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Kanda M, Kumasawa K, Nemoto K, Miyatake R, Inaba K, Sayama S, Seyama T, Iriyama T, Nagamatsu T, Fujii T, Hirota Y, Osuga Y, Kimura T. The Effects of Low Concentrations of Pravastatin on Placental Cells. Reprod Sci 2024:10.1007/s43032-024-01611-x. [PMID: 38836966 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01611-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Pravastatin is a promising medication to treat preeclampsia. However, the appropriate dose of pravastatin for managing preeclampsia has not been established. In this in vitro study, we examined the effects of low concentrations of pravastatin (0.01 to 10 µM) under hypoxic conditions on two types of placental cells and found that pravastatin decreased sFlt-1 levels up to 34% in cytotrophoblast cells isolated from human term placentas. Furthermore, we showed that sFlt-1 levels in HTR-8/SVneo cells, a cell line derived from first trimester trophoblast cells, decreased after exposure to very low concentrations of pravastatin (0.01, 0.1 µM). We also examined the effects of pravastatin on uterine spiral artery remodeling-related events and showed in wound healing and tube formation assays that low concentrations of pravastatin upregulated cell migration and invasion in HTR-8/SVneo cells. These results demonstrated that a low dose of pravastatin has in vitro effects that suggest a potential for anti-preeclamptic effects in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masako Kanda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Keiichi Kumasawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.
| | - Kazunari Nemoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Risa Miyatake
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kei Inaba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo Metropolitan Toshima Hospital of the Tokyo Metropolitan Hospital Organization, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seisuke Sayama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo-Kita Medical Center, Kita-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Seyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Takayuki Iriyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nagamatsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, International University of Health and Welfare Narita Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Fujii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sanno Hospital, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasushi Hirota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tadashi Kimura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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2
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Varberg KM, Dominguez EM, Koseva B, Varberg JM, McNally RP, Moreno-Irusta A, Wesley ER, Iqbal K, Cheung WA, Schwendinger-Schreck C, Smail C, Okae H, Arima T, Lydic M, Holoch K, Marsh C, Soares MJ, Grundberg E. Extravillous trophoblast cell lineage development is associated with active remodeling of the chromatin landscape. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4826. [PMID: 37563143 PMCID: PMC10415281 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40424-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The extravillous trophoblast cell lineage is a key feature of placentation and successful pregnancy. Knowledge of transcriptional regulation driving extravillous trophoblast cell development is limited. Here, we map the transcriptome and epigenome landscape as well as chromatin interactions of human trophoblast stem cells and their transition into extravillous trophoblast cells. We show that integrating chromatin accessibility, long-range chromatin interactions, transcriptomic, and transcription factor binding motif enrichment enables identification of transcription factors and regulatory mechanisms critical for extravillous trophoblast cell development. We elucidate functional roles for TFAP2C, SNAI1, and EPAS1 in the regulation of extravillous trophoblast cell development. EPAS1 is identified as an upstream regulator of key extravillous trophoblast cell transcription factors, including ASCL2 and SNAI1 and together with its target genes, is linked to pregnancy loss and birth weight. Collectively, we reveal activation of a dynamic regulatory network and provide a framework for understanding extravillous trophoblast cell specification in trophoblast cell lineage development and human placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaela M Varberg
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA.
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
| | - Esteban M Dominguez
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Boryana Koseva
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Joseph M Varberg
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Ross P McNally
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Ayelen Moreno-Irusta
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Emily R Wesley
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Khursheed Iqbal
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Warren A Cheung
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Carl Schwendinger-Schreck
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Craig Smail
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Hiroaki Okae
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Takahiro Arima
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Michael Lydic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Kristin Holoch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Courtney Marsh
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Michael J Soares
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA.
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
- Center for Perinatal Research, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA.
| | - Elin Grundberg
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, USA.
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA.
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Jaremek A, Shaha S, Jeyarajah MJ, Jaju Bhattad G, Chowdhury D, Riddell M, Renaud SJ. Genome-Wide Analysis of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor Binding Reveals Targets Implicated in Impaired Human Placental Syncytiotrophoblast Formation under Low Oxygen. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 193:846-865. [PMID: 37028593 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a common and serious complication of pregnancy with no cure except premature delivery. The root cause of PE is improper development of the placenta-the temporary organ supporting fetal growth and development. Continuous formation of the multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast (STB) layer via differentiation and fusion of cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) is vital for healthy placentation and is impaired in preeclamptic pregnancies. In PE, there is reduced/intermittent placental perfusion, likely resulting in a persistently low O2 environment. Low O2 inhibits differentiation and fusion of CTBs into STB and may thus contribute to PE pathogenesis; however, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Because low O2 activates a transcription factor complex in cells known as the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), the objective of this study was to investigate whether HIF signaling inhibits STB formation by regulating genes required for this process. Culture of primary CTBs, the CTB-like cell line BeWo, and human trophoblast stem cells under low O2 reduced cell fusion and differentiation into STB. Knockdown of aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (a key component of the HIF complex) in BeWo cells restored syncytialization and expression of STB-associated genes under different O2 levels. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing facilitated the identification of global aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator/HIF binding sites, including several near genes implicated in STB development, such as ERVH48-1 and BHLHE40, providing new insights into mechanisms underlying pregnancy diseases linked to poor placental O2 supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Jaremek
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sumaiyah Shaha
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mariyan J Jeyarajah
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gargi Jaju Bhattad
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Diba Chowdhury
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meghan Riddell
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Stephen J Renaud
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.
