1
|
Cheung SWY, Chamley LW, Barrett CJ, Lau SYS. Extracellular vesicles and their effect on vascular haemodynamics: a systematic review. Hypertens Res 2024; 47:1588-1606. [PMID: 38600279 PMCID: PMC11150158 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-024-01659-x] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released from all cell types studied to date and act as intercellular communicators containing proteins, nucleic acids and lipid cargos. They have been shown to be involved in maintaining homoeostasis as well as playing a role in the development of pathology including hypertension and cardiovascular disease. It is estimated that there is 109-1010 circulating EVs/mL in the plasma of healthy individuals derived from various sources. While the effect of EVs on vascular haemodynamic parameters will be dependent on the details of the model studied, we systematically searched and summarized current literature to find patterns in how exogenously injected EVs affected vascular haemodynamics. Under homoeostatic conditions, evidence from wire and pressure myography data demonstrate that injecting isolated EVs derived from cell types found in blood and blood vessels resulted in the impairment of vasodilation in blood vessels ex vivo. Impaired vasodilation was also observed in rodents receiving intravenous injections of human plasma EVs from cardiovascular diseases including valvular heart disease, acute coronary syndrome, myocardial infarction and end stage renal disease. When EVs were derived from models of metabolic syndromes, such as diabetes, these EVs enhanced vasoconstriction responses in blood vessels ex vivo. There were fewer publications that assessed the effect of EVs in anaesthetised or conscious animals to confirm whether effects on the vasculature observed in ex vivo studies translated into alterations in vascular haemodynamics in vivo. In the available conscious animal studies, the in vivo data did not always align with the ex vivo data. This highlights the importance of in vivo work to determine the effects of EVs on the integrative vascular haemodynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon W Y Cheung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lawrence W Chamley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Hub for Extracellular Vesicle Investigations, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Carolyn J Barrett
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sien Yee S Lau
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Graf I, Urbschat C, Arck PC. The 'communicatome' of pregnancy: spotlight on cellular and extravesicular chimerism. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:700-714. [PMID: 38467841 PMCID: PMC11018796 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00045-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Communication via biological mediators between mother and fetus are key to reproductive success and offspring's future health. The repertoire of mediators coding signals between mother and fetus is broad and includes soluble factors, membrane-bound particles and immune as well as non-immune cells. Based on the emergence of technological advancements over the last years, considerable progress has been made toward deciphering the "communicatome" between fetus and mother during pregnancy and even after birth. In this context, pregnancy-associated chimerism has sparked the attention among immunologists, since chimeric cells-although low in number-are maintained in the allogeneic host (mother or fetus) for years after birth. Other non-cellular structures of chimerism, e.g. extracellular vesicles (EVs), are increasingly recognized as modulators of pregnancy outcome and offspring's health. We here discuss the origin, distribution and function of pregnancy-acquired microchimerism and chimeric EVs in mother and offspring. We also highlight the pioneering concept of maternal microchimeric cell-derived EVs in offspring. Such insights expand the understanding of pregnancy-associated health or disease risks in mother and offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Graf
- Division of Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christopher Urbschat
- Division of Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Petra C Arck
- Division of Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Feng Y, Lau S, Chen Q, Oyston C, Groom K, Barrett CJ, Chamley LW. Normotensive placental extracellular vesicles provide long-term protection against hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023:S0002-9378(23)02189-0. [PMID: 38158074 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women with normotensive pregnancy are at a reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease postpartum compared with those who experience hypertensive conditions during pregnancy. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. During normotensive pregnancy, vast numbers of placental extracellular vesicles are released into the maternal circulation, which protect endothelial cells from activation and alter maternal vascular tone. We hypothesized that placental extracellular vesicles play a mechanistic role in lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease following normotensive pregnancy. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of placental extracellular vesicles derived from normotensive term placentae on the cardiovascular system and explore the mechanisms underlying their biological effects. STUDY DESIGN Spontaneously hypertensive rats were injected with placental extracellular vesicles from normotensive term pregnancies (2 mg/kg each time, n=8) or vehicle control (n=9) at 3 months of age. Blood pressure and cardiac function were regularly monitored from 3 months to 15 months of age. The response of mesenteric resistance arteries to vasoactive substances was investigated to evaluate vascular function. Cardiac remodeling, small artery remodeling, and renal function were investigated to comprehensively assess the impact of placental extracellular vesicles on cardiovascular and renal health. RESULTS Compared with vehicle-treated control animals, rats treated with normotensive placental extracellular vesicles exhibited a significantly lower increase in blood pressure and improved cardiac function. Furthermore, the vasodilator response to the endothelium-dependent agonist acetylcholine was significantly enhanced in the normotensive placental extracellular vesicle-treated spontaneously hypertensive rats compared with the control. Moreover, treatment with placental extracellular vesicles reduced wall thickening of small renal vessels and attenuated renal fibrosis. CONCLUSION Placental extracellular vesicles from normotensive term pregnancies have long-lasting protective effects reducing hypertension and mitigating cardiovascular damage in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yourong Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Sandy Lau
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Charlotte Oyston
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Katie Groom
- Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Carolyn J Barrett
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lawrence W Chamley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Farrelly R, Kennedy MG, Spencer R, Forbes K. Extracellular vesicles as markers and mediators of pregnancy complications: gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and fetal growth restriction. J Physiol 2023; 601:4973-4988. [PMID: 37070801 DOI: 10.1113/jp282849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In high income countries, approximately 10% of pregnancies are complicated by pre-eclampsia (PE), preterm birth (PTB), fetal growth restriction (FGR) and/or macrosomia resulting from gestational diabetes (GDM). Despite the burden of disease this places on pregnant people and their newborns, there are still few, if any, effective ways of preventing or treating these conditions. There are also gaps in our understanding of the underlying pathophysiologies and our ability to predict which mothers will be affected. The placenta plays a crucial role in pregnancy, and alterations in placental structure and function have been implicated in all of these conditions. As extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as important molecules in cell-to-cell communication in health and disease, recent research involving maternal- and placental-derived EV has demonstrated their potential as predictive and diagnostic biomarkers of obstetric disorders. This review will consider how placental and maternal EVs have been investigated in pregnancies complicated by PE, PTB, FGR and GDM and aims to highlight areas where further research is required to enhance the management and eventual treatment of these pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Farrelly
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Rebecca Spencer
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Karen Forbes
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Villalobos-Labra R, Liu R, Spaans F, Sáez T, Semeria Maitret T, Quon A, Sawamura T, Cooke CLM, Davidge ST. Placenta-Derived Extracellular Vesicles From Preeclamptic Pregnancies Impair Vascular Endothelial Function via Lectin-Like Oxidized LDL Receptor-1. Hypertension 2023; 80:2226-2238. [PMID: 37615097 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.123.21205] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preeclampsia is a complex syndrome that includes maternal vascular dysfunction. Syncytiotrophoblast-derived extracellular vesicles from preeclampsia placentas (preeclampsia-STBEVs) were shown to induce endothelial dysfunction, but an endothelial transmembrane mediator is still unexplored. The LOX-1 (lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1) is a transmembrane scavenger receptor that can cause endothelial dysfunction, and its expression is increased in the endothelium of preeclampsia women. In this study, we hypothesized that LOX-1 mediates the effects of preeclampsia-STBEVs on endothelial function. METHODS Preeclampsia-STBEVs were collected by perfusion of placentas from women with preeclampsia and in vitro and ex vivo endothelial cell function were assessed. RESULTS In human umbilical vein endothelial cells, inhibition of LOX-1 with LOX-1 blocking antibody (TS20) reduced the uptake of preeclampsia-STBEVs (61.3±8.8%). TS20 prevented the activation of ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase, a kinase downstream of LOX-1) and reduced the activation of NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells; 21.1±8.0%) and nitrative stress (23.2±10.3%) that was induced by preeclampsia-STBEVs. Vascular function was assessed by wire myography in isolated mesenteric arteries from pregnant rats that were incubated overnight with preeclampsia-STBEVs±TS20. TS20 prevented endothelium-dependent vasodilation impairment induced by preeclampsia-STBEVs. Nitric oxide contribution to the relaxation was reduced by preeclampsia-STBEVs, which was prevented by TS20. Superoxide dismutase or apocynin, an inhibitor of NOX (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase), restored the impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation in arteries exposed to preeclampsia-STBEVs. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our findings demonstrate that LOX-1 mediates the endothelial dysfunction induced by preeclampsia-STBEVs. Our study further expands on the mechanisms that may lead to adverse outcomes in preeclampsia and proposes LOX-1 as a potential target for future interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Villalobos-Labra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (R.V.-L., R.L., F.S., T. Sáez, A.Q., C.-L.M.C., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Women and Children's Health Research Institute (R.V.-L., R.L., F.S., T. Sáez, A.Q., C.-L.M.C., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Escuela de Medicina sede San Felipe (R.V.-L.), Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Ricky Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (R.V.-L., R.L., F.S., T. Sáez, A.Q., C.-L.M.C., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Women and Children's Health Research Institute (R.V.-L., R.L., F.S., T. Sáez, A.Q., C.-L.M.C., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Department of Physiology (R.L., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Floor Spaans
