1
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Berger C, Glaser M, Ziegler AL, Neukel V, Walz F, Zdzieblo D. Generation of a pancreas derived hydrogel for the culture of hiPSC derived pancreatic endocrine cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:20653. [PMID: 39232042 PMCID: PMC11375036 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67327-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Stem cell-derived β-cells (SC-BCs) represent a potential source for curing diabetes. To date, in vitro generated SC-BCs display an immature phenotype and lack important features in comparison to their bona-fide counterparts. Transplantation into a living animal promotes SC-BCs maturation, indicating that components of the in vivo microenvironment trigger final SC-BCs development. Here, we investigated whether cues of the pancreas specific extracellular matrix (ECM) can improve the differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) towards β-cells in vitro. To this aim, a pancreas specific ECM (PanMa) hydrogel was generated from decellularized porcine pancreas and its effect on the differentiation of hiPSC-derived pancreatic hormone expressing cells (HECs) was tested. The hydrogel solidified upon neutralization at 37 °C with gelation kinetics similar to Matrigel. Cytocompatibility of the PanMa hydrogel was demonstrated for a culture duration of 21 days. Encapsulation and culture of HECs in the PanMa hydrogel over 7 days resulted in a stable gene and protein expression of most β-cell markers, but did not improve β-cell identity. In conclusion, the study describes the production of a PanMa hydrogel, which provides the basis for the development of ECM hydrogels that are more adapted to the demands of SC-BCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantin Berger
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Markus Glaser
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Ziegler
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Valentina Neukel
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Fabiola Walz
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Zdzieblo
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Project Center for Stem Cell Process Engineering, Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research, Würzburg, Germany
- Translational Center Regenerative Therapies, Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research, Würzburg, Germany
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2
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Park S, Hunter ES. Modeling the human placenta: in vitro applications in developmental and reproductive toxicology. Crit Rev Toxicol 2024; 54:431-464. [PMID: 39016688 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2023.2295349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
During its temporary tenure, the placenta has extensive and specialized functions that are critical for pre- and post-natal development. The consequences of chemical exposure in utero can have profound effects on the structure and function of pregnancy-associated tissues and the life-long health of the birthing person and their offspring. However, the toxicological importance and critical functions of the placenta to embryonic and fetal development and maturation have been understudied. This narrative will review early placental development in humans and highlight some in vitro models currently in use that are or can be applied to better understand placental processes underlying developmental toxicity due to in utero environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Park
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, TN, USA
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, ORD, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Edward Sidney Hunter
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, ORD, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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3
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Zambuto SG, Scott AK, Oyen ML. Beyond 2D: Novel biomaterial approaches for modeling the placenta. Placenta 2024:S0143-4004(24)00073-0. [PMID: 38514278 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.03.006] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
This review considers fully three-dimensional biomaterial environments of varying complexity as these pertain to research on the placenta. The developments in placental cell sources are first considered, along with the corresponding maternal cells with which the trophoblast interact. We consider biomaterial sources, including hybrid and composite biomaterials. Properties and characterization of biomaterials are discussed in the context of material design for specific placental applications. The development of increasingly complicated three-dimensional structures includes examples of advanced fabrication methods such as microfluidic device fabrication and 3D bioprinting, as utilized in a placenta context. The review finishes with a discussion of the potential for in vitro, three-dimensional placenta research to address health disparities and sexual dimorphism, especially in light of the exciting recent changes in the regulatory environment for in vitro devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha G Zambuto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Women's Health Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Adrienne K Scott
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Women's Health Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Regenerative Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michelle L Oyen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Women's Health Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Regenerative Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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4
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Rahman S, Kwee B, Li M, Chidambaram M, He X, Bryant M, Mehta D, Nakamura N, Phanavanh B, Fisher J, Sung K. Evaluation of a microphysiological human placental barrier model for studying placental drug transfer. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 123:108523. [PMID: 38092131 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108523] [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] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Understanding drug transport across the placental barrier is important for assessing the potential fetal drug toxicity and birth defect risks. Current in vivo and in vitro models have structural and functional limitations in evaluating placental drug transfer and toxicity. Microphysiological systems (MPSs) offer more accurate and relevant physiological models of human tissues and organs on a miniature scale for drug development and toxicology testing. MPSs for the placental barrier have been recently explored to study placental drug transfer. We utilized a multilayered hydrogel membrane-based microphysiological model composed of human placental epithelial and endothelial cells to replicate the key structure and function of the human placental barrier. A macroscale human placental barrier model was created using a transwell to compare the results with the microphysiological model. Placental barrier models were characterized by assessing monolayer formation, intercellular junctions, barrier permeability, and their structural integrity. Three small-molecule drugs (glyburide, rifaximin, and caffeine) that are prescribed or taken during pregnancy were studied for their placental transfer. The results showed that all three drugs crossed the placental barrier, with transfer rates in the following order: glyburide (molecular weight, MW = 494 Da) < rifaximin (MW = 785.9 Da) < caffeine (MW = 194.19 Da). Using non-compartmental analysis, we estimated human pharmacokinetic characteristics based on in vitro data from both MPS and transwell models. While further research is needed, our findings suggest that MPS holds potential as an in vitro tool for studying placental drug transfer and predicting fetal exposure, offering insights into pharmacokinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shekh Rahman
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, United States; Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, United States.