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4
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Covarrubias A, Aguilera-Olguín M, Carrasco-Wong I, Pardo F, Díaz-Astudillo P, Martín SS. Feto-placental Unit: From Development to Function. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1428:1-29. [PMID: 37466767 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-32554-0_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
The placenta is an intriguing organ that allows us to survive intrauterine life. This essential organ connects both mother and fetus and plays a crucial role in maternal and fetal well-being. This chapter presents an overview of the morphological and functional aspects of human placental development. First, we describe early human placental development and the characterization of the cell types found in the human placenta. Second, the human placenta from the second trimester to the term of gestation is reviewed, focusing on the morphology and specific pathologies that affect the placenta. Finally, we focus on the placenta's primary functions, such as oxygen and nutrient transport, and their importance for placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambart Covarrubias
- Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad San Sebastián, Concepción, Chile
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health (GRIVAS Health), Chillán, Chile
| | - Macarena Aguilera-Olguín
- Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, Universidad de Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Chile
- Cellular Signalling and Differentiation Laboratory (CSDL), Medicine and Science Faculty, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ivo Carrasco-Wong
- Cellular Signalling and Differentiation Laboratory (CSDL), School of Medical Technology, Medicine and Science Faculty, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fabián Pardo
- Metabolic Diseases Research Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Centre of Territorial Health Research (CIISTe), Biomedical Research Center (CIB), San Felipe Campus, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Valparaíso, San Felipe, Chile
| | - Pamela Díaz-Astudillo
- Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, Universidad de Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Chile
| | - Sebastián San Martín
- Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, Universidad de Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Chile.
- Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health (GRIVAS Health), Chillan, Chile.
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Choi S, Khan T, Roberts RM, Schust DJ. Leveraging Optimized Transcriptomic and Personalized Stem Cell Technologies to Better Understand Syncytialization Defects in Preeclampsia. Front Genet 2022; 13:872818. [PMID: 35432469 PMCID: PMC9006100 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.872818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the process of human placentation is important to the development of strategies for treatment of pregnancy complications. Several animal and in vitro human model systems for the general study human placentation have been used. The field has expanded rapidly over the past decades to include stem cell-derived approaches that mimic preclinical placental development, and these stem cell-based models have allowed us to better address the physiology and pathophysiology of normal and compromised trophoblast (TB) sublineage development. The application of transcriptomic approaches to these models has uncovered limitations that arise when studying the distinctive characteristics of the large and fragile multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast (STB), which plays a key role in fetal-maternal communication during pregnancy. The extension of these technologies to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is just now being reported and will allow, for the first time, a reproducible and robust approach to the study of the developmental underpinnings of late-manifesting diseases such as preeclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth retardation in a manner that is patient- and disease-specific. Here, we will first focus on the application of various RNA-seq technologies to TB, prior limitations in fully accessing the STB transcriptome, and recent leveraging of single nuclei RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) technology to improve our understanding of the STB transcriptome. Next, we will discuss new stem-cell derived models that allow for disease- and patient-specific study of pregnancy disorders, with a focus on the study of STB developmental abnormalities in PE that combine snRNA-seq approaches and these new in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehee Choi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Teka Khan
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - R. Michael Roberts
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Danny J. Schust
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Danny J. Schust,
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Mimura N, Nagamatsu T, Morita K, Taguchi A, Toya T, Kumasawa K, Iriyama T, Kawana K, Inoue N, Fujii T, Osuga Y. Suppression of human trophoblast syncytialization by human cytomegalovirus infection. Placenta 2021; 117:200-208. [PMID: 34933151 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Placental dysfunction triggers fetal growth restriction in congenital human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection. Studies suggest that HCMV infection interferes with the differentiation of human trophoblasts. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been clarified. This study investigated the impact of HCMV infection on gene transcriptomes in cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) associated with placental dysfunction. METHODS CTBs were isolated from human term placentas, and spontaneous syncytialization was observed in vitro. The transcriptome profiles were compared between CTB groups with and without HCMV infection by cap analysis gene expression sequencing. The effect of HCMV infection on trophoblast differentiation was evaluated by examining cell fusion status using immunocytochemical staining for desmoplakin and assessing the production of cell differentiation markers, including hCG, PlGF, and soluble Flt-1, using ELISA. RESULTS The expression of the genes categorized in the signaling pathways related to the cell cycle was significantly enhanced in CTBs with HCMV infection compared with uninfected CTBs. HCMV infection hindered the alteration of the gene expression profile associated with syncytialization. This suppressive effect under HCMV infection was concurrent with the reduction in hCG and PlGF secretion. Immunostaining for desmoplakin revealed that HCMV infection reduced the cell fusion of cultured CTBs. These findings imply that HCMV infection has a negative impact on syncytialization, which is indispensable for the maintenance of villous function. DISCUSSION HCMV infection interferes with gene expression profiles and functional differentiation of trophoblasts. Suppression of syncytialization may be a survival strategy for HCMV to expand infection and could be associated with placental dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuko Mimura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nagamatsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kazuki Morita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayumi Taguchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Toya
- Hematology Division, Tokyo Metropolitan Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiichi Kumasawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takayuki Iriyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kei Kawana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Nihon University, Japan
| | - Naoki Inoue
- Microbiology and Immunology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Fujii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan
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Early Pregnancy Exposure to Ambient Air Pollution among Late-Onset Preeclamptic Cases Is Associated with Placental DNA Hypomethylation of Specific Genes and Slower Placental Maturation. TOXICS 2021; 9:toxics9120338. [PMID: 34941772 PMCID: PMC8708250 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9120338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to ambient air pollution during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia (PE). Some suggested mechanisms behind this association are changes in placental DNA methylation and gene expression. The objective of this study was to identify how early pregnancy exposure to ambient nitrogen oxides (NOx) among PE cases and normotensive controls influence DNA methylation (EPIC array) and gene expression (RNA-seq). The study included placentas from 111 women (29 PE cases/82 controls) in Scania, Sweden. First-trimester NOx exposure was assessed at the participants’ residence using a dispersion model and categorized via median split into high or low NOx. Placental gestational epigenetic age was derived from the DNA methylation data. We identified six differentially methylated positions (DMPs, q < 0.05) comparing controls with low NOx vs. cases with high NOx and 14 DMPs comparing cases and controls with high NOx. Placentas with female fetuses showed more DMPs (N = 309) than male-derived placentas (N = 1). Placentas from PE cases with high NOx demonstrated gestational age deceleration compared to controls with low NOx (p = 0.034). No differentially expressed genes (DEGs, q < 0.05) were found. In conclusion, early pregnancy exposure to NOx affected placental DNA methylation in PE, resulting in placental immaturity and showing sexual dimorphism.
