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Ngema M, Xulu ND, Ngubane PS, Khathi A. Pregestational Prediabetes Induces Maternal Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis Dysregulation and Results in Adverse Foetal Outcomes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5431. [PMID: 38791468 PMCID: PMC11122116 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105431] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Maternal type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been shown to result in foetal programming of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to adverse foetal outcomes. T2DM is preceded by prediabetes and shares similar pathophysiological complications. However, no studies have investigated the effects of maternal prediabetes on foetal HPA axis function and postnatal offspring development. Hence, this study investigated the effects of pregestational prediabetes on maternal HPA axis function and postnatal offspring development. Pre-diabetic (PD) and non-pre-diabetic (NPD) female Sprague Dawley rats were mated with non-prediabetic males. After gestation, male pups born from the PD and NPD groups were collected. Markers of HPA axis function, adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone, were measured in all dams and pups. Glucose tolerance, insulin and gene expressions of mineralocorticoid (MR) and glucocorticoid (GR) receptors were further measured in all pups at birth and their developmental milestones. The results demonstrated increased basal concentrations of ACTH and corticosterone in the dams from the PD group by comparison to NPD. Furthermore, the results show an increase basal ACTH and corticosterone concentrations, disturbed MR and GR gene expression, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance assessed via the Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) indices in the pups born from the PD group compared to NPD group at all developmental milestones. These observations reveal that pregestational prediabetes is associated with maternal dysregulation of the HPA axis, impacting offspring HPA axis development along with impaired glucose handling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Andile Khathi
- School of Laboratory Medicine & Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4041, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa; (M.N.); (N.D.X.); (P.S.N.)
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2
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Dai HR, Guo HL, Hu YH, Xu J, Ding XS, Cheng R, Chen F. Precision caffeine therapy for apnea of prematurity and circadian rhythms: New possibilities open up. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1053210. [DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1053210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Caffeine is the globally consumed psychoactive substance and the drug of choice for the treatment of apnea of prematurity (AOP), but its therapeutic effects are highly variable among preterm infants. Many of the molecular underpinnings of the marked individual response have remained elusive yet. Interestingly, the significant association between Clock gene polymorphisms and the response to caffeine therapy offers an opportunity to advance our understanding of potential mechanistic pathways. In this review, we delineate the functions and mechanisms of human circadian rhythms. An up-to-date advance of the formation and ontogeny of human circadian rhythms during the perinatal period are concisely discussed. Specially, we summarize and discuss the characteristics of circadian rhythms in preterm infants. Second, we discuss the role of caffeine consumption on the circadian rhythms in animal models and human, especially in neonates and preterm infants. Finally, we postulate how circadian-based therapeutic initiatives could open new possibilities to promote precision caffeine therapy for the AOP management in preterm infants.
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He B, Zhang Q, Guo Y, Ao Y, Tie K, Xiao H, Chen L, Xu D, Wang H. Prenatal smoke (Nicotine) exposure and offspring's metabolic disease susceptibility in adulthood. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 168:113384. [PMID: 36041661 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to smoking (nicotine) during pregnancy not only directly affects fetal development, but also increases susceptibility to metabolic diseases in adulthood, but the mechanism of action remains unclear. Here, we review epidemiological and laboratory studies linking these relationships. In addition to the direct effect of nicotine on the fetus, intrauterine neuroendocrine-metabolic programming mediated by maternal glucocorticoid overexposure also plays an important role, involving glucocorticoid-insulin-like growth factor 1 (GC-IGF1) axis, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and other endocrine systems. Epigenetics is involved in intrauterine neuroendocrine-metabolic programming, metabolic disease susceptibility and multigenerational inheritance. There are "two programming" and "two strikes" mechanisms for the occurrence of fetal-originated metabolic diseases in adulthood. These innovative research summaries and academic viewpoints provide experimental and theoretical basis for systematically elucidating the occurrence and development of fetal-originated metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo He
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yu Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ying Ao
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Kai Tie
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Hao Xiao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Liaobin Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Dan Xu
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China; Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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Lalonde C, Grandbois J, Khurana S, Murray A, Tharmalingam S, Tai TC. Late gestational exposure to dexamethasone and fetal programming of abnormal behavior in Wistar Kyoto rats. Brain Behav 2021; 11:e02049. [PMID: 33528889 PMCID: PMC8035474 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fetal programming was characterized a few decades ago, explaining the correlation of physiological phenotypes of offspring exposed to early-life stress. High acute or chronic prenatal stress can overwhelm the enzymatic placental barrier, inducing transcriptional changes in the fetus that can result in different adverse behavioral and physiological phenotypes. The current study investigates the impact of exposure to the synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone, during late gestation on behavioral outcomes. METHODS Pregnant Wistar Kyoto rats were given daily subcutaneous injections from gestational days 15-21 of either dexamethasone (0.9% NaCl, 4% EtOH, 100 µg kg-1 day-1 ) or were physically manipulated as naïve controls. Pups were raised normally until 17 weeks of age and underwent the Porsolt swim task and elevated plus maze for depressive and anxiety-like behaviors, respectively. Neural tissue was preserved for genetic analysis using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Statistical analyses show significant disruption of behavior and genetic profiles of offspring exposed to dexamethasone in-utero. Exposed animals spent more time immobile on the swim task and entered open arms of the elevated plus maze more often than their naïve counterparts. In the prefrontal cortex, there was a sex by treatment interaction on gene expression relevant to neural transmission in ryanodine receptor 2, as well as increased gene expression in SNAP25, COMT, and LSAMP in males prenatally exposed to dexamethasone compared with controls. Both dysregulated genes and behavior are linked to decreased anxiety and fear inhibition. CONCLUSION Our results indicate adult offspring exposed to dexamethasone in-utero have a tendency toward passive stress-coping strategies and an inhibition of anxiety on behavioral tasks. Methyltransferase activity, synaptic activity, and cellular processes were disrupted in the prefrontal cortices of these animals. Specifically, genes involved in emotional response pathways were overexpressed, supporting the link between the behavioral and genetic profiles. Combined, we determine that dexamethasone offspring have adaptive predispositions when faced with novel situations, with increased immobility in the swim task and increased exploration on the elevated plus maze.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Lalonde
