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Derisoud E, Jiang H, Zhao A, Chavatte-Palmer P, Deng Q. Revealing the molecular landscape of human placenta: a systematic review and meta-analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing studies. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:410-441. [PMID: 38478759 PMCID: PMC11215163 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmae006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With increasing significance of developmental programming effects associated with placental dysfunction, more investigations are devoted to improving the characterization and understanding of placental signatures in health and disease. The placenta is a transitory but dynamic organ adapting to the shifting demands of fetal development and available resources of the maternal supply throughout pregnancy. Trophoblasts (cytotrophoblasts, syncytiotrophoblasts, and extravillous trophoblasts) are placental-specific cell types responsible for the main placental exchanges and adaptations. Transcriptomic studies with single-cell resolution have led to advances in understanding the placenta's role in health and disease. These studies, however, often show discrepancies in characterization of the different placental cell types. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE We aim to review the knowledge regarding placental structure and function gained from the use of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq), followed by comparing cell-type-specific genes, highlighting their similarities and differences. Moreover, we intend to identify consensus marker genes for the various trophoblast cell types across studies. Finally, we will discuss the contributions and potential applications of scRNAseq in studying pregnancy-related diseases. SEARCH METHODS We conducted a comprehensive systematic literature review to identify different cell types and their functions at the human maternal-fetal interface, focusing on all original scRNAseq studies on placentas published before March 2023 and published reviews (total of 28 studies identified) using PubMed search. Our approach involved curating cell types and subtypes that had previously been defined using scRNAseq and comparing the genes used as markers or identified as potential new markers. Next, we reanalyzed expression matrices from the six available scRNAseq raw datasets with cell annotations (four from first trimester and two at term), using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests to compare gene expression among studies and annotate trophoblast cell markers in both first trimester and term placentas. Furthermore, we integrated scRNAseq raw data available from 18 healthy first trimester and nine term placentas, and performed clustering and differential gene expression analysis. We further compared markers obtained with the analysis of annotated and raw datasets with the literature to obtain a common signature gene list for major placental cell types. OUTCOMES Variations in the sampling site, gestational age, fetal sex, and subsequent sequencing and analysis methods were observed between the studies. Although their proportions varied, the three trophoblast types were consistently identified across all scRNAseq studies, unlike other non-trophoblast cell types. Notably, no marker genes were shared by all studies for any of the investigated cell types. Moreover, most of the newly defined markers in one study were not observed in other studies. These discrepancies were confirmed by our analysis on trophoblast cell types, where hundreds of potential marker genes were identified in each study but with little overlap across studies. From 35 461 and 23 378 cells of high quality in the first trimester and term placentas, respectively, we obtained major placental cell types, including perivascular cells that previously had not been identified in the first trimester. Importantly, our meta-analysis provides marker genes for major placental cell types based on our extensive curation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS This review and meta-analysis emphasizes the need for establishing a consensus for annotating placental cell types from scRNAseq data. The marker genes identified here can be deployed for defining human placental cell types, thereby facilitating and improving the reproducibility of trophoblast cell annotation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Derisoud
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Allan Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Qiaolin Deng
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
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Yue T, Guo Y, Qi X, Zheng W, Zhang H, Wang B, Liu K, Zhou B, Zeng X, Ouzhuluobu, He Y, Su B. Sex-biased regulatory changes in the placenta of native highlanders contribute to adaptive fetal development. eLife 2024; 12:RP89004. [PMID: 38869160 PMCID: PMC11175615 DOI: 10.7554/elife.89004] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Compared with lowlander migrants, native Tibetans have a higher reproductive success at high altitude though the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we compared the transcriptome and histology of full-term placentas between native Tibetans and Han migrants. We found that the placental trophoblast shows the largest expression divergence between Tibetans and Han, and Tibetans show decreased immune response and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Remarkably, we detected a sex-biased expression divergence, where the male-infant placentas show a greater between-population difference than the female-infant placentas. The umbilical cord plays a key role in the sex-biased expression divergence, which is associated with the higher birth weight of the male newborns of Tibetans. We also identified adaptive histological changes in the male-infant placentas of Tibetans, including larger umbilical artery wall and umbilical artery intima and media, and fewer syncytial knots. These findings provide valuable insights into the sex-biased adaptation of human populations, with significant implications for medical and genetic studies of human reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yongbo Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xuebin Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
- Fukang Obstetrics, Gynecology and Children Branch Hospital, Tibetan Fukang HospitalKunmingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and TechnologyKunmingChina
| | - Wangshan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
| | - Hui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and TechnologyKunmingChina
| | - Bin Wang
- Fukang Obstetrics, Gynecology and Children Branch Hospital, Tibetan Fukang HospitalKunmingChina
| | - Kai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
| | - Bin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xuerui Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Ouzhuluobu
- Fukang Obstetrics, Gynecology and Children Branch Hospital, Tibetan Fukang HospitalKunmingChina
| | - Yaoxi He
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
| | - Bing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
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Louwen F, Kreis NN, Ritter A, Yuan J. Maternal obesity and placental function: impaired maternal-fetal axis. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:2279-2288. [PMID: 38494514 PMCID: PMC11147848 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-024-07462-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of maternal obesity rapidly increases, which represents a major public health concern worldwide. Maternal obesity is characteristic by metabolic dysfunction and chronic inflammation. It is associated with health problems in both mother and offspring. Increasing evidence indicates that the placenta is an axis connecting maternal obesity with poor outcomes in the offspring. In this brief review, we have summarized the current data regarding deregulated placental function in maternal obesity. The data show that maternal obesity induces numerous placental defects, including lipid and glucose metabolism, stress response, inflammation, immune regulation and epigenetics. These placental defects affect each other and result in a stressful intrauterine environment, which transduces and mediates the adverse effects of maternal obesity to the fetus. Further investigations are required to explore the exact molecular alterations in the placenta in maternal obesity, which may pave the way to develop specific interventions for preventing epigenetic and metabolic programming in the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Louwen
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nina-Naomi Kreis
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andreas Ritter
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Juping Yuan
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany.
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Song W, Guo Q, Puttabyatappa M, Elangovan VR, Wang J, Li F, Liu F, Bi X, Li H, Fu G, Padmanabhan V, Wu X. FGR-associated placental insufficiency and capillary angiogenesis involves disruptions in human placental miRNAs and mRNAs. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28007. [PMID: 38509973 PMCID: PMC10951647 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is one of the most common pregnancy complications culminating in adverse fetal outcome, including preterm birth, neonatal mortality and stillbirth. Compromised placental development and function, especially disruption in angiogenesis and inadequate nutrient supply are contributing factors. Fetal sex also influences placental function. Knowledge of gene expression changes and epigenetic factors contributing to placental dysfunction in FGR pregnancies will help identify biomarkers and help target interventions. This study tested the hypothesis that FGR pregnancies are associated with disruptions in miRNA - an epigenetic factor and mRNAs involving key mediators of angiogenesis and microvessel development. Changes in expression of key genes/proteins involved in placental dysfunction by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry and miRNA changes by RNA sequencing were undertaken with term placenta from 12 control and 20 FGR pregnancies. Findings showed changes in expression of genes involved in steroidogenesis, steroid action, IGF family members, inflammatory cytokines and angiogenic factors in FGR pregnancies. In addition, upregulation of MIR451A and downregulation of MIR543 in placentas from FGR group with female newborns and upregulation of MIR520G in placentas from FGR group with male newborns were also noted. MIR451A and MIR543 have been implicated in angiogenesis. Consistent with gene changes, CD34, the microvessel angiogenesis marker, also showed reduced staining only in female FGR group. These findings provide evidence that epigentically regulated gene expression changes in angiogenesis and capillary development influence placental impairment in FGR pregnancies. Our preliminary observations also support for these changes to be driven in a sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
- The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Qing Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
- The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | | | | | - Jianping Wang
- The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Fang Li
- The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Fangfang Liu
- The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Xuejie Bi
- The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Haiying Li
- The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Guangping Fu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, College for Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | | | - XiaoHua Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
- The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
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Kallak TK, Serapio S, Visser N, Lager S, Skalkidou A, Ahlsson F. Differential gene expression in two consecutive pregnancies between same sex siblings and implications on maternal constraint. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4210. [PMID: 38378837 PMCID: PMC10879170 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54724-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate how placental gene expression differs in two consecutive pregnancies in same sex siblings, and its possible association with the "maternal constraint" hypothesis. Material was gathered from the BASIC study (Biological, Affect, Stress, Imaging, and Cognition in Pregnancy and the Puerperium), a population based prospective study that was started in 2009 in Uppsala. Over 900 specimens of placenta biopsies were collected and out of these 10 women gave birth twice, to the same sex child, and were included in this study. The total RNA was isolated and prepared from frozen villous tissue from the placenta and further analyzed by use of Ion AmpliSeq Human Transcriptome Gene Expression kit. A total of 234 genes differed significantly between the first and second pregnancy placentas, when adjusting for delivery mode, maternal BMI and gestational age. Of special interest was the down-regulated group of genes in the second pregnancy. Exemplified by Pentraxin 3, SRY-Box Transcription Factor 9, and Serum Amyloid A1, which all were associated with biological processes involved in the immune system and inflammation. Further, protein-protein interaction analysis visualized them as hub genes interacting with several of the other differentially expressed genes. How these altered gene expressions affect maternal constraint during pregnancy needs further validation in lager study cohorts and also future validation in functional assays.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Solveig Serapio
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nadja Visser
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Susanne Lager
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Alkistis Skalkidou
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Ahlsson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
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Hercus JC, Metcalfe KX, Christians JK. Sex differences in growth and mortality in pregnancy-associated hypertension. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296853. [PMID: 38206980 PMCID: PMC10783718 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is hypothesized that male fetuses prioritize growth, resulting in increased mortality, whereas females reduce growth in the presence of adversity. Preeclampsia reflects a chronic condition, in which fetuses have the opportunity to adjust growth. If females reduce their growth in response to preeclampsia, but males attempt to maintain growth at the cost of survival, we predict that differences in birthweight between preeclamptic and non-preeclamptic pregnancies will be greater among females, whereas differences in mortality will be greater among males. METHODS We analysed data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We compared pregnancies with pregnancy-associated hypertension (PAH) and controls. RESULTS The difference in birthweight between pregnancies affected by PAH and controls varied by fetal sex and gestational age. Among pregnancies of White individuals, at 34-35 weeks, the difference between PAH and controls was higher among females, as predicted. However, this pattern was reversed earlier in pregnancy and around term. Such variation was not significant in Black pregnancies. In both Black and White pregnancies, early in gestation, males had lower odds of death in PAH pregnancies, but higher odds of death in control pregnancies, counter to our prediction. Later, males had higher odds of death in PAH and controls, although the increased odds of death in males was not higher in PAH pregnancies than in controls. Overall, the difference in birthweight between surviving and non-surviving infants was greater in males than in females, opposite to our prediction. CONCLUSIONS The impact of PAH on birthweight and survival varies widely throughout gestation. Differences in birthweight and survival between male and female PAH and controls are generally not consistent with the hypothesis that males prioritize fetal growth more than females, and that this is a cause of increased mortality in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jess C. Hercus
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Katherine X. Metcalfe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Julian K. Christians
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Women’s Health Research Institute, BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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7
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Legault LM, Breton-Larrivée M, Langford-Avelar A, Lemieux A, McGraw S. Sex-based disparities in DNA methylation and gene expression in late-gestation mouse placentas. Biol Sex Differ 2024; 15:2. [PMID: 38183126 PMCID: PMC10770955 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00577-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta is vital for fetal development and its contributions to various developmental issues, such as pregnancy complications, fetal growth restriction, and maternal exposure, have been extensively studied in mice. The placenta forms mainly from fetal tissue and therefore has the same biological sex as the fetus it supports. Extensive research has delved into the placenta's involvement in pregnancy complications and future offspring development, with a notable emphasis on exploring sex-specific disparities. However, despite these investigations, sex-based disparities in epigenetic (e.g., DNA methylation) and transcriptomic features of the late-gestation mouse placenta remain largely unknown. METHODS We collected male and female mouse placentas at late gestation (E18.5, n = 3/sex) and performed next-generation sequencing to identify genome-wide sex differences in transcription and DNA methylation. RESULTS Our comparison between male and female revealed 358 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) on autosomes, which were associated with signaling pathways involved in transmembrane transport and the responses to viruses and external stimuli. X chromosome DEGs (n = 39) were associated with different pathways, including those regulating chromatin modification and small GTPase-mediated signal transduction. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were more common on the X chromosomes (n = 3756) than on autosomes (n = 1705). Interestingly, while most X chromosome DMRs had higher DNA methylation levels in female placentas and tended to be included in CpG dinucleotide-rich regions, 73% of autosomal DMRs had higher methylation levels in male placentas and were distant from CpG-rich regions. Several DEGs were correlated with DMRs. A subset of the DMRs present in late-stage placentas were already established in mid-gestation (E10.5) placentas (n = 348 DMRs on X chromosome and 19 DMRs on autosomes), while others were acquired later in placental development. CONCLUSION Our study provides comprehensive lists of DEGs and DMRs between male and female that collectively cause profound differences in the DNA methylation and gene expression profiles of late-gestation mouse placentas. Our results demonstrate the importance of incorporating sex-specific analyses into epigenetic and transcription studies to enhance the accuracy and comprehensiveness of their conclusions and help address the significant knowledge gap regarding how sex differences influence placental function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa-Marie Legault
- CHU Ste-Justine Research Center, 3175 Chemin de La Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Boulevard Edouard‑Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Mélanie Breton-Larrivée
- CHU Ste-Justine Research Center, 3175 Chemin de La Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Boulevard Edouard‑Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Alexandra Langford-Avelar
- CHU Ste-Justine Research Center, 3175 Chemin de La Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Boulevard Edouard‑Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Anthony Lemieux
- CHU Ste-Justine Research Center, 3175 Chemin de La Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Serge McGraw
- CHU Ste-Justine Research Center, 3175 Chemin de La Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Boulevard Edouard‑Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, 2900 Boulevard Edouard‑Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada.
