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Zhao L, Zhang J, He J, Guo M, Wu H, Ma X, Yu Z, Yong Y, Li Y, Ju X, Liu X. Network pharmacology analysis of the regulatory effects and mechanisms of ALAE on sow reproduction in vivo and in vitro. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 334:118525. [PMID: 38992402 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Reproductive ability of sows is a primary element influencing the development of pig farming. Herbal extracts of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, Astragalus mongholicus Bunge, Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., and Polypodium glycyrrhiza D.C.Eaton showed effects on improvement of reproduction in sows. AIMS OF THE STUDY To investigate the mechanism of the treatment effects by a compound of these four Chinese herbs in a 1:1:1:1 ratio (ALAE) on endometriosis, endometritis, uterine adhesion, intrauterine growth retardation, pre-eclampsia, and its enhancement of reproductive efficiency in sows. MATERIALS AND METHODS Active components of ALAE were identified by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis and network pharmacology. Then we used the results to construct a visualization network. Key targets and pathways of ALAE involved in sow reproduction improvement were validated in sow animals and porcine endometrial epithelial cells (PEECs). RESULTS A total of 62 active compounds were found in ALAE (41 in Polypodium glycyrrhiza D.C.Eaton, 5 in Astragalus mongholicus Bunge, 11 in Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., 5 in Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels) with 563 disease-related targets (e.g. caspase-3, EGFR, IL-6) involved in EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, PI3K-AKT, and other signaling pathways. Molecular docking results indicated GC41 (glabridin), GC18 (medicarpin), EGFR and CCND1 are possible key components and target proteins related to reproductive improvement in sows. In PEECs, EGFR expression decreased at the mRNA and protein levels by three doses (160, 320, and 640 μg/mL) of ALAE. The phosphorylation of downstream pathway PI3K-AKT1 was enhanced. The expression of inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-1β), ESR1 and caspase-3 decreased through multiple pathways. Additionally, the expression levels of an anti-inflammatory factor (IL-10), angiogenesis-related factors (MMP9, PIGF, PPARγ, IgG), and placental junction-related factors (CTNNB1, occludin, and claudin1) increased. Furthermore, the total born number of piglets, the number of live and healthy litters were significantly increased. The number of stillbirths decreased by ALAE treatment in sow animals. CONCLUSIONS Dministration of ALAE significantly increased the total number of piglets born, the numbers of live and healthy litters and decreased the number of stillbirths through improving placental structure, attenuating inflammatory response, modulating placental angiogenesis and growth factor receptors in sows. The improvement of reproductive ability may be related to activation of the EGFR-PI3K-AKT1 pathway in PEECs. Moreover, ALAE maybe involved in modulation of estrogen receptors, apoptotic factors, and cell cycle proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlu Zhao
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, PR China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, PR China
| | - Jieyi He
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, PR China
| | - Mengru Guo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, PR China
| | - Huining Wu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, PR China
| | - Xingbin Ma
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, PR China
| | - Zhichao Yu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, PR China
| | - Yanhong Yong
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, PR China
| | - Youquan Li
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, PR China
| | - Xianghong Ju
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, PR China
| | - Xiaoxi Liu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, PR China.
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Castillo C, Díaz-Luján C, Liempi A, Fretes R, Kemmerling U. Mammalian placental explants: A tool for studying host-parasite interactions and placental biology. Placenta 2024:S0143-4004(24)00291-1. [PMID: 38910051 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.06.016] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
The placenta plays a critical role in host-pathogen interactions. Thus, ex vivo infection of mammalian placental explants is an excellent and simple method to study the mechanisms of cellular and tissue invasion by different pathogens in different mammalian species. These explants can be maintained in culture for several days, preserving the tissue architecture and resembling in-utero conditions under more physiological conditions than their isolated counterparts in isolated cell culture models. In addition, placental explants not only allow us to study how the placenta responds and defends itself against various infections but also provide a versatile platform for advancing our understanding of placental biology and the immune response. Furthermore, they serve as powerful tools for drug discovery, facilitating the screening of potential therapeutics for placental infections and for the identification of diagnostic markers. This review highlights the utility of mammalian placental explants in studying the host-pathogen interaction of two relevant protozoan parasites, Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, and Toxoplasma gondii, the etiological agent of Toxoplasmosis. Here, we discuss the different methodologies and technical aspects of the model, as well as the effect of both parasites on placental responses in human, canine, and ovine explants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Castillo
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Cintia Díaz-Luján
- Institute and Cathedra of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Health Science Faculty, INICSA (CONICET)-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba and Villa María, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ana Liempi
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ricardo Fretes
- Institute and Cathedra of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Health Science Faculty, INICSA (CONICET)-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba and Villa María, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ulrike Kemmerling
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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Li H, Miao D, Hu H, Xue P, Zhou K, Mao Z. Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Induce Maternal Preeclampsia-like Syndrome and Adverse Birth Outcomes via Disrupting Placental Function in SD Rats. TOXICS 2024; 12:367. [PMID: 38787146 PMCID: PMC11125676 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12050367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The escalating utilization of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) in everyday products has sparked concerns regarding their potential hazards to pregnant females and their offspring. To address these concerns and shed light on their undetermined adverse effects and mechanisms, we established a pregnant rat model to investigate the impacts of TiO2 NPs on both maternal and offspring health and to explore the underlying mechanisms of those impacts. Pregnant rats were orally administered TiO2 NPs at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight per day from GD5 to GD18 during pregnancy. Maternal body weight, organ weight, and birth outcomes were monitored and recorded. Maternal pathological changes were examined by HE staining and TEM observation. Maternal blood pressure was assessed using a non-invasive blood analyzer, and the urinary protein level was determined using spot urine samples. Our findings revealed that TiO2 NPs triggered various pathological alterations in maternal liver, kidney, and spleen, and induced maternal preeclampsia-like syndrome, as well as leading to growth restriction in the offspring. Further examination unveiled that TiO2 NPs hindered trophoblastic cell invasion into the endometrium via the promotion of autophagy. Consistent hypertension and proteinuria resulted from the destroyed the kidney GBM. In total, an exposure to TiO2 NPs during pregnancy might increase the risk of human preeclampsia through increased maternal arterial pressure and urinary albumin levels, as well as causing fetal growth restriction in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixin Li
- Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213003, China; (H.L.); (H.H.); (P.X.)
| | - Dandan Miao
- Huai’an Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Huai’an 223001, China;
| | - Haiting Hu
- Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213003, China; (H.L.); (H.H.); (P.X.)
| | - Pingping Xue
- Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213003, China; (H.L.); (H.H.); (P.X.)
| | - Kun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211100, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211100, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Zhilei Mao
- Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213003, China; (H.L.); (H.H.); (P.X.)
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211100, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211100, China
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Tang X, Geng Y, Gao R, Chen Z, Mu X, Zhang Y, Yin X, Ma Y, Chen X, Li F, He J. Maternal exposure to beta-Cypermethrin disrupts placental development by dysfunction of trophoblast cells from oxidative stress. Toxicology 2024; 504:153796. [PMID: 38582279 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153796] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
As a broad-spectrum and efficient insecticide, beta-Cypermethrin (β-CYP) poses a health risk to pregnancy. It matters the mechanisms of maternal exposure to β-CYP for impacting reproductive health. The placenta, a transient organ pivotal for maternal-fetal communication during pregnancy, plays a crucial role in embryonic development. The effect of β-CYP exposure on the placenta and its underlying molecular mechanisms remain obscure. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of β-CYP exposure on placental development and the function of trophoblast, as well as the underlying mechanisms through CD-1 mouse model (1, 10, 20 mg/kg.bw) and in vitro HTR-8/SVneo cell model (12.5, 25, 50, 100 μM). We found slower weight gain and reduced uterine wet weight in pregnant mice with maternal exposure to β-CYP during pregnancy, as well as adverse pregnancy outcomes such as uterine bleeding and embryo resorption. The abnormal placental development in response to β-CYP was noticed, including imbalanced placental structure and disrupted labyrinthine vascular development. Trophoblasts, pivotal in placental development and vascular remodeling, displayed abnormal differentiation under β-CYP exposure. This aberration was characterized by thickened trophoblast layers in the labyrinthine zone, accompanied by mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum swelling within trophoblasts. Further researches on human chorionic trophoblast cell lines revealed that β-CYP exposure induced apoptosis in HTR-8/SVneo cells. This induction resulted in a notable decrease in migration and invasion abilities, coupled with oxidative stress and the inhibition of the Notch signaling pathway. N-acetylcysteine (an antioxidant) partially restored the impaired Notch signaling pathway in HTR-8/SVneo cells, and mitigated cellular functional damage attributed to β-CYP exposure. Collectively, exposure to β-CYP induced oxidative stress and then led to inhibition of the Notch signaling pathway and dysfunction of trophoblast cells, ultimately resulted in abnormal placenta and pregnancy. These findings indicate Reactive Oxygen Species as potential intervention targets to mitigate β-CYP toxicity. The comprehensive elucidation contributes to our understanding of β-CYP biosafety and offers an experimental basis for preventing and managing its reproductive toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Tang
