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Yount CS, Scheible K, Thurston SW, Qiu X, Ge Y, Hopke PK, Lin Y, Miller RK, Murphy SK, Brunner J, Barrett E, O'Connor TG, Zhang J, Rich DQ. Short term air pollution exposure during pregnancy and associations with maternal immune markers. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 260:119639. [PMID: 39034020 PMCID: PMC11421383 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution exposure during pregnancy has been associated with numerous adverse pregnancy, birth, and child health outcomes. One proposed mechanism underlying these associations is maternal immune activation and dysregulation. We examined associations between PM2.5 and NO2 exposure during pregnancy and immune markers within immune function groups (TH1, TH2, TH17, Innate/Early Activation, Regulatory, Homeostatic, and Proinflammatory), and examined whether those associations changed across pregnancy. METHODS In a pregnancy cohort study (n = 290) in Rochester, New York, we measured immune markers (using Luminex) in maternal plasma up to 3 times during pregnancy. We estimated ambient PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations at participants' home addresses using a spatial-temporal model. Using mixed effects models, we estimated changes in immune marker concentrations associated with interquartile range increases in PM2.5 (2.88 μg/m3) and NO2 (7.82 ppb) 0-6 days before blood collection, and assessed whether associations were different in early, mid, and late pregnancy. RESULTS Increased NO2 concentrations were associated with higher maternal immune markers, with associations observed across TH1, TH2, TH17, Regulatory, and Homeostatic groups of immune markers. Furthermore, the largest increases in immune markers associated with each 7.82 ppb increase in NO2 concentration were in late pregnancy (e.g., IL-23 = 0.26 pg/ml, 95% CI = 0.07, 0.46) compared to early pregnancy (e.g., IL-23 = 0.08 pg/ml, 95% CI = -0.11, 0.26). CONCLUSIONS Results were suggestive of NO2-related immune activation. Increases in effect sizes from early to mid to late pregnancy may be due to changes in immune function over the course of pregnancy. These findings provide a basis for immune activation as a mechanism for previously observed associations between air pollution exposure during pregnancy and reduced birthweight, fetal growth restriction, and pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Yount
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - K Scheible
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - S W Thurston
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - X Qiu
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Y Ge
- Nicholas School of the Environment & Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - P K Hopke
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA; Center for Air and Aquatic Resources Engineering and Sciences, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, USA
| | - Y Lin
- Nicholas School of the Environment & Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - R K Miller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - S K Murphy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - J Brunner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - E Barrett
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers University School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - T G O'Connor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - J Zhang
- Nicholas School of the Environment & Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - D Q Rich
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.
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Teng Y, Zhou J, Zhang M, Wu P, Chen L, Cai W, Tong J, Han Y, Yan S, Tao F, Huang K. Sex-specific effect of maternal thyroid peroxidase antibody exposure during pregnancy on 5- to 6-year-old children's cardiometabolic risk score: the Ma'anshan birth cohort study. Eur J Endocrinol 2024; 191:323-333. [PMID: 39171910 DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvae105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the association between maternal thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) exposure and 5- to 6-year-old children's cardiometabolic risk (CMR). METHODS A total of 2129 mother-child pairs were recruited from the Ma'anshan Birth Cohort (MABC) study. Serum TPOAb was retrospectively measured in pregnant women using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. CMR score was evaluated by the serum glycolipids, blood pressure, and waist circumference for children aged 5-6 years. Growth mixture modelling was used to fit trajectories of TPOAb levels throughout pregnancy. Multiple linear regression models and logistic regression models were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS Two thousand one hundred twenty-nine mother-child pairs (mean [SD] age, 26.6 [3.6] years) were enrolled for the final study. Maternal TPOAb exposure in the first trimester increased children's overall CMR, glucose level, HOMA-IR, triglyceride level, boys' overall CMR, boys' glucose level, and girls' glucose level. TPOAb exposure in the first trimester was also associated with lower boys' high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level. In the second trimester, maternal TPOAb exposure was positively associated with children's triglyceride level. Compared with low TPOAb trajectory, children with high maternal TPOAb trajectory had an increased risk of developing high CMR (OR = 3.40; 95% CI, 1.30-8.90), hyperglycemia (OR = 5.20; 95% CI, 2.20-12.28), insulin-resistance (adjusted OR = 2.12; 95% CI, 1.10-4.07), and hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 2.55; 95% CI, 1.06-6.14). CONCLUSIONS The first trimester of pregnancy is a critical period for maternal TPOAb exposure to affect CMR in children, with some sex specificity, mainly to the detriment of boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhu Teng