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Owen DM, Kwon M, Huang X, Nagari A, Nandu T, Kraus WL. Genome-wide identification of transcriptional enhancers during human placental development and association with function, differentiation, and disease†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:965-981. [PMID: 37694817 PMCID: PMC10724456 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad119] [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: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a dynamic organ that must perform a remarkable variety of functions during its relatively short existence in order to support a developing fetus. These functions include nutrient delivery, gas exchange, waste removal, hormone production, and immune barrier protection. Proper placenta development and function are critical for healthy pregnancy outcomes, but the underlying genomic regulatory events that control this process remain largely unknown. We hypothesized that mapping sites of transcriptional enhancer activity and associated changes in gene expression across gestation in human placenta tissue would identify genomic loci and predicted transcription factor activity related to critical placenta functions. We used a suite of genomic assays [i.e., RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), Precision run-on-sequencing (PRO-seq), and Chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-seq)] and computational pipelines to identify a set of >20 000 enhancers that are active at various time points in gestation. Changes in the activity of these enhancers correlate with changes in gene expression. In addition, some of these enhancers encode risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. We further show that integrating enhancer activity, transcription factor motif analysis, and transcription factor expression can identify distinct sets of transcription factors predicted to be more active either in early pregnancy or at term. Knockdown of selected identified transcription factors in a trophoblast stem cell culture model altered the expression of key placental marker genes. These observations provide a framework for future mechanistic studies of individual enhancer-transcription factor-target gene interactions and have the potential to inform genetic risk prediction for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Owen
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Division of General Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Minjung Kwon
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Xuan Huang
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Anusha Nagari
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Tulip Nandu
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - W Lee Kraus
- Laboratory of Signaling and Gene Regulation, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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Taylor AH, Bachkangi P, Konje JC. Labour and premature delivery differentially affect the expression of the endocannabinoid system in the human placenta. Histochem Cell Biol 2023; 160:577-593. [PMID: 37750996 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-023-02236-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Plasma concentrations of N-arachidonyletholamine (AEA), N-oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and N-palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) increase at term and can predict when a woman is likely to go into labour. We hypothesised that increased plasma AEA concentrations in women in preterm and term labour might also be increased and have a function in the placenta at the end of pregnancy. Here we examined the expression of the N-acylethanolamine-modulating enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine-specific phospholipase-D (NAPE-PLD) and of the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) in the placenta and their activation in an in vitro model of the third-trimester placenta to determine if those expressions change with labour and have functional significance. Expression of CB1, CB2, FAAH and NAPE-PLD was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and RT-qPCR in placental samples obtained from four patient groups: preterm not in labour (PTNL), term not in labour (TNL), preterm in labour (PTL) and term in labour (TL). Additionally, the effects of AEA on a third-trimester human cell line (TCL-1) were evaluated. All ECS components were present in the third-trimester placenta, with NAPE-PLD and CB2 being the key modulated proteins in terms of expression. Functionally, AEA reduced TCL-1 cell numbers through the actions of the CB2 receptor whilst CB1 maintained placental integrity through the expression of the transcription regulators histone deacetylase 3, thyroid hormone receptor β 1 and the modulation of 5α reductase type 1. The placenta in the third trimester and at term is different from the placenta in the first trimester with respect to the expression of CB1, CB2, FAAH and NAPE-PLD, and the expression of these proteins is affected by labour. These data suggest that early perturbation of some ECS components in the placenta may cause AEA-induced PTL and thus PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony H Taylor
- Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, Endocannabinoid Research Group, Reproductive Sciences Section, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
| | - Panos Bachkangi
- Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, Endocannabinoid Research Group, Reproductive Sciences Section, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's Hospital, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, Burton On Trent, UK
| | - Justin C Konje
- Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, Endocannabinoid Research Group, Reproductive Sciences Section, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Feto Maternal Centre, Al Markhiya, Doha, Qatar
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10
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Bulka CM, Everson TM, Burt AA, Marsit CJ, Karagas MR, Boyle KE, Niemiec S, Kechris K, Davidson EJ, Yang IV, Feinberg JI, Volk HE, Ladd-Acosta C, Breton CV, O’Shea TM, Fry RC. Sex-based differences in placental DNA methylation profiles related to gestational age: an NIH ECHO meta-analysis. Epigenetics 2023; 18:2179726. [PMID: 36840948 PMCID: PMC9980626 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2023.2179726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta undergoes many changes throughout gestation to support the evolving needs of the foetus. There is also a growing appreciation that male and female foetuses develop differently in utero, with unique epigenetic changes in placental tissue. Here, we report meta-analysed sex-specific associations between gestational age and placental DNA methylation from four cohorts in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Programme (355 females/419 males, gestational ages 23-42 weeks). We identified 407 cytosine-guanine dinucleotides (CpGs) in females and 794 in males where placental methylation levels were associated with gestational age. After cell-type adjustment, 55 CpGs in females and 826 in males were significant. These were enriched for biological processes critical to the immune system in females and transmembrane transport in males. Our findings are distinct between the sexes: in females, associations with gestational age are largely explained by differences in placental cellular composition, whereas in males, gestational age is directly associated with numerous alterations in methylation levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M. Bulka
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Todd M. Everson
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Amber A. Burt
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Carmen J. Marsit
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Margaret R. Karagas
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Kristen E. Boyle
- Section of Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Colorado School of Public Health, The Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Sierra Niemiec
- Colorado School of Public Health, The Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Katerina Kechris
- Colorado School of Public Health, The Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Biostatistics & Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Ivana V. Yang
- Colorado School of Public Health, The Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jason I. Feinberg
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, ML, USA
| | - Heather E. Volk
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, ML, USA
| | - Christine Ladd-Acosta
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, ML, USA
| | - Carrie V. Breton
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - T. Michael O’Shea
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca C. Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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11
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Meng XL, Yuan PB, Wang XJ, Hang J, Shi XM, Zhao YY, Wei Y. The Proteome Landscape of Human Placentas for Monochorionic Twins with Selective Intrauterine Growth Restriction. GENOMICS, PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2023; 21:1246-1259. [PMID: 37121272 PMCID: PMC11082409 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2023.03.002] [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: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
In perinatal medicine, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is one of the greatest challenges. The etiology of IUGR is multifactorial, but most cases are thought to arise from placental insufficiency. However, identifying the placental cause of IUGR can be difficult due to numerous confounding factors. Selective IUGR (sIUGR) would be a good model to investigate how impaired placentation affects fetal development, as the growth discordance between monochorionic twins cannot be explained by confounding genetic or maternal factors. Herein, we constructed and analyzed the placental proteomic profiles of IUGR twins and normal cotwins. Specifically, we identified a total of 5481 proteins, of which 233 were differentially expressed (57 up-regulated and 176 down-regulated) in IUGR twins. Bioinformatics analysis indicates that these differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) are mainly associated with cardiovascular system development and function, organismal survival, and organismal development. Notably, 34 DEPs are significantly enriched in angiogenesis, and diminished placental angiogenesis in IUGR twins has been further elaborately confirmed. Moreover, we found decreased expression of metadherin (MTDH) in the placentas of IUGR twins and demonstrated that MTDH contributes to placental angiogenesis and fetal growth in vitro. Collectively, our findings reveal the comprehensive proteomic signatures of placentas for sIUGR twins, and the DEPs identified may provide in-depth insights into the pathogenesis of placental dysfunction and subsequent impaired fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Lu Meng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Peng-Bo Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xue-Ju Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jing Hang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproduction, Beijing 100191, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yang-Yu Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Yuan Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.
