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Thakur P, Bhalerao A. Raised Maternal Homocysteine Levels in Antenatal Women at 10 to 14 Weeks of Gestation and Placenta-Mediated Complications: A Cohort Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e40423. [PMID: 37456448 PMCID: PMC10348429 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Placenta-mediated complications, such as preeclampsia, placental abruption, and fetal growth restriction, can indeed lead to significant maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Early detection and management of these conditions are crucial to ensuring optimal outcomes for both the mother and baby. However, there have been inconsistent correlations found between maternal homocysteine levels and placenta-related problems in various studies. Therefore, prospective research based on data pointing to a role for hyperhomocysteinemia in placenta-mediated complications will open doors for early detection and management of these complications. Thus, this study aims to determine if a higher risk of placenta-mediated problems is connected with a higher maternal plasma homocysteine content between 10 and 14 weeks of gestation. Methodology An observational prospective cohort study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, consisting of all the antenatal women between 10 and 14 weeks of gestation attending outpatient departments or inpatients admitted in labor rooms or wards having singleton pregnancies. Along with socio-demographic information and detailed history, a clinical examination was performed, and blood samples were collected to determine plasma homocysteine levels. Results As per the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve), the cut-off value taken was <5 for the low level of serum homocysteine, 5 to 15 micromol/L for the normal value, and >15 micromol/L for a raised serum homocysteine level. The cutoff value for our study was 45 micromol/L with a sensitivity of 78.33%, a specificity of 91.67%, a positive predictive value of 90.38%, and a negative predictive value of 80.88% with a diagnostic accuracy of 85%. This means that, for most of the women included in the present study, those who developed placenta-mediated complications had serum blood homocysteine levels of 45 micromol/L or more at 10-14 weeks of gestation. Conclusion Women with high homocysteine levels in the late first trimester had more placenta-mediated complications, such as abruption, pre-eclampsia, restricted fetal growth, and recurrent pregnancy losses, compared to women with a normal level of homocysteine in the late first trimester. Therefore, measuring blood homocysteine levels in pregnancy may be helpful as a diagnostic test for the early detection of high-risk individuals for placenta-mediated complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Thakur
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NKP Salve Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Nagpur, Maharashtra, IND
| | - Anuja Bhalerao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NKP Salve Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Nagpur, Maharashtra, IND
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2
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Ihirwe RG, Martel J, Rahimi S, Trasler J. Protective and sex-specific effects of moderate dose folic acid supplementation on the placenta following assisted reproduction in mice. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22677. [PMID: 36515682 PMCID: PMC10108070 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201428r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic defects induced by assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have been suggested as a potential mechanism contributing to suboptimal placentation. Here, we hypothesize that ART perturbs DNA methylation (DNAme) and gene expression during early placenta development, leading to abnormal placental phenotypes observed at term. Since folic acid (FA) plays a crucial role in epigenetic regulation, we propose that FA supplementation can rescue ART-induced placental defects. Female mice were placed on a control diet (CD), a moderate 4-fold (FAS4) or high dose 10-fold (FAS10) FA-supplemented diet prior to ART and compared to a natural mating group. ART resulted in 41 and 28 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in E10.5 female and male placentas, respectively. Many DEGs were implicated in early placenta development and associated with DNAme changes; a number clustered at known imprinting control regions (ICR). In females, FAS4 partially corrected alterations in gene expression while FAS10 showed evidence of male-biased adverse effects. DNAme and gene expression for five genes involved in early placentation (Phlda2, EphB2, Igf2, Peg3, L3mbtl1) were followed up in placentas from normal as well as delayed and abnormal embryos. Phlda2 and Igf2 expression levels were lowest after ART in placentas of female delayed embryos. Moreover, ART concomitantly reduced DNAme at the Kcnq1ot1 ICR which regulates Phlda2 expression; FAS4 partially improved DNAme in a sex-specific manner. In conclusion, ART-associated placental DNAme and transcriptome alterations observed at mid-gestation are sex-specific; they may help explain adverse placental phenotypes detected at term and are partially corrected by maternal moderate dose FA supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Gloria Ihirwe
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Josée Martel
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sophia Rahimi
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jacquetta Trasler
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Placental Morphology and Morphometry: Is It a Prerequisite for Future Pathological Investigations? ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1392:85-105. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-13021-2_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
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4
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Effect of Porcine Placental Extract Mixture on Alcohol-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:2029-2037. [PMID: 35678666 PMCID: PMC9164070 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44050137] [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: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to examine the effect of porcine placenta extract mixture (pPEM, enzymatic/acidic extract = 1/3) on alcoholic hepatotoxicity after pPEM dosing with alcohol in rats. The experimental groups were normal, control, silymarin, three pPEM (590, 1771, and 2511 mg/kg/day, po), and silymarin (100 mg/kg/day, po) groups (n = 10). Alcoholic hepatotoxicity was caused by a liquid ethanol diet for 4 weeks. The effect of pPEM and silymarin on alcoholic hepatotoxicity was evaluated by serology, hepatic ADH and ALDH activities, and histopathological findings. After oral dosing with alcohol for 4 weeks, ALT and AST were significantly increased to 33.7 → 115.6 and 81.37 → 235.0 in the alcohol group, respectively. These levels were decreased significantly to 83.9 and 126.7 in the silymarin group and dose-dependently to 73.6–56.9 and 139.2–122.8 in all pPEM groups. Hepatic ADH and ALDH might have been increased in the control and not in the silymarin and pPEM groups for hepatic ADH. All pPEM groups exhibited no effects on hepatic ALDH except for the high pPEM group. Mild inflammation and fatty lesions were observed in the alcohol group and were attenuated in the silymarin and pPEM groups. As a results, the pPEM showed protective activities against alcoholic hepatotoxicity on the serological markers, hepatic ADH and ALDH, and pathological findings.
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Cipolla-Neto J, Amaral FG, Soares JM, Gallo CC, Furtado A, Cavaco JE, Gonçalves I, Santos CRA, Quintela T. The Crosstalk between Melatonin and Sex Steroid Hormones. Neuroendocrinology 2022; 112:115-129. [PMID: 33774638 DOI: 10.1159/000516148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin, an indolamine mainly released from the pineal gland, is associated with many biological functions, namely, the modulation of circadian and seasonal rhythms, sleep inducer, regulator of energy metabolism, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic. Although several pieces of evidence also recognize the influence of melatonin in the reproductive physiology, the crosstalk between melatonin and sex hormones is not clear. Here, we review the effects of sex differences in the circulating levels of melatonin and update the current knowledge on the link between sex hormones and melatonin. Furthermore, we explore the effects of melatonin on gonadal steroidogenesis and hormonal control in females. The literature review shows that despite the strong evidence that sex differences impact on the circadian profiles of melatonin, reports are still considerably ambiguous, and these differences may arise from several factors, like the use of contraceptive pills, hormonal status, and sleep deprivation. Furthermore, there has been an inconclusive debate about the characteristics of the reciprocal relationship between melatonin and reproductive hormones. In this regard, there is evidence for the role of melatonin in gonadal steroidogenesis brought about by research that shows that melatonin affects multiple transduction pathways that modulate Sertoli cell physiology and consequently spermatogenesis, and also estrogen and progesterone production. From the outcome of our research, it is possible to conclude that understanding the correlation between melatonin and reproductive hormones is crucial for the correction of several complications occurring during pregnancy, like preeclampsia, and for the control of climacteric symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Cipolla-Neto
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - José Maria Soares
- Laboratório de Ginecologia Estrutural e Molecular (LIM 58), Disciplina de Ginecologia, Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, HCFMUSP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - André Furtado
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - José Eduardo Cavaco
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Isabel Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | | | - Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
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Dawid M, Mlyczyńska E, Jurek M, Respekta N, Pich K, Kurowska P, Gieras W, Milewicz T, Kotula-Balak M, Rak A. Apelin, APJ, and ELABELA: Role in Placental Function, Pregnancy, and Foetal Development-An Overview. Cells 2021; 11:cells11010099. [PMID: 35011661 PMCID: PMC8750556 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The apelinergic system, which includes the apelin receptor (APJ) as well as its two specific ligands, namely apelin and ELABELA (ELA/APELA/Toddler), have been the subject of many recent studies due to their pleiotropic effects in humans and other animals. Expression of these factors has been investigated in numerous tissues and organs—for example, the lungs, heart, uterus, and ovary. Moreover, a number of studies have been devoted to understanding the role of apelin and the entire apelinergic system in the most important processes in the body, starting from early stages of human life with regulation of placental function and the proper course of pregnancy. Disturbances in the balance of placental processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, or hormone secretion may lead to specific pregnancy pathologies; therefore, there is a great need to search for substances that would help in their early diagnosis or treatment. A number of studies have indicated that compounds of the apelinergic system could serve this purpose. Hence, in this review, we summarized the most important reports about the role of apelin and the entire apelinergic system in the regulation of placental physiology and pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Dawid
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (M.D.); (E.M.); (M.J.); (N.R.); (K.P.); (P.K.); (W.G.)
| | - Ewa Mlyczyńska
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (M.D.); (E.M.); (M.J.); (N.R.); (K.P.); (P.K.); (W.G.)
| | - Małgorzata Jurek
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (M.D.); (E.M.); (M.J.); (N.R.); (K.P.); (P.K.); (W.G.)
| | - Natalia Respekta
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (M.D.); (E.M.); (M.J.); (N.R.); (K.P.); (P.K.); (W.G.)
| | - Karolina Pich
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (M.D.); (E.M.); (M.J.); (N.R.); (K.P.); (P.K.); (W.G.)
| | - Patrycja Kurowska
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (M.D.); (E.M.); (M.J.); (N.R.); (K.P.); (P.K.); (W.G.)
| | - Wiktoria Gieras
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (M.D.); (E.M.); (M.J.); (N.R.); (K.P.); (P.K.); (W.G.)
| | - Tomasz Milewicz
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-501 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Kotula-Balak
- University Centre of Veterinary Medicine JU-UA, University of Agriculture in Krakow, 30-059 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Rak
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (M.D.); (E.M.); (M.J.); (N.R.); (K.P.); (P.K.); (W.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-1-2664-5003
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Corrales P, Vidal-Puig A, Medina-Gómez G. Obesity and pregnancy, the perfect metabolic storm. Eur J Clin Nutr 2021; 75:1723-1734. [PMID: 33911209 DOI: 10.1038/s41430-021-00914-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy is a physiological stress that requires dynamic, regulated changes affecting maternal and fetal adiposity. Excessive accumulation of dysfunctional adipose tissue defined by metabolic and molecular alterations cause severe health consequences for mother and fetus. When subjected to sustained overnutrition, the cellular and lipid composition of the adipose tissue changes predisposing to insulin resistance, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders compromising the outcome of the pregnancy. Moreover, excessive maternal weight gain, usually in the context of obesity, predisposes to an increased flux of nutrients from mother to fetus throughout the placenta. The fetus of an obese mother will accumulate more adiposity and may increase the risk of future metabolic disorder later in life. Thus, further understanding of the interaction between maternal metabolism, epigenetic regulation of the adipose tissue, and their transgenerational transfer are required to mitigate the adverse health outcomes for the mother and the fetus associated with maternal obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Corrales
- Área de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Antonio Vidal-Puig
- Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
- Cambridge University Nanjing Centre of Technology and Innovation, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Gema Medina-Gómez
- Área de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain.