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health Across the Life Courset, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Jixing Zhou
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health Across the Life Courset, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Manyu Zhang
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health Across the Life Courset, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Penggui Wu
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health Across the Life Courset, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health Across the Life Courset, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Wenjin Cai
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health Across the Life Courset, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Juan Tong
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health Across the Life Courset, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yan Han
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health Across the Life Courset, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Shuangqin Yan
- Ma'anshan Maternal and Child Health Center (MCHC), No 24 Jiashan Road, Ma'anshan 243011, Anhui, China
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health Across the Life Courset, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Kun Huang
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health Across the Life Courset, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
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Bozec J, Rousseau-Ralliard D, Jouneau L, Prézelin A, Dahirel M, Richard C, Gelin V, Fournier N, Helies V, Joly T, El Fouikar S, Léandri R, Chavatte-Palmer P, Couturier-Tarrade A. Preconception and/or preimplantation exposure to a mixture of environmental contaminants altered fetoplacental development and placental function in a rabbit model. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 262:119829. [PMID: 39179140 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Pregnant women are daily exposed to environmental contaminants, including endocrine disruptors that can impact the offspring's health. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of maternal oral exposure to a mixture of contaminants at a dose mimicking women's exposure, during folliculogenesis and/or preimplantation period (FED and ED groups, respectively) on the fetoplacental phenotype in a rabbit model. The mixture (DEHP, pp'DDE, β-HCH, HCB, BDE-47, BPS, PFOS, PFOA) was defined based on data from HELIX and INMA cohorts. FED and ED females or unexposed females (control) were inseminated, their embryos were collected and transferred to unexposed control recipient rabbits at 80 h post-insemination. The effects of maternal FED and ED exposure were evaluated on fetoplacental growth and development by ultrasound, fetoplacental biometry, fetal metabolism, placental structure and function. The results demonstrated that the mixture weakly affected ultrasound measurements, as only placental volume increased significantly in FED vs ED. Analysis of placental structure demonstrated that the volume fraction of the maternal blood space was increased in FED vs control. Pre- and/or periconception exposure did not affect biometric at the end of gestation, but affected FED fetal biochemistry. Plasma triglyceride concentration was reduced compared to control. However, total cholesterol, urea, ASAT and ALAT in fetal blood were affected in both exposed groups. Multiple factor analysis, including biometric, biochemical, and stereological datasets, indicated that the three groups were significantly different. Additionally, several placental genes were differentially expressed between groups, compared two by two, in a sex-specific manner, with more difference in females than in males. The differentially expressed genes were involved in lipid, cholesterol, and drug/xenobiotic metabolism in both sexes. These results indicate that maternal exposure to environmental contaminants during crucial developmental windows only mildly impaired fetoplacental development but disturbed fetal blood biochemistry and placental gene expression with potential long-term effects on offspring phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne Bozec
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Delphine Rousseau-Ralliard
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Luc Jouneau
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Audrey Prézelin
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Michèle Dahirel
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Christophe Richard
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Valérie Gelin
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Natalie Fournier
- Lip(Sys)2 - EA 7357, Athérosclérose et Macrophages: Impact des Phospholipides et des Fonctions Mitochondriales sur L'efflux du Cholestérol, Université Paris Saclay, UFR de Pharmacie, 91400, Orsay, France; Laboratoire de Biochimie, AP-HP (Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris), Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Virginie Helies
- GenPhySE, INRAE, Université de Toulouse, INPT, ENVT, Castanet Tolosan, France
| | - Thierry Joly