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (R.V.-L., R.L., F.S., T. Sáez, A.Q., C.-L.M.C., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Women and Children's Health Research Institute (R.V.-L., R.L., F.S., T. Sáez, A.Q., C.-L.M.C., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Tamara Sáez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (R.V.-L., R.L., F.S., T. Sáez, A.Q., C.-L.M.C., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Women and Children's Health Research Institute (R.V.-L., R.L., F.S., T. Sáez, A.Q., C.-L.M.C., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Departamento de Medicina Interna (T. Sáez), Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina (T. Sáez), Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Tamara Semeria Maitret
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (T.S.M.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Anita Quon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (R.V.-L., R.L., F.S., T. Sáez, A.Q., C.-L.M.C., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Women and Children's Health Research Institute (R.V.-L., R.L., F.S., T. Sáez, A.Q., C.-L.M.C., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Tatsuya Sawamura
- Departments of Molecular Pathophysiology and Life Innovation, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan (T. Sawamura)
| | - Christy-Lynn M Cooke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (R.V.-L., R.L., F.S., T. Sáez, A.Q., C.-L.M.C., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Women and Children's Health Research Institute (R.V.-L., R.L., F.S., T. Sáez, A.Q., C.-L.M.C., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Sandra T Davidge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (R.V.-L., R.L., F.S., T. Sáez, A.Q., C.-L.M.C., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Women and Children's Health Research Institute (R.V.-L., R.L., F.S., T. Sáez, A.Q., C.-L.M.C., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Department of Physiology (R.L., S.T.D.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Song P, Anna B, E Scott G, Chamley LW. The interaction of placental micro-EVs with immune cells in vivo and in vitro. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 90:e13766. [PMID: 37641368 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13766] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Considerable evidence suggests that placental extracellular vesicles (EVs) interact with most types of leukocytes in vitro but in vivo biodistribution studies question whether these interactions are reflective of the situation in vivo. METHOD OF STUDY CellTracker Red CMTPX stained human placental micro-EVs were isolated from first trimester placental explant cultures. Equivalent amounts of micro-EVs were cultured with murine leukocytes in vitro or injected into pregnant or non-pregnant mice. After intravenous injection, on day 12.5 of gestation, major organs and blood samples were harvested 30 min or 24 h post injection. RESULTS We screened cryosections of the organs and confirmed that human placental EVs were specifically localised to the spleen, liver and the lungs 30 min or 24 h after injection. Immunohistochemistry showed that most of the EVs interacted with macrophages in those three organs and some of them also associated with T and B lymphocytes in the spleen or endothelial cells in the lungs and liver. Flow cytometry demonstrated that there was very little interaction between circulating leukocytes and EVs in vivo. While minimal, significantly more EVs interacted with leukocytes in pregnant than nonpregnant mice. CONCLUSION The major interaction between human placental micro-EVs and maternal leukocytes appear to be with macrophages predominantly in the splenic marginal zone, liver and lungs with little interaction between EVs and circulating leukocytes. Since marginal zone macrophages induce tolerance after phagocytosing apoptotic bodies it is likely that phagocytosis of placental EVs by marginal zone macrophages may also contribute to maternal immune tolerance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paek Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Hub for Extracellular Vesicle Investigations (HEVI), The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Brooks Anna
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Graham E Scott
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, and Centre for Brain Research, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lawrence Willam Chamley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Hub for Extracellular Vesicle Investigations (HEVI), The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chen X, Tijono S, Tsai B, Chamley L, Ching LM, Chen Q. A pilot in vivo study: potential ovarian cancer therapeutic by placental extracellular vesicles. Biosci Rep 2023; 43:BSR20230307. [PMID: 37503762 PMCID: PMC10442519 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20230307] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The biological links between cancer and pregnancy are of interest due to parallel proliferative, immunosuppressive, and invasive mechanisms between tumour and placental cells. However, the proliferation and invasion of placental cells are strictly regulated. The understanding of this regulation is largely unknown. Placental extracellular vesicles (EVs) may play an important role in this regulation, as placental EVs are known to contribute to maternal adaptation, including adaptation of the vascular and immune systems. We have previously reported that placental EVs significantly inhibited ovarian cancer cell proliferation by delaying the progression of the cell cycle. We, therefore, performed this pilot in vivo study to investigate whether placental EVs can also inhibit ovarian tumour growth in a SKOV-3 human tumour xenograft model. A single intraperitoneal injection of placental EVs at 15 days post tumour implantation, significantly inhibited the growth of the tumours in our in vivo model. Signs of cellular necrosis were observed in the ovarian tumour tissues, but not in other organs collected from mice that had been treated with placental EVs. Expression of receptor-interacting kinase 1 (RIPK1) and mixed linkage kinase domain-like (MLKL), which are mediators of necroptosis were not observed in our xenografted tumours. However, extensive infiltration of CD169+ macrophages and NK cells in ovarian tumour tissues collected from placental micro-EVs treated mice were observed. We demonstrate here that inhibition of ovarian tumour growth in our xenograft model by placental EVs involves cellular necrosis and infiltration of CD169+ macrophages and NK cells into the tumour tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sofian Tijono
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Bridget Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lawrence William Chamley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lai-Ming Ching
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sanders MC, Balaji S, Martin WB, Siegmund N, Poland L, Sanders Hanna M, Wei D, Kaliada H, Littlejohn S, Ganey T. Protecting human amnion and chorion matrices during processing: Performance enhancement in a diabetic mouse model and human co-culture system. Wound Repair Regen 2023; 31:475-488. [PMID: 37209062 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.13099] [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: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that protecting human amnion and chorion matrices (HACM) during processing enhances the performance of HACM for wound repair and tissue regeneration. We utilised a diabetic (db/db) delayed wound healing mouse model. Treatment of db/db full-thickness excisional wounds with HACM, processed with a polyampholyte preservative accentuated the proliferative phase of wound healing that decreased the time necessary to heal wounds. Polyampholyte protection improved the preservation of growth factors and cytokines during room temperature storage following E-beam sterilisation and improved its function in wound healing applications. Our findings indicate protected HACM tissue up-regulated MIP2, NF-kB, TNF-α, KI-67, and Arg1 (0.6-fold to 1.5-fold) but those changes were not statistically significant. Immunofluorescent assessment identifying cell activity illustrated an induction of the proliferative phase of wound healing and a switch from an inflammatory macrophage phenotype (M1) to a pro-regenerative macrophage phenotype (M2a). Genomic profiling of 282 genes was performed using Nanostring from co-cultures of human macrophages and fibroblasts. The polyampholyte + HACM-treated group, compared with the HACM or polyampholyte alone groups, had a statistically significant up-regulation (32-368 fold) of 12 genes primarily involved in macrophage plasticity including CLC7, CD209, CD36, HSD11B1, ICAM1, IL1RN, IL3RA, ITGAX, LSP1, and PLXDC2 (adj. p-value < 0.05). The polyampholyte alone group demonstrated statistically significant down-regulation of four genes ADRA2, COL7A1, CSF3, and PTGS2 (adj. p < 0.05). The HACM alone group up-regulated four genes ATG14, CXCL11, DNMT3A, and THBD, but the results were not statistically significant. Biomechanical measurements indicated that wounds treated with polyampholyte-protected HACM had more tensile integrity compared with wounds treated with HACM alone. These findings indicate that better protection of HACM during processing stabilises the HACM matrix, which may lead to improved wound healing outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Swathi Balaji
- Pediatric Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Da Wei
- ProDevLab, Alira Health, Framingham, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kang M, Hisey C, Tsai B, Nursalim Y, Blenkiron C, Chamley LW. Placental Extracellular Vesicles Can Be Loaded with Plasmid DNA. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:1898-1913. [PMID: 36919912 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have garnered considerable interest as potential vehicles for drug delivery, including gene therapy. Although EVs from diverse sources have been investigated, current techniques used in the field for EV generation limit large-scale EV production. The placenta is essentially a tissue transplant and has unique properties that allow it to avoid the maternal immune system making it likely that placental EVs will not generate inflammatory responses and will avoid clearance by the immune system. We propose that placental EVs produced from explant cultures are an efficient method to produce considerable quantities of EVs that would be safe to administer, and we hypothesize that placental EVs can be loaded with large exogenous plasmids. To this end, we trialed three strategies to load plasmid DNA into placental EVs, including loading via electroporation of placental tissue prior to EV isolation and loading directly into placental EVs via electroporation or direct incubation of the EVs in plasmid solution. We report that the placenta releases vast quantities of EVs compared to placental cells in monolayer cultures. We show successful loading of plasmid DNA into both large- and small-EVs following both exogenous loading strategies with more plasmid encapsulated in large-EVs. Importantly, direct incubation did not alter EV size nor quantity. Further, we showed that the loading efficiency into EVs was dependent on the exogenous plasmid DNA dose and the DNA size. These results provide realistic estimates of plasmid loading capacity into placental EVs using current technologies and showcase the potential of placental EVs as DNA delivery vehicles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023 New Zealand