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8
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Guo S, Cui X, Jiang X, Duo S, Li S, Gao F, Wang H. Tracing the origin of the placental trophoblast cells in mouse embryo development†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:598-606. [PMID: 31621828 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz201] [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: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta, which originates from the trophectoderm (TE), is the first organ to form during mammalian embryogenesis. Recent studies based on bioinformatics analysis have revealed that heterogeneous gene expression initiates cell-fate decisions and directs two distinct cell fates by modulating the balance of pluripotency and differentiation as early as the four-cell stage. However, direct developmental evidence to support this is still lacking. To address at which stage the cell fate of the TE and inner cell mass (ICM) is determined, in this study, we administered a microinjection of Cre mRNA into a single blastomere of the mTmG mouse at different cleavage stages before implantation to examine the distributions of the descendants of the single-labeled cell in the mouse fetus and the placenta at E12.5. We found that the descendants of the labeled cells at the two-cell stage contributed to both the placenta and the fetus. Notably, the derivatives of the labeled cells at the four-cell stage fell into three categories: (1) distributed in both embryonic and extraembryonic lineages, (2) distributed only in mouse placental trophoblast layers, or (3) distributed only in the lineage derived from the ICM. In addition, these results fell in line with single-cell studies focusing on gene expression patterns that characterize particular lineages within the blastocyst. In conclusion, this study shows that the four-cell blastomeres differ in their individual developmental properties insofar as they contribute to either or both the ICM and trophoblast fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuhong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiangxiang Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shuguang Duo
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shiwen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Fei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Strawn M, Samal A, Sarker MB, Dhakal P, Behura SK. Relevance of microRNAs to the regulation of the brain-placental axis in mice. Placenta 2021; 112:123-131. [PMID: 34332202 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.07.293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The development of fetal brain is intricately dependent upon placental functions. Recently, we showed that the placenta and fetal brain express genes in a coordinated manner in mice. But, how the brain-placental axis is regulated at the molecular level remains poorly understood. The microRNAs (miRNAs) play diverse roles in pregnancy including regulation of placenta function as well as brain development. Thus, we hypothesized that specific miRNAs are expressed in the placenta and fetal brain to coordinate gene regulation in the brain-placental axis. METHODS To test this hypothesis, we performed deep sequencing of small RNAs in mouse placenta and fetal brain of both sexes. RESULTS The findings study show that miRNAs are potent regulators of gene expression in the placenta and fetal brain. Our data provides evidence that fetal sex influences the regulation of miRNAs between the placenta and fetal brain. Functional annotation of known target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs show that they are significantly enriched with specific signaling and transporter pathways. DISCUSSION Together, the results of this study suggest that placental miRNAs are potent regulators of fetal brain development in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Strawn
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Ananya Samal
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | | | - Pramod Dhakal
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Susanta K Behura
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; MU Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
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Guernsey MW, van Kruistum H, Reznick DN, Pollux BJA, Baker JC. Molecular Signatures of Placentation and Secretion Uncovered in Poeciliopsis Maternal Follicles. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 37:2679-2690. [PMID: 32421768 PMCID: PMC7475030 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msaa121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Placentation evolved many times independently in vertebrates. Although the core functions of all placentas are similar, we know less about how this similarity extends to the molecular level. Here, we study Poeciliopsis, a unique genus of live-bearing fish that have independently evolved complex placental structures at least three times. The maternal follicle is a key component of these structures. It envelops yolk-rich eggs and is morphologically simple in lecithotrophic species but has elaborate villous structures in matrotrophic species. Through sequencing, the follicle transcriptome of a matrotrophic, Poeciliopsis retropinna, and lecithotrophic, P. turrubarensis, species we found genes known to be critical for placenta function expressed in both species despite their difference in complexity. Additionally, when we compare the transcriptome of different river populations of P. retropinna, known to vary in maternal provisioning, we find differential expression of secretory genes expressed specifically in the top layer of villi cells in the maternal follicle. This provides some of the first evidence that the placental structures of Poeciliopsis function using a secretory mechanism rather than direct contact with maternal circulation. Finally, when we look at the expression of placenta proteins at the maternal–fetal interface of a larger sampling of Poeciliopsis species, we find expression of key maternal and fetal placenta proteins in their cognate tissue types of all species, but follicle expression of prolactin is restricted to only matrotrophic species. Taken together, we suggest that all Poeciliopsis follicles are poised for placenta function but require expression of key genes to form secretory villi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W Guernsey
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Henri van Kruistum
- Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - David N Reznick
- Department of Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA
| | - Bart J A Pollux
- Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Julie C Baker
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
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Harnung Scholten R, Møller P, Jovanovic Andersen Z, Dehlendorff C, Khan J, Brandt J, Ketzel M, Knudsen LE, Mathiesen L. Telomere length in newborns is associated with exposure to low levels of air pollution during pregnancy. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 146:106202. [PMID: 33120230 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Telomere length (TL) is a biomarker of biological aging that may be affected by prenatal exposure to air pollution. The aim of this study was to assess the association between prenatal exposure to air pollution and TL in maternal blood cells (leukocytes), placenta and umbilical cord blood cells, sampled immediately after birth in 296 Danish mother-child pairs from a birth cohort. Exposure data was obtained using the high-resolution and spatial-temporal air pollution modeling system DEHM-UBM-AirGIS for PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NH4+, black carbon (BC), organic carbon (OC), CO, O3, NO2, and NOx at residential and occupational addresses of the participating women for the full duration of the pregnancy. The association between prenatal exposure to air pollutants and TL was investigated using distributed lag models. There were significant and positive associations between TL in umbilical cord blood cells and prenatal exposure to BC, OC, NO2, NOx, CO, and O3 during the second trimester. TL in umbilical cord blood was significantly and inversely associated with prenatal exposure to PM2.5, BC, OC, SO2, NH4+, CO and NO2 during the third trimester. There were similar inverse associations between TL from umbilical cord blood cells and air pollution exposure at the residential and occupational addresses. There were weaker or no associations between air pollution exposure and TL in placenta tissue and maternal blood cells. In conclusion, both the second and third trimesters of pregnancy are shown to be sensitive windows of exposure to air pollution affecting fetal TL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Harnung Scholten
- Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5A, DK-1014 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Peter Møller
- Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5A, DK-1014 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Zorana Jovanovic Andersen
- Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5A, DK-1014 Copenhagen K, Denmark; Nykøbing Falster Hospital, Center for Epidemiological Research, Ejegodvej 63, DK-4800 Nykøbing, Denmark
| | - Christian Dehlendorff
- Statistics and Data Analysis, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jibran Khan
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, POB 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Danish Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA) at University of Aarhus, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Brandt
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, POB 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Matthias Ketzel
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, POB 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | - Lisbeth E Knudsen
- Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5A, DK-1014 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Line Mathiesen
- Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5A, DK-1014 Copenhagen K, Denmark.