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Nomoto M, Kotani T, Miki R, Ushida T, Imai K, Iitani Y, Tano S, Wang J, Moriyama Y, Kobayashi T, Mimura N, Iriyama T, Kikkawa F, Kajiyama H. Upregulation of ENDOU in cytotrophoblasts from placenta complicated with preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. J Clin Biochem Nutr 2021; 69:280-285. [PMID: 34857990 PMCID: PMC8611368 DOI: 10.3164/jcbn.21-37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Placental hypoplasia is associated with the pathophysiology of fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia. The placenta consists of differentiated trophoblasts, including cytotrophoblasts, syncytiotrophoblasts, and extravillous trophoblasts. Cytotrophoblasts are thought to have stem-like characteristics and the ability to differentiate into syncytiotrophoblasts and extravillous trophoblasts. However, it is poorly understood whether isolated cytotrophoblasts derived from hypoplastic placentas have specific features compared with those in normal placentas. This study aimed to determine the features of cytotrophoblasts in hypoplastic placentas. Differentially expressed proteins between isolated cytotrophoblasts from hypoplastic placenta with fetal growth restriction and those from the normal placenta were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Among 6,802 proteins, 1,253 and 2,129 proteins were more than 2-fold upregulated and downregulated, respectively. Among them, ENDOU (endonuclease, poly(U) specific), which has high homology with the coronavirus endoribonuclease nonstructural protein 15 (Nsp15), showed a significantly increased expression in cytotrophoblasts from the placenta with fetal growth restriction related to preeclampsia compared with those in normal control placenta. These results provide insight into the pathological mechanisms of placental hypoplasia and additional information on preeclamptic symptoms in cases of SARS-CoV-2 infected placenta, although further investigation is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masataka Nomoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Handa City Hospital, 2-29 Toyo-cho, Handa City, Aichi 475-8599, Japan
| | - Tomomi Kotani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan.,Center for Maternal-Neonatal Care, Nagoya University Hospital, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8560, Japan
| | - Rika Miki
- Laboratory of Bell Research Center‑Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Collaborative Research, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
| | - Takafumi Ushida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan.,Center for Maternal-Neonatal Care, Nagoya University Hospital, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8560, Japan
| | - Kenji Imai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
| | - Yukako Iitani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
| | - Sho Tano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
| | - Jingwen Wang
- Laboratory of Bell Research Center‑Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Collaborative Research, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Moriyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fujita Health University, School of Medicine, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-cho, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
| | - Tomoko Kobayashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
| | - Nobuko Mimura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-655, Japan
| | - Takayuki Iriyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-655, Japan
| | - Fumitaka Kikkawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kajiyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
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Sasagawa T, Nagamatsu T, Yanagisawa M, Fujii T, Shibuya M. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1β is essential for upregulation of the hypoxia-induced FLT1 gene in placental trophoblasts. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6402014. [PMID: 34665260 PMCID: PMC8633902 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Placental hypoxia and increased levels of maternal blood anti-angiogenic protein, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT1), are associated with the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. We have demonstrated that hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-2α mediates the upregulation of the hypoxia-induced FLT1 gene in trophoblasts and their cell lines. Here, we investigated the involvement of HIF-1β, which acts as a dimerization partner for HIF-α, in the upregulation of the FLT1 gene via hypoxia. We confirmed the interactions between HIF-1β and HIF-2α in the nuclei of BeWo, JAR and JEG-3 cells under hypoxia via co-immunoprecipitation. We found that hypoxia-induced upregulation of the FLT1 gene in BeWo cells and secretion of sFLT1 in human primary trophoblasts were significantly reduced by siRNAs targeting HIF-1β. Moreover, the upregulation of the FLT1 gene in BeWo cells induced by dimethyloxaloylglycine (DMOG) was also inhibited by silencing either HIF-2α or HIF-1β mRNA. It was recently shown that DNA demethylation increases both basal and hypoxia-induced expression levels of the FLT1 gene in three trophoblast-derived cell lines. In the demethylated BeWo cells, siRNAs targeting HIF-2α and HIF-1β suppressed the further increase in the expression levels of the FLT1 gene due to hypoxia or treatment with DMOG. However, luciferase reporter assays and bisulfite sequencing revealed that a hypoxia response element (-966 to -962) of the FLT1 gene is not involved in hypoxia or DMOG-induced upregulation of the FLT1 gene. These findings suggest that HIF-1β is essential for the elevated production of sFLT1 in the hypoxic trophoblasts and that the HIF-2α/HIF-1β complex may be a crucial therapeutic target for pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadashi Sasagawa
- Institute of Physiology and Medicine, Jobu University, Gunma 370-1393, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nagamatsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Manami Yanagisawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Fujii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Masabumi Shibuya
- Institute of Physiology and Medicine, Jobu University, Gunma 370-1393, Japan
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10
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Whigham CA, Hastie R, Hannan NJ, Brownfoot F, Pritchard N, Cannon P, Nguyen TV, Kandel M, Masci J, Tong S, Kaitu'u-Lino TJ. Placental growth factor is negatively regulated by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling. Placenta 2021; 114:22-28. [PMID: 34418751 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.08.002] [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: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preeclampsia is associated with reduced pro-angiogenic Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) and increased levels of anti-angiogenic soluble FMS like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1). We have previously shown that sFlt-1 secretion is positively regulated via the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and mitochondrial respiration pathways. We assessed whether these pathways also regulate endothelial and placental secretion of PlGF. METHODS Primary cytotrophoblast cells and primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with EGFR inhibitor gefitinib, or small molecules that inhibit down-stream pathways of the receptor: U0126, PD98059 (ERK/MEK pathway inhibitors), ZM336372 (JAK/STAT inhibitor) or AG490 (JAK inhibitor). We inhibited mitochondrial respiration in primary cytotrophoblasts using mitochondrial complex inhibitors rotenone (complex I), antimycin (complex III) or oligomycin (complex IV). We then measured PlGF secretion in the condition media. RESULTS Three inhibitors of the EGFR pathway significantly increased PlGF secretion: gefitinib (p = 0.03), AG490 (p < 0.0001) and U0126 (p = 0.03) in primary cytotrophoblasts, while PD98059 reduced PlGF secretion (p = 0.002). In the same cells, neither gefitinib or UO126 altered PlGF mRNA expression, but AG490 significantly increased its expression (p = 0.02). Primary endothelial cell PlGF secretion was significantly reduced when treated with PD98059 and U0126 while ZM336372 had no effect. Rotenone significantly reduced cytotrophoblast PlGF secretion (p = 0.0005). Neither antimycin (p = 0.9) or oligomycin (p = 0.9) had an effect. DISCUSSION We have shown that PlGF secretion from primary cytotrophoblast and HUVECs is altered by inhibiting EGFR signaling and potentially mitochondrial respiration, coincident with reduced sFlt-1 secretion. This suggests that common pathways are regulating both pro and anti-angiogenic molecules that are changed in association with preeclampsia and provides insight into the pathogenesis of this serious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole-Anne Whigham
