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Sandovici I, Knee O, Lopez-Tello J, Shreeve N, Fowden AL, Sferruzzi-Perri AN, Constância M. A genetically small fetus impairs placental adaptations near term. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050719. [PMID: 39207227 PMCID: PMC11381921 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a gatekeeper between the mother and fetus, adapting its structure and functions to support optimal fetal growth. Studies exploring adaptations of placentae that support the development of genetically small fetuses are lacking. Here, using a mouse model of impaired fetal growth, achieved by deleting insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2) in the epiblast, we assessed placental nutrient transfer and umbilical artery (UA) blood flow during late gestation. At embryonic day (E) 15.5, we observed a decline in the trans-placental flux of glucose and system A amino acids (by using 3H-MeG and 14C-MeAIB), proportionate to the diminished fetal size, whereas UA blood flow was normal. However, at E18.5, the trans-placental flux of both tracers was disproportionately decreased and accompanied by blunted UA blood flow. Feto-placental growth and nutrient transfer were more impaired in female conceptuses. Thus, reducing the fetal genetic demand for growth impairs the adaptations in placental blood flow and nutrient transport that normally support the fast fetal growth during late gestation. These findings have important implications for our understanding of the pathophysiology of pregnancies afflicted by fetal growth restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ionel Sandovici
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge CB2 0SW, UK
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Olatejumoye Knee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge CB2 0SW, UK
| | - Jorge Lopez-Tello
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Norman Shreeve
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge CB2 0SW, UK
| | - Abigail L Fowden
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Miguel Constância
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge CB2 0SW, UK
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
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2
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Murthi P, Kalionis B. Homeobox genes in the human placenta: Twists and turns on the path to find novel targets. Placenta 2024:S0143-4004(24)00284-4. [PMID: 38908943 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a clinically important human pregnancy disorder that is thought to originate early in pregnancy and while its aetiology is not well understood, the disorder is associated with placental insufficiency. Currently treatment for FGR is limited by increased surveillance using ultrasound monitoring and premature delivery, or corticosteroid medication in the third trimester to prolong pregnancy. There is a pressing need for novel strategies to detect and treat FGR at its early stage. Homeobox genes are well established as master regulators of early embryonic development and increasing evidence suggests they are also important in regulating early placental development. Most important is that specific homeobox genes are abnormally expressed in human FGR. This review focusses on identifying the molecular pathways controlled by homeobox genes in the normal and FGR-affected placenta. This information will begin to address the knowledge gap in the molecular aetiology of FGR and lay the foundation for identifying potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padma Murthi
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital and Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Bill Kalionis
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital and Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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3
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Erichsen C, Heiser A, Haack N, Maclean P, Dwyer CM, McCoard S. Increasing the Understanding of Nutrient Transport Capacity of the Ovine Placentome. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1294. [PMID: 38731298 PMCID: PMC11083602 DOI: 10.3390/ani14091294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Placental nutrient transport capacity influences fetal growth and development; however, it is affected by environmental factors, which are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to understand the impact of the ovine placentome morphological subtype, tissue type, and maternal parenteral supplementation of arginine mono-hydrochloride (Arg) on nutrient transport capacity using a gene expression approach. Placentomal tissues of types A, B, and C morphologic placentome subtypes were derived from 20 twin-bearing ewes, which were infused thrice daily with Arg (n = 9) or saline (Ctrl, n = 11) from 100 to 140 days of gestation. Samples were collected at day 140 of gestation. Expression of 31 genes involved in placental nutrient transport and function was investigated. Differential expression of specific amino acid transporter genes was found in the subtypes, suggesting a potential adaptive response to increase the transport capacity. Placentomal tissues differed in gene expression, highlighting differential transport capacity. Supplementation with Arg was associated with differential expressions of genes involved in amino acid transport and angiogenesis, suggesting a greater nutrient transport capacity. Collectively, these results indicate that the morphological subtype, tissue type, and maternal Arg supplementation can influence placental gene expression, which may be an adaptive response to alter the transport capacity to support fetal growth in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathrine Erichsen
- AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research Centre, Private Bag 11008, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand (A.H.)
- Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK;
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Axel Heiser
- AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research Centre, Private Bag 11008, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand (A.H.)
| | - Neville Haack
- AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research Centre, Private Bag 11008, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand (A.H.)
| | - Paul Maclean
- AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research Centre, Private Bag 11008, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand (A.H.)
| | - Cathy Mary Dwyer
- Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK;
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Sue McCoard
- AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research Centre, Private Bag 11008, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand (A.H.)
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Vogtmann R, Riedel A, Sassmannshausen I, Langer S, Kühnel-Terjung E, Kimmig R, Schorle H, Winterhager E, Gellhaus A. Overexpression of Human sFLT1 in the Spongiotrophoblast Is Sufficient to Induce Placental Dysfunction and Fetal Growth Restriction in Transgenic Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2040. [PMID: 38396719 PMCID: PMC10888837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by maternal hypertension and placental dysfunction, often leading to fetal growth restriction (FGR). It is associated with an overexpression of the anti-angiogenic sFLT1 protein, which originates from the placenta and serves as a clinical biomarker to predict PE. To analyze the impact of sFLT1 on placental function and fetal growth, we generated transgenic mice with placenta-specific human sFLT1 (hsFLT1) overexpression. Immunohistochemical, morphometrical, and molecular analyses of the placentas on 14.5 dpc and 18.5 dpc were performed with a focus on angiogenesis, nutrient transport, and inflammation. Additionally, fetal development upon placental hsFLT1 overexpression was investigated. Dams exhibited a mild increase in serum hsFLT1 levels upon placental hsFLT1 expression and revealed growth restriction of the fetuses in a sex-specific manner. Male FGR fetuses expressed higher amounts of placental hsFLT1 mRNA compared to females. FGR placentas displayed an altered morphology, hallmarked by an increase in the spongiotrophoblast layer and changes in labyrinthine vascularization. Further, FGR placentas showed a significant reduction in placental glycogen storage and nutrient transporter expression. Moreover, signs of hypoxia and inflammation were observed in FGR placentas. The transgenic spongiotrophoblast-specific hsFLT1 mouse line demonstrates that low hsFLT1 serum levels are sufficient to induce significant alterations in fetal and placental development in a sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka Vogtmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, 45147 Essen, Germany (A.R.); (R.K.)
| | - Alina Riedel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, 45147 Essen, Germany (A.R.); (R.K.)
| | - Ivanka Sassmannshausen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, 45147 Essen, Germany (A.R.); (R.K.)
| | - Sarah Langer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, 45147 Essen, Germany (A.R.); (R.K.)
| | - Elisabeth Kühnel-Terjung
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, 45147 Essen, Germany (A.R.); (R.K.)
| | - Rainer Kimmig
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, 45147 Essen, Germany (A.R.); (R.K.)
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Elke Winterhager
- EM Unit, Imaging Center Essen, University Hospital, 45147 Essen, Germany;
| | - Alexandra Gellhaus
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, 45147 Essen, Germany (A.R.); (R.K.)
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5
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Li Q, Sharkey A, Sheridan M, Magistrati E, Arutyunyan A, Huhn O, Sancho-Serra C, Anderson H, McGovern N, Esposito L, Fernando R, Gardner L, Vento-Tormo R, Turco MY, Moffett A. Human uterine natural killer cells regulate differentiation of extravillous trophoblast early in pregnancy. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:181-195.e9. [PMID: 38237587 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
In humans, balanced invasion of trophoblast cells into the uterine mucosa, the decidua, is critical for successful pregnancy. Evidence suggests that this process is regulated by uterine natural killer (uNK) cells, but how they influence reproductive outcomes is unclear. Here, we used our trophoblast organoids and primary tissue samples to determine how uNK cells affect placentation. By locating potential interaction axes between trophoblast and uNK cells using single-cell transcriptomics and in vitro modeling of these interactions in organoids, we identify a uNK cell-derived cytokine signal that promotes trophoblast differentiation at the late stage of the invasive pathway. Moreover, it affects transcriptional programs involved in regulating blood flow, nutrients, and inflammatory and adaptive immune responses, as well as gene signatures associated with disorders of pregnancy such as pre-eclampsia. Our findings suggest mechanisms on how optimal immunological interactions between uNK cells and trophoblast enhance reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
| | - Andrew Sharkey
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Megan Sheridan
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Elisa Magistrati
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anna Arutyunyan
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Oisin Huhn
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Carmen Sancho-Serra
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Holly Anderson
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
| | - Naomi McGovern
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Laura Esposito
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Ridma Fernando
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lucy Gardner
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Roser Vento-Tormo
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK.
