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Coenen CS, Hidalgo TN, Lynn T, Jones DM, Salmon JE, Chamley LW, Abrahams VM. Antiphospholipid-exposed trophoblast-derived extracellular vesicles express elevated levels of TLR7/8-activating microRNAs and induce endometrial endothelial activation, in part, through TLR7. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 164:104255. [PMID: 38797133 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104255] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Women with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) are at high risk for miscarriage and preeclampsia. Unlike pro-thrombotic systemic APS, obstetric APS is associated with insufficient placentation, as well as inflammation and vascular dysfunction at the maternal-fetal interface. Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) can target the placental trophoblast and induce inflammation. We reported that aPL trigger trophoblast cells to produce elevated levels of IL-8 through activation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Downstream of TLR4, we found this IL-8 response is mediated by a TLR8-activating microRNA (miR), miR-146a-3p, which is also released by the trophoblast via extracellular vesicles (EVs). Since endothelial dysfunction is a feature of obstetric APS, we sought to determine if other miRs that can activate the RNA sensors, TLR7 and/or TLR8, are released by the trophoblast via EVs after exposure to aPL, and if these EVs can activate human endometrial endothelial cells (HEECs). Using a human first trimester extravillous trophoblast cell line we found that aPL elevated their release of small EVs (<150 nm). These extracellular vesicles released from trophoblast cells exposed to aPL expressed elevated levels of TLR7/8-activating miR-21a and miR-29a, in addition to the previously reported miR-146a-3p. Extracellular vesicles from aPL-exposed human trophoblast cells triggered human endometrial endothelial cells to generate an inflammatory IL-8 response, in part through TLR7. This study highlights EVs as a mode of communication between the placenta and the maternal vasculature, as well as a potential role for TLR7/8-activating miRs in contributing to inflammation at the maternal-fetal interface in obstetric APS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin S Coenen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, USA; Institute of Molecular Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tiffany N Hidalgo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, USA
| | - Tatyana Lynn
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, USA
| | - Deidre M Jones
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jane E Salmon
- Department of Rheumatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Lawrence W Chamley
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Vikki M Abrahams
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, USA.
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2
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Cho Y, Cho MY, Yoon J, Hong DE, Lee J, Park HS, Lee H, Hong KS, Won‐Kyu L, Saehae C, Song S, Noh Y. Evaluation of unmodified human cell-derived extracellular vesicle mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid-based biodistribution in rodents. J Extracell Vesicles 2024; 13:e12489. [PMID: 39016198 PMCID: PMC11253025 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12489] [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: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been developed as therapeutic targets for various diseases. Biodistribution is crucial for EVs intended for therapeutic purposes because it can determine the degree of on- and off-target effects. This study aimed to explore techniques to evaluate the biodistribution of unmodified EVs. We devised a novel quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-based assay to detect unmodified EVs by targeting mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (mtDNA), a constituent of EVs. We focused on specific mtDNA regions that exhibited homologous variations distinct from their rodent mtDNA counterparts to establish this analytical approach. Herein, we successfully designed primers and probes targeting human and rodent mtDNA sequences and developed a highly specific and sensitive qPCR method. Furthermore, the quantification range of EVs isolated from various cells differed based on the manufacturer and cell source. IRDye 800CW-labelled Expi293F EV mimetics were administered to the animals via the tail vein to compare the imaging test and mtDNA-qPCR results. The results obtained from imaging tests and mtDNA-qPCR to investigate EV biodistribution patterns revealed differences. The results revealed that our newly developed method effectively determined the biodistribution of unmodified EVs with high sensitivity and reproducibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young‐Woo Cho
