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de Dios N, Riedel R, Schanton M, Balestrini P, Pérez L, Pérez-Pérez A, Etcheverry T, Casale R, Farina M, Sánchez-Margalet V, Maymó J, Varone C. Placental apoptosis increased by hypoxia inducible factor-1 stabilization is counteracted by leptin†. Biol Reprod 2024; 111:708-722. [PMID: 38924703 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae095] [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: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, apoptosis is a physiological event critical in the remodeling and aging of the placenta. Increasing evidence has pointed toward the relevance of hypoxia as modulator of trophoblast cell death. Previous reports have shown that leptin, a placental cytokine, promotes cell survival in both cell culture and placental explant models. The aim of this work is to establish the role of leptin in apoptosis under hypoxic condition in trophoblast cells. In this study, we evaluated the effect of cobalt chloride, a hypoxia mimicking agent that stabilizes the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha, on Swan-71 and human placental explants. Hypoxia chamber was also used to generate 2% oxygen. Apoptosis was determined by the presence of apoptotic nucleus, fragmentation of DNA and Caspase-3 and PARP-1 cleavage. The pro-apoptotic proteins BAX, BID, BAD, and BAK and the anti-apoptotic effectors BCL-2, B-cell lymphoma-extra-large, and myeloid cell leukemia-1 were also analyzed. We found that hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha stabilization increased the appearance of apoptotic nucleus, fragmentation of DNA, and Caspase-3 and PARP-1 cleavage. Hypoxia mimicking conditions enhanced the expression of pro-apoptotic effectors BAX, BID, BAD, and BAK. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha stabilization also downregulated the level of BCL-2, B-cell lymphoma-extra-large, and myeloid cell leukemia-1. All these apoptotic parameters changes were reversed with leptin treatment. Moreover, we showed that leptin action on apoptosis modulation involves PI3K and MAPK signaling pathways. Obtained data demonstrate that hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha stabilization induces apoptosis in human placenta and leptin counteracts this effect, reinforcing its role as a survival cytokine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataly de Dios
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Universidad de Buenos Aires. CONICET. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rodrigo Riedel
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Universidad de Buenos Aires. CONICET. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Malena Schanton
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Universidad de Buenos Aires. CONICET. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paula Balestrini
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Universidad de Buenos Aires. CONICET. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luciano Pérez
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Universidad de Buenos Aires. CONICET. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Antonio Pérez-Pérez
- Departamento de Bioquímica Médica y Biología Molecular. Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, España
| | - Tomás Etcheverry
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO, CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Roberto Casale
- Departamento Materno-Infantil, Hospital Nacional Profesor Alejandro Posadas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Farina
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO, CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Víctor Sánchez-Margalet
- Departamento de Bioquímica Médica y Biología Molecular. Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, España
| | - Julieta Maymó
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Universidad de Buenos Aires. CONICET. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Varone
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Universidad de Buenos Aires. CONICET. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Conklin MB, Wells BM, Doe EM, Strother AM, Tarasiewicz MEB, Via ER, Conrad LB, Farias-Eisner R. Understanding Health Disparities in Preeclampsia: A Literature Review. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e1291-e1300. [PMID: 36603833 DOI: 10.1055/a-2008-7167] [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] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a multifactorial pathology with negative outcomes in affected patients in both the peripartum and postpartum period. Black patients in the United States, when compared to their White and Hispanic counterparts, have higher rates of preeclampsia. This article aims to review the current literature to investigate how race, social determinants of health, and genetic profiles influence the prevalence and outcomes of patients with preeclampsia. Published studies utilized in this review were identified through PubMed using authors' topic knowledge and a focused search through a Medline search strategy. These articles were thoroughly reviewed to explore the contributing biosocial factors, genes/biomarkers, as well as negative outcomes associated with disparate rates of preeclampsia. Increased rates of contributing comorbidities, including hypertension and obesity, which are largely associated with low access to care in Black patient populations lead to disparate rates of preeclampsia in this population. Limited research shows an association between increased rate of preeclampsia in Black patients and specific APOL1, HLA-G, and PP13 gene polymorphisms as well as factor V Leiden mutations. Further research is required to understand the use of certain biomarkers in predicting preeclampsia within racial populations. Understanding contributing biosocial factors and identifying genes that may predispose high-risk populations may help to address the disparate rates of preeclampsia in Black patients as described in this review. Further research is required to understand if serum, placental, or urine biomarkers may be used to predict individuals at risk of developing preeclampsia in pregnancy. KEY POINTS: · Prevalence of preeclampsia in the U.S. is higher in Black patients compared to other racial groups.. · Patients with preeclampsia are at risk for poorer health outcomes both during and after delivery.. · Limited research suggests specific biomarkers or gene polymorphisms contribute to this difference; however, explanations for this disparity are multifactorial and further investigation is necessary..
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary B Conklin
- School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | | | - Emily M Doe
- School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska
| | | | | | - Emily R Via
- School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Lesley B Conrad
- School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska
- Lynch Comprehensive Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Robin Farias-Eisner
- School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska
- Lynch Comprehensive Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, the University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
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3
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Zeng S, Liu Y, Fan P, Yang L, Liu X. Role of leptin in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Placenta 2023; 142:128-134. [PMID: 37713744 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a severe pregnancy complication. The exact pathogenesis of PE remains unclear, but it is related to immune, inflammatory, circulatory, and oxidative stress factors. Leptin is a protein involved in these processes and is essential for maintaining a normal pregnancy and healthy fetal growth. Abnormal increases in leptin levels have been observed in the peripheral blood and placenta of patients with PE. Disturbances in leptin can affect the proliferation and hypertrophy of vascular smooth muscle cells, which are important for placentation. Leptin also regulates arterial tension and trophoblast function in pregnant women. In addition, consistently high levels of leptin are linked to hyperactive inflammation and oxidative stress reactions in both patients with PE and animal models. This review focuses on the role of leptin in the pathophysiology of PE and elucidates its potential mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Zeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Laboratory of Genetic Disease and Perinatal Medicine, Laboratory of the Key Perinatal Disease and Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Disease of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yijun Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Laboratory of Genetic Disease and Perinatal Medicine, Laboratory of the Key Perinatal Disease and Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Disease of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ping Fan
- Laboratory of Genetic Disease and Perinatal Medicine, Laboratory of the Key Perinatal Disease and Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Disease of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Luming Yang
- Chongqing University Medical School, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinghui Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Laboratory of Genetic Disease and Perinatal Medicine, Laboratory of the Key Perinatal Disease and Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Disease of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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4
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Valencia-Ortega J, Solis-Paredes JM, Saucedo R, Estrada-Gutierrez G, Camacho-Arroyo I. Excessive Pregestational Weight and Maternal Obstetric Complications: The Role of Adipokines. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14678. [PMID: 37834125 PMCID: PMC10572963 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914678] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a high frequency of overweight and obesity in women of reproductive age. Women who start pregnancy with overweight or obesity have an increased risk of developing maternal obstetric complications such as gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, postpartum hemorrhage, and requiring C-section to resolve the pregnancy with a higher risk of C-section surgical site infection. Excessive weight in pregnancy is characterized by dysregulation of adipokines, the functions of which partly explain the predisposition of pregnant women with overweight or obesity to these maternal obstetric complications. This review compiles, organizes, and analyzes the most recent studies on adipokines in pregnant women with excess weight and the potential pathophysiological mechanisms favoring the development of maternal pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Valencia-Ortega