| | - Brian Kwee
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, United States
| | - Miao Li
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, United States
| | - Mani Chidambaram
- Office of Scientific Coordination, National Center for Toxicological Research, Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, United States
| | - Xiaobo He
- Office of Scientific Coordination, National Center for Toxicological Research, Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, United States
| | - Matthew Bryant
- Office of Scientific Coordination, National Center for Toxicological Research, Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, United States
| | - Darshan Mehta
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, United States
| | - Noriko Nakamura
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, United States
| | - Bounleut Phanavanh
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, United States
| | - Jeffery Fisher
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, United States
| | - Kyung Sung
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, United States
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5
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Park JY, Lim H, Qin J, Lee LP. Creating mini-pregnancy models in vitro with clinical perspectives. EBioMedicine 2023; 95:104780. [PMID: 37657136 PMCID: PMC10480532 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104780] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last decade, organs-on-chips or organoids microphysiological analysis platforms (MAP) have garnered attention in the practical applications of disease models, drug discovery, and developmental biology. Research on pregnant women has firm limitations due to ethical issues; thus, remodelling human pregnancy in vitro is highly beneficial for treatment modality development via disease remodelling or drug monitoring. This review highlights current efforts in bioengineering devices to reproduce human pregnancy and emphasises the significant convergence of biology, engineering, and maternal-foetal medicine. First, we review recent achievements in culturing cells from tissues involved in pregnancy; specifically, trophoblasts from the placenta. Second, we highlight developments in the reconstitution of pregnancy-related female reproductive organs across several structural and functional interpretations. Last, we examine research on the fundamental comprehension of pregnancy-associated diseases to find bioengineering solutions. Recreating human pregnancy through an engineered model is naturally complex; nevertheless, challenges are inevitable to progress precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee Yoon Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University, Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Hosub Lim
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jianhua Qin
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Luke P Lee
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA; Department of Biophysics, Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea.
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6
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Lermant A, Rabussier G, Lanz HL, Davidson L, Porter IM, Murdoch CE. Development of a human iPSC-derived placental barrier-on-chip model. iScience 2023; 26:107240. [PMID: 37534160 PMCID: PMC10392097 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Although recently developed placenta-on-chip systems opened promising perspectives for placental barrier modeling, they still lack physiologically relevant trophoblasts and are poorly amenable to high-throughput studies. We aimed to implement human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC)-derived trophoblasts into a multi-well microfluidic device to develop a physiologically relevant and scalable placental barrier model. When cultured in a perfused micro-channel against a collagen-based matrix, hiPSC-derived trophoblasts self-arranged into a 3D structure showing invasive behavior, fusogenic and endocrine activities, structural integrity, and expressing placental transporters. RNA-seq analysis revealed that the microfluidic 3D environment boosted expression of genes related to early placental structural development, mainly involved in mechanosensing and cell surface receptor signaling. These results demonstrated the feasibility of generating a differentiated primitive syncytium from hiPSC in a microfluidic platform. Besides expanding hiPSC-derived trophoblast scope of applications, this study constitutes an important resource to improve placental barrier models and boost research and therapeutics evaluation in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agathe Lermant
- Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | | | | | - Lindsay Davidson
- Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Facility, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Iain M. Porter
- Dundee Imaging Facility, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Colin E. Murdoch
- Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
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7
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Milano-Foster J, Schulz LC. RISING STARS: Approaches to modeling placental function in preeclampsia in vitro and in vivo. J Endocrinol 2023; 258:e230008. [PMID: 37014303 PMCID: PMC10330201 DOI: 10.1530/joe-23-0008] [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: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Modeling preeclampsia remains difficult due to the nature of the disease and the unique characteristics of the human placenta. Members of the Hominidae superfamily have a villous hemochorial placenta that is different in structure from those of other therian mammals, including the mouse hemochorial placenta, making this common animal model less ideal for studying this disease. Human placental tissues delivered from pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia are excellent for assessing the damage the disease causes but cannot answer how or when the disease begins. Symptoms of preeclampsia manifest halfway through pregnancy or later, making it currently impossible to identify preeclampsia in human tissues obtained from an early stage of pregnancy. Many animal and cell culture models recapitulate various aspects of preeclampsia, though none can on its own completely capture the complexity of human preeclampsia. It is particularly difficult to uncover the cause of the disease using models in which the disease is induced in the lab. However, the many ways by which preeclampsia-like features can be induced in a variety of laboratory animals are consistent with the idea that preeclampsia is a two-stage disease, in which a variety of initial insults may lead to placental ischemia, and ultimately systemic symptoms. The recent development of stem cell-based models, organoids, and various coculture systems have brought in vitro systems with human cells ever closer to recapitulating in vivo events that lead to placental ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Milano-Foster