- Division of Drug Safety EvaluationNDDC, Osong Medical Innovation FoundationCheongjuSouth Korea
- College of PharmacyChungbuk National UniversityCheongjuSouth Korea
| | - Mi Young Cho
- Biopharmaceutical Research CenterKorea Basic Science InstituteCheongjuSouth Korea
| | - Jaehyeon Yoon
- Division of Drug Safety EvaluationNDDC, Osong Medical Innovation FoundationCheongjuSouth Korea
| | - Da Eun Hong
- Division of Drug Safety EvaluationNDDC, Osong Medical Innovation FoundationCheongjuSouth Korea
| | - Ju‐young Lee
- Division of Drug Safety EvaluationNDDC, Osong Medical Innovation FoundationCheongjuSouth Korea
- College of PharmacyChungbuk National UniversityCheongjuSouth Korea
| | - Hye Sun Park
- Biopharmaceutical Research CenterKorea Basic Science InstituteCheongjuSouth Korea
| | - Hyunseung Lee
- Biopharmaceutical Research CenterKorea Basic Science InstituteCheongjuSouth Korea
| | - Kwan Soo Hong
- Biopharmaceutical Research CenterKorea Basic Science InstituteCheongjuSouth Korea
- Department of ChemistryChung‐Ang UniversitySeoulSouth Korea
| | - Lee Won‐Kyu
- Division of Drug Safety EvaluationNDDC, Osong Medical Innovation FoundationCheongjuSouth Korea
| | - Choi Saehae
- Division of Drug Safety EvaluationNDDC, Osong Medical Innovation FoundationCheongjuSouth Korea
| | - Suk‐Gil Song
- College of PharmacyChungbuk National UniversityCheongjuSouth Korea
| | - Young‐Woock Noh
- Division of Drug Safety EvaluationNDDC, Osong Medical Innovation FoundationCheongjuSouth Korea
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Tsikouras P, Antsaklis P, Nikolettos K, Kotanidou S, Kritsotaki N, Bothou A, Andreou S, Nalmpanti T, Chalkia K, Spanakis V, Iatrakis G, Nikolettos N. Diagnosis, Prevention, and Management of Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR). J Pers Med 2024; 14:698. [PMID: 39063953 PMCID: PMC11278205 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14070698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR), or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), is still the second most common cause of perinatal mortality. The factors that contribute to fetal growth restriction can be categorized into three distinct groups: placental, fetal, and maternal. The prenatal application of various diagnostic methods can, in many cases, detect the deterioration of the fetal condition in time because the nature of the above disorder is thoroughly investigated by applying a combination of biophysical and biochemical methods, which determine the state of the embryo-placenta unit and assess the possible increased risk of perinatal failure outcome and potential for many later health problems. When considering the potential for therapeutic intervention, the key question is whether it can be utilized during pregnancy. Currently, there are no known treatment interventions that effectively enhance placental function and promote fetal weight development. Nevertheless, in cases with fetuses diagnosed with fetal growth restriction, immediate termination of pregnancy may have advantages not only in terms of minimizing perinatal mortality but primarily in terms of reducing long-term morbidity during childhood and maturity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Tsikouras
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (K.N.); (S.K.); (N.K.); (S.A.); (T.N.); (K.C.); (V.S.); (N.N.)
| | - Panos Antsaklis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical School, University Hospital Alexandra, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece;
| | - Konstantinos Nikolettos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (K.N.); (S.K.); (N.K.); (S.A.); (T.N.); (K.C.); (V.S.); (N.N.)
| | - Sonia Kotanidou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (K.N.); (S.K.); (N.K.); (S.A.); (T.N.); (K.C.); (V.S.); (N.N.)
| | - Nektaria Kritsotaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (K.N.); (S.K.); (N.K.); (S.A.); (T.N.); (K.C.); (V.S.); (N.N.)
| | - Anastasia Bothou
- Department of Midwifery, School of Health Sciences, University of West Attica (UNIWA), 12243 Athens, Greece; (A.B.); (G.I.)
| | - Sotiris Andreou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (K.N.); (S.K.); (N.K.); (S.A.); (T.N.); (K.C.); (V.S.); (N.N.)
| | - Theopi Nalmpanti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (K.N.); (S.K.); (N.K.); (S.A.); (T.N.); (K.C.); (V.S.); (N.N.)
| | - Kyriaki Chalkia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (K.N.); (S.K.); (N.K.); (S.A.); (T.N.); (K.C.); (V.S.); (N.N.)
| | - Vlasis Spanakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (K.N.); (S.K.); (N.K.); (S.A.); (T.N.); (K.C.); (V.S.); (N.N.)
| | - George Iatrakis
- Department of Midwifery, School of Health Sciences, University of West Attica (UNIWA), 12243 Athens, Greece; (A.B.); (G.I.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and Rea Maternity Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Nikolettos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (K.N.); (S.K.); (N.K.); (S.A.); (T.N.); (K.C.); (V.S.); (N.N.)