| | | | - Ashley Moffett
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
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6
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Gomes J, Begum M, Kumarathasan P. Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) exposure and adverse maternal and infant health outcomes: Systematic review. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 347:140367. [PMID: 37890790 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame retardants found in ambient environment and are measured in humans. There are reports on general PBDE toxicity, including endocrine disrupting properties. Studies on adverse maternal and infant outcomes and underlying toxicity mechanisms needs to be understood. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to examine the state of science on the relationship between PBDE and adverse maternal/infant health outcomes and related maternal biomarker changes. This literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science for published articles from January 2005-February 2022. Article quality was assessed using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Of the 1518 articles, only 54 human observational studies were screened in for this review. A second reviewer examined the validity of these articles. Reports on associations between PBDE and maternal health outcomes included gestational hypertension/preeclampsia (N = 2) and gestational diabetes mellitus/glycemic index (N = 6). Meanwhile, reports on PBDE and infant outcomes (N=32) included effects on infant birth weight, birth length and cephalic perimeter, preterm birth, fetal growth restriction and APGAR scores. Although findings on PBDE exposure and adverse infant outcomes showed inconsistencies across studies, in general, negative correlations between maternal PBDEs and infant birth weight, birth length and cephalic perimeter were seen, in few cases, after stratification by sex. Association between maternal PBDE and maternal biomarkers (N=18) suggested negative impact of PBDE exposure on markers relevant to neuro-endocrine system and inflammatory processes. The review findings identified potential associations between maternal PBDE and adverse maternal/infant health outcomes. Furthermore, PBDE-related biomarker changes suggest disturbances in maternal mechanisms relevant to endocrine disrupting properties of PBDEs. The observed study heterogeneity can be attributed to factors namely, sample size, study design and statistical analysis. Overall review findings imply the necessity for further research to validate PBDE exposure-related adverse maternal/infant health effects and to validate underlying toxicity mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Gomes
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - M Begum
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - P Kumarathasan
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, HECS, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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7
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Schalich KM, Koganti PP, Castillo JM, Reiff OM, Cheong SH, Selvaraj V. The uterine secretory cycle: recurring physiology of endometrial outputs that setup the uterine luminal microenvironment. Physiol Genomics 2024; 56:74-97. [PMID: 37694291 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00035.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Conserved in female reproduction across all mammalian species is the estrous cycle and its regulation by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, a collective of intersected hormonal events that are crucial for ensuring uterine fertility. Nonetheless, knowledge of the direct mediators that synchronously shape the uterine microenvironment for successive yet distinct events, such as the transit of sperm and support for progressive stages of preimplantation embryo development, remain principally deficient. Toward understanding the timed endometrial outputs that permit luminal events as directed by the estrous cycle, we used Bovidae as a model system to uniquely surface sample and study temporal shifts to in vivo endometrial transcripts that encode for proteins destined to be secreted. The results revealed the full quantitative profile of endometrial components that shape the uterine luminal microenvironment at distinct phases of the estrous cycle (estrus, metestrus, diestrus, and proestrus). In interpreting this comprehensive log of stage-specific endometrial secretions, we define the "uterine secretory cycle" and extract a predictive understanding of recurring physiological actions regulated within the uterine lumen in anticipation of sperm and preimplantation embryonic stages. This repetitive microenvironmental preparedness to sequentially provide operative support was a stable intrinsic framework, with only limited responses to sperm or embryos if encountered in the lumen within the cyclic time period. In uncovering the secretory cycle and unraveling realistic biological processes, we present novel foundational knowledge of terminal effectors controlled by the HPG axis to direct a recurring sequence of vital functions within the uterine lumen.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study unravels the recurring sequence of changes within the uterus that supports vital functions (sperm transit and development of preimplantation embryonic stages) during the reproductive cycle in female Ruminantia. These data present new systems knowledge in uterine reproductive physiology crucial for setting up in vitro biomimicry and artificial environments for assisted reproduction technologies for a range of mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasey M Schalich
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States
| | - Prasanthi P Koganti
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States
| | - Juan M Castillo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Veterinary College, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States
| | - Olivia M Reiff
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States
| | - Soon Hon Cheong
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Veterinary College, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States
| | - Vimal Selvaraj
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States
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8
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Chen Q, Zhou D, Wang C, Ye M, Jia Y, Liu B, Bukulmez O, Norman RJ, Hu H, Yeung SB, Teng X, Liu W, Chen M. The adverse effects of vitrification on mouse embryo development and metabolic phenotype in offspring. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23372. [PMID: 38102977 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301774rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Embryo vitrification is a standard procedure in assisted reproductive technology. Previous studies have shown that frozen embryo transfer is associated with an elevated risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study aimed to explore the effects of mouse blastocyst vitrification on the phenotype of vitrified-warmed blastocysts, their intrauterine and postnatal development, and the long-term metabolic health of the derived offspring. The vitrified-warmed blastocysts (IVF + VT group) exhibited reduced mitochondrial activity, increased apoptotic levels, and decreased cell numbers when compared to the fresh blastocysts (IVF group). Implantation rates, live pup rates, and crown-rump length at E18.5 were not different between the two groups. However, there was a significant decrease in fetal weight and fetal/placental weight ratio in the IVF + VT group. Furthermore, the offspring of the IVF + VT group at an age of 36 weeks had reduced whole energy consumption, impaired glucose and lipid metabolism when compared with the IVF group. Notably, RNA-seq results unveiled disturbed hepatic gene expression in the offspring from vitrified-warmed blastocysts. This study revealed the short-term negative impacts of vitrification on embryo and fetal development and the long-term influence on glucose and lipid metabolism that persist from the prenatal stage into adulthood in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoyu Chen
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dan Zhou
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Changxin Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mingming Ye
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanping Jia
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Binya Liu
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Orhan Bukulmez
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Robert J Norman
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Hanxin Hu
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Biu Yeung
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoming Teng
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenqiang Liu
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Miaoxin Chen
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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9
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Abstract
Nutrient intake is obligatory for animal growth and development, but nutrients alone are not sufficient. Indeed, insulin and homologous hormones are required for normal growth even in the presence of nutrients. These hormones communicate nutrient status between organs, allowing animals to coordinate growth and metabolism with nutrient supply. Insulin and related hormones, such as insulin-like growth factors and insulin-like peptides, play important roles in development and metabolism, with defects in insulin production and signaling leading to hyperglycemia and diabetes. Here, we describe the insulin hormone family and the signal transduction pathways activated by these hormones. We highlight the roles of insulin signaling in coordinating maternal and fetal metabolism and growth during pregnancy, and we describe how secretion of insulin is regulated at different life stages. Additionally, we discuss the roles of insulin signaling in cell growth, stem cell proliferation and cell differentiation. We provide examples of the role of insulin in development across multiple model organisms: Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila, zebrafish, mouse and human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyuki Suzawa
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Michelle L. Bland
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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10
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Hord TK, Tanner AR, Kennedy VC, Lynch CS, Winger QA, Rozance PJ, Anthony RV. Impact of Chorionic Somatomammotropin In Vivo RNA Interference Phenotype on Uteroplacental Expression of the IGF Axis. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1261. [PMID: 37374044 PMCID: PMC10302269 DOI: 10.3390/life13061261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
While fetal growth is dependent on many factors, optimal placental function is a prerequisite for a normal pregnancy outcome. The majority of fetal growth-restricted (FGR) pregnancies result from placental insufficiency (PI). The insulin-like growth factors (IGF1 and IGF2) stimulate fetal growth and placental development and function. Previously, we demonstrated that in vivo RNA interference (RNAi) of the placental hormone, chorionic somatomammotropin (CSH), resulted in two phenotypes. One phenotype exhibits significant placental and fetal growth restriction (PI-FGR), impaired placental nutrient transport, and significant reductions in umbilical insulin and IGF1. The other phenotype does not exhibit statistically significant changes in placental or fetal growth (non-FGR). It was our objective to further characterize these two phenotypes by determining the impact of CSH RNAi on the placental (maternal caruncle and fetal cotyledon) expression of the IGF axis. The trophectoderm of hatched blastocysts (9 days of gestation, dGA) were infected with a lentivirus expressing either a non-targeting sequence (NTS RNAi) control or CSH-specific shRNA (CSH RNAi) prior to embryo transfer into synchronized recipient ewes. At ≈125 dGA, pregnancies were fitted with vascular catheters to undergo steady-state metabolic studies. Nutrient uptakes were determined, and tissues were harvested at necropsy. In both CSH RNAi non-FGR and PI-FGR pregnancies, uterine blood flow was significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.05), while umbilical blood flow (p ≤ 0.01), both uterine and umbilical glucose and oxygen uptakes (p ≤ 0.05), and umbilical concentrations of insulin and IGF1 (p ≤ 0.05) were reduced in CSH RNAi PI-FGR pregnancies. Fetal cotyledon IGF1 mRNA concentration was reduced (p ≤ 0.05) in CSH RNAi PI-FGR pregnancies, whereas neither IGF1 nor IGF2 mRNA concentrations were impacted in the maternal caruncles, and either placental tissue in the non-FGR pregnancies. Fetal cotyledon IGF1R and IGF2R mRNA concentrations were not impacted for either phenotype, yet IGF2R was increased (p ≤ 0.01) in the maternal caruncles of CSH RNAi PI-FGR pregnancies. For the IGF binding proteins (IGFBP1, IGFBP2, IGFBP3), only IGFBP2 mRNA concentrations were impacted, with elevated IGFBP2 mRNA in both the fetal cotyledon (p ≤ 0.01) and maternal caruncle (p = 0.08) of CSH RNAi non-FGR pregnancies. These data support the importance of IGF1 in placental growth and function but may also implicate IGFBP2 in salvaging placental growth in non-FGR pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor K. Hord
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Amelia R. Tanner
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Victoria C. Kennedy
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Cameron S. Lynch
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Quinton A. Winger
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Paul J. Rozance
- Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Russell V. Anthony
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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McCoard S, Haack N, Heiser A, Maclean P. Effect of birth rank, and placentome subtype on expression of genes involved in placental nutrient transport in sheep. Theriogenology 2023; 203:109-117. [PMID: 37023492 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Placental function is a key determinant of fetal growth and development that can be influenced by maternal and fetal environmental factors. The molecular mechanisms by which the placenta senses and responds to environmental cues are poorly understood. This exploratory study aimed to characterize the effect of birth rank (single vs. twin) and placentome morphologic subtype on expression of genes involved in nutrient transport, angiogenesis, immunity and stress response. Cotyledonary tissue was collected from type A, B and C placentomes from five single and six twin fetuses at 140 days of gestation. GLUT1 and GLUT3 were the most highly expressed genes consistent with the high demand for glucose to support fetal growth. Expression of BCKDHβ and IGF-2 was 1.3- and 1.5-fold higher, respectively, and PCYT1A was 3-fold lower in singles compared to twins (P < 0.05) while no other differences in gene expression were observed between birth ranks. Expression of EAAT2 and LAT2 was higher while PCYT1A was lower in A compared to B type cotyledons. Expression of GUCY1B1/3 and IGF-1 was higher while CD98 and LAT2 were lower in type B compared to C cotyledons (P < 0.05). Compared to type C cotyledons, expression of EAAT2, IGF-1, IGF-2, LAT1 was higher, while TEK was lower in type A cotyledons. The effects of birth rank on placental gene expression in this study indicated that placental nutrient transport and/or function differs between single and twin pregnancies in sheep. Differences in gene expression between the placentome subtypes suggests that changes in placentome morphology are associated with shifts in amino acid transport and metabolism, oxidative stress and angiogenesis and/or blood flow. This study highlights that placental gene expression differs in response to birth rank and placentome morphologic subtype which suggests that both maternal and fetal factors may influence placental function in sheep. These associations provide insights into gene pathways for more targeted future investigations as well as potential adaptations to improve placental efficiency to support fetal growth in twin pregnancies.
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Wang H, Li W, Yang J, Wang Y, Du H, Han M, Xu L, Liu S, Yi J, Chen Y, Jiang Q, He G. Gestational exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances is associated with placental DNA methylation and birth size. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159747. [PMID: 36309289 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation is one potential mechanism for the effects of gestational exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) on fetal growth. We investigated 180 pregnant women who participated in a cohort study conducted in Tangshan City, Northern China, and determined the concentrations of 11 PFASs and the methylation of two genes related to fetal growth [insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) and nuclear receptor subfamily 3 group C member 1 (NR3C1)] and one surrogate marker for global methylation [long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1)] in placenta tissue. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to examine the associations of log transformed PFASs with the DNA methylation and birth size. Weighted quantile sum regression was used to determine the mixture effect of PFASs. After adjusting for potential confounders, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was negatively associated with the overall methylation of LINE-1. PFASs mixture was negatively associated with the methylation of all CpG loci of LINE-1 and overall methylation of NR3C1. Perfluorootanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), and the PFASs mixture showed negative associations with head circumference. After stratified by newborns' sex, PFOA, PFNA and the PFASs mixture was negatively associated with overall methylation of LINE-1 only in the male subgroup and the methylation of all CpG loci of LINE-1 was negatively associated with ponderal index only in the female subgroup. The interaction of newborns' sex with PFOS and PFOA on overall methylation of IGF2 was statistically significant and so was the interaction of sex with PFOS on overall methylation of LINE-1. These findings suggested that intrauterine exposure to PFASs affected placental DNA methylation and reduced fetal growth, which might be modified by sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hexing Wang
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenyun Li
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaqi Yang
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanping Wang
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongyi Du
- Healthy Lifestyle Medical Center, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Minghui Han
- Healthy Lifestyle Medical Center, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Linji Xu
- Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei province, China
| | - Shuping Liu
- Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei province, China
| | - Jianping Yi
- Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei province, China
| | - Yue Chen
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Qingwu Jiang
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gengsheng He
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Hsiao YY, Chen CM, Chen YC, Tsai NC, Su YT, Li YL, Lan KC. High birth weight and greater gestational age at birth in singletons born after frozen compared to fresh embryo transfer. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 62:59-65. [PMID: 36720552 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2022.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE While many studies agree that the fetal birth weight is higher after frozen embryo transfer (FET), few studies have explored the difference in fetal weight change during such pregnancies. This cohort study was to identify the difference in fetal birth weight and gestational age at birth between singletons born following fresh ET and those born following FET. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a hospital-based cohort study using clinical data from the Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Obstetric and Neonatal Database from January 1, 2007, to December 1, 2018. A sample of 784 eligible women who had singleton pregnancies and live-born deliveries after 428 fresh ET or 356 FET between January 2007 and December 2018. RESULTS Compared with those in the fresh ET group, singletons in the FET group had higher birth weight (3137 g [2880-3441 g] vs. 3060 g [2710-3340 g], p < 0.05), were born later (39.0 weeks of gestation [38.0-40.0 weeks] vs. 38.0 weeks of gestation [37.0-39.0 weeks], p < 0.05), and had a lower incidence of preterm birth (10.4% vs. 15.2%, p < 0.05). The difference in birth weight was not associated with maternal body weight (BW) or body mass index, increase in maternal BW in the third trimester, but related to the total increase in maternal BW during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS The birthweight of singletons born following FET and fresh ET became significant in the late third trimester. The main reason is that singletons conceived from FET were at a lower relative risk of preterm delivery and had a higher gestational age at birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Yang Hsiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Che-Min Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ni-Chin Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Su
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ling Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jen-Ai Hospital, Taichung 41265, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chung Lan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Center for Menopause and Reproductive Medicine Research, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jen-Ai Hospital, Taichung 41265, Taiwan.