- Division of Animal Sciences, 245 Bond Life Sciences Center, 1201 Rollins Dr University of Missouri, Columbia MO 65211
| | - Laura C. Schulz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, N610 Medical Sciences Building, Columbia, MO 65212
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8
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Faral-Tello P, Pagotto R, Bollati-Fogolín M, Francia ME. Modeling the human placental barrier to understand Toxoplasma gondii´s vertical transmission. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1130901. [PMID: 36968102 PMCID: PMC10034043 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1130901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous apicomplexan parasite that can infect virtually any warm-blooded animal. Acquired infection during pregnancy and the placental breach, is at the core of the most devastating consequences of toxoplasmosis. T. gondii can severely impact the pregnancy’s outcome causing miscarriages, stillbirths, premature births, babies with hydrocephalus, microcephaly or intellectual disability, and other later onset neurological, ophthalmological or auditory diseases. To tackle T. gondii’s vertical transmission, it is important to understand the mechanisms underlying host-parasite interactions at the maternal-fetal interface. Nonetheless, the complexity of the human placenta and the ethical concerns associated with its study, have narrowed the modeling of parasite vertical transmission to animal models, encompassing several unavoidable experimental limitations. Some of these difficulties have been overcome by the development of different human cell lines and a variety of primary cultures obtained from human placentas. These cellular models, though extremely valuable, have limited ability to recreate what happens in vivo. During the last decades, the development of new biomaterials and the increase in stem cell knowledge have led to the generation of more physiologically relevant in vitro models. These cell cultures incorporate new dimensions and cellular diversity, emerging as promising tools for unraveling the poorly understood T. gondii´s infection mechanisms during pregnancy. Herein, we review the state of the art of 2D and 3D cultures to approach the biology of T. gondii pertaining to vertical transmission, highlighting the challenges and experimental opportunities of these up-and-coming experimental platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Faral-Tello
- Laboratory of Apicomplexan Biology, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Romina Pagotto
- Cell Biology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Maria E. Francia
- Laboratory of Apicomplexan Biology, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departamento de Parasitología y Micología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- *Correspondence: Maria E. Francia,
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9
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Dusza HM, van Boxel J, van Duursen MBM, Forsberg MM, Legler J, Vähäkangas KH. Experimental human placental models for studying uptake, transport and toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 860:160403. [PMID: 36417947 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are ubiquitous in the environment and have recently been found in human lungs, blood and placenta. However, data on the possible effects of MNPs on human health is extremely scarce. The potential toxicity of MNPs during pregnancy, a period of increased susceptibility to environmental insults, is of particular concern. The placenta provides a unique interface between maternal and fetal circulation which is essential for in utero survival and healthy pregnancy. Placental toxicokinetics and toxicity of MNPs are still largely unexplored and the limited studies performed up to now focus mainly on polystyrene particles. Practical and ethical considerations limit research options in humans, and extrapolation from animal studies is challenging due to marked differences between species. Nevertheless, diverse in vitro and ex vivo human placental models exist e.g., plasma membrane vesicles, mono-culture and co-culture of placental cells, placenta-on-a-chip, villous tissue explants, and placental perfusion that can be used to advance this research area. The objective of this concise review is to recapitulate different human placental models, summarize the current understanding of placental uptake, transport and toxicity of MNPs and define knowledge gaps. Moreover, we provide perspectives for future research urgently needed to assess the potential hazards and risks of MNP exposure to maternal and fetal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna M Dusza
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Jeske van Boxel
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Majorie B M van Duursen
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Markus M Forsberg
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Juliette Legler
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Kirsi H Vähäkangas
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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10
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Krausová M, Braun D, Buerki-Thurnherr T, Gundacker C, Schernhammer E, Wisgrill L, Warth B. Understanding the Chemical Exposome During Fetal Development and Early Childhood: A Review. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 63:517-540. [PMID: 36202091 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-051922-113350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Early human life is considered a critical window of susceptibility to external exposures. Infants are exposed to a multitude of environmental factors, collectively referred to as the exposome. The chemical exposome can be summarized as the sum of all xenobiotics that humans are exposed to throughout a lifetime. We review different exposure classes and routes that impact fetal and infant metabolism and the potential toxicological role of mixture effects. We also discuss the progress in human biomonitoring and present possiblemodels for studying maternal-fetal transfer. Data gaps on prenatal and infant exposure to xenobiotic mixtures are identified and include natural biotoxins, in addition to commonly reported synthetic toxicants, to obtain a more holistic assessment of the chemical exposome. We highlight the lack of large-scale studies covering a broad range of xenobiotics. Several recommendations to advance our understanding of the early-life chemical exposome and the subsequent impact on health outcomes are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdaléna Krausová