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 11000, Mexico;
| | - Juan Mario Solis-Paredes
- Department of Reproductive and Perinatal Health Research, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City 11000, Mexico;
| | - Renata Saucedo
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Endocrinas, Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico;
| | | | - Ignacio Camacho-Arroyo
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 11000, Mexico;
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5
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Wang Q, Shi Y, Bian Q, Zhang N, Wang M, Wang J, Li X, Lai L, Zhao Z, Yu H. Molecular mechanisms of syncytin-1 in tumors and placental development related diseases. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:104. [PMID: 37326913 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00702-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) have evolved from exogenous retroviruses and account for approximately 8% of the human genome. A growing number of findings suggest that the abnormal expression of HERV genes is associated with schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, endometriosis, breast cancer, bladder cancer and other diseases. HERV-W env (syncytin-1) is a membrane glycoprotein which plays an important role in placental development. It includes embryo implantation, fusion of syncytiotrophoblasts and of fertilized eggs, and immune response. The abnormal expression of syncytin-1 is related to placental development-related diseases such as preeclampsia, infertility, and intrauterine growth restriction, as well as tumors such as neuroblastoma, endometrial cancer, and endometriosis. This review mainly focused on the molecular interactions of syncytin-1 in placental development-related diseases and tumors, to explore whether syncytin-1 can be an emerging biological marker and potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Jining Medical University, 133 Hehua Road, Jining, 272067, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Shi
- Department of Biochemistry, Jining Medical University, 133 Hehua Road, Jining, 272067, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Bian
- Collaborative Innovation Center, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067, Shandong, People's Republic of China
- Department of Pathophysiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Naibin Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, Jining Medical University, 133 Hehua Road, Jining, 272067, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Jining Medical University, 133 Hehua Road, Jining, 272067, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianing Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Jining Medical University, 133 Hehua Road, Jining, 272067, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuan Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Jining Medical University, 133 Hehua Road, Jining, 272067, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Luhao Lai
- Collaborative Innovation Center, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhankui Zhao
- The Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, 89 Guhuai Road, Jining, 272029, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Honglian Yu
- Department of Biochemistry, Jining Medical University, 133 Hehua Road, Jining, 272067, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
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6
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Nisar A, Jagtap S, Vyavahare S, Deshpande M, Harsulkar A, Ranjekar P, Prakash O. Phytochemicals in the treatment of inflammation-associated diseases: the journey from preclinical trials to clinical practice. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1177050. [PMID: 37229273 PMCID: PMC10203425 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1177050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in biomedical research have demonstrated that inflammation and its related diseases are the greatest threat to public health. Inflammatory action is the pathological response of the body towards the external stimuli such as infections, environmental factors, and autoimmune conditions to reduce tissue damage and improve patient comfort. However, when detrimental signal-transduction pathways are activated and inflammatory mediators are released over an extended period of time, the inflammatory process continues and a mild but persistent pro-inflammatory state may develop. Numerous degenerative disorders and chronic health issues including arthritis, diabetes, obesity, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, among others, are associated with the emergence of a low-grade inflammatory state. Though, anti-inflammatory steroidal, as well as non-steroidal drugs, are extensively used against different inflammatory conditions, they show undesirable side effects upon long-term exposure, at times, leading to life-threatening consequences. Thus, drugs targeting chronic inflammation need to be developed to achieve better therapeutic management without or with a fewer side effects. Plants have been well known for their medicinal use for thousands of years due to their pharmacologically active phytochemicals belonging to diverse chemical classes with a number of these demonstrating potent anti-inflammatory activity. Some typical examples include colchicine (alkaloid), escin (triterpenoid saponin), capsaicin (methoxy phenol), bicyclol (lignan), borneol (monoterpene), and quercetin (flavonoid). These phytochemicals often act via regulating molecular mechanisms that synergize the anti-inflammatory pathways such as increased production of anti-inflammatory cytokines or interfere with the inflammatory pathways such as to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other modulators to improve the underlying pathological condition. This review describes the anti-inflammatory properties of a number of biologically active compounds derived from medicinal plants, and their mechanisms of pharmacological intervention to alleviate inflammation-associated diseases. The emphasis is given to information on anti-inflammatory phytochemicals that have been evaluated at the preclinical and clinical levels. Recent trends and gaps in the development of phytochemical-based anti-inflammatory drugs have also been included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akib Nisar
- Biochemical Sciences Division, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of IT and Biotechnology, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Suresh Jagtap
- Herbal Medicine, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Suresh Vyavahare
- Shatayu Ayurved and Research Centre, Solapur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Manasi Deshpande
- Department of Dravyagun Vigyan, College of Ayurved, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Abhay Harsulkar
- Herbal Medicine, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | | | - Om Prakash
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
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7
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Tong W, Allison BJ, Brain KL, Patey OV, Niu Y, Botting KJ, Ford SG, Garrud TA, Wooding PF, Shaw CJ, Lyu Q, Zhang L, Ma J, Cindrova-Davies T, Yung HW, Burton GJ, Giussani DA. Chronic Hypoxia in Ovine Pregnancy Recapitulates Physiological and Molecular Markers of Preeclampsia in the Mother, Placenta, and Offspring. Hypertension 2022; 79:1525-1535. [PMID: 35534925 PMCID: PMC9172902 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.122.19175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preeclampsia continues to be a prevalent pregnancy complication and underlying mechanisms remain controversial. A common feature of preeclampsia is utero-placenta hypoxia. In contrast to the impact of hypoxia on the placenta and fetus, comparatively little is known about the maternal physiology. METHODS We adopted an integrative approach to investigate the inter-relationship between chronic hypoxia during pregnancy with maternal, placental, and fetal outcomes, common in preeclampsia. We exploited a novel technique using isobaric hypoxic chambers and in vivo continuous cardiovascular recording technology for measurement of blood pressure in sheep and studied the placental stress in response to hypoxia at cellular and subcellular levels. RESULTS Chronic hypoxia in ovine pregnancy promoted fetal growth restriction (FGR) with evidence of fetal brain-sparing, increased placental hypoxia-mediated oxidative damage, and activated placental stress response pathways. These changes were linked with dilation of the placental endoplasmic reticulum (ER) cisternae and increased placental expression of the antiangiogenic factors sFlt-1 (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1) and sEng (soluble endoglin), combined with a shift towards an angiogenic imbalance in the maternal circulation. Chronic hypoxia further led to an increase in uteroplacental vascular resistance and the fall in maternal blood pressure with advancing gestation measured in normoxic pregnancy did not occur in hypoxic pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, we show in an ovine model of sea-level adverse pregnancy that chronic hypoxia recapitulates physiological and molecular features of preeclampsia in the mother, placenta, and offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Tong
- Department of Physiology Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (W.T., B.J.A., K.L.B., O.V.P., Y.N., K.J.B., S.G.F., T.A.G., P.F.B.W., T.C.-D., H.W.Y., G.J.B., D.A.G.)
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (W.T., Y.N., K.J.B., T.A.G., P.G.B.W., T.C.-D., H.W.Y., G.J.B., D.A.G.)
| | - Beth J. Allison
- Department of Physiology Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (W.T., B.J.A., K.L.B., O.V.P., Y.N., K.J.B., S.G.F., T.A.G., P.F.B.W., T.C.-D., H.W.Y., G.J.B., D.A.G.)
| | - Kirsty L. Brain
- Department of Physiology Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (W.T., B.J.A., K.L.B., O.V.P., Y.N., K.J.B., S.G.F., T.A.G., P.F.B.W., T.C.-D., H.W.Y., G.J.B., D.A.G.)
| | - Olga V. Patey
- Department of Physiology Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (W.T., B.J.A., K.L.B., O.V.P., Y.N., K.J.B., S.G.F., T.A.G., P.F.B.W., T.C.-D., H.W.Y., G.J.B., D.A.G.)
| | - Youguo Niu
- Department of Physiology Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (W.T., B.J.A., K.L.B., O.V.P., Y.N., K.J.B., S.G.F., T.A.G., P.F.B.W., T.C.-D., H.W.Y., G.J.B., D.A.G.)
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (W.T., Y.N., K.J.B., T.A.G., P.G.B.W., T.C.-D., H.W.Y., G.J.B., D.A.G.)
- BHF Cardiovascular Centre for Research Excellence, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (Y.N., K.J.B., D.A.S.)