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yanqing Geng
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Rufei Gao
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhuxiu Chen
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinyi Mu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Yin
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yidan Ma
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuemei Chen
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fangfang Li
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Junlin He
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction & Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Hargett SE, Leslie EF, Chapa HO, Gaharwar AK. Animal models of postpartum hemorrhage. Lab Anim (NY) 2024; 53:93-106. [PMID: 38528231 DOI: 10.1038/s41684-024-01349-8] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH)-heavy bleeding following childbirth-is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. PPH can affect individuals regardless of risks factors and its incidence has been increasing in high-income countries including the United States. The high incidence and severity of this childbirth complication has propelled research into advanced treatments and alternative solutions for patients facing PPH; however, the development of novel treatments is limited by the absence of a common, well-established and well-validated animal model of PPH. A variety of animals have been used for in vivo studies of novel therapeutic materials; however, each of these animals differs considerably from the anatomy and physiology of a postpartum woman, and the methods used for achieving a postpartum hemorrhagic condition vary widely. Here we critically evaluate the various animal models of PPH presented in the literature and propose additional and alternative methods for modeling PPH in in vivo studies. We highlight how current animal models successfully or unsuccessfully mimic the anatomy and physiology of a postpartum woman and how this may impact treatment development. We aim to equip researchers with the necessary background information to select appropriate animal models for their research related to PPH solutions, while supporting the goals of refinement, reduction and replacement (3Rs) in preclinical animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Hargett
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Elaine F Leslie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Hector O Chapa
- Medical Education, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Akhilesh K Gaharwar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
- Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics and Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
- Center for Remote Health Technologies and Systems, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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Chen JY, Yu BL, Wu XJ, Li YF, Zhong LY, Chen M. A longitudinal and cross-sectional study of placental circulation between normal and placental insufficiency pregnancies. Placenta 2024; 149:29-36. [PMID: 38490095 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To longitudinally and cross-sectionally study the differences in the uterine artery pulsatility index (UTPI), umbilical artery pulsatility index (UAPI) and placental vascularization indices (PVIs, derived from 3-dimensional power Doppler) between normal and placental insufficiency pregnancies throughout gestation. METHODS UTPI, UAPI and PVI were measured 6 times at 4- to 5- week intervals from 11 to 13+6 weeks-36 weeks. Preeclampsia (PE) and fetal growth restriction (FGR) were defined as placental insufficiency. Comparisons of UTPI, UAPI and PVI between normal and insufficiency groups were performed by one-way repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS A total of 125 women were included: monitored regularly from the first trimester to 36 weeks of gestation: 109 with normal pregnancies and 16 with placental insufficiency. Longitudinal study of the normal pregnancy group showed that UTPI and UAPI decreased significantly every 4 weeks, while PVIs increased significantly every 8 weeks until term. In the placental insufficiency group however, this decrease occurred slower at 8 weeks intervals and UTPI stabilized after 24 weeks. No significant difference was noted in PVIs throughout pregnancy. Cross-sectional study from different stages of gestation showed that UTPI was higher in the insufficiency group from 15 weeks onward and PVIs were lower after 32 weeks. DISCUSSION Compared to high-risk pregnancies with normal outcome, UTPI and UAPI needed a longer time to reach a significant change in those with clinical confirmation of placental insufficiency pregnancies and no significant change was found in PVI throughout gestation. UTPI was the earliest factor in detecting adverse outcome pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Y Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou, China; The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - B L Yu
- Department of Bio Resource Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - X J Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou, China; The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Y F Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou, China; The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - L Y Zhong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - M Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou, China; The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Bulka CM, Everson TM, Burt AA, Marsit CJ, Karagas MR, Boyle KE, Niemiec S, Kechris K, Davidson EJ, Yang IV, Feinberg JI, Volk HE, Ladd-Acosta C, Breton CV, O’Shea TM, Fry RC. Sex-based differences in placental DNA methylation profiles related to gestational age: an NIH ECHO meta-analysis. Epigenetics 2023; 18:2179726. [PMID: 36840948 PMCID: PMC9980626 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2023.2179726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta undergoes many changes throughout gestation to support the evolving needs of the foetus. There is also a growing appreciation that male and female foetuses develop differently in utero, with unique epigenetic changes in placental tissue. Here, we report meta-analysed sex-specific associations between gestational age and placental DNA methylation from four cohorts in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Programme (355 females/419 males, gestational ages 23-42 weeks). We identified 407 cytosine-guanine dinucleotides (CpGs) in females and 794 in males where placental methylation levels were associated with gestational age. After cell-type adjustment, 55 CpGs in females and 826 in males were significant. These were enriched for biological processes critical to the immune system in females and transmembrane transport in males. Our findings are distinct between the sexes: in females, associations with gestational age are largely explained by differences in placental cellular composition, whereas in males, gestational age is directly associated with numerous alterations in methylation levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M. Bulka
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Todd M. Everson
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Amber A. Burt
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Carmen J. Marsit
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Margaret R. Karagas
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Kristen E. Boyle
- Section of Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Colorado School of Public Health, The Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Sierra Niemiec
- Colorado School of Public Health, The Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Katerina Kechris
- Colorado School of Public Health, The Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Biostatistics & Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Ivana V. Yang
- Colorado School of Public Health, The Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jason I. Feinberg
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, ML, USA
| | - Heather E. Volk
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, ML, USA
| | - Christine Ladd-Acosta
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, ML, USA
| | - Carrie V. Breton
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - T. Michael O’Shea
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca C. Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Rubin JM, Pinter SZ, Halloran KM, Pallas BD, Fowlkes JB, Vyas AK, Padmanabhan V, Kripfgans OD. Placental assessment using spectral analysis of the envelope of umbilical venous waveforms in sheep. Placenta 2023; 142:119-127. [PMID: 37699274 PMCID: PMC10954287 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.08.072] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study was designed to test the efficacy of an ultrasound flow measurement method to evaluate placental function in a hyperandrogenic sheep model that produces placental morphologic changes and an intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) phenotype. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pregnant ewes were assigned randomly between control (n = 12) and testosterone-treatment (T-treated, n = 22) groups. The T-treated group was injected twice weekly intramuscularly (IM) with 100 mg testosterone propionate. Control sheep were injected with corn oil vehicle. Lambs were delivered at 119.5 ± 0.48 days gestation. At the time of delivery of each lamb, flow spectra were generated from one fetal artery and two fetal veins, and the spectral envelopes examined using fast Fourier transform analysis. Base 10 logarithms of the ratio of the amplitudes of the maternal and fetal spectral peaks (LRSP) in the venous power spectrum were compared in the T-treated and control populations. In addition, we calculated the resistive index (RI) for the artery defined as ((peak systole - min diastole)/peak systole). Two-tailed T-tests were used for comparisons. RESULTS LRSPs, after removal of significant outliers, were -0.158 ± 0.238 for T-treated and 0.057 ± 0.213 for control (p = 0.015) animals. RIs for the T-treated sheep fetuses were 0.506 ± 0.137 and 0.497 ± 0.086 for controls (p = 0.792) DISCUSSION: LRSP analysis distinguishes between T-treated and control sheep, whereas RIs do not. LRSP has the potential to identify compromised pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Rubin
- University of Michigan Department of Radiology, Medical Sciences Building 1, 1301 Catherine St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2026, USA.
| | - Stephen Z Pinter
- University of Michigan Department of Radiology, Medical Sciences Building 1, 1301 Catherine St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2026, USA.
| | - Katherine M Halloran
- University of Michigan Department of Pediatrics, 7510 MSRB1, 1150 W. Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5718, USA.
| | - Brooke D Pallas
- University of Michigan Address Unit Lab Animal Medicine, 2800 Plymouth Rd. NCRC-G090, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2800, USA.
| | - J Brian Fowlkes
- University of Michigan Department of Radiology, Medical Sciences Building 1, 1301 Catherine St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2026, USA.
| | - Arpita K Vyas
- Washington University in St. Louis Department of Pediatrics, St. Louis Children's Hospital, 1 Children's Place, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - Vasantha Padmanabhan
- University of Michigan Department of Pediatrics, 7510 MSRB1, 1150 W. Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5718, USA.
| | - Oliver D Kripfgans
- University of Michigan Department of Radiology, Medical Sciences Building 1, 1301 Catherine St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2026, USA.