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; , ,
| | - Dominik Braun
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; , ,
| | - Tina Buerki-Thurnherr
- Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Particles Biology Interactions, St. Gallen, Switzerland;
| | - Claudia Gundacker
- Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; .,Exposome Austria, Research Infrastructure and National EIRENE Hub, Austria
| | - Eva Schernhammer
- Exposome Austria, Research Infrastructure and National EIRENE Hub, Austria.,Center for Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; .,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lukas Wisgrill
- Exposome Austria, Research Infrastructure and National EIRENE Hub, Austria.,Division of Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria;
| | - Benedikt Warth
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; , , .,Exposome Austria, Research Infrastructure and National EIRENE Hub, Austria
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11
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Zhao Y, Du G, Luan X, Yang H, Zhang Q, Zhang Z, Wang S. Registered Clinical Trials Comprising Pregnant Women in China: A Cross-Sectional Study. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:850080. [PMID: 35450038 PMCID: PMC9016145 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.850080] [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: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In this study, an investigation was conducted on clinical drug trials comprising pregnant women in China that provided data on the quantity, properties, source of funding, and geographical distribution regarding registration and post-marketing studies. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study of clinical trials of pregnant women in China on 30 December 2021, and it was registered on the official Drug Clinical Trial Information Management Platform (ChiCTR) (http://www.chinadrugtrials.org.cn) established by the State Food and Drug Administration of China (Chinese FDA). Results: This study encompassed 72 registered trials (0.46%, 72/15,539) for data analysis. Of these trials, 43.1% of trials were started between 2013 and 2016, and nearly half of the trials (48.6%) were completed. Industries were listed as the primary sponsor for 95.8% trials. Economically developed eastern China and northern China, accounting for 69.5% of the 72 registered trials, were the most frequently identified study locations. Regarding study designs of these trials, more than half of the trials (70.8%) were randomized, 61.1% were a parallel assignment, 33.3% were phase 3, and half of the trials (54.2%) were open label. In total, 23 trials met the requirements after excluding trials of cancer and/or of postmenopausal women, accounting for 0.15% of the 15,539 registered trials in the ChiCTR websites. Of the 72 clinical trials, 54 drugs for 18 indications were included. Of these indications, the highest proportion of the trials is osteoporosis (27.8%), followed by cancer (22.2%), assisted reproduction (13.9%), and other indications (13.9%). Conclusion: This survey revealed a significant shortage of the development, evaluation, and safety trials of pregnancy-related drugs in China. Modifying or adding legislation and providing financial incentives may therefore encourage pharmaceutical companies to conduct additional clinical trials on pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhao
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guiping Du
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofei Luan
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Device Evaluation Center Zhejiang Medical Products Administration, Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Zhengfu Zhang
- Center for Food and Drug Inspection of NMPA, Beijing, China
| | - Subiao Wang
- Zhejiang Medical Products Administration, Hangzhou, China
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12
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Papi M, Pozzi D, Palmieri V, Caracciolo G. Principles for optimization and validation of mRNA lipid nanoparticle vaccines against COVID-19 using 3D bioprinting. NANO TODAY 2022; 43:101403. [PMID: 35079274 PMCID: PMC8776405 DOI: 10.1016/j.nantod.2022.101403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BioNTech/Pfizer's Comirnaty and Moderna's SpikeVax vaccines consist in mRNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). The modularity of the delivery platform and the manufacturing possibilities provided by microfluidics let them look like an instant success, but they are the product of decades of intense research. There is a multitude of considerations to be made when designing an optimal mRNA-LNPs vaccine. Herein, we provide a brief overview of what is presently known and what still requires investigation to optimize mRNA LNPs vaccines. Lastly, we give our perspective on the engineering of 3D bioprinted validation systems that will allow faster, cheaper, and more predictive vaccine testing in the future compared with animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Papi
- Department of Neuroscience, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, L.go Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Pozzi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Palmieri
- Institute for Complex Systems, National Research Council of Italy, Via dei Taurini 19, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio Caracciolo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
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13