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China (Y.N., Q.L., L.Z., J.M., D.A.G.)
| | - Kimberley J. Botting
- Department of Physiology Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (W.T., B.J.A., K.L.B., O.V.P., Y.N., K.J.B., S.G.F., T.A.G., P.F.B.W., T.C.-D., H.W.Y., G.J.B., D.A.G.)
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (W.T., Y.N., K.J.B., T.A.G., P.G.B.W., T.C.-D., H.W.Y., G.J.B., D.A.G.)
- BHF Cardiovascular Centre for Research Excellence, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (Y.N., K.J.B., D.A.S.)
| | - Sage G. Ford
- Department of Physiology Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (W.T., B.J.A., K.L.B., O.V.P., Y.N., K.J.B., S.G.F., T.A.G., P.F.B.W., T.C.-D., H.W.Y., G.J.B., D.A.G.)
| | - Tessa A. Garrud
- Department of Physiology Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (W.T., B.J.A., K.L.B., O.V.P., Y.N., K.J.B., S.G.F., T.A.G., P.F.B.W., T.C.-D., H.W.Y., G.J.B., D.A.G.)
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (W.T., Y.N., K.J.B., T.A.G., P.G.B.W., T.C.-D., H.W.Y., G.J.B., D.A.G.)
| | - Peter F.B. Wooding
- Department of Physiology Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (W.T., B.J.A., K.L.B., O.V.P., Y.N., K.J.B., S.G.F., T.A.G., P.F.B.W., T.C.-D., H.W.Y., G.J.B., D.A.G.)
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (W.T., Y.N., K.J.B., T.A.G., P.G.B.W., T.C.-D., H.W.Y., G.J.B., D.A.G.)
| | - Caroline J. Shaw
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (C.J.S.)
| | - Qiang Lyu
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China (Y.N., Q.L., L.Z., J.M., D.A.G.)
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China (Y.N., Q.L., L.Z., J.M., D.A.G.)
| | - Jin Ma
- Department of Aerospace Physiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China (Y.N., Q.L., L.Z., J.M., D.A.G.)
| | - Tereza Cindrova-Davies
- Department of Physiology Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (W.T., B.J.A., K.L.B., O.V.P., Y.N., K.J.B., S.G.F., T.A.G., P.F.B.W., T.C.-D., H.W.Y., G.J.B., D.A.G.)
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (W.T., Y.N., K.J.B., T.A.G., P.G.B.W., T.C.-D., H.W.Y., G.J.B., D.A.G.)
| | - Hong Wa Yung
- Department of Physiology Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (W.T., B.J.A., K.L.B., O.V.P., Y.N., K.J.B., S.G.F., T.A.G., P.F.B.W., T.C.-D., H.W.Y., G.J.B., D.A.G.)
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (W.T., Y.N., K.J.B., T.A.G., P.G.B.W., T.C.-D., H.W.Y., G.J.B., D.A.G.)
| | - Graham J. Burton
- Department of Physiology Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (W.T., B.J.A., K.L.B., O.V.P., Y.N., K.J.B., S.G.F., T.A.G., P.F.B.W., T.C.-D., H.W.Y., G.J.B., D.A.G.)
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (W.T., Y.N., K.J.B., T.A.G., P.G.B.W., T.C.-D., H.W.Y., G.J.B., D.A.G.)
| | - Dino A. Giussani
- Department of Physiology Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (W.T., B.J.A., K.L.B., O.V.P., Y.N., K.J.B., S.G.F., T.A.G., P.F.B.W., T.C.-D., H.W.Y., G.J.B., D.A.G.)
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (W.T., Y.N., K.J.B., T.A.G., P.G.B.W., T.C.-D., H.W.Y., G.J.B., D.A.G.)
- BHF Cardiovascular Centre for Research Excellence, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (Y.N., K.J.B., D.A.S.)
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de Knegt VE, Hedley PL, Kanters JK, Thagaard IN, Krebs L, Christiansen M, Lausten-Thomsen U. The Role of Leptin in Fetal Growth during Pre-Eclampsia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094569. [PMID: 33925454 PMCID: PMC8123779 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptin is secreted by the placenta and has a multi-facetted role in the regulation of functions related to pregnancy. Metabolic disorders and insufficient homeostatic compensatory mechanisms involving leptin during pregnancy play a decisive role in the development of pre-eclampsia (PE) and give rise to compromised intrauterine growth conditions and aberrant birth weight of offspring. This review was compiled to elucidate the metabolic background of PE and its relationship with adverse intrauterine growth conditions through the examination of leptin as well as to describe possible mechanisms linking leptin to fetal growth restriction. This review illustrates that leptin in PE is dysregulated in maternal, fetal, and placental compartments. There is no single set of unifying mechanisms within the spectrum of PE, and regulatory mechanisms involving leptin are specific to each situation. We conclude that dysregulated leptin is involved in fetal growth at many levels through complex interactions with parallel pregnancy systems and probably throughout the entirety of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria E. de Knegt
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Danish National Biobank and Biomarkers, Statens Serum Institute, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark; (P.L.H.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-50469429
| | - Paula L. Hedley
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Danish National Biobank and Biomarkers, Statens Serum Institute, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark; (P.L.H.); (M.C.)
| | - Jørgen K. Kanters
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Ida N. Thagaard
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Copenhagen University Hospital Slagelse, Ingemannsvej 18, 4200 Slagelse, Denmark;
| | - Lone Krebs
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Hvidovre, Kettegård Alle 30, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark;
| | - Michael Christiansen
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Danish National Biobank and Biomarkers, Statens Serum Institute, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark; (P.L.H.); (M.C.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ulrik Lausten-Thomsen
- Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark;
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Vangrieken P, Al-Nasiry S, Bast A, Leermakers PA, Tulen CBM, Janssen GMJ, Kaminski I, Geomini I, Lemmens T, Schiffers PMH, van Schooten FJ, Remels AHV. Hypoxia-induced mitochondrial abnormalities in cells of the placenta. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245155. [PMID: 33434211 PMCID: PMC7802931 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Impaired utero-placental perfusion is a well-known feature of early preeclampsia and is associated with placental hypoxia and oxidative stress. Although aberrations at the level of the mitochondrion have been implicated in PE pathophysiology, whether or not hypoxia-induced mitochondrial abnormalities contribute to placental oxidative stress is unknown. METHODS We explored whether abnormalities in mitochondrial metabolism contribute to hypoxia-induced placental oxidative stress by using both healthy term placentae as well as a trophoblast cell line (BeWo cells) exposed to hypoxia. Furthermore, we explored the therapeutic potential of the antioxidants MitoQ and quercetin in preventing hypoxia-induced placental oxidative stress. RESULTS Both in placental explants as well as BeWo cells, hypoxia resulted in reductions in mitochondrial content, decreased abundance of key molecules involved in the electron transport chain and increased expression and activity of glycolytic enzymes. Furthermore, expression levels of key regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis were decreased while the abundance of constituents of the mitophagy, autophagy and mitochondrial fission machinery was increased in response to hypoxia. In addition, placental hypoxia was associated with increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Moreover, experiments with MitoQ revealed that hypoxia-induced reactive oxygen species originated from the mitochondria in the trophoblasts. DISCUSSION This study is the first to demonstrate that placental hypoxia is associated with mitochondrial-generated reactive oxygen species and significant alterations in the molecular pathways controlling mitochondrial content and function. Furthermore, our data indicate that targeting mitochondrial oxidative stress may have therapeutic benefit in the management of pathologies related to placental hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Vangrieken
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, School for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Salwan Al-Nasiry
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology (GROW), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Aalt Bast
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter A. Leermakers
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Christy B. M. Tulen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ger. M. J. Janssen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Iris Kaminski
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Iris Geomini
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Titus Lemmens
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Paul M. H. Schiffers
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Frederik J. van Schooten
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Alex H. V. Remels