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Roxanne Hastie
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natalie J Hannan
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fiona Brownfoot
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natasha Pritchard
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ping Cannon
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tuong Vi Nguyen
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Manju Kandel
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joshua Masci
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen Tong
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tu'uhevaha J Kaitu'u-Lino
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
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11
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Oda H, Nagamatsu T, Cabral H, Miyazaki T, Iriyama T, Kawana K, Fujii T, Osuga Y. Thrombomodulin promotes placental function by up-regulating placental growth factor via inhibition of high-mobility-group box 1 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α. Placenta 2021; 111:1-9. [PMID: 34126415 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.06.002] [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: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pregnancy is a state of maternal systemic stress due to inflammation and hypoxic reactions originating from the utero-placental unit. Maternal tolerance to these stresses is a key for successful outcomes. Thrombomodulin (TM), a glycoprotein expressed on cell surface, regulates local inflammatory pathways by inhibiting proinflammatory factor, High-mobility-group box1(HMGB1). Although TM is highly expressed on placental trophoblast cells, biological activities of TM during pregnancy remains unclear. Here, we hypothesized that TM may contribute to the maternal stress coping mechanisms. METHODS By administering recombinant-TM (rTM) to the pregnant mice, we investigated the influence of TM functions on the placenta and fetal growth. We further examined its effect on trophoblast cells, focusing on HMGB1-regulated inflammatory signalings and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α)-dependent regulation of placental angiogenic factors. RESULTS Administration of rTM increased fetal weight and fetal/placental-weight ratios, which implies the improvement of placental function. These features were accompanied by maternal serum HMGB1 reduction and suppressed placental proinflammatory cytokine, IL-6 and TNF-α, expressions. In addition, rTM reduced HIF1α protein accumulation and enhanced placental growth factor (PlGF) expression in the placenta, that explains the improvement of maternal features. DISCUSSION Our study revealed the supportive effect of TM on the placental function in mice. By inhibiting HMGB1, rTM suppresses proinflammatory cytokines, downregulates HIF1α and induces PlFG expression in the placental tissue. Our results have elucidated the novel aspects of TM; the regulation of placental inflammatory cytokines and angiogenic factors, during pregnancy. These findings may reveal potential therapeutic opportunities for the management of maternal complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Oda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nagamatsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Horacio Cabral
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuya Miyazaki
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takayuki Iriyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kei Kawana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Nihon University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Fujii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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12
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Wong MK, Li EW, Adam M, Selvaganapathy PR, Raha S. Establishment of an in vitro placental barrier model cultured under physiologically relevant oxygen levels. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:353-365. [PMID: 32159799 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The human placental barrier facilitates many key functions during pregnancy, most notably the exchange of all substances between the mother and fetus. However, preclinical models of the placental barrier often lacked the multiple cell layers, syncytialization of the trophoblast cells and the low oxygen levels that are present within the body. Therefore, we aimed to design and develop an in vitro model of the placental barrier that would reinstate these factors and enable improved investigations of barrier function. BeWo placental trophoblastic cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells were co-cultured on contralateral sides of an extracellular matrix-coated transwell insert to establish a multilayered barrier. Epidermal growth factor and forskolin led to significantly increased multi-nucleation of the BeWo cell layer and increased biochemical markers of syncytial fusion, for example syncytin-1 and hCGβ. Our in vitro placental barrier possessed size-specific permeability, with 4000-Da molecules experiencing greater transport and a lower apparent permeability coefficient than 70 000-Da molecules. We further demonstrated that the BeWo layer had greater resistance to smaller molecules compared to the endothelial layer. Chronic, physiologically low oxygen exposure (3-8%) increased the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and syncytin-1, further increased multi-nucleation of the BeWo cell layer and decreased barrier permeability only against smaller molecules (457 Da/4000 Da). In conclusion, we built a novel in vitro co-culture model of the placental barrier that possessed size-specific permeability and could function under physiologically low oxygen levels. Importantly, this will enable future researchers to better study the maternal-fetal transport of nutrients and drugs during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K Wong
- Graduate Program of Medical Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Edward W Li
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohamed Adam
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Sandeep Raha
- Graduate Program of Medical Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L8N 3Z5
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13
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Ticiani E, Gingrich J, Pu Y, Vettathu M, Davis J, Martin D, Petroff MG, Veiga-Lopez A. Bisphenol S and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Signaling in Human Placental Cytotrophoblasts. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:27005. [PMID: 33605785 PMCID: PMC7894408 DOI: 10.1289/ehp7297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bisphenol S (BPS) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical and the second most abundant bisphenol detected in humans. In vivo BPS exposure leads to reduced binucleate cell number in the ovine placenta. Binucleate cells form by cellular fusion, similar to the human placental syncytiotrophoblast layer. Given that human placental syncytialization can be stimulated through epidermal growth factor (EGF), we hypothesized that BPS would reduce human cytotrophoblast syncytialization through disruption of EGF receptor (EGFR) signaling. OBJECTIVE We tested whether BPS interferes EGFR signaling and disrupts human cytotrophoblast syncytialization. METHODS We first tested BPS competition for EGFR using an EGF/EGFR AlphaLISA assay. Using human primary term cytotrophoblast cells (hCTBs) and MDA-MD-231 cells, a breast cancer cell line with high EGFR expression, we evaluated EGFR downstream signaling and tested whether BPS could inhibit the EGF response by blocking EGFR activation. We also evaluated functional end points of EGFR signaling, including EGF endocytosis, cell proliferation, and syncytialization. RESULTS BPS blocked EGF binding in a dose-dependent manner and reduced EGF-mediated phosphorylated EGFR in both cell types. We further confirmed that BPS acted as an EGFR antagonist as shown by a reduction in EGF internalization in both hCTBs and MDA-MD-231 cells. Finally, we demonstrated that BPS interfered with EGF-mediated cell processes, such as cell proliferation in MDA-MD-231 cells and syncytialization in hCTBs. EGF-mediated, but not spontaneous, hCTB syncytialization was fully blocked by BPS (200 ng/mL), a dose within urinary BPS concentrations detected in humans. CONCLUSIONS Given the role of EGFR in trophoblast proliferation and differentiation during placental development, this study suggests that exposures to BPS at environmentally relevant concentrations may result in placenta dysfunction, affecting fetal growth and development. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP7297.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvis Ticiani