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Chen L, Zheng F, Yang P, Chen B, Aguilar ZP, Fu F, Xu H. Effects of QDs exposure on the reproductive and embryonic developmental toxicity in mice at various pregnancy stages. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2020; 9:371-378. [PMID: 32905215 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfaa034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantum dots (QDs) have recently attracted considerable attention in the biomedical fields because of their unique and excellent optical properties. However, information on their health effects, particularly in the reproductive system, is limited. The present study focuses on the effects of intravenous injection of CdSe/ZnS QDs on the reproductive system and embryo development at various stages of pregnancy in mice. The CdSe/ZnS QDs intravenously injected in mice during pregnancy accumulated in the maternal liver, uterus and placenta. This accumulation affected the growth and development of the embryo during the early and middle stages of pregnancy. Moreover, genotoxicity to the placenta after exposure to CdSe/ZnS QDs was demonstrated by the increased expression levels of genes related to oxidative stress and apoptosis and the reduced expression levels of genes related to the nutrient and waste transportation. Alterations in the gene expression levels have hindered the transport of metabolites across the placenta, which in turn affected the ability of the fetus to obtain nutrients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, China.,State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
| | - Fengxia Zheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, China.,State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
| | - Pengfei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
| | - Bolu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
| | | | - Fen Fu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Hengyi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
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13
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Kim H, Kim S, Seo J, Bae G, Kim K, Kang J. Effect of Single‐Dose, Oral Enzymatic Porcine Placental Extract on Pharmacokinetics of Alcohol and Liver Function in Rats. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2020; 44:1018-1024. [DOI: 10.1111/acer.14319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun‐Jin Kim
- From the Department of Pharmacology College of Medicine Hanyang University Seoul South Korea
| | - Semi Kim
- From the Department of Pharmacology College of Medicine Hanyang University Seoul South Korea
| | - Jin‐Sook Seo
- From the Department of Pharmacology College of Medicine Hanyang University Seoul South Korea
| | | | | | - Ju‐Seop Kang
- From the Department of Pharmacology College of Medicine Hanyang University Seoul South Korea
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14
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Mazurek D, Łoźna K, Bronkowska M. The concentration of selected elements in the placenta according to selected sociodemographic factors and their effect on birth mass and birth length of newborns. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2020; 58:126425. [PMID: 31735606 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2019.126425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The placenta is a remarkable organ which provides critical transport functions between the maternal and fetal circulations during pregnancy. The demand for mineral components increases during the gestational period, therefore, an appropriate intake of minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese, determines the correct growth and development of a fetus. The aim of the study was to assess the concentration of selected elements in the placenta, and to assess the impact of their concentrations on the birth weight and birth length of newborns. The second aim of the study was to assess the influence of selected sociodemographic factors on the concentration of elements in the placenta. RESULTS The study demonstrated that the age of mothers affected the concentration of Ca and Mn in the placenta, and their habit of tobacco smoking during the gestational period was associated with higher concentrations of Ca, P, K, Mg, Fe, Cu, and Cd in the placental tissue. The results also showed that concentrations of K, Fe, Zn, and Mn in the placental tissue affected birth length. Furthermore, the association was demonstrated between a higher Cd concentration in the placenta (≥ 0.0503 μg/g) and the birth anthropometric parameters of neonates. CONCLUSIONS Smoking during pregnancy and environment pollution are the factors that affects the concentration of elements in the placenta and contributes to their high accumulation in the placenta. Smoking during pregnancy causes an increased concentration of cadmium in the placenta which has negative health effects for the newborn. Women living in a big city or village had a higher concentration of cadmium in their placentas compared to women living in smaller cities. The significant influence of some elements (K, Fe, Zn, Cu and Cd) on the newborn's birth parameters was also demonstrated. The results of our research indicate the importance of the mother's lifestyle in providing the placenta with elements, which affects the growth of the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Mazurek
- Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, ul. Chełmońskiego 37, 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Karolina Łoźna
- Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, ul. Chełmońskiego 37, 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Monika Bronkowska
- Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, ul. Chełmońskiego 37, 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland
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15
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Rodrigues Simões AP, Cristina Maronezi M, Andres Ramirez Uscategui R, Garcia Kako Rodrigues M, Sitta Gomes Mariano R, Tavares de Almeida V, José Correia Santos V, Del Aguila da Silva P, Ricardo Russiano Vicente W, Antonio Rossi Feliciano M. Placental ARFI elastography and biometry evaluation in bitches. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 214:106289. [PMID: 32087915 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Placental rigidity and biometry of twelve pregnant bitches were evaluated using B-mode and Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) ultrasonography, performed once daily, from day 15 of gestation until parturition. Specific software (Virtual Touch Tissue Quantification® VTTQ and Virtual Touch Tissue Imaging Quantification® VTTIQ) were used. Values for results for variables were correlated and regression models related to gestational day were used to make evaluations. Maternal-fetal placental thickness increased to day 63 (P < 0.0001; R² = 0.91); maternal placental thickness increased until day 40 (P = 0.0340; R² = 0.54); and fetal placental thickness increased to day 50 (P < 0.0001; R² = 0.83) of gestation. Shear wave velocity (SWV) of the dorsal (P < 0.0010) was greater than lateral, which in turn was greater (P = 0.020) than the ventral area. The SWV of the dorsal area as determined using VTTQ, decreased from day 21-35 and increased to day 56 of gestation (P = 0.0291; R² = 0.4021); lateral SWV decreased from day 24-45 and increased until the time of parturition (P < 0.001; R² = 0.6055). The SWV of the dorsal area, as determined using VTTIQ, decreased from day 21-43 and then increased to day 60 of gestation (P = 0.0016; R² = 0.5075); and ventral area SWV increased from day 21-23 and decreased until the time of parturition (P < 0.001; R² = 0.8055). Placental alterations reflect structural and biochemical gestational adaptations and can become useful techniques for obstetrics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Rodrigues Simões
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Univ. Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Marjury Cristina Maronezi
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Univ. Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Mariana Garcia Kako Rodrigues
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Univ. Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata Sitta Gomes Mariano
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Univ. Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vivian Tavares de Almeida
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Univ. Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Victor José Correia Santos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Univ. Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Priscila Del Aguila da Silva
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Univ. Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wilter Ricardo Russiano Vicente
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Univ. Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcus Antonio Rossi Feliciano
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Univ. Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Large Animals Clinic and Surgery. Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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16
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Anosmin-1 activates vascular endothelial growth factor receptor and its related signaling pathway for olfactory bulb angiogenesis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:188. [PMID: 31932617 PMCID: PMC6957483 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-57040-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Anosmin-1 is a secreted glycoprotein encoded by the ANOS1 gene, and its loss of function causes Kallmann syndrome (KS), which is characterized by anosmia and hypogonadism due to olfactory bulb (OB) dysfunction. However, the physiological function of anosmin-1 remains to be elucidated. In KS, disordered angiogenesis is observed in OB, resulting in its hypoplasia. In this study, we examined the involvement of anosmin-1 in angiogenic processes. Anosmin-1 was detected on the vessel-like structure in OB of chick embryos, and promoted the outgrowth of vascular sprouts as shown by assays of OB tissue culture. Cell migration, proliferation, and tube formation of endothelial cells were induced by treatment with anosmin-1 as well as vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), and further enhanced by treatment with both of them. We newly identified that anosmin-1 activated VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR2) by binding directly to it, and its downstream signaling molecules, phospholipase Cγ1 (PLCγ1) and protein kinase C (PKC). These results suggest that anosmin-1 plays a key role in the angiogenesis of developing OB through the VEGFR2–PLCγ1–PKC axis by enhancing the VEGF function.
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17
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Abstract
The placenta, a hallmark of mammalian embryogenesis, allows nutrients to be exchanged between the mother and the fetus. Vitamin A (VA), an essential nutrient, cannot be synthesized by the embryo, and must be acquired from the maternal circulation through the placenta. Our understanding of how this transfer is accomplished is still in its infancy. In this chapter, we recapitulate the early studies about the relationship between maternal dietary/supplemental VA intake and fetal VA levels. We then describe how the discovery of retinol-binding protein (RBP or RBP4), the development of labeling and detection techniques, and the advent of knockout mice shifted this field from a macroscopic to a molecular level. The most recent data indicate that VA and its derivatives (retinoids) and the pro-VA carotenoid, β-carotene, are transferred across the placenta by distinct proteins, some of which overlap with proteins involved in lipoprotein uptake. The VA status and dietary intake of the mother influence the expression of these proteins, creating feedback signals that control the uptake of retinoids and that may also regulate the uptake of lipids, raising the intriguing possibility of crosstalk between micronutrient and macronutrient metabolism. Many questions remain about the temporal and spatial patterns by which these proteins are expressed and transferred throughout gestation. The answers to these questions are highly relevant to human health, considering that those with either limited or excessive intake of retinoids/carotenoids during pregnancy may be at risk of obtaining improper amounts of VA that ultimately impact the development and health of their offspring.
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18
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Tobita T, Kiyozumi D, Muto M, Noda T, Ikawa M. Lvrn expression is not critical for mouse placentation. J Reprod Dev 2019; 65:239-244. [PMID: 30745494 PMCID: PMC6584185 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2018-157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a systemic disease caused by abnormal placentation that affects both mother and fetus. It was reported that Laeverin (LVRN, also known as Aminopeptidase Q) was up-regulated in the placenta of preeclamptic patients. However, physiological and pathological functions of LVRN remained to be unknown. Here we characterized Lvrn function during placentation in mice. RT-PCR showed that Lvrn is expressed in both fetus and placenta during embryogenesis, and several adult tissues. When we overexpressed Lvrn in a placenta-specific manner using lentiviral vectors, we did not see any defects in both placentae and fetuses. The mice carrying Lvrn overexpressing placentas did not show any preeclampsia-like symptoms such as maternal high blood pressure and fetal growth restriction. We next ablated Lvrn by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing to see physiological function. In Lvrn ablated mice, maternal blood pressure during pregnancy was not affected, and both placentas and fetuses grew normally. Collectively, these results suggest that, LVRN is irrelevant to preeclampsia and dispensable for normal placentation and embryonic development in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Tobita
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Daiji Kiyozumi
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masanaga Muto
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Taichi Noda
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
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19
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Meesters M, Opsomer G, Govaere J. Macroscopic evaluation of the placenta of the alpaca (Vicugna pacos). Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 54:996-1002. [PMID: 31059204 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Macroscopic evaluation of the placenta is an essential post-partum examination in the alpaca and can be of special interest in case of abortion, premature birth or stillbirth. Since there are not many reference values regarding macroscopic properties of normal alpaca placentas, a small descriptive study was conducted. Only placentae from normally foaling alpaca mares, giving birth to healthy crias, after a full-term and uneventful gestation (±350 days; range 335-360 days) were taken into account (N = 11). Crias weighed (±SD) 7.7 ± 2.25 kg (range 5.5-10 kg), while the mean weight of the full-term placentas was 0.8 ± 0.19 kg, that is 10% of the bodyweight of the crias. The weight of the allantoamnion and chorion was 0.2 ± 0.07 kg and 0.5 ± 0.13 kg, respectively. The umbilical cord length was 8.8 ± 2.84 cm, and the length of the pregnant and non-pregnant uterine horns was 69.4 ± 12.77 cm and 54.5 ± 6.81 cm, respectively. The length of the corpus was 14.6 ± 4.68 cm, and the distance from the umbilicus to the corpus was 18.5 ± 6.13 cm. The tissue volume of the allantoamnion was 0.14 ± 0.079 L, and the chorionic volume was 0.37 ± 0.078 L. The surface area of the allantoamnion and the chorion was 87.6 ± 15.56 dm2 and 72.3 ± 9.28 dm2 , respectively. All placentas had small calcifications either around the umbilical cord alone or around the umbilicus and blood vessels of the pregnant uterine horn. These measurements could be used to macroscopically evaluate alpaca placentas, although more research is needed to extend our knowledge of macroscopic evaluation of normal and abnormal placentas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Meesters
- Faculty Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Geert Opsomer
- Faculty Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Jan Govaere
- Faculty Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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20
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A molecular mechanism of mouse placental spongiotrophoblast differentiation regulated by prolyl oligopeptidase. ZYGOTE 2019; 27:49-53. [PMID: 30714556 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199418000655] [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: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
SummaryIn eutherian mammals, the placenta plays a critical role in embryo development by supplying nutrients and hormones and mediating interaction with the mother. To establish the fine connection between mother and embryo, the placenta needs to be formed normally, but the mechanism of placental differentiation is not fully understood. We previously revealed that mouse prolyl oligopeptidase (POP) plays a role in trophoblast stem cell (TSC) differentiation into two placental cell types, spongiotrophoblasts (SpT) and trophoblast giant cells. Here, we focused on SpT differentiation and attempted to elucidate a molecular mechanism. For Ascl2, Arnt, and Egfr genes that are indispensable for SpT formation, we found that a POP-specific inhibitor, SUAM-14746, significantly decreased Ascl2 expression, which was consistent with a significant decrease in expression of Flt1, a gene downstream of Ascl2. Although this downregulation was unlikely to be mediated by the PI3K-Akt pathway, our results indicated that POP controls TSC differentiation into SpT by regulating the Ascl2 gene.