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14
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Chang S, Fulmer D, Hur SK, Thorvaldsen JL, Li L, Lan Y, Rhon-Calderon EA, Leu NA, Chen X, Epstein JA, Bartolomei MS. Dysregulated H19/Igf2 expression disrupts cardiac-placental axis during development of Silver-Russell syndrome-like mouse models. eLife 2022; 11:e78754. [PMID: 36441651 PMCID: PMC9704805 DOI: 10.7554/elife.78754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of the imprinted H19/IGF2 locus can lead to Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) in humans. However, the mechanism of how abnormal H19/IGF2 expression contributes to various SRS phenotypes remains unclear, largely due to incomplete understanding of the developmental functions of these two genes. We previously generated a mouse model with humanized H19/IGF2 imprinting control region (hIC1) on the paternal allele that exhibited H19/Igf2 dysregulation together with SRS-like growth restriction and perinatal lethality. Here, we dissect the role of H19 and Igf2 in cardiac and placental development utilizing multiple mouse models with varying levels of H19 and Igf2. We report severe cardiac defects such as ventricular septal defects and thinned myocardium, placental anomalies including thrombosis and vascular malformations, together with growth restriction in mouse embryos that correlated with the extent of H19/Igf2 dysregulation. Transcriptomic analysis using cardiac endothelial cells of these mouse models shows that H19/Igf2 dysregulation disrupts pathways related to extracellular matrix and proliferation of endothelial cells. Our work links the heart and placenta through regulation by H19 and Igf2, demonstrating that accurate dosage of both H19 and Igf2 is critical for normal embryonic development, especially related to the cardiac-placental axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhee Chang
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Diana Fulmer
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
- Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Stella K Hur
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Joanne L Thorvaldsen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Li Li
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
- Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Yemin Lan
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Eric A Rhon-Calderon
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Nicolae Adrian Leu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Xiaowen Chen
- Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Jonathan A Epstein
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
- Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Marisa S Bartolomei
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
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15
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Alekseenkova EN, Selkov SA, Kapustin RV. Fetal growth regulation via insulin-like growth factor axis in normal and diabetic pregnancy. J Perinat Med 2022; 50:947-960. [PMID: 35363447 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2021-0510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Diabetes mellitus (DM) in pregnancy and gestational diabetes remain a considerable cause of pregnancy complications, and fetal macrosomia is among them. Insulin, insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), and components of their signal-transduction axes belong to the predominant growth regulators and are implicated in glucose homeostasis. This study aimed to evaluate the available evidence on the association between the IGF axis and fetal anthropometric parameters in human diabetic pregnancy. METHODS PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, and CNKI databases (1981-2021) were searched. RESULTS Maternal and cord serum IGF-I levels are suggested to be positively associated with weight and length of neonates born to mothers with type 1 DM. The results concerning IGF-II and IGFBPs in type 1 DM or any of the IGF axis components in type 2 DM remain controversial. The alterations of maternal serum IGFs concentrations throughout diabetic and non-diabetic pregnancy do not appear to be the same. Maternal 1st trimester IGF-I level is positively associated with fetal birth weight in DM. CONCLUSIONS Research on the IGF axis should take gestational age of sampling, presence of DM, and insulin administration into account. Maternal 1st trimester IGF-I level might become a predictor for macrosomia development in diabetic pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena N Alekseenkova
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine, St Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Sergey A Selkov
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine, St Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Roman V Kapustin
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine, St Petersburg, Russian Federation.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, St Petersburg State University, St Petersburg, Russian Federation
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16
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de Alwis N, Beard S, Binder NK, Pritchard N, Kaitu’u-Lino TJ, Walker SP, Stock O, Groom K, Petersen S, Henry A, Said JM, Seeho S, Kane SC, Tong S, Hui L, Hannan NJ. Placental OLAH Levels Are Altered in Fetal Growth Restriction, Preeclampsia and Models of Placental Dysfunction. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:1677. [PMID: 36139751 PMCID: PMC9495588 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11091677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, we identified elevated transcripts for the gene Oleoyl-ACP Hydrolase (OLAH) in the maternal circulation of pregnancies complicated by preterm fetal growth restriction. As placental dysfunction is central to the pathogenesis of both fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia, we aimed to investigate OLAH levels and function in the human placenta. We assessed OLAH mRNA expression (qPCR) throughout pregnancy, finding placental expression increased as gestation progressed. OLAH mRNA and protein levels (Western blot) were elevated in placental tissue from cases of preterm preeclampsia, while OLAH protein levels in placenta from growth-restricted pregnancies were comparatively reduced in the preeclamptic cohort. OLAH expression was also elevated in placental explant tissue, but not isolated primary cytotrophoblast cultured under hypoxic conditions (as models of placental dysfunction). Further, we discovered that silencing cytotrophoblast OLAH reduced the expression of pro- and anti-apoptosis genes, BAX and BCL2, placental growth gene, IGF2, and oxidative stress gene, NOX4. Collectively, these findings suggest OLAH could play a role in placental dysfunction and may be a therapeutic target for mitigating diseases associated with this vital organ. Further research is required to establish the role of OLAH in the placenta, and whether these changes may be a maternal adaptation or consequence of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha de Alwis
- Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function in Pregnancy Group, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- Northern Health, Epping, VIC 3076, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Sally Beard
- Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function in Pregnancy Group, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- Northern Health, Epping, VIC 3076, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Natalie K. Binder
- Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function in Pregnancy Group, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Natasha Pritchard
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Tu’uhevaha J. Kaitu’u-Lino
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Susan P. Walker
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Owen Stock
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Katie Groom
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Scott Petersen
- Centre for Maternal Fetal Medicine, Mater Mothers’ Hospital, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
| | - Amanda Henry
- Discipline of Women’s Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Joanne M. Said
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Maternal Fetal Medicine, Joan Kirner Women’s & Children’s Sunshine Hospital, St Albans, VIC 3021, Australia
| | - Sean Seeho
- Women and Babies Research, Sydney Medical School-Northern, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Stefan C. Kane
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Stephen Tong
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Lisa Hui
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- Northern Health, Epping, VIC 3076, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Natalie J. Hannan
- Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function in Pregnancy Group, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- Northern Health, Epping, VIC 3076, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
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17
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Lopez-Tello J, Schofield Z, Kiu R, Dalby MJ, van Sinderen D, Le Gall G, Sferruzzi-Perri AN, Hall LJ. Maternal gut microbiota Bifidobacterium promotes placental morphogenesis, nutrient transport and fetal growth in mice. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:386. [PMID: 35760917 PMCID: PMC9236968 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04379-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The gut microbiota plays a central role in regulating host metabolism. While substantial progress has been made in discerning how the microbiota influences host functions post birth and beyond, little is known about how key members of the maternal gut microbiota can influence feto-placental growth. Notably, in pregnant women, Bifidobacterium represents a key beneficial microbiota genus, with levels observed to increase across pregnancy. Here, using germ-free and specific-pathogen-free mice, we demonstrate that the bacterium Bifidobacterium breve UCC2003 modulates maternal body adaptations, placental structure and nutrient transporter capacity, with implications for fetal metabolism and growth. Maternal and placental metabolome were affected by maternal gut microbiota (i.e. acetate, formate and carnitine). Histological analysis of the placenta confirmed that Bifidobacterium modifies placental structure via changes in Igf2P0, Dlk1, Mapk1 and Mapk14 expression. Additionally, B. breve UCC2003, acting through Slc2a1 and Fatp1-4 transporters, was shown to restore fetal glycaemia and fetal growth in association with changes in the fetal hepatic transcriptome. Our work emphasizes the importance of the maternal gut microbiota on feto-placental development and sets a foundation for future research towards the use of probiotics during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Lopez-Tello
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Zoe Schofield
- Gut Microbes and Health, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Raymond Kiu
- Gut Microbes and Health, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Matthew J Dalby
- Gut Microbes and Health, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | | | - Gwénaëlle Le Gall
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Bob Champion Research and Education Building, James Watson Road, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Lindsay J Hall
- Gut Microbes and Health, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK.
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Bob Champion Research and Education Building, James Watson Road, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK.
- Chair of Intestinal Microbiome, School of Life Sciences, ZIEL-Institute for Food and Health, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany.
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18
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IGF2: Development, Genetic and Epigenetic Abnormalities. Cells 2022; 11:cells11121886. [PMID: 35741015 PMCID: PMC9221339 DOI: 10.3390/cells11121886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the 30 years since the first report of parental imprinting in insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2) knockout mouse models, we have learnt much about the structure of this protein, its role and regulation. Indeed, many animal and human studies involving innovative techniques have shed light on the complex regulation of IGF2 expression. The physiological roles of IGF-II have also been documented, revealing pleiotropic tissue-specific and developmental-stage-dependent action. Furthermore, in recent years, animal studies have highlighted important interspecies differences in IGF-II function, gene expression and regulation. The identification of human disorders due to impaired IGF2 gene expression has also helped to elucidate the major role of IGF-II in growth and in tumor proliferation. The Silver-Russell and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndromes are the most representative imprinted disorders, as they constitute both phenotypic and molecular mirrors of IGF2-linked abnormalities. The characterization of patients with either epigenetic or genetic defects altering IGF2 expression has confirmed the central role of IGF-II in human growth regulation, particularly before birth, and its effects on broader body functions, such as metabolism or tumor susceptibility. Given the long-term health impact of these rare disorders, it is important to understand the consequences of IGF2 defects in these patients.
