1
|
González-Rojas A, Valencia-Narbona M. Neurodevelopmental Disruptions in Children of Preeclamptic Mothers: Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Consequences. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3632. [PMID: 38612445 PMCID: PMC11012011 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073632] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a multisystem disorder characterized by elevated blood pressure in the mother, typically occurring after 20 weeks of gestation and posing risks to both maternal and fetal health. PE causes placental changes that can affect the fetus, particularly neurodevelopment. Its key pathophysiological mechanisms encompass hypoxia, vascular and angiogenic dysregulation, inflammation, neuronal and glial alterations, and disruptions in neuronal signaling. Animal models indicate that PE is correlated with neurodevelopmental alterations and cognitive dysfunctions in offspring and in humans, an association between PE and conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and sexual dimorphism has been observed. Considering the relevance for mothers and children, we conducted a narrative literature review to describe the relationships between the pathophysiological mechanisms behind neurodevelopmental alterations in the offspring of PE mothers, along with their potential consequences. Furthermore, we emphasize aspects pertinent to the prevention/treatment of PE in pregnant mothers and alterations observed in their offspring. The present narrative review offers a current, complete, and exhaustive analysis of (i) the pathophysiological mechanisms that can affect neurodevelopment in the children of PE mothers, (ii) the relationship between PE and neurological alterations in offspring, and (iii) the prevention/treatment of PE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea González-Rojas
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias Aplicadas, Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Avenida Brasil 2950, Valparaíso 2340025, Chile;
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tsompanidis A, Blanken L, Broere-Brown ZA, van Rijn BB, Baron-Cohen S, Tiemeier H. Sex differences in placenta-derived markers and later autistic traits in children. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:256. [PMID: 37443170 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02552-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism is more prevalent in males and males on average score higher on measures of autistic traits. Placental function is affected significantly by the sex of the fetus. It is unclear if sex differences in placental function are associated with sex differences in the occurrence of autistic traits postnatally. To assess this, concentrations of angiogenesis-related markers, placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFlt-1) were assessed in maternal plasma of expectant women in the late 1st (mean= 13.5 [SD = 2.0] weeks gestation) and 2nd trimesters (mean=20.6 [SD = 1.2] weeks gestation), as part of the Generation R Study, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Subsequent assessment of autistic traits in the offspring at age 6 was performed with the 18-item version of the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). Associations of placental protein concentrations with autistic traits were tested in sex-stratified and cohort-wide regression models. Cases with pregnancy complications or a later autism diagnosis (n = 64) were also assessed for differences in placenta-derived markers. sFlt-1 levels were significantly lower in males in both trimesters but showed no association with autistic traits. PlGF was significantly lower in male pregnancies in the 1st trimester, and significantly higher in the 2nd trimester, compared to female pregnancies. Higher PlGF levels in the 2nd trimester and the rate of PlGF increase were both associated with the occurrence of higher autistic traits (PlGF-2nd: n = 3469,b = 0.24 [SE = 0.11], p = 0.03) in both unadjusted and adjusted linear regression models that controlled for age, sex, placental weight and maternal characteristics. Mediation analyses showed that higher autistic traits in males compared to females were partly explained by higher PlGF or a faster rate of PlGF increase in the second trimester (PlGF-2nd: n = 3469, ACME: b = 0.005, [SE = 0.002], p = 0.004). In conclusion, higher PlGF levels in the 2nd trimester and a higher rate of PlGF increase are associated with both being male, and with a higher number of autistic traits in the general population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Tsompanidis
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - L Blanken
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Z A Broere-Brown
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - B B van Rijn
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - H Tiemeier
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bongers-Karmaoui MN, Jaddoe VW, Roest AA, Helbing WA, Steegers EA, Gaillard R. Associations of maternal angiogenic factors during pregnancy with alterations in cardiac development in childhood at 10 years of age. Am Heart J 2022; 247:100-111. [PMID: 35123935 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2022.01.016] [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: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM To examine whether maternal angiogenic factors in the first half of pregnancy are associated with offspring left and right cardiac development. METHODS In a population-based prospective cohort among 2,415 women and their offspring, maternal first and second trimester plasma PlGF and sFlt-1 concentrations were measured. Cardiac MRI was performed in their offspring at 10 years. RESULTS Maternal angiogenic factors were not associated with childhood cardiac outcomes in the total population. In children born small-for-their-gestational-age, higher maternal first trimester PlGF concentrations were associated with a lower childhood left ventricular mass (-0.24 SDS [95%CI -0.42, -0.05 per SDS increase in maternal PlGF]), whereas higher sFlt-1 concentrations were associated with higher childhood left ventricular mass (0.22 SDS [95%CI 0.09, 0.34 per SDS increase in maternal sFlt-1]). Higher second trimester maternal sFlt-1 concentrations were also associated with higher childhood left ventricular mass (P-value <.05). In preterm born children, higher maternal first and second trimester sFlt-1/PlGF ratio were associated with higher childhood left ventricular mass (0.30 SDS [95%CI 0.01, 0.60], 0.22 SDS [95%CI -0.03, 0.40]) per SDS increase in maternal sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in first and second trimester respectively). No effects on other childhood cardiac outcomes were present within these higher-risk children. CONCLUSIONS In a low-risk population, maternal angiogenic factors are not associated with childhood cardiac ventricular structure, and function within the normal range. In children born small for their gestational age or preterm, an imbalance in maternal angiogenic factors in the first half of pregnancy was associated with higher childhood left ventricular mass only.