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12
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Man HSJ, Moosa VA, Singh A, Wu L, Granton JT, Juvet SC, Hoang CD, de Perrot M. Unlocking the potential of RNA-based therapeutics in the lung: current status and future directions. Front Genet 2023; 14:1281538. [PMID: 38075698 PMCID: PMC10703483 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1281538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Awareness of RNA-based therapies has increased after the widespread adoption of mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic. These mRNA vaccines had a significant impact on reducing lung disease and mortality. They highlighted the potential for rapid development of RNA-based therapies and advances in nanoparticle delivery systems. Along with the rapid advancement in RNA biology, including the description of noncoding RNAs as major products of the genome, this success presents an opportunity to highlight the potential of RNA as a therapeutic modality. Here, we review the expanding compendium of RNA-based therapies, their mechanisms of action and examples of application in the lung. The airways provide a convenient conduit for drug delivery to the lungs with decreased systemic exposure. This review will also describe other delivery methods, including local delivery to the pleura and delivery vehicles that can target the lung after systemic administration, each providing access options that are advantageous for a specific application. We present clinical trials of RNA-based therapy in lung disease and potential areas for future directions. This review aims to provide an overview that will bring together researchers and clinicians to advance this burgeoning field.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. S. Jeffrey Man
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Latner Thoracic Research Laboratories, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Respirology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vaneeza A. Moosa
- Latner Thoracic Research Laboratories, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anand Singh
- Thoracic Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Licun Wu
- Latner Thoracic Research Laboratories, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - John T. Granton
- Division of Respirology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen C. Juvet
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Latner Thoracic Research Laboratories, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Respirology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Chuong D. Hoang
- Thoracic Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Marc de Perrot
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Latner Thoracic Research Laboratories, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
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13
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Goodman CV, Green R, DaCosta A, Flora D, Lanphear B, Till C. Sex difference of pre- and post-natal exposure to six developmental neurotoxicants on intellectual abilities: a systematic review and meta-analysis of human studies. Environ Health 2023; 22:80. [PMID: 37978510 PMCID: PMC10655280 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-023-01029-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early life exposure to lead, mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybromide diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organophosphate pesticides (OPPs), and phthalates have been associated with lowered IQ in children. In some studies, these neurotoxicants impact males and females differently. We aimed to examine the sex-specific effects of exposure to developmental neurotoxicants on intelligence (IQ) in a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHOD We screened abstracts published in PsychINFO and PubMed before December 31st, 2021, for empirical studies of six neurotoxicants (lead, mercury, PCBs, PBDEs, OPPs, and phthalates) that (1) used an individualized biomarker; (2) measured exposure during the prenatal period or before age six; and (3) provided effect estimates on general, nonverbal, and/or verbal IQ by sex. We assessed each study for risk of bias and evaluated the certainty of the evidence using Navigation Guide. We performed separate random effect meta-analyses by sex and timing of exposure with subgroup analyses by neurotoxicant. RESULTS Fifty-one studies were included in the systematic review and 20 in the meta-analysis. Prenatal exposure to developmental neurotoxicants was associated with decreased general and nonverbal IQ in males, especially for lead. No significant effects were found for verbal IQ, or postnatal lead exposure and general IQ. Due to the limited number of studies, we were unable to analyze postnatal effects of any of the other neurotoxicants. CONCLUSION During fetal development, males may be more vulnerable than females to general and nonverbal intellectual deficits from neurotoxic exposures, especially from lead. More research is needed to examine the nuanced sex-specific effects found for postnatal exposure to toxic chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly V Goodman
- Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, M3J 1P3, ON, Canada.
| | - Rivka Green
- Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, M3J 1P3, ON, Canada
| | - Allya DaCosta
- Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, M3J 1P3, ON, Canada
| | - David Flora
- Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, M3J 1P3, ON, Canada
| | - Bruce Lanphear
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christine Till
- Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, M3J 1P3, ON, Canada
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14
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Contini T, Béranger R, Multigner L, Klánová J, Price EJ, David A. A Critical Review on the Opportunity to Use Placenta and Innovative Biomonitoring Methods to Characterize the Prenatal Chemical Exposome. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:15301-15313. [PMID: 37796725 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Adverse effects associated with chemical exposures during pregnancy include several developmental and reproductive disorders. However, considering the tens of thousands of chemicals present on the market, the effects of chemical mixtures on the developing fetus is still likely underestimated. In this critical review, we discuss the potential to apply innovative biomonitoring methods using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) on placenta to improve the monitoring of chemical exposure during pregnancy. The physiology of the placenta and its relevance as a matrix for monitoring chemical exposures and their effects on fetal health is first outlined. We then identify several key parameters that require further investigations before placenta can be used for large-scale monitoring in a robust manner. Most critical is the need for standardization of placental sampling. Placenta is a highly heterogeneous organ, and knowledge of the intraplacenta variability of chemical composition is required to ensure unbiased and robust interindividual comparisons. Other important variables include the time of collection, the sex of the fetus, and mode of delivery. Finally, we discuss the first applications of HRMS methods on the placenta to decipher the chemical exposome and describe how the use of placenta can complement biofluids collected on the mother or the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Contini
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Rémi Béranger
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Luc Multigner
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Jana Klánová
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Elliott J Price
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Arthur David
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
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15
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Layden AJ, Bertolet M, Parks WT, Adibi JJ, Roberts JM, Catov JM. Prepregnancy obesity and risk of placental inflammation at term: a selection bias analysis. Ann Epidemiol 2023; 86:25-33.e7. [PMID: 37302673 PMCID: PMC10546767 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2023.06.003] [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: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Placental histopathology is a resource for investigating obesity-associated pregnancy conditions. However, studies oversample adverse pregnancies, biasing findings. We examine the association between prepregnancy obesity (risk factor for inflammation) and histologic placental inflammation (correlated with impaired infant neurodevelopment) and how selection bias may influence the association. METHODS Singleton term deliveries between 2008 and 2012 from the Magee Obstetric Maternal and Infant database were analyzed. Prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) was categorized as underweight, lean (referent), overweight, and obese. Outcomes were diagnoses of acute (acute chorioamnionitis and fetal inflammation) and chronic placental inflammation (chronic villitis). Risk ratios for associations between BMI and placental inflammation were estimated using selection bias approaches: complete case, exclusion of pregnancy complications, multiple imputation, and inverse probability weighting. E-values approximated how susceptible estimates were to residual selection bias. RESULTS Across methods, obesity was associated with an 8-15% lower risk of acute chorioamnionitis, a 7%-14% lower risk of acute fetal inflammation, and a 12%-30% higher risk of chronic villitis relative to lean women. E-values indicated modest residual selection bias could explain away associations, though few measured indications of placental evaluations met this threshold. CONCLUSIONS Obesity may contribute to placental inflammation, and we highlight robust methods to analyze clinical data susceptible to selection bias.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marnie Bertolet
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - W Tony Parks
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, CA
| | - Jennifer J Adibi
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - James M Roberts
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Janet M Catov
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
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16
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Jeong DS, Lee JY, Kim MH, Oh JH. Regulation of sexually dimorphic placental adaptation in LPS exposure-induced intrauterine growth restriction. Mol Med 2023; 29:114. [PMID: 37718409 PMCID: PMC10506314 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00688-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual dimorphism in placental physiology affects the functionality of placental adaptation during adverse pregnancy. Defects of placental function compromise fetal programming, affecting the offspring's adult life. However, studies focusing on the relationship between sex-specific placental adaptation and consequent fetal maldevelopment under sub-optimal uterus milieu are still elusive. METHODS Here, we investigated the effects of maternal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure between placental sex. Pregnant ICR mice received intraperitoneal injection of phosphate-buffered saline or 100, 200, and 400 µg/kg LPS on the gestational day (GD) 15.5. To determine whether prenatal maternal LPS exposure resulted in complicated pregnancy outcomes, survival rate of embryos was calculated and the growth of embryos and placentas was examined. To elucidate global transcriptomic changes occurring in the placenta, total RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed in female and male placentas. RESULTS LPS administration induced placental inflammation in both sexes at GD 17.5. Prenatal infection resulted in growth retardation in both sexes of embryos, and especially more prevalently in male. Impaired placental development was observed in a sex-specific manner. LPS 400 µg/kg reduced the percentage area of the labyrinth in females and junctional zone in males, respectively. RNA-sequencing revealed widespread sexually dimorphic transcriptional changes in placenta. In particular, representative changes were involved in biological processes such as trophoblast differentiation, nutrient/ion transporter, pregnancy, and immune system. CONCLUSIONS Our results present the sexually dimorphic responses of placental physiology in intrauterine growth restriction model and provide tentative relationship further to be elucidated between sex-biased placental functional change and long-term effects on the offspring's later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Som Jeong
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology Laboratory, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Yeon Lee
- Vivozon, Inc, Kolon Digital Tower3, 49, Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoung Hee Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology Laboratory, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ji Hoon Oh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Keimyung University College of Natural Sciences, Daegu, 42601, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Baines KJ, West RC. Sex differences in innate and adaptive immunity impact fetal, placental, and maternal health†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:256-270. [PMID: 37418168 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The differences between males and females begin shortly after birth, continue throughout prenatal development, and eventually extend into childhood and adult life. Male embryos and fetuses prioritize proliferation and growth, often at the expense of the fetoplacental energy reserves. This singular focus on growth over adaptability leaves male fetuses and neonates vulnerable to adverse outcomes during pregnancy and birth and can have lasting impacts throughout life. Beyond this prioritization of growth, male placentas and fetuses also respond to infection and inflammation differently than female counterparts. Pregnancies carrying female fetuses have a more regulatory immune response, whereas pregnancies carrying male fetuses have a stronger inflammatory response. These differences can be seen as early as the innate immune response with differences in cytokine and chemokine signaling. The sexual dimorphism in immunity then continues into the adaptive immune response with differences in T-cell biology and antibody production and transfer. As it appears that these sex-specific differences are amplified in pathologic pregnancies, it stands to reason that differences in the placental, fetal, and maternal immune responses in pregnancy contribute to increased male perinatal morbidity and mortality. In this review, we will describe the genetic and hormonal contributions to the sexual dimorphism of fetal and placental immunity. We will also discuss current research efforts to describe the sex-specific differences of the maternal-fetal interface and how it impacts fetal and maternal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J Baines
- Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology Department, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Rachel C West
- Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology Department, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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18
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Dias S, Pheiffer C, Adam S. The Maternal Microbiome and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Cause and Effect. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2217. [PMID: 37764061 PMCID: PMC10535124 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092217] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a growing public health concern that affects many pregnancies globally. The condition is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes including gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, placental abruption, preterm birth, stillbirth, and fetal growth restriction. In the long-term, mothers and children have an increased risk of developing metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Accumulating evidence suggest that alterations in the maternal microbiome may play a role in the pathogenesis of GDM and adverse pregnancy outcomes. This review describes changes in the maternal microbiome during the physiological adaptations of pregnancy, GDM and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Findings from this review highlight the importance of understanding the link between the maternal microbiome and GDM. Furthermore, new therapeutic approaches to prevent or better manage GDM are discussed. Further research and clinical trials are necessary to fully realize the therapeutic potential of the maternal microbiome and translate these findings into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Dias
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform (BRIP), South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (S.D.); (C.P.)
| | - Carmen Pheiffer
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform (BRIP), South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (S.D.); (C.P.)