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19
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Reed SA, Ashley R, Silver G, Splaine C, Jones AK, Pillai SM, Peterson ML, Zinn SA, Govoni KE. Maternal nutrient restriction and over-feeding during gestation alter expression of key factors involved in placental development and vascularization. J Anim Sci 2022; 100:6596678. [PMID: 35648126 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Poor maternal nutrition can negatively affect fetal and placental growth and development. However, the mechanism(s) that contribute to altered placenta growth and function are not well understood. We hypothesized that poor maternal diet would impact signaling through the C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL) 12-CXCL4 axis and/or placental expression of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis. Using our established sheep model of poor maternal nutrition, we examined the effects of restricted- and over-feeding on ewe placentome gene and protein expression. Specifically, ewes were fed a control (CON; 100%), restricted (RES; 60%), or over (OVER; 140%) diet beginning at day 30.2 ± 0.02 of gestation, and samples were collected at days 45, 90, and 135 of gestation, representing periods of active placentation, peak placental growth, and near term, respectively. Placentomes were separated into cotyledon and caruncle, and samples snap frozen. Protein was determined by western blot and mRNA expression by real-time PCR. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and significance determined at P ≤ 0.05. Ewes fed a RES diet had decreased CXCL12 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and increased tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α protein compared with CON ewes in caruncle at day 45 (P ≤0.05). In day 45 cotyledon, CXCR7 protein was increased and mTOR was decreased in RES relative to CON (P ≤0.05). At day 90, CXCR4 and CXCR7 were reduced in RES caruncle compared with CON, whereas VEGF was reduced and mTOR increased in cotyledon of RES ewes relative to CON (P ≤0.05). In OVER caruncle, at day 45 CXCR4 and VEGF were reduced and at day 90 CXCR4, CXCR7, and TNFα were reduced in caruncle compared with CON (P ≤0.05). There was no observed effect of OVER diet on protein abundance in the cotyledon (P > 0.05). Expression of IGF-II mRNA was increased in OVER at day 45 and IGFBP-3 was reduced in RES at day 90 in caruncle relative to CON (P ≤0.05). Maternal diet did not alter placentome diameter or weight (P > 0.05). These findings suggest that restricted- and over-feeding negatively impact protein and mRNA expression of key chemokines and growth factors implicated in proper placenta development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Reed
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Ryan Ashley
- Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - Gail Silver
- Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - Caitlyn Splaine
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Amanda K Jones
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Sambhu M Pillai
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Maria L Peterson
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Steven A Zinn
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Kristen E Govoni
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
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20
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Li Y, Yang M, Zhang L, Mao Z, Lin Y, Xu S, Fang Z, Che L, Feng B, Li J, Zhuo Y, Wu D. Dietary Fiber Supplementation in Gestating Sow Diet Improved Fetal Growth and Placental Development and Function Through Serotonin Signaling Pathway. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:831703. [PMID: 35647096 PMCID: PMC9133666 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.831703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary fiber (DF) supplementation in gestation diet on fetal growth and placental development and function and explore the possible mechanism of DF improving sow reproductive performance. A total of 16 Large White × Landrace crossbred gilts were randomly allotted to two groups and fed a semi-purified basal diet [non-fiber (NF) group, 0.1% total DF] or a basal diet supplemented with 8.33 g/kg inulin and 200 g/kg cellulose [Fiber (F) group] during the gestation period. On day 106 of gestation, five sows per group were chosen and slaughtered for sample collection. Results showed that DF supplementation during gestation increased the total fetal weight and placental weight on day 106 of gestation; elevated serum serotonin concentration; increased concentrations of serotonin and short-chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate, and butyrate), as well as tryptophan hydroxylase 1 expression, in colon; elevated serotonin and progesterone concentrations and up-regulated the serotonin transporter, cytochrome P450 11A1, and insulin-like growth factor 2 expressions in the placenta. Besides, the sows in the F group had microbial community structures distinct from those in the NF group. Supplementation of DF in gestation diet increased the Coprococcus 3 abundance that was positively correlated with colonic serotonin concentration, while significantly decreasing the Family XIII AD3011 group abundance which was negatively correlated with colonic serotonin concentration. Above all, DF supplementation in the gestation diet could increase placental serotonin levels by promoting maternal serotonin synthesis in the colon and the transport from the mother to the placenta in sows, and then improve placental development and function, finally promoting fetal growth. Our findings provided insight into the mechanisms of DF improving sow reproductive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Animal Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, China
| | - Min Yang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Pet Nutrition and Health Research Center, Chengdu Agricultural College, Chengdu, China
| | - Lijia Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhengyu Mao
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Lin
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shengyu Xu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhengfeng Fang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lianqiang Che
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Feng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian Li
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong Zhuo
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yong Zhuo
| | - De Wu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- De Wu
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21
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Fujita A, Noguchi S, Hamada R, Inoue S, Shimada T, Katakura S, Maruyama T, Sai Y, Nishimura T, Tomi M. Limited Impact of Murine Placental MDR1 on Fetal Exposure of Certain Drugs Explained by Bypass Transfer Between Adjacent Syncytiotrophoblast Layers. Pharm Res 2022; 39:1645-1658. [PMID: 35083640 PMCID: PMC9246986 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-022-03165-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) is located at the interface between two syncytiotrophoblast layers in rodent placenta, and may influence fetal drug distribution. Here, we quantitatively compare the functional impact per single MDR1 molecule of MDR1 at the placental barrier and blood-brain barrier in mice. Methods MDR1A and MDR1B proteins were quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Paclitaxel or digoxin was continuously administered to pregnant Mdr1a−/−/Mdr1b−/− or wild-type mice, and the drug concentrations in the maternal and fetal plasma and maternal brain were quantified by LC-MS/MS. Results MDR1A and MDR1B proteins are expressed in the membrane of mouse placental labyrinth, and total MDR1 at the placental barrier amounts to about 30% of that at the blood-brain barrier. The fetal-to-maternal plasma concentration ratio of digoxin was only marginally affected in Mdr1a−/−/Mdr1b−/− mice, while that of paclitaxel showed a several-fold increase. No such difference between the two drugs was found in the maternal brain distribution. The impact per single MDR1 molecule on the fetal distribution of digoxin was calculated to be much lower than that on the brain distribution, but this was not the case for paclitaxel. Our pharmacokinetic model indicates that the impact of placental MDR1 is inversely correlated to the ratio of permeability through gap junctions connecting the two syncytiotrophoblast layers to passive diffusion permeability. Conclusion Our findings indicate that murine placental MDR1 has a minimal influence on the fetal concentration of certain substrates, such as digoxin, due to bypass transfer, probably via connexin26 gap junctions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11095-022-03165-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arimi Fujita
- Division of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8512, Japan.,Department of Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan.,Department of Hospital Pharmacy, University Hospital, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan
| | - Saki Noguchi
- Division of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8512, Japan
| | - Rika Hamada
- Division of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8512, Japan
| | - Satoko Inoue
- Division of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8512, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Shimada
- Department of Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan.,Department of Hospital Pharmacy, University Hospital, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan
| | - Satomi Katakura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Maruyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yoshimichi Sai
- Department of Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan.,Department of Hospital Pharmacy, University Hospital, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Nishimura
- Division of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8512, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Tomi
- Division of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8512, Japan.
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22
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Aykroyd BRL, Tunster SJ, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Loss of imprinting of the Igf2-H19 ICR1 enhances placental endocrine capacity via sex-specific alterations in signalling pathways in the mouse. Development 2022; 149:dev199811. [PMID: 34982814 PMCID: PMC8783045 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Imprinting control region (ICR1) controls the expression of the Igf2 and H19 genes in a parent-of-origin specific manner. Appropriate expression of the Igf2-H19 locus is fundamental for normal fetal development, yet the importance of ICR1 in the placental production of hormones that promote maternal nutrient allocation to the fetus is unknown. To address this, we used a novel mouse model to selectively delete ICR1 in the endocrine junctional zone (Jz) of the mouse placenta (Jz-ΔICR1). The Jz-ΔICR1 mice exhibit increased Igf2 and decreased H19 expression specifically in the Jz. This was accompanied by an expansion of Jz endocrine cell types due to enhanced rates of proliferation and increased expression of pregnancy-specific glycoprotein 23 in the placenta of both fetal sexes. However, changes in the endocrine phenotype of the placenta were related to sexually-dimorphic alterations to the abundance of Igf2 receptors and downstream signalling pathways (Pi3k-Akt and Mapk). There was no effect of Jz-ΔICR1 on the expression of targets of the H19-embedded miR-675 or on fetal weight. Our results demonstrate that ICR1 controls placental endocrine capacity via sex-dependent changes in signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amanda N. Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
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23
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Induction of Rosette-to-Lumen stage embryoids using reprogramming paradigms in ESCs. Nat Commun 2021; 12:7322. [PMID: 34916498 PMCID: PMC8677818 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27586-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocyst-derived stem cell lines were shown to self-organize into embryo-like structures in 3D cell culture environments. Here, we provide evidence that embryo-like structures can be generated solely based on transcription factor-mediated reprogramming of embryonic stem cells in a simple 3D co-culture system. Embryonic stem cells in these cultures self-organize into elongated, compartmentalized embryo-like structures reflecting aspects of the inner regions of the early post-implantation embryo. Single-cell RNA-sequencing reveals transcriptional profiles resembling epiblast, primitive-/visceral endoderm, and extraembryonic ectoderm of early murine embryos around E4.5-E5.5. In this stem cell-based embryo model, progression from rosette formation to lumenogenesis accompanied by progression from naïve- to primed pluripotency was observed within Epi-like cells. Additionally, lineage specification of primordial germ cells and distal/anterior visceral endoderm-like cells was observed in epiblast- or visceral endoderm-like compartments, respectively. The system presented in this study allows for fast and reproducible generation of embryo-like structures, providing an additional tool to study aspects of early embryogenesis.
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24
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Lee JG, Kim G, Park SG, Yon JM, Yeom J, Song HE, Cheong SA, Lim JS, Sung YH, Kim K, Yoo HJ, Hong EJ, Nam KH, Seong JK, Kim CJ, Nam SY, Baek IJ. Lipid signatures reflect the function of the murine primary placentation. Biol Reprod 2021; 106:583-596. [PMID: 34850819 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta regulates maternal-fetal communication, and its defect leads to significant pregnancy complications. The maternal and embryonic circulations are primitively connected in early placentation, but the function of the placenta during this developmentally essential period is relatively unknown. We thus performed a comparative proteomic analysis of the placenta before and after primary placentation and found that the metabolism and transport of lipids were characteristically activated in this period. The placental fatty acid (FA) carriers in specific placental compartments were upregulated according to gestational age, and metabolomic analysis also showed that the placental transport of FAs increased in a time-dependent manner. Further analysis of two mutant mice models with embryonic lethality revealed that lipid-related signatures could reflect the functional state of the placenta. Our findings highlight the importance of the nutrient transport function of the primary placenta in the early gestational period and the role of lipids in embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Geol Lee
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Globinna Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seul Gi Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea.,Biomedical Mouse Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongwon-Gun, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Min Yon
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeonghun Yeom
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha Eun Song
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-A Cheong
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Seo Lim
- Clinical Research Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Hoon Sung
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyunggon Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Ju Yoo
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eui-Ju Hong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Hoan Nam
- Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Biomedical Mouse Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongwon-Gun, Republic of Korea
| | - Je Kyung Seong
- Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chong Jai Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Yoon Nam
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Jeoung Baek
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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25
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Components of the insulin-like growth factor system in in vivo - and in vitro-derived fetuses of cattle, and the association with growth and development. Anim Reprod Sci 2021; 234:106856. [PMID: 34626867 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This experiment was designed to study mechanisms affecting growth of in vivo-derived (IVD) and in vitro-produced (IVP) fetuses of cattle. Day-7 IVD or IVP cattle blastocysts were transferred to recipients, with pregnant females being slaughtered on Days 90 or 180 of gestation or allowed to undergo parturition. Uteri and contents were dissected and physically measured, and maternal and fetal plasma and amniotic and allantoic fluids were collected for IGF-1 and IGF-2 determinations, and IGFBP profile characterization. Transcripts for IGF-1 and IGF-2 mRNA in placental and fetal tissues, and IGF-1r and IGF-2r in placentomes were determined. There was a greater fetal weight in the IVP group, which was associated with greater IGF-1 and IGF-2 concentrations in maternal circulation, and changes in IGFBP profiles within fetal fluids. Day-90 IVP-derived fetuses were longer, had greater organ weights, larger placentomes, less placentome IGF-2r mRNA transcript, and greater maternal IGF-1 and IGF-2 concentrations than controls. On Day 180 and at parturition tissues from IVP-derived fetuses/calves were from larger uteri, with larger placentomes/fetal membranes, fetuses/calves weighed more, had greater fetal hepatic IGF-2 mRNA transcript, had less fetal plasma IGF-1 and greater allantoic IGF-2 concentrations, greater and lesser IGFBP activities in the allantoic and amniotic fluids, respectively, and greater glucose and fructose accumulation in fetal fluids. Components of the IGF system were differentially regulated not only according to the gestation period (Days 90 or 180) and fluid type (maternal or fetal plasma, amniotic or allantoic fluids), but also based on conceptus origin (IVP or IVD) in cattle.