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Gonzalez VJ, Li L, Buarpung S, Prahl M, Robinson JF, Gaw SL. Minimal mRNA uptake and inflammatory response to COVID-19 mRNA vaccine exposure in human placental explants. iScience 2023; 26:107549. [PMID: 37664582 PMCID: PMC10470080 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite universal recommendations for COVID-19 mRNA vaccination in pregnancy, uptake has been lower than desired. There have been limited studies of the direct impact of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine exposure in human placental tissue. Using a primary human placental explants model, we investigated the uptake of two common mRNA vaccines (BNT162b2 Pfizer-BioNTech or mRNA-1273 Moderna), and whether exposure altered villous cytokine responses. Explants derived from second or third trimester chorionic villi were incubated with vaccines at supraphysiologic concentrations and analyzed at two time points. We observed minimal uptake of mRNA vaccines in placental explants by in situ hybridization and quantitative RT-PCR. No specific or global cytokine response was elicited by either of the mRNA vaccines in multiplexed immunoassays. Our results suggest that the human placenta does not readily absorb the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines nor generate a significant inflammatory response after exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica J. Gonzalez
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Lin Li
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Sirirak Buarpung
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Mary Prahl
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
| | - Joshua F. Robinson
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Stephanie L. Gaw
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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10
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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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11
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Casey H, Dennehy N, Fraser A, Lees C, McEniery C, Scott K, Wilkinson I, Delles C. Placental syndromes and maternal cardiovascular health. Clin Sci (Lond) 2023; 137:1211-1224. [PMID: 37606085 PMCID: PMC10447226 DOI: 10.1042/cs20211130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
The placental syndromes gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction are associated with an increased cardiovascular risk to the mother later in life. In this review, we argue that a woman's pre-conception cardiovascular health drives both the development of placental syndromes and long-term cardiovascular risk but acknowledge that placental syndromes can also contribute to future cardiovascular risk independent of pre-conception health. We describe how preclinical studies in models of preeclampsia inform our understanding of the links with later cardiovascular disease, and how current pre-pregnancy studies may explain relative contributions of both pre-conception factors and the occurrence of placental syndromes to long-term cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Casey
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, U.K
| | - Natalie Dennehy
- Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, London, England, U.K
| | - Abigail Fraser
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, and the MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, Bristol, U.K
| | - Christoph Lees
- Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, London, England, U.K
| | - Carmel M. McEniery
- Division of Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, U.K
| | - Kayley Scott
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, U.K
| | - Ian B. Wilkinson
- Division of Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, U.K
| | - Christian Delles
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, U.K
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12
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Hugon AM, Golos TG. Non-human primate models for understanding the impact of the microbiome on pregnancy and the female reproductive tract†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:1-16. [PMID: 37040316 PMCID: PMC10344604 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The microbiome has been shown, or implicated to be involved, in multiple facets of human health and disease, including not only gastrointestinal health but also metabolism, immunity, and neurology. Although the predominant focus of microbiome research has been on the gut, other microbial communities such as the vaginal or cervical microbiome are likely involved in physiological homeostasis. Emerging studies also aim to understand the role of different microbial niches, such as the endometrial or placental microbial communities, on the physiology and pathophysiology of reproduction, including their impact on reproductive success and the etiology of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs). The study of the microbiome during pregnancy, specifically how changes in maternal microbial communities can lead to dysfunction and disease, can advance the understanding of reproductive health and the etiology of APOs. In this review, we will discuss the current state of non-human primate (NHP) reproductive microbiome research, highlight the progress with NHP models of reproduction, and the diagnostic potential of microbial alterations in a clinical setting to promote pregnancy health. NHP reproductive biology studies have the potential to expand the knowledge and understanding of female reproductive tract microbial communities and host-microbe or microbe-microbe interactions associated with reproductive health through sequencing and analysis. Furthermore, in this review, we aim to demonstrate that macaques are uniquely suited as high-fidelity models of human female reproductive pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Marie Hugon
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Thaddeus G Golos
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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13
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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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14
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Kanter J, Gordon SM, Mani S, Sokalska A, Park JY, Senapati S, Huh DD, Mainigi M. Hormonal stimulation reduces numbers and impairs function of human uterine natural killer cells during implantation. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:1047-1059. [PMID: 37075311 PMCID: PMC10501469 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION How does an altered maternal hormonal environment, such as that seen during superovulation with gonadotropins in ART, impact human uterine immune cell distribution and function during the window of implantation? SUMMARY ANSWER Hormonal stimulation with gonadotropins alters abundance of maternal immune cells including uterine natural killer (uNK) cells and reduces uNK cell ability to promote extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invasion. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY An altered maternal hormonal environment, seen following ART, can lead to increased risk for adverse perinatal outcomes associated with disordered placentation. Maternal immune cells play an essential role in invasion of EVTs, a process required for proper establishment of the placenta, and adverse perinatal outcomes have been associated with altered immune cell populations. How ART impacts maternal immune cells and whether this can in turn affect implantation and placentation in humans remain unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A prospective cohort study was carried out between 2018 and 2021 on 51 subjects: 20 from natural cycles 8 days after LH surge; and 31 from stimulated IVF cycles 7 days after egg retrieval. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Endometrial biopsies and peripheral blood samples were collected during the window of implantation in subjects with regular menstrual cycles or undergoing superovulation. Serum estradiol and progesterone levels were measured by chemiluminescent competitive immunoassay. Immune cell populations in blood and endometrium were analyzed using flow cytometry. uNK cells were purified using fluorescence-activated cell sorting and were subjected to RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Functional changes in uNK cells due to hormonal stimulation were evaluated using the implantation-on-a-chip (IOC) device, a novel bioengineered platform using human primary cells that mimics early processes that occur during pregnancy in a physiologically relevant manner. Unpaired t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and pairwise multiple comparison tests were used to statistically evaluate differences. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Baseline characteristics were comparable for both groups. As expected, serum estradiol levels on the day of biopsy were significantly higher in stimulated (superovulated) patients (P = 0.0005). In the setting of superovulation, we found an endometrium-specific reduction in the density of bulk CD56+ uNK cells (P < 0.05), as well as in the uNK3 subpopulation (P = 0.025) specifically (CD103+ NK cells). In stimulated samples, we also found that the proportion of endometrial B cells was increased (P < 0.0001). Our findings were specific to the endometrium and not seen in peripheral blood. On the IOC device, uNK cells from naturally cycling secretory endometrium promote EVT invasion (P = 0.03). However, uNK cells from hormonally stimulated endometrium were unable to significantly promote EVT invasion, as measured by area of invasion, depth of invasion, and number of invaded EVTs by area. Bulk RNA-seq of sorted uNK cells from stimulated and unstimulated endometrium revealed changes in signaling pathways associated with immune cell trafficking/movement and inflammation. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Patient numbers utilized for the study were low but were enough to identify significant overall population differences in select immune cell types. With additional power and deeper immune phenotyping, we may detect additional differences in immune cell composition of blood and endometrium in the setting of hormonal stimulation. Flow cytometry was performed on targeted immune cell populations that have shown involvement in early pregnancy. A more unbiased approach might identify changes in novel maternal immune cells not investigated in this study. We performed RNA-seq only on uNK cells, which demonstrated differences in gene expression. Ovarian stimulation may also impact gene expression and function of other subsets of immune cells, as well as other cell types within the endometrium. Finally, the IOC device, while a major improvement over existing in vitro methods to study early pregnancy, does not include all possible maternal cells present during early pregnancy, which could impact functional effects seen. Immune cells other than uNK cells may impact invasion of EVTs in vitro and in vivo, though these remain to be tested. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings demonstrate that hormonal stimulation affects the distribution of uNK cells during the implantation window and reduces the proinvasive effects of uNK cells during early pregnancy. Our results provide a potential mechanism by which fresh IVF cycles may increase risk of disorders of placentation, previously linked to adverse perinatal outcomes. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Research reported in this publication was supported by the University of Pennsylvania University Research Funding (to M.M.), the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (P50HD068157 to M.M., S.S., and S.M.), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health (TL1TR001880 to J.K.), the Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics of the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute (to S.M.G.), and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (K08AI151265 to S.M.G.). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. All authors declare no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Kanter
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - S M Gordon
- Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - S Mani
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - A Sokalska
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - J Y Park
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - S Senapati
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - D D Huh
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - M Mainigi
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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15
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Rebollada-Merino A, García-Seco T, Pérez-Sancho M, Domínguez L, Rodríguez-Bertos A. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical findings in the placentas and fetuses of domestic swine naturally infected with Brucella suis biovar 2. J Vet Diagn Invest 2023; 35:258-265. [PMID: 36988301 PMCID: PMC10186003 DOI: 10.1177/10406387231163867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Porcine brucellosis, which is caused by Brucella suis biovar (bv) 2, is a re-emerging disease that causes reproductive problems in pigs in Europe. The pathogenesis and lesions of B. suis intrauterine infection are poorly characterized; characterization could facilitate the diagnosis and investigation of porcine brucellosis. We collected samples of placentas and fetuses for histologic and microbiologic studies during an outbreak of abortions on a pig-breeding farm in Spain. Brucella was cultured from the vaginal swabs obtained from sows that had aborted, some placentas, and fetal tissues (spleen, liver, lung, gastric content); molecular testing confirmed B. suis bv 2 infection. Histologically, there was necrotizing and hemorrhagic placentitis; suppurative hepatitis; lymphoid depletion and sinusoidal histiocytosis in the spleen, lymph nodes, and thymus; and bronchointerstitial pneumonia. Hemorrhages were observed in the umbilical cord, heart, kidneys, and brain. We detected Brucella by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in all of the placentas and fetal organs studied, specifically in the trophoblasts of the chorionic epithelium, in the cytoplasm of macrophages in the chorionic stroma, and extracellularly in necrotic debris. Furthermore, we assessed the lymphocyte population in the placentas through the use of IHC (anti-CD3, anti-Pax5 antibodies), revealing that the lymphocytic response was composed of T cells but not B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Rebollada-Merino
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa García-Seco
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Pérez-Sancho
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucas Domínguez
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Rodríguez-Bertos
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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16
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Zhang H, Zheng Y, Liu X, Zha X, Elsabagh M, Ma Y, Jiang H, Wang H, Wang M. Autophagy attenuates placental apoptosis, oxidative stress and fetal growth restriction in pregnant ewes. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 173:107806. [PMID: 36841186 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA)-induced oxidative stress (OS) and its potentially associated autophagy and apoptosis have not been studied previously in pregnant ewes. Accordingly, this study investigated the underlying mechanisms of BPA-induced autophagy and apoptosis in the placenta and primary trophoblasts of pregnant ewes exposed to BPA both in vivo and in vitro. In vivo experiment, pregnant Hu ewes (n = 8) were exposed to 5 mg/kg/d of BPA compared to control ewes (n = 8) receiving only corn oil from day 40 through day 110 of gestation. Exposure to BPA during gestation resulted in placental insufficiency, fetal growth restriction (FGR), autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), mitochondrial dysfunction, OS, and apoptosis in type A placentomes. Regarding in vitro model, primary ovine trophoblasts were exposed to BPA, BPA plus chloroquine (CQ; an autophagy inhibitor) or BPA plus rapamycin (RAP; an autophagy activator) for 12 h. Data illustrated that exposure to BPA enhanced autophagy (ULK1, Beclin-1, LC3, Parkin, and PINK1), ERS (GRP78, CHOP10, ATF4, and ATF6) and apoptosis (Caspase 3, Bcl-2, Bax, P53) but decreased the antioxidant (CAT, Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1)-related mRNA and protein expressions as well as impaired the mitochondrial function. Moreover, treatment with CQ exacerbated the BPA-mediated OS, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and ERS. On the contrary, RAP treatment counteracted the BPA-induced trophoblast dysfunctions mentioned above. Overall, the findings illustrated that BPA exposure could contribute to autophagy in the ovine placenta and trophoblasts and that autophagy, in turn, could alleviate BPA-induced apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, ERS, and OS. These results offer new mechanistic insights into the role of autophagy in mitigating BPA-induced placental dysfunctions and FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Laboratory of Metabolic Manipulation of Herbivorous Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Laboratory of Metabolic Manipulation of Herbivorous Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China
| | - Xiaoyun Liu
- Laboratory of Metabolic Manipulation of Herbivorous Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China
| | - Xia Zha
- Laboratory of Metabolic Manipulation of Herbivorous Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China
| | - Mabrouk Elsabagh
- Department of Animal Production and Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Nĭgde Ömer Halisdemir University, Nigde 51240, Turkey; Department of Nutrition and Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Yi Ma
- Laboratory of Metabolic Manipulation of Herbivorous Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China
| | - Honghua Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, PR China.
| | - Hongrong Wang
- Laboratory of Metabolic Manipulation of Herbivorous Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China.
| | - Mengzhi Wang
- Laboratory of Metabolic Manipulation of Herbivorous Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China.