- Centre for Cardio-Metabolic Research in Africa (CARMA), Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Sumaiya Adam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
- Diabetes Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
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19
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O'Brien K, Wang Y. The Placenta: A Maternofetal Interface. Annu Rev Nutr 2023; 43:301-325. [PMID: 37603428 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-nutr-061121-085246] [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] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
The placenta is the gatekeeper between the mother and the fetus. Over the first trimester of pregnancy, the fetus is nourished by uterine gland secretions in a process known as histiotrophic nutrition. During the second trimester of pregnancy, placentation has evolved to the point at which nutrients are delivered to the placenta via maternal blood (hemotrophic nutrition). Over gestation, the placenta must adapt to these variable nutrient supplies, to alterations in maternal physiology and blood flow, and to dynamic changes in fetal growth rates. Numerous questions remain about the mechanisms used to transport nutrients to the fetus and the maternal and fetal determinants of this process. Growing data highlight the ability of the placenta to regulate this process. As new technologies and omics approaches are utilized to study this maternofetal interface, greater insight into this unique organ and its impact on fetal development and long-term health has been obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly O'Brien
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA; ,
| | - Yiqin Wang
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA; ,
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20
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Kim DHJ, Iosif AM, Ramirez-Celis A, Ashwood P, Ames JL, Lyall K, Berger K, Croen LA, Van de Water J. Neonatal immune signatures differ by sex regardless of neurodevelopmental disorder status: Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) alone reveals a sex by diagnosis interaction effect. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 111:328-333. [PMID: 37164311 PMCID: PMC10796272 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune dysregulation, including aberrant peripheral cytokine/chemokine levels, is implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While the diagnosis of ASD is more common in males compared to females, sex effects in immune dysregulation related to neurodevelopment remain understudied. The aim of this exploratory study was to determine whether there are sex-specific effects in neonatal immune dysregulation with respect to an ASD or delayed development (DD) diagnosis. We utilized the data from the Early Markers for Autism study, a population based case-control study of prenatal and neonatal biomarkers of ASD. The immune profile of newborns later diagnosed with ASD (n = 482, 91 females), DD (n = 140, 61 females) and sex-matched general population controls (GP; n = 378, 67 females) were analyzed using neonatal bloodspots (NBS) via 42-plex multiplex assay. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify whether sex was associated with differences in cytokine/chemokine levels of children with ASD, DD, and GP. A sex by diagnosis interaction effect was observed only for the chemokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), with males displaying higher levels of NBS MIF than females in the GP control group (p = 0.02), but not in ASD (p = 0.52) or DD (p = 0.29) groups. We found that regardless of child diagnosis, newborn bloodspot eluates from females had a significantly higher concentration than males with the same diagnosis of the chemokines granulocyte chemotactic protein 2 (GCP-2; p < 0.0001), macrophage inflammatory protein 2-alpha (GROβ; p = 0.002), interferon-inducible t-cell alpha chemoattractant (I-TAC; p < 0.0001), stromal cell-derived factor 1 alpha and beta (SDF-1α-β; p = 0.03), innate inflammatory chemokines interferon-gamma induced protein 10 (IP-10; p = 0.02), macrophage inflammatory protein 1-alpha (MIP-1α; p = 0.02), and Th1-related pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-12 active heterodimer (IL-12p70; p = 0.002). In contrast, males had a higher concentration than females of secondary lymphoid-tissue chemokine (6CKINE; p = 0.02), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1; p = 0.005) and myeloid progenitor inhibitory factor 1 (MPIF-1; p = 0.03). Results were similar when analyses were restricted to NBS from DD and ASD further classified as ASD with intellectual disability (ID), ASD without ID, and DD (GCP-2, p = 0.007; I-TAC, p = 0.001; IP-10, p = 0.005; IL-12p70, p = 0.03 higher in females; MPIF-1, p = 0.03 higher in male). This study is the first to examine sex differences in neonatal cytokine/chemokine concentrations, and whether these differences are associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes. Results highlight the importance of considering sex as a critical factor in understanding the immune system as it relates to child development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle H J Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Ana-Maria Iosif
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Alexandra Ramirez-Celis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Paul Ashwood
- MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Kristen Lyall
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Lisa A Croen
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California-Oakland, USA
| | - Judy Van de Water
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
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21
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Stenhouse C, Bazer FW, Ashworth CJ. Sexual dimorphism in placental development and function: Comparative physiology with an emphasis on the pig. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:684-696. [PMID: 35466463 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Across mammalian species, it has been demonstrated that sex influences birth weight, with males being heavier than females; a characteristic that can be observed from early gestation. Male piglets are more likely to be stillborn and have greater preweaning mortality than their female littermates, despite the additional maternal investment into male fetal growth. Given the conserved nature of the genome between the sexes, it is hypothesized that these developmental differences between males and females are most likely orchestrated by differential placental adaptation. This review summarizes the current understanding of fetal sex-specific differences in placental and endometrial structure and function, with an emphasis on pathways found to be differentially regulated in the pig including angiogenesis, apoptosis, and proliferation. Given the importance of piglet sex in agricultural enterprises, and the potential for skewed litter sex ratios, it is imperative to improve understanding of the relationship between fetal sex and molecular signaling in both the placenta and endometria across gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Stenhouse
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
- Functional Genetics and Development Division, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Cheryl J Ashworth
- Functional Genetics and Development Division, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
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22
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Unger HW, Hadiprodjo AJ, Gutman JR, Briand V, Fievet N, Valea I, Tinto H, D'Alessandro U, Landis SH, Ter Kuile F, Ouma P, Oneko M, Mwapasa V, Slutsker L, Terlouw DJ, Kariuki S, Ayisi J, Nahlen B, Desai M, Madanitsa M, Kalilani-Phiri L, Ashorn P, Maleta K, Tshefu-Kitoto A, Mueller I, Stanisic D, Cates J, Van Eijk AM, Ome-Kaius M, Aitken EH, Rogerson SJ. Fetal sex and risk of pregnancy-associated malaria in Plasmodium falciparum-endemic regions: a meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10310. [PMID: 37365258 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37431-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In areas of moderate to intense Plasmodium falciparum transmission, malaria in pregnancy remains a significant cause of low birth weight, stillbirth, and severe anaemia. Previously, fetal sex has been identified to modify the risks of maternal asthma, pre-eclampsia, and gestational diabetes. One study demonstrated increased risk of placental malaria in women carrying a female fetus. We investigated the association between fetal sex and malaria in pregnancy in 11 pregnancy studies conducted in sub-Saharan African countries and Papua New Guinea through meta-analysis using log binomial regression fitted to a random-effects model. Malaria infection during pregnancy and delivery was assessed using light microscopy, polymerase chain reaction, and histology. Five studies were observational studies and six were randomised controlled trials. Studies varied in terms of gravidity, gestational age at antenatal enrolment and bed net use. Presence of a female fetus was associated with malaria infection at enrolment by light microscopy (risk ratio 1.14 [95% confidence interval 1.04, 1.24]; P = 0.003; n = 11,729). Fetal sex did not associate with malaria infection when other time points or diagnostic methods were used. There is limited evidence that fetal sex influences the risk of malaria infection in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger W Unger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, NT, Australia
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Anastasia Jessica Hadiprodjo
- Department of Medicine (RMH), Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Julie R Gutman
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Valerie Briand
- Université de Paris, UMR261, IRD, Paris, France
- Epicentre MSF, Paris, France
| | | | - Innocent Valea
- Unite de Recherche Clinique de Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé-DRCO, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
- Departement de Recherche Clinique, Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Halidou Tinto
- Unite de Recherche Clinique de Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé-DRCO, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
- Departement de Recherche Clinique, Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Umberto D'Alessandro
- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, Gambia
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Feiko Ter Kuile
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Peter Ouma
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Martina Oneko
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Victor Mwapasa
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Laurence Slutsker
- Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases, Center for Malaria Control and Elimination, PATH, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Dianne J Terlouw
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Simon Kariuki
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - John Ayisi
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | - Meghna Desai
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Linda Kalilani-Phiri
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Per Ashorn
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Department for Pediatrics, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Kenneth Maleta
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Ivo Mueller
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Danielle Stanisic
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Jordan Cates
- Department of Epidemiology, UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Anna Maria Van Eijk
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Maria Ome-Kaius
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Elizabeth H Aitken
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen J Rogerson
- Department of Medicine (RMH), Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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23
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S C, G G, LA S, W N, P M, L A, A W, V F, P W, D G, T BT. Transcriptomic profiling reveals differential cellular response to copper oxide nanoparticles and polystyrene nanoplastics in perfused human placenta. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 177:108015. [PMID: 37315489 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The growing nanoparticulate pollution (e.g. engineered nanoparticles (NPs) or nanoplastics) has been shown to pose potential threats to human health. In particular, sensitive populations such as pregnant women and their unborn children need to be protected from harmful environmental exposures. However, developmental toxicity from prenatal exposure to pollution particles is not yet well studied despite evidence of particle accumulation in human placenta. Our study aimed to investigate how copper oxide NPs (CuO NPs; 10-20 nm) and polystyrene nanoplastics (PS NPs; 70 nm) impact on gene expression in ex vivo perfused human placental tissue. Whole genome microarray analysis revealed changes in global gene expression profile after 6 h of perfusion with sub-cytotoxic concentrations of CuO (10 µg/mL) and PS NPs (25 µg/mL). Pathway and gene ontology enrichment analysis of the differentially expressed genes suggested that CuO and PS NPs trigger distinct cellular response in placental tissue. While CuO NPs induced pathways related to angiogenesis, protein misfolding and heat shock responses, PS NPs affected the expression of genes related to inflammation and iron homeostasis. The observed effects on protein misfolding, cytokine signaling, and hormones were corroborated by western blot (accumulation of polyubiquitinated proteins) or qPCR analysis. Overall, the results of the present study revealed extensive and material-specific interference of CuO and PS NPs with placental gene expression from a single short-term exposure which deserves increasing attention. In addition, the placenta, which is often neglected in developmental toxicity studies, should be a key focus in the future safety assessment of NPs in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chortarea S
- Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Gupta G
- Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Saarimäki LA
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Netkueakul W
- Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Manser P
- Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Aengenheister L
- Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland; Human Biomonitoring Research Unit, Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), 1 A-B, Rue Thomas Edison, L-1445 Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Wichser A
- Laboratory for Advanced Analytical Technologies, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials, Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Fortino V
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Wick P
- Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Greco D
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland; Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Buerki-Thurnherr T
- Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland.