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26
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Sibin M, Hothi O, Misra P, Manoj P, Chakravarty R, Shaw SC, Kanitkar M. DNA methylation status of P2 promoter of IGF2 gene in growth restricted neonates. GENE REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2021.101153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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27
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Angiolini E, Sandovici I, Coan PM, Burton GJ, Sibley CP, Fowden AL, Constância M. Deletion of the Imprinted Phlda2 Gene Increases Placental Passive Permeability in the Mouse. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12050639. [PMID: 33922969 PMCID: PMC8146920 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic imprinting, an epigenetic phenomenon that causes the expression of a small set of genes in a parent-of-origin-specific manner, is thought to have co-evolved with placentation. Many imprinted genes are expressed in the placenta, where they play diverse roles related to development and nutrient supply function. However, only a small number of imprinted genes have been functionally tested for a role in nutrient transfer capacity in relation to the structural characteristics of the exchange labyrinthine zone. Here, we examine the transfer capacity in a mouse model deficient for the maternally expressed Phlda2 gene, which results in placental overgrowth and a transient reduction in fetal growth. Using stereology, we show that the morphology of the labyrinthine zone in Phlda2−/+ mutants is normal at E16 and E19. In vivo placental transfer of radiolabeled solutes 14C-methyl-D-glucose and 14C-MeAIB remains unaffected at both gestational time points. However, placental passive permeability, as measured using two inert hydrophilic solutes (14C-mannitol; 14C-inulin), is significantly higher in mutants. Importantly, this increase in passive permeability is associated with fetal catch-up growth. Our findings uncover a key role played by the imprinted Phlda2 gene in modifying placental passive permeability that may be important for determining fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Angiolini
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK; (E.A.); (I.S.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge CB2 0SW, UK
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Ionel Sandovici
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK; (E.A.); (I.S.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge CB2 0SW, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (P.M.C.); (G.J.B.); (A.L.F.)
| | - Philip M. Coan
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (P.M.C.); (G.J.B.); (A.L.F.)
| | - Graham J. Burton
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (P.M.C.); (G.J.B.); (A.L.F.)
| | - Colin P. Sibley
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9WL, UK;
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Abigail L. Fowden
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (P.M.C.); (G.J.B.); (A.L.F.)
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Miguel Constância
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK; (E.A.); (I.S.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge CB2 0SW, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (P.M.C.); (G.J.B.); (A.L.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-1223-336873
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28
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Dini P, Kalbfleisch T, Uribe-Salazar JM, Carossino M, Ali HES, Loux SC, Esteller-Vico A, Norris JK, Anand L, Scoggin KE, Rodriguez Lopez CM, Breen J, Bailey E, Daels P, Ball BA. Parental bias in expression and interaction of genes in the equine placenta. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2006474118. [PMID: 33853939 PMCID: PMC8072238 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2006474118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Most autosomal genes in the placenta show a biallelic expression pattern. However, some genes exhibit allele-specific transcription depending on the parental origin of the chromosomes on which the copy of the gene resides. Parentally expressed genes are involved in the reciprocal interaction between maternal and paternal genes, coordinating the allocation of resources between fetus and mother. One of the main challenges of studying parental-specific allelic expression (allele-specific expression [ASE]) in the placenta is the maternal cellular remnant at the fetomaternal interface. Horses (Equus caballus) have an epitheliochorial placenta in which both the endometrial epithelium and the epithelium of the chorionic villi are juxtaposed with minimal extension into the uterine mucosa, yet there is no information available on the allelic gene expression of equine chorioallantois (CA). In the current study, we present a dataset of 1,336 genes showing ASE in the equine CA (https://pouya-dini.github.io/equine-gene-db/) along with a workflow for analyzing ASE genes. We further identified 254 potentially imprinted genes among the parentally expressed genes in the equine CA and evaluated the expression pattern of these genes throughout gestation. Our gene ontology analysis implies that maternally expressed genes tend to decrease the length of gestation, while paternally expressed genes extend the length of gestation. This study provides fundamental information regarding parental gene expression during equine pregnancy, a species with a negligible amount of maternal cellular remnant in its placenta. This information will provide the basis for a better understanding of the role of parental gene expression in the placenta during gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pouya Dini
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - Theodore Kalbfleisch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202
| | - José M Uribe-Salazar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Genome Center, Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Mariano Carossino
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503
| | - Hossam El-Sheikh Ali
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Shavahn C Loux
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503
| | - Alejandro Esteller-Vico
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503
| | - Jamie K Norris
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503
| | - Lakshay Anand
- Environmental Epigenetics and Genetics Group, Department of Horticulture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546
| | - Kirsten E Scoggin
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503
| | - Carlos M Rodriguez Lopez
- Environmental Epigenetics and Genetics Group, Department of Horticulture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546
| | - James Breen
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Ernest Bailey
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503
| | - Peter Daels
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - Barry A Ball
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503;
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Pal A, Oakes J, Elnagheeb M, Ideraabdullah FY. Maternal Microdeletion at the H19/Igf2 ICR in Mice Increases Offspring Susceptibility to In Utero Environmental Perturbation. Epigenet Insights 2020; 13:2516865720970575. [PMID: 33313480 PMCID: PMC7716063 DOI: 10.1177/2516865720970575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Deficiency of methyl donor nutrients folate, choline, and methionine (methyl deficiency) during gestation can impair fetal development and perturb DNA methylation. Here, we assessed genetic susceptibility to methyl deficiency by comparing effects in wildtype C57BL/6J (B6) mice to mutant mice carrying a 1.3 kb deletion at the H19/Igf2 Imprinting Control Region (ICR) (H19 ICRΔ2,3). The H19 ICRΔ2,3 mutation mimics microdeletions observed in Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) patients, who exhibit epimutations in cis that cause loss of imprinting and fetal overgrowth. Dams were treated during pregnancy with 1 of 4 methyl sufficient (MS) or methyl deficient (MD) diets, with or without the antibiotic commonly used to deplete folate producing gut microbes. As expected, after ~9 weeks of treatment, dams in MD and MD + antibiotic groups exhibited substantially reduced plasma folate concentrations. H19 ICRΔ2,3 mutant lines were more susceptible to adverse pregnancy outcomes caused by methyl deficiency (reduced birth rate and increased pup lethality) and antibiotic (decreased litter size and litter survival). Surprisingly, pup growth/development was only minimally affected by methyl deficiency, while antibiotic treatment caused inverse effects on B6 and H19 ICRΔ2,3 lines. B6 pups treated with antibiotic exhibited increased neonatal and weanling bodyweight, while both wildtype and mutant pups of heterozygous H19 ICRΔ2,3/+ dams exhibited decreased neonatal bodyweight that persisted into adulthood. Interestingly, only antibiotic-treated pups carrying the H19 ICRΔ2,3 mutation exhibited altered DNA methylation at the H19/Igf2 ICR, suggesting ICR epimutation was not sufficient to explain the altered phenotypes. These findings demonstrate that genetic mutation of the H19/Igf2 ICR increases offspring susceptibility to developmental perturbation in the methyl deficiency model, maternal and pup genotype play an essential role, and antibiotic treatment in the model also plays a key independent role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anandita Pal
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Judy Oakes
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, USA
| | - Marwa Elnagheeb
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, USA
| | - Folami Y Ideraabdullah
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, USA
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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30
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Zafeiri A, Mitchell RT, Hay DC, Fowler PA. Over-the-counter analgesics during pregnancy: a comprehensive review of global prevalence and offspring safety. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:67-95. [PMID: 33118024 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Analgesia during pregnancy is often necessary. Due to their widespread availability, many mothers opt to use over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics. Those analgesic compounds and their metabolites can readily cross the placenta and reach the developing foetus. Evidence for safety or associations with adverse health outcomes is conflicting, limiting definitive decision-making for healthcare professionals. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review provides a detailed and objective overview of research in this field. We consider the global prevalence of OTC analgesia during pregnancy, explain the current mechanistic understanding of how analgesic compounds cross the placenta and reach the foetus, and review current research on exposure associations with offspring health outcomes. SEARCH METHODS A comprehensive English language literature search was conducted using PubMed and Scopus databases. Different combinations of key search terms were used including 'over-the-counter/non-prescription analgesics', 'pregnancy', 'self-medication', 'paracetamol', 'acetaminophen', 'diclofenac', 'aspirin', 'ibuprofen', 'in utero exposure', 'placenta drug transport', 'placental transporters', 'placenta drug metabolism' and 'offspring outcomes'. OUTCOMES This article examines the evidence of foetal exposure to OTC analgesia, starting from different routes of exposure to evidence, or the lack thereof, linking maternal consumption to offspring ill health. There is a very high prevalence of maternal consumption of OTC analgesics globally, which is increasing sharply. The choice of analgesia selected by pregnant women differs across populations. Location was also observed to have an effect on prevalence of use, with more developed countries reporting the highest consumption rates. Some of the literature focuses on the association of in utero exposure at different pregnancy trimesters and the development of neurodevelopmental, cardiovascular, respiratory and reproductive defects. This is in contrast to other studies which report no associations. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The high prevalence and the challenges of reporting exact consumption rates make OTC analgesia during pregnancy a pressing reproductive health issue globally. Even though some healthcare policy-making authorities have declared the consumption of some OTC analgesics for most stages of pregnancy to be safe, such decisions are often based on partial review of literature. Our comprehensive review of current evidence highlights that important knowledge gaps still exist. Those areas require further research in order to provide pregnant mothers with clear guidance with regard to OTC analgesic use during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini Zafeiri
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David C Hay
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Paul A Fowler
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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31
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Edwards CA, Takahashi N, Corish JA, Ferguson-Smith AC. The origins of genomic imprinting in mammals. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 31:1203-1218. [PMID: 30615843 DOI: 10.1071/rd18176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic imprinting is a process that causes genes to be expressed according to their parental origin. Imprinting appears to have evolved gradually in two of the three mammalian subclasses, with no imprinted genes yet identified in prototheria and only six found to be imprinted in marsupials to date. By interrogating the genomes of eutherian suborders, we determine that imprinting evolved at the majority of eutherian specific genes before the eutherian radiation. Theories considering the evolution of imprinting often relate to resource allocation and recently consider maternal-offspring interactions more generally, which, in marsupials, places a greater emphasis on lactation. In eutherians, the imprint memory is retained at least in part by zinc finger protein 57 (ZFP57), a Kruppel associated box (KRAB) zinc finger protein that binds specifically to methylated imprinting control regions. Some imprints are less dependent on ZFP57invivo and it may be no coincidence that these are the imprints that are found in marsupials. Because marsupials lack ZFP57, this suggests another more ancestral protein evolved to regulate imprints in non-eutherian subclasses, and contributes to imprinting control in eutherians. Hence, understanding the mechanisms acting at imprinting control regions across mammals has the potential to provide valuable insights into our understanding of the origins and evolution of genomic imprinting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol A Edwards
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Nozomi Takahashi
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Jennifer A Corish
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Anne C Ferguson-Smith
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK
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32
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Kretschmer T, Turnwald EM, Janoschek R, Zentis P, Bae-Gartz I, Beers T, Handwerk M, Wohlfarth M, Ghilav M, Bloch W, Hucklenbruch-Rother E, Dötsch J, Appel S. Maternal high fat diet-induced obesity affects trophoblast differentiation and placental function in mice†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:1260-1274. [PMID: 32915209 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests that maternal obesity (MO) can aggravate placental function causing severe pathologies during the perinatal window. However, molecular changes and mechanisms of placental dysfunction remain largely unknown. This work aimed to decipher structural and molecular alterations of the placental transfer zone associated with MO. To this end, mice were fed a high fat diet (HFD) to induce obesity before mating, and pregnant dams were sacrificed at E15.5 to receive placentas for molecular, histological, and ultrastructural analysis and to assess unidirectional materno-fetal transfer capacity. Laser-capture microdissection was used to collect specifically placental cells of the labyrinth zone for proteomics profiling. Using BeWo cells, fatty acid-mediated mechanisms of adherens junction stability, cell layer permeability, and lipid accumulation were deciphered. Proteomics profiling revealed downregulation of cell adhesion markers in the labyrinth zone of obese dams, and disturbed syncytial fusion and detachment of the basement membrane (BM) within this zone was observed, next to an increase in materno-fetal transfer in vivo across the placenta. We found that fetuses of obese dams develop a growth restriction and in those placentas, labyrinth zone volume-fraction was significantly reduced. Linoleic acid was shown to mediate beta-catenin level and increase cell layer permeability in vitro. Thus, MO causes fetal growth restriction, molecular and structural changes in the transfer zone leading to impaired trophoblast differentiation, BM disruption, and placental dysfunction despite increased materno-fetal transfer capacity. These adverse effects are probably mediated by fatty acids found in HFD demonstrating the need for obesity treatment to mitigate placental dysfunction and prevent offspring pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Kretschmer
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Turnwald
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ruth Janoschek
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Peter Zentis
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Core Facility Imaging, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Inga Bae-Gartz
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tim Beers
- Department of Anatomy I, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marion Handwerk
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Maria Wohlfarth
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mojgan Ghilav
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Sports Medicine, Institute of Cardiovascular Research and Sports Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Wilhelm Bloch
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Sports Medicine, Institute of Cardiovascular Research and Sports Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Eva Hucklenbruch-Rother
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jörg Dötsch
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sarah Appel
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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33
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Advances in imaging feto-placental vasculature: new tools to elucidate the early life origins of health and disease. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2020; 12:168-178. [PMID: 32746961 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174420000720] [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] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Optimal placental function is critical for fetal development, and therefore a crucial consideration for understanding the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD). The structure of the fetal side of the placental vasculature is an important determinant of fetal growth and cardiovascular development. There are several imaging modalities for assessing feto-placental structure including stereology, electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, micro-computed tomography, light-sheet microscopy, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. In this review, we present current methodologies for imaging feto-placental vasculature morphology ex vivo and in vivo in human and experimental models, their advantages and limitations and how these provide insight into placental function and fetal outcomes. These imaging approaches add important perspective to our understanding of placental biology and have potential to be new tools to elucidate a deeper understanding of DOHaD.