| | - Colin Hisey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023 New Zealand.,Department of biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, 43210 United States
| | - Bridget Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023 New Zealand
| | - Yohanes Nursalim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023 New Zealand
| | - Cherie Blenkiron
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023 New Zealand.,Auckland Cancer Society Research Center (ACSRC), University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023 New Zealand.,Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023 New Zealand
| | - Lawrence W Chamley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023 New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kang M, Blenkiron C, Chamley L. The biodistribution of placental and fetal extracellular vesicles during pregnancy following placentation. Clin Sci (Lond) 2023; 137:385-399. [PMID: 36920079 PMCID: PMC10017278 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Human pregnancy is a highly orchestrated process requiring extensive cross-talk between the mother and the fetus. Extracellular vesicles released by the fetal tissue, particularly the placenta, are recognized as important mediators of this process. More recently, the importance of placental extracellular vesicle biodistribution studies in animal models has received increasing attention as identifying the organs to which extracellular vesicles are targeted to helps us understand more about this communication system. Placental extracellular vesicles are categorized based on their size into macro-, large-, and small-extracellular vesicles, and their biodistribution is dependent on the extracellular vesicle's particle size, the direction of blood flow, the recirculation of blood, as well as the retention capacity in organs. Macro-extracellular vesicles are exclusively localized to the lungs, while large- and small-extracellular vesicles show high levels of distribution to the lungs and liver, while there is inconsistency in the reporting of distribution to the spleen and kidneys. This inconsistency may be due to the differences in the methodologies employed between studies and their limitations. Future studies should incorporate analysis of placental extracellular vesicle biodistribution at the macroscopic level on whole animals and organs/tissues, as well as the microscopic cellular level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, 1023, Auckland, New Zealand
- Correspondence: Matt Kang ()
| | - Cherie Blenkiron
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, 1023, Auckland, New Zealand
- Hub for Extracellular Vesicle Investigations (HEVI), University of Auckland, 1023, Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Center (ACSRC), University of Auckland, 1023, Auckland, New Zealand
- Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, 1023, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lawrence W. Chamley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, 1023, Auckland, New Zealand
- Hub for Extracellular Vesicle Investigations (HEVI), University of Auckland, 1023, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Adamova P, Lotto RR, Powell AK, Dykes IM. Are there foetal extracellular vesicles in maternal blood? Prospects for diagnostic biomarker discovery. J Mol Med (Berl) 2023; 101:65-81. [PMID: 36538060 PMCID: PMC9977902 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-022-02278-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal diagnosis of congenital disease improves clinical outcomes; however, as many as 50% of congenital heart disease cases are missed by current ultrasound screening methods. This indicates a need for improved screening technology. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have attracted enormous interest in recent years for their potential in diagnostics. EVs mediate endocrine signalling in health and disease and are known to regulate aspects of embryonic development. Here, we critically evaluate recent evidence suggesting that EVs released from the foetus are able to cross the placenta and enter the maternal circulation. Furthermore, EVs from the mother appear to be transported in the reverse direction, whilst the placenta itself acts as a source of EVs. Experimental work utilising rodent models employing either transgenically encoded reporters or application of fluorescent tracking dyes provide convincing evidence of foetal-maternal crosstalk. This is supported by clinical data demonstrating expression of placental-origin EVs in maternal blood, as well as limited evidence for the presence of foetal-origin EVs. Together, this work raises the possibility that foetal EVs present in maternal blood could be used for the diagnosis of congenital disease. We discuss the challenges faced by researchers in translating these basic science findings into a clinical non-invasive prenatal test.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petra Adamova
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom St, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK.,Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Robyn R Lotto
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK.,School of Nursing and Allied Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Tithebarn St, Liverpool, L2 2ER, UK
| | - Andrew K Powell
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom St, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK.,Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Iain M Dykes
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom St, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK. .,Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ge Y, Wei M, Chang X, Huang Y, Duan T, Wang K, Li H, He Q. Alterations in maternal plasma exosomal miRNAs revealed selective material exchange between maternal circulation and placenta. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2023; 49:109-121. [PMID: 36216398 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
AIM Exosomes have emerged as important regulators in the communication between maternal peripheral blood and placenta. We aimed to compare maternal plasma exosomal miRNAs profile between healthy pregnant and nonpregnant women, screen for differential expressed miRNAs and their potential regulatory role during pregnancy. METHODS We isolated exosomes from plasma of mid-trimester, last trimester, and nonpregnant women (n = 6 each group), analyzed the miRNA profile using next-generation sequencing. RESULTS Several miRNA clusters were expressed in plasma exosomes, such as C19MC, C14MC, and let-7 family, miRNAs in each cluster may have synergistic effect during pregnancy. We assumed maternal circulating exosomal miRNA could be transported into placenta or selectively uptook by placenta, which was consistent with the fact that many pregnancy-associated or placenta highly expressed miRNAs reduced in exosomes during pregnancy. Some exosomal miRNAs were mainly secreted by the placenta, which could act as markers that reflect changes in the function and microenvironment of the placenta. CONCLUSIONS Exosomal miRNAs are associated with placenta development and have potential as molecular markers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuchun Ge
- Department of Fetal Medicine & Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Mengtian Wei
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Xinwen Chang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yiying Huang
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Tao Duan
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Kai Wang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Han Li
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Qizhi He
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Placenta-derived extracellular vesicles from preeclamptic and healthy pregnancies impair ex vivo vascular endothelial function. Biosci Rep 2022; 42:232126. [PMID: 36408626 PMCID: PMC9760606 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20222185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy syndrome characterized by new-onset hypertension and end-organ dysfunction. The pathophysiology of PE remains undetermined, but it is thought that maternal vascular dysfunction plays a central role, potentially due, in part, to the release of syncytiotrophoblast-derived extracellular vesicles (STBEVs) into the maternal circulation by a dysfunctional placenta. STBEVs from normal pregnancies (NP) impair vascular function, but the effect of PE STBEVs (known to differ in composition with elevated circulating levels) on vascular function are not known. We hypothesized that PE STBEVs have more detrimental effects on vascular function compared with NP STBEVs. STBEVs were collected by perfusion of placentas from women with NP or PE. Mesenteric arteries from pregnant rats were incubated overnight with NP or PE STBEVs, and vascular function was assessed by wire myography. NP and PE STBEVs impaired endothelial function, partially by reducing nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Incubation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells with NP and PE STBEVs increased nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell (NF-κB) activation, reactive oxygen species, nitrotyrosine levels, and reduced NO levels. However, PE STBEVs increased NF-κB activation and nitrotyrosine levels to a lesser extent than NP STBEVs. Taken together, no greater impact of PE STBEVs compared with NP STBEVs on endothelial function was found. However, the impaired vascular function by PE STBEVs and increased levels of STBEVs in PE suggest PE STBEVs may contribute to maternal vascular dysfunction in PE. Our study further expands on the potential mechanisms that lead to adverse outcomes in PE and provides potential targets for future interventions.
Collapse
|
14
|
First trimester placental extracellular vesicles likely contribute to the vasodilation of maternal resistance arteries in normal pregnancy. Placenta 2022; 129:84-86. [PMID: 36270043 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
During the first trimester of pregnancy, there is a large decrease in systemic vascular resistance (SVR) which coincides temporally with increasing extrusion of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from the placenta. We hypothesized that placental EVs may be one of the mechanisms contributing to maternal vasodilation. Macro-, micro-, nano-EVs from human first trimester placenta, or control injections containing EVs derived from fresh culture media, were injected into pregnant mice at day 12.5. After 30 min or 24 h, second order resistance arteries assessed for their reactivity to various vasomodulators. Placental EVs induced an anti-constrictive, pro-vasodilatory effect in maternal resistance arteries compared to control injections after 24 h suggesting that placental EVs may contribute to the maternal vasodilation during pregnancy.