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Schmidt BVKJ. Multicompartment Hydrogels. Macromol Rapid Commun 2022; 43:e2100895. [PMID: 35092101 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogels belong to the most promising materials in polymer and materials science at the moment. As they feature soft and tissue-like character as well as high water-content, a broad range of applications are addressed with hydrogels, e.g. tissue engineering and wound dressings but also soft robotics, drug delivery, actuators and catalysis. Ways to tailor hydrogel properties are crosslinking mechanism, hydrogel shape and reinforcement, but new features can be introduced by variation of hydrogel composition as well, e.g. via monomer choice, functionalization or compartmentalization. Especially, multicompartment hydrogels drive progress towards complex and highly functional soft materials. In the present review the latest developments in multicompartment hydrogels are highlighted with a focus on three types of compartments, i.e. micellar/vesicular, droplets or multi-layers including various sub-categories. Furthermore, several morphologies of compartmentalized hydrogels and applications of multicompartment hydrogels will be discussed as well. Finally, an outlook towards future developments of the field will be given. The further development of multicompartment hydrogels is highly relevant for a broad range of applications and will have a significant impact on biomedicine and organic devices. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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14
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Burton GJ, Turco MY. Joan Hunt Senior award lecture: New tools to shed light on the 'black box' of pregnancy. Placenta 2021; 125:54-60. [PMID: 34952691 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Correct establishment of the placenta is critical to the success of a pregnancy, but many of the key events take place during or shortly after implantation and are inaccessible for study. This inaccessibility, coupled with the lack of a suitable preclinical animal model, means that knowledge of human early placental development and function is extremely limited. Hence, the first trimester is often referred to as the 'black box' of pregnancy. However, recent advances in the derivation of trophoblast stem cells and organoid cultures of the trophoblast and endometrium are opening new opportunities for basic and translational research, providing for the first time cells that faithfully replicate their tissue of origin and proliferate and differentiate in culture in a stable and reproducible manner. These cells are valuable new tools for investigating cell-lineage differentiation and maternal-fetal interactions, but become even more powerful when combined with advances in bioengineering, microfabrication and microfluidic technologies. Assembloids of the endometrium comprising various cell types as model systems to investigate events at implantation, and placentas-on-a-chip for the study of nutrient transfer or drug screening are just two examples. This is a rapidly advancing field that may usher in more personalised approaches to infertility and pregnancy complications. Many of the developments are still at the proof-of-principle phase, but with continued refinement they are likely to shed important light on events that are fundamental to our reproduction as individuals and as a species, yet for ethical reasons are hidden from view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham J Burton
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Margherita Y Turco
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
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15
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Yamashita M, Markert UR. Overview of Drug Transporters in Human Placenta. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222313149. [PMID: 34884954 PMCID: PMC8658420 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222313149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The transport of drugs across the placenta is a point of great importance in pharmacotherapy during pregnancy. However, the knowledge of drug transport in pregnancy is mostly based on experimental clinical data, and the underlying biological mechanisms are not fully understood. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of drug transporters in the human placenta. We only refer to human data since the placenta demonstrates great diversity among species. In addition, we describe the experimental models that have been used in human placental transport studies and discuss their availability. A better understanding of placental drug transporters will be beneficial for the health of pregnant women who need drug treatment and their fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiko Yamashita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka 5650871, Japan
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany;
- Correspondence:
| | - Udo R. Markert
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany;
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16
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Deval G, Boland S, Fournier T, Ferecatu I. On Placental Toxicology Studies and Cerium Dioxide Nanoparticles. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212266. [PMID: 34830142 PMCID: PMC8624015 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The human placenta is a transient organ essential for pregnancy maintenance, fetal development and growth. It has several functions, including that of a selective barrier against pathogens and xenobiotics from maternal blood. However, some pollutants can accumulate in the placenta or pass through with possible repercussions on pregnancy outcomes. Cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs), also termed nanoceria, are an emerging pollutant whose impact on pregnancy is starting to be defined. CeO2 NPs are already used in different fields for industrial and commercial applications and have even been proposed for some biomedical applications. Since 2010, nanoceria have been subject to priority monitoring by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development in order to assess their toxicity. This review aims to summarize the current methods and models used for toxicology studies on the placental barrier, from the basic ones to the very latest, as well as to overview the most recent knowledge of the impact of CeO2 NPs on human health, and more specifically during the sensitive window of pregnancy. Further research is needed to highlight the relationship between environmental exposure to CeO2 and placental dysfunction with its implications for pregnancy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaëlle Deval
- Université de Paris, Inserm, UMR-S 1139, 3PHM, Faculté de Pharmacie, 75006 Paris, France; (G.D.); (T.F.)
| | - Sonja Boland
- Université de Paris, BFA, UMR 8251, CNRS, F-75013 Paris, France;
| | - Thierry Fournier
- Université de Paris, Inserm, UMR-S 1139, 3PHM, Faculté de Pharmacie, 75006 Paris, France; (G.D.); (T.F.)