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34
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Walker OS, Ragos R, Gurm H, Lapierre M, May LL, Raha S. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol disrupts mitochondrial function and attenuates syncytialization in human placental BeWo cells. Physiol Rep 2020; 8:e14476. [PMID: 32628362 PMCID: PMC7336740 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The psychoactive component in cannabis, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, can restrict fetal growth and development. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol has been shown to negatively impact cellular proliferation and target organelles like the mitochondria resulting in reduced cellular respiration. In the placenta, mitochondrial dysfunction leading to oxidative stress prevents proper placental development and function. A key element of placental development is the proliferation and fusion of cytotrophoblasts to form the syncytium that comprises the materno-fetal interface. The impact of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on this process is not well understood. To elucidate the nature of the mitochondrial dysfunction and its consequences on trophoblast fusion, we treated undifferentiated and differentiated BeWo human trophoblast cells, with 20 µM delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol for 48 hr. At this concentration, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on BeWo cells reduced the expression of markers involved in syncytialization and mitochondrial dynamics, but had no effect on cell viability. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol significantly attenuated the process of syncytialization and induced oxidative stress responses in BeWo cells. Importantly, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol also caused a reduction in the secretion of human chorionic gonadotropin and the production of human placental lactogen and insulin growth factor 2, three hormones known to be important in facilitating fetal growth. Furthermore, we also demonstrate that delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol attenuated mitochondrial respiration, depleted adenosine triphosphate, and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. These changes were also associated with an increase in cellular reactive oxygen species, and the expression of stress responsive chaperones, HSP60 and HSP70. These findings have important implications for understanding the role of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-induced mitochondrial injury and the role this might play in compromising human pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- O’Llenecia S. Walker
- Department of PediatricsMcMaster UniversityHamiltonONCanada
- The Graduate Program in Medical SciencesMcMaster UniversityHamiltonONCanada
| | | | - Harmeet Gurm
- Department of PediatricsMcMaster UniversityHamiltonONCanada
| | | | - Linda L. May
- Department of PediatricsMcMaster UniversityHamiltonONCanada
| | - Sandeep Raha
- Department of PediatricsMcMaster UniversityHamiltonONCanada
- The Graduate Program in Medical SciencesMcMaster UniversityHamiltonONCanada
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35
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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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36
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Abstract
As the maternal–foetal interface, the placenta is essential for the establishment and progression of healthy pregnancy, regulating both foetal growth and maternal adaptation to pregnancy. The evolution and functional importance of genomic imprinting are inextricably linked to mammalian placentation. Recent technological advances in mapping and manipulating the epigenome in embryogenesis in mouse models have revealed novel mechanisms regulating genomic imprinting in placental trophoblast, the physiological implications of which are only just beginning to be explored. This review will highlight important recent discoveries and exciting new directions in the study of placental imprinting. The placenta is essential for healthy pregnancy because it supports the growth of the baby, helps the mother’s body adapt, and provides a connection between mother and the developing baby. Studying gene regulation and the early steps in placental development is challenging in human pregnancy, so mouse models have been key in building our understanding of these processes. In particular, these studies have identified a subset of genes that are essential for placentation, termed imprinted genes. Imprinted genes are those that are expressed from only one copy, depending on whether they were inherited from mom or dad. In this review, I describe recent novel approaches used to study the mechanisms regulating these imprinted genes in mouse models, and I highlight several new discoveries. It has become apparent that the regulation of imprinted genes in placenta is often unique from other tissues and that there are species-specific mechanisms allowing the evolution of new imprinted genes specifically in the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney W. Hanna
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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37
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Muhammad T, Li M, Wang J, Huang T, Zhao S, Zhao H, Liu H, Chen ZJ. Roles of insulin-like growth factor II in regulating female reproductive physiology. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2020; 63:849-865. [PMID: 32291558 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-019-1646-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The number of growth factors involved in female fertility has been extensively studied, but reluctance to add essential growth factors in culture media has limited progress in optimizing embryonic growth and implantation outcomes, a situation that has ultimately led to reduced pregnancy outcomes. Insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) is the most intricately regulated of all known reproduction-related growth factors characterized to date, and is perhaps the predominant growth factor in human ovarian follicles. This review aims to concisely summarize what is known about the role of IGF-II in follicular development, oocyte maturation, embryonic development, implantation success, placentation, fetal growth, and in reducing placental cell apoptosis, as well as present strategies that use growth factors in culture systems to improve the developmental potential of oocytes and embryos in different species. Synthesizing the present knowledge about the physiological roles of IGF-II in follicular development, oocyte maturation, and early embryonic development should, on the one hand, deepen our overall understanding of the potential beneficial effects of growth factors in female reproduction and on the other hand support development (optimization) of improved outcomes for assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahir Muhammad
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Mengjing Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Jianfeng Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Shigang Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Han Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Hongbin Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China. .,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China. .,Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China. .,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China. .,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China. .,Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China. .,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, 200000, China. .,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200000, China.
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Guo J, Fang M, Zhuang S, Qiao Y, Huang W, Gong Q, Xu D, Zhang Y, Wang H. Prenatal dexamethasone exposure exerts sex-specific effect on placental oxygen and nutrient transport ascribed to the differential expression of IGF2. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:233. [PMID: 32309380 PMCID: PMC7154419 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2019.12.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Clinical studies have showed that dexamethasone exposure during pregnancy could cause fetal growth retardation, but the mechanism by which prenatal dexamethasone exposure influences placental nutrient transport is still unclear. This study investigated the impacts of prenatal dexamethasone on the placental oxygen and nutrient transport. Methods Pregnant Wistar rats were subcutaneously administered with dexamethasone from day 9 to day 20 of gestation at 0.2 or 0.8 mg/kg·d. Pregnant rats were sacrificed on gestational day 20. The placental tissue was collected for analysis. Results Prenatal dexamethasone exposure (PDE) declined the fetal weight and increased the intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) rate in a dose-dependent manner. The total placental volume and the length, density and surface area of fetal capillaries in the labyrinth zone reduced in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the thickness of syncytial membrane dose-dependently increased, resulting in a dose-dependent decrease in oxygen diffusion capacity. Furthermore, after PDE, the nutrient transport area and oxygen diffusion capacity of male placenta were lower than that of female placenta. The mRNA and protein expression of placental nutrient transporters including glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), glucose transporter 3 (GLUT3), L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1), lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SRB1) increased in female placenta. However, in male placenta, the expression of LAT1, LPL and SRB1 was significantly decreased and GLUT1 and GLUT3 have a decrease trend. We further investigated the expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) related to placental and fetal growth and development. Our study showed that the expression of IGF1 was significantly decreased both in male and female placentas after PDE. But the expression of IGF2 was significantly increased in female placentas while significantly decreased in male placentas. Conclusions Our study shows prenatal dexamethasone exposure exerts sex-specific influence on the placental oxygen and nutrient transport. This might be ascribed to the differential expression of IGF2 after PDE. These findings provide evidence on the dexamethasone-induced toxicity to the placenta and fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Diseases, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Man Fang
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Siying Zhuang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yuan Qiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Diseases, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Wen Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Qing Gong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Dan Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Diseases, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yuanzhen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Diseases, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Diseases, Wuhan 430071, China.,Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
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Eaton M, Davies AH, Devine J, Zhao X, Simmons DG, Maríusdóttir E, Natale DRC, Matyas JR, Bering EA, Workentine ML, Hallgrimsson B, Cross JC. Complex patterns of cell growth in the placenta in normal pregnancy and as adaptations to maternal diet restriction. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0226735. [PMID: 31917811 PMCID: PMC6952106 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The major milestones in mouse placental development are well described, but our understanding is limited to how the placenta can adapt to damage or changes in the environment. By using stereology and expression of cell cycle markers, we found that the placenta grows under normal conditions not just by hyperplasia of trophoblast cells but also through extensive polyploidy and cell hypertrophy. In response to feeding a low protein diet to mothers prior to and during pregnancy, to mimic chronic malnutrition, we found that this normal program was altered and that it was influenced by the sex of the conceptus. Male fetuses showed intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) by embryonic day (E) 18.5, just before term, whereas female fetuses showed IUGR as early as E16.5. This difference was correlated with differences in the size of the labyrinth layer of the placenta, the site of nutrient and gas exchange. Functional changes were implied based on up-regulation of nutrient transporter genes. The junctional zone was also affected, with a reduction in both glycogen trophoblast and spongiotrophoblast cells. These changes were associated with increased expression of Phlda2 and reduced expression of Egfr. Polyploidy, which results from endoreduplication, is a normal feature of trophoblast giant cells (TGC) but also spongiotrophoblast cells. Ploidy was increased in sinusoidal-TGCs and spongiotrophoblast cells, but not parietal-TGCs, in low protein placentas. These results indicate that the placenta undergoes a range of changes in development and function in response to poor maternal diet, many of which we interpret are aimed at mitigating the impacts on fetal and maternal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm Eaton
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta
| | - Alastair H. Davies
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta
| | - Jay Devine
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta
| | - Xiang Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta
| | - David G. Simmons
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta
| | - Elín Maríusdóttir
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta
| | - David R. C. Natale
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta
| | - John R. Matyas
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta
| | - Elizabeth A. Bering
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta
| | | | - Benedikt Hallgrimsson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta
| | - James C. Cross
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta
- * E-mail:
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Li Q, Li Y, Yin Q, Huang S, Wang K, Zhuo L, Li W, Chang B, Li J. Temporal regulation of prenatal embryonic development by paternal imprinted loci. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2020; 63:1-17. [PMID: 31564034 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-019-9817-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Paternal imprinted genes (H19 and Gtl2) are pivotal for prenatal embryonic development in mice. Nongrowing oocytes and sperm- or oocyte-originated haploid embryonic stem cells (haESCs) carrying both H19-DMR (differentially DNA-methylated region) and IG (intergenic)-DMR deletions that partially mimic paternal imprinting of H19-Igf2 and Dlk1-Dio3 can be employed as sperm replacement to efficiently support full-term embryonic development. However, how H19-DMR and IG-DMR act together to regulate embryonic development is still largely unknown. Here, using androgenetic haESC (AG-haESC)-mediated semi-cloned (SC) technology, we showed that paternal H19-DMR and IG-DMR are not essential for pre-implantation development of SC embryos generated through injection of AG-haESCs into oocytes. H19-DMR plays critical roles before 12.5 days of gestation while IG-DMR is essential for late-gestation of SC embryos. Interestingly, we found that combined deletions of H19 and H19-DMR can further improve the efficiency of normal development of SC embryos at mid-gestation compared to DKO SC embryos. Transcriptome and histology analyses revealed that H19 and H19-DMR combined deletions rescue the placental defects. Furthermore, we showed that H19, H19-DMR and IG-DMR deletions (TKO) give rise to better prenatal and postnatal embryonic development of SC embryos compared to DKO. Together, our results indicate the temporal regulation of paternal imprinted loci during embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Qi Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Shuo Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Kai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Liangchai Zhuo