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada
| | - Julie Grandbois
- Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada
| | - Sandhya Khurana
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada
| | - Alyssa Murray
- Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada
| | - Sujeenthar Tharmalingam
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Department of Chem/Biochem, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada
| | - T C Tai
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Department of Chem/Biochem, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada
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5
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Leary CJ, Baugh AT. Glucocorticoids, male sexual signals, and mate choice by females: Implications for sexual selection. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 288:113354. [PMID: 31830474 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.113354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
We review work relating glucocorticoids (GCs), male sexual signals, and mate choice by females to understand the potential for GCs to modulate the expression of sexually selected traits and how sexual selection potentially feeds back on GC regulation. Our review reveals that the relationship between GC concentrations and the quality of male sexual traits is mixed, regardless of whether studies focused on structural traits (e.g., coloration) or behavioral traits (e.g., vocalizations) or were examined in developmental or activational frameworks. In contrast, the few mate choice experiments that have been done consistently show that females prefer males with low GCs, suggesting that mate choice by females favors males that maintain low levels of GCs. We point out, however, that just as sexual selection can drive the evolution of diverse reproductive strategies, it may also promote diversity in GC regulation. We then shift the focus to females where we highlight evidence indicating that stressors or high GCs can dampen female sexual proceptivity and the strength of preferences for male courtship signals. Hence, even in cases where GCs are tightly coupled with male sexual signals, the strength of sexual selection on aspects of GC physiology can vary depending on the endocrine status of females. Studies examining how GCs relate to sexual selection may shed light on how variation in stress physiology, sexual signals, and mate choice are maintained in natural populations and may be important in understanding context-dependent relationships between GC regulation and fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Leary
- Department of Biology, University of Mississippi, PO Box 1848, University, MS 38677, USA.
| | - Alexander T Baugh
- Department of Biology, Swarthmore College, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA 19081, USA
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6
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Glucococorticoid receptor activation exacerbates aminoglycoside-induced damage to the zebrafish lateral line. Hear Res 2019; 377:12-23. [PMID: 30878773 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Aminoglycoside antibiotics have potent antibacterial properties but cause hearing loss in up to 25% of patients. These drugs are commonly administered in patients with high glucocorticoid stress hormone levels and can be combined with exogenous glucocorticoid treatment. However, the interaction of stress and aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss has not been fully explored. In this study, we investigated the effect of the glucocorticoid stress hormone cortisol on hair cells in the zebrafish lateral line as an important step toward understanding how physiological stressors modulate hair cell survival. We found that 24-hr cortisol incubation sensitized hair cells to neomycin damage. Pharmacological and genetic manipulation demonstrates that sensitization depended on the action of the glucocorticoid receptor but not the mineralocorticoid receptor. Blocking endogenous cortisol production reduced hair cell susceptibility to neomycin, further evidence that glucocorticoids modulate aminoglycoside ototoxicity. Glucocorticoid transcriptional activity was apparent in lateral line hair cells, suggesting a direct action of cortisol in these aminoglycoside-sensitive cells. Our work shows that the stress hormone cortisol can increase hair cell sensitivity to aminoglycoside damage, which highlights the importance of recognizing stress and the impacts of glucocorticoid signaling in both ototoxicity research and clinical practice.
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McCarthy R, Jungheim ES, Fay JC, Bates K, Herzog ED, England SK. Riding the Rhythm of Melatonin Through Pregnancy to Deliver on Time. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:616. [PMID: 31572299 PMCID: PMC6753220 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is influenced by the circadian ("circa" or approximately; diēm or day) system, which coordinates physiology and behavior with predictable daily changes in the environment such as light/dark cycles. For example, most species deliver around a particular time of day. In mammals, circadian rhythms are controlled by the master circadian pacemaker, the suprachiasmatic nucleus. One key way that the suprachiasmatic nucleus coordinates circadian rhythms throughout the body is by regulating production of the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin. Serum melatonin concentration, which peaks at night and is suppressed during the day, is one of the best biological indicators of circadian timing. Circadian misalignment causes maternal disturbances in the temporal organization of many physiological processes including melatonin synthesis, and these disturbances of the circadian system have been linked to an increased risk for pregnancy complications. Here, we review evidence that melatonin helps regulate the maternal and fetal circadian systems and the timing of birth. Finally, we discuss the potential for melatonin-based therapeutic strategies to alleviate poor pregnancy outcomes such as preeclampsia and preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald McCarthy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Emily S. Jungheim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Justin C. Fay
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Keenan Bates
- Department of Biology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Erik D. Herzog
- Department of Biology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Sarah K. England
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Sarah K. England
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8
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High expression of hippocampal glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 mediates hypersensitivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in response to prenatal caffeine exposure in rats. Toxicol Lett 2018; 283:39-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2017.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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9
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Prenatal nicotine exposure induces HPA axis-hypersensitivity in offspring rats via the intrauterine programming of up-regulation of hippocampal GAD67. Arch Toxicol 2017; 91:3927-3943. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-017-1996-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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10
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Bose R, Spulber S, Kilian P, Heldring N, Lönnerberg P, Johnsson A, Conti M, Hermanson O, Ceccatelli S. Tet3 mediates stable glucocorticoid-induced alterations in DNA methylation and Dnmt3a/Dkk1 expression in neural progenitors. Cell Death Dis 2015; 6:e1793. [PMID: 26086966 PMCID: PMC4669838 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2015.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Developmental exposure to excess glucocorticoids (GCs) has harmful neurodevelopmental effects, which include persistent alterations in the differentiation potential of embryonic neural stem cells (NSCs). The mechanisms, however, are largely unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of dexamethasone (Dex, a synthetic GC analog) by MeDIP-like genome-wide analysis of differentially methylated DNA regions (DMRs) in NSCs isolated from embryonic rat cortices. We found that Dex-induced genome-wide DNA hypomethylation in the NSCs in vitro. Similarly, in utero exposure to Dex resulted in global DNA hypomethylation in the cerebral cortex of 3-day-old mouse pups. Dex-exposed NSCs displayed stable changes in the expression of the DNA methyltransferase Dnmt3a, and Dkk1, an essential factor for neuronal differentiation. These alterations were dependent on Tet3 upregulation. In conclusion, we propose that GCs elicit strong and persistent effects on DNA methylation in NSCs with Tet3 playing an essential role in the regulation of Dnmt3a and Dkk1. Noteworthy is the occurrence of similar changes in Dnmt3a and Dkk1 gene expression after exposure to excess GC in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Bose