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17
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Gonzalez V, Li L, Buarpung S, Prahl M, Robinson JF, Gaw SL. Minimal mRNA uptake and inflammatory response to COVID-19 mRNA vaccine exposure in human placental explants. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.02.01.23285349. [PMID: 36778281 PMCID: PMC9915836 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.01.23285349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite universal recommendations for COVID-19 mRNA vaccination in pregnancy, uptake has been lower than desired. There have been limited studies of the direct impact of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine exposure in human placental tissue. Using a primary human villous explant model, we investigated the uptake of two common mRNA vaccines (BNT162b2 Pfizer-BioNTech or mRNA-1273 Moderna), and whether exposure altered villous cytokine responses. Explants derived from second or third trimester chorionic villi were incubated with vaccines at supraphysiologic concentrations and analyzed at two time points. We observed minimal uptake of mRNA vaccines in placental explants by in situ hybridization and quantitative RT-PCR. No specific or global cytokine response was elicited by either of the mRNA vaccines in multiplexed immunoassays. Our results suggest that the human placenta does not readily absorb the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines nor generate a significant inflammatory response after exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Gonzalez
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Lin Li
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Sirirak Buarpung
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Mary Prahl
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, California 94110, USA
| | - Joshua F. Robinson
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Stephanie L. Gaw
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
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18
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Cherubini M, Haase K. A Bioengineered Model for Studying Vascular-Pericyte Interactions of the Placenta. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2608:409-423. [PMID: 36653720 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2887-4_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Investigating the complex cellular interactions of the placenta has remained, until now, a challenge in the field. Given the ethical limitations of studying human placentae, and the interspecies differences that exist between mammals, in vitro models are a valuable tool for investigating developmental and pathologic processes related to the human placenta. A number of in vitro models have been recently employed to investigate various aspects of placental development, with many focusing on the maternal-fetal interface including the trophoblasts and an endothelial barrier. One critical aspect in mimicking the physiology of the placenta is to include perfusable microvessels. As this organ is highly vascularized, it is pertinent to represent the exchange of oxygen and nutrients from the maternal blood to the embedded vessels of the fetus. Using hydrogel-laden microfluidics, it is now possible to bioengineer these and other microvessels in a reproducible manner. By using HUVEC, fetal-like vessels can be generated on a chip and can be studied in a controlled manner. This chapter introduces the concept of generating a triculture vasculature on-chip system, which can be employed to study placental pericyte-endothelial interactions. We describe strategies for generating the vessels on-chip, as well as for quantifying vascular morphology and function. This methodology allows for unique microvessel-related biological questions to be addressed, including how stromal cells impact vascular remodeling over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Cherubini
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kristina Haase
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Barcelona, Spain.
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19
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Kyathanahalli C, Snedden M, Hirsch E. Is human labor at term an inflammatory condition?†. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:23-40. [PMID: 36173900 PMCID: PMC10060716 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac182] [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: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Parturition at term in normal pregnancy follows a predictable sequence of events. There is some evidence that a state of inflammation prevails in the reproductive tissues during labor at term, but it is uncertain whether this phenomenon is the initiating signal for parturition. The absence of a clear temporal sequence of inflammatory events prior to labor casts doubt on the concept that normal human labor at term is primarily the result of an inflammatory cascade. This review examines evidence linking parturition and inflammation in order to address whether inflammation is a cause of labor, a consequence of labor, or a separate but related phenomenon. Finally, we identify and suggest ways to reconcile inconsistencies regarding definitions of labor onset in published research, which may contribute to the variability in conclusions regarding the genesis and maintenance of parturition. A more thorough understanding of the processes underlying normal parturition at term may lead to novel insights regarding abnormal labor, including spontaneous preterm labor, preterm premature rupture of the fetal membranes, and dysfunctional labor, and the role of inflammation in each.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandrashekara Kyathanahalli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Madeline Snedden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Emmet Hirsch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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20
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Elkin ER, Su AL, Dou JF, Colacino JA, Bridges D, Padmanabhan V, Harris SM, Boldenow E, Loch-Caruso R, Bakulski KM. Sexually concordant and dimorphic transcriptional responses to maternal trichloroethylene and/or N-acetyl cysteine exposure in Wistar rat placental tissue. Toxicology 2023; 483:153371. [PMID: 36396003 PMCID: PMC10078828 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2022.153371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Numerous Superfund sites are contaminated with the volatile organic chemical trichloroethylene (TCE). In women, exposure to TCE in pregnancy is associated with reduced birth weight. Our previous study reported that TCE exposure in pregnant rats decreased fetal weight and elevated oxidative stress biomarkers in placentae, suggesting placental injury as a potential mechanism of TCE-induced adverse birth outcomes. In this study, we investigated if co-exposure with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) attenuates TCE exposure effects on RNA expression. Timed-pregnant Wistar rats were exposed orally to 480 mg TCE/kg/day on gestation days 6-16. Exposure of 200 mg NAC/kg/day alone or as a pre/co-exposure with TCE occurred on gestation days 5-16 to stimulate antioxidant genes prior to TCE exposure. Tissue was collected on gestation day 16. In male and female placentae, we evaluated TCE- and/or NAC-induced changes to gene expression and pathway enrichment analyses using false discovery rate (FDR) and fold-change criteria. In female placentae, exposure to TCE caused significant differential expression 129 genes while the TCE+NAC altered 125 genes, compared with controls (FDR< 0.05 + fold-change >1). In contrast, in male placentae TCE exposure differentially expressed 9 genes and TCE+NAC differentially expressed 35 genes, compared with controls (FDR< 0.05 + fold-change >1). NAC alone did not significantly alter gene expression in either sex. Differentially expressed genes observed with TCE exposure were enriched in mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation pathways in females whereas immune system pathways and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways were differentially expressed in both sexes (FDR<0.05). TCE treatment was differentially enriched for genes regulated by the transcription factors ATF6 (both sexes) and ATF4 (males only), indicating a cellular condition triggered by misfolded proteins during endoplasmic reticulum stress. This study demonstrates novel genes and pathways involved in TCE-induced placental injury and showed antioxidant co-treatment largely did not attenuate TCE exposure effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elana R Elkin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Anthony L Su
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - John F Dou
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Justin A Colacino
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Dave Bridges
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Vasantha Padmanabhan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sean M Harris
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Erica Boldenow
- Department of Biology, Calvin University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Rita Loch-Caruso
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kelly M Bakulski
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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21
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Abdelkarim M, Perez-Davalos L, Abdelkader Y, Abostait A, Labouta HI. Critical design parameters to develop biomimetic organ-on-a-chip models for the evaluation of the safety and efficacy of nanoparticles. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:13-30. [PMID: 36440475 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2152000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Organ-on-a-chip (OOC) models are based on microfluidics and can recapitulate the healthy and diseased microstructure of organs1 and tissues and the dynamic microenvironment inside the human body. However, the use of OOC models to evaluate the safety and efficacy of nanoparticles (NPs) is still in the early stages. AREAS COVERED The different design parameters of the microfluidic chip and the mechanical forces generated by fluid flow play a pivotal role in simulating the human environment. This review discusses the role of different key parameters on the performance of OOC models. These include the flow pattern, flow rate, shear stress (magnitude, rate, and distribution), viscosity of the media, and the microchannel dimensions and shape. We also discuss how the shear stress and other mechanical forces affect the transport of NPs across biological barriers, cell uptake, and their biocompatibility. EXPERT OPINION We describe several good practices and design parameters to consider for future OOC research. We submit that following these recommendations will help realize the full potential of the OOC models in the preclinical evaluation of novel therapies, including NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Abdelkarim
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Manitoba, R3T 5V6, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, R3E 0T5, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Luis Perez-Davalos
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, R3E 0T5, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Yasmin Abdelkader
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, R3E 0T5, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Cell Biology, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, 12622, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amr Abostait
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, R3E 0T5, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Hagar I Labouta
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Manitoba, R3T 5V6, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, R3E 0T5, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, R3E 3P4, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, 21521, Alexandria, Egypt
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22
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Calis P, Vojtech L, Hladik F, Gravett MG. A review of ex vivo placental perfusion models: an underutilized but promising method to study maternal-fetal interactions. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2022; 35:8823-8835. [PMID: 34818981 PMCID: PMC9126998 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2021.2005565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Studying the placenta can provide information about the mechanistic pathways of pregnancy disease. However, analyzing placental tissues and manipulating placental function in real-time during pregnancy is not feasible. The ex vivo placental perfusion model allows observing important aspects of the physiology and pathology of the placenta, while maintaining its viability and functional integrity, and without causing harm to mother or fetus. In this review, we describe and compare setups for this technically complex model and summarize outcomes from various published studies. We hope that our review will encourage wider use of ex vivo placental perfusion, which in turn would generate more knowledge to improve pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinar Calis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lucia Vojtech
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Florian Hladik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael G. Gravett
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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23
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McMillen CM, Boyles DA, Kostadinov SG, Hoehl RM, Schwarz MM, Albe JR, Demers MJ, Hartman AL. Congenital Rift Valley fever in Sprague Dawley rats is associated with diffuse infection and pathology of the placenta. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010898. [PMID: 36315601 PMCID: PMC9648853 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a disease of animals and humans associated with abortions in ruminants and late-gestation miscarriages in women. Here, we use a rat model of congenital RVF to identify tropisms, pathologies, and immune responses in the placenta during vertical transmission. Infection of late-gestation pregnant rats resulted in vertical transmission to the placenta and widespread infection throughout the decidua, basal zone, and labyrinth zone. Some pups from infected dams appeared normal while others had gross signs of teratogenicity including death. Histopathological lesions were detected in placenta from pups regardless of teratogenicity, while teratogenic pups had widespread hemorrhage throughout multiple placenta layers. Teratogenic events were associated with significant increases in placental pro-inflammatory cytokines, type I interferons, and chemokines. RVFV displays a high degree of tropism for all placental tissue layers and the degree of hemorrhage and inflammatory mediator production is highest in placenta from pups with adverse outcomes. Given the potential for RVFV to emerge in new locations and the recent evidence of emerging viruses, like Zika and SARS-CoV-2, to undergo vertical transmission, this study provides essential understanding regarding the mechanisms by which RVFV crosses the placenta barrier. Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) infections cause human health and economical burdens given its ability to induce high rates of abortions in ruminants and possible contributions towards late-term miscarriages in women. In this study, we have identified important structures in the placenta targeted by this emerging bunyavirus. Inflammation was associated with more severe fetal outcomes such as death and fetal deformities. The striking similarities between the pathologies of the placenta in the rat model of congenital RVF and those observed in naturally infected ruminants highlight the utility of this rodent model. These findings may be further translated towards understanding the mechanisms involved in vertical transmission of RVFV in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia M. McMillen
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Devin A. Boyles
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Stefan G. Kostadinov
- Department of Pathology, Magee Women’s Hospital of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ryan M. Hoehl
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Madeline M. Schwarz
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Joseph R. Albe
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Matthew J. Demers
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Amy L. Hartman
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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24
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Expression of Key Steroidogenic Enzymes in Human Placenta and Associated Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes. MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.1097/fm9.0000000000000167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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25
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Understanding the Tissue Specificity of ZIKV Infection in Various Animal Models for Vaccine Development. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10091517. [PMID: 36146595 PMCID: PMC9504629 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10091517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arthropod-borne virus that belongs to the Flavivirus genus and is principally transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. ZIKV infection often causes no or only mild symptoms, but it can also trigger severe consequences, including microcephaly in infants and Guillain-Barré syndrome, uveitis, and neurologic manifestations in adults. There is no ZIKV vaccine or treatment currently approved for clinical use. The primary target of ZIKV infection has been recognized as the maternal placenta, with vertical transmission to the fetal brain. However, ZIKV can also spread to multiple tissues in adults, including the sexual organs, eyes, lymph nodes, and brain. Since numerous studies have indicated that there are slightly different tissue-specific pathologies in each animal model of ZIKV, the distinct ZIKV tropism of a given animal model must be understood to enable effective vaccine development. Here, we comprehensively discussed the tissue specificity of ZIKV reported in each animal model depending on the genetic background and route of administration. This review should facilitate the selection of appropriate animal models when studying the fundamental pathogenesis of ZIKV infection, thereby supporting the design of optimal preclinical and clinical studies for the development of vaccines and therapeutics.