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Boran Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Jinsong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China. .,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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Thamban T, Agarwaal V, Khosla S. Role of genomic imprinting in mammalian development. J Biosci 2020; 45:20. [PMID: 31965998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Non-mendelian inheritance refers to the group of phenomena and observations related to the inheritance of genetic information that cannot be merely explained by Mendel's laws of inheritance. Phenomenon including Genomic imprinting, X-chromosome Inactivation, Paramutations are some of the best studied examples of non-mendelian inheritance. Genomic imprinting is a process that reversibly marks one of the two homologous loci, chromosome or chromosomal sets during development, resulting in functional non-equivalence of gene expression. Genomic imprinting is known to occur in a few insect species, plants, and placental mammals. Over the years, studies on imprinted genes have contributed immensely to highlighting the role of epigenetic modifications and the epigenetic circuitry during gene expression and development. In this review, we discuss the phenomenon of genomic imprinting in mammals and the role it plays especially during fetoplacental growth and early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thushara Thamban
- Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad, India
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Renshall LJ, Cottrell EC, Cowley E, Sibley CP, Baker PN, Thorstensen EB, Greenwood SL, Wareing M, Dilworth MR. Antenatal sildenafil citrate treatment increases offspring blood pressure in the placental-specific Igf2 knockout mouse model of FGR. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2019; 318:H252-H263. [PMID: 31809211 PMCID: PMC7052623 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00568.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR), where a fetus fails to reach its genetic growth potential, affects up to 8% of pregnancies and is a major risk factor for stillbirth and adulthood morbidity. There are currently no treatments for FGR, but candidate therapies include the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil citrate (SC). Randomized clinical trials in women demonstrated no effect of SC on fetal growth in cases of severe early onset FGR; however, long-term health outcomes on the offspring are unknown. This study aimed to assess the effect of antenatal SC treatment on metabolic and cardiovascular health in offspring by assessing postnatal weight gain, glucose tolerance, systolic blood pressure, and resistance artery function in a mouse model of FGR, the placental-specific insulin-like growth factor 2 (PO) knockout mouse. SC was administered subcutaneously (10 mg/kg) daily from embryonic day (E)12.5. Antenatal SC treatment did not alter fetal weight or viability but increased postnatal weight gain in wild-type (WT) female offspring (P < 0.05) and reduced glucose sensitivity in both WT (P < 0.01) and P0 (P < 0.05) female offspring compared with controls. Antenatal SC treatment increased systolic blood pressure in both male (WT vs. WT-SC: 117 ± 2 vs. 140 ± 3 mmHg, P < 0.0001; P0 vs. P0-SC: 113 ± 3 vs. 140 ± 4 mmHg, P < 0.0001; means ± SE) and female (WT vs. WT-SC: 121 ± 2 vs. 140 ± 2 mmHg, P < 0.0001; P0 vs. P0-SC: 117 ± 2 vs. 144 ± 4 mmHg, P < 0.0001) offspring at 8 and 13 wk of age. Increased systolic blood pressure was not attributed to altered mesenteric artery function. In utero exposure to SC may result in metabolic dysfunction and elevated blood pressure in later life. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Sildenafil citrate (SC) is currently used to treat fetal growth restriction (FGR). We demonstrate that SC is ineffective at treating FGR, and leads to a substantial increase systolic blood pressure and alterations in glucose homeostasis in offspring. We therefore urge caution and suggest that further studies are required to assess the safety and efficacy of SC in utero, in addition to the implications on long-term health.
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Affiliation(s)
- L J Renshall
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - E C Cottrell
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - E Cowley
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - C P Sibley
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - P N Baker
- Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Grafton, Auckland, New Zealand.,College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - E B Thorstensen
- Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Grafton, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - S L Greenwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - M Wareing
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - M R Dilworth
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Zhao Y, Song Q, Ge W, Jin Y, Chen S, Zhao Y, Xiao X, Zhang Y. Associations between in utero exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers, pathophysiological state of fetal growth and placental DNA methylation changes. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 133:105255. [PMID: 31655276 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are environmental chemicals with harmful effects on pregnancy, but their effects on adverse developmental outcomes are not fully understood. The placental DNA methylation is strongly influenced by prenatal environmental factors and has been linked to fetal growth. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between in utero PBDEs exposure, placental DNA methylation changes (growth regulatory genes), and pathophysiology of fetal growth (birth outcomes, fetal growth retardation) in a population-based pregnancy cohort study. METHODS This was a nested case-control study within the prospective Wenzhou Birth Cohort including 130 fetal growth retardation (FGR) cases and 130 healthy controls and their mothers recruited from June 2016 to June 2017. FGR was diagnosed based on the comprehensive evaluation of ultrasound results at 24, 28, and 32 weeks of gestation. Neonatal birth measurements were obtained from medical records. Gestational exposure to 19 PBDEs, including 13 lower BDE congeners (BDE-17-190) and 6 higher brominated BDE congeners (BDE-196-209), were determined by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in the umbilical cord blood. Placental DNA methylation changes of one repetitive element (LINE1) and two candidate genes (HSD11B2, IGF2) were characterized by quantitative polymerase chain reaction-pyrosequencing. Multiple linear regression and logistic regression models were used to examine the associations among PBDEs exposure, fetal growth indicators, and DMR (differential methylation region) methylation fractions. Sobel tests were conducted to assess DNA methylation as a mediator in multivariate models. RESULTS After excluding women who withdrew from the study or were lost to follow-up or failed to provide placenta or umbilical cord blood, 249 mother-newborn pairs (124 FGR cases, 125 controls) were included in the final analysis. Elevated BDE-206 (OR: 1.569, 95% CIs: 1.053-2.338), BDE-17-190 (OR: 2.860, 95% CIs: 1.233-6.634), BDE-196-209 (OR: 1.688, 95% CIs: 1.024-2.783) and ∑19PBDEs (OR: 2.387, 95% CIs: 1.220-4.668) concentrations were associated with increased risk of FGR in newborns. FGR birth was also associated with increased DNA methylation of HSD11B2 (OR: 1.145, 95% CIs: 1.032-1.270) and decreased DNA methylation of IGF2 (OR: 0.892, 95% CIs: 0.845-0.941). In addition, BDE-17-190 showed significant associations with DNA methylation of HSD11B2 and IGF2 (β: 1.127, 95% CIs: 0.069-2.186; β: -3.452, 95% CIs: -5.512-1.392), indicating placental DNA methylation changes of HSD11B2 and IGF2 were related to both lower BDE congeners exposure and fetal growth. Further mediation analyses showed that IGF2 methylation mediated about 40% of the effects of BDE-17-190 in umbilical cord blood on neonatal FGR. CONCLUSION We report an inverse association between in utero exposures to PBDEs and fetal growth and provide evidence supporting epigenetic gene plasticity in these associations. Changes in placental DNA methylation might be part of the underlying biological pathway between prenatal PBDEs exposure and adverse fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingya Zhao
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (Fudan University), China; Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qi Song
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Division of Health Risk Factors Surveillance and Control, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Wenzhen Ge
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., New York, NY, USA
| | - Yuting Jin
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Shangqin Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200042, China
| | - Xirong Xiao
- Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China.
| | - Yunhui Zhang
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (Fudan University), China; Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Watanabe H, Higashimoto K, Miyake N, Morita S, Horii T, Kimura M, Suzuki T, Maeda T, Hidaka H, Aoki S, Yatsuki H, Okamoto N, Uemura T, Hatada I, Matsumoto N, Soejima H. DNA methylation analysis of multiple imprinted DMRs in Sotos syndrome reveals IGF2-DMR0 as a DNA methylation-dependent, P0 promoter-specific enhancer. FASEB J 2019; 34:960-973. [PMID: 31914674 PMCID: PMC6973060 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901757r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Haploinsufficiency of NSD1, which dimethylates histone H3 lysine 36 (H3K36), causes Sotos syndrome (SoS), an overgrowth syndrome. DNMT3A and DNMT3B recognizes H3K36 trimethylation (H3K36me3) through PWWP domain to exert de novo DNA methyltransferase activity and establish imprinted differentially methylated regions (DMRs). Since decrease of H3K36me3 and genome‐wide DNA hypomethylation in SoS were observed, hypomethylation of imprinted DMRs in SoS was suggested. We explored DNA methylation status of 28 imprinted DMRs in 31 SoS patients with NSD1 defect and found that hypomethylation of IGF2‐DMR0 and IG‐DMR in a substantial proportion of SoS patients. Luciferase assay revealed that IGF2‐DMR0 enhanced transcription from the IGF2 P0 promoter but not the P3 and P4 promoters. Chromatin immunoprecipitation‐quantitative PCR (ChIP‐qPCR) revealed active enhancer histone modifications at IGF2‐DMR0, with high enrichment of H3K4me1 and H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac). CRISPR‐Cas9 epigenome editing revealed that specifically induced hypomethylation at IGF2‐DMR0 increased transcription from the P0 promoter but not the P3 and P4 promoters. NSD1 knockdown suggested that NSD1 targeted IGF2‐DMR0; however, IGF2‐DMR0 DNA methylation and IGF2 expression were unaltered. This study could elucidate the function of IGF2‐DMR0 as a DNA methylation dependent, P0 promoter‐specific enhancer. NSD1 may play a role in the establishment or maintenance of IGF2‐DMR0 methylation during the postimplantation period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidetaka Watanabe
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Epigenetics, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan.,Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Saga University Hospital, Saga, Japan
| | - Ken Higashimoto
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Epigenetics, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Noriko Miyake
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Sumiyo Morita
- Laboratory of Genome Science, Biosignal Genome Resource Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Takuro Horii
- Laboratory of Genome Science, Biosignal Genome Resource Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Mika Kimura
- Laboratory of Genome Science, Biosignal Genome Resource Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Takayuki Suzuki
- Avian Bioscience Research Center, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Maeda
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Hidenori Hidaka
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Saori Aoki
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Epigenetics, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Hitomi Yatsuki
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Epigenetics, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Okamoto
- Department of Medical Genetics, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Tetsuji Uemura
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Saga University Hospital, Saga, Japan
| | - Izuho Hatada
- Laboratory of Genome Science, Biosignal Genome Resource Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Naomichi Matsumoto
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hidenobu Soejima
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Epigenetics, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
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Thromboinflammatory changes in plasma proteome of pregnant women with PCOS detected by quantitative label-free proteomics. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17578. [PMID: 31772271 PMCID: PMC6879536 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54067-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinological disorder of fertile-aged women. Several adverse pregnancy outcomes and abnormalities of the placenta have been associated with PCOS. By using quantitative label-free proteomics we investigated whether changes in the plasma proteome of pregnant women with PCOS could elucidate the mechanisms behind the pathologies observed in PCOS pregnancies. A total of 169 proteins with ≥2 unique peptides were detected to be differentially expressed between women with PCOS (n = 7) and matched controls (n = 20) at term of pregnancy, out of which 35 were significant (p-value < 0.05). A pathway analysis revealed that networks related to humoral immune responses, inflammatory responses, cardiovascular disease and cellular growth and proliferation were affected by PCOS. Classification of cases and controls was carried out using principal component analysis, orthogonal projections on latent structure-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), hierarchical clustering, self-organising maps and ROC-curve analysis. The most significantly enriched proteins in PCOS were properdin and insulin-like growth factor II. In the dataset, properdin had the best predictive accuracy for PCOS (AUC = 1). Additionally, properdin abundances correlated with AMH levels in pregnant women.