Collapse
|
4
|
Kim YR, Kim N, Ahn EH, Jung SH, Park G, Jung I, Cho HY. The association of maternal serum biomarkers and birth weight in twin pregnancy: a retrospective cohort study. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2022; 42:1793-1798. [DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2022.2039904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Young Ran Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Bundang Medical Center CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Nari Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Bundang Medical Center CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Eun Hee Ahn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Bundang Medical Center CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Sang Hee Jung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Bundang Medical Center CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Goeun Park
- Department of Biomedical Systems Informatics, Division of Biostatistics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Inkyung Jung
- Department of Biomedical Systems Informatics, Division of Biostatistics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee Young Cho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Gangnam Medical Center CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hettfleisch K, Carvalho MA, Hoshida MS, Pastro LDM, Saldiva SRDM, Vieira SE, Francisco RPV, Saldiva PHN, Bernardes LS. Individual exposure to urban air pollution and its correlation with placental angiogenic markers in the first trimester of pregnancy, in São Paulo, Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:28658-28665. [PMID: 33544347 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-12353-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Pollution of the atmosphere is known that may lead to adverse obstetric outcomes, including fetal growth restriction, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia. Such disorders are correlated with imbalances in angiogenic factors, which may also be involved in the pathological mechanism as the pollutants impact placental and maternal physiology. In the first trimester of gestation, this study assessed the outcomes of personal maternal short period exposure to air pollution on soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1) and placental growth factor (PLGF) of pregnant women blood concentrations. This was a cross-sectional study, held in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, and conducted with low-risk pregnant women, who carried personal passive nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3) monitors for about a few days preceding the ultrasound evaluation, and on this day, the venous blood sample was collected to measure the angiogenic factors sFlt1 and PLGF and their ratio (sFlt1/PLGF) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). By means of multiple regression models, the effect of the studied pollutants on the log-transformed concentrations of the angiogenic factors was evaluated. One hundred thirty-one patients were included. The log of the sFlt1/PLGF ratio increased with rising NO2 levels (p = 0.021 and beta = 0.206), and the log of the PLGF concentration showed a negative correlation with NO2 (p = 0.008 and beta = - 0.234). NO2, an indicator of the levels of primary air pollutants, presented significant positive correlation with an increased sFlt1/PLGF ratio and diminished PLGF levels, which may reflect an antiangiogenic state generated by air pollution exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Hettfleisch
- Disciplina de Obstetricia, Departamento de Obstetricia e Ginecologia, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana Azevedo Carvalho
- Divisao de Clinica Obstetrica, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mara Sandra Hoshida
- LIM 57 Laboratorio de Fisiologia Obstetrica, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciana Duzolina Manfré Pastro
- Disciplina de Obstetricia, Departamento de Obstetricia e Ginecologia, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Sandra Elisabete Vieira
- Departamento de Pediatria, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rossana Pulcineli Vieira Francisco
- Disciplina de Obstetricia, Departamento de Obstetricia e Ginecologia, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Lisandra Stein Bernardes
- Disciplina de Obstetricia, Departamento de Obstetricia e Ginecologia, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Maternal Obesity and Risk of Low Birth Weight, Fetal Growth Restriction, and Macrosomia: Multiple Analyses. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13041213. [PMID: 33916963 PMCID: PMC8067544 DOI: 10.3390/nu13041213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The associations between maternal pre-pregnancy obesity and low birth weight (LBW, <2500 g) remain inconclusive. Therefore, birth weight in a Polish prospective cohort of 912 mothers was investigated depending on the pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). The whole cohort and the subgroup of gestational weight gain (GWG) in the range of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations, as well as 'healthy' women (who did not develop diabetes or hypertension in this pregnancy) were investigated. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) of the newborn outcomes (with 95% confidence intervals, CI) for obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) vs. normal BMI (18.5-24.9 kg/m2) were calculated using multiple logistic regression. Risk profiles (in the Lowess method) were presented for BMI values (kg/m2) and threshold BMI values were calculated. (1) In the cohort, LBW affected 6.6% of pregnancies, fetal growth restriction (FGR) 2.3%, and macrosomia 10.6%. (2) The adjusted risk of macrosomia was more than three-fold higher for obesity compared to normal BMI in the whole cohort (AOR = 3.21 (1.69-6.1), p < 0.001) and the result was maintained in the subgroups. A 17-fold higher adjusted LBW risk for obesity was found (AOR = 17.42 (1.5-202.6), p = 0.022), but only in the normal GWG subgroup. The FGR risk profile was U-shaped: in the entire cohort, the risk was more than three times higher for obesity (AOR = 3.12 (1.02-9.54), p = 0.045) and underweight (AOR = 3.84 (1.13-13.0), p = 0.031). (3) The risk profiles showed that the highest BMI values were found to be associated with a higher risk of these three newborn outcomes and the threshold BMI was 23.7 kg/m2 for macrosomia, 26.2 kg/m2 for LBW, and 31.8 kg/m2 for FGR. These results confirm the multidirectional effects of obesity on fetal growth (low birth weight, fetal growth restriction, and macrosomia). The results for LBW were heavily masked by the effects of abnormal gestational weight gain.
