronic hypoxia on the developing heart. Perinatal hypoxia was associated with changes in gene expression and cardiac function. Persistent changes to the electrophysiological substrate and contractile function warrant further investigation and may contribute to adverse outcomes observed in the cyanotic CHD population.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We utilized a new mouse model of chronic perinatal hypoxia to simulate the hypoxic myocardial conditions present in cyanotic congenital heart disease. Hypoxia caused numerous abnormalities in cardiomyocyte gene expression, the electrophysiologic substrate of the heart, and contractile function. Taken together, alterations observed in the neonatal period suggest delayed cardiac development immediately following hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Romanowicz
- Children's National Heart Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Devon Guerrelli
- Children's National Heart Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia.,Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Zaenab Dhari
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Colm Mulvany
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Marissa Reilly
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Luther Swift
- Children's National Heart Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia.,Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Nimisha Vasandani
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Manelle Ramadan
- Children's National Heart Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia.,Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Linda Leatherbury
- Children's National Heart Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Nobuyuki Ishibashi
- Children's National Heart Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia.,Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia.,Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia.,Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia.,Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Nikki Gillum Posnack
- Children's National Heart Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia.,Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia.,Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia.,Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
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Impact of Maternal Food Restriction on Heart Proteome in Appropriately Grown and Growth-Restricted Wistar-Rat Offspring. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13020466. [PMID: 33573223 PMCID: PMC7912475 DOI: 10.3390/nu13020466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Fetal growth restriction is associated with increased postnatal cardiovascular morbidity. The alterations in heart physiology and structure caused by in utero nutrient deprivation have not been extensively studied. We aim to investigate the impact of maternal food restriction on the cardiac proteome of newborn rats with normal (non-fetal growth-restricted (FGR)) and reduced (FGR) birth weight. Methods: On day 14 of gestation, 10 timed pregnant rats were randomized into two nutritional groups: (a) Standard laboratory diet and (b) 50% global food restriction. Pups born to food-restricted mothers were subdivided, based on birthweight, into fetal growth-restricted (FGR) and non-FGR, while pups born from normally nourished mothers were considered controls. Rat neonates were euthanized immediately after birth and the hearts of 11 randomly selected male offspring (n = 4 FGR, n = 4 non-FGR, n = 3 control group) were analyzed using quantitative proteomics. Results: In total, 7422 proteins were quantified (q < 0.05). Of these, 1175 were differentially expressed in FGR and 231 in non-FGR offspring vs. control with 151 common differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between the two groups. Bioinformatics analysis of DEPs in FGR vs. control showed decreased integrin and apelin cardiac fibroblast signaling, decreased muscle contraction and glycolysis, and over-representation of a protein network related to embryonic development, and cell death and survival. Conclusion: Our study illustrates the distinct proteomic profile of FGR and non-FGR offspring of food-restricted dams underlying the importance of both prenatal adversities and birth weight in cardiac physiology and development.
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Lin IC, Hsu TY, Tain YL, Tsai CC, Huang HC, Lai YJ, Chou MH, Huang CF, Yu HR, Huang LT. Coronary Dilatation and Endothelial Inflammation in Neonates Born to Mothers with Preeclampsia. J Pediatr 2021; 228:58-65.e3. [PMID: 32712283 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2020.07.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the cardiovascular features and endothelium in neonates born to mothers with preeclampsia. STUDY DESIGN In this combined observational cohort and case-control study, neonates born to mothers with normotension and mothers with preeclampsia were recruited at a neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary medical center. Cardiovascular measurements by echocardiography and the clinical measures upon admission were analyzed. Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression in umbilical arteries and in in vitro endothelial cell stimulation with plasma were examined. Continuous data were compared using nonparametric analysis, and their relationships were analyzed using linear regression. Binary logistic regression was performed in the model of adjustment of birth body weight and for multivariate analysis. RESULTS In the cohort, almost all cardiovascular segments positively correlated to birth weight. Notably, neonates (n = 65) of mothers with preeclampsia had significantly larger coronary arteries at birth than neonates of mothers with normotension (n = 404) (median size of left main coronary artery 1.36 mm versus 1.08 mm, p <0.001; median size of right coronary artery, RCA 1.25 mm versus 1.0 mm, p <0.001). The size of the right coronary artery positively correlated to the maternal antepartum diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.298, P = .018) and was associated with in-hospital death (P < .001). Meanwhile, endothelial vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression was significantly increased in the umbilical arteries of the preeclamptic group and following preeclamptic cord-plasma stimulation. The latter also correlated with their relative coronary sizes. CONCLUSIONS Neonates of mothers with preeclampsia had distinctive coronary dilatation at birth. Coronary size might be useful as a severity index of neonatal endothelial inflammation as a result of maternal preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-Chun Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Te-Yao Hsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - You-Lin Tain