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21
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Wong FT, Lin C, Cox BJ. Cellular systems biology identifies dynamic trophoblast populations in early human placentas. Placenta 2019; 76:10-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2018.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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22
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Romero R, Kim YM, Pacora P, Kim CJ, Benshalom-Tirosh N, Jaiman S, Bhatti G, Kim JS, Qureshi F, Jacques SM, Jung EJ, Yeo L, Panaitescu B, Maymon E, Hassan SS, Hsu CD, Erez O. The frequency and type of placental histologic lesions in term pregnancies with normal outcome. J Perinat Med 2018; 46:613-630. [PMID: 30044764 PMCID: PMC6174692 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2018-0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective To determine the frequency and type of histopathologic lesions in placentas delivered by women with a normal pregnancy outcome. Methods This retrospective cohort study included placental samples from 944 women with a singleton gestation who delivered at term without obstetrical complications. Placental lesions were classified into the following four categories as defined by the Society for Pediatric Pathology and by our unit: (1) acute placental inflammation, (2) chronic placental inflammation, (3) maternal vascular malperfusion and (4) fetal vascular malperfusion. Results (1) Seventy-eight percent of the placentas had lesions consistent with inflammatory or vascular lesions; (2) acute inflammatory lesions were the most prevalent, observed in 42.3% of the placentas, but only 1.0% of the lesions were severe; (3) acute inflammatory lesions were more common in the placentas of women with labor than in those without labor; (4) chronic inflammatory lesions of the placenta were present in 29.9%; and (5) maternal and fetal vascular lesions of malperfusion were detected in 35.7% and 19.7%, respectively. Two or more lesions with maternal or fetal vascular features consistent with malperfusion (high-burden lesions) were present in 7.4% and 0.7%, respectively. Conclusion Most placentas had lesions consistent with inflammatory or vascular lesions, but severe and/or high-burden lesions were infrequent. Mild placental lesions may be interpreted either as acute changes associated with parturition or as representative of a subclinical pathological process (intra-amniotic infection or sterile intra-amniotic inflammation) that did not affect the clinical course of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan USA
| | - Yeon Mee Kim
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan USA
- Department of Pathology, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Percy Pacora
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan USA
| | - Chong Jai Kim
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Neta Benshalom-Tirosh
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan USA
| | - Sunil Jaiman
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan USA
- Department of Pathology, Hutzel Women’s Hospital, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan USA
| | - Gaurav Bhatti
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan USA
| | - Jung-Sun Kim
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan USA
- Department of Pathology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Faisal Qureshi
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan USA
- Department of Pathology, Hutzel Women’s Hospital, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan USA
| | - Suzanne M. Jacques
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan USA
- Department of Pathology, Hutzel Women’s Hospital, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan USA
| | - Eun Jung Jung
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan USA
| | - Lami Yeo
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan USA
| | - Bogdan Panaitescu
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan USA
| | - Eli Maymon
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel
| | - Sonia S. Hassan
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan USA
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan USA
| | - Chaur-Dong Hsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan USA
| | - Offer Erez
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel
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23
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Ray JG, Huang T, Meschino WS, Cohen E, Park AL. Prenatal biochemical screening and long term risk of maternal cardiovascular disease: population based cohort study. BMJ 2018; 362:k2739. [PMID: 29997198 PMCID: PMC6039827 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.k2739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine whether abnormal prenatal biochemical screening results are associated with an increased risk of premature cardiovascular disease after pregnancy. DESIGN Population based cohort study. SETTING The entire province of Ontario, Canada, where healthcare is universally available. PARTICIPANTS Women aged 12-55 years, without pre-existing cardiovascular disease, who underwent prenatal screening between 1993 and 2011. One pregnancy per woman was randomly selected. EXPOSURES Low (≤5th centile multiple of the median) serum total chorionic gonadotropin, unconjugated estriol, and pregnancy associated plasma protein A and high (≥95th centile multiple of the median) alphafetoprotein and dimeric inhibin-A. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Composite of hospital admission or revascularisation for coronary artery, cerebrovascular, or peripheral arterial disease or hospital admission for heart failure or dysrhythmia at least 365 days after pregnancy. RESULTS Among 855 536 pregnancies, and after a median of 11.4 (interquartile range 6.8-17.5) years of follow-up, 6209 women developed the main cardiovascular disease outcome. Abnormal results for each of the five prenatal biochemical screening analytes, especially dimeric inhibin-A, were associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Women with an abnormally high dimeric inhibin-A (≥95th centile) had the highest rate of cardiovascular disease (30 events or 8.3 per 10 000 person years versus 251 events or 3.8 per 10 000 person years for those <95th centile; multivariable adjusted hazard ratio 2.0, 95% confidence interval 1.4 to 3.0). Compared with women without any abnormal biochemical measure, the hazard ratio for the cardiovascular disease composite outcome was 1.2-1.3 times higher with one abnormal analyte and 1.5-2.0 times higher with two or more abnormal analytes. CONCLUSIONS Women with abnormal prenatal biochemical screening results, especially for dimeric inhibin-A, may be at higher risk of cardiovascular disease. If these findings are replicated elsewhere, a massive amount of data exists that could aid in identifying women at higher risk of premature cardiovascular disease and that could be conveyed to them or their healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel G Ray
- Departments of Medicine, Health Policy Management and Evaluation, and Obstetrics and Gynecology, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5B 1W8
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tianhua Huang
- Genetics Program, North York General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Wendy S Meschino
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eyal Cohen
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alison L Park
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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24
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Tobita T, Kiyozumi D, Ikawa M. Placenta-specific gene manipulation using lentiviral vector and its application. Placenta 2017; 59 Suppl 1:S37-S43. [PMID: 28988726 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2017.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The placenta is an essential organ for embryo development in the uterus of eutherian mammals. Large contributions in unveiling molecular mechanisms and physiological functions underlying placental formation were made by analyzing mutant and transgenic animals. However, it had been difficult to elucidate whether the placental defects observed in such animals originate from the placenta itself or from the fetus, as both placental and fetal genomes are modified. Therefore strategies to modify the placental genome without affecting the "fetal genome" had been needed. Through the ingenious use of lentiviral (LV) vectors, placenta-specific modification is now possible. Lentivirus is a genus of retroviruses that use reverse-transcriptase to convert its single-strand RNA genome to double-strand DNA and integrate into the host genome. Previous studies showed that when LV vectors were used to transduce embryos at the 2-cell stage, the viral genome is systemically introduced into host genome. Interestingly, by delaying the timing of transduction to the blastocyst stage, the transgene is expressed specifically in the placenta as a consequence of trophectoderm-specific viral transduction. This review summarizes the development of the LV vector-mediated placenta-specific gene manipulation technology and its application in placental research over the past decade. A perspective for future application of LV vectors to further placenta research, especially in combination with next generation genome editing technologies, is also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Tobita
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan; Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Daiji Kiyozumi
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan; Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
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Guernsey MW, Chuong EB, Cornelis G, Renfree MB, Baker JC. Molecular conservation of marsupial and eutherian placentation and lactation. eLife 2017; 6. [PMID: 28895534 PMCID: PMC5595433 DOI: 10.7554/elife.27450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Eutherians are often mistakenly termed 'placental mammals', but marsupials also have a placenta to mediate early embryonic development. Lactation is necessary for both infant and fetal development in eutherians and marsupials, although marsupials have a far more complex milk repertoire that facilitates morphogenesis of developmentally immature young. In this study, we demonstrate that the anatomically simple tammar placenta expresses a dynamic molecular program that is reminiscent of eutherian placentation, including both fetal and maternal signals. Further, we provide evidence that genes facilitating fetal development and nutrient transport display convergent co-option by placental and mammary gland cell types to optimize offspring success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W Guernsey
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Edward B Chuong
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Guillaume Cornelis
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Marilyn B Renfree
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Julie C Baker
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
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26
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Ismail AM, Abbas AM, Bakry AK, Abu-Elhassan AM, Mohamed AO, Badr G, Youssef MA. Expression of ERK and Akt proteins in women with unexplained first-trimester recurrent miscarriage. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mefs.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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27
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Kinoshita K, Sano Y, Takai A, Shimizu M, Kobayashi T, Ouchi A, Kuze N, Inoue-Murayama M, Idani G, Okamoto M, Ozaki Y. Urinary sex steroid hormone and placental leucine aminopeptidase concentration differences between live births and stillbirth of Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus). J Med Primatol 2016; 46:3-8. [DOI: 10.1111/jmp.12249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yusuke Sano
- Osaka Municipal Tennoji Zoological Gardens; Osaka Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Noko Kuze
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science; Chiyoda Japan
- National Museum of Nature and Science; Tsukuba Japan
| | - Miho Inoue-Murayama
- Wildlife Research Center; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
- National Institute for Environmental Studies; Tsukuba Japan
| | | | | | - Yasuhiko Ozaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Graduate School of Medical Sciences; Nagoya City University; Nagoya Japan
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Selesniemi K, Albers RE, Brown TL. Id2 Mediates Differentiation of Labyrinthine Placental Progenitor Cell Line, SM10. Stem Cells Dev 2016; 25:959-74. [PMID: 27168216 PMCID: PMC4931356 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2016.0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is an organ that is formed transiently during pregnancy, and appropriate placental development is necessary for fetal survival and growth. Proper differentiation of the labyrinthine layer of the placenta is especially crucial, as it establishes the fetal-maternal interface that is involved in physiological exchange processes. Although previous studies have indicated the importance of inhibitor of differentiation/inhibitor of DNA binding-2 (Id2) helix-loop-helix transcriptional regulator in mediating cell differentiation, the ability of Id2 to regulate differentiation toward the labyrinthine (transport) lineage of the placenta has yet to be determined. In the current study, we have generated labyrinthine trophoblast progenitor cells with increased (SM10-Id2) or decreased (SM10-Id2-shRNA) Id2 expression and determined the effect on TGF-β-induced differentiation. Our Id2 overexpression and knockdown analyses indicate that Id2 mediates TGF-β-induced morphological differentiation of labyrinthine trophoblast cells, as Id2 overexpression prevents differentiation and Id2 knockdown results in differentiation. Thus, our data indicate that Id2 is an important molecular mediator of labyrinthine trophoblast differentiation. An understanding of the regulators of trophoblast progenitor differentiation toward the labyrinthine lineage may offer insights into events governing pregnancy-associated disorders, such as placental insufficiency, fetal growth restriction, and preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaisa Selesniemi
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine , Dayton, Ohio
| | - Renee E Albers
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine , Dayton, Ohio