Collapse
|
7
|
Kay VR, Rätsep MT, Figueiró-Filho EA, Croy BA. Preeclampsia may influence offspring neuroanatomy and cognitive function: a role for placental growth factor†. Biol Reprod 2020; 101:271-283. [PMID: 31175349 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a common pregnancy complication affecting 3-5% of women. Preeclampsia is diagnosed clinically as new-onset hypertension with associated end organ damage after 20 weeks of gestation. Despite being diagnosed as a maternal syndrome, fetal experience of PE is a developmental insult with lifelong cognitive consequences. These cognitive alterations are associated with distorted neuroanatomy and cerebrovasculature, including a higher risk of stroke. The pathophysiology of a PE pregnancy is complex, with many factors potentially able to affect fetal development. Deficient pro-angiogenic factor expression is one aspect that may impair fetal vascularization, alter brain structure, and affect future cognition. Of the pro-angiogenic growth factors, placental growth factor (PGF) is strongly linked to PE. Concentrations of PGF are inappropriately low in maternal blood both before and during a PE gestation. Fetal concentrations of PGF appear to mirror maternal circulating concentrations. Using Pgf-/- mice that may model effects of PE on offspring, we demonstrated altered central nervous system vascularization, neuroanatomy, and behavior. Overall, we propose that development of the fetal brain is impaired in PE, making the offspring of preeclamptic pregnancies a unique cohort with greater risk of altered cognition and cerebrovasculature. These individuals may benefit from early interventions, either pharmacological or environmental. The early neonatal period may be a promising window for intervention while the developing brain retains plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa R Kay
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew T Rätsep
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - B Anne Croy
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sautreuil C, Laquerrière A, Lecuyer M, Brasse-Lagnel C, Jégou S, Bekri S, Marcorelles P, Gil S, Marret S, Gonzalez BJ. [Fetal alcohol exposure: when placenta would help to the early diagnosis of child brain impairments]. Med Sci (Paris) 2019; 35:859-865. [PMID: 31845877 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2019167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy constitutes a major cause of neurodevelopmental and behavioral disabilities. Whereas it is possible for clinicians to establish a perinatal diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome, the more severe expression of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), most FASD children are late or mis-diagnosed due to a lack of clear morphological and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Several precious years of care are consequently lost. Recent data revealed a functional placenta-brain axis involved in the control of the fetal brain angiogenesis which is impaired by in utero alcohol exposure. Because in the developing fetal brain a correct angiogenesis is required for a correct neurodevelopment, these preclinical and clinical advances pave the way for a new generation of placental biomarkers for early diagnosis of FASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camille Sautreuil
- Inserm U1245, Équipe 4, Rouen Université, Normandie Université, Rouen, France
| | - Annie Laquerrière
- Inserm U1245, Équipe 4, Rouen Université, Normandie Université, Rouen, France - Service de Pathologie, Hôpital Charles-Nicolle, CHU de Rouen, France
| | - Matthieu Lecuyer
- Inserm U1245, Équipe 4, Rouen Université, Normandie Université, Rouen, France
| | | | - Sylvie Jégou
- Inserm U1245, Équipe 4, Rouen Université, Normandie Université, Rouen, France
| | - Soumeya Bekri
- Inserm U1245, Équipe 4, Rouen Université, Normandie Université, Rouen, France - Service de Biochimie métabolique, Hôpital Charles-Nicolle, CHU de Rouen, France
| | | | - Sophie Gil
- Inserm UMR-S1139, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Fondation PremUp, Paris, France