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, UPSP Interaction Cellule Environnement, 69280, Marcy L'Etoile, France; Université de Lyon, ISARA-Lyon, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Sara El Fouikar
- ToxAlim (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Roger Léandri
- ToxAlim (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Toulouse, France; Médecine de La Reproduction, Hôpital Paule de Viguier, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Anne Couturier-Tarrade
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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Cherayil BJ, Jain N. From Womb to World: Exploring the Immunological Connections between Mother and Child. Immunohorizons 2024; 8:552-562. [PMID: 39172025 PMCID: PMC11374749 DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.2400032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Mother and child are immunologically interconnected by mechanisms that we are only beginning to understand. During pregnancy, multiple molecular and cellular factors of maternal origin are transferred across the placenta and influence the development and function of the fetal and newborn immune system. Altered maternal immune states arising from pregnancy-associated infections or immunizations have the potential to program offspring immune function in ways that may have long-term health consequences. In this study, we review current literature on the impact of prenatal infection and vaccination on the developing immune system, highlight knowledge gaps, and look to the horizon to envision maternal interventions that could benefit both the mother and her child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bobby J Cherayil
- Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Mass General for Children, Charlestown, MA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Nitya Jain
- Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Mass General for Children, Charlestown, MA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA
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Mittelberger J, Seefried M, Löb S, Kuhn C, Franitza M, Garrido F, Ditsch N, Jeschke U, Dannecker C. The expression of TIM-3 and Gal-9 on macrophages and Hofbauer cells in the placenta of preeclampsia patients. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 164:104296. [PMID: 38972269 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104296] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a disorder of pregnancy characterized by endothelial dysfunction, abnormal placentation, systemic inflammation, and altered immune reaction. The aim of this study was to investigate the immune checkpoint molecules TIM-3 and Gal-9 on macrophages and Hofbauer cells (HBC) in the placenta of preeclampsia patients. Immunohistochemistry and Immunofluorescence was used to characterize the expression of the macrophage markers CD68 and CD163, CK7 and the proteins TIM-3 and Gal-9 in the placentas of preeclampsia patients comparing it to the placentas of healthy pregnancies. Double immunofluorescence staining (TIM-3 with CD3/CD19/CD56) was used to analyze the TIM-3 expression on other immune cells (T cells, B cells, NK cells) within the chorionic villi. The expression of TIM-3 on decidual macrophages did not significantly differ between the preeclamptic and the control group (p = 0.487). When looking at the different offspring we saw an upregulation of TIM-3 expression on decidual macrophages in preeclamptic placentas with female offspring (p = 0.049). On Hofbauer cells within the chorionic villi, the TIM-3 expression was significantly downregulated in preeclamptic cases without a sex-specific difference (p < 0.001). Looking at the protein Gal-9 the expression was proven to be downregulated both, on decidual macrophages (p = 0.003) and on Hofbauer cells (p = 0.002) within preeclamptic placentas compared to healthy controls. This was only significant in male offspring (p < 0.001 and p = 0.013) but not in female offspring (p = 0.360 and p = 0.068). While TIM-3 expression within the extravillious trophoblast and the syncytiotrophoblast was significantly downregulated (p < 0.001 and p = 0.012) in preeclampsia, the expression of Gal-9 was upregulated in (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001) compared to healthy controls. The local variations of the immune checkpoint molecules TIM-3 and Gal-9 in the placenta may contribute to the inflammation observed in preeclamptic patients. It could therefore contribute to the pathogenesis and be an important target in the treatment of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Mittelberger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Augsburg, Stenglinstraße 2, Augsburg 86156, Germany
| | - Marina Seefried
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Augsburg, Stenglinstraße 2, Augsburg 86156, Germany
| | - Sanja Löb
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 4, Würzburg 97080, Germany
| | - Christina Kuhn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Augsburg, Stenglinstraße 2, Augsburg 86156, Germany
| | - Manuela Franitza
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Augsburg, Stenglinstraße 2, Augsburg 86156, Germany
| | - Fabian Garrido
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Augsburg, Stenglinstraße 2, Augsburg 86156, Germany
| | - Nina Ditsch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Augsburg, Stenglinstraße 2, Augsburg 86156, Germany
| | - Udo Jeschke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Augsburg, Stenglinstraße 2, Augsburg 86156, Germany.