| | - Thomas L Brown
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine , Dayton, Ohio
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29
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Motta IS, Volpato GT, Damasceno DC, Sinzato YK, Vesentini G, Rudge CVC, Calderon IMP, Kempinas WDG, Odland JØ, Rudge MVC. Contamination index. A novel parameter for metal and pesticide analyses in maternal blood and umbilical cord. Acta Cir Bras 2016; 31:490-7. [DOI: 10.1590/s0102-865020160070000010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Xu J, Sivasubramaniyam T, Yinon Y, Tagliaferro A, Ray J, Nevo O, Post M, Caniggia I. Aberrant TGFβ Signaling Contributes to Altered Trophoblast Differentiation in Preeclampsia. Endocrinology 2016; 157:883-99. [PMID: 26653761 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
TGFβ has been implicated in preeclampsia, but its intracellular signaling via phosphorylated mothers against decapentaplegic (SMADs) and SMAD-independent proteins in the placenta remains elusive. Here we show that TGFβ receptor-regulated SMAD2 was activated (Ser(465/467) phosphorylation) in syncytiotrophoblast and proliferating extravillous trophoblast cells of first-trimester placenta, whereas inhibitory SMAD7 located primarily to cytotrophoblast cells. SMAD2 phosphorylation decreased with advancing gestation, whereas SMAD7 expression increased and shifted to syncytiotrophoblasts toward term. Additionally, we found that the TGFβ SMAD-independent signaling via partitioning defective protein 6 (PARD6)/Smad ubiquitylation regulatory factor was activated at approximately 10-12 weeks of gestation in cytotrophoblast and extravillous trophoblast cells comprising the anchoring column. Placentae from early-onset, but not late-onset, preeclampsia exhibited elevated SMAD2 phosphorylation and SMAD7 levels. Whereas PARD6 expression increased and SMURF1 levels decreased in preeclamptic placentae, their association increased. SMAD2 phosphorylation by TGFβ in villous explants and BeWo cells resulted in a reduction of Glial cell missing-1 (GCM1) and fusogenic protein syncytin-1 while increasing cell cycle regulators cyclin E-1 (CCNE1) and cyclin-dependent kinase 4. SMAD7 abrogated the proliferative effects of TGFβ. CCNE1 levels were increased in preeclamptic placentae, whereas GCM1 was markedly reduced. In addition, TGFβ treatment increased the association of PARD6 and SMURF1 and down-regulated Ras homolog gene family, member A (RHOA) GTPase in JEG3 cells. In a wound assay, TGFβ treatment increased the association of PARD6 and SMURF1 and triggered JEG3 cell migration through increased cellular protrusions. Taken together, our data indicate that TGFβ signaling via both SMAD2/7 and PARD6/SMURF1 pathways plays a role in trophoblast growth and differentiation. Altered SMAD regulation of GCM1 and CCNE1 and aberrant expression/activation of PARD6/SMURF1 may contribute to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia by affecting cellular pathways associated with this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xu
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute (J.X., T.S., A.T., J.R., I.C.), Mt Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 3H7; Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Y.Y., O.N., I.C.), Physiology (T.S., J.R., M.P., I.C.), and Pediatrics (M.P.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and Institute of Medical Science (M.P.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8
| | - Tharini Sivasubramaniyam
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute (J.X., T.S., A.T., J.R., I.C.), Mt Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 3H7; Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Y.Y., O.N., I.C.), Physiology (T.S., J.R., M.P., I.C.), and Pediatrics (M.P.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and Institute of Medical Science (M.P.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8
| | - Yoav Yinon
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute (J.X., T.S., A.T., J.R., I.C.), Mt Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 3H7; Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Y.Y., O.N., I.C.), Physiology (T.S., J.R., M.P., I.C.), and Pediatrics (M.P.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and Institute of Medical Science (M.P.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8
| | - Andrea Tagliaferro
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute (J.X., T.S., A.T., J.R., I.C.), Mt Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 3H7; Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Y.Y., O.N., I.C.), Physiology (T.S., J.R., M.P., I.C.), and Pediatrics (M.P.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and Institute of Medical Science (M.P.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8
| | - Jocelyn Ray
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute (J.X., T.S., A.T., J.R., I.C.), Mt Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 3H7; Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Y.Y., O.N., I.C.), Physiology (T.S., J.R., M.P., I.C.), and Pediatrics (M.P.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and Institute of Medical Science (M.P.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8
| | - Ori Nevo
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute (J.X., T.S., A.T., J.R., I.C.), Mt Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 3H7; Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Y.Y., O.N., I.C.), Physiology (T.S., J.R., M.P., I.C.), and Pediatrics (M.P.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and Institute of Medical Science (M.P.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8
| | - Martin Post
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute (J.X., T.S., A.T., J.R., I.C.), Mt Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 3H7; Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Y.Y., O.N., I.C.), Physiology (T.S., J.R., M.P., I.C.), and Pediatrics (M.P.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and Institute of Medical Science (M.P.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8
| | - Isabella Caniggia
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute (J.X., T.S., A.T., J.R., I.C.), Mt Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 3H7; Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Y.Y., O.N., I.C.), Physiology (T.S., J.R., M.P., I.C.), and Pediatrics (M.P.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and Institute of Medical Science (M.P.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8
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31
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Bosco C, Díaz E. Presence of Telocytes in a Non-innervated Organ: The Placenta. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 913:149-161. [PMID: 27796886 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-1061-3_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
This chapter discusses the relationship between failure in placentation and the subsequent alterations in the normal structure of the placenta. Interstitial Cajal-like cells (ICLC) were observed for the first time in the human placenta in 2007 and later were named telocytes. Strong evidence confirms that in the placental chorionic villi, TC are located strategically between the smooth muscle cells (SMC) of the fetal blood vessel wall and the stromal myofibroblasts. As the placenta is a non-innervated organ and considering the strategic position of telocytes in chorionic villi, it has been postulated that their function would be related to signal transduction mechanisms involved in the regulation of the blood flow in the fetal vessels, as well as in the shortening/lengthening of the chorionic villi providing the necessary rhythmicity to the process of maternal/fetal metabolic exchange. In this context, telocytes represent part of a functional triad: "SMC of fetal blood vessel-telocyte-myofibroblast." This triad takes part in the regulation of fetal growth and development via transport of nutrients and gases. This chapter also discusses the alterations in the metabolic maternal-fetal exchange, leading to intrauterine growth retardation and preeclampsia. Additionally, the apoptosis undergoing in the preeclamptic hypoxic placenta affects all the chorionic villi cells, including telocytes and myofibroblast, and not only trophoblast, as it has been so far considered. In consequence, we proposed that apoptosis affects the triad structure and alters the placental function, subsequently affecting the normal fetal growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cleofina Bosco
- Laboratorio de Placenta y Desarrollo Fetal, Anatomy and Developmental Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Independencia 1027, Casilla, Santiago 7, 70079, Chile.
| | - Eugenia Díaz
- Anatomy and Developmental Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
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32
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Hirbo J, Eidem H, Rokas A, Abbot P. Integrating Diverse Types of Genomic Data to Identify Genes that Underlie Adverse Pregnancy Phenotypes. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0144155. [PMID: 26641094 PMCID: PMC4671692 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Progress in understanding complex genetic diseases has been bolstered by synthetic approaches that overlay diverse data types and analyses to identify functionally important genes. Pre-term birth (PTB), a major complication of pregnancy, is a leading cause of infant mortality worldwide. A major obstacle in addressing PTB is that the mechanisms controlling parturition and birth timing remain poorly understood. Integrative approaches that overlay datasets derived from comparative genomics with function-derived ones have potential to advance our understanding of the genetics of birth timing, and thus provide insights into the genes that may contribute to PTB. We intersected data from fast evolving coding and non-coding gene regions in the human and primate lineage with data from genes expressed in the placenta, from genes that show enriched expression only in the placenta, as well as from genes that are differentially expressed in four distinct PTB clinical subtypes. A large fraction of genes that are expressed in placenta, and differentially expressed in PTB clinical subtypes (23–34%) are fast evolving, and are associated with functions that include adhesion neurodevelopmental and immune processes. Functional categories of genes that express fast evolution in coding regions differ from those linked to fast evolution in non-coding regions. Finally, there is a surprising lack of overlap between fast evolving genes that are differentially expressed in four PTB clinical subtypes. Integrative approaches, especially those that incorporate evolutionary perspectives, can be successful in identifying potential genetic contributions to complex genetic diseases, such as PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jibril Hirbo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Box 35164 Station B, Nashville, TN, 37235–1634, United States of America
| | - Haley Eidem
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Box 35164 Station B, Nashville, TN, 37235–1634, United States of America
| | - Antonis Rokas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Box 35164 Station B, Nashville, TN, 37235–1634, United States of America
| | - Patrick Abbot
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Box 35164 Station B, Nashville, TN, 37235–1634, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Peng J, Fullerton PT, Monsivais D, Clementi C, Su GH, Matzuk MM. Uterine Activin-Like Kinase 4 Regulates Trophoblast Development During Mouse Placentation. Mol Endocrinol 2015; 29:1684-93. [PMID: 26484579 DOI: 10.1210/me.2015-1048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is the first organ to develop after fertilization. It forms an interface between the maternal uterus and growing fetus to allow nutrient uptake, waste elimination, and gas exchange for a successful pregnancy in both mice and humans. In the past 2 decades, in vivo and in vitro approaches have been used to show that several members of the TGF-β superfamily regulate embryo implantation and placental development. Nodal, a TGF-β superfamily ligand, is essential for mesendoderm formation and left-right axis patterning during embryogenesis, and Nodal null mutants exhibit abnormal placental organization with expansion of trophoblast giant cells and a decrease of spongiotrophoblast and labyrinth. To better understand the importance of Nodal signaling in the uterus, we established a mouse model to conditionally ablate activin-like kinase 4 (ALK4; the Nodal type 1 receptor) using Cre recombinase driven by the progesterone receptor promoter sequences (Pgr-Cre). Alk4 conditional knockout females are subfertile due to placental abnormalities and fetal loss in pregnancy, with a placental disorganization phenotype similar to what is observed in Nodal null mice. Thus, Nodal likely functions as an indirect regulator of placental development by binding to type 1 and type 2 receptors on maternal decidual cells to stimulate expression of unknown regulators of placental development. Our findings not only describe the generation of a mouse model that enables study of Nodal signaling in placentation but also provides insights into the pathogenesis of pregnancy complications in humans, including spontaneous abortion, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, and preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Peng
- Departments of Pathology and Immunology (J.P., P.T.F., D.M., M.M.M.), Molecular and Human Genetics (J.P., P.T.F., M.M.M.), Molecular and Cellular Biology (M.M.M.), and Pharmacology (M.M.M.), Centers for Reproductive Medicine (M.M.M.) and Drug Discovery (P.T.F., D.M., M.M.M.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030; Department of Pathology (C.C.), New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016; and Departments of Pathology (G.H.S.) and Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery (G.H.S.), Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032
| | - Paul T Fullerton
- Departments of Pathology and Immunology (J.P., P.T.F., D.M., M.M.M.), Molecular and Human Genetics (J.P., P.T.F., M.M.M.), Molecular and Cellular Biology (M.M.M.), and Pharmacology (M.M.M.), Centers for Reproductive Medicine (M.M.M.) and Drug Discovery (P.T.F., D.M., M.M.M.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030; Department of Pathology (C.C.), New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016; and Departments of Pathology (G.H.S.) and Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery (G.H.S.), Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032