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26
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Balhara A, Kumar AR, Unadkat JD. Predicting Human Fetal Drug Exposure Through Maternal-Fetal PBPK Modeling and In Vitro or Ex Vivo Studies. J Clin Pharmacol 2022; 62 Suppl 1:S94-S114. [PMID: 36106781 PMCID: PMC9494623 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.2117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Medication (drug) use in human pregnancy is prevalent. Determining fetal safety and efficacy of drugs is logistically challenging. However, predicting (not measuring) fetal drug exposure (systemic and tissue) throughout pregnancy is possible through maternal-fetal physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling and simulation. Such prediction can inform fetal drug safety and efficacy. Fetal drug exposure can be quantified in 2 complementary ways. First, the ratio of the steady-state unbound plasma concentration in the fetal plasma (or area under the plasma concentration-time curve) to the corresponding maternal plasma concentration (ie, Kp,uu ). Second, the maximum unbound peak (Cu,max,ss,f ) and trough (Cu,min,ss,f ) fetal steady-state plasma concentrations. We (and others) have developed a maternal-fetal PBPK model that can successfully predict maternal drug exposure. To predict fetal drug exposure, the model needs to be populated with drug specific parameters, of which transplacental clearances (active and/or passive) and placental/fetal metabolism of the drug are critical. Herein, we describe in vitro studies in cells/tissue fractions or the perfused human placenta that can be used to determine these drug-specific parameters. In addition, we provide examples whereby this approach has successfully predicted systemic fetal exposure to drugs that passively or actively cross the placenta. Apart from maternal-fetal PBPK models, animal studies also have the potential to estimate fetal drug exposure by allometric scaling. Whether such scaling will be successful is yet to be determined. Here, we review the above approaches to predict fetal drug exposure, outline gaps in our knowledge to make such predictions and map out future research directions that could fill these gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Balhara
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Aditya R Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jashvant D Unadkat
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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27
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Yurdakok-Dikmen B, Kuzukiran O, Uyar R, Boztepe UG, Çelik HT, Ozyuncu O, Turgut Y, Kanca H, Karakas-Alkan K, Filazi A. Live in same region, respond differently: Canine and human response to pollutants in placental accumulation. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 301:134470. [PMID: 35367487 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Their presence in the environment is particularly concerning in cases of fetal exposure, which is the most vulnerable period of life for both human and animals who share the same environment. Placenta, as a sample collected using noninvasive methods to screen EDCs, is a good indicator for potential fetal exposure. Although recent studies indicate that companion animal may correspond to human exposure, species-specific anatomo-morphological and metabolic differences are controversial. In this study, placenta samples of 60 women and 25 dogs living and giving birth within the same region were evaluated for the presence of PCB, OCP, PBDE, and PAH residues; where, socio-demographic factors were also assessed to identify the possible sources. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method was validated for the matrix, and among 45 screened and targeted pollutants, only 18 were found in human placentas. While the most frequently detected pollutants were DDTs, followed by PAHs and PCBs in decreasing order, the pollutants with the highest concentrations were PAHs, followed by PCBs and DDTs. Only five of the target contaminants were detected in the dog placentas. These results indicate that; as dogs have different bioaccumulation capacities and higher excretion rates than humans, the life-long effects of exposure to endocrine compound and possible consequences related to adverse health outcomes are expected to vary and concentrations cannot be directly correlated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Begum Yurdakok-Dikmen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Kuzukiran
- Eldivan Vocational School of Health Services, Cankiri Karatekin University, Eldivan, Cankiri, Turkey
| | - Recep Uyar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Health Sciences, Ankara University, Turkey
| | - Ummu Gulsum Boztepe
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Health Sciences, Ankara University, Turkey
| | - Hasan Tolga Çelik
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Ozyuncu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Perinatology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yagmur Turgut
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Turkey
| | - Halit Kanca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kubra Karakas-Alkan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Ayhan Filazi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Turkey.
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28
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Parameshwar PK, Sagrillo-Fagundes L, Azevedo Portilho N, Pastor WA, Vaillancourt C, Moraes C. Engineered models for placental toxicology: Emerging approaches based on tissue decellularization. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 112:148-159. [PMID: 35840119 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.07.003] [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: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Recent increases in prescriptions and illegal drug use as well as exposure to environmental contaminants during pregnancy have highlighted the critical importance of placental toxicology in understanding and identifying risks to both mother and fetus. Although advantageous for basic science, current in vitro models often fail to capture the complexity of placental response, likely due to their inability to recreate and monitor aspects of the microenvironment including physical properties, mechanical forces and stiffness, protein composition, cell-cell interactions, soluble and physicochemical factors, and other exogenous cues. Tissue engineering holds great promise in addressing these challenges and provides an avenue to better understand basic biology, effects of toxic compounds and potential therapeutics. The key to success lies in effectively recreating the microenvironment. One strategy to do this would be to recreate individual components and then combine them. However, this becomes challenging due to variables present according to conditions such as tissue location, age, health status and lifestyle. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is known to influence cellular fate by working as a storage of factors. Decellularized ECM (dECM) is a recent tool that allows usage of the original ECM in a refurbished form, providing a relatively reliable representation of the microenvironment. This review focuses on using dECM in modified forms such as whole organs, scaffold sheets, electrospun nanofibers, hydrogels, 3D printing, and combinations as building blocks to recreate aspects of the microenvironment to address general tissue engineering and toxicology challenges, thus illustrating their potential as tools for future placental toxicology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nathalia Azevedo Portilho
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - William A Pastor
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Cathy Vaillancourt
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Québec, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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29
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Harris SM, Colacino J, Buxton M, Croxton L, Nguyen V, Loch-Caruso R, Bakulski KM. A Data Mining Approach Reveals Chemicals Detected at Higher Levels in Non-Hispanic Black Women Target Preterm Birth Genes and Pathways. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:2001-2012. [PMID: 35107823 PMCID: PMC9288534 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00870-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Preterm birth occurs disproportionately in the USA non-Hispanic Black population. Black women also face disproportionate exposure to certain environmental chemicals. The goal of this study was to use publicly available toxicogenomic data to identify chemical exposures that may contribute to preterm birth disparities. We tested 19 chemicals observed at higher levels in the blood or urine of non-Hispanic Black women compared to non-Hispanic White women. We obtained chemical-gene interactions from the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database and a list of genes involved in preterm birth from the Preterm Birth Database. We tested chemicals for enrichment with preterm birth genes using chi-squared tests. We then conducted pathway enrichment analysis for the preterm birth genes using DAVID software and identified chemical impacts on genes involved in these pathways. Genes annotated to all 19 chemicals were enriched with preterm birth genes (FDR-adjusted p value < 0.05). Preterm birth enriched chemicals that were detected at the highest levels in non-Hispanic Black women included methyl mercury, methylparaben, propylparaben, diethyl phthalate, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, and bisphenol S. The preterm birth genes were enriched for pathways including "inflammatory response" (FDR-adjusted p value = 3 × 10-19), "aging" (FDR-adjusted p value = 4 × 10-8) and "response to estradiol" (FDR-adjusted p value = 2 × 10-4). Chemicals enriched with preterm birth genes impacted genes in all three pathways. This study adds to the body of knowledge suggesting that exposures to environmental chemicals contribute to racial disparities in preterm birth and that multiple chemicals drive these effects. These chemicals affect genes involved in biological processes relevant to preterm birth such as inflammation, aging, and estradiol pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Harris
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Justin Colacino
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Center for Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Miatta Buxton
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lauren Croxton
- College of Literature, Science and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Vy Nguyen
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rita Loch-Caruso
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kelly M Bakulski
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Davenport BN, Wilson RL, Jones HN. Interventions for placental insufficiency and fetal growth restriction. Placenta 2022; 125:4-9. [PMID: 35414477 PMCID: PMC10947607 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.03.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy complications adversely impact both mother and/or fetus throughout the lifespan. Fetal growth restriction (FGR) occurs when a fetus fails to reach their intrauterine potential for growth, it is the second highest leading cause of infant mortality, and leads to increased risk of developing non-communicable diseases in later life due 'fetal programming'. Abnormal placental development, growth and/or function underlies approximately 75% of FGR cases and there is currently no treatment save delivery, often prematurely. We previously demonstrated in a murine model of FGR that nanoparticle mediated, intra-placental human IGF-1 gene therapy maintains normal fetal growth. Multiple models of FGR currently exist reflecting the etiologies of human FGR and have been used by us and others to investigate the development of in utero therapeutics as discussed here. In addition to the in vivo models discussed herein, utilizing human models including in vitro (Choriocarcinoma cell lines and primary trophoblasts) and ex vivo (term villous fragments and placenta cotyledon perfusion) we have demonstrated robust nanoparticle uptake, transgene expression, nutrient transporter regulation without transfer to the fetus. For translational gene therapy application in the human placenta, there are multiple avenues that require investigation including syncytial uptake from the maternal circulation, transgene expression, functionality and longevity of treatment, impact of treatment on the mother and developing fetus. The potential impact of treating the placenta during gestation is high, wide-ranging across pregnancy complications, and may offer reduced risk of developing associated cardio-metabolic diseases in later life impacting at both an individual and societal level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baylea N Davenport
- Center for Research in Perinatal Outcomes, University of Florida College of Medicine, United States
| | - Rebecca L Wilson
- Center for Research in Perinatal Outcomes, University of Florida College of Medicine, United States
| | - Helen N Jones
- Center for Research in Perinatal Outcomes, University of Florida College of Medicine, United States.