| | - Christian Dannecker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Augsburg, Stenglinstraße 2, Augsburg 86156, Germany
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Jasset MOJ, Andrea Lopez Zapana P, Bahadir Z, Shook L, Dennis MM, Gilbert ME, Liu MZA, Yinger MRV, Bald MC, Bradford MCG, Silfen MAH, Klein SL, Pekosz A, Permar S, Konnikova L, Yonker LM, Lauffenburger D, Nelson A, Elovitz MA, Edlow AG. Longer interval between maternal RSV vaccination and birth increases placental transfer efficiency. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.07.14.24310390. [PMID: 39072025 PMCID: PMC11275666 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.14.24310390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Background Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is associated with significant neonatal and infant morbidity and mortality. Maternal bivalent RSVpreF RSV vaccination to protect neonates and infants was approved in September 2023 for administration between 32+0 and 36+6 weeks to protect neonates and infants. This approved timeframe is narrower than the 24-36 week window evaluated in the clinical trial, due to the possible association between preterm birth and vaccine administration. Currently, data are lacking on how maternal vaccine timing within the approved window affects the transfer of antibodies from mother to fetus, critical information that could influence clinical practice. Objectives We sought to examine how gestational age at vaccination and time elapsed from maternal RSV vaccination to delivery impacted transfer of maternal antibodies measured in the umbilical cord at delivery and in peripheral blood of 2-month infants. We also examined differences in maternal and cord RSV antibody levels achieved by vaccination versus natural RSV infection. Study Design A prospective cohort study was conducted at two academic medical centers between September 20, 2023 and March 21, 2024, enrolling 124 individuals who received the RSV vaccine during pregnancy. Infant capillary blood was collected at 2 months of age from 29 of the infants. Maternal and cord IgG levels achieved by RSV vaccination were compared to those associated with maternal natural RSV infection, using banked blood from 20 maternal:cord dyads collected prior to the availability of the maternal RSV vaccine. Levels of IgG against RSV strain A2 and B fusion (F) and attachment (G) proteins and against pertussis toxin (as a comparator antigen from a vaccine routinely administered earlier in pregnancy) were measured using a Binding Antibody Multiplex Assay. Differences in titers between vaccination and natural infection were examined using Wilcoxon rank sum test. Differences in cord:maternal transfer ratios and 2-month infant antibody levels by timing of maternal vaccination were evaluated by Kruskal-Wallis testing. Results Maternal RSV vaccination resulted in significantly higher maternal and cord anti-F RSV antibody levels than natural infection (5.72 vs 4.82 log 10 MFI, p < 0.0001 maternal; 5.81 vs 5.03 log 10 MFI, p < 0.0001 cord). Maternal vaccination 2-3 weeks and 3-4 weeks prior to delivery was associated with significantly lower cord:maternal transfer ratios than were observed when vaccination occurred > 5 weeks prior to delivery (p = 0.03 for 2-3 weeks, p = 0.007 for 3-4 weeks), and significantly lower transfer ratios than observed for pertussis vaccination administered prior to 30 weeks' gestation (p = 0.008 for 2-3 weeks, p = 0.03 for 3-4 weeks, similar at > 4 weeks). Conclusions Vaccine administration earlier in the approved 32-36 week window (at least 5 weeks prior to delivery) results in the highest transplacental transfer of maternal antibodies to the neonate. These results should inform the counseling of pregnant individuals on optimal vaccination timing.
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Siwakoti RC, Park S, Ferguson KK, Hao W, Cantonwine DE, Mukherjee B, McElrath TF, Meeker JD. Prenatal per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and maternal oxidative stress: Evidence from the LIFECODES study. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 360:142363. [PMID: 38768789 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Although their underlying biological mechanisms are not fully understood, evidence suggests PFAS may disrupt endocrine functions and contribute to oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation. OBJECTIVE We examined associations between early pregnancy PFAS exposure and OS biomarkers, exploring potential effect modifications by fetal sex and maternal race. METHODS We used data from 469 LIFECODES participants with measured plasma PFAS (median 10 weeks gestation) and repeated measures (median 10, 18, 26, and 35 weeks gestation) of urinary OS biomarkers [8-iso-prostaglandin-F2α (8-isoprostane) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)]. Protein damage biomarkers (chlorotyrosine, dityrosine, and nitrotyrosine) were additionally measured in plasma from a subset (N = 167) during the third visit. Associations between each PFAS and OS biomarkers were examined using linear mixed-effects models and multivariable linear regressions, adjusting for potential confounders, including maternal age, race, education level, pre-pregnancy BMI, insurance status, and parity. Effect modifications were evaluated by including an interaction term between each PFAS and fetal sex or maternal race in the models. RESULTS We observed significant positive associations between PFOS and 8-isoprostane, with a 9.68% increase in 8-isoprostane levels (95% CI: 0.10%, 20.18%) per interquartile range increase in PFOS. In contrast, PFUA was negatively associated [9.32% (95% CI: -17.68%, -0.11%)], while there were suggestive positive associations for MPAH and PFOA with 8-isoprostane. The associations of several PFAS with 8-OHdG varied by fetal sex, showing generally positive trends in women who delivered females, but negative or null in those who delivered males. No significant effect modification by maternal race was observed. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence linking PFAS exposure to OS during pregnancy, with potential sex-specific effects of certain PFAS on 8-OHdG. Further research should explore additional OS/inflammatory biomarkers and assess the modifying effects of dietary and behavioral patterns across diverse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram C Siwakoti
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Seonyoung Park
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kelly K Ferguson
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Wei Hao
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - David E Cantonwine
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Thomas F McElrath
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John D Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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8