| | - Stéphane Marret
- Inserm U1245, Équipe 4, Rouen Université, Normandie Université, Rouen, France - Service de Pédiatrie Néonatale et Réanimation, Neuropédiatrie, Camsp, Hôpital Charles-Nicolle, CHU de Rouen, 37 boulevard Gambetta, 76000 Rouen, France
| | - Bruno J Gonzalez
- Inserm U1245, Équipe 4, Rouen Université, Normandie Université, Rouen, France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Adult Pgf -/- mice behaviour and neuroanatomy are altered by neonatal treatment with recombinant placental growth factor. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9285. [PMID: 31243296 PMCID: PMC6594955 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45824-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Offspring of preeclamptic pregnancies have cognitive alterations. Placental growth factor (PGF), is low in preeclampsia; reduced levels may affect brain development. PGF-null mice differ from normal congenic controls in cerebrovasculature, neuroanatomy and behavior. Using brain imaging and behavioral testing, we asked whether developmentally asynchronous (i.e. neonatal) PGF supplementation alters the vascular, neuroanatomic and/or behavioral status of Pgf−/− mice at adulthood. C57BL/6-Pgf−/− pups were treated intraperitoneally on postnatal days 1–10 with vehicle or PGF at 10 pg/g, 70 pg/g or 700 pg/g. These mice underwent behavioral testing and perfusion for MRI and analysis of retinal vasculature. A second cohort of vehicle- or PGF-treated mice was perfused for micro-CT imaging. 10 pg/g PGF-treated mice exhibited less locomotor activity and greater anxiety-like behavior relative to vehicle-treated mice. Depressive-like behavior showed a sex-specific, dose-dependent decrease and was lowest in 700 pg/g PGF-treated females relative to vehicle-treated females. Spatial learning did not differ. MRI revealed smaller volume of three structures in the 10 pg/g group, larger volume of seven structures in the 70 pg/g group and smaller volume of one structure in the 700 pg/g group. No cerebral or retinal vascular differences were detected. Overall, neonatal PGF replacement altered behavior and neuroanatomy of adult Pgf−/− mice.
Collapse
|
10
|
In utero sFlt-1 exposure differentially affects gene expression patterns in fetal liver. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2019; 10:353-361. [PMID: 30968813 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174418000831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase factor 1 (sFlt-1) is a major contributor to antiangiogenesis during preeclampsia. However, little is known about the effects of sFlt-1 on fetal health. In this study we aim to evaluate the effects of the sFlt-1 concentration during pregnancy on fetal liver physiology. We used adenoviral gene delivery in Sprague-Dawley dams (seven females, 10 weeks old) during mid-gestation (gestational day 8) with adenovirus overexpressing sFlt-1, and age-matched controls (six females, 10 weeks old) with empty adenoviral virus in order to quantify the sFlt-1 concentrations in pregnant dams. Dams exposed to adenoviral sFlt-1 delivery were subdivided into a low (n=4) and high sFlt-1 (n=3) group based on host response to the virus. One-way analysis of variance showed that fetuses (five per dam) exposed to high sFlt-1 concentrations in utero show fetal growth restriction (1.84±0.043 g high sFlt-1 v. 2.32±0.036 g control; mean (M)±s.e.m.; P<0.001), without hypertension or proteinuria in the dams. In continuation, the microarray analysis of the fetal liver of the high sFlt-1 group showed significant enrichment of key genes for fatty acid metabolism and Ppara targets. In addition, using pyrosequencing, we found that the Ppara enrichment in the high sFlt-1 group is accompanied by decreased methylation of its promoter (1.89±0.097 mean % methylation in high sFlt-1 v. 2.26±0.095 mean % methylation in control, M±s.e.m., P<0.02). Our data show that high sFlt-1 concentrations during pregnancy have detrimental effects on the fatty acid metabolism genes and the Ppara targets in the fetal liver.