| | - Diana Monsivais
- Departments of Pathology and Immunology (J.P., P.T.F., D.M., M.M.M.), Molecular and Human Genetics (J.P., P.T.F., M.M.M.), Molecular and Cellular Biology (M.M.M.), and Pharmacology (M.M.M.), Centers for Reproductive Medicine (M.M.M.) and Drug Discovery (P.T.F., D.M., M.M.M.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030; Department of Pathology (C.C.), New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016; and Departments of Pathology (G.H.S.) and Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery (G.H.S.), Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032
| | - Caterina Clementi
- Departments of Pathology and Immunology (J.P., P.T.F., D.M., M.M.M.), Molecular and Human Genetics (J.P., P.T.F., M.M.M.), Molecular and Cellular Biology (M.M.M.), and Pharmacology (M.M.M.), Centers for Reproductive Medicine (M.M.M.) and Drug Discovery (P.T.F., D.M., M.M.M.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030; Department of Pathology (C.C.), New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016; and Departments of Pathology (G.H.S.) and Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery (G.H.S.), Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032
| | - Gloria H Su
- Departments of Pathology and Immunology (J.P., P.T.F., D.M., M.M.M.), Molecular and Human Genetics (J.P., P.T.F., M.M.M.), Molecular and Cellular Biology (M.M.M.), and Pharmacology (M.M.M.), Centers for Reproductive Medicine (M.M.M.) and Drug Discovery (P.T.F., D.M., M.M.M.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030; Department of Pathology (C.C.), New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016; and Departments of Pathology (G.H.S.) and Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery (G.H.S.), Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032
| | - Martin M Matzuk
- Departments of Pathology and Immunology (J.P., P.T.F., D.M., M.M.M.), Molecular and Human Genetics (J.P., P.T.F., M.M.M.), Molecular and Cellular Biology (M.M.M.), and Pharmacology (M.M.M.), Centers for Reproductive Medicine (M.M.M.) and Drug Discovery (P.T.F., D.M., M.M.M.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030; Department of Pathology (C.C.), New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016; and Departments of Pathology (G.H.S.) and Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery (G.H.S.), Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032
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Do the Levels of Maternal Plasma Trace Elements Affect Fetal Nuchal Translucency Thickness? PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138145. [PMID: 26367380 PMCID: PMC4569564 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fetal nuchal translucency (NT) thickness is an important marker for prenatal screening; however, studies focusing on the correlation between maternal trace element levels and NT thickness are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate maternal trace element levels during the first trimester and to investigate the association between maternal trace element levels and fetal NT thickness. METHODS In total, 113 samples were obtained from singleton pregnant women. Maternal plasma samples were collected in the first trimester of gestation. Plasma trace element levels were measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Nuchal translucency thickness was measured using ultrasonography at 10-14 weeks of gestation. RESULTS We found that maternal plasma potassium (K) levels had a significant negative correlation with both NT (r = -0.230, p < 0.05) and NT Multiples of the Median (NT MoM) (r = -0.206, p < 0.05). After adjustment for potential confounders, log-transformed maternal plasma potassium levels in the first trimester were significantly associated with fetal NT (NT MoM: β = -0.68, p < 0.05; NT: β = -1.20, p < 0.01). Although not statistically significant, the As, Hg and Pb levels in maternal plasma were positively correlated with NT, and the Mg, Cu, Zn, Na and Ca levels were negatively correlated with NT. CONCLUSION Maternal plasma K levels during the first trimester appeared to be associated with NT thickness. The essential elements tended to decrease NT thickness, and non-essential elements tended to increase it.
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Briffa JF, McAinch AJ, Romano T, Wlodek ME, Hryciw DH. Leptin in pregnancy and development: a contributor to adulthood disease? Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2015; 308:E335-50. [PMID: 25516549 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00312.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Emerging research has highlighted the importance of leptin in fetal growth and development independent of its essential role in the maintenance of hunger and satiety through the modulation of neuropeptide Y and proopiomelanocortin neurons. Alterations in maternal-placental-fetal leptin exchange may modify the development of the fetus and contribute to the increased risk of developing disease in adulthood. In addition, leptin also plays an important role in reproductive functions, with plasma leptin concentrations rising in pregnant women, peaking during the third trimester. Elevated plasma leptin concentrations occur at the completion of organogenesis, and research in animal models has demonstrated that leptin is involved in the development and maturation of a number of organs, including the heart, brain, kidneys, and pancreas. Elevated maternal plasma leptin is associated with maternal obesity, and reduced fetal plasma leptin is correlated with intrauterine growth restriction. Alterations in plasma leptin during development may be associated with an increased risk of developing a number of adulthood diseases, including cardiovascular, metabolic, and renal diseases via altered fetal development and organogenesis. Importantly, research has shown that leptin antagonism after birth significantly reduces maturation of numerous organs. Conversely, restoration of the leptin deficiency after birth in growth-restricted animals restores the offspring's body weight and improves organogenesis. Therefore, leptin appears to play a major role in organogenesis, which may adversely affect the risk of developing a number of diseases in adulthood. Therefore, greater understanding of the role of leptin during development may assist in the prevention and treatment of a number of disease states that occur in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica F Briffa
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Andrew J McAinch
- Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, St. Albans, Australia; and
| | - Tania Romano
- Department of Human Biosciences, Latrobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Mary E Wlodek
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Deanne H Hryciw
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia;
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Al-Gubory KH, Krawiec A, Grange S, Faure P, Garrel C. Abortion-prone mating influences placental antioxidant status and adversely affects placental and foetal development. Free Radic Res 2014; 48:1505-13. [PMID: 25263566 DOI: 10.3109/10715762.2014.967690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is associated with decreased female fertility and adversely affects prenatal development. Mammalian cells have developed a network of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defence systems to prevent oxidative stress. Little attention has been paid to the antioxidative pathways in placentas of normal and disturbed pregnancies, leaving a gap in our knowledge about the role of antioxidants in the control of foeto-placental development. The challenges in studying early human pregnancy can partly be overcome by designing animal models of abnormal pregnancy. We aimed to determine whether the antioxidant status of placentas from the CBA/J × DBA/2 abortion-prone pregnant mice differed from that of normal pregnant mice. The foetal/placental weight ratio was lower in abortion-prone matings compared with that in non-abortion-prone matings. The increased placental malondialdehyde (MDA) content, the end products of lipid peroxidation, with concomitants alterations in placental antioxidants, namely copper-zinc containing superoxide dismutase (SOD1), manganese containing (SOD2), glutathione peroxidases (GPX), glutathione reductase (GR) and catalase (CAT) activities may be involved in placental and foetal growth restriction. We show that placental oxidative stress is linked with poor prenatal development and pregnancy losses in CBA/J × DBA/2 mice matings. This animal model may be useful in the evaluation of nutritional antioxidant therapies for oxidative stress and associated prenatal developmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- K H Al-Gubory
- INRA, UMR1198 Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Département de Physiologie Animale et Systèmes d'Elevage , Jouy-en-Josas , France
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Saben J, Kang P, Zhong Y, Thakali KM, Gomez-Acevedo H, Borengasser SJ, Andres A, Badger TM, Shankar K. RNA-seq analysis of the rat placentation site reveals maternal obesity-associated changes in placental and offspring thyroid hormone signaling. Placenta 2014; 35:1013-20. [PMID: 25449029 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2014.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Revised: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In animal models, maternal obesity (OB) leads to augmented risk of offspring OB. While placental function is influenced by maternal habitus, the effect of maternal obesity on the interacting zones of the placenta [the labyrinth (LZ), junctional (JZ) and metrial gland (MG)] remains unknown. METHODS Using a rat maternal obesity model, we conducted transcriptomic profiling of the utero-placental compartments and fetal liver (FL) at dpc 18.5, in conjunction with analyses of mRNA expression of key thyroid hormone (TH) signaling genes in the placenta, fetus and weanling offspring. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Gene expression analysis of placenta and offspring revealed that each utero-placental compartment responds distinctly to maternal OB with changes in inflammatory signaling, lipid metabolism and hormone stimulus being the predominant effects. OB-induced alterations in 17 genes were confirmed by qPCR, including reductions in thyrotropin-releasing hormone (Trh) in JZ. We further characterized mRNA and protein expression of TH signaling regulators including deiodinases (Dio), TH receptors (Tr), and downstream targets (uncoupling proteins (Ucp)). A concerted down-regulation of multiple facets of thyroid hormone signaling in the JZ and FL was observed. JZ expression of thyroid hormone signaling components Trh, Dio2, Trα, and Ucp2 were negatively associated with maternal leptin. mRNA expression of TRH, TRβ and UCP1 were also decreased in term placenta from OB women. Finally, our studies identified persistent impairments in expression of TH related genes in tissues from offspring of obese dams. CONCLUSIONS The role of lower placental thyroid expression is worthy of further study as a possible pathway that leads to low energy metabolism and obesity in animals born to obese mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Saben
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - P Kang
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Y Zhong
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - K M Thakali
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - H Gomez-Acevedo
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - S J Borengasser
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - A Andres
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - T M Badger
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - K Shankar
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
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Gharesi-Fard B, Zolghadri J, Kamali-Sarvestani E. Proteome differences in the first- and third-trimester human placentas. Reprod Sci 2014; 22:462-8. [PMID: 25201741 DOI: 10.1177/1933719114549857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Placenta is a transient and unique pregnancy tissue that supports the fetus nutritionally and metabolically. Expression of the unique placental proteins in different stages may influence the development of the fetus as well as the pregnancy outcome. The present study aimed to compare the total placental proteome differences between the normal first- and third-trimester human placentas. In the current study, placental proteome was compared between normal first- and third-trimester placentas using 2-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis method for separation and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of flight mass spectrometry technique for identification of the proteins. Despite the overall similarities, comparison of the mean intensity of the protein spots between the first- and third-trimester placental proteomes revealed that 22 spots were differentially expressed (P < .05) among which 11 distinct spots were successfully identified. Of the 11 differentially expressed proteins, 4 were increased (protein disulfide isomerase, tropomyosin 4 isoform 2, enolase 1, and 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein), while the remaining 7 (actin γ1 propeptide, heat shock protein gp96, α1-antitrypsin, EF-hand domain family member D1, tubulin α1, glutathione S-transferase, and vitamin D binding protein) showed decreased expression in the placentas from the first-trimester compared to the full-term ones. In summary, the results of the present study as the first research on the comparison of the first- and third-trimester human placental proteomes introduced a group of 11 proteins with altered expression. Interestingly, some of these proteins are reported to be altered in pregnancy-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behrouz Gharesi-Fard
- Department of Immunology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Proteomics Laboratory, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Jaleh Zolghadri
- Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Eskandar Kamali-Sarvestani