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Stenhouse C, Hogg CO, Ashworth CJ. Novel relationships between porcine fetal size, sex, and endometrial angiogenesis†. Biol Reprod 2020; 101:112-125. [PMID: 31093645 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It is hypothesized that growth restriction occurs due to inadequate vascularization of the feto-maternal interface. Evidence exists for sexual dimorphism in placental function although associations between fetal sex and the endometrium remain poorly investigated. This study investigated the relationship between porcine fetal size, sex and endometrial angiogenesis at multiple gestational days (GD). Endometrial samples supplying the lightest and closest to mean litter weight (CTMLW), male and female Large White X Landrace conceptuses or fetuses were obtained at GD18, 30, 45, 60, and 90 (n = 5-9 litters/GD). Immunohistochemistry for CD31 revealed a greater number of blood vessels in endometrium supplying females compared to those supplying males at GD45. Endometrial samples supplying the lightest fetuses had fewer blood vessels (GD60) and uterine glands (GD90) compared to those supplying the CTMLW fetuses. Quantitative PCR revealed decreased CD31 (GD60), HPSE and VEGFA (GD90) expression, alongside increased HIF1A (GD45) expression in endometrial samples supplying the lightest compared to the CTMLW fetuses. At GD30, PTGFR, CD31, and VEGFA mRNA expression was increased in samples supplying female fetuses compared to those supplying male fetuses. Intriguingly, decreased expression of ACP5, CD31, HIF1A, and VEGFA mRNAs was observed at GD60 in endometrial samples supplying female fetuses compared to those supplying their male littermates. Endothelial cell branching assays demonstrated impaired endothelial cell branching in response to conditioned media from endometrial samples supplying the lightest and female fetuses compared with the CTMLW and male fetuses, respectively. This study has highlighted that endometrial tissues supplying the lightest and female fetuses have impaired angiogenesis when compared with the CTMLW and female fetuses respectively. Importantly, the relationship between fetal size, sex and endometrial vascularity is dynamic and dependent upon the GD investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Stenhouse
- Developmental Biology Division, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Charis O Hogg
- Developmental Biology Division, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Cheryl J Ashworth
- Developmental Biology Division, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
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Saad A, Adam I, Elzaki SEG, Awooda HA, Hamdan HZ. Leptin receptor gene polymorphisms c.668A>G and c.1968G>C in Sudanese women with preeclampsia: a case-control study. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2020; 21:162. [PMID: 32807109 PMCID: PMC7433111 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-020-01104-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leptin receptor gene (LEPR) variants may affect the leptin levels and act as a risk factor for preeclampsia. Two LEPR gene missense variants rs1137101 (c.668A>G) and rs1805094 (c.1968G>C) were investigated in Sudanese women with preeclampsia. METHODS A matched case-control study (122 women in each arm) was conducted in Saad Abualila Maternity Hospital in Khartoum, Sudan from May to December 2018. The cases were women with preeclampsia and the controls were healthy pregnant women. Genotyping for LEPR gene variants c.668A>G and c.1968G>C was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Logistic regression models (adjusted for age, parity, body mass index and hemoglobin level) were conducted. RESULTS Genotype frequency of LEPR gene variants c.668A>G and c.1968G>C was in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P > 0.05) in the controls. Allele G in LEPRc.668A>G variant was significantly more frequent in the cases compared with the controls [43.4% vs. 10.2%; OR = 6.44; 95%CI (3.98-10.40); P < 0.001]. In variant LEPRc.668A>G, genotype AG was the prevalent genotype in the cases compared with the controls, and it was significantly associated with preeclampsia risk [37.7% vs. 15.5%; AOR = 3.48; 95%CI (1.15-10.54); P = 0.027]. Likewise, the GG genotype was the second most common genotype in the cases compared with the controls, and was associated with preeclampsia risk [24.6% vs. 2.5%; AOR = 14.19; 95%CI (1.77-113.76); P = 0.012]. None of the LEPRc.1968G>C variant genotypes were associated with preeclampsia. The CC genotype was not detected in neither the cases nor the controls. The haplotype A-G 70.1% was the prevalent haplotype in this population, and it significantly protected against preeclampsia [OR = 0.14; 95%CI (0.09-0.23); P < 0.001]. However, the haplotype G-G 26.8% was significantly associated with preeclampsia risk [OR = 6.70; 95%CI (4.16-11.05); P < 0.001]. Both variants c.668A>G and c.1968G>C were in strong linkage disequilibrium (D' = 1, r2 = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that the rs1137101 (c.668A>G) variant and G-G haplotype may independently associate with the development of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Saad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Neelain University, PO BOX 12702, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Ishag Adam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unaizah College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Unaizah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Salah Eldin G Elzaki
- Department of Epidemiology, Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Hiba A Awooda
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Neelain University, PO BOX 12702, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Hamdan Z Hamdan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Neelain University, PO BOX 12702, Khartoum, Sudan. .,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Unaizah College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Unaizah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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12
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A Review of Candidate Genes and Pathways in Preeclampsia-An Integrated Bioinformatical Analysis. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9040062. [PMID: 32230784 PMCID: PMC7235730 DOI: 10.3390/biology9040062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific disorder characterized by the presence of hypertension with the onset of either proteinuria, maternal organ or uteroplacental dysfunction. Preeclampsia is one of the leading causes of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity worldwide. However, the etiopathologies of preeclampsia are not fully understood. Many studies have indicated that genes are differentially expressed between normal and in the disease state. Hence, this study systematically searched the literature on human gene expression that was differentially expressed in preeclampsia. An electronic search was performed through 2019 through PubMed, Scopus, Ovid-Medline, and Gene Expression Omnibus where the following MeSH (Medical Subject Heading) terms were used and they had been specified as the primary focus of the articles: Gene, placenta, preeclampsia, and pregnancy in the title or abstract. We also found additional MeSH terms through Cochrane Library: Transcript, sequencing, and profiling. From 687 studies retrieved from the search, only original publications that had performed high throughput sequencing of human placental tissues that reported on differentially expressed genes in pregnancies with preeclampsia were included. Two reviewers independently scrutinized the titles and abstracts before examining the eligibility of studies that met the inclusion criteria. For each study, study design, sample size, sampling type, and method for gene analysis and gene were identified. The genes listed were further analyzed with the DAVID, STRING and Cytoscape MCODE. Three original research articles involving preeclampsia comprising the datasets in gene expression were included. By combining three studies together, 250 differentially expressed genes were produced at a significance setting of p < 0.05. We identified candidate genes: LEP, NRIP1, SASH1, and ZADHHC8P1. Through GO analysis, we found extracellular matrix organization as the highly significant enriched ontology in a group of upregulated genes and immune process in downregulated genes. Studies on a genetic level have the potential to provide new insights into the regulation and to widen the basis for identification of changes in the mechanism of preeclampsia. Integrated bioinformatics could identify differentially expressed genes which could be candidate genes and potential pathways in preeclampsia that may improve our understanding of the cause and underlying molecular mechanisms that could be used as potential biomarkers for risk stratification and treatment.
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Abstract
Complications of pregnancy remain key drivers of morbidity and mortality, affecting the health of both the mother and her offspring in the short and long term. There is lack of detailed understanding of the pathways involved in the pathology and pathogenesis of compromised pregnancy, as well as a shortfall of effective prognostic, diagnostic and treatment options. In many complications of pregnancy, such as in preeclampsia, there is an increase in uteroplacental vascular resistance. However, the cause and effect relationship between placental dysfunction and adverse outcomes in the mother and her offspring remains uncertain. In this review, we aim to highlight the value of gestational hypoxia-induced complications of pregnancy in elucidating underlying molecular pathways and in assessing candidate therapeutic options for these complex disorders. Chronic maternal hypoxia not only mimics the placental pathology associated with obstetric syndromes like gestational hypertension at morphological, molecular and functional levels, but also recapitulates key symptoms that occur as maternal and fetal clinical manifestations of these pregnancy disorders. We propose that gestational hypoxia provides a useful model to study the inter-relationship between placental dysfunction and adverse outcomes in the mother and her offspring in a wide array of examples of complicated pregnancy, such as in preeclampsia.