Collapse
|
11
|
Lara E, Acurio J, Leon J, Penny J, Torres-Vergara P, Escudero C. Are the Cognitive Alterations Present in Children Born From Preeclamptic Pregnancies the Result of Impaired Angiogenesis? Focus on the Potential Role of the VEGF Family. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1591. [PMID: 30487752 PMCID: PMC6246680 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence from clinical studies has proposed that children born from preeclamptic women have a higher risk of suffering neurological, psychological, or behavioral alterations. However, to date, the mechanisms behind these outcomes are poorly understood. Here, we speculate that the neurodevelopmental alterations in the children of preeclamptic pregnancies result from impaired angiogenesis. The pro-angiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PlGF) are key regulators of both vascular and neurological development, and it has been widely demonstrated that umbilical blood of preeclamptic pregnancies contains high levels of soluble VEGF receptor type 1 (sFlt-1), a decoy receptor of VEGF. As a consequence, this anti-angiogenic state could lead to long-lasting neurological outcomes. In this non-systematic review, we propose that alterations in the circulating concentrations of VEGF, PlGF, and sFlt-1 in preeclamptic pregnancies will affect both fetal cerebrovascular function and neurodevelopment, which in turn may cause cognitive alterations in post-natal life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Lara
- Vascular Physiology Laboratory, Group of Investigation in Tumor Angiogenesis (LFV-GIANT), Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad del Bío-Bío, Chillán, Chile.,Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health (GRIVAS Health), Chillán, Chile
| | - Jesenia Acurio
- Vascular Physiology Laboratory, Group of Investigation in Tumor Angiogenesis (LFV-GIANT), Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad del Bío-Bío, Chillán, Chile.,Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health (GRIVAS Health), Chillán, Chile
| | - José Leon
- Vascular Physiology Laboratory, Group of Investigation in Tumor Angiogenesis (LFV-GIANT), Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad del Bío-Bío, Chillán, Chile.,Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health (GRIVAS Health), Chillán, Chile
| | - Jeffrey Penny
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Pablo Torres-Vergara
- Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health (GRIVAS Health), Chillán, Chile.,Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Carlos Escudero
- Vascular Physiology Laboratory, Group of Investigation in Tumor Angiogenesis (LFV-GIANT), Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad del Bío-Bío, Chillán, Chile.,Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health (GRIVAS Health), Chillán, Chile.,Red Iberoamericana de alteraciones Vasculares Asociadas a TRastornos del EMbarazo (RIVA-TREM), Chillán, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kay VR, Rätsep MT, Cahill LS, Hickman AF, Zavan B, Newport ME, Ellegood J, Laliberte CL, Reynolds JN, Carmeliet P, Tayade C, Sled JG, Croy BA. Effects of placental growth factor deficiency on behavior, neuroanatomy, and cerebrovasculature of mice. Physiol Genomics 2018; 50:862-875. [PMID: 30118404 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00076.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia, a hypertensive syndrome occurring in 3-5% of human pregnancies, has lifelong health consequences for fetuses. Cognitive ability throughout life is altered, and adult stroke risk is increased. One potential etiological factor for altered brain development is low concentrations of proangiogenic placental growth factor (PGF). Impaired PGF production may promote an antiangiogenic fetal environment during neural and cerebrovascular development. We previously reported delayed vascularization of the hindbrain, altered retinal vascular organization, and less connectivity in the circle of Willis in Pgf-/- mice. We hypothesized Pgf-/- mice would have impaired cognition and altered brain neuroanatomy in addition to compromised cerebrovasculature. Cognitive behavior was assessed in adult Pgf-/- and Pgf+/+ mice by four paradigms followed by postmortem high-resolution MRI of neuroanatomy. X-ray microcomputed tomography imaging investigated the three-dimensional cerebrovascular geometry in another cohort. Pgf-/- mice exhibited poorer spatial memory, less depressive-like behavior, and superior recognition of novel objects. Significantly smaller volumes of 10 structures were detected in the Pgf-/- compared with Pgf+/+ brain. Pgf-/- brain had more total blood vessel segments in the small-diameter range. Lack of PGF altered cognitive functions, brain neuroanatomy, and cerebrovasculature in mice. Pgf-/- mice may be a preclinical model for the offspring effects of low-PGF preeclampsia gestation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa R Kay
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University , Kingston, Ontario , Canada
| | - Matthew T Rätsep
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University , Kingston, Ontario , Canada
| | - Lindsay S Cahill
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children , Toronto, Ontario , Canada
| | - Andrew F Hickman
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University , Kingston, Ontario , Canada
| | - Bruno Zavan
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University , Kingston, Ontario , Canada.,Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL), Alfenas, Minas Gerais , Brazil
| | - Margaret E Newport
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University , Kingston, Ontario , Canada
| | - Jacob Ellegood
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children , Toronto, Ontario , Canada
| | | | - James N Reynolds
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University , Kingston, Ontario , Canada
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, VIB - Vesalius Research Center, University of Leuven, Department of Oncology , Leuven , Belgium
| | - Chandrakant Tayade
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University , Kingston, Ontario , Canada
| | - John G Sled
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children , Toronto, Ontario , Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto , Ontario , Canada
| | - B Anne Croy