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - S Spulber
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - P Kilian
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - N Heldring
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - P Lönnerberg
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A Johnsson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M Conti
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - O Hermanson
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - S Ceccatelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Itoh H, Kanayama N. Nutritional conditions in early life and risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) from the perspective of preemptive medicine in perinatal care. HYPERTENSION RESEARCH IN PREGNANCY 2015. [DOI: 10.14390/jsshp.3.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Itoh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine
| | - Naohiro Kanayama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine
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12
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Maloney SE, Noguchi KK, Wozniak DF, Fowler SC, Farber NB. Long-term Effects of Multiple Glucocorticoid Exposures in Neonatal Mice. Behav Sci (Basel) 2014; 1:4-30. [PMID: 22375274 PMCID: PMC3286606 DOI: 10.3390/behavsci1010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) such as dexamethasone (DEX) or betamethasone are repeatedly administered for up to a month to prematurely born infants as a treatment for chronic lung dysfunction. Results of clinical trials have shown that the use of GCs in these infants induces long-term deficits in neuromotor function and cognition. We have previously shown that a single exposure to clinically relevant doses of DEX or other GCs in the mouse during a period corresponding to the human perinatal period produces a dramatic increase in apoptotic cell death of neural progenitor cells in the developing cerebellum. To provide a model approximating more chronic clinical dosing regimens, we evaluated possible behavioral effects resulting from repeated exposures to DEX and subsequent GC-induced neuronal loss where neonatal mouse pups were injected with 3.0 mg/kg DEX or saline on postnatal days 7, 9, and 11 (DEX3 treatment). Adult, DEX3-treated mice exhibited long-term, possibly permanent, neuromotor deficits on a complex activity wheel task, which requires higher-order motor co-ordination skills. DEX3 mice exhibited impaired performance on this task relative to saline controls in each of two independent studies involving separate cohorts of mice. Histopathology studies utilizing stereological neuronal counts conducted in behaviorally-tested mice showed that the DEX3 treatment resulted in a significant decrease in the number of neurons in the internal granule layer (IGL) of the cerebellum, although the number of neurons in the Purkinje cell layer were unchanged. The results suggest that multiple neonatal DEX exposures can produce chronic deficits in fine motor co-ordination that are associated with cerebellar IGL neuronal loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E. Maloney
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; E-Mails: (S.E.M.); (K.K.N.); (N.B.F.)
| | - Kevin K. Noguchi
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; E-Mails: (S.E.M.); (K.K.N.); (N.B.F.)
| | - David F. Wozniak
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; E-Mails: (S.E.M.); (K.K.N.); (N.B.F.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Box 8134, 660 S. Euclid Ave., Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +1-314-362-5173; Fax: +1-314-362-2474
| | - Stephen C. Fowler
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Life Span Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Nuri B. Farber
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; E-Mails: (S.E.M.); (K.K.N.); (N.B.F.)
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Impact of high predation risk on genome-wide hippocampal gene expression in snowshoe hares. Oecologia 2014; 176:613-24. [PMID: 25234370 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-014-3053-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The population dynamics of snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) are fundamental to the ecosystem dynamics of Canada's boreal forest. During the 8- to 11-year population cycle, hare densities can fluctuate up to 40-fold. Predators in this system (lynx, coyotes, great-horned owls) affect population numbers not only through direct mortality but also through sublethal effects. The chronic stress hypothesis posits that high predation risk during the decline severely stresses hares, leading to greater stress responses, heightened ability to mobilize cortisol and energy, and a poorer body condition. These effects may result in, or be mediated by, differential gene expression. We used an oligonucleotide microarray designed for a closely-related species, the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), to characterize differences in genome-wide hippocampal RNA transcript abundance in wild hares from the Yukon during peak and decline phases of a single cycle. A total of 106 genes were differentially regulated between phases. Array results were validated with quantitative real-time PCR, and mammalian protein sequence similarity was used to infer gene function. In comparison to hares from the peak, decline phase hares showed increased expression of genes involved in metabolic processes and hormone response, and decreased expression of immune response and blood cell formation genes. We found evidence for predation risk effects on the expression of genes whose putative functions correspond with physiological impacts known to be induced by predation risk in snowshoe hares. This study shows, for the first time, a link between changes in demography and alterations in neural RNA transcript abundance in a natural population.
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14
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Prenatal xenobiotic exposure and intrauterine hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis programming alteration. Toxicology 2014; 325:74-84. [PMID: 25194749 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2014.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Revised: 08/23/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is one of the most important neuroendocrine axes and plays an important role in stress defense responses before and after birth. Prenatal exposure to xenobiotics, including environmental toxins (such as smoke, sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide), drugs (such as synthetic glucocorticoids), and foods and beverage categories (such as ethanol and caffeine), affects fetal development indirectly by changing the maternal status or damaging the placenta. Certain xenobiotics (such as caffeine, ethanol and dexamethasone) may also affect the fetus directly by crossing the placenta into the fetus due to their lipophilic properties and lower molecular weights. All of these factors probably result in intrauterine programming alteration of the HPA axis, which showed a low basal activity but hypersensitivity to chronic stress. These alterations will, therefore, increase the susceptibility to adult neuropsychiatric (such as depression and schizophrenia) and metabolic diseases (such as hypertension, diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease). The "over-exposure of fetuses to maternal glucocorticoids" may be the main initiation factor by which the fetal HPA axis programming is altered. Meantime, xenobiotics can directly induce abnormal epigenetic modifications and expression on the important fetal genes (such as hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor, adrenal steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, et al) or damage by in situ oxidative metabolism of fetal adrenals, which may also be contributed to the programming alteration of fetal HPA axis.