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24
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Hebert JF, Myatt L. Metformin Impacts Human Syncytiotrophoblast Mitochondrial Function from Pregnancies Complicated by Obesity and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in a Sexually Dimorphic Manner. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:719. [PMID: 36978967 PMCID: PMC10044921 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030719] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are associated with placental dysfunction, small for gestational age (SGA) offspring, and programming of adult-onset disease. We examine how metformin, commonly used to treat type A2 GDM, affects placental metabolism as well as mitochondrial content and function. Syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs) were prepared from placentas of male and female fetuses collected at term cesarean section from lean (pre-pregnancy BMI < 25), obese (BMI > 30), and obese A2GDM women. Metformin treatment (0.001-10 mM) of STB caused no change in non-mitochondrial respiration but significant concentration-dependent (1 and 10 mM) decreases in basal, maximal, and ATP-linked respiration and spare capacity. Respiration linked to proton leak was significantly increased in STB of male A2GDM placentas at low metformin concentrations. Metformin concentrations ≥1 mM increased glycolysis in STB from placentas from lean women, but only improved glycolytic capacity in female STB. Whereas metformin had little effect on superoxide generation from male STB of any group, it gave a concentration-dependent decrease in superoxide generation from female STB of lean and obese women. Fewer mitochondria were observed in STB from obese women and male STB from lean women with increasing metformin concentration. Metformin affects STB mitochondrial function in a sexually dimorphic manner but at concentrations above those reported in maternal circulation (approximately 0.01 mM) in women treated with metformin for GDM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leslie Myatt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University; Portland, OR 97239, USA
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25
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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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26
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Lodefalk M, Chelslín F, Patriksson Karlsson J, Hansson SR. Placental Changes and Neuropsychological Development in Children-A Systematic Review. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030435. [PMID: 36766778 PMCID: PMC9913696 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Placental dysfunction may increase the offspring's later-life disease risk. The objective of this systematic review was to describe associations between pathological placental changes and neuropsychological outcomes in children after the neonatal period. The inclusion criteria were human studies; original research; direct placental variables; neuropsychological outcomes; and analysis between their associations. The exclusion criterion was the offspring's age-0-28 days or >19 years. The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were last searched in May 2022. We utilized the ROBINS-I for the risk of bias assessment and performed a narrative synthesis. In total, 3252 studies were identified, out of which 16 were included (i.e., a total of 15,862 participants). Half of the studies were performed on children with neonatal complications, and 75% of the studies reported an association between a placental change and an outcome; however, following the completion of the funnel plots, a risk of publication bias was indicated. The largest study described a small association between placental size and a risk of psychiatric symptoms in boys only. Inconsistency between the studies limited the evidence in this review. In general, no strong evidence was found for an association between pathological placental changes and childhood neuropsychological outcomes after the neonatal period. However, the association between placental size and mental health in boys indicates a placental sexual dimorphism, thereby suggesting an increased vulnerability for male fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lodefalk
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, 701 82 Örebro, Sweden
- University Health Care Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, 701 82 Örebro, Sweden
- Correspondence:
| | - Felix Chelslín
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, 701 82 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Johanna Patriksson Karlsson
- University Health Care Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, 701 82 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Stefan R. Hansson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Skåne University Hospital, 214 28 Malmö, Sweden
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The ANGPTL3-4-8 Axis in Normal Gestation and in Gestational Diabetes, and Its Potential Involvement in Fetal Growth. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032486. [PMID: 36768809 PMCID: PMC9917010 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Dyslipidemia in gestational diabetes has been associated with worse perinatal outcomes. The ANGPTL3-4-8 axis regulates lipid metabolism, especially in the transition from fasting to feeding. In this study, we evaluated the response of ANGPTL3, 4, and 8 after the intake of a mixed meal in women with normal glucose tolerance and gestational diabetes, and we assessed their gene expressions in different placental locations. Regarding the circulating levels of ANGPTL3, 4, and 8, we observed an absence of ANGPTL4 response after the intake of the meal in the GDM group compared to its presence in the control group. At the placental level, we observed a glucose tolerance-dependent expression pattern of ANGPTL3 between the two placental sides. When we compared the GDM pregnancies with the control pregnancies, a downregulation of the maternal side ANGPTL3 expression was observed. This suggests a dysregulation of the ANGPTL3-4-8 axis in GDM, both at the circulating level after ingestion and at the level of placental expression. Furthermore, we discerned that the expressions of ANGPTL3, 4, and 8 were related to birth weight and placental weight in the GDM group, but not in the control group, which suggests that they may play a role in regulating the transplacental passage of nutrients.
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28
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Zhang C, Guo Y, Yang Y, Du Z, Fan Y, Zhao Y, Yuan S. Oxidative stress on vessels at the maternal-fetal interface for female reproductive system disorders: Update. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1118121. [PMID: 36967779 PMCID: PMC10036807 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1118121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Considerable evidence shows that oxidative stress exists in the pathophysiological process of female reproductive system diseases. At present, there have been many studies on oxidative stress of placenta during pregnancy, especially for preeclampsia. However, studies that directly focus on the effects of oxidative stress on blood vessels at the maternal-fetal interface and their associated possible outcomes are still incomplete and ambiguous. To provide an option for early clinical prediction and therapeutic application of oxidative stress in female reproductive system diseases, this paper briefly describes the composition of the maternal-fetal interface and the molecular mediators produced by oxidative stress, focuses on the sources of oxidative stress and the signaling pathways of oxidative stress at the maternal-fetal interface, expounds the adverse consequences of oxidative stress on blood vessels, and deeply discusses the relationship between oxidative stress and some pregnancy complications and other female reproductive system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenlu Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yaxin Guo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yan Yang
- School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhaojin Du
- Reproductive Medical Center, Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yunhui Fan
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yin Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- *Correspondence: Yin Zhao, ; Suzhen Yuan,
| | - Suzhen Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- *Correspondence: Yin Zhao, ; Suzhen Yuan,
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Olney KC, Plaisier SB, Phung TN, Silasi M, Perley L, O'Bryan J, Ramirez L, Kliman HJ, Wilson MA. Sex differences in early and term placenta are conserved in adult tissues. Biol Sex Differ 2022; 13:74. [PMID: 36550527 PMCID: PMC9773522 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-022-00470-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy complications vary based on the fetus's genetic sex, which may, in part, be modulated by the placenta. Furthermore, developmental differences early in life can have lifelong health outcomes. Yet, sex differences in gene expression within the placenta at different timepoints throughout pregnancy and comparisons to adult tissues remains poorly characterized. METHODS Here, we collect and characterize sex differences in gene expression in term placentas (≥ 36.6 weeks; 23 male XY and 27 female XX). These are compared with sex differences in previously collected first trimester placenta samples and 42 non-reproductive adult tissues from GTEx. RESULTS We identify 268 and 53 sex-differentially expressed genes in the uncomplicated late first trimester and term placentas, respectively. Of the 53 sex-differentially expressed genes observed in the term placentas, 31 are also sex-differentially expressed genes in the late first trimester placentas. Furthermore, sex differences in gene expression in term placentas are highly correlated with sex differences in the late first trimester placentas. We found that sex-differential gene expression in the term placenta is significantly correlated with sex differences in gene expression in 42 non-reproductive adult tissues (correlation coefficient ranged from 0.892 to 0.957), with the highest correlation in brain tissues. Sex differences in gene expression were largely driven by gene expression on the sex chromosomes. We further show that some gametologous genes (genes with functional copies on X and Y) will have different inferred sex differences if the X-linked gene expression in females is compared to the sum of the X-linked and Y-linked gene expression in males. CONCLUSIONS We find that sex differences in gene expression are conserved in late first trimester and term placentas and that these sex differences are conserved in adult tissues. We demonstrate that there are sex differences associated with innate immune response in late first trimester placentas but there is no significant difference in gene expression of innate immune genes between sexes in healthy full-term placentas. Finally, sex differences are predominantly driven by expression from sex-linked genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly C Olney
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, PO Box 874501, Tempe, AZ, 85282, USA
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85282, USA
| | - Seema B Plaisier
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, PO Box 874501, Tempe, AZ, 85282, USA
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85282, USA
| | - Tanya N Phung
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, PO Box 874501, Tempe, AZ, 85282, USA
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85282, USA
| | - Michelle Silasi
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mercy Hospital St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63141, USA
| | - Lauren Perley
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Jane O'Bryan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Lucia Ramirez
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, PO Box 874501, Tempe, AZ, 85282, USA
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85282, USA
| | - Harvey J Kliman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Melissa A Wilson
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, PO Box 874501, Tempe, AZ, 85282, USA.
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85282, USA.
- The Biodesign Center for Mechanisms of Evolution, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85282, USA.
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Anandam KY, Abad C, Synova T, Vinas-Noguera M, Bolboli B, Vokral I, Karahoda R, Staud F. Precision-cut rat placental slices as a model to study sex-dependent inflammatory response to LPS and Poly I:C. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1083248. [PMID: 36605215 PMCID: PMC9807759 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1083248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Maternal inflammation in pregnancy represents a major hallmark of several pregnancy complications and a significant risk factor for neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders in the offspring. As the interface between the mother and the fetus, the placenta plays a crucial role in fetal development and programming. Moreover, studies have suggested that the placenta responds to an inflammatory environment in a sex-biased fashion. However, placenta-mediated immunoregulatory mechanisms are still poorly understood. Methods Therefore, we have developed a model of ex vivo precision-cut placental slices from the rat term placenta to study acute inflammatory response. Rat placental slices with a precise thickness of 200 µm were generated separately from male and female placentas. Inflammation was stimulated by exposing the slices to various concentrations of LPS or Poly I:C for 4 and 18 hours. Results Treatment of placental slices with LPS significantly induced the expression and release of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. In contrast, Poly I:C treatment resulted in a less-pronounced inflammatory response. Interestingly, the female placenta showed higher sensitivity to LPS than male placenta. Anti-inflammatory agents, curcumin, 1α,25- dihydroxyvitamin D3, and progesterone attenuated the LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokine response at both mRNA and protein levels. Discussion We conclude that rat placental slices represent a novel alternative model to study the role of sexual dimorphism in the acute inflammatory response and immune activation in pregnancy.
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Kedziora SM, Obermayer B, Sugulle M, Herse F, Kräker K, Haase N, Langmia IM, Müller DN, Staff AC, Beule D, Dechend R. Placental Transcriptome Profiling in Subtypes of Diabetic Pregnancies Is Strongly Confounded by Fetal Sex. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315388. [PMID: 36499721 PMCID: PMC9740420 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a temporary organ with a unique structure and function to ensure healthy fetal development. Placental dysfunction is involved in pre-eclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A diabetic state affects maternal and fetal health and may lead to functional alterations of placental metabolism, inflammation, hypoxia, and weight, amplifying the fetal stress. The placental molecular adaptations to the diabetic environment and the adaptive spatio-temporal consequences to elevated glucose or insulin are largely unknown (2). We aimed to identify gene expression signatures related to the diabetic placental pathology of placentas from women with diabetes mellitus. Human placenta samples (n = 77) consisting of healthy controls, women with either gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and women with GDM, type 1 or type 2 diabetes and superimposed PE were collected. Interestingly, gene expression differences quantified by total RNA sequencing were mainly driven by fetal sex rather than clinical diagnosis. Association of the principal components with a full set of clinical patient data identified fetal sex as the single main explanatory variable. Accordingly, placentas complicated by type 1 and type 2 diabetes showed only few differentially expressed genes, while possible effects of GDM and diabetic pregnancy complicated by PE were not identifiable in this cohort. We conclude that fetal sex has a prominent effect on the placental transcriptome, dominating and confounding gene expression signatures resulting from diabetes mellitus in settings of well-controlled diabetic disease. Our results support the notion of placenta as a sexual dimorphic organ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Kedziora
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), a Joint Cooperation between the Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, 10178 Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site, 10785 Berlin, Germany
| | - Benedikt Obermayer
- Berlin Institute of Health, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Core Unit Bioinformatics, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Meryam Sugulle
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Florian Herse
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), a Joint Cooperation between the Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, 10178 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kristin Kräker
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), a Joint Cooperation between the Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, 10178 Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site, 10785 Berlin, Germany
| | - Nadine Haase
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), a Joint Cooperation between the Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, 10178 Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site, 10785 Berlin, Germany
| | - Immaculate M. Langmia
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), a Joint Cooperation between the Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, 10178 Berlin, Germany
| | - Dominik N. Müller
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), a Joint Cooperation between the Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, 10178 Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site, 10785 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Cathrine Staff
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Dieter Beule
- Berlin Institute of Health, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Core Unit Bioinformatics, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Dechend
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), a Joint Cooperation between the Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site, 10785 Berlin, Germany
- HELIOS Clinic, Department of Cardiology and Nephrology, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-30-4505-40301
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Maternal Underweight and Obesity Are Associated with Placental Pathologies in Human Pregnancy. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:3425-3448. [PMID: 35739350 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00983-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Maternal underweight and obesity are prevalent conditions, associated with chronic, low-grade inflammation, poor fetal development, and long-term adverse outcomes for the child. The placenta senses and adapts to the pregnancy environment in an effort to support optimal fetal development. However, the mechanisms driving these adaptations, and the resulting placental phenotypes, are poorly understood. We hypothesised that maternal underweight and obesity would be associated with increased prevalence of placental pathologies in term and preterm pregnancies. Data from 12,154 pregnancies were obtained from the Collaborative Perinatal Project, a prospective cohort study conducted from 1959 to 1974. Macro- and microscopic placental pathologies were analysed across maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) to assess differences in the presence of pathologies among underweight, overweight, and obese BMI groups compared to normal weight reference BMI at term and preterm. Placental pathologies were also assessed across fetal sex. Pregnancies complicated by maternal obesity had placentae with increased fetal inflammation at preterm, and increased inflammation of maternal gestational tissues at term. In term pregnancies, increasing maternal BMI associated with increased maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM), odds of an appropriately mature placenta for gestational age, and placental weight, and decreased placental efficiency. Male placentae, independent of maternal BMI, had increased inflammation, MVM, and placental efficiency than female placentae, particularly at term. Maternal underweight and obesity are not inert conditions for the placenta, and the histomorphological changes driven by suboptimal maternal BMI may serve as indicators of adversities experienced in utero and potential predictors of future health trajectories.