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Park MJ, Lee DH, Joo BS, Lee YJ, Joo JK, An BS, Kim SC, Lee KS. Leptin, leptin receptors and hypoxia-induced factor-1α expression in the placental bed of patients with and without preeclampsia during pregnancy. Mol Med Rep 2018; 17:5292-5299. [PMID: 29393497 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE) has been previously investigated but remains to be elucidated. Among numerous biomarkers that are associated with the pathogenesis of PE, leptin is most frequently investigated. Although studies concerning the association between PE and the expression of leptin in the serum and placenta have been conducted, the results are conflicting and inconsistent. Furthermore, the expression of leptin and its receptors in the placental bed and their association with PE, to the best of our knowledge, has not been previously reported. Therefore, to determine the association between the expression of leptin and its receptor, and pathogenesis and onset period of PE, placental bed tissues were obtained from cesarean section deliveries. The mRNA and protein expression levels of leptin and its receptor were investigated in normal pregnancies (n=18), pregnancies complicated with early‑onset PE (n=9) and late‑onset PE (n=9) by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. The results demonstrated that the mRNA and protein expression of leptin in the placental bed was significantly increased in the PE groups compared with normal controls and was associated with the onset period of PE. Furthermore, as evidenced by immunostaining, leptin was upregulated in endothelial cells of the placental bed in the PE groups, with a particularly strong upregulation in activated endothelial cells from patients with early‑onset PE. The results of the present study indicate that altered expression of leptin in the placental bed may contribute to the pathogenesis of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Jung Park
- The Korea Institute for Public Sperm Bank, Busan 49241, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hyung Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute, Busan 49241, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo-Sun Joo
- The Korea Institute for Public Sperm Bank, Busan 49241, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Joo Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute, Busan 49241, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Kil Joo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute, Busan 49241, Republic of Korea
| | - Beum-Soo An
- Department of Biomaterials Science, College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Pusan National University, Miryang, Gyeongsangnam‑do 50463, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Chul Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute, Busan 49241, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Sup Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute, Busan 49241, Republic of Korea
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Leptin reduces apoptosis triggered by high temperature in human placental villous explants: The role of the p53 pathway. Placenta 2016; 42:106-13. [PMID: 27238720 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Revised: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Maternal fever is common during pregnancy and has for many years been suspected to harm the developing fetus. Whether increased maternal temperature produces exaggerated apoptosis in trophoblast cells remains unclear. Since p53 is a critical regulator of apoptosis we hypothesized that increased temperature in placenta produces abnormal expression of proteins in the p53 pathway and finally caspase-3 activation. Moreover, leptin, produced by placenta, is known to promote the proliferation and survival of trophoblastic cells. Thus, we aimed to study the possible role of leptin preventing apoptosis triggered by high temperature, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect. Fresh placental tissue was collected from normal pregnancies. Explants of placental villi were exposed to 37 °C, 40 °C and 42 °C during 3 h in the presence or absence of 10 nM leptin in DMEM-F12 medium. Western blotting and qRT-PCR was performed to analyze the expression of p53 and downstream effector, P53AIP1, Mdm2, p21, BAX and BCL-2 as well as the activated cleaved form of caspase-3 and the fragment of cytokeratin-18 (CK-18) cleaved at Asp396 (neoepitope M30). Phosphorylation of the Ser 46 residue on p53, the expression of P53AIP1, Mdm2, p21, as well as caspase-3 and CK-18 were significantly increased in explants at 40 °C and 42 °C. Conversely, these effects were significantly attenuated by leptin 10 nM at both 40 °C and 42 °C. The BCL2/BAX ratio was also significantly decreased in explants at 40 °C and 42 °C compared with explants incubated at 37 °C, which was prevented by leptin stimulation. These data illustrate the potential role of leptin for reducing apoptosis in trophoblast explants, including trophoblastic cells, triggered by high temperature, by preventing the activation of p53 signaling.
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Spradley FT, Palei AC, Granger JP. Immune Mechanisms Linking Obesity and Preeclampsia. Biomolecules 2015; 5:3142-76. [PMID: 26569331 PMCID: PMC4693273 DOI: 10.3390/biom5043142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Revised: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by hypertension occurring after the twentieth week of pregnancy. It is a significant contributor to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in developing countries and its pervasiveness is increasing within developed countries including the USA. However, the mechanisms mediating the pathogenesis of this maternal disorder and its rising prevalence are far from clear. A major theory with strong experimental evidence is that placental ischemia, resulting from inappropriate remodeling and widening of the maternal spiral arteries, stimulates the release of soluble factors from the ischemic placenta causing maternal endothelial dysfunction and hypertension. Aberrant maternal immune responses and inflammation have been implicated in each of these stages in the cascade leading to PE. Regarding the increased prevalence of this disease, it is becoming increasingly evident from epidemiological data that obesity, which is a state of chronic inflammation in itself, increases the risk for PE. Although the specific mechanisms whereby obesity increases the rate of PE are unclear, there are strong candidates including activated macrophages and natural killer cells within the uterus and placenta and activation in the periphery of T helper cells producing cytokines including TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-17 and the anti-angiogenic factor sFlt-1 and B cells producing the agonistic autoantibodies to the angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1-aa). This review will focus on the immune mechanisms that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension in PE with an emphasis on the potential importance of inflammatory factors in the increased risk of developing PE in obese pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank T Spradley
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Cardiovascular-Renal Research Center, Women's Health Research Center, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA.
| | - Ana C Palei
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Cardiovascular-Renal Research Center, Women's Health Research Center, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA.
| | - Joey P Granger
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Cardiovascular-Renal Research Center, Women's Health Research Center, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA.