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Noguchi KK. Glucocorticoid Induced Cerebellar Toxicity in the Developing Neonate: Implications for Glucocorticoid Therapy during Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia. Cells 2014; 3:36-52. [PMID: 24501683 PMCID: PMC3910303 DOI: 10.3390/cells3010036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Prematurely born infants commonly suffer respiratory dysfunction due to the immature state of their lungs. As a result, clinicians often administer glucocorticoid (GC) therapy to accelerate lung maturation and reduce inflammation. Unfortunately, several studies have found GC therapy can also produce neuromotor/cognitive deficits and selectively stunt the cerebellum. However, despite its continued use, relatively little is known about how exposure to this hormone might produce neurodevelopmental deficits. In this review, we use rodent and human research to provide evidence that GC therapy may disrupt cerebellar development through the rapid induction of apoptosis in the cerebellar external granule layer (EGL). The EGL is a transient proliferative region responsible for the production of over 90% of the neurons in the cerebellum. During normal development, endogenous GC stimulation is thought to selectively signal the elimination of the EGL once production of new neurons is complete. As a result, GC therapy may precociously eliminate the EGL before it can produce enough neurons for normal cerebellar function. It is hoped that this review may provide information for future clinical research in addition to translational guidance for the safer use of GC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin K Noguchi
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, 660 South Euclid, Box #8134, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Tel.: +1-314-362-7007
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Crino OL, Driscoll SC, Breuner CW. Corticosterone exposure during development has sustained but not lifelong effects on body size and total and free corticosterone responses in the zebra finch. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 196:123-9. [PMID: 24188885 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Revised: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Animals exposed to stress during development experience sustained morphological, physiological, neurological, and behavioral consequences. For example, elevated glucocorticoids (GCs) during development can increase GC secretion in adults. Studies have examined the sustained effects of elevated developmental GCs on total GC responses, but no study to date has examined the effect of developmental stress on corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG). CBG is a protein which binds to GCs and facilitates their transportation in blood. When bound to CBG, GCs are unavailable to interact with target tissues. Exposure to stress can decrease CBG capacity and, thus, increase free GCs (the portion of unbound GCs). We examined the long-term effects of elevated corticosterone (CORT) during development (12-28days post-hatch) on acute stress responses, negative feedback, and CBG capacity at 30, 60, and 90days post-hatch in zebra finches. Additionally, we evaluated the effect of CORT treatment on body size and condition at 28, 60, and 90days post-hatch. CORT exposed birds had higher acute stress responses at 30days post-hatch compared to control birds. However, there was no treatment effect at 60 or 90days post-hatch. CBG levels were not affected by treatment, and so free CORT estimations reflected patterns in total CORT. CORT treatment decreased growth and condition in zebra finches at 28days post-hatch, but these differences were not present at later life history stages. However, brood size had a sustained effect on body size such that birds reared in medium sized broods were larger at 28, 60, and 90days post-hatch. These results demonstrate the complexity of early environmental effects on adult phenotype and suggest that some conditions may have stronger programmatic effects than others.
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Affiliation(s)
- O L Crino
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, 2122 New South Wales, Australia; Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59812, United States.
| | - Stephanie C Driscoll
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59812, United States
| | - C W Breuner
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59812, United States
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Cabrera O, Dougherty J, Singh S, Swiney BS, Farber NB, Noguchi KK. Lithium protects against glucocorticoid induced neural progenitor cell apoptosis in the developing cerebellum. Brain Res 2013; 1545:54-63. [PMID: 24361977 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Revised: 12/09/2013] [Accepted: 12/13/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory dysfunction is one of the most common causes of death associated with premature birth (Barton et al., 1999). In the United States, 7-10% of pregnant women receive antenatal glucocorticoid (GC) therapy (Matthews et al., 2004), while approximately 19% of very low birth weight infants receive postnatal GC therapy (Jobe, 2009). Clinical research suggests that GC treatment causes permanent neuromotor and cognitive deficits (Yeh et al., 2004) and stunts cerebellar growth (Parikh et al., 2007; Tam et al., 2011). We previously reported that GC-mediated neural progenitor cell (NPC) apoptosis may be responsible for cerebellar neuropathology (Maloney et al., 2011; Noguchi et al., 2008, 2011). The goal of the current study was to determine whether lithium protects NPCs from GC neuroapoptosis in vivo and in vitro. Given that it protects against a range of brain insults, we hypothesized that lithium would significantly attenuate GC induced NPC toxicity. We report that acute lithium pretreatment provides potent, cell-intrinsic neuroprotection against GC induced NPC toxicity in vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Cabrera
- Washington University in Saint Louis, School of Medicine, Department of Genetics, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Joseph Dougherty
- Washington University in Saint Louis, School of Medicine, Department of Genetics, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA; Washington University in Saint Louis, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Sukrit Singh
- Washington University in Saint Louis, School of Medicine, Department of Genetics, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA; Washington University in Saint Louis, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Brant S Swiney
- Washington University in Saint Louis, School of Medicine, Department of Genetics, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Nuri B Farber
- Washington University in Saint Louis, School of Medicine, Department of Genetics, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kevin K Noguchi
- Washington University in Saint Louis, School of Medicine, Department of Genetics, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Love OP, McGowan PO, Sheriff MJ. Maternal adversity and ecological stressors in natural populations: the role of stress axis programming in individuals, with implications for populations and communities. Funct Ecol 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2435.2012.02040.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver P. Love
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of Windsor; 401 Sunset Avenue; Windsor; Ontario; N9B 3P4; Canada
| | - Patrick O. McGowan
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of Toronto Scarborough; 1265 Military Trail; Toronto; Ontario; M1C 1A4; Canada
| | - Michael J. Sheriff
- Institute of Arctic Biology; University of Alaska Fairbanks; 902 N. Koyukuk Dr; Fairbanks; Alaska; 99775; USA
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Kipmen-Korgun D, Ozmen A, Unek G, Simsek M, Demir R, Korgun ET. Triamcinolone up-regulates GLUT 1 and GLUT 3 expression in cultured human placental endothelial cells. Cell Biochem Funct 2011; 30:47-53. [DOI: 10.1002/cbf.1817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2011] [Revised: 08/02/2011] [Accepted: 09/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dijle Kipmen-Korgun
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty; Akdeniz University; Antalya; Turkey
| | - Asli Ozmen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty; Akdeniz University; Antalya; Turkey
| | - Gozde Unek
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty; Akdeniz University; Antalya; Turkey
| | - Mehmet Simsek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty; Akdeniz University; Antalya; Turkey
| | - Ramazan Demir
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty; Akdeniz University; Antalya; Turkey
| | - Emin Turkay Korgun