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Block LN, Schmidt JK, Keuler NS, McKeon MC, Bowman BD, Wiepz GJ, Golos TG. Zika virus impacts extracellular vesicle composition and cellular gene expression in macaque early gestation trophoblasts. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7348. [PMID: 35513694 PMCID: PMC9072346 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11275-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection at the maternal-placental interface is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes including fetal demise and pregnancy loss. To determine how infection impacts placental trophoblasts, we utilized rhesus macaque trophoblast stem cells (TSC) that can be differentiated into early gestation syncytiotrophoblasts (ST) and extravillous trophoblasts (EVT). TSCs and STs, but not EVTs, were highly permissive to productive infection with ZIKV strain DAK AR 41524. The impact of ZIKV on the cellular transcriptome showed that infection of TSCs and STs increased expression of immune related genes, including those involved in type I and type III interferon responses. ZIKV exposure altered extracellular vesicle (EV) mRNA, miRNA and protein cargo, including ZIKV proteins, regardless of productive infection. These findings suggest that early gestation macaque TSCs and STs are permissive to ZIKV infection, and that EV analysis may provide a foundation for identifying non-invasive biomarkers of placental infection in a highly translational model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey N. Block
- grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1223 Capitol Ct., Madison, WI 53715-1299 USA ,grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA ,grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Present Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Jenna Kropp Schmidt
- grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1223 Capitol Ct., Madison, WI 53715-1299 USA
| | - Nicholas S. Keuler
- grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Department of Statistics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Megan C. McKeon
- grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Brittany D. Bowman
- grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1223 Capitol Ct., Madison, WI 53715-1299 USA ,grid.266813.80000 0001 0666 4105Present Address: University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE USA
| | - Gregory J. Wiepz
- grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1223 Capitol Ct., Madison, WI 53715-1299 USA
| | - Thaddeus G. Golos
- grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1223 Capitol Ct., Madison, WI 53715-1299 USA ,grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA ,grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
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Cornish EF, McDonnell T, Williams DJ. Chronic Inflammatory Placental Disorders Associated With Recurrent Adverse Pregnancy Outcome. Front Immunol 2022; 13:825075. [PMID: 35529853 PMCID: PMC9072631 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.825075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory placental disorders are a group of rare but devastating gestational syndromes associated with adverse pregnancy outcome. This review focuses on three related conditions: villitis of unknown etiology (VUE), chronic histiocytic intervillositis (CHI) and massive perivillous fibrin deposition (MPFD). The hallmark of these disorders is infiltration of the placental architecture by maternal immune cells and disruption of the intervillous space, where gas exchange between the mother and fetus occurs. Currently, they can only be detected through histopathological examination of the placenta after a pregnancy has ended. All three are associated with a significant risk of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies. Villitis of unknown etiology is characterised by a destructive infiltrate of maternal CD8+ T lymphocytes invading into the chorionic villi, combined with activation of fetal villous macrophages. The diagnosis can only be made when an infectious aetiology has been excluded. VUE becomes more common as pregnancy progresses and is frequently seen with normal pregnancy outcome. However, severe early-onset villitis is usually associated with fetal growth restriction and recurrent pregnancy loss. Chronic histiocytic intervillositis is characterised by excessive accumulation of maternal CD68+ histiocytes in the intervillous space. It is associated with a wide spectrum of adverse pregnancy outcomes including high rates of first-trimester miscarriage, severe fetal growth restriction and late intrauterine fetal death. Intervillous histiocytes can also accumulate due to infection, including SARS-CoV-2, although this infection-induced intervillositis does not appear to recur. As with VUE, the diagnosis of CHI requires exclusion of an infectious cause. Women with recurrent CHI and their families are predisposed to autoimmune diseases, suggesting CHI may have an alloimmune pathology. This observation has driven attempts to prevent CHI with a wide range of maternal immunosuppression. Massive perivillous fibrin deposition is diagnosed when >25% of the intervillous space is occupied by fibrin, and is associated with fetal growth restriction and late intrauterine fetal death. Although not an inflammatory disorder per se, MPFD is frequently seen in association with both VUE and CHI. This review summarises current understanding of the prevalence, diagnostic features, clinical consequences, immune pathology and potential prophylaxis against recurrence in these three chronic inflammatory placental syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily F. Cornish
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, Department of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Emily F. Cornish,
| | - Thomas McDonnell
- Faculty of Engineering Science, Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David J. Williams
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, Department of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Placental Models for Evaluation of Nanocarriers as Drug Delivery Systems for Pregnancy Associated Disorders. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10050936. [PMID: 35625672 PMCID: PMC9138319 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10050936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy-associated disorders affect around 20% of pregnancies each year around the world. The risk associated with pregnancy therapeutic management categorizes pregnant women as “drug orphan” patients. In the last few decades, nanocarriers have demonstrated relevant properties for controlled drug delivery, which have been studied for pregnancy-associated disorders. To develop new drug dosage forms it is mandatory to have access to the right evaluation models to ensure their usage safety and efficacy. This review exposes the various placental-based models suitable for nanocarrier evaluation for pregnancy-associated therapies. We first review the current knowledge about nanocarriers as drug delivery systems and how placenta can be used as an evaluation model. Models are divided into three categories: in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo placental models. We then examine the recent studies using those models to evaluate nanocarriers behavior towards the placental barrier and which information can be gathered from these results. Finally, we propose a flow chart on the usage and the combination of models regarding the nanocarriers and nanoparticles studied and the intended therapeutic strategy.
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Lagoda ME, Marchewka J, O'Driscoll K, Boyle LA. Risk Factors for Chronic Stress in Sows Housed in Groups, and Associated Risks of Prenatal Stress in Their Offspring. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:883154. [PMID: 35498729 PMCID: PMC9039259 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.883154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress has a detrimental effect on sow welfare and productivity, as well as on the welfare and resilience of their piglets, mediated prenatally. Despite this, the specific risk factors for chronic stress in pregnant sows are understudied. Group-housed pregnant sows continuously face numerous challenges associated with aspects of the physical (group type and size, flooring, feeding system) and social (stocking density, mixing strategy) environment. There are many well-known potent stressors for pigs that likely contribute to chronic, physiological stress, including overcrowding, hot temperatures, feed restriction, inability to forage, uncomfortable floors, and poor handling. Some of these stressors also contribute to the development of production diseases such as lameness, which in turn are also likely causes of chronic stress because of the associated pain and difficulty accessing resources. The aim of this review is to discuss potential risk factors for chronic stress in pregnant sows such as space allowance, group size and type (stable/dynamic), feeding level, lameness, pen design, feed system, enrichment and rooting material, floor type, the quality of stockmanship, environmental conditions, and individual sow factors. The mechanisms of action of both chronic and prenatal stress, as well as the effects of the latter on offspring are also discussed. Gaps in existing research and recommendations for future work are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Ewa Lagoda
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Fermoy, Ireland
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
| | - Joanna Marchewka
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
| | - Keelin O'Driscoll
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Fermoy, Ireland
| | - Laura Ann Boyle
- Pig Development Department, Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Fermoy, Ireland
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35
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Interplay between HTRA1 and classical signalling pathways in organogenesis and diseases. Saudi J Biol Sci 2022; 29:1919-1927. [PMID: 35531175 PMCID: PMC9072889 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.11.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The high temperature requirement factor A1 (HTRA1) is a serine protease which modulates an array of signalling pathways driving basal biological processes. HTRA1 plays a significant role in cell proliferation, migration and fate determination, in addition to controlling protein aggregates through refolding, translocation or degradation. The mutation of HTRA1 has been implicated in a plethora of disorders and this has also led to its growing interest as drug therapy target. This review details the involvement of HTRA1 in certain signalling pathways, namely the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), canonical Wingless/Integrated (WNT) and NOTCH signalling pathways during organogenesis and various disease pathogenesis such as preeclampsia, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), small vessel disease and cancer. We have also explored possible avenues of exploiting the serine proteases for therapeutic management of these disorders.