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Nüsken E, Herrmann Y, Wohlfarth M, Goecke T, Appel S, Schneider H, Dötsch J, Nüsken K. Strong hypoxia reduces leptin synthesis in purified primary human trophoblasts. Placenta 2015; 36:427-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2015.01.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Revised: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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18
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Palei AC, Spradley FT, Granger JP. Chronic hyperleptinemia results in the development of hypertension in pregnant rats. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2015; 308:R855-61. [PMID: 25761697 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00286.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite the fact that obesity is a major risk factor for preeclampsia (PE), the pathophysiological mechanisms whereby obesity and metabolic factors such as leptin increase this risk are unclear. While human data have shown that hyperleptinemia is associated with PE, the long-term effect of hyperleptinemia on blood pressure during pregnancy is unknown. Thus we tested the hypothesis whether chronic circulating leptin elevations in pregnant rats increase blood pressure and placental factors known to play a role in PE. On gestational day (GD)14, rats were assigned to the normal pregnant group with food intake ad libitum (control), leptin-treated (0.5 μg·kg(-1)·min(-1) ip) pregnant group with food intake ad libitum (pregnant+LEP), and normal pregnant group with food intake adjusted to the food intake of pregnant+LEP rats (pregnant-FR). On GD19, mean arterial pressure (MAP) was assessed and tissues were collected. Serum leptin concentration was elevated in pregnant+LEP compared with control and pregnant-FR (18.0 ± 2.8 vs. 0.8 ± 0.1 vs. 0.3 ± 0.1 ng/ml; P < 0.05), which was associated with increased MAP (121.3 ± 8.1 vs. 102.4 ± 2.4 vs. 101.3 ± 1.8 mmHg; P < 0.05). Food intake and body weight were reduced in pregnant+LEP and pregnant-FR by the end of gestation. Additionally, placentas and fetuses of these groups were lighter than those of control. However, placental expression of tumor necrosis factor-α was significantly greater in pregnant+LEP compared with controls (1.6 ± 0.1 vs. 1.1 ± 0.1 pg/mg; P < 0.05). In conclusion, leptin increases blood pressure and placental tumor necrosis factor-α during pregnancy despite its effect of reducing food intake and body weight, and represents a mechanism whereby obesity can promote the development of hypertension in PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C Palei
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics and Cardiovascular Renal Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Frank T Spradley
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics and Cardiovascular Renal Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Joey P Granger
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics and Cardiovascular Renal Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
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Rath G, Aggarwal R, Jawanjal P, Tripathi R, Batra A. HIF-1 Alpha and Placental Growth Factor in Pregnancies Complicated With Preeclampsia: A Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis. J Clin Lab Anal 2014; 30:75-83. [PMID: 25545166 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.21819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathophysiology of preeclampsia is not clearly understood worldwide. Hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) is thought to be the preliminary factor for the hypoxic conditions prevailing in preeclampsia, which causes imbalance in the expression of angiogenic proteins. A proangiogenic protein, placental growth factor (PIGF), is reported to be dysregulated in preeclampsia. Therefore, this study focuses on the investigation of HIF-1α and PIGF in preeclamptic conditions and a possible molecular association between them. METHODS Placental tissue (n = 45 + 45) and serum samples (n = 80 + 80) of preeclamptic patients and healthy control were collected and processed for the analysis of HIF-1α and PIGF by immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS In preeclamptic group, the significant nuclear and cytoplasmic expression of HIF-1α was noticed in syncytiotrophoblast (P = 0.0001) but in control placenta, it was localized to cytoplasm (P = 0.0001). The intensity of PIGF expression was lower in syncytiotrophoblast cytoplasm (P = 0.0001) in preeclamptic cases as compared with control. Also, the significant upregulated concentration of HIF-1α and downregulated PIGF was observed in serum samples of preeclamptic woman (P = 0.0001). Thus, there was a significant direct negative correlation between HIF-1α and PIGF both at tissue and serum level (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION The direct inverse association between HIF-1α and PIGF in serum and placental tissues may be responsible for the low oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction, leading to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayatri Rath
- Department of Anatomy, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Ruby Aggarwal
- Department of Anatomy, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Poonam Jawanjal
- Department of Anatomy, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Richa Tripathi
- Department of Anatomy, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Aruna Batra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
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Toro AR, Maymó JL, Ibarbalz FM, Pérez AP, Maskin B, Faletti AG, Margalet VS, Varone CL. Leptin is an anti-apoptotic effector in placental cells involving p53 downregulation. PLoS One 2014; 9:e99187. [PMID: 24922063 PMCID: PMC4055782 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptin, a peripheral signal synthetized by the adipocyte to regulate energy metabolism, can also be produced by placenta, where it may work as an autocrine hormone. We have previously demonstrated that leptin promotes proliferation and survival of trophoblastic cells. In the present work, we aimed to study the molecular mechanisms that mediate the survival effect of leptin in placenta. We used the human placenta choriocarcinoma BeWo and first trimester Swan-71 cell lines, as well as human placental explants. We tested the late phase of apoptosis, triggered by serum deprivation, by studying the activation of Caspase-3 and DNA fragmentation. Recombinant human leptin added to BeWo cell line and human placental explants, showed a decrease on Caspase-3 activation. These effects were dose dependent. Maximal effect was achieved at 250 ng leptin/ml. Moreover, inhibition of endogenous leptin expression with 2 µM of an antisense oligonucleotide, reversed Caspase-3 diminution. We also found that the cleavage of Poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase-1 (PARP-1) was diminished in the presence of leptin. We analyzed the presence of low DNA fragments, products from apoptotic DNA cleavage. Placental explants cultivated in the absence of serum in the culture media increased the apoptotic cleavage of DNA and this effect was prevented by the addition of 100 ng leptin/ml. Taken together these results reinforce the survival effect exerted by leptin on placental cells. To improve the understanding of leptin mechanism in regulating the process of apoptosis we determined the expression of different intermediaries in the apoptosis cascade. We found that under serum deprivation conditions, leptin increased the anti-apoptotic BCL-2 protein expression, while downregulated the pro-apoptotic BAX and BID proteins expression in Swan-71 cells and placental explants. In both models leptin augmented BCL-2/BAX ratio. Moreover we have demonstrated that p53, one of the key cell cycle-signaling proteins, is downregulated in the presence of leptin under serum deprivation. On the other hand, we determined that leptin reduced the phosphorylation of Ser-46 p53 that plays a pivotal role for apoptotic signaling by p53. Our data suggest that the observed anti-apoptotic effect of leptin in placenta is in part mediated by the p53 pathway. In conclusion, we provide evidence that demonstrates that leptin is a trophic factor for trophoblastic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayelén Rayen Toro
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julieta Lorena Maymó
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Federico Matías Ibarbalz
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Antonio Pérez Pérez
- Departamento de Bioquímica Médica y Biología Molecular, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, España
| | - Bernardo Maskin
- Hospital Nacional Profesor Alejandro Posadas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alicia Graciela Faletti
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Víctor Sánchez Margalet
- Departamento de Bioquímica Médica y Biología Molecular, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, España
| | - Cecilia Laura Varone
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Yuan D, Ran Y, Liu Q, Zhang Y, Li H, Li P, Zhu D. Enhancement of the HIF-1α/15-LO/15-HETE axis promotes hypoxia-induced endothelial proliferation in preeclamptic pregnancy. PLoS One 2014; 9:e96510. [PMID: 24796548 PMCID: PMC4010521 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2013] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is an extremely serious condition in pregnant women and the leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Despite active research, the etiological factors of this disorder remain elusive. The increased release of 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) in the placenta of preeclamptic patients has been studied, but its exact role in PE pathogenesis remains unknown. Mounting evidence shows that PE is associated with placental hypoxia, impaired placental angiogenesis, and endothelial dysfunction. In this study, we confirmed the upregulated expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and 15-lipoxygenase-1/2 (15-LO-1/2) in patients with PE. Production of the arachidonic acid metabolite, 15-HETE, also increased in the preeclamptic placenta, which suggests enhanced activation of the HIF-1α–15-LO–15-HETE axis. Furthermore, this study is the first to show that the umbilical cord of preeclamptic women contains significantly higher serum concentrations of 15-HETE than that of healthy pregnant women. The results also show that expression of 15-LO-1/2 is upregulated in both human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) collected from preeclamptic women and in those cultured under hypoxic conditions. Exogenous 15-HETE promotes the migration of HUVECs and in vitro tube formation and promotes cell cycle progression from the G0/G1 phase to the G2/M + S phase, whereas the 15-LO inhibitor, NDGA, suppresses these effects. The HIF-1α/15-LO/15-HETE pathway is therefore significantly associated within the pathology of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yajuan Ran