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty; Akdeniz University; Antalya; Turkey
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Brummelte S, Lieblich SE, Galea LAM. Gestational and postpartum corticosterone exposure to the dam affects behavioral and endocrine outcome of the offspring in a sexually-dimorphic manner. Neuropharmacology 2011; 62:406-18. [PMID: 21867716 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2011] [Revised: 07/12/2011] [Accepted: 08/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to high levels of glucocorticoids in utero and during the postpartum period has a detrimental effect on brain development. We created an animal model of postpartum stress/depression based on administering high levels of corticosterone (CORT) to the dams during the postpartum period which caused behavioral changes and reduced hippocampal cell proliferation in the offspring. As the consequences of early exposure to glucocorticoids may depend on the dose and the developmental stage of the offspring, the present study was conducted to investigate the effects of low (10 mg/kg) or high levels of CORT (40 mg/kg) given to dams either during gestation, postpartum or across both gestation and postpartum on the outcome of the offspring. Male and female offspring were weighed throughout the experiment, tested in a series of behavioral tests (forced swim test, open field, elevated plus maze) and basal and restraint stress CORT levels were examined in adolescence or young adulthood. Results show that maternal CORT exposure, regardless of when administered, significantly attenuated body weight gain until adulthood in the offspring. Offspring exposed to low maternal CORT, but not high maternal CORT, during the postpartum had higher basal levels of CORT as young adults. Further, male and female offspring of dams exposed to high maternal CORT in utero showed more depressive-like behavior in the forced swim test, while males of dams exposed to high maternal CORT postpartum exhibited more anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze. Taken together, maternal glucocorticoid exposure have long lasting effects on male and female offspring's behavioral and neuroendocrine measures in adolescence and adulthood depending on the time of exposure to glucocorticoids. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Anxiety and Depression'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Brummelte
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Noguchi KK, Lau K, Smith DJ, Swiney BS, Farber NB. Glucocorticoid receptor stimulation and the regulation of neonatal cerebellar neural progenitor cell apoptosis. Neurobiol Dis 2011; 43:356-63. [PMID: 21530661 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2011.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2011] [Revised: 03/14/2011] [Accepted: 04/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are used to treat respiratory dysfunction associated with premature birth but have been shown to cause neurodevelopmental deficits when used therapeutically. Recently, we established that acute glucocorticoid exposure at clinically relevant doses produces neural progenitor cell apoptosis in the external granule layer of the developing mouse cerebellum and permanent decreases in the number of cerebellar neurons. As the cerebellum naturally matures and neurogenesis is no longer needed, the external granule layer decreases proliferation and permanently disappears during the second week of life. At this same time, corticosterone (the endogenous rodent glucocorticoid) release increases and a glucocorticoid-metabolizing enzyme that protects the external granule layer against glucocorticoid receptor stimulation (11β-Hydroxysteroid-Dehydrogenase-Type 2; HSD2) naturally disappears. Here we show that HSD2 inhibition and raising corticosterone to adult physiological levels both can independently increase neural progenitor cell apoptosis in the neonatal mouse. Conversely, glucocorticoid receptor antagonism decreases natural physiological apoptosis in this same progenitor cell population suggesting that endogenous glucocorticoid stimulation may regulate apoptosis in the external granule layer. We also found that glucocorticoids which HSD2 can effectively metabolize generate less external granule layer apoptosis than glucocorticoids this enzyme is ineffective at breaking down. This finding may explain why glucocorticoids that this enzyme can metabolize are clinically effective at treating respiratory dysfunction yet seem to produce no neurodevelopmental deficits. Finally, we demonstrate that both acute and chronic glucocorticoid exposures produce external granule layer apoptosis but without appropriate control groups this effect becomes masked. These results are discussed in terms of their implications for glucocorticoid therapy and neurodevelopment during the perinatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin K Noguchi
- Washington University in Saint Louis, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, 660 South Euclid, Box #8134, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Gwathmey TM, Shaltout HA, Rose JC, Diz DI, Chappell MC. Glucocorticoid-induced fetal programming alters the functional complement of angiotensin receptor subtypes within the kidney. Hypertension 2011; 57:620-6. [PMID: 21220702 PMCID: PMC3041840 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.110.164970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
We examined the impact of fetal programming on the functional responses of renal angiotensin receptors. Fetal sheep were exposed in utero to betamethasone (BMX; 0.17 mg/kg) or control (CON) at 80 to 81 days gestation with full-term delivery. Renal nuclear and plasma membrane fractions were isolated from sheep age 1.0 to 1.5 years for receptor binding and fluorescence detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or nitric oxide (NO). Mean arterial blood pressure and blood pressure variability were significantly higher in the BMX-exposed adult offspring versus CON sheep. The proportion of nuclear AT(1) receptors sensitive to losartan was 2-fold higher (67 ± 6% vs 27 ± 9%; P<0.01) in BMX compared with CON. In contrast, the proportion of AT(2) sites was only one third that of controls (BMX, 25 ± 11% vs CON, 78 ± 4%; P<0.01), with a similar reduction in sites sensitive to the Ang-(1-7) antagonist D-Ala7-Ang-(1-7) with BMX exposure. Functional studies revealed that Ang II stimulated ROS to a greater extent in BMX than in CON sheep (16 ± 3% vs 6 ± 4%; P<0.05); however, NO production to Ang II was attenuated in BMX (26 ± 7% vs 82 ± 14%; P<0.05). BMX exposure was also associated with a reduction in the Ang-(1-7) NO response (75 ± 8% vs 131 ± 26%; P<0.05). We conclude that altered expression of angiotensin receptor subtypes may be one mechanism whereby functional changes in NO- and ROS-dependent signaling pathways may favor the sustained increase in blood pressure evident in fetal programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- TanYa M. Gwathmey
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157
| | - Hossam A. Shaltout
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157
| | - James C. Rose
- Center for Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157
| | - Debra I. Diz
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157
| | - Mark C. Chappell
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157
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23
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Reynolds RM. Corticosteroid-mediated programming and the pathogenesis of obesity and diabetes. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2010; 122:3-9. [PMID: 20117209 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2010.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2009] [Revised: 12/21/2009] [Accepted: 01/20/2010] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have shown that low birthweight is associated with increased risk of development of diabetes and obesity in later life. Over-exposure of the developing fetus to glucocorticoids is one of the major hypotheses that has been proposed to explain this association. In animal models, a range of manipulations that increase fetal glucocorticoid load, 'programme' permanent changes in glucose and insulin metabolism and adiposity. This may be mediated by alterations in regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In humans, low birthweight is associated with increased circulating glucocorticoid levels, and an increased cortisol response to physiological and psychosocial stressors, in child- and adulthood. This activation of the HPA axis is also associated with increased risk of development of diabetes and obesity in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M Reynolds
- Endocrinology Unit, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom.