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Hufnagel A, Grant ID, Aiken CEM. Glucose and oxygen in the early intrauterine environment and their role in developmental abnormalities. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 131:25-34. [PMID: 35410716 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.03.041] [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: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The early life environment can have profound impacts on the developing conceptus in terms of both growth and morphogenesis. These impacts can manifest in a variety of ways, including congenital fetal anomalies, placental dysfunction with subsequent effects on fetal growth, and adverse perinatal outcomes, or via effects on long-term health outcomes that may not be detected until later childhood or adulthood. Two key examples of environmental influences on early development are explored: maternal hyperglycaemia and gestational hypoxia. These are increasingly common pregnancy exposures worldwide, with potentially profound impacts on population health. We explore what is known regarding the mechanisms by which these environmental exposures can impact early intrauterine development and thus result in adverse outcomes in the immediate, short, and long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Hufnagel
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Imogen D Grant
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, Box 223, The Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge CB2 0SW, UK
| | - Catherine E M Aiken
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, Box 223, The Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge CB2 0SW, UK; University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK.
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34
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Coordinated regulation of microRNA genes in C19MC by SETDB1. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 637:17-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Wang C, Alfano R, Reimann B, Hogervorst J, Bustamante M, De Vivo I, Plusquin M, Nawrot TS, Martens DS. Genetic regulation of newborn telomere length is mediated and modified by DNA methylation. Front Genet 2022; 13:934277. [PMID: 36267401 PMCID: PMC9576874 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.934277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere length at birth determines later life telomere length and potentially predicts ageing-related diseases. However, the genetic and epigenetic settings of telomere length in newborns have not been analyzed. In addition, no study yet has reported how the interplay between genetic variants and genome-wide cytosine methylation explains the variation in early-life telomere length. In this study based on 281 mother-newborn pairs from the ENVIRONAGE birth cohort, telomere length and whole-genome DNA methylation were assessed in cord blood and 26 candidate single nucleotide polymorphism related to ageing or telomere length were genotyped. We identified three genetic variants associated with cord blood telomere length and 57 cis methylation quantitative trait loci (cis-mQTLs) of which 22 mQTLs confirmed previous findings and 35 were newly identified. Five SNPs were found to have significant indirect effects on cord blood telomere length via the mediating CpGs. The association between rs911874 (SOD2) and newborn telomere length was modified by nearby DNA methylation indicated by a significant statistical interaction. Our results suggest that DNA methylation in cis might have a mediation or modification effect on the genetic difference in newborn telomere length. This novel approach warrants future follow-up studies that are needed to further confirm and extend these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congrong Wang
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Rossella Alfano
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Brigitte Reimann
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | | | - Mariona Bustamante
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Immaculata De Vivo
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Program in Genetic Epidemiology and Statistical Genetics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Michelle Plusquin
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Tim S. Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dries S. Martens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Dries S. Martens,
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Zhang B, Zhang F, Lu F, Wang J, Zhou W, Wang H, Yu B. Reduced cell invasion may be a characteristic of placental defects in pregnant women of advanced maternal age at single-cell level. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2022; 23:747-759. [PMID: 36111571 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2101024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying pregnancy complications caused by advanced maternal age (AMA) remain unclear. We analyzed the cellular signature and transcriptomes of human placentas in AMA women to elucidate these mechanisms. Placental tissues from two AMA women and two controls were used for single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq). Controls consisted of AMA women who did not experience any pregnancy complications and pregnant women below the age of 35 years without pregnancy complications. Trophoblast cells were obtained from the placentas of another six pregnant women (three AMA women and three controls), and in-vitro transwell assays were conducted to observe the cell invasion ability. Thirty additional samples (from 15 AMA women and 15 controls) were analyzed to verify the specific expression of serine protease inhibitor clade E member 1 (SERPINE1). Preliminary study of the role of SERPINE1 in cell invasion was carried out with HTR8-S/Vneo cells. High-quality transcriptomes of 27 607 cells were detected. Three types of trophoblast cells were detected, which were further classified into eight subtypes according to differences in gene expression and Gene Ontology (GO) function. We identified 110 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in trophoblast cells between the AMA and control groups, and the DEGs were enriched in multiple pathways related to cell invasion. In-vitro transwell assays suggested that the invading trophoblast cells in AMA women were reduced. SERPINE1 was specifically expressed in the trophoblast, and its expression was higher in AMA women (P<0.05). Transfection of human SERPINE1 (hSERPINE1) into HTR8-S/Vneo trophoblast cells showed fewer invading cells in the hSERPINE1 group. Impaired cell invasion may underlie the increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in AMA women. Abnormal expression of SERPINE1 in extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells appears to play an important role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Fengying Lu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Wenbai Zhou
- Department of Medical Genetics, Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Huihui Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Bin Yu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China.
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Braun AE, Mitchel OR, Gonzalez TL, Sun T, Flowers AE, Pisarska MD, Winn VD. Sex at the interface: the origin and impact of sex differences in the developing human placenta. Biol Sex Differ 2022; 13:50. [PMID: 36114567 PMCID: PMC9482177 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-022-00459-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The fetal placenta is a source of hormones and immune factors that play a vital role in maintaining pregnancy and facilitating fetal growth. Cells in this extraembryonic compartment match the chromosomal sex of the embryo itself. Sex differences have been observed in common gestational pathologies, highlighting the importance of maternal immune tolerance to the fetal compartment. Over the past decade, several studies examining placentas from term pregnancies have revealed widespread sex differences in hormone signaling, immune signaling, and metabolic functions. Given the rapid and dynamic development of the human placenta, sex differences that exist at term (37–42 weeks gestation) are unlikely to align precisely with those present at earlier stages when the fetal–maternal interface is being formed and the foundations of a healthy or diseased pregnancy are established. While fetal sex as a variable is often left unreported in studies performing transcriptomic profiling of the first-trimester human placenta, four recent studies have specifically examined fetal sex in early human placental development. In this review, we discuss the findings from these publications and consider the evidence for the genetic, hormonal, and immune mechanisms that are theorized to account for sex differences in early human placenta. We also highlight the cellular and molecular processes that are most likely to be impacted by fetal sex and the evolutionary pressures that may have given rise to these differences. With growing recognition of the fetal origins of health and disease, it is important to shed light on sex differences in early prenatal development, as these observations may unlock insight into the foundations of sex-biased pathologies that emerge later in life. Placental sex differences exist from early prenatal development, and may help explain sex differences in pregnancy outcomes. Transcriptome profiling of early to mid-gestation placenta reveals that immune signaling is a hub of early prenatal sex differences. Differentially expressed genes between male and female placenta fall into the following functional associations: chromatin modification, transcription, splicing, translation, signal transduction, metabolic regulation, cell death and autophagy regulation, ubiquitination, cell adhesion and cell–cell interaction. Placental sex differences likely reflect the interaction of cell-intrinsic chromosome complement with extrinsic endocrine signals from the fetal compartment that accompany gonadal differentiation. Understanding the mechanisms behind sex differences in placental development and function will provide key insight into molecular targets that can be modulated to improve sex-biased obstetrical complications.
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O'Callaghan JL, Clifton VL, Prentis P, Ewing A, Saif Z, Pelzer ES. Sex-dependent differential transcript expression in the placenta of growth restricted infants. Placenta 2022; 128:1-8. [PMID: 36031700 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.08.004] [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: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The pathological decrease of fetal growth during gestation can lead to subsequent poor health outcomes for the fetus. This process is commonly controlled by the placenta, the interface between mother and baby during gestation. Sex-specific gene expression has been implicated in placental function, therefore, there is a need to determine if it is important during reduced fetal growth. We therefore aimed to characterise placental gene expression at term to evaluate sex-specific genetic changes that occur in small for gestational age (SGA) infants. METHODS RNA-sequencing of twelve human placental tissue samples collected from pregnancies yielding either term appropriate for gestational age (AGA) or SGA infants identified at delivery. Candidate genes associated with fetal size and fetal sex were identified using differential gene expression and weighted gene co-expression network analyses. Single-cell sequencing data was used for candidate validation and to estimate candidate transcript expression in specific placental cell populations. RESULTS Differential gene expression and weighted gene co-expression network analyses identified 403 candidate transcripts associated with SGA infants. One hundred and three of these transcripts showed sex-specific expression. . Published placental sequencing datasets were used to validate the key expression results from the twelve placental samples initially studied; the sex-independent transcript expression for genes involved in cell cycle processes in males (7 transcripts) and endoplasmic reticulum stress in females (17 transcripts). DISCUSSION This study identified the activation of multiple molecular mechanisms involved in the placental response to an adverse environmental stressor. Mechanisms such as disrupted protein synthesis were shared between infant biological sex when comparing AGA to SGA, whilst other pathways such as cell cycle and endoplasmic reticulum stress appear as independent/specific to either males or females when investigating reduced fetal growth. This data suggests that sexual dimorphism is an important consideration when examining placental dysfunction and poor fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L O'Callaghan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, 4001, Australia
| | - Vicki L Clifton
- Pregnancy and Development Group, Mater Research, Translational Research Institute and the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4101, Australia
| | - Peter Prentis
- School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, 4001, Australia
| | - Adam Ewing
- Pregnancy and Development Group, Mater Research, Translational Research Institute and the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4101, Australia
| | - Zarqa Saif
- Pregnancy and Development Group, Mater Research, Translational Research Institute and the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4101, Australia
| | - Elise S Pelzer
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, 4001, Australia.