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López-Tello J, Pérez-García V, Khaira J, Kusinski LC, Cooper WN, Andreani A, Grant I, Fernández de Liger E, Lam BY, Hemberger M, Sandovici I, Constancia M, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Fetal and trophoblast PI3K p110α have distinct roles in regulating resource supply to the growing fetus in mice. eLife 2019; 8:45282. [PMID: 31241463 PMCID: PMC6634971 DOI: 10.7554/elife.45282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies suggest that placental nutrient supply adapts according to fetal demands. However, signaling events underlying placental adaptations remain unknown. Here we demonstrate that phosphoinositide 3-kinase p110α in the fetus and the trophoblast interplay to regulate placental nutrient supply and fetal growth. Complete loss of fetal p110α caused embryonic death, whilst heterozygous loss resulted in fetal growth restriction and impaired placental formation and nutrient transport. Loss of trophoblast p110α resulted in viable fetuses, abnormal placental development and a failure of the placenta to transport sufficient nutrients to match fetal demands for growth. Using RNA-seq we identified genes downstream of p110α in the trophoblast that are important in adapting placental phenotype. Using CRISPR/Cas9 we showed loss of p110α differentially affects gene expression in trophoblast and embryonic stem cells. Our findings reveal important, but distinct roles for p110α in the different compartments of the conceptus, which control fetal resource acquisition and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge López-Tello
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Vicente Pérez-García
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jaspreet Khaira
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Laura C Kusinski
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Metabolic Research Laboratories, MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Rosie Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Wendy N Cooper
- Metabolic Research Laboratories, MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Rosie Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Andreani
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Imogen Grant
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Edurne Fernández de Liger
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Brian Yh Lam
- Metabolic Research Laboratories, MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Rosie Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Myriam Hemberger
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Ionel Sandovici
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Metabolic Research Laboratories, MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Rosie Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Miguel Constancia
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Metabolic Research Laboratories, MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Rosie Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Ganguly E, Aljunaidy MM, Kirschenman R, Spaans F, Morton JS, Phillips TEJ, Case CP, Cooke CLM, Davidge ST. Sex-Specific Effects of Nanoparticle-Encapsulated MitoQ (nMitoQ) Delivery to the Placenta in a Rat Model of Fetal Hypoxia. Front Physiol 2019; 10:562. [PMID: 31178743 PMCID: PMC6543892 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy complications associated with chronic fetal hypoxia have been linked to the development of adult cardiovascular disease in the offspring. Prenatal hypoxia has been shown to increase placental oxidative stress and impair placental function in a sex-specific manner, thereby affecting fetal development. As oxidative stress is central to placental dysfunction, we developed a placenta-targeted treatment strategy using the antioxidant MitoQ encapsulated into nanoparticles (nMitoQ) to reduce placental oxidative/nitrosative stress and improve placental function without direct drug exposure to the fetus in order to avoid off-target effects during development. We hypothesized that, in a rat model of prenatal hypoxia, nMitoQ prevents hypoxia-induced placental oxidative/nitrosative stress, promotes angiogenesis, improves placental morphology, and ultimately improves fetal oxygenation. Additionally, we assessed whether there were sex differences in the effectiveness of nMitoQ treatment. Pregnant rats were intravenously injected with saline or nMitoQ (100 μl of 125 μM) on gestational day (GD) 15 and exposed to either normoxia (21% O2) or hypoxia (11% O2) from GD15 to 21. On GD21, placentae from both sexes were collected for detection of superoxide, nitrotyrosine, nitric oxide, CD31 (endothelial cell marker), and fetal blood spaces, Vegfa and Igf2 mRNA expression in the placental labyrinth zone. Prenatal hypoxia decreased male fetal weight, which was not changed by nMitoQ treatment; however, placental efficiency (fetal/placental weight ratio) decreased by hypoxia and was increased by nMitoQ in both males and females. nMitoQ treatment reduced the prenatal hypoxia-induced increase in placental superoxide levels in both male and female placentae but improved oxygenation in only female placentae. Nitrotyrosine levels were increased in hypoxic female placentae and were reduced by nMitoQ. Prenatal hypoxia reduced placental Vegfa and Igf2 expression in both sexes, while nMitoQ increased Vegfa and Igf2 expression only in hypoxic female placentae. In summary, our study suggests that nMitoQ treatment could be pursued as a potential preventative strategy against placental oxidative stress and programming of adult cardiovascular disease in offspring exposed to hypoxia in utero. However, sex differences need to be taken into account when developing therapeutic strategies to improve fetal development in complicated pregnancies, as nMitoQ treatment was more effective in placentae from females than males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esha Ganguly
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Women and Children’s Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Mais M. Aljunaidy
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Women and Children’s Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Raven Kirschenman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Women and Children’s Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Floor Spaans
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Women and Children’s Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jude S. Morton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Women and Children’s Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - C. Patrick Case
- Musculoskeletal Research Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Christy-Lynn M. Cooke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Women and Children’s Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sandra T. Davidge
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Women and Children’s Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Takai H, Kondoh E, Mogami H, Kawasaki K, Chigusa Y, Sato M, Kawamura Y, Murakami R, Matsumura N, Konishi I, Mandai M. Placental sonic hedgehog pathway regulates foetal growth via insulin-like growth factor axis in preeclampsia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:4239-4252. [PMID: 31120491 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2019-00335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Placental dysfunction is the underlying cause of common major disorders of pregnancy, such as foetal growth restriction (FGR) and preeclampsia. However, the mechanisms of placental dysfunction are not entirely elucidated. We previously reported 10 reliable preeclampsia pathways based on multiple microarray data sets, among which was the sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway. Here we describe the significant role of SHH signalling involved in placental development and foetal growth. METHODS The placental expression levels of surrogate markers of the SHH pathway, patched homolog 1 (PTCH1) and glioma-associated oncogene homolog 2 (GLI2), were evaluated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. We investigated the underlying mechanisms of the SHH pathway in trophoblast syncytialization, a critical process for placental development and maturation, using primary cytotrophoblasts. Moreover, the potential roles of placental SHH signalling in the regulation of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis were explored by pathway analysis of microarray data. Finally, the influence of SHH signalling on foetal growth was examined by placental administration of cyclopamine, an SHH pathway inhibitor, to pregnant mice. RESULTS The SHH pathway was downregulated in preeclampsia placentas and its activation was highly correlated with birth weight. Trophoblast syncytialization was modulated by non-canonical SHH-adenylate cyclase (ADCY) signalling rather than canonical SHH-GLI signalling. The IGF1R pathway was regulated by both non-canonical SHH-ADCY signalling and canonical SHH-GLI signalling. Inhibition of placental SHH signalling significantly reduced foetal weight in mice. CONCLUSION Placental development and foetal growth were regulated through the SHH pathway via the IGF axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Takai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Eiji Kondoh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Haruta Mogami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kaoru Kawasaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | - Mai Sato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yosuke Kawamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ryusuke Murakami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Noriomi Matsumura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ikuo Konishi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masaki Mandai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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50
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Ladd-Acosta C, Feinberg JI, Brown SC, Lurmann FW, Croen LA, Hertz-Picciotto I, Newschaffer CJ, Feinberg AP, Fallin MD, Volk HE. Epigenetic marks of prenatal air pollution exposure found in multiple tissues relevant for child health. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 126:363-376. [PMID: 30826615 PMCID: PMC6446941 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal air pollution exposure has been linked to many adverse health conditions in the offspring. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying these associations. Epigenetics may be one plausible biologic link. Here, we sought to identify site-specific and global DNA methylation (DNAm) changes, in developmentally relevant tissues, associated with prenatal exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3). Additionally, we assessed whether sex-specific changes in methylation exist and whether DNAm changes are consistently observed across tissues. METHODS Genome-scale DNAm measurements were obtained using the Infinium HumanMethylation450k platform for 133 placenta and 175 cord blood specimens from Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI) neonates. Ambient NO2 and O3 exposure levels were based on prenatal address locations of EARLI mothers and the Environmental Protection Agency's AirNOW monitoring network using inverse distance weighting. We computed sample-level aggregate methylation measures for each of 5 types of genomic regions including genome-wide, open sea, shelf, shore, and island regions. Linear regression was performed for each genomic region; per-sample aggregate methylation measures were modeled as a function of quantitative exposure level with covariate adjustment. In addition, bumphunting was performed to identify differentially methylated regions (DMRs) associated with prenatal O3 and NO2 exposures in each tissue and by sex, with adjustment for technical and biological sources of variation. RESULTS We identified global and locus-specific changes in DNA methylation related to prenatal exposure to NO2 and O3 in 2 developmentally relevant tissues. Neonates with increased prenatal O3 exposure had lower aggregate levels of DNAm at CpGs located in open sea and shelf regions of the genome. We identified 6 DMRs associated with prenatal NO2 exposure, including 3 sex-specific. An additional 3 sex-specific DMRs were associated with prenatal O3 exposure levels. DMRs initially detected in cord blood samples (n = 4) showed consistent exposure-related changes in DNAm in placenta. However, the DMRs initially detected in placenta (n = 5) did not show DNAm differences in cord blood and, thus, they appear to be tissue-specific. CONCLUSIONS We observed global, locus, and sex-specific methylation changes associated with prenatal NO2 and O3 exposures. Our findings support DNAm is a biologic target of prenatal air pollutant exposures and highlight epigenetic involvement in sex-specific differential susceptibility to environmental exposure effects in 2 developmentally relevant tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Ladd-Acosta
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Jason I Feinberg
- Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shannon C Brown
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Lisa A Croen
- Autism Research Program, Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Irva Hertz-Picciotto
- Department of Public Health Sciences, MIND (Medical Investigations of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Craig J Newschaffer
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Andrew P Feinberg
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - M Daniele Fallin
- Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Heather E Volk
- Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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