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jeremy Gingrich
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University (MSU), East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Yong Pu
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | | | | | - Margaret G. Petroff
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, MSU, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, MSU, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Almudena Veiga-Lopez
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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14
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Colson A, Sonveaux P, Debiève F, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Adaptations of the human placenta to hypoxia: opportunities for interventions in fetal growth restriction. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:531-569. [PMID: 33377492 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta is the functional interface between the mother and the fetus during pregnancy, and a critical determinant of fetal growth and life-long health. In the first trimester, it develops under a low-oxygen environment, which is essential for the conceptus who has little defense against reactive oxygen species produced during oxidative metabolism. However, failure of invasive trophoblasts to sufficiently remodel uterine arteries toward dilated vessels by the end of the first trimester can lead to reduced/intermittent blood flow, persistent hypoxia and oxidative stress in the placenta with consequences for fetal growth. Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is observed in ∼10% of pregnancies and is frequently seen in association with other pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia (PE). FGR is one of the main challenges for obstetricians and pediatricians, as smaller fetuses have greater perinatal risks of morbidity and mortality and postnatal risks of neurodevelopmental and cardio-metabolic disorders. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aim of this review was to examine the importance of placental responses to changing oxygen environments during abnormal pregnancy in terms of cellular, molecular and functional changes in order to highlight new therapeutic pathways, and to pinpoint approaches aimed at enhancing oxygen supply and/or mitigating oxidative stress in the placenta as a mean of optimizing fetal growth. SEARCH METHODS An extensive online search of peer-reviewed articles using PubMed was performed with combinations of search terms including pregnancy, placenta, trophoblast, oxygen, hypoxia, high altitude, FGR and PE (last updated in May 2020). OUTCOMES Trophoblast differentiation and placental establishment are governed by oxygen availability/hypoxia in early pregnancy. The placental response to late gestational hypoxia includes changes in syncytialization, mitochondrial functions, endoplasmic reticulum stress, hormone production, nutrient handling and angiogenic factor secretion. The nature of these changes depends on the extent of hypoxia, with some responses appearing adaptive and others appearing detrimental to the placental support of fetal growth. Emerging approaches that aim to increase placental oxygen supply and/or reduce the impacts of excessive oxidative stress are promising for their potential to prevent/treat FGR. WIDER IMPLICATIONS There are many risks and challenges of intervening during pregnancy that must be considered. The establishment of human trophoblast stem cell lines and organoids will allow further mechanistic studies of the effects of hypoxia and may lead to advanced screening of drugs for use in pregnancies complicated by placental insufficiency/hypoxia. Since no treatments are currently available, a better understanding of placental adaptations to hypoxia would help to develop therapies or repurpose drugs to optimize placental function and fetal growth, with life-long benefits to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Colson
- Pole of Obstetrics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Pole of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Sonveaux
- Pole of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Debiève
- Pole of Obstetrics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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15
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Colson A, Depoix CL, Baldin P, Hubinont C, Sonveaux P, Debiève F. Hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha impairs human cytotrophoblast syncytialization: New insights into placental dysfunction and fetal growth restriction. FASEB J 2020; 34:15222-15235. [PMID: 32954526 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001681r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Insufficient remodeling of uterine arteries causes pregnancy-related diseases, including fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia. In these situations, reduced maternal blood flow in the placenta is thought to be responsible for the persistence of a low oxygen environment throughout pregnancy. We hypothesized that chronic activation of transcription factors hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) actively participates in placental underdevelopment, which impairs fetal growth. The computer-assisted analysis in pathological placentas revealed an increased number of HIF-2α-positive nuclei in the syncytium compared to normal human placentas, while HIF-1α stabilization was unchanged. Specific involvement of HIF-2α was confirmed in primary human cytotrophoblasts rendered deficient for HIF1A or HIF2A. Silencing HIF2A increased the expression of main syncytialization markers as well as differentiation and syncytium formation. It also improved placental growth factor bioavailability. None of these changes was seen when silencing HIF1A. Conversely, the experimental induction of HIF-2α expression repressed forskolin-induced differentiation in BeWo choriocarcinoma cells. Our mechanistic insights evidence that transcription factor HIF-2α impairs placental function, thus suggesting its participation in fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia when placentas become chronically hypoxic. Furthermore, it suggests the possibility to develop novel molecular targeting therapies for placental dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Colson
- Pole of Obstetrics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Pole of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christophe Louis Depoix
- Pole of Obstetrics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pamela Baldin
- Department of Pathology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Corinne Hubinont
- Pole of Obstetrics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Sonveaux
- Pole of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Debiève
- Pole of Obstetrics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
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16