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Villazana-Kretzer DL, Wuertz KM, Newhouse D, Damicis JR, Dornisch EM, Voss KM, Muruato AE, Paymaster JA, Schmiedecke SS, Edwards SM, Napolitano PG, Tisoncik-Go J, Ieronimakis N, Gale M. ZIKV can infect human term placentas in the absence of maternal factors. Commun Biol 2022; 5:243. [PMID: 35304593 PMCID: PMC8933440 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03158-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus infection can result in devastating pregnancy outcomes when it crosses the placental barrier. For human pregnancies, the mechanisms of vertical transmission remain enigmatic. Utilizing a human placenta-cotyledon perfusion model, we examined Zika virus exposure in the absence of maternal factors. To distinguish responses related to viral infection vs. recognition, we evaluated cotyledons perfused with either active or inactivated Zika virus. Active Zika virus exposure resulted in infection, cell death and syncytium injury. Pathology corresponded with transcriptional changes related to inflammation and innate immunity. Inactive Zika virus exposure also led to syncytium injury and related changes in gene expression but not cell death. Our observations reveal pathologies and innate immune responses that are dependent on infection or virus placenta interactions independent of productive infection. Importantly, our findings indicate that Zika virus can infect and compromise placentas in the absence of maternal humoral factors that may be protective. Villazana-Kretzer et al. compare histology, physiology and gene expression in cotyledons from term placentas perfused with either active or UV-inactivated Zika virus. They show that ZIKV can infect human term placentas in the absence of maternal factors and identify unique transcriptional responses to active ZIKA virus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kathryn McGuckin Wuertz
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Daniel Newhouse
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jennifer R Damicis
- Department of Clinical Investigation, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA, USA
| | - Elisabeth M Dornisch
- Department of Clinical Investigation, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA, USA
| | - Kathleen M Voss
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Antonio E Muruato
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jennifer A Paymaster
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA, USA
| | - Stacey S Schmiedecke
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA, USA
| | - Sarah M Edwards
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA, USA
| | - Peter G Napolitano
- Department of OB/GYN, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jennifer Tisoncik-Go
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nicholas Ieronimakis
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA, USA. .,Department of Clinical Investigation, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA, USA.
| | - Michael Gale
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
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37
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Chen J, Chen M, Wu X, Sun J, Zhang Y, Li Y, Zhong L, Yu B, Luo J, Liu J. The value of placental vascularization indices for predicting preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction in different stages of gestation: A prospective and longitudinal study. Placenta 2022; 122:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.03.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Kurosawa K, Noguchi S, Nishimura T, Tomi M, Chiba K. Transplacental pharmacokinetic model of digoxin based on ex vivo human placental perfusion study. Drug Metab Dispos 2021; 50:287-298. [PMID: 34903589 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.121.000648] [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: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Digoxin is used as first-line therapy to treat fetal supraventricular tachycardia, though because of the narrow therapeutic window, it is essential to estimate digoxin exposure in the fetus. The data from ex vivo human placental perfusion study are used to predict in vivo fetal exposure noninvasively, but the ex vivo fetal to maternal concentration (F:M) ratios observed in digoxin perfusion studies were much lower than those in vivo In the present study, we developed a human transplacental pharmacokinetic model of digoxin using previously reported ex vivo human placental perfusion data. The model consists of maternal intervillous, fetal capillary, non-perfused tissue and syncytiotrophoblast compartments, with multidrug resistance protein (MDR) 1 and influx transporter at the microvillous membrane (MVM) and influx and efflux transporters at the basal plasma membrane (BM). The model-predicted F:M ratio was 0.66, which is consistent with the mean in vivo value of 0.77 (95% confidence interval: 0.64-0.91). The time to achieve the steady state from the ex vivo perfusion study was estimated as 1,500 min, which is considerably longer than the reported ex vivo experimental durations, and this difference is considered to account for the inconsistency between ex vivo and in vivo F:M ratios. Reported digoxin concentrations in a drug-drug interaction study with MDR1 inhibitors quinidine and verapamil were consistent with the profiles simulated by our model incorporating inhibition of efflux transporter at the BM in addition to MVM. Our modeling and simulation approach should be a powerful tool to predict fetal exposure and DDIs in human placenta. Significance Statement We developed a human transplacental pharmacokinetic model of digoxin based on ex vivo human placental perfusion studies in order to resolve inconsistencies between reported ex vivo and in vivo fetal to maternal concentration ratios. The model successfully predicted the in vivo fetal exposure to digoxin and the drug-drug interactions of digoxin and P-glycoprotein/multidrug resistance protein 1 inhibitors in human placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Kurosawa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Koji Chiba
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology, Yokohama University of Pharmacy, Japan
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Phosphate, Calcium, and Vitamin D: Key Regulators of Fetal and Placental Development in Mammals. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1354:77-107. [PMID: 34807438 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-85686-1_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Normal calcium and bone homeostasis in the adult is virtually fully explained by the interactions of several key regulatory hormones, including parathyroid hormone, 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D3, fibroblast growth factor-23, calcitonin, and sex steroids (estradiol and testosterone). In utero, bone and mineral metabolism is regulated differently from the adult. During development, it is the placenta and not the fetal kidneys, intestines, or skeleton that is the primary source of minerals for the fetus. The placenta is able to meet the almost inexhaustible needs of the fetus for minerals by actively driving the transport of calcium and phosphorus from the maternal circulation to the growing fetus. These fundamentally important minerals are maintained in the fetal circulation at higher concentrations than those in maternal blood. Maintenance of these inordinately higher fetal levels is necessary for the developing skeleton to accrue sufficient minerals by term. Importantly, in livestock species, prenatal mineralization of the skeleton is crucial for the high levels of offspring activity soon after birth. Calcium is required for mineralization, as well as a plethora of other physiological functions. Placental calcium and phosphate transport are regulated by several mechanisms that are discussed in this review. It is clear that phosphate and calcium metabolism is intimately interrelated and, therefore, placental transport of these minerals cannot be considered in isolation.
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40
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Olutoye OA, Style C, Menchaca A. Neurocognitive Effects of Fetal Exposure to Anesthesia. Anesthesiol Clin 2021; 39:851-869. [PMID: 34776113 DOI: 10.1016/j.anclin.2021.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Surgery during pregnancy occurs when maternal or fetal needs outweigh the status quo, yet much uncertainty remains regarding the effects of anesthesia and surgery on fetal neurodevelopment. This article will review common maternal and fetal indications for invasive procedures, along with contemporary research on fetal neurodevelopment following anesthesia and surgery, focusing on future areas of investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olutoyin A Olutoye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, 6621 Fannin Street, Suite A-3300, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Candace Style
- Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Center for Regenerative Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 575 Children's Crossroad, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Alicia Menchaca
- Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Center for Regenerative Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 575 Children's Crossroad, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
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Citron MP, McAnulty J, Callahan C, Knapp W, Fontenot J, Morales P, Flynn JA, Douglas CM, Espeseth AS. Transplacental Antibody Transfer of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Specific IgG in Non-Human Primate Mother-Infant Pairs. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111441. [PMID: 34832599 PMCID: PMC8624788 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
One approach to protect new-borns against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is to vaccinate pregnant women in the last trimester of pregnancy. The boosting of circulating antibodies which can be transferred to the foetus would offer immune protection against the virus and ultimately the disease. Since non-human primates (NHPs) have similar reproductive anatomy, physiology, and antibody architecture and kinetics to humans, we utilized this preclinical species to evaluate maternal immunization (MI) using an RSV F subunit vaccine. Three species of NHPs known for their ability to be infected with human RSV in experimental challenge studies were tested for RSV-specific antibodies. African green monkeys had the highest overall antibody levels of the old-world monkeys evaluated and they gave birth to offspring with anti-RSV titers that were proportional to their mother. These higher overall antibody levels are associated with greater durability found in their offspring. Immunization of RSV seropositive AGMs during late pregnancy boosts RSV titers, which consequentially results in significantly higher titers in the vaccinated new-borns compared to the new-borns of unvaccinated mothers. These findings, accomplished in small treatment group sizes, demonstrate a model that provides an efficient, resource sparing and translatable preclinical in vivo system for evaluating vaccine candidates for maternal immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P. Citron
- Infectious Disease & Vaccines, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA; (J.M.); (C.C.); (J.A.F.); (C.M.D.); (A.S.E.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Jessica McAnulty
- Infectious Disease & Vaccines, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA; (J.M.); (C.C.); (J.A.F.); (C.M.D.); (A.S.E.)
| | - Cheryl Callahan
- Infectious Disease & Vaccines, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA; (J.M.); (C.C.); (J.A.F.); (C.M.D.); (A.S.E.)
| | - Walter Knapp
- Safety Assessment and Laboratory Animal Resources, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA;
| | - Jane Fontenot
- The New Iberia Research Center, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, New Iberia, LA 70560, USA;
| | - Pablo Morales
- The Mannheimer Foundation, Homestead, FL 33034, USA;
| | - Jessica A. Flynn
- Infectious Disease & Vaccines, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA; (J.M.); (C.C.); (J.A.F.); (C.M.D.); (A.S.E.)
| | - Cameron M. Douglas
- Infectious Disease & Vaccines, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA; (J.M.); (C.C.); (J.A.F.); (C.M.D.); (A.S.E.)
| | - Amy S. Espeseth
- Infectious Disease & Vaccines, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA; (J.M.); (C.C.); (J.A.F.); (C.M.D.); (A.S.E.)
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42
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Haese NN, Roberts VHJ, Chen A, Streblow DN, Morgan TK, Hirsch AJ. Nonhuman Primate Models of Zika Virus Infection and Disease during Pregnancy. Viruses 2021; 13:2088. [PMID: 34696518 PMCID: PMC8539636 DOI: 10.3390/v13102088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the explosive outbreak of Zika virus in Brazil and South/Central America in 2015-2016, the frequency of infections has subsided, but Zika virus remains present in this region as well as other tropical and sub-tropical areas of the globe. The most alarming aspect of Zika virus infection is its association with severe birth defects when infection occurs in pregnant women. Understanding the mechanism of Zika virus pathogenesis, which comprises features unique to Zika virus as well as shared with other teratogenic pathogens, is key to future prophylactic or therapeutic interventions. Nonhuman primate-based research has played a significant role in advancing our knowledge of Zika virus pathogenesis, especially with regard to fetal infection. This review summarizes what we have learned from these models and potential future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole N. Haese
- The Vaccine & Gene Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, 505 NW 185th Ave, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA; (N.N.H.); (D.N.S.)
| | - Victoria H. J. Roberts
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, 505 NW 185th Ave, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA;
| | - Athena Chen
- Department of Pathology, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239, USA; (A.C.); (T.K.M.)
| | - Daniel N. Streblow
- The Vaccine & Gene Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, 505 NW 185th Ave, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA; (N.N.H.); (D.N.S.)