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Shook LL, Batorsky RE, De Guzman RM, McCrea LT, Brigida SM, Horng JE, Sheridan SD, Kholod O, Cook AM, Li JZ, Slonim DK, Goods BA, Perlis RH, Edlow AG. Maternal SARS-CoV-2 impacts fetal placental macrophage programs and placenta-derived microglial models of neurodevelopment. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:163. [PMID: 38918792 PMCID: PMC11197235 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03157-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The SARS-CoV-2 virus activates maternal and placental immune responses. Such activation in the setting of other infections during pregnancy is known to impact fetal brain development. The effects of maternal immune activation on neurodevelopment are mediated at least in part by fetal brain microglia. However, microglia are inaccessible for direct analysis, and there are no validated non-invasive surrogate models to evaluate in utero microglial priming and function. We have previously demonstrated shared transcriptional programs between microglia and Hofbauer cells (HBCs, or fetal placental macrophages) in mouse models. METHODS AND RESULTS We assessed the impact of maternal SARS-CoV-2 on HBCs isolated from 24 term placentas (N = 10 SARS-CoV-2 positive cases, 14 negative controls). Using single-cell RNA-sequencing, we demonstrated that HBC subpopulations exhibit distinct cellular programs, with specific subpopulations differentially impacted by SARS-CoV-2. Assessment of differentially expressed genes implied impaired phagocytosis, a key function of both HBCs and microglia, in some subclusters. Leveraging previously validated models of microglial synaptic pruning, we showed that HBCs isolated from placentas of SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnancies can be transdifferentiated into microglia-like cells (HBC-iMGs), with impaired synaptic pruning behavior compared to HBC models from negative controls. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that HBCs isolated at birth can be used to create personalized cellular models of offspring microglial programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia L Shook
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Thier Research Building, 903B, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Rose M De Guzman
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Thier Research Building, 903B, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Liam T McCrea
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sara M Brigida
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Thier Research Building, 903B, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Joy E Horng
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steven D Sheridan
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Olha Kholod
- Thayer School of Engineering and Program, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Aidan M Cook
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Jonathan Z Li
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Donna K Slonim
- Department of Computer Science, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Brittany A Goods
- Thayer School of Engineering and Program, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Roy H Perlis
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrea G Edlow
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Thier Research Building, 903B, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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9
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Castillo C, Díaz-Luján C, Liempi A, Fretes R, Kemmerling U. Mammalian placental explants: A tool for studying host-parasite interactions and placental biology. Placenta 2024:S0143-4004(24)00291-1. [PMID: 38910051 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
The placenta plays a critical role in host-pathogen interactions. Thus, ex vivo infection of mammalian placental explants is an excellent and simple method to study the mechanisms of cellular and tissue invasion by different pathogens in different mammalian species. These explants can be maintained in culture for several days, preserving the tissue architecture and resembling in-utero conditions under more physiological conditions than their isolated counterparts in isolated cell culture models. In addition, placental explants not only allow us to study how the placenta responds and defends itself against various infections but also provide a versatile platform for advancing our understanding of placental biology and the immune response. Furthermore, they serve as powerful tools for drug discovery, facilitating the screening of potential therapeutics for placental infections and for the identification of diagnostic markers. This review highlights the utility of mammalian placental explants in studying the host-pathogen interaction of two relevant protozoan parasites, Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, and Toxoplasma gondii, the etiological agent of Toxoplasmosis. Here, we discuss the different methodologies and technical aspects of the model, as well as the effect of both parasites on placental responses in human, canine, and ovine explants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Castillo
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Cintia Díaz-Luján
- Institute and Cathedra of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Health Science Faculty, INICSA (CONICET)-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba and Villa María, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ana Liempi
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ricardo Fretes
- Institute and Cathedra of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Health Science Faculty, INICSA (CONICET)-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba and Villa María, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ulrike Kemmerling
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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Flowers AE, Gonzalez TL, Wang Y, Santiskulvong C, Clark EL, Novoa A, Jefferies CA, Lawrenson K, Chan JL, Joshi NV, Zhu Y, Tseng HR, Wang ET, Ishimori M, Karumanchi SA, Williams J, Pisarska MD. High-throughput mRNA sequencing of human placenta shows sex differences across gestation. Placenta 2024; 150:8-21. [PMID: 38537412 PMCID: PMC11262790 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fetal sex affects fetal and maternal health outcomes in pregnancy, but this connection remains poorly understood. As the placenta is the route of fetomaternal communication and derives from the fetal genome, placental gene expression sex differences may explain these outcomes. OBJECTIVES We utilized next generation sequencing to study the normal human placenta in both sexes in first and third trimester to generate a normative transcriptome based on sex and gestation. STUDY DESIGN We analyzed 124 first trimester (T1, 59 female and 65 male) and 43 third trimester (T3, 18 female and 25 male) samples for sex differences within