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University (Daqing), Daqing, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yanhua Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Huiying Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hongqi Hospital of Mudanjiang Medical College, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Peiling Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- * E-mail: (PL); (DZ)
| | - Daling Zhu
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University (Daqing), Daqing, China
- * E-mail: (PL); (DZ)
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22
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Cheng MH, Wang PH. Placentation abnormalities in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2014; 9:37-49. [DOI: 10.1586/14737159.9.1.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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23
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Ahmed S, Khoda SME, Rekha RS, Gardner RM, Ameer SS, Moore S, Ekström EC, Vahter M, Raqib R. Arsenic-associated oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune disruption in human placenta and cord blood. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2011; 119:258-64. [PMID: 20940111 PMCID: PMC3040615 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1002086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2010] [Accepted: 10/12/2010] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arsenic (As) exposure during pregnancy induces oxidative stress and increases the risk of fetal loss and low birth weight. OBJECTIVES In this study we aimed to elucidate the effects of As exposure on immune markers in the placenta and cord blood, and the involvement of oxidative stress. METHODS Pregnant women were enrolled around gestational week (GW) 8 in our longitudinal, population-based, mother-child cohort in Matlab, an area in rural Bangladesh with large variations in As concentrations in well water. Women (n = 130) delivering at local clinics were included in the present study. We collected maternal urine twice during pregnancy (GW8 and GW30) for measurements of As, and placenta and cord blood at delivery for assessment of immune and inflammatory markers. Placental markers were measured by immunohistochemistry, and cord blood cytokines by multiplex cytokine assay. RESULTS In multivariable adjusted models, maternal urinary As (U-As) exposure both at GW8 and at GW30 was significantly positively associated with placental markers of 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β); U-As at GW8, with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and interferon-γ (IFNγ); and U-As at GW30, with leptin; U-As at GW8 was inversely associated with CD3+ T cells in the placenta. Cord blood cytokines (IL-1β, IL-8, IFNγ, TNFα) showed a U-shaped association with U-As at GW30. Placental 8-oxoG was significantly positively associated with placental proinflammatory cytokines. Multivariable adjusted analyses suggested that enhanced placental cytokine expression (TNFα and IFNγ) was primarily influenced by oxidative stress, whereas leptin expression appeared to be mostly mediated by As, and IL-1β appeared to be influenced by both oxidative stress and As. CONCLUSION As exposure during pregnancy appeared to enhance placental inflammatory responses (in part by increasing oxidative stress), reduce placental T cells, and alter cord blood cytokines. These findings suggest that effects of As on immune function may contribute to impaired fetal and infant health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sultan Ahmed
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Rokeya Sultana Rekha
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Renee M. Gardner
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Syeda Shegufta Ameer
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sophie Moore
- Medical Research Council International Nutrition Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eva-Charlotte Ekström
- International Maternal and Child Health, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marie Vahter
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rubhana Raqib
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Address correspondence to R. Raqib, Nutritional Biochemistry Laboratory, Laboratory Sciences Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh. Telephone: 880-2-8860523-32, Ext. 2404. Fax: 880-28823116/880-28812529. E-mail:
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24
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Gould PS, Gu M, Liao J, Ahmad S, Cudmore MJ, Ahmed A, Vatish M. Upregulation of Urotensin II Receptor in Preeclampsia Causes In Vitro Placental Release of Soluble Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 1 in Hypoxia. Hypertension 2010; 56:172-8. [PMID: 20479331 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.110.152074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Phillip S. Gould
- From the Clinical Sciences Research Institute (P.S.G., M.G., J.L., M.V.), Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; Albert Einstein College of Medicine (M.V.), Bronx, NY; Department of Reproductive and Vascular Biology (S.A., M.J.C., A.A.), Institute of Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom; Birmingham Women’s Hospital (S.A., M.J.C., A.A.), Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, United
| | - Mei Gu
- From the Clinical Sciences Research Institute (P.S.G., M.G., J.L., M.V.), Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; Albert Einstein College of Medicine (M.V.), Bronx, NY; Department of Reproductive and Vascular Biology (S.A., M.J.C., A.A.), Institute of Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom; Birmingham Women’s Hospital (S.A., M.J.C., A.A.), Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, United
| | - Jianqin Liao
- From the Clinical Sciences Research Institute (P.S.G., M.G., J.L., M.V.), Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; Albert Einstein College of Medicine (M.V.), Bronx, NY; Department of Reproductive and Vascular Biology (S.A., M.J.C., A.A.), Institute of Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom; Birmingham Women’s Hospital (S.A., M.J.C., A.A.), Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, United
| | - Shakil Ahmad
- From the Clinical Sciences Research Institute (P.S.G., M.G., J.L., M.V.), Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; Albert Einstein College of Medicine (M.V.), Bronx, NY; Department of Reproductive and Vascular Biology (S.A., M.J.C., A.A.), Institute of Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom; Birmingham Women’s Hospital (S.A., M.J.C., A.A.), Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, United
| | - Melissa J. Cudmore
- From the Clinical Sciences Research Institute (P.S.G., M.G., J.L., M.V.), Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; Albert Einstein College of Medicine (M.V.), Bronx, NY; Department of Reproductive and Vascular Biology (S.A., M.J.C., A.A.), Institute of Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom; Birmingham Women’s Hospital (S.A., M.J.C., A.A.), Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, United
| | - Asif Ahmed
- From the Clinical Sciences Research Institute (P.S.G., M.G., J.L., M.V.), Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; Albert Einstein College of Medicine (M.V.), Bronx, NY; Department of Reproductive and Vascular Biology (S.A., M.J.C., A.A.), Institute of Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom; Birmingham Women’s Hospital (S.A., M.J.C., A.A.), Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, United
| | - Manu Vatish
- From the Clinical Sciences Research Institute (P.S.G., M.G., J.L., M.V.), Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; Albert Einstein College of Medicine (M.V.), Bronx, NY; Department of Reproductive and Vascular Biology (S.A., M.J.C., A.A.), Institute of Biomedical Research, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom; Birmingham Women’s Hospital (S.A., M.J.C., A.A.), Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, United
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25
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Tranquilli AL, Landi B. The origin of pre-eclampsia: from decidual "hyperoxia" to late hypoxia. Med Hypotheses 2010; 75:38-46. [PMID: 20171021 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2010.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2010] [Accepted: 01/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Normal gestation implants on a relatively hypoxic deciduas so that trophoblast deeply invades endometrium and angiogenesis seeks for oxygen supply. If implantation occurs before those hypoxic conditions occur, trophoblast invasion is defective, due to the relatively high oxygen tension in the decidual environment, laying the foundations for subsequent pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Tranquilli
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Section of Women's Health Sciences, Università Politecnica Marche, Ancona, Italy.
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26
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Jarvenpaa J, Vuoristo JT, Santaniemi M, Ukkola O, Savolainen ER, Jääskeläinen M, Tapanainen JS, Kesäniemi A, Ryynanen M. Adiponectin induced placental cell apoptosis could be mediated via the ADIPOR1-receptor in pre-eclampsia with IUGR. J Perinat Med 2010; 37:257-62. [PMID: 19196212 DOI: 10.1515/jpm.2009.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Adiponectin and leptin are members of the adipocytokine family. Adiponectin promotes and leptin inhibits apoptosis and both are regulators of angiogenesis. Adipocytokines and their receptors are expressed in the placenta, and in the pre-eclamptic (PE) mother the serum levels of both are higher than in healthy ones. Our aim was to study the expression of adiponectin, leptin, their receptor genes and apoptosis in severely PE and normal placentas. METHODS The study group comprised 13 PE mothers and their 16 healthy controls. Placental biopsies were taken during cesarean section, the RNA was extracted and micro-array study was performed, followed by PCR and apoptosis studies. RESULTS The placental expression level of the leptin and adiponectin receptor 1 genes was significantly higher in PE mothers than in controls. No significant changes were observed in the levels of the adiponectin, adiponectin receptor 2 and Leptin receptor genes. The expression of the Adiponectin gene was low. The rate of apoptosis was higher in the PE placentas. CONCLUSIONS The activity of placental adipocytokines and their receptor genes in severe PE may suggest an important role in placental angiogenesis. Placental apoptosis induced by adiponectin could be mediated via the ADIPOR1-receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jouko Jarvenpaa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Finland.