Collapse
|
15
|
Feng Y, Chen Q, Lau SY, Tsai BW, Groom K, Barrett CJ, Chamley LW. The Blocking of Integrin-Mediated Interactions with Maternal Endothelial Cells Reversed the Endothelial Cell Dysfunction Induced by EVs, Derived from Preeclamptic Placentae. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13115. [PMID: 36361901 PMCID: PMC9657319 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Placental extracellular vesicles (EVs) have increasingly been recognized as a major mediator of feto-maternal communication. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the uptake of placental EVs by recipient cells are still not well-understood. We previously reported that placental EVs target a limited number of organs in vivo. In the current study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the uptake of placental EVs into target cells. Placental EVs were derived from explant cultures of normal or preeclamptic placentae. The mechanisms underlying the uptake of placental EVs were elucidated, using the phagocytosis or endocytosis inhibitor, trypsin-treatment or integrin-blocking peptides. The endothelial cell activation was studied using the monocyte adhesion assay after the preeclamptic EVs exposure, with and/or without treatment with the integrin blocking peptide, YIGSR. The cellular mechanism of the uptake of the placental EVs was time, concentration and energy-dependent and both the phagocytosis and endocytosis were involved in this process. Additionally, proteins on the surface of the placental EVs, including integrins, were involved in the EV uptake process. Furthermore, inhibiting the uptake of preeclamptic EVs with YIGSR, reduced the endothelial cell activation. The interaction between the placental EVs and the recipient cells is mediated by integrins, and the cellular uptake is mediated by a combination of both phagocytosis and endocytosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yourong Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Sien Yee Lau
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Bridget W. Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Katie Groom
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Carolyn J. Barrett
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Lawrence W. Chamley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
- Hub for Extracellular Vesicles Investigations (HEVI), University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Exporting Proteins Associated with Senescence Repair via Extracellular Vesicles May Be Associated with Early Pregnancy Loss. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182772. [PMID: 36139348 PMCID: PMC9496689 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Dysfunction of placental development is involved in early pregnancy loss. Senescent changes have been seen in missed miscarriage, one type of pregnancy loss. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been widely implicated in the pathogenesis of diseases. In this study, we investigated the protein profiles in placental EVs derived from missed miscarriage in comparison with healthy pregnancy. We also investigated whether cargos packed into EVs are involved in the dysfunctional development of the placenta seen in missed miscarriage. Methods: Proteomic analysis of placental EVs derived from healthy and missed-miscarriage placentae was performed. Three senescence-repair-associated proteins, replication protein A-70 (RPA-70), proteasome activator subunit-4 (PMSE-4), and protein activated kinase-2, (PAK-2) were examined in placental EVs and placentae, and in placental explants that had been treated with or without GW4869, by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Results: The total number of proteins associated with placental EVs was not different between the two groups. However, there were 106 and 151 abundantly expressed proteins associated with placental micro- or nano-EVs from missed miscarriage in comparison with EVs from controls. Of these abundant proteins, 59 and 81 proteins in placental micro- or nano-EVs, respectively, are associated with DNA damage/repair and cell death/survival. We further found higher levels of three senescence-repair-associated proteins (RPA-70, PMSE-4, and PAK-2) associated with placental EVs, but lower levels of these proteins in missed-miscarriage placentae. Regarding inhibition of EV formation or release by GW4869, we found that the expression of these three proteins was higher in GW4869-treated placental explants from missed miscarriage. Discussion: Our data may suggest that “inadvertently” sorting of cargos and exporting proteins associated with senescence-repair by placental EVs may be associated with the dysfunction of placental development seen in missed miscarriage.
Collapse
|
17
|
Murrieta-Coxca JM, Fuentes-Zacarias P, Ospina-Prieto S, Markert UR, Morales-Prieto DM. Synergies of Extracellular Vesicles and Microchimerism in Promoting Immunotolerance During Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:837281. [PMID: 35844513 PMCID: PMC9285877 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.837281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept of biological identity has been traditionally a central issue in immunology. The assumption that entities foreign to a specific organism should be rejected by its immune system, while self-entities do not trigger an immune response is challenged by the expanded immunotolerance observed in pregnancy. To explain this "immunological paradox", as it was first called by Sir Peter Medawar, several mechanisms have been described in the last decades. Among them, the intentional transfer and retention of small amounts of cells between a mother and her child have gained back attention. These microchimeric cells contribute to expanding allotolerance in both organisms and enhancing genetic fitness, but they could also provoke aberrant alloimmune activation. Understanding the mechanisms used by microchimeric cells to exert their function in pregnancy has proven to be challenging as per definition they are extremely rare. Profiting from studies in the field of transplantation and cancer research, a synergistic effect of microchimerism and cellular communication based on the secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs) has begun to be unveiled. EVs are already known to play a pivotal role in feto-maternal tolerance by transferring cargo from fetal to maternal immune cells to reshape their function. A further aspect of EVs is their function in antigen presentation either directly or on the surface of recipient cells. Here, we review the current understanding of microchimerism in the feto-maternal tolerance during human pregnancy and the potential role of EVs in mediating the allorecognition and tropism of microchimeric cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Udo R. Markert
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Gauster M, Moser G, Wernitznig S, Kupper N, Huppertz B. Early human trophoblast development: from morphology to function. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:345. [PMID: 35661923 PMCID: PMC9167809 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04377-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Human pregnancy depends on the proper development of the embryo prior to implantation and the implantation of the embryo into the uterine wall. During the pre-implantation phase, formation of the morula is followed by internalization of blastomeres that differentiate into the pluripotent inner cell mass lineage, while the cells on the surface undergo polarization and differentiate into the trophectoderm of the blastocyst. The trophectoderm mediates apposition and adhesion of the blastocyst to the uterine epithelium. These processes lead to a stable contact between embryonic and maternal tissues, resulting in the formation of a new organ, the placenta. During implantation, the trophectoderm cells start to differentiate and form the basis for multiple specialized trophoblast subpopulations, all of which fulfilling specific key functions in placentation. They either differentiate into polar cells serving typical epithelial functions, or into apolar invasive cells that adapt the uterine wall to progressing pregnancy. The composition of these trophoblast subpopulations is crucial for human placenta development and alterations are suggested to result in placenta-associated pregnancy pathologies. This review article focuses on what is known about very early processes in human reproduction and emphasizes on morphological and functional aspects of early trophoblast differentiation and subpopulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Gauster
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Gerit Moser
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Stefan Wernitznig
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Nadja Kupper
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Berthold Huppertz
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Inagaki M, Tachikawa M. Transport Characteristics of Placenta-Derived Extracellular Vesicles and Their Relevance to Placenta-to-Maternal Tissue Communication. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2022; 70:324-329. [DOI: 10.1248/cpb.c22-00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mai Inagaki
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Morelli AE, Sadovsky Y. Extracellular vesicles and immune response during pregnancy: A balancing act. Immunol Rev 2022; 308:105-122. [PMID: 35199366 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying maternal tolerance of the semi- or fully-allogeneic fetus are intensely investigated. Across gestation, feto-placental antigens interact with the maternal immune system locally within the trophoblast-decidual interface and distantly through shed cells and soluble molecules that interact with maternal secondary lymphoid tissues. The discovery of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as local or systemic carriers of antigens and immune-regulatory molecules has added a new dimension to our understanding of immune modulation prior to implantation, during trophoblast invasion, and throughout the course of pregnancy. New data on immune-regulatory molecules, located on EVs or within their cargo, suggest a role for EVs in negotiating immune tolerance during gestation. Lessons from the field of transplant immunology also shed light on possible interactions between feto-placentally derived EVs and maternal lymphoid tissues. These insights illuminate a potential role for EVs in major obstetrical disorders. This review provides updated information on intensely studied, pregnancy-related EVs, their cargo molecules, and patterns of fetal-placental-maternal trafficking, highlighting potential immune pathways that might underlie immune suppression or activation in gestational health and disease. Our summary also underscores the likely need to broaden the definition of the maternal-fetal interface to systemic maternal immune tissues that might interact with circulating EVs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian E Morelli
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yoel Sadovsky
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Powell JS, Gandley RE, Lackner E, Dolinish A, Ouyang Y, Powers RW, Morelli AE, Hubel CA, Sadovsky Y. Small extracellular vesicles from plasma of women with preeclampsia increase myogenic tone and decrease endothelium-dependent relaxation of mouse mesenteric arteries. Pregnancy Hypertens 2022; 28:66-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2022.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
22
|
Tsai BW, Lau S, Paek SY, Wise M, Kando I, Stone P, Chen Q, Chamley LW. Antiphospholipid antibodies do not cause retargeting of placental extracellular vesicles in the maternal body. Placenta 2022; 118:66-69. [PMID: 35042085 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are autoantibodies that cause pregnancy disorders by a poorly defined mechanism that involves the placenta. The human placenta is covered by a single multinucleated cell, the syncytiotrophoblast, which extrudes vast numbers of extracellular vesicles (EVs) into the maternal blood. Extracellular vesicles are tiny packages of cellular material used by cells for remote signalling. In normal pregnancy, placental EVs assist maternal adaptations to pregnancy. We have previously shown that aPL alter the cargo of placental EVs, increasing the load of danger signals. These changes in EV cargo may explain how aPL contribute to the increased risk of recurrent miscarriage, preeclampsia and stillbirths observed in aPL-affected pregnancies. An additional possibility, that aPL alters the targeting of placental EVs to maternal organs to cause maternal maladaptation to pregnancy was investigated in this study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bridget W Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Sandy Lau