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University , Kingston, Ontario , Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sherrell H, Dunn L, Clifton V, Kumar S. Systematic review of maternal Placental Growth Factor levels in late pregnancy as a predictor of adverse intrapartum and perinatal outcomes. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2018; 225:26-34. [PMID: 29631209 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2018.03.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
AIM This systematic review evaluates the utility of maternal Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) when measured in late pregnancy (>20 weeks) as a predictor of adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes. METHODS Pubmed and Embase were searched using the term "placental growth factor" in combination with relevant perinatal outcomes. Studies were included if they measured PlGF levels in pregnant women after 20 + 0 weeks gestation and reported relevant adverse obstetric or perinatal outcomes related to placental insufficiency (excluding pre-eclampsia). RESULTS Twenty-six studies were eligible for inclusion with 21 studies investigating the relationship between PlGF and small for gestational age (SGA) and 7 studies investigating PlGF for the prediction of other adverse perinatal outcomes. In all studies, maternal PlGF levels were significantly lower in the SGA group compared to controls. Other outcomes investigated included caesarean section (CS) for fetal compromise, low Apgar score, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, neonatal acidosis, stillbirth, and intrapartum fetal compromise. The results generally showed a significant association between low PlGF levels and CS for fetal compromise, NICU admission and stillbirth. CONCLUSION Low maternal PlGF levels in late pregnancy are strongly associated with SGA. Findings across studies were variable in relation to PlGF and the prediction of other adverse intrapartum and perinatal outcomes, however there was a consistent association between low PlGF levels and CS for fetal compromise, NICU admission and stillbirth. This review suggests that the use of PlGF for the prediction of adverse outcomes is promising. Its predictive value may potentially be enhanced if used in combination with other biomarkers or biophysical measures of fetal well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen Sherrell
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Level 3 Aubigny Place, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, Queensland, QLD 4101, Australia
| | - Liam Dunn
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Level 3 Aubigny Place, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, Queensland, QLD 4101, Australia
| | - Vicki Clifton
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Level 3 Aubigny Place, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, Queensland, QLD 4101, Australia
| | - Sailesh Kumar
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Level 3 Aubigny Place, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, Queensland, QLD 4101, Australia; Mater Mothers' Hospital, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, Queensland, QLD 4101, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zbucka-Kretowska M, Kuzmicki M, Telejko B, Goscik J, Ciborowski M, Lipinska D, Hryniewicka J, Citko A, Lawicki S, Wolczynski S. First-trimester irisin and fetuin-A concentration in predicting macrosomia. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2018; 32:2868-2873. [PMID: 29562796 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2018.1450859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Objective: We investigated the diagnostic value of first-trimester adipokines and placental markers in predicting macrosomia. Methods: Out of 328 women recruited during the prenatal diagnosis between 11th and 13th week of pregnancy and subjected to follow up until delivery, we selected 26 women who gave birth to macrosomic babies and 34 women who gave birth to normal weight neonates for the evaluation of first trimester serum levels of pregnancy associated plasma protein-A, free β-human chorionic gonadotropin, placental growth factor (PIGF), and selected adipokines. Results: The mothers of macrosomic infants had higher PIGF (p = .049) and irisin concentrations (p = .00003), and lower fetuin-A levels (p = .0002) than had the mothers of normal weight babies. Newborn's weight correlated positively with maternal irisin (R = 0.454, p = .0003) and negatively with fetuin-A concentrations (R = -0.497, p = .00005). Multiple regression analysis showed that only serum irisin concentration was a significant predictor of birth weight (β = 0.329, p = .03), explaining 14% of its variability. The sensitivity and the specificity of irisin concentration in predicting macrosomia were 0.769 and 0.794, respectively (AUC = 0.818 [95%CI: 0.708-0.928], p = .00001) with a proposed cut-off value of 1725.4 ng/ml. Conclusions: Our results suggest that mother's irisin may be an early biomarker of macrosomia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Zbucka-Kretowska
- a Department of Reproduction and Gynecological Endocrinology , Medical University of Bialystok , Bialystok , Poland
| | - Mariusz Kuzmicki
- b Department of Gynaecology and Gynecological Oncology , Medical University of Bialystok , Bialystok , Poland
| | - Beata Telejko
- c Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Internal Medicine , Medical University of Bialystok , Bialystok , Poland
| | - Joanna Goscik
- d Department of Software Engineering, Faculty of Computer Science , University of Technology Bialystok , Bialystok , Poland
| | - Michal Ciborowski
- e Clinical Research Centre , Medical University of Bialystok , Bialystok , Poland
| | - Danuta Lipinska
- c Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Internal Medicine , Medical University of Bialystok , Bialystok , Poland
| | - Justyna Hryniewicka
- c Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Internal Medicine , Medical University of Bialystok , Bialystok , Poland
| | - Anna Citko
- e Clinical Research Centre , Medical University of Bialystok , Bialystok , Poland
| | - Slawomir Lawicki
- f Department of Biochemical Diagnostics , Medical University of Bialystok , Bialystok , Poland
| | - Slawomir Wolczynski