each trimester and sex-specific gestational differences. RESULTS Placenta shows more significant sexual dimorphism in T1, with 94 T1 and 26 T3 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The sex chromosomes contributed 60.6% of DEGs in T1 and 80.8% of DEGs in T3, excluding X/Y pseudoautosomal regions. There were 6 DEGs from the pseudoautosomal regions, only significant in T1 and all upregulated in males. The distribution of DEGs on the X chromosome suggests genes on Xp (the short arm) may be particularly important in placental sex differences. Dosage compensation analysis of X/Y homolog genes shows expression is primarily contributed by the X chromosome. In sex-specific analyses of first versus third trimester, there were 2815 DEGs common to both sexes upregulated in T1, and 3263 common DEGs upregulated in T3. There were 7 female-exclusive DEGs upregulated in T1, 15 female-exclusive DEGs upregulated in T3, 10 male-exclusive DEGs upregulated in T1, and 20 male-exclusive DEGs upregulated in T3. DISCUSSION This is the largest cohort of placentas across gestation from healthy pregnancies defining the normative sex dimorphic gene expression and sex common, sex specific and sex exclusive gene expression across gestation. The first trimester has the most sexually dimorphic transcripts, and the majority were upregulated in females compared to males in both trimesters. The short arm of the X chromosome and the pseudoautosomal region is particularly critical in defining sex differences in the first trimester placenta. As pregnancy is a dynamic state, sex specific DEGs across gestation may contribute to sex dimorphic changes in overall outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Flowers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Tania L Gonzalez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Yizhou Wang
- Computational Biomedicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Chintda Santiskulvong
- CS Cancer Applied Genomics Shared Resource, CS Cancer, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Ekaterina L Clark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Allynson Novoa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Caroline A Jefferies
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Kate Lawrenson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA; Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jessica L Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Nikhil V Joshi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Yazhen Zhu
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; California NanoSystems Institute, Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Hsian-Rong Tseng
- California NanoSystems Institute, Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Erica T Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Mariko Ishimori
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - S Ananth Karumanchi
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - John Williams
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Margareta D Pisarska
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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11
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Alur P, Holla I, Hussain N. Impact of sex, race, and social determinants of health on neonatal outcomes. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1377195. [PMID: 38655274 PMCID: PMC11035752 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1377195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the global improvements in neonatal outcomes, mortality and morbidity rates among preterm infants are still unacceptably high. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly analyze the factors that affect these outcomes, including sex, race, and social determinants of health. By comprehending the influence of these factors, we can work towards reducing their impact and enhancing the quality of neonatal care. This review will summarize the available evidence on sex differences, racial differences, and social determinants of health related to neonates. This review will discuss sex differences in neonatal outcomes in part I and racial differences with social determinants of health in part II. Research has shown that sex differences begin to manifest in the early part of the pregnancy. Hence, we will explore this topic under two main categories: (1) Antenatal and (2) Postnatal sex differences. We will also discuss long-term outcome differences wherever the evidence is available. Multiple factors determine health outcomes during pregnancy and the newborn period. Apart from the genetic, biological, and sex-based differences that influence fetal and neonatal outcomes, racial and social factors influence the health and well-being of developing humans. Race categorizes humans based on shared physical or social qualities into groups generally considered distinct within a given society. Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes. These factors can include a person's living conditions, access to healthy food, education, employment status, income level, and social support. Understanding these factors is essential in developing strategies to improve overall health outcomes in communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Alur
- Penn State College of Medicine, Hampden Medical Center, Enola, PA, United States
| | - Ira Holla
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Naveed Hussain
- Department of Pediatrics, Connecticut Children’s, Hartford, CT, United States
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12
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Taibl KR, Dunlop AL, Barr DB, Ryan PB, Panuwet P, Corwin EJ, Eatman JA, Tan Y, Liang D, Eick SM. Phthalate exposure increases interferon-γ during pregnancy: The Atlanta African American Maternal-Child Cohort. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170344. [PMID: 38266723 PMCID: PMC10922519 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The immune system undergoes unique adaptations during pregnancy and is particularly sensitive to environmental chemicals, such as phthalates, which are associated with acute and chronic inflammatory medical conditions. However, current knowledge of how phthalate exposures are associated with systemic inflammation in pregnant people is limited by cross-sectional study designs and single chemical models. Our objective was to estimate the association between repeated measures of prenatal phthalate exposures, examined individually and collectively, and a panel of clinical inflammatory biomarkers. METHODS In the Atlanta African American Maternal-Child Cohort, biospecimens were collected at mean 11 and 26 weeks gestation (N = 126). Concentrations of eight urinary phthalate metabolites and five serum inflammatory biomarkers, including CRP, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α, were measured. Linear mixed effect regression and quantile g-computation models were used to estimate the associations for single phthalates and their exposure mixture, respectively. RESULTS Participants who self-reported any use of alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana in the month prior to pregnancy had increased MEP, MBP, MiBP, and CRP, relative to those with no substance use. IFN-γ was elevated in response to MECPP (% change = 17.35, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 0.32, 32.27), MEHHP (% change = 12.75, 95 % CI = 2.22, 24.36), MEOHP (% change = 11.63, 95 % CI = 1.21, 23.12), and their parent phthalate, ΣDEHP (% change = 15.03, 95 % CI = 0.28, 31.94). The phthalate mixture was also associated with an increase in IFN-γ (% change = 15.03, 95 % CI = 6.18, 24.61). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest DEHP metabolites induce systemic inflammation during pregnancy. The pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ may play an important role in the relationship between prenatal phthalate exposures and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin R Taibl