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Song Yee Paek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michelle Wise
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ian Kando
- National Women's Health Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter Stone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lawrence W Chamley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Su C, Tang Y, Shen F, Kang M, Groom K, Wise M, Chamley L, Chen Q. Placental extracellular vesicles retain biological activity after short-term storage (14 days) at 4 °C or room temperature. Placenta 2021; 115:115-120. [PMID: 34600275 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To investigate the role of placental extracellular vesicles (EVs), especially in pathological pregnancy, the use of freshly isolated EVs is often limited due to the sporadic and unpredictable availability of placental samples. Therefore, it is important to understand and use optimised storage conditions for placental EVs. In this study, we investigated different conditions for the short-term storage of placental micro- and nano-EVs and examined their biological activity. METHODS Placental EVs were collected from first trimester placentae. EVs were suspended in PBS and aliquoted, and then stored for up to 14 days at room temperature, 4 °C or -20 °C. Total protein and DNA levels were measured at various time points. The ability of stored placental EVs to alter endothelial cell activation was quantified by monocyte adhesion assays. RESULTS There was no difference in the concentration of placental micro- or nano-EVs between each time point, when stored at either room temperature or 4 °C. However, there was a significant loss of placental EVs after storage at -20 °C. There was no difference in protein or DNA levels of placental EVs when stored at either room temperature or 4 °C. Biological activity of placental EVs was retained for up to 14 days at either room temperature or 4 °C measured by monocyte adhesion assays. DISCUSSION We have shown that placental micro- and nano-EVs are stable and retain biological activities following storage in PBS or media for 14 days at either room temperature or 4 °C.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunlin Su
- The Hospital of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Fudan University, China; Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yunhui Tang
- The Hospital of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Fudan University, China; Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Fanghua Shen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Suzhou, China; Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Matt Kang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Hub for Extracellular Vesicle Investigations, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Katie Groom
- Liggins Institution, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michelle Wise
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Larry Chamley
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Hub for Extracellular Vesicle Investigations, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Hub for Extracellular Vesicle Investigations, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Claridge B, Lozano J, Poh QH, Greening DW. Development of Extracellular Vesicle Therapeutics: Challenges, Considerations, and Opportunities. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:734720. [PMID: 34616741 PMCID: PMC8488228 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.734720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) hold great promise as therapeutic modalities due to their endogenous characteristics, however, further bioengineering refinement is required to address clinical and commercial limitations. Clinical applications of EV-based therapeutics are being trialed in immunomodulation, tissue regeneration and recovery, and as delivery vectors for combination therapies. Native/biological EVs possess diverse endogenous properties that offer stability and facilitate crossing of biological barriers for delivery of molecular cargo to cells, acting as a form of intercellular communication to regulate function and phenotype. Moreover, EVs are important components of paracrine signaling in stem/progenitor cell-based therapies, are employed as standalone therapies, and can be used as a drug delivery system. Despite remarkable utility of native/biological EVs, they can be improved using bio/engineering approaches to further therapeutic potential. EVs can be engineered to harbor specific pharmaceutical content, enhance their stability, and modify surface epitopes for improved tropism and targeting to cells and tissues in vivo. Limitations currently challenging the full realization of their therapeutic utility include scalability and standardization of generation, molecular characterization for design and regulation, therapeutic potency assessment, and targeted delivery. The fields' utilization of advanced technologies (imaging, quantitative analyses, multi-omics, labeling/live-cell reporters), and utility of biocompatible natural sources for producing EVs (plants, bacteria, milk) will play an important role in overcoming these limitations. Advancements in EV engineering methodologies and design will facilitate the development of EV-based therapeutics, revolutionizing the current pharmaceutical landscape.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Claridge
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS), La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jonathan Lozano
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Qi Hui Poh
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS), La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - David W. Greening
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS), La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Tang Y, Groom K, Chamley L, Chen Q. Melatonin, a Potential Therapeutic Agent for Preeclampsia, Reduces the Extrusion of Toxic Extracellular Vesicles from Preeclamptic Placentae. Cells 2021; 10:cells10081904. [PMID: 34440672 PMCID: PMC8393242 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia, characterised by maternal endothelial cell activation, is triggered by toxic factors, such as placental extracellular vesicles (EVs) from a dysfunctional placenta. The increased oxidative stress seen in the preeclamptic placenta links to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The ER regulates protein folding and trafficking. When the ER is stressed, proteins are misfolded, and misfolded proteins are toxic. Misfolded proteins can be exported from cells, via EVs which target to other cells where the misfolded proteins may also be toxic. Melatonin is a hormone and antioxidant produced by the pineal gland and placenta. Levels of melatonin are reduced in preeclampsia. In this study we investigated whether melatonin treatment can change the nature of placental EVs that are released from a preeclamptic placenta. EVs were collected from preeclamptic (n = 6) and normotensive (n = 6) placental explants cultured in the presence or absence of melatonin for 18 h. Misfolded proteins were measured using a fluorescent compound, Thioflavin-T (ThT). Endothelial cells were exposed to placental EVs overnight. Endothelial cell activation was measured by the quantification of cell-surface ICAM-1 using a cell-based ELISA. EVs from preeclamptic placentae carried significantly (p < 0.001) more misfolded proteins than normotensive controls. Incubating preeclamptic placental explants in the presence of melatonin (1 µM and 10 µM) significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the misfolded proteins carried by EVs. Culturing endothelial cells in the presence of preeclamptic EVs significantly increased the expression of ICAM-1. This increased ICAM-1 expression was significantly reduced when the endothelial cells were exposed to preeclamptic EVs cultured in the presence of melatonin. This study demonstrates that melatonin reduces the amount of misfolded proteins carried by EVs from preeclamptic placentae and reduces the ability of these EVs to activate endothelial cells. Our study provides further preclinical support for the use of melatonin as a treatment for preeclampsia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunhui Tang
- Department of Family Planning, The Hospital of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200081, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, 1142 Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Katie Groom
- National Women's Health, Auckland City Hospital, 1142 Auckland, New Zealand
- Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, 1142 Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Larry Chamley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, 1142 Auckland, New Zealand
- Hub for Extracellular Vesicle Investigations, The University of Auckland, 1142 Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, 1142 Auckland, New Zealand
- Hub for Extracellular Vesicle Investigations, The University of Auckland, 1142 Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Kang M, Jordan V, Blenkiron C, Chamley LW. Biodistribution of extracellular vesicles following administration into animals: A systematic review. J Extracell Vesicles 2021; 10:e12085. [PMID: 34194679 PMCID: PMC8224174 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, attention has turned to examining the biodistribution of EVs in recipient animals to bridge between knowledge of EV function in vitro and in vivo. We undertook a systematic review of the literature to summarize the biodistribution of EVs following administration into animals. There were time-dependent changes in the biodistribution of small-EVs which were most abundant in the liver. Detection peaked in the liver and kidney in the first hour after administration, while distribution to the lungs and spleen peaked between 2-12 h. Large-EVs were most abundant in the lungs with localization peaking in the first hour following administration and decreased between 2-12 h. In contrast, large-EV localization to the liver increased as the levels in the lungs decreased. There was moderate to low localization of large-EVs to the kidneys while localization to the spleen was typically low. Regardless of the origin or size of the EVs or the recipient species into which the EVs were administered, the biodistribution of the EVs was largely to the liver, lungs, kidneys, and spleen. There was extreme variability in the methodology between studies and we recommend that guidelines should be developed to promote standardization where possible of future EV biodistribution studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Vanessa Jordan
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Cherie Blenkiron
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
- Molecular Medicine and PathologyUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Lawrence W. Chamley
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Bai K, Li X, Zhong J, Ng EHY, Yeung WSB, Lee CL, Chiu PCN. Placenta-Derived Exosomes as a Modulator in Maternal Immune Tolerance During Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:671093. [PMID: 34046039 PMCID: PMC8144714 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.671093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are a subset of extracellular vesicles with an average diameter of ~100nm. Exosomes are released by all cells through an endosome-dependent pathway and carry nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, cytokines and metabolites, mirroring the state of the originating cells. The function of exosomes has been implicated in various reproduction processes, such as embryo development, implantation, decidualization and placentation. Placenta-derived exosomes (pEXO) can be detected in the maternal blood as early as 6 weeks after conception and their levels increase with gestational age. Importantly, alternations in the molecular signatures of pEXO are observed in pregnancy-related complications. Thus, these differentially expressed molecules could be the potential biomarkers for diagnosis of the pregnancy-associated diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated that pEXO play a key role in the establishment of maternal immune tolerance, which is critical for a successful pregnancy. To gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanism, we highlighted the advanced studies of pEXO on immune cells in pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kunfeng Bai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xintong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jiangming Zhong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ernest H Y Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - William S B Yeung