| | - Ioana Ferecatu
- Université de Paris, Inserm, UMR-S 1139, 3PHM, Faculté de Pharmacie, 75006 Paris, France; (G.D.); (T.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-1-5373-9605
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17
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Wang Y, Xu X, Chen X, Li J. Multifunctional Biomedical Materials Derived from Biological Membranes. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 34:e2107406. [PMID: 34739155 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202107406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The delicate structure and fantastic functions of biological membranes are the successful evolutionary results of a long-term natural selection process. Their excellent biocompatibility and biofunctionality are widely utilized to construct multifunctional biomedical materials mainly by directly camouflaging materials with single or mixed biological membranes, decorating or incorporating materials with membrane-derived vesicles (e.g., exosomes), and designing multifunctional materials with the structure/functions of biological membranes. Here, the structure-function relationship of some important biological membranes and biomimetic membranes are discussed, such as various cell membranes, extracellular vesicles, and membranes from bacteria and organelles. Selected literature examples of multifunctional biomaterials derived from biological membranes for biomedical applications, such as drug- and gene-delivery systems, tissue-repair scaffolds, bioimaging, biosensors, and biological detection, are also highlighted. These designed materials show excellent properties, such as long circulation time, disease-targeted therapy, excellent biocompatibility, and selective recognition. Finally, perspectives and challenges associated with the clinical applications of biological-membrane-derived materials are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuemin Wang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 P. R. China
| | - Xinyuan Xu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 P. R. China
| | - Xingyu Chen
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 P. R. China
- College of Medicine Southwest Jiaotong University Chengdu 610003 China
| | - Jianshu Li
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases West China Hospital of Stomatology Med‐X Center for Materials Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
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18
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Fuchs J, Nonn O, Daxboeck C, Groiss S, Moser G, Gauster M, Lang-Olip I, Brislinger D. Automated Quantitative Image Evaluation of Antigen Retrieval Methods for 17 Antibodies in Placentation and Implantation Diagnostic and Research. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2021; 27:1-12. [PMID: 34851247 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927621012630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Immunostaining in clinical routine and research highly depends on standardized staining methods and quantitative image analyses. We qualitatively and quantitatively compared antigen retrieval methods (no pretreatment, pretreatment with pepsin, and heat-induced pretreatment with pH 6 or pH 9) for 17 antibodies relevant for placenta and implantation diagnostics and research. Using our newly established, comprehensive automated quantitative image analysis approach, fluorescent signal intensities were evaluated. Automated quantitative image analysis found that 9 out of 17 antibodies needed antigen retrieval to show positive staining. Heat induction proved to be the most efficient form of antigen retrieval. Eight markers stained positive after pepsin digestion, with β-hCG and vWF showing enhanced staining intensities. To avoid the misinterpretation of quantitative image data, the qualitative aspect should always be considered. Results from native placental tissue were compared with sections of a placental invasion model based on thermo-sensitive scaffolds. Immunostaining on placentas in vitro leads to new insights into fetal development and maternal pathophysiological pathways, as pregnant women are justifiably excluded from clinical studies. Thus, there is a clear need for the assessment of reliable immunofluorescent staining and pretreatment methods. Our evaluation offers a powerful tool for antibody and pretreatment selection in placental research providing objective and precise results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Fuchs
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, GrazA-8010, Austria
| | - Olivia Nonn
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, GrazA-8010, Austria
| | - Christine Daxboeck
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, GrazA-8010, Austria
| | - Silvia Groiss
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, GrazA-8010, Austria
| | - Gerit Moser
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, GrazA-8010, Austria
| | - Martin Gauster
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, GrazA-8010, Austria
| | - Ingrid Lang-Olip
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, GrazA-8010, Austria
| | - Dagmar Brislinger
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, GrazA-8010, Austria
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Schmidt A, Schmidt A, Markert UR. The road (not) taken - Placental transfer and interspecies differences. Placenta 2021; 115:70-77. [PMID: 34562829 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.09.011] [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] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Species differences are among the main reasons for the high failure rate of preclinical studies. A better awareness and understanding of these differences might help to improve the outcome of preclinical research. In reproduction, the placenta is the central organ regulating fetal exposure to a substance circulating in the maternal organism. Exact information about placental transfer can help to better estimate the toxic potential of a substance. From an evolutionary point of view, the chorioallantoic placenta is the organ with the highest anatomical diversity among species. Moreover, frequently used animal models in reproduction belong to rodents and lagomorphs, two groups that are characterized by the generation of an additional type of placenta, which is crucial for fetal development, but absent from humans: the inverted yolk sac placenta. Taken together, the translatability of placental transfer studies from laboratory animals to humans is challenging, which is supported by the fact that numerous species-dependent toxic effects are described in literature. Thus, reliable human-relevant data are frequently lacking and the toxic potential of chemicals and pharmaceuticals for humans can hardly be estimated, often resulting in recommendations that medical treatments or exposure to chemicals should be avoided for safety reasons. Although species differences of placental anatomy have been described frequently and the need for human-relevant research models has been emphasized, analyses of substances with species-dependent placental transfer have been performed only sporadically. Here, we present examples for species-specific placental transfer, including that of nanoparticles and pharmaceuticals, and discuss potential underlying mechanisms. With respect to the COVID 19-pandemic it might be of interest that some antiviral drugs are reported to feature species-specific placental transfer. Further, differences in placental structure and antibody transfer may affect placental transfer of ZIKA virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Schmidt
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany.