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Brummelte S, Schmidt KL, Taves MD, Soma KK, Galea LA. Elevated corticosterone levels in stomach milk, serum, and brain of male and female offspring after maternal corticosterone treatment in the rat. Dev Neurobiol 2010; 70:714-25. [DOI: 10.1002/dneu.20805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Ojeda NB, Grigore D, Alexander BT. Role of fetal programming in the development of hypertension. Future Cardiol 2009; 4:163-74. [PMID: 19672482 DOI: 10.2217/14796678.4.2.163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have suggested that size at birth contributes to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in later life. Findings from experimental studies are providing insight into the mechanisms linking impaired fetal growth and the increased risk of CVD and hypertension in adulthood. This article summarizes potential mechanisms involved in the fetal programming of hypertension and CVD, including alterations in the organs and regulatory systems critical to long-term control of sodium and volume homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norma B Ojeda
- University of Mississippi Medical Center, Department of Physiology & Biophysics, The Center for Excellence in Cardiovascular-Renal Research, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216-4505, USA.
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Braun T, Li S, Sloboda DM, Li W, Audette MC, Moss TJM, Matthews SG, Polglase G, Nitsos I, Newnham JP, Challis JRG. Effects of maternal dexamethasone treatment in early pregnancy on pituitary-adrenal axis in fetal sheep. Endocrinology 2009; 150:5466-77. [PMID: 19846612 DOI: 10.1210/en.2009-0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Fetal exposure to elevated levels of bioactive glucocorticoids early in gestation, as in suspected cases of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, may result in adverse neurological events. Fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal development and function may be involved. We investigated immediate and long-term effects of maternal dexamethasone (DEX) administration early in pregnancy on fetal growth and pituitary-adrenal activity in sheep. Pregnant ewes carrying singleton fetuses (total n = 119) were randomized to control (2 ml saline/ewe) or DEX-treated groups (im injections of 0.14 mg/kg ewe weight . 12 h) at 40-41 d gestation (dG). At 50, 100, 125, and 140 dG, fetal plasma and tissues were collected. DEX-exposed fetuses were lighter than controls at 100 dG (P < 0.05) but not at any other times. Fetal plasma ACTH levels and pituitary POMC and PC-1 mRNA levels were similar between groups. Fetal plasma cortisol levels were significantly reduced after DEX exposure in both male and female fetuses at 50 dG (P < 0.05), were similar at 100 and 125 dG, but were significantly higher than controls at 140 dG. At 140 dG, there was increased adrenal P450C(17) and 3beta-HSD mRNA in female fetuses and reduced expression of ACTH-R mRNA in males. Fetal hepatic CBG mRNA levels mimicked plasma cortisol patterns. DEX exposure reduced CBG only in males at 50 dG (P < 0.05). Placental mRNA levels of 11beta-HSD2 were increased after DEX in males (P < 0.05). Therefore, in sheep, early DEX may alter the developmental trajectory of the fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, directly increasing fetal adrenal activation but not anterior pituitary function. In females, this effect may be attributed, in part, to increased fetal adrenal steroidogenic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorsten Braun
- Department of Physiology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Children born very preterm are reported to have an increased frequency of social, emotional, and behavioral problems at school age compared with their peers born at term. The primary aim of this study was to compare social-emotional difficulties and competencies of very preterm and full-term children at 2 years' corrected age. In addition, the relation between perinatal variables and early behavior problems was also examined to help identify those very preterm children most at risk. METHOD At 2 years' corrected age, the parents of 188 very preterm (gestational age <30 weeks or birth weight <1,250 g) and 70 full-term (gestational age >or=37 weeks) children completed the Infant Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment to determine externalizing, internalizing, and dysregulation problems and social-emotional competencies. For the very preterm sample, extensive perinatal data were collected including sex, birth weight, gestational age, chronic lung disease, and postnatal steroids, as well as neonatal cerebral white matter abnormalities detected by magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS The very preterm children at 2 years demonstrated significantly higher internalizing and dysregulation scores and lower competence scores than peers born at term. There was no significant difference in externalizing scores between groups. Female sex, lower birth weight z score, white matter abnormalities, and postnatal corticosteroids were significantly associated with lower competence scores in the very preterm group. CONCLUSIONS Very preterm children exhibit higher rates of behavior problems early in development, in particular internalizing and dysregulation problems and poorer competence.