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chang Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Chun Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Ju Lai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Huei Chou
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Fu Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Ren Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Li-Tung Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Echocardiographic assessment of fetal cardiac function in the uterine artery ligation rat model of IUGR. Pediatr Res 2021; 90:801-808. [PMID: 33504964 PMCID: PMC8566221 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-020-01356-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) leads to cardiac dysfunction and adverse remodeling of the fetal heart, as well as a higher risk of postnatal cardiovascular diseases. The rat model of IUGR, via uterine artery ligation, is a popular model but its cardiac sequelae is not well investigated. Here, we performed an echocardiographic evaluation of its cardiac function to determine how well it can represent the disease in humans. METHODS Unilateral uterine artery ligation was performed at embryonic day 17 (E17) and echocardiography was performed at E19 and E20. RESULTS Growth-restricted fetuses were significantly smaller and lighter, and had an higher placenta-to-fetus weight ratio. Growth-restricted fetal hearts had reduced wall thickness-to-diameter ratio, indicating left ventricular (LV) dilatation, and they had elevated trans-mitral and trans-tricuspid E/A ratios and reduced left and right ventricular fractional shortening (FS), suggesting systolic and diastolic dysfunction. These were similar to human IUGR fetuses. However, growth-restricted rat fetuses did not demonstrate head-sparing effect, displayed a lower LV myocardial performance index, and ventricular outflow velocities were not significantly reduced, which were dissimilar to human IUGR fetuses. CONCLUSIONS Despite the differences, our results suggest that this IUGR model has significant cardiac dysfunction, and could be a suitable model for studying IUGR cardiovascular physiology. IMPACT Animal models of IUGR are useful, but their fetal cardiac function is not well studied, and it is unclear if they can represent human IUGR fetuses. We performed an echocardiographic assessment of the heart function of a fetal rat model of IUGR, created via maternal uterine artery ligation. Similar to humans, the model displayed LV dilatation, elevated E/A ratios, and reduced FS. Different from humans, the model displayed reduced MPI, and no significant outflow velocity reduction. Despite differences with humans, this rat model still displayed cardiac dysfunction and is suitable for studying IUGR cardiovascular physiology.
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Lee K, Laviolette SR, Hardy DB. Exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol during rat pregnancy leads to impaired cardiac dysfunction in postnatal life. Pediatr Res 2021; 90:532-539. [PMID: 33879850 PMCID: PMC8519775 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01511-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis use in pregnancy leads to fetal growth restriction (FGR), but the long-term effects on cardiac function in the offspring are unknown, despite the fact that fetal growth deficits are associated with an increased risk of developing postnatal cardiovascular disease. We hypothesize that maternal exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) during pregnancy will impair fetal development, leading to cardiac dysfunction in the offspring. METHODS Pregnant Wistar rats were randomly selected and administered 3 mg/kg of Δ9-THC or saline as a vehicle daily via intraperitoneal injection from gestational days 6 to 22, followed by echocardiogram analysis of cardiac function on offspring at postnatal days 1 and 21. Heart tissue was harvested from the offspring at 3 weeks for molecular analysis of cardiac remodelling. RESULTS Exposure to Δ9-THC during pregnancy led to FGR with a significant decrease in heart-to-body weight ratios at birth. By 3 weeks, pups exhibited catch-up growth associated with significantly greater left ventricle anterior wall thickness with a decrease in cardiac output. Moreover, these Δ9-THC-exposed offsprings exhibited increased expression of collagen I and III, decreased matrix metallopeptidase-2 expression, and increased inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β, all associated with cardiac remodelling. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these data suggest that Δ9-THC-exposed FGR offspring undergo postnatal catch-up growth concomitant with cardiac remodelling and impaired cardiac function early in life. IMPACT To date, the long-term effects of perinatal Δ9-THC (the main psychoactive component) exposure on the cardiac function in the offspring remain unknown. We demonstrated, for the first time, that exposure to Δ9-THC alone during rat pregnancy results in significantly smaller hearts relative to body weight. These Δ9-THC-exposed offsprings exhibited postnatal catch-up growth concomitant with cardiac remodelling and impaired cardiac function. Given the increased popularity of cannabis use in pregnancy along with rising Δ9-THC concentrations, this study, for the first time, identifies the risk of perinatal Δ9-THC exposure on early postnatal cardiovascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendrick Lee
- grid.39381.300000 0004 1936 8884Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, ON Canada
| | - Steven R. Laviolette
- grid.39381.300000 0004 1936 8884Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, ON Canada
| | - Daniel B. Hardy
- grid.39381.300000 0004 1936 8884Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, ON Canada ,grid.39381.300000 0004 1936 8884Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Children’s Health Research Institute, Lawson, Health Research Institute, Western University, London, ON Canada