| | - Astrid Schmidt
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Udo R Markert
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
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20
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Are the Organoid Models an Invaluable Contribution to ZIKA Virus Research? Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10101233. [PMID: 34684182 PMCID: PMC8537471 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to prevent new pathogen outbreaks and avoid possible new global health threats, it is important to study the mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis, screen new antiviral agents and test new vaccines using the best methods. In the last decade, organoids have provided a groundbreaking opportunity for modeling pathogen infections in human brains, including Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. ZIKV is a member of the Flavivirus genus, and it is recognized as an emerging infectious agent and a serious threat to global health. Organoids are 3D complex cellular models that offer an in-scale organ that is physiologically alike to the original one, useful for exploring the mechanisms behind pathogens infection; additionally, organoids integrate data generated in vitro with traditional tools and often support those obtained in vivo with animal model. In this mini-review the value of organoids for ZIKV research is examined and sustained by the most recent literature. Within a 3D viewpoint, tissue engineered models are proposed as future biological systems to help in deciphering pathogenic processes and evaluate preventive and therapeutic strategies against ZIKV. The next steps in this field constitute a challenge that may protect people and future generations from severe brain defects.
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21
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Costa J, Mackay R, de Aguiar Greca SC, Corti A, Silva E, Karteris E, Ahluwalia A. The Role of the 3Rs for Understanding and Modeling the Human Placenta. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10153444. [PMID: 34362227 PMCID: PMC8347836 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10153444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Modeling the physiology of the human placenta is still a challenge, despite the great number of scientific advancements made in the field. Animal models cannot fully replicate the structure and function of the human placenta and pose ethical and financial hurdles. In addition, increasingly stricter animal welfare legislation worldwide is incentivizing the use of 3R (reduction, refinement, replacement) practices. What efforts have been made to develop alternative models for the placenta so far? How effective are they? How can we improve them to make them more predictive of human pathophysiology? To address these questions, this review aims at presenting and discussing the current models used to study phenomena at the placenta level: in vivo, ex vivo, in vitro and in silico. We describe the main achievements and opportunities for improvement of each type of model and critically assess their individual and collective impact on the pursuit of predictive studies of the placenta in line with the 3Rs and European legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Costa
- Centro di Ricerca E.Piaggio, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (J.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Ruth Mackay
- Centre for Genome Engineering and Maintenance, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK;
| | | | - Alessandro Corti
- Centro di Ricerca E.Piaggio, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (J.C.); (A.C.)
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisabete Silva
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK; (S.-C.d.A.G.); (E.S.); (E.K.)
| | - Emmanouil Karteris
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK; (S.-C.d.A.G.); (E.S.); (E.K.)
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Centro di Ricerca E.Piaggio, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (J.C.); (A.C.)
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Interuniversity Centro for the Promotion of 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro3R), Italy
- Correspondence:
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22
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Cherubini M, Erickson S, Haase K. Modelling the Human Placental Interface In Vitro-A Review. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:884. [PMID: 34442506 PMCID: PMC8398961 DOI: 10.3390/mi12080884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Acting as the primary link between mother and fetus, the placenta is involved in regulating nutrient, oxygen, and waste exchange; thus, healthy placental development is crucial for a successful pregnancy. In line with the increasing demands of the fetus, the placenta evolves throughout pregnancy, making it a particularly difficult organ to study. Research into placental development and dysfunction poses a unique scientific challenge due to ethical constraints and the differences in morphology and function that exist between species. Recently, there have been increased efforts towards generating in vitro models of the human placenta. Advancements in the differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), microfluidics, and bioprinting have each contributed to the development of new models, which can be designed to closely match physiological in vivo conditions. By including relevant placental cell types and control over the microenvironment, these new in vitro models promise to reveal clues to the pathogenesis of placental dysfunction and facilitate drug testing across the maternal-fetal interface. In this minireview, we aim to highlight current in vitro placental models and their applications in the study of disease and discuss future avenues for these in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kristina Haase
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (M.C.); (S.E.)