- Department of Immunology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Proteomics Laboratory, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz, Iran Autoimmune Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Ding H, Zhang Y, Liu L, Yuan H, Qu J, Shen R. Activation of Peroxisome Proliferator Activator Receptor Delta in Mouse Impacts Lipid Composition and Placental Development at Early Stage of Gestation1. Biol Reprod 2014; 91:57. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.116772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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Carey EAK, Albers RE, Doliboa SR, Hughes M, Wyatt CN, Natale DRC, Brown TL. AMPK knockdown in placental trophoblast cells results in altered morphology and function. Stem Cells Dev 2014; 23:2921-30. [PMID: 25003940 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2014.0092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a transient organ that develops upon the initiation of pregnancy and is essential for embryonic development and fetal survival. The rodent placenta consists of distinct lineages and includes cell types that are analogous to those that make up the human placenta. Trophoblast cells within the labyrinth layer, which lies closest to the fetus, fuse and come in contact with maternal blood, thus facilitating nutrient and waste exchange between the mother and the baby. Abnormalities of the placenta may occur as a result of cellular stress and have been associated with pregnancy-associated disorders: such as preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, and placental insufficiency. Cellular stress has also been shown to alter proliferation and differentiation rates of trophoblast cells. This stress response is important for cell survival and ensures continued placental functionality. AMP-activated protein kinase is an important sensor of cellular metabolism and stress. To study the role of AMPK in the trophoblast cells, we used RNA interference to simultaneously knockdown levels of both the AMPK alpha isoforms, AMPKα1 and AMPKα2. SM10 trophoblast progenitor cells were transduced with AMPKα1/2 shRNA and stable clones were established to analyze the effects of AMPK knockdown on important cellular functions. Our results indicate that a reduction in AMPK levels causes alterations in cell morphology, growth rate, and nutrient transport, thus identifying an important role for AMPK in the regulation of placental trophoblast differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica A K Carey
- 1 Program in Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine , Dayton, Ohio
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Sarkar AA, Nuwayhid SJ, Maynard T, Ghandchi F, Hill JT, Lamantia AS, Zohn IE. Hectd1 is required for development of the junctional zone of the placenta. Dev Biol 2014; 392:368-80. [PMID: 24855001 PMCID: PMC4578812 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2013] [Revised: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The placenta plays a critical role in the growth and survival of the fetus. Here we demonstrate that the Homologous to the E6-AP Carboxyl Terminus (HECT) domain E3 ubiquitin ligase, Hectd1, is essential for development of the mouse placenta. Hectd1 is widely expressed during placentation with enrichment in trophoblast giant cells (TGCs) and other trophoblast-derived cell subtypes in the junctional and labyrinth zones of the placenta. Disruption of Hectd1 results in mid-gestation lethality and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Variable defects in the gross structure of the mutant placenta are found including alterations in diameter, thickness and lamination. The number and nuclear size of TGCs is reduced. Examination of subtype specific markers reveals altered TGC development with decreased expression of Placental lactogen-1 and -2 (Pl1 and Pl2) and increased expression of Proliferin (Plf). Reduced numbers of spongiotrophoblasts and glycogen trophoblasts were also found at the junctional zone of the Hectd1 mutant placenta. Finally, there was an increase in immature uterine natural killer (uNK) cells in the maternal decidua of the Hectd1 mutant placenta. Proliferation and apoptosis are differentially altered in the layers of the placenta with an increase in both apoptosis and proliferation in the maternal decidua, a decrease in proliferation and increase in apoptosis in the labyrinth layer and both unchanged in the junctional zone. Together these data demonstrate that Hectd1 is required for development of multiple cell types within the junctional zone of the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali A Sarkar
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children׳s Research Institute, and Children׳s National Medical Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Samer J Nuwayhid
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children׳s Research Institute, and Children׳s National Medical Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Thomas Maynard
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, The George Washington Institute for Neuroscience, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA; The George Washington Institute for Neuroscience, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Frederick Ghandchi
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children׳s Research Institute, and Children׳s National Medical Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | | | - Anthony S Lamantia
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, The George Washington Institute for Neuroscience, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA; The George Washington Institute for Neuroscience, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Irene E Zohn
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children׳s Research Institute, and Children׳s National Medical Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, The George Washington Institute for Neuroscience, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA; The George Washington Institute for Neuroscience, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA.
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Kaufman MR, Albers RE, Keoni C, Kulkarni-Datar K, Natale DR, Brown TL. Important aspects of placental-specific gene transfer. Theriogenology 2014; 82:1043-8. [PMID: 25110063 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The placenta is a unique and highly complex organ that develops only during pregnancy and is essential for growth and survival of the developing fetus. The placenta provides the vital exchange of gases and wastes, the necessary nutrients for fetal development, acts as immune barrier that protects against maternal rejection, and produces numerous hormones and growth factors that promote fetal maturity to regulate pregnancy until parturition. Abnormal placental development is a major underlying cause of pregnancy-associated disorders that often result in preterm birth. Defects in placental stem cell propagation, growth, and differentiation are the major factors that affect embryonic and fetal well-being and dramatically increase the risk of pregnancy complications. Understanding the processes that regulate placentation is important in determining the underlying factors behind abnormal placental development. The ability to manipulate genes in a placenta-specific manner provides a unique tool to analyze development and eliminates potentially confounding results that can occur with traditional gene knockouts. Trophoblast stem cells and mouse embryos are not overly amenable to traditional gene transfer techniques. Most viral vectors, however, have a low infection rate and often lead to mosaic transgenesis. Although the traditional method of embryo transfer is intrauterine surgical implantation, the methodology reported here, combining lentiviral blastocyst infection and nonsurgical embryo transfer, leads to highly efficient and placental-specific gene transfer. Numerous advantages of our optimized procedures include increased investigator safety, a reduction in animal stress, rapid and noninvasive embryo transfer, and higher a rate of pregnancy and live birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa R Kaufman
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio, USA
| | - Renee E Albers
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio, USA
| | - Chanel Keoni
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio, USA
| | - Kashmira Kulkarni-Datar
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio, USA
| | - David R Natale
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California-San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Thomas L Brown
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio, USA.
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Murthi P, Abumaree M, Kalionis B. Analysis of homeobox gene action may reveal novel angiogenic pathways in normal placental vasculature and in clinical pregnancy disorders associated with abnormal placental angiogenesis. Front Pharmacol 2014; 5:133. [PMID: 24926269 PMCID: PMC4045154 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2014.00133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Homeobox genes are essential for both the development of the blood and lymphatic vascular systems, as well as for their maintenance in the adult. Homeobox genes comprise an important family of transcription factors, which are characterized by a well conserved DNA binding motif; the homeodomain. The specificity of the homeodomain allows the transcription factor to bind to the promoter regions of batteries of target genes and thereby regulates their expression. Target genes identified for homeodomain proteins have been shown to control fundamental cell processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. We and others have reported that homeobox genes are expressed in the placental vasculature, but our knowledge of their downstream target genes is limited. This review highlights the importance of studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which homeobox genes and their downstream targets may regulate important vascular cellular processes such as proliferation, migration, and endothelial tube formation, which are essential for placental vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. A better understanding of the molecular targets of homeobox genes may lead to new therapies for aberrant angiogenesis associated with clinically important pregnancy pathologies, including fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padma Murthi
- Department of Perinatal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital Parkville, VIC, Australia ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne Parkville, VIC, Australia ; NorthWest Academic Centre, The University of Melbourne St. Albans, VIC, Australia
| | - Mohamed Abumaree
- College of Science and Health Professions, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bill Kalionis
- Department of Perinatal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital Parkville, VIC, Australia ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Kagawa N, Saito Y, Nagao T. Early to middle gestational exposure to diethylstilbestrol impairs the development of labyrinth zone in mouse placenta. Congenit Anom (Kyoto) 2014; 54:116-9. [PMID: 24118512 DOI: 10.1111/cga.12031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study was performed to clarify the involvement of impaired labyrinth zone (LZ) of the placenta in the developmental toxicity of diethylstilbestrol (DES). DES at 10 μg/kg per day was administered orally to mice on days 4 through 8 of gestation. Histological observation of the LZ and determination of blood glucose levels in dam and fetus were performed on day 13. A high frequency of embryonic death was observed in the DES group. DES induced the underdevelopment of the plexus vasculosus, extensive maternal blood space and the decreased expression of glucose transporters in the LZ, and a reduction of the glucose level in embryos. These findings suggest that impaired LZ development may be related to the embryolethality of DES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nao Kagawa
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Kinki, University, Osaka, Japan
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Huang Q, Chen H, Li J, Oliver M, Ma X, Byck D, Gao Y, Jiang SW. Epigenetic and non-epigenetic regulation of syncytin-1 expression in human placenta and cancer tissues. Cell Signal 2014; 26:648-56. [PMID: 24216608 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2013.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 11/01/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Syncytin-1 is a human endogenous retroviral envelope gene (HERVW1) product specifically expressed in placental trophoblasts. By mediating the formation of syncytiotrophoblasts through cell-cell fusion, syncytin-1 plays a critical role for the placental barrier, endocrine and exchange functions. During pregnancy, syncytin-1 expression is dynamically regulated by various pathophysiological factors and pathways. This review summarizes and examines published data on epigenetic and non-epigenetic regulation of syncytin-1 gene expression, with a focus on the changes of syncytin-1 DNA methylation and expression in placental trophoblasts under preeclamptic and hypoxic conditions. The functions of syncytiotrophoblasts, the fusogenic and non-fusogenic activities of syncytin-1, and aberrant activation of syncytin-1 expression in cancer cells are also discussed. New findings on the epigenetic regulation of syncytin-1 in placentas from monozygotic/dichorionic discordant twins are analyzed. The close correlation among changes of DNMTs expression, syncytin-1 gene methylation, and syncytin-1 mRNA levels, in placentas associated with discordant fetal growth indicated a dynamic nature of syncytin-1 regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Huang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, China; Department of Biological Science, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA 31404, USA
| | - Haibin Chen
- Department of Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College, Guandong, China
| | - Jinping Li
- Department of Biological Science, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA 31404, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Medical College, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, 55902, USA
| | - Matthew Oliver
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Memorial Health University Medical Center, Savannah, GA 31404, USA
| | - Xiaoling Ma
- Department of Biological Science, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA 31404, USA
| | - David Byck
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Memorial Health University Medical Center, Savannah, GA 31404, USA
| | - Ya Gao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, China.
| | - Shi-Wen Jiang
- Department of Biological Science, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA 31404, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Medical College, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, 55902, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Memorial Health University Medical Center, Savannah, GA 31404, USA.