- a Department of Reproduction and Gynecological Endocrinology , Medical University of Bialystok , Bialystok , Poland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Gaccioli F, Aye ILMH, Sovio U, Charnock-Jones DS, Smith GCS. Screening for fetal growth restriction using fetal biometry combined with maternal biomarkers. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2018; 218:S725-S737. [PMID: 29275822 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2017.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction is a major determinant of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Screening for fetal growth restriction is a key element of prenatal care but it is recognized to be problematic. Screening using clinical risk assessment and targeting ultrasound to high-risk women is the standard of care in the United States and United Kingdom, but the approach is known to have low sensitivity. Systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials do not demonstrate any benefit from universal ultrasound screening for fetal growth restriction in the third trimester, but the evidence base is not strong. Implementation of universal ultrasound screening in low-risk women in France failed to reduce the risk of complications among small-for-gestational-age infants but did appear to cause iatrogenic harm to false positives. One strategy to making progress is to improve screening by developing more sensitive and specific tests with the key goal of differentiating between healthy small fetuses and those that are small through fetal growth restriction. As abnormal placentation is thought to be the major cause of fetal growth restriction, one approach is to combine fetal biometry with an indicator of placental dysfunction. In the past, these indicators were generally ultrasonic measurements, such as Doppler flow velocimetry of the uteroplacental circulation. However, another promising approach is to combine ultrasonic suspicion of small-for-gestational-age infant with a blood test indicating placental dysfunction. Thus far, much of the research on maternal serum biomarkers for fetal growth restriction has involved the secondary analysis of tests performed for other indications, such as fetal aneuploidies. An exemplar of this is pregnancy-associated plasma protein A. This blood test is performed primarily to assess the risk of Down syndrome, but women with low first-trimester levels are now serially scanned in later pregnancy due to associations with placental causes of stillbirth, including fetal growth restriction. The development of "omic" technologies presents a huge opportunity to identify novel biomarkers for fetal growth restriction. The hope is that when such markers are measured alongside ultrasonic fetal biometry, the combination would have strong predictive power for fetal growth restriction and its related complications. However, a series of important methodological considerations in assessing the diagnostic effectiveness of new tests will have to be addressed. The challenge thereafter will be to identify novel disease-modifying interventions, which are the essential partner to an effective screening test to achieve clinically effective population-based screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gaccioli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Comprehensive Biomedical Research Center, and Center for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Irving L M H Aye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Comprehensive Biomedical Research Center, and Center for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ulla Sovio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Comprehensive Biomedical Research Center, and Center for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - D Stephen Charnock-Jones
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Comprehensive Biomedical Research Center, and Center for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon C S Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Comprehensive Biomedical Research Center, and Center for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Furuta I, Umazume T, Kojima T, Chiba K, Nakagawa K, Hosokawa A, Ishikawa S, Yamada T, Morikawa M, Minakami H. Serum placental growth factor and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 at mid-gestation in healthy women: Association with small-for-gestational-age neonates. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2017; 43:1152-1158. [DOI: 10.1111/jog.13340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Itsuko Furuta
- Department of Obstetrics; Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine; Sapporo Hokkaido Japan
| | - Takeshi Umazume
- Department of Obstetrics; Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine; Sapporo Hokkaido Japan
| | - Takashi Kojima
- Department of Obstetrics; Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine; Sapporo Hokkaido Japan
| | - Kentaro Chiba
- Department of Obstetrics; Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine; Sapporo Hokkaido Japan
| | - Kinuko Nakagawa
- Department of Obstetrics; Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine; Sapporo Hokkaido Japan
| | - Ami Hosokawa
- Department of Obstetrics; Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine; Sapporo Hokkaido Japan
| | - Satoshi Ishikawa
- Department of Obstetrics; Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine; Sapporo Hokkaido Japan
| | - Takahiro Yamada
- Department of Obstetrics; Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine; Sapporo Hokkaido Japan
| | - Mamoru Morikawa
- Department of Obstetrics; Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine; Sapporo Hokkaido Japan
| | - Hisanori Minakami
- Department of Obstetrics; Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine; Sapporo Hokkaido Japan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Howell KR, Powell TL. Effects of maternal obesity on placental function and fetal development. Reproduction 2016; 153:R97-R108. [PMID: 27864335 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions, and pregnancies in obese mothers have increased risk for complications including gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, pre-term birth and caesarian section. Children born to obese mothers are at increased risk of obesity and metabolic disease and are susceptible to develop neuropsychiatric and cognitive disorders. Changes in placental function not only play a critical role in the development of pregnancy complications but may also be involved in linking maternal obesity to long-term health risks in the infant. Maternal adipokines, i.e., interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), leptin and adiponectin link maternal nutritional status and adipose tissue metabolism to placental function. Adipokines and metabolic hormones have direct impact on placental function by modulating placental nutrient transport. Nutrient delivery to the fetus is regulated by a complex interaction including insulin signaling, cytokine profile and insulin responsiveness, which is modulated by adiponectin and IL-1β. In addition, obese pregnant women are at risk for hypertension and preeclampsia with reduced placental vascularity and blood flow, which would restrict placental nutrient delivery to the developing fetus. These sometimes opposing signals regulating placental function may contribute to the diversity of short and long-term outcomes observed in pregnant obese women. This review focuses on the changes in adipokines and obesity-related metabolic hormones, how these factors influence placental function and fetal development to contribute to long-term metabolic and behavioral consequences of children born to obese mothers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristy R Howell