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Zhou J, Teng Y, Zhang F, Ru X, Li P, Wang J, Yan S, Zhu P, Tao F, Huang K. Sex-specific association between placental inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression and preschoolers' behavioral development: The Ma'anshan birth cohort study. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 104:110-121. [PMID: 35661681 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Placental inflammation may contribute to brain abnormalities and childhood neuropsychiatric disorders, but limited knowledge is available on the association of placental inflammatory cytokine levels and offspring's behavioral development. This study aimed to examine the sex-specific association between placental inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression and preschoolers' behavioral development. METHODS 3474 pregnant women were recruited as the initial study population in the Ma'anshan birth cohort (MABC) study. Placentas (n = 2519) were collected during childbirth, and the mRNA expression of IL-8, IL-1β, CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-4 was assessed. The Child Behavior Checklist 1.5-5 (CBCL 1.5-5) was used to assess children's behavioral development at 4 years old. A T-score ≥ 60 on summary scales or a score ≥ 65 on syndrome scales was regarded as the borderline clinical range. Multiple linear regression models and binary logistic regression models were applied to explore the sex-specific associations between placental inflammatory cytokines mRNA transcript levels and preschoolers' behavioral development. RESULTS Sex-specific associations between placental inflammatory cytokines mRNA expression and preschoolers' behavioral development were observed. There was a positive association between IL-8 and CBCL scores for boys on anxious/depressed problems, aggressive behaviors, externalizing problems and total problems. Logistic regression models showed that high levels of IL-8 were associated with a higher risk of girls' emotionally reactive problems and sleep problems compared to low/medium levels. High TNF-α was correlated with increased sleep problem scores in boys, and medium TNF-α (vs. low levels) was associated with an increased risk of girls' externalizing problems. Medium levels of CRP, IL-1β, and IL-6 were found to be associated with a decreased risk of girls' behavioral problems compared to low/high levels. For anti-inflammatory cytokines, medium IL-10 and IL-4 (vs. low levels) were observed to be associated with a lower risk of internalizing problems in boys and externalizing problems in girls, respectively. High IL-10 was correlated with decreased attention problem scores in boys. CONCLUSION This study indicates that placental inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression of IL-8, CRP, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4 and IL-10 may be associated with preschoolers' behavioral development in a sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jixing Zhou
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yuzhu Teng
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Fu Zhang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xue Ru
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Peixuan Li
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jianqing Wang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University
| | - Shuangqin Yan
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University; Maternal and Child Health Care Center of Ma'anshan, No 24 Jiashan Road, Ma'anshan 243011, Anhui, China
| | - Peng Zhu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Kun Huang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei 230032, China; Scientific Research Center in Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province, China.
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Seong J, Frias-Aldeguer J, Holzmann V, Kagawa H, Sestini G, Heidari Khoei H, Scholte Op Reimer Y, Kip M, Pradhan SJ, Verwegen L, Vivié J, Li L, Alemany A, Korving J, Darmis F, van Oudenaarden A, Ten Berge D, Geijsen N, Rivron NC. Epiblast inducers capture mouse trophectoderm stem cells in vitro and pattern blastoids for implantation in utero. Cell Stem Cell 2022; 29:1102-1118.e8. [PMID: 35803228 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The embryo instructs the allocation of cell states to spatially regulate functions. In the blastocyst, patterning of trophoblast (TR) cells ensures successful implantation and placental development. Here, we defined an optimal set of molecules secreted by the epiblast (inducers) that captures in vitro stable, highly self-renewing mouse trophectoderm stem cells (TESCs) resembling the blastocyst stage. When exposed to suboptimal inducers, these stem cells fluctuate to form interconvertible subpopulations with reduced self-renewal and facilitated differentiation, resembling peri-implantation cells, known as TR stem cells (TSCs). TESCs have enhanced capacity to form blastoids that implant more efficiently in utero due to inducers maintaining not only local TR proliferation and self-renewal, but also WNT6/7B secretion that stimulates uterine decidualization. Overall, the epiblast maintains sustained growth and decidualization potential of abutting TR cells, while, as known, distancing imposed by the blastocyst cavity differentiates TR cells for uterus adhesion, thus patterning the essential functions of implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwoo Seong
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Javier Frias-Aldeguer
- Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Viktoria Holzmann
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Harunobu Kagawa
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Giovanni Sestini
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heidar Heidari Khoei
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria; Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yvonne Scholte Op Reimer
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maarten Kip
- Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Saurabh J Pradhan
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lucas Verwegen
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Judith Vivié
- Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Linfeng Li
- Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Anna Alemany
- Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Korving
- Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Frank Darmis
- Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Derk Ten Berge
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Niels Geijsen
- Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Anatomy and Embryology, LUMC, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Nicolas C Rivron
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria; Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
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Enquobahrie DA, MacDonald J, Hussey M, Bammler TK, Loftus CT, Paquette AG, Byington N, Marsit CJ, Szpiro A, Kaufman JD, LeWinn KZ, Bush NR, Tylavsky F, Karr CJ, Sathyanarayana S. Prenatal exposure to particulate matter and placental gene expression. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 165:107310. [PMID: 35653832 PMCID: PMC9235522 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While strong evidence supports adverse maternal and offspring consequences of air pollution, mechanisms that involve the placenta, a key part of the intrauterine environment, are largely unknown. Previous studies of air pollution and placental gene expression were small candidate gene studies that rarely considered prenatal windows of exposure or the potential role of offspring sex. We examined overall and sex-specific associations of prenatal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) with genome-wide placental gene expression. METHODS Participants with placenta samples, collected at birth, and childhood health outcomes from CANDLE (Memphis, TN) (n = 776) and GAPPS (Seattle, WA) (n = 205) cohorts of the ECHO-PATHWAYS Consortium were included in this study. PM2.5 exposures during trimesters 1, 2, 3, and the first and last months of pregnancy, were estimated using a spatiotemporal model. Cohort-specific linear adjusted models were fit for each exposure window and expression of >11,000 protein coding genes from paired end RNA sequencing data. Models with interaction terms were used to examine PM2.5-offspring sex interactions. False discovery rate (FDR < 0.10) was used to correct for multiple testing. RESULTS Mean PM2.5 estimate was 10.5-10.7 μg/m3 for CANDLE and 6.0-6.3 μg/m3 for GAPPS participants. In CANDLE, expression of 13 (11 upregulated and 2 downregulated), 20 (11 upregulated and 9 downregulated) and 3 (2 upregulated and 1 downregulated) genes was associated with PM2.5 in the first trimester, second trimester, and first month, respectively. While we did not find any statistically significant association, overall, between PM2.5 and gene expression in GAPPS, we found offspring sex and first month PM2.5 interaction for DDHD1 expression (positive association among males and inverse association among females). We did not observe PM2.5 and offspring sex interactions in CANDLE. CONCLUSION In CANDLE, but not GAPPS, we found that prenatal PM2.5 exposure during the first half of pregnancy is associated with placental gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Enquobahrie
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.
| | - James MacDonald
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Michael Hussey
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Theo K Bammler
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Christine T Loftus
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Alison G Paquette
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Nora Byington
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Carmen J Marsit
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Adam Szpiro
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Joel D Kaufman
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kaja Z LeWinn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Nicole R Bush
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Frances Tylavsky
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Catherine J Karr
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Sheela Sathyanarayana
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
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Bînă AM, Aburel OM, Avram VF, Lelcu T, Lința AV, Chiriac DV, Mocanu AG, Bernad E, Borza C, Craina ML, Popa ZL, Muntean DM, Crețu OM. Impairment of mitochondrial respiration in platelets and placentas: a pilot study in preeclamptic pregnancies. Mol Cell Biochem 2022; 477:1987-2000. [PMID: 35389182 PMCID: PMC9206634 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04415-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a major complication of pregnancy with partially elucidated pathophysiology. Placental mitochondrial dysfunction has been increasingly studied as major pathomechanism in both early- and late-onset PE. Impairment of mitochondrial respiration in platelets has recently emerged as a peripheral biomarker that may mirror organ mitochondrial dysfunction in several acute and chronic pathologies. The present study was purported to assess mitochondrial respiratory dys/function in both platelets and placental mitochondria in PE pregnancies. To this aim, a high-resolution respirometry SUIT (Substrate-Uncoupler-Inhibitor-Titration) protocol was adapted to assess complex I (glutamate + malate)- and complex II (succinate)-supported respiration. A decrease in all respiratory parameters (basal, coupled, and maximal uncoupled respiration) in peripheral platelets was found in preeclamptic as compared to healthy pregnancies. At variance, placental mitochondria showed a dichotomous behavior in preeclampsia in relation to the fetal birth weight. PE pregnancies with fetal growth restriction were associated with decreased in coupled respiration (oxidative phosphorylation/OXPHOS capacity) and maximal uncoupled respiration (electron transfer/ET capacity). At variance, these respiratory parameters were increased for both complex I- and II-supported respiration in PE pregnancies with normal weight fetuses. Large randomized controlled clinical studies are needed in order to advance our understanding of mitochondrial adaptive vs. pathological changes in preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca M Bînă
- Department III Functional Sciences - Pathophysiology, "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, Timişoara, Romania
- Center for Translational Research and Systems Medicine, "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, Timişoara, Romania
| | - Oana M Aburel
- Department III Functional Sciences - Pathophysiology, "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, Timişoara, Romania
- Center for Translational Research and Systems Medicine, "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, Timişoara, Romania
| | - Vlad F Avram
- Center for Translational Research and Systems Medicine, "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, Timişoara, Romania
- Department VII Internal Medicine II - Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, Timişoara, Romania
| | - Theia Lelcu
- Department III Functional Sciences - Pathophysiology, "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, Timişoara, Romania
- Center for Translational Research and Systems Medicine, "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, Timişoara, Romania
| | - Adina V Lința
- Department III Functional Sciences - Pathophysiology, "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, Timişoara, Romania
- Center for Translational Research and Systems Medicine, "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, Timişoara, Romania
| | - Daniela V Chiriac
- Department XII Obstetrics and Gynecology - Obstetrics and Gynecology I, "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, Timişoara, Romania
| | - Adelina G Mocanu
- Department XII Obstetrics and Gynecology - Obstetrics and Gynecology III, "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, Timişoara, Romania
| | - Elena Bernad
- Department XII Obstetrics and Gynecology - Obstetrics and Gynecology III, "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, Timişoara, Romania
| | - Claudia Borza
- Department III Functional Sciences - Pathophysiology, "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, Timişoara, Romania
- Center for Translational Research and Systems Medicine, "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, Timişoara, Romania
| | - Marius L Craina
- Department XII Obstetrics and Gynecology - Obstetrics and Gynecology III, "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, Timişoara, Romania
| | - Zoran L Popa
- Department XII Obstetrics and Gynecology - Obstetrics and Gynecology III, "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, Timişoara, Romania.
| | - Danina M Muntean
- Department III Functional Sciences - Pathophysiology, "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, Timişoara, Romania.