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anne L Dunlop
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dana Boyd Barr
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - P Barry Ryan
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Parinya Panuwet
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Jasmin A Eatman
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Youran Tan
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Donghai Liang
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Stephanie M Eick
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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13
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Ma D, Ma J, Zhao C, Tai W. Reasons why women are more likely to develop primary biliary cholangitis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25634. [PMID: 38384574 PMCID: PMC10878884 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune disease of biliary stasis in which immune factors cause the gradual destruction of small bile ducts, biliary stasis, and eventually the development of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver failure. One of the main characteristics of PBC is that it primarily affects middle-aged women, but the precise cause is still unknown. This article analyzes the unique causes and mechanisms of the female predominance of PBC and summarizes the potential causes.The female domination of PBC is reported to be primarily caused by sex hormones, environmental circumstances, and epigenetic changes, each of which has a different subtle impact on patients' gender disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Ma
- Clinical Laboratory Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Jiaxuan Ma
- Clinical Laboratory Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Chunmei Zhao
- Clinical Laboratory Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Wenlin Tai
- Clinical Laboratory Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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14
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Legault LM, Breton-Larrivée M, Langford-Avelar A, Lemieux A, McGraw S. Sex-based disparities in DNA methylation and gene expression in late-gestation mouse placentas. Biol Sex Differ 2024; 15:2. [PMID: 38183126 PMCID: PMC10770955 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00577-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta is vital for fetal development and its contributions to various developmental issues, such as pregnancy complications, fetal growth restriction, and maternal exposure, have been extensively studied in mice. The placenta forms mainly from fetal tissue and therefore has the same biological sex as the fetus it supports. Extensive research has delved into the placenta's involvement in pregnancy complications and future offspring development, with a notable emphasis on exploring sex-specific disparities. However, despite these investigations, sex-based disparities in epigenetic (e.g., DNA methylation) and transcriptomic features of the late-gestation mouse placenta remain largely unknown. METHODS We collected male and female mouse placentas at late gestation (E18.5, n = 3/sex) and performed next-generation sequencing to identify genome-wide sex differences in transcription and DNA methylation. RESULTS Our comparison between male and female revealed 358 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) on autosomes, which were associated with signaling pathways involved in transmembrane transport and the responses to viruses and external stimuli. X chromosome DEGs (n = 39) were associated with different pathways, including those regulating chromatin modification and small GTPase-mediated signal transduction. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were more common on the X chromosomes (n = 3756) than on autosomes (n = 1705). Interestingly, while most X chromosome DMRs had higher DNA methylation levels in female placentas and tended to be included in CpG dinucleotide-rich regions, 73% of autosomal DMRs had higher methylation levels in male placentas and were distant from CpG-rich regions. Several DEGs were correlated with DMRs. A subset of the DMRs present in late-stage placentas were already established in mid-gestation (E10.5) placentas (n = 348 DMRs on X chromosome and 19 DMRs on autosomes), while others were acquired later in placental development. CONCLUSION Our study provides comprehensive lists of DEGs and DMRs between male and female that collectively cause profound differences in the DNA methylation and gene expression profiles of late-gestation mouse placentas. Our results demonstrate the importance of incorporating sex-specific analyses into epigenetic and transcription studies to enhance the accuracy and comprehensiveness of their conclusions and help address the significant knowledge gap regarding how sex differences influence placental function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa-Marie Legault
- CHU Ste-Justine Research Center, 3175 Chemin de La Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Boulevard Edouard‑Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Mélanie Breton-Larrivée
- CHU Ste-Justine Research Center, 3175 Chemin de La Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Boulevard Edouard‑Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Alexandra Langford-Avelar
- CHU Ste-Justine Research Center, 3175 Chemin de La Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Boulevard Edouard‑Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Anthony Lemieux
- CHU Ste-Justine Research Center, 3175 Chemin de La Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Serge McGraw
- CHU Ste-Justine Research Center, 3175 Chemin de La Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Boulevard Edouard‑Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, 2900 Boulevard Edouard‑Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada.