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Zhao H, Narasimhan P, Kalish F, Wong RJ, Stevenson DK. Dysregulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (Hif1α) expression in the Hmox1-deficient placenta. Placenta 2020; 99:108-116. [PMID: 32784053 PMCID: PMC7549641 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Severe hypoxia exists in placentas during early pregnancy, with reoxygenation during mid-gestation. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (Hif1α), an oxygen sensor, initiates placental vascular development. We have shown that the placental vasculature in Hmox1-deficient (Hmox1+/−, Het) pregnancies is impaired, with morphological defects similar to Hif1α-deficient placentas. Materials and methods Whole wild-type (WT) and Het mouse placentas were collected at E8.5 (1%–3% O2) and E9.5–15.5 (8%–10% O2). mRNA levels were determined using real-time RT-PCR or PCR arrays and protein levels using Western blot. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) from WT, Het, and Hmox1 knockout (KO) mice, representing different Hmox1 cellular levels, were generated to study the role of Hmox1 on Hif1α ′s response to hypoxia-reoxygenation and gestational age-specific placental lysates. Results Hif1α was expressed in WT and Het placentas throughout gestation, with protein levels peaking at E8.5 and mRNA levels significantly upregulated from E9.5–E13.5, but significantly lower in Het placentas. Genes associated with angiogenesis (Vegfa, Vegfr1, Mmp2, Cxcl12, Angpt1, Nos3), antioxidants (Sod1, Gpx1), and transcription factors (Ap2, Bach1, Nrf2) were significantly different in Het placentas. In response to in vitro hypoxia-reoxygenation and to WT or Het placental lysates, Hif1α transcription was lower in Het and Hmox1 KO BMDMs compared with WT BMDMs. Discussion These findings suggest that deficiencies in Hmox1 underlie the insufficient placental Hif1α response to hypoxia-reoxygenation during gestation and subsequently impair downstream placental vascular formation. Therefore, a dysregulation of Hif1α expression caused by any genetic defect or environmental influence in early pregnancy could be the root cause of pregnancy disorders. Expression of Hif1α in wild-type (WT) placentas is gestational age-dependent. Hif1α expression is reduced in Hmox1-deficient placentas. Expression of angiogenic genes is altered in Hmox1-deficient placentas. Hypoxia-reoxygenation induces a differential expression of Hif1α in cells. Adding placental lysates dysregulates expression of Hif1α in Hmox1-deficient cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Purnima Narasimhan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Flora Kalish
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Ronald J Wong
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - David K Stevenson
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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17
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Sasagawa T, Jinno-Oue A, Nagamatsu T, Morita K, Tsuruga T, Mori-Uchino M, Fujii T, Shibuya M. Production of an anti-angiogenic factor sFLT1 is suppressed via promoter hypermethylation of FLT1 gene in choriocarcinoma cells. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:112. [PMID: 32041578 PMCID: PMC7011436 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-6598-9] [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] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT1) as an anti-angiogenic factor is abundantly expressed in placental trophoblasts. Choriocarcinoma, a malignant tumor derived from trophoblasts, is known to be highly angiogenic and metastatic. However, the molecular mechanism underlying angiogenesis in choriocarcinoma pathogenesis remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the mRNA expression and DNA methylation status of the FLT1 gene in human choriocarcinoma cells and trophoblast cells. METHODS qRT-PCR, Western blotting and ELISA were conducted to evaluate the mRNA and protein expression levels of sFLT1. 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5azadC) treatment and bisulfite sequencing were used to study the FLT1 gene promoter methylation. The effect of sFLT1 on choriocarcinoma growth and angiogenesis was evaluated in a xenograft mouse model. RESULTS Expression of the FLT1 gene was strongly suppressed in choriocarcinoma cell lines compared with that in the primary trophoblasts. Treatment of choriocarcinoma cell lines with 5azadC, a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, markedly increased in mRNA expression of three FLT1 splice variants and secretion of sFLT1 proteins. Bisulfite sequencing revealed that the CpG hypermethylation was observed at the FLT1 promoter region in choriocarcinoma cell lines and a human primary choriocarcinoma tissue but not in human trophoblast cells. Interestingly, in 5azadC-treated choriocarcinoma cell lines, sFLT1 mRNA expression and sFLT1 production were further elevated by hypoxic stimulation. Finally, as expected, sFLT1-expressing choriocarcinoma cells implanted into nude mice showed significantly slower tumor growth and reduced microvessel formation compared with GFP-expressing control choriocarcinoma cells. CONCLUSIONS Inhibition of sFLT1 production by FLT1 silencing occurs via the hypermethylation of its promoter in choriocarcinoma cells. The stable expression of sFLT1 in choriocarcinoma cells resulted in the suppression of tumor growth and tumor vascularization in vivo. We suggest that the FLT1 gene may be a cell-type-specific tumor suppressor in choriocarcinoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadashi Sasagawa
- Institute of Physiology and Medicine, Jobu University, 270-1 Shin-machi, Takasaki, Gunma, 370-1393, Japan
| | - Atsushi Jinno-Oue
- Bioresource Center, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nagamatsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kazuki Morita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tetsushi Tsuruga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Mayuyo Mori-Uchino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Fujii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Masabumi Shibuya
- Institute of Physiology and Medicine, Jobu University, 270-1 Shin-machi, Takasaki, Gunma, 370-1393, Japan.
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18
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Mathew SA, Naik C, Cahill PA, Bhonde RR. Placental mesenchymal stromal cells as an alternative tool for therapeutic angiogenesis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:253-265. [PMID: 31468060 PMCID: PMC11104823 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03268-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of angiogenesis is a phenomenon observed in several disorders such as diabetic foot, critical limb ischemia and myocardial infarction. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) possess angiogenic potential and have recently emerged as a powerful tool for cell therapy to promote angiogenesis. Although bone marrow-derived MSCs are the primary cell of choice, obtaining them has become a challenge. The placenta has become a popular alternative as it is a highly vascular organ, easily available and ethically more favorable with a rich supply of MSCs. Comparatively, placenta-derived MSCs (PMSCs) are clinically promising due to their proliferative, migratory, clonogenic and immunomodulatory properties. PMSCs release a plethora of cytokines and chemokines key to angiogenic signaling and facilitate the possibility of delivering PMSC-derived exosomes as a targeted therapy to promote angiogenesis. However, there still remains the challenge of heterogeneity in the isolated populations, questions on the maternal or fetal origin of these cells and the diversity in previously reported isolation and culture conditions. Nonetheless, the growing rate of clinical trials using PMSCs clearly indicates a shift in favor of PMSCs. The overall aim of the review is to highlight the importance of this rather poorly understood cell type and emphasize the need for further investigations into their angiogenic potential as an alternative source for therapeutic angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suja Ann Mathew
- School of Regenerative Medicine, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, MAHE, Allalasandra, Near Royal Orchid, Yellahanka, Bangalore, 560 065, India.
| | - Charuta Naik
- School of Regenerative Medicine, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, MAHE, Allalasandra, Near Royal Orchid, Yellahanka, Bangalore, 560 065, India
| | - Paul A Cahill
- School of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Health, Dublin City University, Glasnevin Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Ramesh R Bhonde
- Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (DPU), Pimpri, Pune, 411018, India.