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Maymó JL, Pérez Pérez A, Sánchez-Margalet V, Dueñas JL, Calvo JC, Varone CL. Up-regulation of placental leptin by human chorionic gonadotropin. Endocrinology 2009; 150:304-13. [PMID: 18787032 DOI: 10.1210/en.2008-0522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Leptin, the 16,000 molecular weight protein product of the obese gene, was originally considered as an adipocyte-derived signaling molecule for the central control of metabolism. However, leptin has been suggested to be involved in other functions during pregnancy, particularly in placenta, in which it was found to be expressed. In the present work, we have found that recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) added to BeWo choriocarcinoma cell line showed a stimulatory effect on endogenous leptin expression, when analyzed by Western blot. This effect was time and dose dependent. Maximal effect was achieved at hCG 100 IU/ml. Moreover, hCG treatment enhanced leptin promoter activity up to 12.9 times, evaluated by transient transfection with a plasmid construction containing different promoter regions and the reporter gene luciferase. This effect was dose dependent and evidenced with all the promoter regions analyzed, regardless of length. Similar results were obtained with placental explants, thus indicating physiological relevance. Because hCG signal transduction usually involves cAMP signaling, this pathway was analyzed. Contrarily, we found that dibutyryl cAMP counteracted hCG effect on leptin expression. Furthermore, cotransfection with the catalytic subunit of PKA and/or the transcription factor cAMP response element binding protein repressed leptin expression. Thereafter we determined that hCG effect could be partially blocked by pharmacologic inhibition of MAPK pathway with 50 microM PD98059 but not by the inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway with 0.1 microm wortmannin. Moreover, hCG treatment promoted MAPK kinase and ERK1/ERK2 phosphorylation in placental cells. Finally, cotransfection with a dominant-negative mutant of MAPK blocked the hCG-mediated activation of leptin expression. In conclusion, we provide some evidence suggesting that hCG induces leptin expression in trophoblastic cells probably involving the MAPK signal transduction pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta L Maymó
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidas de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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28
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Pérez-Pérez A, Maymó J, Dueñas JL, Goberna R, Calvo JC, Varone C, Sánchez-Margalet V. Leptin prevents apoptosis of trophoblastic cells by activation of MAPK pathway. Arch Biochem Biophys 2008; 477:390-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2008.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2008] [Revised: 06/13/2008] [Accepted: 06/14/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Coya R, Martul P, Algorta J, Aniel-Quiroga MA, Busturia MA, Señarís R. Effect of leptin on the regulation of placental hormone secretion in cultured human placental cells. Gynecol Endocrinol 2006; 22:620-6. [PMID: 17145648 DOI: 10.1080/09513590601012587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Placenta is an important source of leptin during pregnancy that contributes to the high plasma leptin levels in pregnant women. Leptin and its functional receptors are synthesized in trophoblast cells that, in turn, secrete gestational hormones supporting a paracrine or autocrine role for leptin in the endocrine activity of the placenta. In the present study we examined the effect of leptin on in vitro release of gestational hormones (human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), human placental lactogen (hPL), progesterone, estrogens and testosterone) by human term placental cells in culture. Placentas at term were obtained immediately after delivery from mothers with uncomplicated pregnancies. Progesterone, hCG, hPL, estradiol, estrone, estriol and testosterone levels were measured by different assays in culture media of cells maintained in monolayer culture after incubation for 12, 24, 48 or 72 h with leptin or placebo. Incubation with leptin did not modify hCG, hPL, progesterone, estriol and estrone secretion for any of the doses and times assayed. However, leptin led to a dose-dependent decrease in estradiol release. This effect was observed when treatment with recombinant human leptin spanned from 12 to 72 h. At this time an increase in testosterone levels was observed in leptin-treated cells versus placebo. These results indicate that leptin can be considered a gestational hormone implied in the endocrine function of the placenta, with an important role in control of the production of steroid reproductive hormones in placental cells in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Coya
- Hormone Laboratory, Hospital de Cruces, Barakaldo, Spain.
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30
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Magariños MP, Sánchez-Margalet V, Kotler M, Calvo JC, Varone CL. Leptin promotes cell proliferation and survival of trophoblastic cells. Biol Reprod 2006; 76:203-10. [PMID: 17021346 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.106.051391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptin, the 16-kDa protein product of the obese gene, was originally considered as an adipocyte-derived signaling molecule for the central control of metabolism. However, leptin has been suggested to be involved in other functions during pregnancy, particularly in placenta. In the present work, we studied a possible effect of leptin on trophoblastic cell proliferation, survival, and apoptosis. Recombinant human leptin added to JEG-3 and BeWo choriocarcinoma cell lines showed a stimulatory effect on cell proliferation up to 3 and 2.4 times, respectively, measured by (3)H-thymidine incorporation and cell counting. These effects were time and dose dependent. Maximal effect was achieved at 250 ng leptin/ml for JEG-3 cells and 50 ng leptin/ml for BeWo cells. Moreover, by inhibiting endogenous leptin expression with 2 microM of an antisense oligonucleotide (AS), cell proliferation was diminished. We analyzed cell population distribution during the different stages of cell cycle by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and we found that leptin treatment displaced the cells towards a G2/M phase. We also found that leptin upregulated cyclin D1 expression, one of the key cell cycle-signaling proteins. Since proliferation and death processes are intimately related, the effect of leptin on cell apoptosis was investigated. Treatment with 2 microM leptin AS increased the number of apoptotic cells 60 times, as assessed by annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide staining, and the caspase-3 activity was increased more than 2 fold. This effect was prevented by the addition of 100 ng leptin/ml. In conclusion, we provide evidence that suggests that leptin is a trophic and mitogenic factor for trophoblastic cells by virtue of its inhibiting apoptosis and promoting proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Paula Magariños
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Abstract
Leptin influences satiety, adiposity, and metabolism and is associated with mechanisms regulating puberty onset, fertility, and pregnancy in various species. Maternal hyperleptinemia is a hallmark of mammalian pregnancy, although both the roles of leptin and the mechanisms regulating its synthesis appear to be taxa specific. In pregnant humans and nonhuman primates, leptin is produced by both maternal and fetal adipose tissues, as well as by the placental trophoblast. Specific receptors in the uterine endometrium, trophoblast, and fetus facilitate direct effects of the polypeptide on implantation, placental endocrine function, and conceptus development. A soluble isoform of the receptor may be responsible for inducing maternal leptin resistance during pregnancy and/or may facilitate the transplacental passage of leptin for the purpose of directly regulating fetal development. The steroid hormones are linked to the regulation of leptin and the leptin receptor and probably interact with other pregnancy-specific, serum-borne factors to regulate leptin dynamics during pregnancy. In addition to its effects on normal conceptus development, leptin is linked to mechanisms affecting a diverse array of pregnancy-specific pathologies that include preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and intrauterine growth restriction. Association with these anomalies and with mechanisms pointing to a fetal origin for a range of conditions affecting the individual's health in adult life, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease, reiterate the need for continued research dedicated to elucidating leptin's roles and regulation throughout gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Henson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112-2699, USA.
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Soleymanlou N, Jurisica I, Nevo O, Ietta F, Zhang X, Zamudio S, Post M, Caniggia I. Molecular evidence of placental hypoxia in preeclampsia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2005; 90:4299-308. [PMID: 15840747 PMCID: PMC6428057 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2005-0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 286] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxygen plays a central role in human placental pathologies including preeclampsia, a leading cause of fetal and maternal death and morbidity. Insufficient uteroplacental oxygenation in preeclampsia is believed to be responsible for the molecular events leading to the clinical manifestations of this disease. DESIGN Using high-throughput functional genomics, we determined the global gene expression profiles of placentae from high altitude pregnancies, a natural in vivo model of chronic hypoxia, as well as that of first-trimester explants under 3 and 20% oxygen, an in vitro organ culture model. We next compared the genomic profile from these two models with that obtained from pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia. Microarray data were analyzed using the binary tree-structured vector quantization algorithm, which generates global gene expression maps. RESULTS Our results highlight a striking global gene expression similarity between 3% O(2)-treated explants, high-altitude placentae, and importantly placentae from preeclamptic pregnancies. We demonstrate herein the utility of explant culture and high-altitude placenta as biologically relevant and powerful models for studying the oxygen-mediated events in preeclampsia. CONCLUSION Our results provide molecular evidence that aberrant global placental gene expression changes in preeclampsia may be due to reduced oxygenation and that these events can successfully be mimicked by in vivo and in vitro models of placental hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nima Soleymanlou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X5
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