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15
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Croen LA, Ames JL, Qian Y, Alexeeff S, Ashwood P, Gunderson EP, Wu YW, Boghossian AS, Yolken R, Van de Water J, Weiss LA. Inflammatory Conditions During Pregnancy and Risk of Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 4:39-50. [PMID: 38045769 PMCID: PMC10689278 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2023.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal inflammation can result from immune dysregulation and metabolic perturbations during pregnancy. Whether conditions associated with inflammation during pregnancy increase the likelihood of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other neurodevelopmental disorders (DDs) is not well understood. Methods We conducted a case-control study among children born in California from 2011 to 2016 to investigate maternal immune-mediated and cardiometabolic conditions during pregnancy and risk of ASD (n = 311) and DDs (n = 1291) compared with children from the general population (n = 967). Data on maternal conditions and covariates were retrieved from electronic health records. Maternal genetic data were used to assess a causal relationship. Results Using multivariable logistic regression, we found that mothers with asthma were more likely to deliver infants later diagnosed with ASD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.15-2.29) or DDs (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.02-1.64). Maternal obesity was also associated with child ASD (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.07-2.13). Mothers with both asthma and extreme obesity had the greatest odds of delivering an infant later diagnosed with ASD (OR = 16.9, 95% CI: 5.13-55.71). These increased ASD odds were observed among female children only. Polygenic risk scores for obesity, asthma, and their combination showed no association with ASD risk. Mendelian randomization did not support a causal relationship between maternal conditions and ASD. Conclusions Inflammatory conditions during pregnancy are associated with risk for neurodevelopmental disorders in children. These risks do not seem to be due to shared genetic risk; rather, inflammatory conditions may share nongenetic risk factors with neurodevelopmental disorders. Children whose mothers have both asthma and obesity during pregnancy may benefit from earlier screening and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A. Croen
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
- Department of Health Systems Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, California
| | - Jennifer L. Ames
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Yinge Qian
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Stacey Alexeeff
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Paul Ashwood
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology and the MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Erica P. Gunderson
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
- Department of Health Systems Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, California
| | - Yvonne W. Wu
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Andrew S. Boghossian
- Institute for Human Genetics, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Robert Yolken
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Judy Van de Water
- Division of Rheumatology/Allergy/Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, California
| | - Lauren A. Weiss
- Institute for Human Genetics, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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Shook LL, Batorsky RA, De Guzman RM, McCrea LT, Brigida SM, Horng JE, Sheridan SD, Kholod O, Cook AM, Li JZ, Goods BA, Perlis RH, Edlow AG. Maternal SARS-CoV-2 impacts fetal placental macrophage programs and placenta-derived microglial models of neurodevelopment. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.12.29.23300544. [PMID: 38234776 PMCID: PMC10793528 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.29.23300544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus activates maternal and placental immune responses, which in the setting of other infections occurring during pregnancy are known to impact fetal brain development. The effects of maternal immune activation on neurodevelopment are mediated at least in part by fetal brain microglia. However, microglia are inaccessible for direct analysis, and there are no validated non-invasive surrogate models to evaluate in utero microglial priming and function. We have previously demonstrated shared transcriptional programs between microglia and Hofbauer cells (HBCs, or fetal placental macrophages) in mouse models. Here, we assessed the impact of maternal SARS-CoV-2 on HBCs isolated from term placentas using single-cell RNA-sequencing. We demonstrated that HBC subpopulations exhibit distinct cellular programs, with specific subpopulations differentially impacted by SARS-CoV-2. Assessment of differentially expressed genes implied impaired phagocytosis, a key function of both HBCs and microglia, in some subclusters. Leveraging previously validated models of microglial synaptic pruning, we showed that HBCs isolated from placentas of SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnancies can be transdifferentiated into microglia-like cells, with altered morphology and impaired synaptic pruning behavior compared to HBC models from negative controls. These findings suggest that HBCs isolated at birth can be used to create personalized cellular models of offspring microglial programming.
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