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Chen X, Hong L, Mo M, Xiao S, Yin T, Liu S. Contributing factors for pregnancy outcomes in women with PCOS after their first FET treatment: a retrospective cohort study. Gynecol Endocrinol 2024; 40:2314607. [PMID: 38349325 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2024.2314607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aim to explore the contributing factors of clinical pregnancy outcomes in PCOS patients undergoing their first FET treatment. METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on 574 PCOS patients undergoing their first FET treatment at a private fertility center from January 2018 to December 2021. RESULTS During the first FET cycle of PCOS patients, progesterone levels (aOR 0.109, 95% CI 0.018-0.670) and endometrial thickness (EMT) (aOR 1.126, 95% CI 1.043-1.419) on the hCG trigger day were associated with the clinical pregnancy rate. Similarly, progesterone levels (aOR 0.055, 95% CI 0.007-0.420) and EMT (aOR 1.179, 95% CI 1.011-1.376) on the hCG trigger day were associated with the live birth rate. In addition, AFC (aOR 1.179, 95% CI 1.011-1.376) was found to be a risk factor for preterm delivery. CONCLUSIONS In women with PCOS undergoing their first FET, lower progesterone levels and higher EMT on hCG trigger day were associated with clinical pregnancy and live birth, and AFC was a risk factor for preterm delivery. During FET treatment, paying attention to the patient's endocrine indicators and follicle status may have a positive effect on predicting and improving the pregnancy outcome of PCOS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Reproductive Medical Centre, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ling Hong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Meilan Mo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shan Xiao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tailang Yin
- Reproductive Medical Centre, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Su Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Bailey NA, Davis EP, Sandman CA, Glynn LM. DHEA: a neglected biological signal that may affect fetal and child development. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 65:1145-1155. [PMID: 38426566 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The stress-sensitive maternal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis through the end-product cortisol, represents a primary pathway through which maternal experience shapes fetal development with long-term consequences for child neurodevelopment. However, there is another HPA axis end-product that has been widely ignored in the study of human pregnancy. The synthesis and release of dehydroepiandosterone (DHEA) is similar to cortisol, so it is a plausible, but neglected, biological signal that may influence fetal neurodevelopment. DHEA also may interact with cortisol to determine developmental outcomes. Surprisingly, there is virtually nothing known about human fetal exposure to prenatal maternal DHEA and offspring neurodevelopment. The current study examined, for the first time, the joint impact of fetal exposure to prenatal maternal DHEA and cortisol on infant emotional reactivity. METHODS Participants were 124 mother-infant dyads. DHEA and cortisol were measured from maternal hair at 15 weeks (early gestation) and 35 weeks (late gestation). Observational assessments of positive and negative emotional reactivity were obtained in the laboratory when the infants were 6 months old. Pearson correlations were used to examine the associations between prenatal maternal cortisol, prenatal maternal DHEA, and infant positive and negative emotional reactivity. Moderation analyses were conducted to investigate whether DHEA might modify the association between cortisol and emotional reactivity. RESULTS Higher levels of both early and late gestation maternal DHEA were linked to greater infant positive emotional reactivity. Elevated late gestation maternal cortisol was associated with greater negative emotional reactivity. Finally, the association between fetal cortisol exposure and infant emotional reactivity was only observed when DHEA was low. CONCLUSIONS These new observations indicate that DHEA is a potential maternal biological signal involved in prenatal programming. It appears to act both independently and jointly with cortisol to determine a child's emotional reactivity. Its role as a primary end-product of the HPA axis, coupled with the newly documented associations with prenatal development shown here, strongly calls for the inclusion of DHEA in future investigations of fetal programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha A Bailey
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Elysia Poggi Davis
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Curt A Sandman
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Laura M Glynn
- Department of Psychology, Chapman University, Orange, CA, USA
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Hansel MC, Rosenberg AM, Kinkade CW, Capurro C, Rivera-Núñez Z, Barrett ES. Exposure to Synthetic Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Relation to Maternal and Fetal Sex Steroid Hormones: A Scoping Review. Curr Environ Health Rep 2024; 11:356-379. [PMID: 39037689 PMCID: PMC11324767 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00455-6] [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] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Many synthetic endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are ubiquitous in the environment and highly detected among pregnant people. These chemicals may disrupt maternal and/or fetal sex steroid hormones, which are critical to pregnancy maintenance and fetal development. Here, we review the epidemiological literature examining prenatal exposure to common synthetic EDCs in relation to maternal and fetal sex steroid hormones. RECENT FINDINGS We performed a literature search using PubMed, SCOPUS, and Embase, ultimately identifying 29 articles for full review. Phenols, parabens, and persistent organic pollutants generally showed inverse associations with androgens, estrogens, and progesterone. Phthalates and per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances tended to be inversely associated with progesterone, while evidence regarding androgens and estrogens was mixed. Inconsistent, but noteworthy, differences by fetal sex and timing of exposure/outcome were observed. Overall, the literature suggests EDCs may disrupt maternal and fetal sex steroid activity, though findings are mixed. Given the pervasive, high-volume production of these synthetic chemicals and the critical functions sex steroid hormones play during gestation, additional research is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan C Hansel