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23
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Winter M, Jankovic-Karasoulos T, Roberts CT, Bianco-Miotto T, Thierry B. Bioengineered Microphysiological Placental Models: Towards Improving Understanding of Pregnancy Health and Disease. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 39:1221-1235. [PMID: 33965246 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Driven by a lack of appropriate human placenta models, recent years have seen the introduction of bioengineered in vitro models to better understand placental health and disease. Thus far, the focus has been on the maternal-foetal barrier. However, there are many other physiologically and pathologically significant aspects of the placenta that would benefit from state-of-the-art bioengineered models, in particular, integrating advanced culture systems with contemporary biological concepts such as organoids. This critical review defines and discusses the key parameters required for the development of physiologically relevant in vitro models of the placenta. Specifically, it highlights the importance of cell type, mechanical forces, and culture microenvironment towards the use of physiologically relevant models to improve the understanding of human placental function and dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marnie Winter
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent BioNano Science and Technology and Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, Mawson Lakes, South Australia, 5095, Australia.
| | - Tanja Jankovic-Karasoulos
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Claire T Roberts
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Tina Bianco-Miotto
- School of Agriculture, Food, and Wine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia; Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia; Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Benjamin Thierry
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent BioNano Science and Technology and Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, Mawson Lakes, South Australia, 5095, Australia
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24
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Wheeler ML, Oyen ML. Bioengineering Approaches for Placental Research. Ann Biomed Eng 2021; 49:1805-1818. [PMID: 33420547 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-020-02714-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Research into the human placenta's complex functioning is complicated by a lack of suitable physiological in vivo models. Two complementary approaches have emerged recently to address these gaps in understanding, computational in silico techniques, including multi-scale modeling of placental blood flow and oxygen transport, and cellular in vitro approaches, including organoids, tissue engineering, and organ-on-a-chip models. Following a brief introduction to the placenta's structure and function and its influence on the substantial clinical problem of preterm birth, these different bioengineering approaches are reviewed. The cellular techniques allow for investigation of early first-trimester implantation and placental development, including critical biological processes such as trophoblast invasion and trophoblast fusion, that are otherwise very difficult to study. Similarly, computational models of the placenta and the pregnant pelvis at later-term gestation allow for investigations relevant to complications that occur when the placenta has fully developed. To fully understand clinical conditions associated with the placenta, including those with roots in early processes but that only manifest clinically at full-term, a holistic approach to the study of this fascinating, temporary but critical organ is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie L Wheeler
- Department of Engineering, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA
| | - Michelle L Oyen
- Department of Engineering, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA.
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25
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Zhao Y, Zhang L, Geng Y. Clinical Drug Trial Participation: Perspectives of Pregnant Women and Their Spouses. Patient Prefer Adherence 2021; 15:2343-2352. [PMID: 34707349 PMCID: PMC8542578 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s328969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed at investigating the factors influencing clinical drug trial participation by pregnant women and their spouses. METHODS This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, from July to September 2020. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to pregnant women and their spouses in the maternity ward. The questionnaire consisted of two sections: The first part was aimed at collecting demographic information data while the second part consisted of 10 open-ended questions regarding clinical drug trial knowledges, financial compensation, risk awareness, psychological impact, and pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS A total of 206 questionnaires (115 from pregnant women and 91 from their spouses) were included in the statistical analysis. About 50% of pregnant women and their spouses had heard of clinical trials (50.43% vs 49.45%, p=0.888). Compared to their spouses, the proportion of pregnant women who thought that there is a need for the development of drugs during pregnancy was significantly higher (94.78% vs 16.48%, p=0.008). Moreover, a significant number of full-time employed pregnant women believed that clinical drug trials will increase the possibility of disease cure, relative to part-time/not employed pregnant women (98.21% vs 88.13%, p=0.030). Spouses whose education levels were below high school and those whose education level was high school or above exhibited significant differences regarding whether financial compensation will motivate their participation in clinical trials (77.78% vs 58.90%, p=0.044). Pregnant women and their spouses had no significant differences regarding various aspects: drug treatment during pregnancy, clinical trial drugs should be free, the need to increase the protection of pregnant women in clinical trials. CONCLUSION Due to fetus-associated concerns, most pregnant women are reluctant to be included in clinical trials. However, pregnant women and their spouses agree that medical treatment should be accessible for illnesses during pregnancy, and clinical drug trials during pregnancy should be performed. The usage of untested or sub-therapeutic drug regimens in clinical practice paradoxically increases the risk for fetuses. When recruiting pregnant volunteers for clinical drug trials, researchers should conduct in-depth consultations and comprehensively inform the pregnant women and their families on the pros and cons of their involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhao
- Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Drug Clinical Trials, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Yi Zhao Department of Drug Clinical Trials, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, People’s Republic of ChinaTel/Fax +86 571-87061501 Email
| | - Li Zhang
- Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yarui Geng
- Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, People’s Republic of China
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