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Wallace K, Marek CJ, Currie RA, Wright MC. Exocrine pancreas trans-differentiation to hepatocytes--a physiological response to elevated glucocorticoid in vivo. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2009; 116:76-85. [PMID: 19446026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2009.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2009] [Revised: 05/03/2009] [Accepted: 05/04/2009] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Damage or ectopic expression of some growth factors can lead to the appearance of hepatocyte-like cells within the pancreas. Since glucocorticoids promote liver hepatocyte phenotype in vitro, the effect of glucocorticoid on pancreatic differentiation in vivo was examined. Treatment of rats with glucocorticoid for 25 days at levels that significantly inhibited weight gain resulted in the appearance of acinar cells expressing cytokeratin 7 and hepatocyte markers glutamine synthetase, carbamoyl phosphate synthetase and cytochrome P450 2E (the nomenclature employed is that given at http://drnelson.utmem.edu/CytochromeP450.html). Using a plastic pancreatic acinar cell line, this response was shown to be associated with changes in the regulation of WNT signalling-related gene expression and a repression of WNT signalling activity. These data suggest that a pathological response of the pancreas in vivo to elevated glucocorticoid is a differentiation of exocrine pancreatic cells or pancreatic progenitor cells to an hepatocyte-like phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Wallace
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
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O'Brien K, Sekimoto H, Boney C, Malee M. Effect of fetal dexamethasone exposure on the development of adult insulin sensitivity in a rat model. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2009; 21:623-8. [DOI: 10.1080/14767050802213073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Spencer KA, Evans NP, Monaghan P. Postnatal stress in birds: a novel model of glucocorticoid programming of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Endocrinology 2009; 150:1931-4. [PMID: 19095740 DOI: 10.1210/en.2008-1471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
There is growing international interest in how environmental conditions experienced during development can shape adult phenotypes and the extent to which such induced changes are adaptive. One physiological system that links an individual to changes in environmental circumstances during development is the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Mammalian studies have linked early postnatal stress to later changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis; however, the physiological link [lactational corticosterone (CORT) transfer] between mother and offspring during postnatal development constrains the ability to determine the direct effects of such stressors on subsequent physiology and behavior. Here we present a novel model using an avian species, the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata), in which maternal hormonal transfer during postnatal development is likely to be absent. Postnatal exposure of chicks to the stress hormone CORT was manipulated for a 16-d period up until nutritional independence (28 d), and the long-term effects on the physiological response to stress determined. CORT doses were scaled to mimic the physiological response of juvenile birds to a capture-handling-restraint protocol. CORT-fed birds showed exaggerated and prolonged responses to acute stress at 60 d of age. Our results clearly demonstrate that postnatal stress has significant long-term effects on the physiological stress response in birds and provides a potential mechanism underlying long-term behavioural responses to developmental conditions. This study represents the first direct evidence for postnatal glucocorticoid programming of the stress response using this novel model for postnatal stress. This model therefore provides an important tool with which to investigate the role of glucocorticoids in shaping adult phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen A Spencer
- Division of Environmental and Evolutionary Biology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
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Long-term effects of prenatal stress: Changes in adult cardiovascular regulation and sensitivity to stress. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2009; 33:191-203. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2008.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2008] [Revised: 07/21/2008] [Accepted: 08/01/2008] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Hu F, Crespi EJ, Denver RJ. Programming neuroendocrine stress axis activity by exposure to glucocorticoids during postembryonic development of the frog, Xenopus laevis. Endocrinology 2008; 149:5470-81. [PMID: 18653715 DOI: 10.1210/en.2008-0767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to elevated glucocorticoids during early mammalian development can have profound, long-term consequences for health and disease. However, it is not known whether such actions occur in nonmammalian species, and if they do, whether the molecular physiological mechanisms are evolutionarily conserved. We investigated the effects of dietary restriction, which elevates endogenous corticosterone (CORT), or exposure to exogenous CORT added to the aquarium water of Xenopus laevis tadpoles on later-life measures of growth, feeding behavior, and neuroendocrine stress axis activity. Dietary restriction of prometamorphic tadpoles reduced body size at metamorphosis, but juvenile frogs increased food intake, showed catch-up growth through 21 d after metamorphosis, and had elevated whole-body CORT content compared with controls. Dietary restriction causes increased CORT in tadpoles, so to mimic this increase, we treated tadpoles with 100 nm CORT or vehicle for 5 or 10 d and then reared juvenile frogs to 2 months after metamorphosis. Treatment with CORT decreased body weight at metamorphosis, but juvenile frogs showed catch-up growth and had elevated basal plasma (CORT). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that CORT exposure as a tadpole led to decreased glucocorticoid receptor immunoreactivity in brain regions involved with stress axis regulation and in the anterior pituitary gland of juvenile frogs. The elevated CORT in juvenile frogs, which could result from decreased negative feedback owing to down-regulation of glucocorticoid receptor, may drive the hyperphagic response. Taken together, our findings suggest that long-term, stable phenotypic changes in response to elevated glucocorticoids early in life are an ancient and conserved feature of the vertebrate lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Hu
- Department of Molecular, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
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Michael AE, Papageorghiou AT. Potential significance of physiological and pharmacological glucocorticoids in early pregnancy. Hum Reprod Update 2008; 14:497-517. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmn021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
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Otten W, Kanitz E, Tuchscherer M, Brüssow KP, Nürnberg G. Repeated administrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone during late gestation in pigs: Maternal cortisol response and effects on fetal HPA axis and brain neurotransmitter systems. Theriogenology 2008; 69:312-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2007.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2007] [Revised: 09/19/2007] [Accepted: 09/23/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Vedhara K, Miles J, Crown A, McCarthy A, Shanks N, Davies D, Lightman S, Davey-Smith G, Ben-Shlomo Y. Relationship of early childhood illness with adult cortisol in the Barry Caerphilly Growth (BCG) cohort. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2007; 32:865-73. [PMID: 17669595 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2007.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2007] [Revised: 06/01/2007] [Accepted: 06/02/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The developmental origins hypothesis suggests that pre- and postnatal exposures may influence vulnerability to later disease. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is one pathway by which this may occur. Analyses were conducted in the Barry Caerphilly Growth (BCG) cohort to explore whether the postnatal exposure of childhood infections was related to HPA axis activity in adulthood. METHODS Detailed data on type and frequency of illnesses were collected in the first 5 years of life. At the recent follow-up of this cohort (N=566; mean age of participants=25 years) three salivary cortisol samples were taken: two fasting samples in the morning (within 30 min of arrival at the study site and after venesection and cognitive test procedures) and one evening sample (2200 h). These data were transformed to provide AUCi and AUCg (indices reflecting axis reactivity and total hormonal output, respectively). FINDINGS Negative associations were evident between number of upper respiratory illnesses and adult cortisol (as captured by the second morning sample, evening sample and AUCg). These relationships remained after controlling for other potential prenatal, postnatal and adult determinants. These associations were not observed for gastrointestinal illnesses suggesting that confounding by socioeconomic factors is unlikely to be the explanation. CONCLUSIONS Childhood respiratory illnesses were associated with reduced HPA axis activity in adulthood. Further follow-ups will determine whether this pattern of activity influences vulnerability to diseases associated with HPA regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Vedhara
- Department of Social Medicine, Canynge Hall, University of Bristol, Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2PR, UK.