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19
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Kasture V, Sundrani D, Dalvi S, Swamy M, Kale A, Joshi S. Maternal omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E improve placental angiogenesis in late-onset but not early-onset preeclampsia. Mol Cell Biochem 2019; 461:159-170. [PMID: 31420792 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-019-03599-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal placental vasculature is associated with preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is of two types, i.e., early- and late-onset preeclampsia (LOP), both having different etiologies. We have earlier demonstrated low levels of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E in women with preeclampsia. The current study examines the effect of maternal omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E supplementation on angiogenic factors in a rat model of preeclampsia. Pregnant rats were divided into a total of five groups control, early-onset preeclampsia (EOP); LOP; EOP supplemented with omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin E and LOP supplemented with omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin E. Preeclampsia was induced by administering L-nitroarginine methylester (L-NAME) at the dose of 50 mg/kg body weight/day. The vascular endothelial growth factor gene expression and protein levels were lower (p < 0.01 for both) in animals from both EOP as well as LOP groups (p < 0.01). In the EOP group, the protein levels of VEGF receptor-1 were also lower (p < 0.01). Supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E to LOP improved the levels of VEGF and VEGF receptor-1 only in the LOP but not in the EOP group. In the EOP group, the gene expression of hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) in the placenta was higher (p < 0.05) and supplementation normalized these levels. Our findings indicate that maternal supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E has differential effect on preeclampsia subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaishali Kasture
- Department of Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, Pune-Satara Road, Pune, 411043, India
| | - Deepali Sundrani
- Department of Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, Pune-Satara Road, Pune, 411043, India
| | - Surabhi Dalvi
- Department of Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, Pune-Satara Road, Pune, 411043, India
| | - Mayur Swamy
- Department of Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, Pune-Satara Road, Pune, 411043, India
| | - Anvita Kale
- Department of Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, Pune-Satara Road, Pune, 411043, India
| | - Sadhana Joshi
- Department of Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, Pune-Satara Road, Pune, 411043, India.
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20
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Iriyama T, Wang G, Yoshikawa M, Mimura N, Matsui H, Sayama S, Kumasawa K, Nagamatsu T, Koga K, Kotani T, Niimi K, Yamamoto E, Kellems RE, Xia Y, Osuga Y, Fujii T. Increased LIGHT leading to sFlt-1 elevation underlies the pathogenic link between hydatidiform mole and preeclampsia. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10107. [PMID: 31300808 PMCID: PMC6625991 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46660-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydatidiform moles are known to pose an extremely high risk of severe early-onset preeclampsia if left untreated. TNF superfamily cytokine, LIGHT has recently been reported to contribute to pathophysiology of preeclampsia. The present study aimed to investigate the involvement of LIGHT in hydatidiform moles. We measured the serum levels of LIGHT and sFlt-1 by ELISA in 17 women with complete hydatidiform mole (HM) and 20 gestational-age-matched normal pregnant women (control). As a result, the serum LIGHT levels were significantly higher in HM as compared with those in control (69.9 ± 9.6 pg/ml vs 25.4 ± 5.3 pg/ml, p = 0.0001) and the serum levels of LIGHT were significantly positively correlated with those of sFlt-1 in HM (r = 0.68, p = 0.0029). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the expression levels of LIGHT were increased in HM placentas as compared with controls, and LIGHT and sFlt-1 were co-localized in the trophoblast cells of HM. In vitro studies using primary syncytiotrophoblast cells demonstrated that LIGHT directly induced sFlt-1 expression in trophoblast cells. Our results indicated that elevated LIGHT in the trophoblast cells of hydatidiform mole induces sFlt-1, which might underlie the pathogenic mechanism of early-onset preeclampsia developing secondary to molar pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Iriyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Guan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin, China
| | - Midori Yoshikawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuko Mimura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Haruka Matsui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seisuke Sayama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiichi Kumasawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nagamatsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaori Koga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomomi Kotani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kaoru Niimi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Eiko Yamamoto
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Rodney E Kellems
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yang Xia
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Fujii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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21
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Abstract
Preeclampsia, a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, is accompanied by shallow placentation and deficient remodeling of the uterine spiral arteries by invasive placental trophoblast cells during the first trimester of pregnancy. Here, we generated induced pluripotent stem cells from umbilical cords of normal pregnancies and ones complicated by early onset preeclampsia (EOPE) and converted them to trophoblast to recapitulate events of early pregnancy. Parameters disturbed in EOPE, including trophoblast invasiveness, were assessed. Under low O2, both sets of cells behaved similarly, but, under the more stressful 20% O2 conditions, the invasiveness of EOPE trophoblast was markedly reduced. Gene expression changes in EOPE trophoblast suggested a dysregulation invasion linked to high O2. We describe a model for early onset preeclampsia (EOPE) that uses induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) generated from umbilical cords of EOPE and control (CTL) pregnancies. These iPSCs were then converted to placental trophoblast (TB) representative of early pregnancy. Marker gene analysis indicated that both sets of cells differentiated at comparable rates. The cells were tested for parameters disturbed in EOPE, including invasive potential. Under 5% O2, CTL TB and EOPE TB lines did not differ, but, under hyperoxia (20% O2), invasiveness of EOPE TB was reduced. RNA sequencing analysis disclosed no consistent differences in expression of individual genes between EOPE TB and CTL TB under 20% O2, but, a weighted correlation network analysis revealed two gene modules (CTL4 and CTL9) that, in CTL TB, were significantly linked to extent of TB invasion. CTL9, which was positively correlated with 20% O2 (P = 0.02) and negatively correlated with invasion (P = 0.03), was enriched for gene ontology terms relating to cell adhesion and migration, angiogenesis, preeclampsia, and stress. Two EOPE TB modules, EOPE1 and EOPE2, also correlated positively and negatively, respectively, with 20% O2 conditions, but only weakly with invasion; they largely contained the same sets of genes present in modules CTL4 and CTL9. Our experiments suggest that, in EOPE, the initial step precipitating disease is a reduced capacity of placental TB to invade caused by a dysregulation of O2 response mechanisms and that EOPE is a syndrome, in which unbalanced expression of various combinations of genes affecting TB invasion provoke disease onset.