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Olander RFW, Sundholm JKM, Ojala TH, Andersson S, Sarkola T. Differences in cardiac geometry in relation to body size among neonates with abnormal prenatal growth and body size at birth. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2020; 56:864-871. [PMID: 31909531 DOI: 10.1002/uog.21972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Both excessive and restricted fetal growth are associated with changes in cardiac geometry and function at birth. There are significant issues when indexing cardiac parameters for body size in the neonatal period. The aims of this study were to determine to what extent cardiac geometry is dependent on body size in term and preterm neonates with restricted or excessive fetal growth and how this is affected by adiposity. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of neonates born between 31 and 42 weeks of gestation, divided into three groups: (1) small-for-gestational age (SGA, birth weight > 2 SD below the mean); (2) large-for-gestational age (LGA, birth weight > 2 SD above the mean); and (3) appropriate-for-gestational-age controls (AGA, birth weight ≤ 2 SD from the mean). Cardiac geometry and function were compared between the study groups, adjusting for body size. The potential impact of infant adiposity and maternal disease was assessed. RESULTS In total, 174 neonates were included, of which 39 were SGA, 45 were LGA and 90 were AGA. Body size was reflected in cardiac dimensions, with differences in cardiac dimensions disappearing between the SGA and AGA groups when indexed for body surface area (BSA) or thoracic circumference. The same was true for the differences in atrial and ventricular areas between the LGA and AGA groups. However, left ventricular inflow and outflow tract dimensions did not follow this trend as, when indexed for BSA, they were associated negatively with adiposity, resulting in diminished dimensions in LGA compared with AGA and SGA neonates. Adiposity was associated positively with left ventricular mass, right ventricular length and area and right atrial area. The SGA group showed increased right ventricular fractional area change, possibly reflecting differences in the systolic function of the right ventricle. We found evidence of altered diastolic function between the groups, with the mitral valve inflow E- to lateral E'-wave peak velocity ratio being increased in the LGA group and decreased in the SGA group. CONCLUSIONS Cardiac geometry is explained by body size in both term and preterm AGA and SGA infants. However, the nature of the relationship between body size and cardiac dimensions may be influenced by adiposity in LGA infants, leading to underestimation of left ventricular inflow and outflow tract dimensions when adjusted for BSA. Adjustments for thoracic circumference provide similar results to those for BSA. Copyright © 2020 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- R F W Olander
- Children's Hospital, Paediatric Research Centre, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Helsinki, Finland
| | - J K M Sundholm
- Children's Hospital, Paediatric Research Centre, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Helsinki, Finland
| | - T H Ojala
- Children's Hospital, Paediatric Research Centre, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - S Andersson
- Children's Hospital, Paediatric Research Centre, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - T Sarkola
- Children's Hospital, Paediatric Research Centre, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Helsinki, Finland
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Maternal obesity persistently alters cardiac progenitor gene expression and programs adult-onset heart disease susceptibility. Mol Metab 2020; 43:101116. [PMID: 33212270 PMCID: PMC7720025 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2020.101116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Heart disease risk can be programmed by intrauterine exposure to obesity. Dysregulating key transcription factors in cardiac progenitors can cause subsequent adult-onset heart disease. In this study, we investigated the transcriptional pathways that are altered in the embryonic heart and linked to heart disease risk in offspring exposed to obesity during pregnancy. Methods Female mice were fed an obesogenic diet and mated with males fed a control diet. Heart function and genome-wide gene expression were analyzed in adult offspring born to obese and lean mice at baseline and in response to stress. Cross-referencing with genes dysregulated genome-wide in cardiac progenitors from embryos of obese mice and human fetal hearts revealed the transcriptional events associated with adult-onset heart disease susceptibility. Results We found that adult mice born to obese mothers develop mild heart dysfunction consistent with early stages of disease. Accordingly, hearts of these mice dysregulated genes controlling extracellular matrix remodeling, metabolism, and TGF-β signaling, known to control heart disease progression. These pathways were already dysregulated in cardiac progenitors in embryos of obese mice. Moreover, in response to cardiovascular stress, the heart of adults born to obese dams developed exacerbated myocardial remodeling and excessively activated regulators of cell-extracellular matrix interactions but failed to activate metabolic regulators. Expression of developmentally regulated genes was altered in cardiac progenitors of embryos of obese mice and human hearts of fetuses of obese donors. Accordingly, the levels of Nkx2-5, a key regulator of heart development, inversely correlated with maternal body weight in mice. Furthermore, Nkx2-5 target genes were dysregulated in cardiac progenitors and persistently in adult hearts born to obese mice and human hearts from pregnancies affected by obesity. Conclusions Obesity during pregnancy alters Nkx2-5-controlled transcription in differentiating cardiac progenitors and persistently in the adult heart, making the adult heart vulnerable to dysregulated stress responses. Maternal obesity programs progressive heart dysfunction in adult offspring. Offspring of obese dams are prone to dysregulated stress responses in the heart. Nkx2-5-controlled transcription is dysregulated in hearts exposed to obesity in utero. Obesity during pregnancy broadly affects gene expression in the embryonic heart.