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cheuk-Lun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Philip C N Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Shojaei S, Ali MS, Suresh M, Upreti T, Mogourian V, Helewa M, Labouta HI. Dynamic placenta-on-a-chip model for fetal risk assessment of nanoparticles intended to treat pregnancy-associated diseases. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166131. [PMID: 33766738 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pregnant women often have to take medication either for pregnancy-related diseases or for previously existing medical conditions. Current maternal medications pose fetal risks due to off target accumulation in the fetus. Nanoparticles, engineered particles in the nanometer scale, have been used for targeted drug delivery to the site of action without off-target effects. This has opened new avenues for treatment of pregnancy-associated diseases while minimizing risks on the fetus. It is therefore instrumental to study the potential transfer of nanoparticles from the mother to the fetus. Due to limitations of in vivo and ex vivo models, an in vitro model mimicking the in vivo situation is essential. Placenta-on-a-chip provides a microphysiological recapitulation of the human placenta. Here, we reviewed the fetal risks associated with current therapeutic approaches during pregnancy, analyzed the advantages and limitations of current models used for nanoparticle assessment, and highlighted the current need for using dynamic placenta-on-a-chip models for assessing the safety of novel nanoparticle-based therapies during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahla Shojaei
- College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
| | - Moustafa S Ali
- College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
| | - Madhumita Suresh
- College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
| | - Tushar Upreti
- College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
| | - Victoria Mogourian
- College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
| | - Michael Helewa
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
| | - Hagar I Labouta
- College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Biomedical Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Kupper N, Huppertz B. The endogenous exposome of the pregnant mother: Placental extracellular vesicles and their effect on the maternal system. Mol Aspects Med 2021; 87:100955. [PMID: 33612320 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2021.100955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
During pregnancy, there is an intense crosstalk between mother and placenta. During the entire time of pregnancy, the maternal system deals with a huge amount of foreign (fetal) material released from the placenta, which can be referred to as placental exposome. Besides the release of hormones and growth factors, the placenta releases a variety of extracellular vesicles into maternal blood. These vesicles contain specific molecules including proteins, lipids, DNA as well as miRNA, all of which may have specific sites and modes of action on maternal cells. During normal pregnancy, the fine-tuning of factors and vesicles helps maintaining a viable and healthy pregnancy. However, in pregnancy pathologies such as preeclampsia, quantity and quality of the placenta-derived vesicles are altered leading to a deleterious effect on the maternal vascular system. This review focuses on the different types of placenta-derived extracellular vesicles in pregnancy with special emphasis on the interplay between these placental vesicles and the maternal system. Additionally, it displays new techniques and ideas for the analysis of the placental exposome with placental extracellular vesicles as a key aspect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Kupper
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Berthold Huppertz
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Nguyen SL, Ahn SH, Greenberg JW, Collaer BW, Agnew DW, Arora R, Petroff MG. Integrins mediate placental extracellular vesicle trafficking to lung and liver in vivo. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4217. [PMID: 33602965 PMCID: PMC7893009 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82752-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Membrane-bound extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate intercellular communication in all organisms, and those produced by placental mammals have become increasingly recognized as significant mediators of fetal-maternal communication. Here, we aimed to identify maternal cells targeted by placental EVs and elucidate the mechanisms by which they traffic to these cells. Exogenously administered pregnancy-associated EVs traffic specifically to the lung; further, placental EVs associate with lung interstitial macrophages and liver Kupffer cells in an integrin-dependent manner. Localization of EV to maternal lungs was confirmed in unmanipulated pregnancy using a transgenic reporter mouse model, which also provided in situ and in vitro evidence that fetally-derived EVs, rarely, may cause genetic alteration of maternal cells. These results provide for the first time direct in vivo evidence that placental EVs target maternal immune cells, and further, that EVs can alter cellular phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sean L Nguyen
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, College of Natural Science, Michigan State University, 3009 Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building 766 Service Road, East Lansing, MI, 48854, USA.,Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Soo Hyun Ahn
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Jacob W Greenberg
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Benjamin W Collaer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Dalen W Agnew
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Ripla Arora
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Margaret G Petroff
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, College of Natural Science, Michigan State University, 3009 Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building 766 Service Road, East Lansing, MI, 48854, USA. .,Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA. .,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Nair S, Ormazabal V, Lappas M, McIntyre HD, Salomon C. Extracellular vesicles and their potential role inducing changes in maternal insulin sensitivity during gestational diabetes mellitus. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 85:e13361. [PMID: 33064367 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common endocrine disorders during gestation and affects around 15% of all pregnancies worldwide, paralleling the global increase in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Normal pregnancies are critically dependent on the development of maternal insulin resistance balanced by an increased capacity to secrete insulin, which allows for the allocation of nutrients for adequate foetal growth and development. Several factors including placental hormones, inflammatory mediators and nutrients have been proposed to alter insulin sensitivity and insulin response and underpin the pathological outcomes of GDM. However, other factors may also be involved in the regulation of maternal metabolism and a complete understanding of GDM pathophysiology requires the identification of these factors, and the mechanisms associated with them. Recent studies highlight the potential utility of tissue-specific extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the diagnosis of disease onset and treatment monitoring for several pregnancy-related complications, including GDM. To date, there is a paucity of data defining changes in the release, content, bioactivity and diagnostic utility of circulating EVs in pregnancies complicated by GDM. Placental EVs may engage in paracellular interactions including local cell-to-cell communication between the cell constituents of the placenta and contiguous maternal tissues, and/or distal interactions involving the release of placental EVs into biological fluids and their transport to a remote site of action. Hence, the aim of this review is to discuss the biogenesis, isolation methods and role of EVs in the physiopathology of GDM, including changes in maternal insulin sensitivity during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soumyalekshmi Nair
- Exosome Biology Laboratory, Centre for Clinical Diagnostics, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Valeska Ormazabal
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Martha Lappas
- Obstetrics, Nutrition and Endocrinology Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Vic., Australia.,Mercy Perinatal Research Centre, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Vic., Australia
| | - H David McIntyre
- Mater Research, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Carlos Salomon
- Exosome Biology Laboratory, Centre for Clinical Diagnostics, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Block LN, Bowman BD, Schmidt JK, Keding LT, Stanic AK, Golos TG. The promise of placental extracellular vesicles: models and challenges for diagnosing placental dysfunction in utero†. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:27-57. [PMID: 32856695 PMCID: PMC7786267 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Monitoring the health of a pregnancy is of utmost importance to both the fetus and the mother. The diagnosis of pregnancy complications typically occurs after the manifestation of symptoms, and limited preventative measures or effective treatments are available. Traditionally, pregnancy health is evaluated by analyzing maternal serum hormone levels, genetic testing, ultrasonographic imaging, and monitoring maternal symptoms. However, researchers have reported a difference in extracellular vesicle (EV) quantity and cargo between healthy and at-risk pregnancies. Thus, placental EVs (PEVs) may help to understand normal and aberrant placental development, monitor pregnancy health in terms of developing placental pathologies, and assess the impact of environmental influences, such as infection, on pregnancy. The diagnostic potential of PEVs could allow for earlier detection of pregnancy complications via noninvasive sampling and frequent monitoring. Understanding how PEVs serve as a means of communication with maternal cells and recognizing their potential utility as a readout of placental health have sparked a growing interest in basic and translational research. However, to date, PEV research with animal models lags behind human studies. The strength of animal pregnancy models is that they can be used to assess placental pathologies in conjunction with isolation of PEVs from fluid samples at different time points throughout gestation. Assessing PEV cargo in animals within normal and complicated pregnancies will accelerate the translation of PEV analysis into the clinic for potential use in prognostics. We propose that appropriate animal models of human pregnancy complications must be established in the PEV field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey N Block
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Brittany D Bowman
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jenna Kropp Schmidt
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Logan T Keding
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Aleksandar K Stanic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Thaddeus G Golos