- Division of Pathobiology & Immunology, Oregon National Primate Research Center, 505 NW 185th Ave, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Terry K. Morgan
- Department of Pathology, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239, USA; (A.C.); (T.K.M.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Alec J. Hirsch
- The Vaccine & Gene Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, 505 NW 185th Ave, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA; (N.N.H.); (D.N.S.)
- Division of Pathobiology & Immunology, Oregon National Primate Research Center, 505 NW 185th Ave, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
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Kanter JR, Mani S, Gordon SM, Mainigi M. Uterine natural killer cell biology and role in early pregnancy establishment and outcomes. F&S REVIEWS 2021; 2:265-286. [PMID: 35756138 PMCID: PMC9232176 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfnr.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Objective While immune cells were originally thought to only play a role in maternal tolerance of the semiallogenic fetus, an active role in pregnancy establishment is becoming increasingly apparent. Uterine natural killer (uNK) cells are of specific interest because of their cyclic increase in number during the window of implantation. As a distinct entity from their peripheral blood counterparts, understanding the biology and function of uNK cells will provide the framework for understanding their role in early pregnancy establishment and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Evidence Review This review discusses unique uNK cell characteristics and presents clinical implications resulting from their dysfunction. We also systematically present existing knowledge about uNK cell function in three processes critical for successful human embryo implantation and placentation: stromal cell decidualization, spiral artery remodeling, and extravillous trophoblast invasion. Finally, we review the features of uNK cells that could help guide future investigations. Results It is clear the uNK cells are intimately involved in multiple facets of early pregnancy. This is accomplished directly, through the secretion of factors that regulate stromal cells and trophoblast function; and indirectly, via interaction with other maternal cell types present at the maternal-fetal interface. Current work also suggests that uNK cells are a heterogenous population, with subsets that potentially accomplish different functions. Conclusion Establishment of pregnancy through successful embryo implantation and placentation requires crosstalk between multiple maternal cell types and invading fetal trophoblast cells. Defects in this process have been associated with multiple adverse perinatal outcomes including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, placenta accreta, and recurrent miscarriage though the mechanism underlying development of these defects remain unclear. Abnormalities in NK cell number and function which would disrupt physiological maternal-fetal crosstalk, could play a critical role in abnormal implantation and placentation. It is therefore imperative to dissect the unique physiological role of uNK cells in pregnancy and use this knowledge to inform clinical practice by determining how uNK cell dysfunction could lead to reproductive failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R. Kanter
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sneha Mani
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Scott M. Gordon
- Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Monica Mainigi
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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44
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Moresco A, Feltrer-Rambaud Y, Wolfman D, Agnew DW. Reproductive one health in primates. Am J Primatol 2021; 84:e23325. [PMID: 34516669 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
One Health is a collaborative trans-disciplinary approach to health; integrating human, animal, and environmental health. The focus is often on infection disease transmission and disease risk mitigation. However, One Health also includes the multidisciplinary and comparative approach to disease investigation and health of humans, animals, and the environment. One key aspect of environmental/ecosystem health is conservation, the maintenance of healthy, actively reproducing wildlife populations. Reproduction and reproductive health are an integral part of the One Health approach: the comparative aspects of reproduction can inform conservation policies or breeding strategies (in situ and ex situ) in addition to physiology and disease. Differences in reproductive strategies affect the impact poaching and habitat disruption might have on a given population, as well as ex situ breeding programs and the management of zoo and sanctuary populations. Much is known about chimpanzees, macaques, and marmosets as these are common animal models, but there is much that remains unknown regarding reproduction in many other primates. Examining the similarities and differences between and within taxonomic groups allows reasonable extrapolation for decision-making when there are knowledge gaps. For example: (1) knowing that a species has very low reproductive rates adds urgency to conservation policy for that region or species; (2) identifying species with short or absent lactation anestrus allows ex situ institutions to better plan contraception options for specific individuals or prepare for the immediate next pregnancy; (3) recognizing that progestin contraceptives are effective contraceptives, but may be associated with endometrial hyperplasia in some species (in Lemuridae but not great apes) better guides empirical contraceptive choice; (4) recognizing the variable endometriosis prevalence across taxa improves preventive medicine programs. A summary of anatomical variation, endocrinology, contraception, pathology, and diagnostics is provided to illustrate these features and aid in routine physical and postmortem examinations as well as primate management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anneke Moresco
- International Primate Health & Welfare Group, Madrid, Spain.,Reproductive Health Surveillance Program, Morrison, Colorado, USA
| | - Yedra Feltrer-Rambaud
- International Primate Health & Welfare Group, Madrid, Spain.,EAZA Reproductive Management Group, Chester, UK
| | - Darcy Wolfman
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, National Capital Region, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Dalen W Agnew
- Reproductive Health Surveillance Program, Morrison, Colorado, USA.,Michigan State University, Lansing, Michigan, USA
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Amberg BJ, Hodges RJ, Rodgers KA, Crossley KJ, Hooper SB, DeKoninck PLJ. Why Do the Fetal Membranes Rupture Early after Fetoscopy? A Review. Fetal Diagn Ther 2021; 48:493-503. [PMID: 34404043 DOI: 10.1159/000517151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Iatrogenic preterm premature rupture of the fetal membranes (iPPROM) remains the Achilles' heel of keyhole fetal surgery (fetoscopy) despite significant efforts in preclinical models to develop new therapies. This limited success is partially due to incomplete understanding why the fetal membranes rupture early after fetoscopy and notable differences in membrane physiology between humans and domestic species. In this review, we summarize aspects of fetoscopy that may contribute to iPPROM, the previous efforts to develop new therapies, and limitations of preclinical models commonly used in fetal membrane research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Amberg
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, .,The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,
| | - Ryan J Hodges
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karyn A Rodgers
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kelly J Crossley
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stuart B Hooper
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Philip L J DeKoninck
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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46
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Grochow T, Beck B, Rentería-Solís Z, Schares G, Maksimov P, Strube C, Seeger J, Raqué L, Ulrich R, Daugschies A, Fietz SA. Establishment and validation of a guinea pig model for human congenital toxoplasmosis. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:389. [PMID: 34362413 PMCID: PMC8344189 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04890-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite with a worldwide distribution. Congenital infection in humans and animals may lead to severe symptoms in the offspring, especially in the brain. A suitable animal model for human congenital toxoplasmosis is currently lacking. The aim of this study is to establish and validate the guinea pig as a model for human congenital toxoplasmosis by investigating the impact of the T. gondii infection dose, the duration of infection and the gestational stage at infection on the seroconversion, survival rate of dams, fate of the offspring, T. gondii DNA loads in various offspring tissues and organs and the integrity of the offspring brain. Methods Pregnant guinea pigs were infected with three different doses (10, 100, 500 oocysts) of T. gondii strain ME49 at three different time points during gestation (15, 30, 48 days post-conception). Serum of dams was tested for the presence of T. gondii antibodies using immunoblotting. T. gondii DNA levels in the dam and offspring were determined by qPCR. Offspring brains were examined histologically. Results We found the survival rate of dams and fate of the offspring to be highly dependent on the T. gondii infection dose with an inoculation of 500 oocysts ending lethally for all respective offspring. Moreover, both parameters differ depending on the gestational stage at infection with infection in the first and third trimester of gestation resulting in a high offspring mortality rate. The duration of infection was found to substantially impact the seroconversion rate of dams with the probability of seroconversion exceeding 50% after day 20 post-infection. Furthermore, the infection duration of dams influenced the T. gondii DNA loads in the offspring and the integrity of offspring brain. Highest DNA levels were found in the offspring brain of dams infected for ≥ 34 days. Conclusion This study contributes to establishing the guinea pig as a suitable model for human congenital toxoplasmosis and thus lays the foundation for using the guinea pig as a suitable animal model to study scientific questions of high topicality and clinical significance, which address the pathogenesis, diagnosis, therapy and prognosis of congenital toxoplasmosis. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04890-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Grochow
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Britta Beck
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Zaida Rentería-Solís
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gereon Schares
- National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Pavlo Maksimov
- National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Johannes Seeger
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lisa Raqué
- Veterinary Practice Raqué, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Reiner Ulrich
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Arwid Daugschies
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Simone A Fietz
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
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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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48
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Warner GR, Dettogni RS, Bagchi IC, Flaws JA, Graceli JB. Placental outcomes of phthalate exposure. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 103:1-17. [PMID: 34015474 PMCID: PMC8260441 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Proper placental development and function relies on hormone receptors and signaling pathways that make the placenta susceptible to disruption by endocrine disrupting chemicals, such as phthalates. Here, we review relevant research on the associations between phthalate exposures and dysfunctions of the development and function of the placenta, including morphology, physiology, and genetic and epigenetic effects. This review covers in vitro studies, in vivo studies in mammals, and studies in humans. We also discuss important gaps in the literature. Overall, the evidence indicates that toxicity to the placental and maternal-fetal interface is associated with exposure to phthalates. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the mechanisms through which phthalates act in the placenta as well as additional human studies that assess placental disruption through pregnancy with larger sample sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genoa R Warner
- Dept of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | | | - Indrani C Bagchi
- Dept of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Jodi A Flaws
- Dept of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA.
| | - Jones B Graceli
- Dept of Morphology, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Brazil
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49
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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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50
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Marinello WP, Patisaul HB. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and placental function: Impact on fetal brain development. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2021; 92:347-400. [PMID: 34452690 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy is a critical time of vulnerability for the development of the fetal brain. Exposure to environmental pollutants at any point in pregnancy can negatively impact many aspects of fetal development, especially the organization and differentiation of the brain. The placenta performs a variety of functions that can help protect the fetus and sustain brain development. However, disruption of any of these functions can have negative impacts on both the pregnancy outcome and fetal neurodevelopment. This review presents current understanding of how environmental exposures, specifically to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), interfere with placental function and, in turn, neurodevelopment. Some of the key differences in placental development between animal models are presented, as well as how placental functions such as serving as a xenobiotic barrier and exchange organ, immune interface, regulator of growth and fetal oxygenation, and a neuroendocrine organ, could be vulnerable to environmental exposure. This review illustrates the importance of the placenta as a modulator of fetal brain development and suggests critical unexplored areas and possible vulnerabilities to environmental exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- William P Marinello
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Heather B Patisaul
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.
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