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Ashina M, Fujioka K, Yoshimoto S, Ioroi T, Iijima K. Incidence of hypospadias in severe small-for-gestational-age infants: A multicenter Asian population study. Pediatr Neonatol 2020; 61:548-550. [PMID: 32891529 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedneo.2020.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Ashina
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kazumichi Fujioka
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.
| | - Seiji Yoshimoto
- Department of Neonatology, Hyogo Prefectural Kobe Children's Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Ioroi
- Department of Pediatrics, Japanese Red Cross Society Himeji Hospital, Himeji, Japan
| | - Kazumoto Iijima
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
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49
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Inocencio IM, Polglase GR, Nitsos I, Miller SL, Allison BJ. Maternal sildenafil impairs the cardiovascular adaptations to chronic hypoxaemia in fetal sheep. J Physiol 2020; 598:4405-4419. [PMID: 32754905 PMCID: PMC7589206 DOI: 10.1113/jp279248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Fetal growth restriction induces a haemodynamic response that aims to maintain blood flow to vital organs such as the brain, in the face of chronic hypoxaemia Maternal sildenafil treatment impairs the hypoxaemia-driven haemodynamic response and potentially compromises fetal development. ABSTRACT Inadequate substrate delivery to a fetus results in hypoxaemia and fetal growth restriction (FGR). In response, fetal cardiovascular adaptations redirect cardiac output to essential organs to maintain oxygen delivery and sustain development. However, FGR infants remain at risk for cardiovascular and neurological sequelae. Sildenafil citrate (SC) has been examined as a clinical therapy for FGR, but also crosses the placenta and may exert direct effects on the fetus. We investigated the effects of maternal SC administration on maternal and fetal cardiovascular physiology in growth-restricted fetal sheep. Fetal sheep (0.7 gestation) underwent sterile surgery to induce growth restriction by single umbilical artery ligation (SUAL) or sham surgery (control, AG). Fetal catheters and flow probes were implanted to measure carotid and femoral arterial blood flows. Ewes containing SUAL fetuses were randomized to receive either maternal administration of saline or SC (36 mg i.v. per day) beginning 4 days after surgery, and continuing for 20 days. Physiological recordings were obtained throughout the study. Antenatal SC treatment reduced body weight by 32% and oxygenation by 18% in SUAL compared to AG. SC did not alter maternal or fetal heart rate or blood pressure. Femoral blood flow and peripheral oxygen delivery were increased by 49% and 30% respectively in SUALSC compared to SUAL, indicating impaired cardiovascular adaptation to chronic hypoxaemia. Antenatal SC directly impairs the fetal haemodynamic response to chronic hypoxaemia. Consideration of the consequences upon the fetus should be paramount when administering interventions to the mother during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishmael M. Inocencio
- The Ritchie CentreHudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Graeme R. Polglase
- The Ritchie CentreHudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Ilias Nitsos
- The Ritchie CentreHudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Suzanne L. Miller
- The Ritchie CentreHudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Beth J. Allison
- The Ritchie CentreHudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
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50