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Graf I, Urbschat C, Arck PC. The 'communicatome' of pregnancy: spotlight on cellular and extravesicular chimerism. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:700-714. [PMID: 38467841 PMCID: PMC11018796 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00045-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Communication via biological mediators between mother and fetus are key to reproductive success and offspring's future health. The repertoire of mediators coding signals between mother and fetus is broad and includes soluble factors, membrane-bound particles and immune as well as non-immune cells. Based on the emergence of technological advancements over the last years, considerable progress has been made toward deciphering the "communicatome" between fetus and mother during pregnancy and even after birth. In this context, pregnancy-associated chimerism has sparked the attention among immunologists, since chimeric cells-although low in number-are maintained in the allogeneic host (mother or fetus) for years after birth. Other non-cellular structures of chimerism, e.g. extracellular vesicles (EVs), are increasingly recognized as modulators of pregnancy outcome and offspring's health. We here discuss the origin, distribution and function of pregnancy-acquired microchimerism and chimeric EVs in mother and offspring. We also highlight the pioneering concept of maternal microchimeric cell-derived EVs in offspring. Such insights expand the understanding of pregnancy-associated health or disease risks in mother and offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Graf
- Division of Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christopher Urbschat
- Division of Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Petra C Arck
- Division of Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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Gumusoglu SB. The role of the placenta-brain axis in psychoneuroimmune programming. Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 36:100735. [PMID: 38420039 PMCID: PMC10900837 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100735] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Gestational exposures have enduring impacts on brain and neuroimmune development and function. Perturbations of pregnancy leading to placental structure/function deficits, cell stress, immune activation, and endocrine changes (metabolic, growth factors, etc.) all increase neuropsychiatric risk in offspring. The existing literature links obstetric diseases with placental involvement to offspring neuroimmune outcomes and neurodevelopmental risk. Psychoneuroimmune outcomes in offspring brain include changes to microglia, cytokine/chemokine production, cell stress, and long-term immunoreactivity. These outcomes are altered by structural, anti-angiogenic/hypoxic, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases of the placenta. This fetal programming occurs via direct placental passage or production of factors which can act directly on fetal brain substrates, or indirectly via action of circulating factors on intermediates in the placenta. Placental neuroendocrine, vascular/angiogenic, immune, and extracellular vesicular mechanisms are detailed. These mechanisms interact within various placental and pregnancy conditions. An increased understanding of the placental origins of psychoneuroimmunology will yield dividends for human health. Identifying maternal and placental biomarkers for fetal neuroimmune health may also revolutionize early diagnosis and precision psychiatry, empowering patients to make the best healthcare decisions for their families. Targeting placental mechanisms may be a valuable approach for the prevention and mitigation of intergenerational, lifelong neuropathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena B. Gumusoglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Dr. Iowa City, IA, 52327, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Feng Y, Lau S, Chen Q, Oyston C, Groom K, Barrett CJ, Chamley LW. Normotensive placental extracellular vesicles provide long-term protection against hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023:S0002-9378(23)02189-0. [PMID: 38158074 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women with normotensive pregnancy are at a reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease postpartum compared with those who experience hypertensive conditions during pregnancy. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. During normotensive pregnancy, vast numbers of placental extracellular vesicles are released into the maternal circulation, which protect endothelial cells from activation and alter maternal vascular tone. We hypothesized that placental extracellular vesicles play a mechanistic role in lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease following normotensive pregnancy. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of placental extracellular vesicles derived from normotensive term placentae on the cardiovascular system and explore the mechanisms underlying their biological effects. STUDY DESIGN Spontaneously hypertensive rats were injected with placental extracellular vesicles from normotensive term pregnancies (2 mg/kg each time, n=8) or vehicle control (n=9) at 3 months of age. Blood pressure and cardiac function were regularly monitored from 3 months to 15 months of age. The response of mesenteric resistance arteries to vasoactive substances was investigated to evaluate vascular function. Cardiac remodeling, small artery remodeling, and renal function were investigated to comprehensively assess the impact of placental extracellular vesicles on cardiovascular and renal health. RESULTS Compared with vehicle-treated control animals, rats treated with normotensive placental extracellular vesicles exhibited a significantly lower increase in blood pressure and improved cardiac function. Furthermore, the vasodilator response to the endothelium-dependent agonist acetylcholine was significantly enhanced in the normotensive placental extracellular vesicle-treated spontaneously hypertensive rats compared with the control. Moreover, treatment with placental extracellular vesicles reduced wall thickening of small renal vessels and attenuated renal fibrosis. CONCLUSION Placental extracellular vesicles from normotensive term pregnancies have long-lasting protective effects reducing hypertension and mitigating cardiovascular damage in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yourong Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Sandy Lau
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Charlotte Oyston
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Katie Groom
- Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Carolyn J Barrett
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lawrence W Chamley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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