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Hodgson DM, Nakamura T, Walker AK. Prophylactic role for complementary and alternative medicine in perinatal programming of adult health. Complement Med Res 2007; 14:92-101. [PMID: 17464160 DOI: 10.1159/000100958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The health status of an individual in adulthood is proposed to be determined by events occurring in the prenatal and early postnatal period. A common early life event proven to have long lasting effects on the developing fetus is stress, including pain. Exposure of fetal and neonatal infants to repetitive psychological (e.g., maternal stress) or physiological (e.g., pain, infection, and noise) stress during this period is proposed to alter mechanisms involved in the regulation of stress, immunological maturation, pain perception, and cognition. Such changes, which persist into adulthood, may occur via alterations in the development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This process is typically referred to as 'perinatal programming'. Ontogenic alterations in the development of the HPA-axis have been related to a number of adult pathologies such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, as well as psychopathologies such as anxiety and depression. OBJECTIVE In this review, the effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), such as music, dietary supplements, massage and aromatherapy, in reducing perinatal stress in mothers and infants is examined. An emphasis is placed on these therapies as preventative measures which may be of value to individuals at risk of developing disease profiles associated with the consequences of adverse perinatal programming. The widening interest in perinatal programming and CAM suggests the potential for CAM to become a valuable tool in offsetting negative adult health outcomes resulting from perinatal programming associated with adverse gestational early life environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah M Hodgson
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, School of Psychology, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.
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Ojeda NB, Grigore D, Yanes LL, Iliescu R, Robertson EB, Zhang H, Alexander BT. Testosterone contributes to marked elevations in mean arterial pressure in adult male intrauterine growth restricted offspring. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2006; 292:R758-63. [PMID: 16917022 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00311.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Our laboratory uses a model of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) induced by placental insufficiency in the rat to examine the developmental origins of adult disease. In this model only male IUGR offspring remain hypertensive in adulthood, revealing sex-specific differences. The purpose of this study was to determine whether testosterone with participation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) contributes to hypertension in adult male IUGR offspring. At 16 wk of age a significant increase in testosterone (346 +/- 34 vs. 189 +/- 12 ng/dl, P < 0.05) was associated with a significant increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) measured by telemetry in IUGR offspring (147 +/- 1 vs. 125 +/- 1 mmHg, P < 0.05, IUGR vs. control, respectively). Gonadectomy (CTX) at 10 wk of age significantly reduced MAP by 16 wk of age in IUGR offspring (124 +/- 2 mmHg, P < 0.05 vs. intact IUGR) but had no effect in control (125 +/- 2 mmHg). A significant decrease in MAP in intact IUGR (111 +/- 3 mmHg, P < 0.05 vs. untreated intact IUGR) and castrated IUGR (110 +/- 4 mmHg, P < 0.05 vs. untreated CTX IUGR) after treatment with enalapril for 2 wk suggests a role for RAS involvement. However, the decrease in blood pressure in response to enalapril was greater in intact IUGR (Delta36 +/- 1 mmHg, P < 0.05) compared with CTX IUGR (Delta15 +/- 2 mmHg), indicating an enhanced response to RAS blockade in the presence of testosterone. Thus these results suggest that testosterone plays a role in modulating hypertension in adult male IUGR offspring with participation of the RAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norma B Ojeda
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Center for Excellence in Cardiovascular-Renal Research, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State St., Jackson, MS 39216-4505, USA
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Murphy VE, Smith R, Giles WB, Clifton VL. Endocrine regulation of human fetal growth: the role of the mother, placenta, and fetus. Endocr Rev 2006; 27:141-69. [PMID: 16434511 DOI: 10.1210/er.2005-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 411] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The environment in which the fetus develops is critical for its survival and long-term health. The regulation of normal human fetal growth involves many multidirectional interactions between the mother, placenta, and fetus. The mother supplies nutrients and oxygen to the fetus via the placenta. The fetus influences the provision of maternal nutrients via the placental production of hormones that regulate maternal metabolism. The placenta is the site of exchange between mother and fetus and regulates fetal growth via the production and metabolism of growth-regulating hormones such as IGFs and glucocorticoids. Adequate trophoblast invasion in early pregnancy and increased uteroplacental blood flow ensure sufficient growth of the uterus, placenta, and fetus. The placenta may respond to fetal endocrine signals to increase transport of maternal nutrients by growth of the placenta, by activation of transport systems, and by production of placental hormones to influence maternal physiology and even behavior. There are consequences of poor fetal growth both in the short term and long term, in the form of increased mortality and morbidity. Endocrine regulation of fetal growth involves interactions between the mother, placenta, and fetus, and these effects may program long-term physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa E Murphy
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, and Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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Current awareness: Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2005. [DOI: 10.1002/pds.1029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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