- Departments of PsychiatryObstetrics/Gynecology and Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Departments of PsychiatryObstetrics/Gynecology and Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wijnands K, van Uitert E, Roeters van Lennep J, Koning A, Mulders A, Laven J, Steegers E, Steegers-Theunissen R. The periconception maternal cardiovascular risk profile influences human embryonic growth trajectories in IVF/ICSI pregnancies. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:1173-81. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
|
19
|
Su EJ. Role of the fetoplacental endothelium in fetal growth restriction with abnormal umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2015; 213:S123-30. [PMID: 26428491 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.06.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Revised: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Growth-restricted fetuses with absent or reversed end-diastolic velocities in the umbilical artery are at substantially increased risk for adverse perinatal and long-term outcome, even in comparison to growth-restricted fetuses with preserved end-diastolic velocities. Translational studies show that this Doppler velocimetry correlates with fetoplacental blood flow, with absent or reversed end-diastolic velocities signifying abnormally elevated resistance within the placental vasculature. The fetoplacental vasculature is unique in that it is not subject to autonomic regulation, unlike other vascular beds. Instead, humoral mediators, many of which are synthesized by local endothelial cells, regulate placental vascular resistance. Existing data demonstrate that in growth-restricted pregnancies complicated by absent or reversed umbilical artery end-diastolic velocities, an imbalance in production of these vasoactive substances occurs, favoring vasoconstriction. Morphologically, placentas from these pregnancies also demonstrate impaired angiogenesis, whereby vessels within the terminal villi are sparsely branched, abnormally thin, and elongated. This structural deviation from normal placental angiogenesis restricts blood flow and further contributes to elevated fetoplacental vascular resistance. Although considerable work has been done in the field of fetoplacental vascular development and function, much remains unknown about the mechanisms underlying impaired development and function of the human fetoplacental vasculature, especially in the context of severe fetal growth restriction with absent or reversed umbilical artery end-diastolic velocities. Fetoplacental endothelial cells are key regulators of angiogenesis and vasomotor tone. A thorough understanding of their role in placental vascular biology carries the significant potential of discovering clinically relevant and innovative approaches to prevention and treatment of fetal growth restriction with compromised umbilical artery end-diastolic velocities.
Collapse
|
20
|
Bautista Niño PK, Tielemans MJ, Schalekamp-Timmermans S, Steenweg-de Graaff J, Hofman A, Tiemeier H, Jaddoe VW, Steegers EAP, Felix JF, Franco OH. Maternal fish consumption, fatty acid levels and angiogenic factors: The Generation R Study. Placenta 2015; 36:1178-84. [PMID: 26278058 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2015.07.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2015] [Revised: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Angiogenic factors, such as placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble Flt-1 (sFlt-1), are key regulators of placental vascular development. Evidence from in vitro studies indicates that fatty acids can affect angiogenesis. We investigated the associations of maternal fish consumption and fatty acids levels with angiogenic factors during pregnancy, and in cord blood in a large population-based prospective cohort. METHODS First trimester fish consumption was assessed among 3134 pregnant women using a food-frequency questionnaire. Plasma fatty acid levels were measured in second trimester. Plasma PlGF and sFlt-1 were measured in first and second trimester and in cord blood. Associations of fish consumption or fatty acid levels with angiogenic factors were assessed by multivariable linear regression analyses. RESULTS There were no consistent associations of total fish or lean fish consumption with levels of PlGF, sFlt-1, or sFlt-1/PlGF ratio. Neither fatty fish nor shellfish were associated with angiogenic factors. Plasma omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are the main type of fatty acids in fish, were inconsistently associated with angiogenic factors in second trimester and cord blood. Yet, higher levels of arachidonic acid, an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid, were associated with lower levels of PlGF and sFlt-1. DISCUSSION We found no consistent associations of fish consumption or fatty acids levels with angiogenic factors in a population with low fish consumption. Studies including populations with higher fish consumption are required to fully grasp the potential effects of maternal fish consumption on placental angiogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula K Bautista Niño
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Myrte J Tielemans
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jolien Steenweg-de Graaff
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Albert Hofman
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henning Tiemeier
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent W Jaddoe
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands; The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Paediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eric A P Steegers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Janine F Felix
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands; The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Paediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Oscar H Franco
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|