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22
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Lawrence DJ, Escott ME, Myers L, Intapad S, Lindsey SH, Bayer CL. Spectral photoacoustic imaging to estimate in vivo placental oxygenation during preeclampsia. Sci Rep 2019; 9:558. [PMID: 30679723 PMCID: PMC6345947 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37310-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related hypertensive disorder accounting for 14% of global maternal deaths annually. Preeclampsia - maternal hypertension and proteinuria - is promoted by placental ischemia resulting from reduced uteroplacental perfusion. Here, we assess longitudinal changes in placental oxygenation during preeclampsia using spectral photoacoustic imaging. Spectral photoacoustic images were acquired of the placenta of normal pregnant (NP) and preeclamptic reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) Sprague Dawley rats on gestational days (GD) 14, 16, and 18, corresponding to mid- to late gestation (n = 10 per cohort). Two days after implementation of the RUPP surgical model, placental oxygen saturation decreased 12% in comparison with NP. Proteinuria was determined from a 24-hour urine collection prior to imaging on GD18. Blood pressure measurements were obtained on GD18 after imaging. Placental hypoxia in the RUPP was confirmed with histological staining for hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, a cellular transcription regulator which responds to local oxygen levels. Using in vivo, longitudinal imaging methods we determined that the placenta in the reduced uterine perfusion pressure rat model of preeclampsia is hypoxic, and that this hypoxia is maintained through late gestation. Future work will utilize these methods to assess the impact of novel therapeutics on placental ischemia and the progression of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan J Lawrence
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, 500 Lindy Boggs Center, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA
| | - Megan E Escott
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, 500 Lindy Boggs Center, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA
| | - Leann Myers
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, 1440 Canal St #2400, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Suttira Intapad
- School of Medicine, Tulane University, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Sarah H Lindsey
- School of Medicine, Tulane University, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Carolyn L Bayer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, 500 Lindy Boggs Center, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA.
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23
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Tadalafil treatment in mice for preeclampsia with fetal growth restriction has neuro-benefic effects in offspring through modulating prenatal hypoxic conditions. Sci Rep 2019; 9:234. [PMID: 30659198 PMCID: PMC6338749 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36084-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We have demonstrated that tadalafil facilitates fetal growth in mice with L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced preeclampsia (PE) with fetal growth restriction (FGR). Tadalafil is a selective phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor that dilates the maternal blood sinuses in the placenta, thereby facilitating the growth of the fetus. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of tadalafil treatment for PE and FGR on the developing brain in FGR offspring using an L-NAME-induced mouse model of PE with FGR. A control group of dams received carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). L-NAME-treated groups received L-NAME dissolved in CMC from 11 days post coitum (d.p.c.). The L-NAME-treated dams were divided into two subgroups 14 d.p.c. One subgroup continued to receive L-NAME. The other subgroup received L-NAME with tadalafil suspended in CMC. Tadalafil treatment for PE with FGR reduced the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-2α in the placenta and in the brain of the FGR fetus. Moreover, tadalafil treatment in utero shows improved synaptogenesis and myelination in FGR offspring on postnatal day 15 (P15) and P30. These results suggest that tadalafil treatment for PE with FGR not only facilitates fetal growth, but also has neuroprotective effects on the developing brain of FGR offspring through modulating prenatal hypoxic conditions.
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24
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Sasagawa T, Nagamatsu T, Morita K, Mimura N, Iriyama T, Fujii T, Shibuya M. HIF-2α, but not HIF-1α, mediates hypoxia-induced up-regulation of Flt-1 gene expression in placental trophoblasts. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17375. [PMID: 30478339 PMCID: PMC6255857 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35745-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Placental hypoxia and elevated levels of circulating soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), an anti-angiogenic factor, are closely related to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Although sFlt-1 secretion from the placental trophoblasts is increased under hypoxic conditions, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. Previously, an authentic hypoxia response element in the Flt-1 gene promoter was shown to be a potential binding site for hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs). Here, we investigated the roles of HIF-1α and HIF-2α in Flt-1 gene expression in trophoblast-derived choriocarcinoma cell lines and cytotrophoblasts exposed to hypoxic conditions. In the cell lines, increased expression of sFlt-1 splice variants and nuclear accumulation of HIF-1α and HIF-2α were observed after hypoxic stimulation. A specific small interfering RNA or an inhibitor molecule targeting HIF-2α decreased hypoxia-induced up-regulation of Flt-1 gene expression. Moreover, in cytotrophoblasts, increased sFlt-1 mRNA expression and elevated sFlt-1 production were induced by hypoxic stimulation. Notably, hypoxia-induced elevation of sFlt-1 secretion from the cytotrophoblasts was inhibited by silencing the HIF-2α, but not HIF-1α mRNA. These findings suggest that hypoxia-induced activation of HIF-2α is essential for the increased production of sFlt-1 proteins in trophoblasts. Targeting the HIF-2α may be a novel strategy for the treatment of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadashi Sasagawa
- Institute of Physiology and Medicine, Jobu University, Gunma, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nagamatsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuki Morita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuko Mimura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takayuki Iriyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Fujii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masabumi Shibuya
- Institute of Physiology and Medicine, Jobu University, Gunma, Japan.
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