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Li H, Pinilla-Macua I, Ouyang Y, Sadovsky E, Kajiwara K, Sorkin A, Sadovsky Y. Internalization of trophoblastic small extracellular vesicles and detection of their miRNA cargo in P-bodies. J Extracell Vesicles 2020; 9:1812261. [PMID: 32944196 PMCID: PMC7480505 DOI: 10.1080/20013078.2020.1812261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is a unique situation, in which placenta-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) may communicate with maternal and foetal tissues. While relevant to homoeostatic and pathological functions, the mechanisms underlying sEV entry and cargo handling in target cells remain largely unknown. Using fluorescently or luminescently labelled sEVs, derived from primary human placental trophoblasts or from a placental cell line, we interrogated the endocytic pathways used by these sEVs to enter relevant target cells, including the neighbouring primary placental fibroblasts and human uterine microvascular endothelial cells. We found that trophoblastic sEVs can enter target cells, where they retain biological activity. Importantly, using a broad series of pharmacological inhibitors and siRNA-dependent silencing approaches, we showed that trophoblastic sEVs enter target cells using macropinocytosis and clathrin-mediated endocytosis pathways, but not caveolin-dependent endocytosis. Tracking their intracellular course, we localized the sEVs to early endosomes, late endosomes, and lysosomes. Finally, we used coimmunoprecipitation to demonstrate the association of the sEV microRNA (miRNA) with the P-body proteins AGO2 and GW182. Together, our data systematically detail endocytic pathways used by placental sEVs to enter relevant fibroblastic and endothelial target cells, and provide support for “endocytic escape” of sEV miRNA to P-bodies, a key site for cytoplasmic RNA regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Reproductive Department of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Itziar Pinilla-Macua
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yingshi Ouyang
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elena Sadovsky
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kazuhiro Kajiwara
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alexander Sorkin
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yoel Sadovsky
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Tong M, Tsai BW, Chamley LW. Antiphospholipid antibodies and extracellular vesicles in pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 85:e13312. [PMID: 32715546 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are autoantibodies that target phospholipid-binding proteins, such as β2 glycoprotein I (β2GPI), and can induce thrombosis systemically, as well as increase the risk of obstetric complications such as recurrent miscarriage and preeclampsia. Due to the expression of β2GPI by placental trophoblasts, aPL readily target the maternal-fetal interface during pregnancy and many studies have investigated the deleterious effects of aPL on placental trophoblast function. This review will focus on studies that have examined the effects of aPL on the production and modification of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from trophoblasts, as EVs are a key mode of feto-maternal communication in both normal and pathological pregnancy. A more comprehensive understanding of the effects of aPL on the quantity and cargo of EVs extruded by the human placenta may contribute to our current knowledge of how aPL induce both systemic and obstetric disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mancy Tong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Bridget W Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, NZ, USA
| | - Lawrence W Chamley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, NZ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Endoplasmic reticulum stress occurs in association with the extrusion of toxic extracellular vesicles from human placentae treated with antiphospholipid antibodies. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020; 134:459-472. [PMID: 32068238 PMCID: PMC7056451 DOI: 10.1042/cs20191245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Antiphospholipid autoantibodies (aPLs), a major maternal risk factor for preeclampsia, are taken into the syncytiotrophoblast where they bind intracellular vesicles and mitochondria. Subsequently, large quantities of extracellular vesicles (EVs) extruded from syncytiotrophoblast into the maternal circulation are altered such that they cause maternal endothelial cell activation. However, the mechanism driving this change is unknown. First trimester placental explants were treated with aPL for 18 h. The EVs were then collected by different centrifugation. The levels of HSP 70, misfolded proteins, caspase 8 activity, and Mixed Lineage Kinase domain-Like (MLKL) were measured in placental explants and EVs. In addition, the levels of TNF-α and CD95 in conditioned medium were also measured. Treating placental explants with aPL caused an increase in levels of HSP 70, misfolded proteins and MLKL in placental explants and EVs. Increased activity of caspase 8 was also seen in placental explants. Higher levels of TNF-α were seen conditioned medium from aPL-treated placental explant cultures. aPLs appear to induce endoplasmic reticulum stress in the syncytiotrophoblast in a manner that involved caspase 8 and TNF-α. To avoid accumulation of the associated misfolded proteins and MLKL, the syncytiotrophoblast exports these potentially dangerous proteins in EVs. It is likely that the dangerous proteins that are loaded into placental EVs in preeclampsia contribute to dysfunction of the maternal cells.
Collapse
|
36
|
Cronqvist T, Erlandsson L, Tannetta D, Hansson SR. Placental syncytiotrophoblast extracellular vesicles enter primary endothelial cells through clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Placenta 2020; 100:133-141. [PMID: 32980046 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim was to investigate syncytiotrophoblast extracellular vesicle (STBEV) uptake mechanisms by primary endothelial cells, the effects on gene expression, cell activation as well as the effect of aspirin. METHODS The STBEVs were derived using the placental perfusion system, from normal or preeclamptic placentas. Endothelial uptake was analysed with flow cytometry. To elucidate uptake, different inhibitors were tested; Cytochalasin D, Chlorpromazine hydrochloride, Methyl-B-cyclodextrin, Dynasore and Wortmannin. Endothelial gene expression was evaluated using an endothelial cell biology qPCR array. Cell activation was studied by ICAM-1 surface expression after STBEV exposure, with and without aspirin treatment. RESULTS Normal and preeclamptic STBEV uptake was blocked in similar ways. Chlorpromazine, Dynasore and Wortmannin almost completely blocked STBEV uptake. Methyl-B-cyclodextrin blocked 45-60% of the uptake while Cytochalasin D did not block uptake at all. Neither normal nor preeclamptic STBEVs had any significant effects on endothelial gene expression. Normal STBEVs down-regulated cell surface protein ICAM-1 expression, with and without aspirin treatment. Aspirin had no effect on STBEV uptake or cellular gene expression on its own, however it down regulated ICAM-1 protein expression in combination with preeclamptic STBEV exposure. DISCUSSION STBEV uptake primarily occurred through clathrin-mediated endocytosis. The STBEVs had no significant effect on gene expression but did have effects on ICAM-1 surface expression. The prophylactic mechanisms of aspirin may be by preventing the endothelium from being activated by the preeclamptic STBEVs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tina Cronqvist
- Lund University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences in Lund, Lund University, SE-22185, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Lena Erlandsson
- Lund University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences in Lund, Lund University, SE-22185, Lund, Sweden
| | - Dionne Tannetta
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Stefan R Hansson
- Lund University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences in Lund, Lund University, SE-22185, Lund, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Sáez T, Toledo F, Sobrevia L. Extracellular Vesicles and Insulin Resistance: A Potential Interaction in Vascular Dysfunction. Curr Vasc Pharmacol 2020; 17:491-497. [PMID: 30277159 DOI: 10.2174/1570161116666181002095745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Insulin resistance plays a key role in cardiovascular complications associated with diabetes mellitus and hypertensive disorders. In states of insulin resistance several circulating factors may contribute to a defective insulin sensitivity in different tissues, including the vasculature. One of these factors influencing the vascular insulin resistance are the extracellular vesicles. The extracellular vesicles include exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies which are released to the circulation by different vascular cells. Since the cargo of extracellular vesicles seems to be altered in metabolic complications associated with insulin resistance, these vesicles may be candidates contributing to vascular insulin resistance. Despite the studies linking insulin resistance signalling pathways with the vascular effect of extracellular vesicles, the involvement of these structures in vascular insulin resistance is a phenomenon that remains unclear.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Sáez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2S2, AB, Canada.,Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2S2, AB, Canada
| | - Fernando Toledo
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Bio-Bio University, Chillan 3780000, Chile.,Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Department of Obstetrics, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile
| | - Luis Sobrevia
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Department of Obstetrics, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sevilla, Seville E-41012, Spain.,University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4029, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Zhang J, Li H, Fan B, Xu W, Zhang X. Extracellular vesicles in normal pregnancy and pregnancy-related diseases. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:4377-4388. [PMID: 32175696 PMCID: PMC7176865 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized, membranous vesicles released by almost all types of cells. Extracellular vesicles can be classified into distinct subtypes according to their sizes, origins and functions. Extracellular vesicles play important roles in intercellular communication through the transfer of a wide spectrum of bioactive molecules, contributing to the regulation of diverse physiological and pathological processes. Recently, it has been established that EVs mediate foetal‐maternal communication across gestation. Abnormal changes in EVs have been reported to be critically involved in pregnancy‐related diseases. Moreover, EVs have shown great potential to serve as biomarkers for the diagnosis of pregnancy‐related diseases. In this review, we discussed about the roles of EVs in normal pregnancy and how changes in EVs led to complicated pregnancy with an emphasis on their values in predicting and monitoring of pregnancy‐related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiayin Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Haibo Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nantong Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Nantong, China
| | - Boyue Fan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Wenrong Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Sadovsky Y, Ouyang Y, Powell JS, Li H, Mouillet JF, Morelli AE, Sorkin A, Margolis L. Placental small extracellular vesicles: Current questions and investigative opportunities. Placenta 2020; 102:34-38. [PMID: 33218576 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of regulated trafficking of extracellular vesicles (EVs) has added a new dimension to our understanding of local and distant communication among cells and tissues. Notwithstanding the expanded landscape of EV subtypes, the majority of research in the field centers on small and large EVs that are commonly termed exosomes, microvesicles and apoptotic cell-derived vesicles. In the context of pregnancy, EV-based communication has a special role in the crosstalk among the placenta, maternal and fetal compartments, with most studies focusing on trophoblastic EVs and their effect on other placental cell types, endothelial cells, and distant tissues. Many unanswered questions in the field of EV biology center on the mechanisms of vesicle biogenesis, loading of cargo molecules, EV release and trafficking, the interaction of EVs with target cells and the endocytic pathways underlying their uptake, and the intracellular processing of EVs inside target cells. These questions are directly relevant to EV-based placental-maternal-fetal communication and have unique implications in the context of interaction between two organisms. Despite rapid progress in the field, the number of speculative, unsubstantiated assumptions about placental EVs is concerning. Here we attempt to delineate existing knowledge in the field, focusing primarily on placental small EVs (exosomes). We define central questions that require investigative attention in order to advance the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoel Sadovsky
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Yingshi Ouyang
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Juliana S Powell