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Zong L, Wang L, Huang P, Shao W, Song Y, Gou W. High temperature requirement A1 in placental tissues and serum from pre-eclamptic pregnancies with or without fetal growth restriction. Arch Med Sci 2013; 9:690-6. [PMID: 24049530 PMCID: PMC3776172 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2013.34989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2011] [Revised: 03/14/2012] [Accepted: 04/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pre-eclampsia (PE) is the most serious syndrome of human pregnancy and it is potentially life-threatening for both mother and fetus. The aim of the study was to identify the role of high temperature requirement A1 (HtrA1) in pre-eclampsia. MATERIAL AND METHODS One hundred consecutive pregnancies complicated by PE and 100 normal controls were included in our study. The changes in serum HtrA1 and fetal growth restriction were recorded. The placentae after delivery was also obtained for laboratory analyses. RESULTS High temperature requirement A1 expressed positively in all placenta tissues, but showed higher expression from control, PE with AGA (pre-eclamptic pregnancies with appropriate-for-gestational-age newborns) to PE with fetal growth restriction (FGR) groups. Early-onset PE happened more frequently while in PE with AGA, late-onset PE was more common. Additionally, we found that only during ∼28-32 gestational weeks, sera HtrA1 level of PE with AGA and PE with FGR was increased significantly compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In contrast, there was no significant difference between groups in other gestational ages in the third trimester (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS HtrA1 could potentially affect trophoblast migration and invasion during placentation, resulting in the shallow invasion noted in pre-eclampsia. HtrA1 may play an important role in the etiology and severity of PE and FGR. But the actual mechanism still needs deep research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zong
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Pu Huang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Wenyu Shao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Yu Song
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Wenli Gou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
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Keratin 5-Cre-driven excision of nonmuscle myosin IIA in early embryo trophectoderm leads to placenta defects and embryonic lethality. Dev Biol 2013; 382:136-48. [PMID: 23911870 PMCID: PMC4186751 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2013.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2013] [Revised: 07/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In studies initially focused on roles of nonmuscle myosin IIA (NMIIA) in the developing mouse epidermis, we have discovered that a previously described cytokeratin 5 (K5)-Cre gene construct is expressed in early embryo development. Mice carrying floxed alleles of the nonmuscle myosin II heavy chain gene (NMHC IIA(flox/flox)) were crossed with the K5-Cre line. The progeny of newborn pups did not show a Mendelian genotype distribution, suggesting embryonic lethality. Analysis of post-implantation conceptuses from embryonic day (E)9.5 to E13.5 revealed poorly developed embryos and defective placentas, with significantly reduced labyrinth surface area and blood vessel vascularization. These results suggested the novel possibility that the bovine K5 promoter-driven Cre-recombinase was active early in trophoblast-lineage cells that give rise to the placenta. To test this possibility, K5-Cre transgenic mice were crossed with the mT/mG reporter mouse in which activation of GFP expression indicates Cre transgene expression. We observed activation of K5-Cre-driven GFP expression in the ectoplacental cone, in the extraembryonic ectoderm, and in trophoblast giant cells in the E6.5 embryo. In addition, we observed GFP expression at E11.5 to E13.5 in both the labyrinth of the placenta and the yolk sac. NMIIA expression was detected in these same cell types in normal embryos, as well as in E13.5 yolk sac and labyrinth. These findings taken together suggest that NMHC IIA may play critical roles in the early trophoblast-derived ectoplacental cone and extraembryonic ectoderm, as well as in the yolk sac and labyrinth tissues that form later. Our findings are consistent with phenotypes of constitutive NMIIA knockout mice made earlier, that displayed labyrinth and yolk sac-specific defects, but our findings extend those observations by suggesting possible NMIIA roles in trophoblast lineages as well. These results furthermore demonstrate that K5-Cre gene constructs, previously reported to be activated starting at approximately E12.5 in the forming epidermis, may be widely useful as drivers for activation of cre/lox based gene excision in early embryo extraembronic trophoblast tissues as well.
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Saben J, Zhong Y, Gomez-Acevedo H, Thakali KM, Borengasser SJ, Andres A, Shankar K. Early growth response protein-1 mediates lipotoxicity-associated placental inflammation: role in maternal obesity. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2013; 305:E1-14. [PMID: 23632636 PMCID: PMC4116409 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00076.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is associated with low-grade chronic inflammation, which contributes to cellular dysfunction promoting metabolic disease. Obesity during pregnancy leads to a proinflammatory milieu in the placenta; however, the underlying causes for obesity-induced placental inflammation remain unclear. Here, we examine the mechanisms by which saturated fatty acids and inflammatory cytokines induce inflammation in placental trophoblasts. We conducted global transcriptomic profiling in BeWo cells following palmitate and/or TNFα treatment and gene/protein expression analyses of MAPK pathways and characterized downstream transcription factors directly regulating inflammatory cytokines. Microarray analysis revealed increased expression of genes regulating inflammation, stress response, and immediate early response in cytotrophoblasts in response to palmitic acid (PA), TNFα, or a combination of both (PA + TNFα). Both gene ontology and gene set enrichment analysis revealed MAPK and EGR-1 signaling to be upregulated in BeWo cells, which was confirmed via immunoblotting. Importantly, activation of JNK signaling was necessary for increased proinflammatory cytokine (IL-6, TNFα, and IL-8) and EGR1 mRNA. Consistent with the requirement of JNK signaling, ChIP analysis confirmed the recruitment of c-Jun and other MAPK-responsive immediate early factors on the EGR1 promoter. Moreover, recruitment of EGR-1 on cytokine promoters (IL-6, TNFα, and IL-8) and an impaired proinflammatory response following knockdown of EGR-1 suggested it as a central component of the mechanism facilitating inflammatory gene expression. Finally, akin to in vitro findings, term placenta from obese women also had both increased JNK and p38 signaling and greater EGR-1 protein relative to lean women. Our results demonstrate that lipotoxic insults induce inflammation in placental cells via activation of JNK/EGR-1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Saben
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA
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Mushahary D, Gautam P, Sundaram CS, Sirdeshmukh R. Expanded protein expression profile of human placenta using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Placenta 2012; 34:193-6. [PMID: 23261269 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2012.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2012] [Revised: 11/14/2012] [Accepted: 11/18/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Studying proteins expressed in placenta is important to understand its function in pregnancy and fetal growth. Here, we present protein expression profiling from normal human placenta by 2-D gel - MS/MS approach that resulted in identification of 117 unique proteins. Integration with earlier analyses resulted in a profile of 423 non-redundant proteins, 75 of them being new identifications unique to this study including their isoforms. We present a compilation of placental protein expressions identified by proteomic approaches, their functions and known clinical implications. We believe that our dataset would be a useful resource for studies related to placental dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Mushahary
- CSIR - Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500 007, India
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Mid-gestational gene expression profile in placenta and link to pregnancy complications. PLoS One 2012; 7:e49248. [PMID: 23145134 PMCID: PMC3492272 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0049248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2012] [Accepted: 10/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the importance of placenta in mediating rapid physiological changes in pregnancy, data on temporal dynamics of placental gene expression are limited. We completed the first transcriptome profiling of human placental gene expression dynamics (GeneChips, Affymetrix®; ∼47,000 transcripts) from early to mid-gestation (n = 10; gestational weeks 5–18) and report 154 genes with significant transcriptional changes (ANOVA, FDR P<0.1). TaqMan RT-qPCR analysis (n = 43; gestational weeks 5–41) confirmed a significant (ANOVA and t-test, FDR P<0.05) mid-gestational peak of placental gene expression for BMP5, CCNG2, CDH11, FST, GATM, GPR183, ITGBL1, PLAGL1, SLC16A10 and STC1, followed by sharp decrease in mRNA levels at term (t-test, FDR P<0.05). We hypothesized that normal course of late pregnancy may be affected when genes characteristic to mid-gestation placenta remain highly expressed until term, and analyzed their expression in term placentas from normal and complicated pregnancies [preeclampsia (PE), n = 12; gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), n = 12; small- and large-for-gestational-age newborns (SGA, LGA), n = 12+12]. STC1 (stanniocalcin 1) exhibited increased mRNA levels in all studied complications, with the most significant effect in PE- and SGA-groups (t-test, FDR P<0.05). In post-partum maternal plasma, the highest STC1 hormone levels (ELISA, n = 129) were found in women who had developed PE and delivered a SGA newborn (median 731 vs 418 pg/ml in controls; ANCOVA, P = 0.00048). Significantly higher expression (t-test, FDR P<0.05) of CCNG2 and LYPD6 accompanied with enhanced immunostaining of the protein was detected in placental sections of PE and GDM cases (n = 15). Our study demonstrates the importance of temporal dynamics of placental transcriptional regulation across three trimesters of gestation. Interestingly, many genes with high expression in mid-gestation placenta have also been implicated in adult complex disease, promoting the discussion on the role of placenta in developmental programming. The discovery of elevated maternal plasma STC1 in pregnancy complications warrants further investigations of its potential as a biomarker.
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