- Center for Translational Research and Systems Medicine, "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, Timişoara, Romania.
| | - Octavian M Crețu
- Department IX Surgery I - Surgical Semiotics I, "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, Timişoara, Romania
- Center for Hepato-Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, Timişoara, Romania
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Lee AG, Tignor N, Cowell W, Colicino E, Bozack A, Baccarelli A, Wang P, Wright RJ. Associations between antenatal maternal asthma status and placental DNA methylation. Placenta 2022; 126:184-195. [PMID: 35858526 PMCID: PMC9679966 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Maternal asthma in pregnancy is associated with adverse perinatal and child health outcomes; however, mechanisms are poorly understood. METHODS The PRogramming of Intergenerational Stress Mechanisms (PRISM) prospective pregnancy cohort characterized asthma history during pregnancy via questionnaires and quantified placental DNAm using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. We performed epigenome-wide association analyses (n = 223) to estimate associations between maternal active or inactive asthma, as compared to never asthma, and placental differentially methylated positions (DMPs) and differentially variable positions (DVPs). Models adjusted for maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index, smoking status, parity, age and education level and child sex. P-values were FDR-adjusted. RESULTS One hundred and fifty-nine (71.3%) pregnant women reported no history of asthma (never asthma), 15 (6.7%) reported inactive, and 49 (22%) reported active antenatal asthma. Women predominantly self-identified as Black/Hispanic Black [88 (39.5%)] and Hispanic/non-Black [42 (18.8%)]. We identified 10 probes at FDR<0.05 and 4 probes at FDR<0.10 characterized by higher variability in maternal active asthma compared to never asthma mapping to GPX3, LHPP, PECAM1, ATAD3C, and ARHGEF4 and 2 probes characterized by lower variation mapping to CHMP4A and C5orf24. Amongst women with inactive asthma, we identified 52 probes, 41 at FDR<0.05 and an additional 11 at FDR <0.10, with higher variability compared to never asthma; BMP4, LHPP, PHYHIPL, and ZSCAN23 were associated with multiple DVPs. No associations were observed with DMPs. DISCUSSION We observed alterations in placental DNAm in women with antenatal asthma, as compared to women without a history of asthma. Further research is needed to understand the impact on fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison G Lee
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Nicole Tignor
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Whitney Cowell
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elena Colicino
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anne Bozack
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Andrea Baccarelli
- Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pei Wang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rosalind J Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Single-cell transcriptional profiling reveals cellular and molecular divergence in human maternal-fetal interface. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10892. [PMID: 35764880 PMCID: PMC9240006 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14516-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Placenta plays essential role in successful pregnancy, as the most important organ connecting and interplaying between mother and fetus. However, the cellular characteristics and molecular interaction of cell populations within the fetomaternal interface is still poorly understood. Here, we surveyed the single-cell transcriptomic landscape of human full-term placenta and revealed the heterogeneity of cytotrophoblast cell (CTB) and stromal cell (STR) with the fetal/maternal origin consecutively localized from fetal section (FS), middle section (Mid_S) to maternal section (Mat_S) of maternal–fetal interface. Then, we highlighted a subpopulation of CTB, named trophoblast progenitor-like cells (TPLCs) existed in the full-term placenta and mainly distributed in Mid_S, with high expression of a pool of putative cell surface markers. Further, we revealed the putative key transcription factor PRDM6 that might promote the differentiation of endovascular extravillous trophoblast cells (enEVT) by inhibiting cell proliferation, and down-regulation of PRDM6 might lead to an abnormal enEVT differentiation process in PE. Together, our study offers important resources for better understanding of human placenta and stem cell-based therapy, and provides new insights on the study of tissue heterogeneity, the clinical prevention and control of PE as well as the maternal–fetal interface.
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Andrews SV, Yang IJ, Froehlich K, Oskotsky T, Sirota M. Large-scale placenta DNA methylation integrated analysis reveals fetal sex-specific differentially methylated CpG sites and regions. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9396. [PMID: 35672357 PMCID: PMC9174475 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13544-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although male–female differences in placental structure and function have been observed, little is understood about their molecular underpinnings. Here, we present a mega-analysis of 14 publicly available placenta DNA methylation (DNAm) microarray datasets to identify individual CpGs and regions associated with fetal sex. In the discovery dataset of placentas from full term pregnancies (N = 532 samples), 5212 CpGs met genome-wide significance (p < 1E−8) and were enriched in pathways such as keratinization (FDR p-value = 7.37E−14), chemokine activity (FDR p-value = 1.56E−2), and eosinophil migration (FDR p-value = 1.83E−2). Nine differentially methylated regions were identified (fwerArea < 0.1) including a region in the promoter of ZNF300 that showed consistent differential DNAm in samples from earlier timepoints in pregnancy and appeared to be driven predominately by effects in the trophoblast cell type. We describe the largest study of fetal sex differences in placenta DNAm performed to date, revealing genes and pathways characterizing sex-specific placenta function and health outcomes later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan V Andrews
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Irene J Yang
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Dougherty Valley High School, San Ramon, CA, USA
| | - Karolin Froehlich
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tomiko Oskotsky
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Marina Sirota
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Björvang RD, Mamsen LS. Sexually Dimorphic Accumulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Fetuses. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:909307. [PMID: 35656542 PMCID: PMC9152108 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.909307] [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: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Living in an industrialized era, we are exposed to man-made chemicals including persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Previous studies have shown associations of POP exposure with adverse outcomes in humans, wildlife, and the environment, making it a global concern. Exposure during sensitive windows of susceptibility such as fetal development is of particular concern because of the potential increased risk of developing diseases in childhood and adulthood. However, there are limited studies on the sexual dimorphism of POP accumulation during the prenatal period. In this mini-review, we focus on differences in POP concentrations in the placenta and fetal tissues between males and females. We also show the sexually dimorphic adverse outcomes of prenatal exposure to POPs. Overall, our summary shows that males may accumulate higher concentrations of POPs in the placenta and fetal tissues compared to females, although studies are sparse and inconsistent. In addition, there are differences in adverse health outcomes associated to prenatal POP exposure according to sex. Hence, we highly urge researchers investigating the health effects of POP exposure to consider sexual dimorphism in their studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richelle D. Björvang
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Linn Salto Mamsen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Linn Salto Mamsen,
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47
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Dynamic genome-wide gene expression and immune cell composition in the developing human placenta. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 151:103624. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Chatterjee S, Zeng X, Ouidir M, Tesfaye M, Zhang C, Tekola-Ayele F. Sex-specific placental gene expression signatures of small for gestational age at birth. Placenta 2022; 121:82-90. [PMID: 35303517 PMCID: PMC9010378 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Small for gestational age at birth (SGA), often a consequence of placental dysfunction, is a risk factor for neonatal morbidity and later life cardiometabolic diseases. There are sex differences in placental gene expression and fetal growth. Here, we investigated sex-specific associations between gene expression in human placenta measured using RNA sequencing and SGA status using data from ethnic diverse pregnant women in the NICHD Fetal Growth Studies cohort (n = 74). METHODS Gene expression measures were obtained using RNA-Sequencing and differential gene expression between SGA (birthweight <10th percentile) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA: ≥10th and <90th percentile) was tested separately in males (12 SGA and 27 AGA) and females (9 SGA and 26 AGA) using a weighted mean of log ratios method with adjustment for mode of delivery and ethnicity. RESULTS At 5% false discovery rate (FDR), we identified 40 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to SGA status among males (95% up- and 5% down-regulated) and 314 DEGs among females (32.5% up- and 67.5% down-regulated). Seven female-specific DEGs overlapped with known imprinted genes (AXL, CYP24A1, GPR1, PLAGL1, CMTM1, DLX5, LY6D). The DEGs in males were significantly enriched for immune response and inflammation signaling pathways whereas the DEGs in females were enriched for organ development signaling pathways (FDR<0.05). Sex-combined analysis identified no additional DEGs, rather 98% of the sex-specific DEGs were no longer significant and the remaining 2% were attenuated. DISCUSSION This study revealed sex-specific human placental gene expression changes and molecular pathways associated with SGA and underscored that unravelling the pathogenesis of SGA warrants consideration of fetal sex as a biological variable. TRIAL REGISTRATION https://www. CLINICALTRIALS gov, Unique identifier: NCT00912132.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvo Chatterjee
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Population Health Research, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, 20892, MD, USA
| | - Xuehuo Zeng
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Population Health Research, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, 20892, MD, USA
| | - Marion Ouidir
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Population Health Research, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, 20892, MD, USA
| | - Markos Tesfaye
- Section of Sensory Science and Metabolism (SenSMet), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism & National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Cuilin Zhang
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Population Health Research, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, 20892, MD, USA
| | - Fasil Tekola-Ayele
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Population Health Research, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, 20892, MD, USA.
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49
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Telkar N, Stewart GL, Pewarchuk ME, Cohn DE, Robinson WP, Lam WL. Small Non-Coding RNAs in the Human Placenta: Regulatory Roles and Clinical Utility. Front Genet 2022; 13:868598. [PMID: 35432451 PMCID: PMC9006164 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.868598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a vital organ formed during pregnancy, and being the interface between the mother and fetus, it is paramount that placental functioning is strictly controlled. Gene expression in the placenta is finely tuned-with aberrant expression causing placental pathologies and inducing stress on both mother and fetus. Gene regulation is brought upon by several mechanisms, and small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) have recently been appreciated for their contribution in gene repression. Their dysregulation has been implicated in a range of somatic and inherited disorders, highlighting their importance in maintaining healthy organ function. Their specific roles within the placenta, however, are not well understood, and require further exploration. To this end, we summarize the mechanisms of microRNAs (miRNAs), Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs), small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), and transfer RNAs (tRNAs), their known contributions to human placental health and disease, the relevance of sncRNAs as promising biomarkers throughout pregnancy, and the current challenges faced by placental sncRNA studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Telkar
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Greg L. Stewart
- British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - David E. Cohn
- British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Wendy P. Robinson
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Wan L. Lam
- British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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50
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Aye IL, Aiken CE, Charnock-Jones DS, Smith GC. Placental energy metabolism in health and disease-significance of development and implications for preeclampsia. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 226:S928-S944. [PMID: 33189710 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The placenta is a highly metabolically active organ fulfilling the bioenergetic and biosynthetic needs to support its own rapid growth and that of the fetus. Placental metabolic dysfunction is a common occurrence in preeclampsia although its causal relationship to the pathophysiology is unclear. At the outset, this may simply be seen as an "engine out of fuel." However, placental metabolism plays a vital role beyond energy production and is linked to physiological and developmental processes. In this review, we discuss the metabolic basis for placental dysfunction and propose that the alterations in energy metabolism may explain many of the placental phenotypes of preeclampsia such as reduced placental and fetal growth, redox imbalance, oxidative stress, altered epigenetic and gene expression profiles, and the functional consequences of these aberrations. We propose that placental metabolic reprogramming reflects the dynamic physiological state allowing the tissue to adapt to developmental changes and respond to preeclampsia stress, whereas the inability to reprogram placental metabolism may result in severe preeclampsia phenotypes. Finally, we discuss common tested and novel therapeutic strategies for treating placental dysfunction in preeclampsia and their impact on placental energy metabolism as possible explanations into their potential benefits or harm.
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