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hui Li
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Reproductive Department of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jean-Francois Mouillet
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Adrian E Morelli
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alexander Sorkin
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Leonid Margolis
- Section for Intercellular Interactions, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Seitz J, Morales-Prieto DM, Favaro RR, Schneider H, Markert UR. Molecular Principles of Intrauterine Growth Restriction in Plasmodium Falciparum Infection. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:98. [PMID: 30930847 PMCID: PMC6405475 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria in pregnancy still constitutes a particular medical challenge in tropical and subtropical regions. Of the five Plasmodium species that are pathogenic to humans, infection with Plasmodium falciparum leads to fulminant progression of the disease with massive impact on pregnancy. Severe anemia of the mother, miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm delivery and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) with reduced birth weight are frequent complications that lead to more than 10,000 maternal and 200,000 perinatal deaths annually in sub-Saharan Africa alone. P. falciparum can adhere to the placenta via the expression of the surface antigen VAR2CSA, which leads to sequestration of infected erythrocytes in the intervillous space. This process induces a placental inflammation with involvement of immune cells and humoral factors. Especially, monocytes get activated and change the release of soluble mediators, including a variety of cytokines. This proinflammatory environment contributes to disorders of angiogenesis, blood flow, autophagy, and nutrient transport in the placenta and erythropoiesis. Collectively, they impair placental functions and, consequently, fetal growth. The discovery that women in endemic regions develop a certain immunity against VAR2CSA-expressing parasites with increasing number of pregnancies has redefined the understanding of malaria in pregnancy and offers strategies for the development of vaccines. The following review gives an overview of molecular processes in P. falciparum infection in pregnancy which may be involved in the development of IUGR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Seitz
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Rodolfo R. Favaro
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Henning Schneider
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Udo Rudolf Markert
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- *Correspondence: Udo Rudolf Markert
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Liu H, Kang M, Wang J, Blenkiron C, Lee A, Wise M, Chamley L, Chen Q. Estimation of the burden of human placental micro- and nano-vesicles extruded into the maternal blood from 8 to 12 weeks of gestation. Placenta 2018; 72-73:41-47. [PMID: 30501880 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2018.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human placenta extrudes a variety of extracellular vesicles (EVs) into the maternal blood daily. These vesicles may be crucial to the adaptation of the maternal cardiovascular and immune systems to pregnancy. Quantifying the EVs that are released in early gestation is important to our understanding of how placental EVs may contribute to the regulation of maternal physiology. METHODS EVs were isolated from first trimester placental explants and separated into micro- and nano-vesicles by differential centrifugation. The numbers of each type of EVs extruded from each milligram of placentae between gestational weeks 8 and 12 was determined by Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis. The total protein or DNA content of the vesicles was determined by BCA assay or Qubit® 2.0. RESULTS Neither the number of micro- nor nano-EVs/mg explant (n = 49), nor the total protein (n = 19) and DNA content (n = 29) of these EVs changed significantly between 8 and 12 weeks of gestation. When the increasing placental weight with gestation was accounted for, the daily number of placental EVs extruded into the maternal blood increased by more than 100 fold between 8 and 12 weeks (micro-EVs 6.23 X 1014 and nano-EVs 1.84 X 1014 at 12 weeks, p = 0.0003). DISCUSSION Constant production of micro- and nano-EVs per-milligram placenta, regardless of gestational age, and the increased daily burden of EVs across gestational age indicate these EVs have the potential to regulate maternal physiology from early pregnancy. Since total EV protein content, like EV numbers was, constant, this is a potentially reliable surrogate for quantifying EVs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Liu
- The Hospital of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Fudan University, China; Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Matt Kang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Julie Wang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Cherie Blenkiron
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, The University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Arier Lee
- Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michelle Wise
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Larry Chamley
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Qi Chen
- The Hospital of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Fudan University, China; Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Nascimento RA, Possomato-Vieira JS, Gonçalves-Rizzi VH, Bonacio GF, Rizzi E, Dias-Junior CA. Hypertension, augmented activity of matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9 and angiogenic imbalance in hypertensive pregnancy are attenuated by doxycycline. Eur J Pharmacol 2018; 840:60-69. [PMID: 30336141 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is manifested as maternal hypertension and fetal growth restriction. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in hypertension and doxycycline reduces blood pressure by inhibition of MMPs. Moreover, excessive levels of MMPs and reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability have been related to preeclampsia. We investigated the involvement of MMPs in hypertension in pregnancy induced by Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) in rats. To this end, zimography was performed to evaluate the activity of MMPs -2 and -9 in placenta, uterus and thoracic aorta, and systolic blood pressure, feto-placental development and metabolites of NO were evaluated. Also, plasma antioxidant capacity, plasma levels of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PLGF) were examined. Doxycycline prevented hypertensive pregnancy and significant reductions in number of pups induced by L-NAME. Low NO bioavailability was found in hypertensive pregnant rats treated (or not) with doxycycline. Increased activity of placental MMP-2 and MMP-9 and uterine MMP-2 were attenuated by doxycycline. MMP-2 activity of thoracic aorta showed no change after hypertension. Increases in PLGF with concomitant decreases in sFlt-1 levels were found with doxycycline treatment. Also, plasma antioxidant capacity was improved with doxycycline. Also, elevations of plasma antioxidant capacity were observed in hypertensive rats treated with doxycycline. Therefore, we suggest that L-NAME reduced NO and this triggered the increases in MMP-2 and -9 activities during hypertensive pregnancy. Importantly, increases in MMPs activation and angiogenic imbalance were attenuated by doxycycline and these effects were associated with decreases in systolic blood pressure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Regina A Nascimento
- Department of Pharmacology, Biosciences Institute of Botucatu, Sao Paulo State University - UNESP, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - José S Possomato-Vieira
- Department of Pharmacology, Biosciences Institute of Botucatu, Sao Paulo State University - UNESP, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Victor H Gonçalves-Rizzi
- Department of Pharmacology, Biosciences Institute of Botucatu, Sao Paulo State University - UNESP, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gisele F Bonacio
- Unit of Biotechnology, University of Ribeirao Preto, UNAERP, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elen Rizzi
- Unit of Biotechnology, University of Ribeirao Preto, UNAERP, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos A Dias-Junior
- Department of Pharmacology, Biosciences Institute of Botucatu, Sao Paulo State University - UNESP, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Tong M, Abrahams VM, Chamley LW. Immunological effects of placental extracellular vesicles. Immunol Cell Biol 2018; 96:714-722. [PMID: 29604098 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) extruded by the human placenta are increasingly being recognized as an essential mode of feto-maternal communication. In the past two decades, there has been an explosion of research into the roles that placental EVs play in modulating the maternal immune and cardiovascular systems during healthy pregnancies, as well as how this communication is altered in obstetric diseases. This review aims to introduce readers to the processes of placental EV formation and the cargos they carry, and also to collate and summarize the published literature that investigates the immunological effects of placental EVs throughout human pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mancy Tong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Vikki M Abrahams
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lawrence W Chamley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Tong M, Johansson C, Xiao F, Stone PR, James JL, Chen Q, Cree LM, Chamley LW. Antiphospholipid antibodies increase the levels of mitochondrial DNA in placental extracellular vesicles: Alarmin-g for preeclampsia. Sci Rep 2017; 7:16556. [PMID: 29185455 PMCID: PMC5707355 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16448-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of preeclampsia remains unclear but placental factors are known to play a crucial role causing maternal endothelial cell dysfunction. One potential factor is placental micro- and nano- vesicles. Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) increase the risk of preeclampsia ten-fold, in part by damaging the mitochondria in the syncytiotrophoblast. Since mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a danger- associated molecular pattern (DAMP/alarmin) that may activate endothelial cells, the aims of the current study were to investigate whether aPL affect the number of placental vesicles extruded, their mtDNA content and their ability to activate endothelial cells. Exposure of first trimester human placental explants to aPL affected neither the number nor size of extruded micro- and nano- vesicles (n = 5), however their levels of mtDNA were increased (n = 6). These vesicles significantly activated endothelial cells (n = 5), which was prevented by blocking toll-like receptor 9 (TLR-9), a receptor for extracellular DNA. Thus, aPL may increase the risk of preeclampsia in part by increasing the amount of mtDNA associated with placental vesicles. That mitochondrial DNA is recognised as a DAMP by TLR-9 to cause endothelial cell activation, raises the possibility that placental vesicles or TLR-9 might be a target for pharmaceutical intervention to reduce the consequences of aPL in pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mancy Tong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, The University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand.
| | - Caroline Johansson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, The University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, SE-581 83, Sweden
| | - Fengyi Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, The University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand.,The Hospital of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peter R Stone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, The University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Joanna L James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, The University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, The University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Lynsey M Cree
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, The University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Lawrence W Chamley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, The University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|