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Allison BJ, Brain KL, Niu Y, Kane AD, Herrera EA, Thakor AS, Botting KJ, Cross CM, Itani N, Shaw CJ, Skeffington KL, Beck C, Giussani DA. Altered Cardiovascular Defense to Hypotensive Stress in the Chronically Hypoxic Fetus. Hypertension 2020; 76:1195-1207. [PMID: 32862711 PMCID: PMC7480941 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.120.15384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. The hypoxic fetus is at greater risk of cardiovascular demise during a challenge, but the reasons behind this are unknown. Clinically, progress has been hampered by the inability to study the human fetus non-invasively for long period of gestation. Using experimental animals, there has also been an inability to induce gestational hypoxia while recording fetal cardiovascular function as the hypoxic pregnancy is occurring. We use novel technology in sheep pregnancy that combines induction of controlled chronic hypoxia with simultaneous, wireless recording of blood pressure and blood flow signals from the fetus. Here, we investigated the cardiovascular defense of the hypoxic fetus to superimposed acute hypotension. Pregnant ewes carrying singleton fetuses surgically prepared with catheters and flow probes were randomly exposed to normoxia or chronic hypoxia from 121±1 days of gestation (term ≈145 days). After 10 days of exposure, fetuses were subjected to acute hypotension via fetal nitroprusside intravenous infusion. Underlying in vivo mechanisms were explored by (1) analyzing fetal cardiac and peripheral vasomotor baroreflex function; (2) measuring the fetal plasma catecholamines; and (3) establishing fetal femoral vasoconstrictor responses to the α1-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine. Relative to controls, chronically hypoxic fetal sheep had reversed cardiac and impaired vasomotor baroreflex function, despite similar noradrenaline and greater adrenaline increments in plasma during hypotension. Chronic hypoxia markedly diminished the fetal vasopressor responses to phenylephrine. Therefore, we show that the chronically hypoxic fetus displays markedly different cardiovascular responses to acute hypotension, providing in vivo evidence of mechanisms linking its greater susceptibility to superimposed stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth J Allison
- From the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (B.J.A., K.L.B., Y.N., A.D.K., E.A.H., A.S.T., K.J.B., C.M.C., N.I., C.J.S., K.L.S., C.B., D.A.G.)
| | - Kirsty L Brain
- From the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (B.J.A., K.L.B., Y.N., A.D.K., E.A.H., A.S.T., K.J.B., C.M.C., N.I., C.J.S., K.L.S., C.B., D.A.G.)
| | - Youguo Niu
- From the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (B.J.A., K.L.B., Y.N., A.D.K., E.A.H., A.S.T., K.J.B., C.M.C., N.I., C.J.S., K.L.S., C.B., D.A.G.)
| | - Andrew D Kane
- From the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (B.J.A., K.L.B., Y.N., A.D.K., E.A.H., A.S.T., K.J.B., C.M.C., N.I., C.J.S., K.L.S., C.B., D.A.G.)
| | | | - Avnesh S Thakor
- From the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (B.J.A., K.L.B., Y.N., A.D.K., E.A.H., A.S.T., K.J.B., C.M.C., N.I., C.J.S., K.L.S., C.B., D.A.G.)
| | - Kimberley J Botting
- From the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (B.J.A., K.L.B., Y.N., A.D.K., E.A.H., A.S.T., K.J.B., C.M.C., N.I., C.J.S., K.L.S., C.B., D.A.G.)
| | - Christine M Cross
- From the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (B.J.A., K.L.B., Y.N., A.D.K., E.A.H., A.S.T., K.J.B., C.M.C., N.I., C.J.S., K.L.S., C.B., D.A.G.)
| | - Nozomi Itani
- From the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (B.J.A., K.L.B., Y.N., A.D.K., E.A.H., A.S.T., K.J.B., C.M.C., N.I., C.J.S., K.L.S., C.B., D.A.G.)
| | - Caroline J Shaw
- From the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (B.J.A., K.L.B., Y.N., A.D.K., E.A.H., A.S.T., K.J.B., C.M.C., N.I., C.J.S., K.L.S., C.B., D.A.G.).,Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College, London United Kingdom (C.J.S.)
| | - Katie L Skeffington
- From the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (B.J.A., K.L.B., Y.N., A.D.K., E.A.H., A.S.T., K.J.B., C.M.C., N.I., C.J.S., K.L.S., C.B., D.A.G.)
| | - Chritian Beck
- From the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (B.J.A., K.L.B., Y.N., A.D.K., E.A.H., A.S.T., K.J.B., C.M.C., N.I., C.J.S., K.L.S., C.B., D.A.G.)
| | - Dino A Giussani
- From the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (B.J.A., K.L.B., Y.N., A.D.K., E.A.H., A.S.T., K.J.B., C.M.C., N.I., C.J.S., K.L.S., C.B., D.A.G.).,Cambridge Cardiovascular Strategic Research Initiative (D.A.G.).,Cambridge Strategic Research Initiative in Reproduction (D.A.G.)
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