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Abigail M Rosenberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Carolyn W Kinkade
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, 170 Frelinghuysen Rd, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Camila Capurro
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Zorimar Rivera-Núñez
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, 170 Frelinghuysen Rd, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Emily S Barrett
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, 170 Frelinghuysen Rd, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
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Elhassan YS, Appenzeller S, Landwehr LS, Lippert J, Popat D, Gilligan LC, Abdi L, Goh E, Diaz-Cano S, Kircher S, Gramlich S, Sutcliffe RP, Thangaratinam S, Chan LF, Fassnacht M, Arlt W, Ronchi CL. Primary unilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia with concomitant glucocorticoid and androgen excess and KDM1A inactivation. Eur J Endocrinol 2024; 191:334-344. [PMID: 39171930 PMCID: PMC11378072 DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvae106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH) is a rare cause of Cushing's syndrome. Individuals with PBMAH and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)-dependent Cushing's syndrome due to ectopic expression of the GIP receptor (GIPR) typically harbor inactivating KDM1A sequence variants. Primary unilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PUMAH) with concomitant glucocorticoid and androgen excess has never been encountered or studied. METHODS We investigated a woman with a large, heterogeneous adrenal mass and severe adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent glucocorticoid and androgen excess, a biochemical presentation typically suggestive of adrenocortical carcinoma. The patient presented during pregnancy (22nd week of gestation) and reported an 18-month history of oligomenorrhea, hirsutism, and weight gain. We undertook an exploratory study with detailed histopathological and genetic analysis of the resected adrenal mass and leukocyte DNA collected from the patient and her parents. RESULTS Histopathology revealed benign macronodular adrenal hyperplasia. Imaging showed a persistently normal contralateral adrenal gland. Whole-exome sequencing of 4 representative nodules detected KDM1A germline variants, benign NM_001009999.3:c.136G > A:p.G46S, and likely pathogenic NM_001009999.3:exon6:c.865_866del:p.R289Dfs*7. Copy number variation analysis demonstrated an additional somatic loss of the KDM1A wild-type allele on chromosome 1p36.12 in all nodules. RNA sequencing of a representative nodule showed low/absent KDM1A expression and increased GIPR expression compared with 52 unilateral sporadic adenomas and 4 normal adrenal glands. Luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor expression was normal. Sanger sequencing confirmed heterozygous KDM1A variants in both parents (father: p.R289Dfs*7 and mother: p.G46S) who showed no clinical features suggestive of glucocorticoid or androgen excess. CONCLUSIONS We investigated the first PUMAH associated with severe Cushing's syndrome and concomitant androgen excess, suggesting pathogenic mechanisms involving KDM1A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasir S Elhassan
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Silke Appenzeller
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Laura-Sophie Landwehr
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Juliane Lippert
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Dillon Popat
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lorna C Gilligan
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Lida Abdi
- MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom
| | - Edwina Goh
- Birmingham Women's Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Salvador Diaz-Cano
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Stefan Kircher
- Department of Pathology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Gramlich
- Department of Pathology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Robert P Sutcliffe
- The Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Shakila Thangaratinam
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Birmingham Women's Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Li F Chan
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Wiebke Arlt
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cristina L Ronchi
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Brown ER, Gettler LT, Rosenbaum S. Effects of social environments on male primate HPG and HPA axis developmental programming. Dev Psychobiol 2024; 66:e22491. [PMID: 38698633 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22491] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Developmental plasticity is particularly important for humans and other primates because of our extended period of growth and maturation, during which our phenotypes adaptively respond to environmental cues. The hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axes are likely to be principal targets of developmental "programming" given their roles in coordinating fitness-relevant aspects of the phenotype, including sexual development, adult reproductive and social strategies, and internal responses to the external environment. In social animals, including humans, the social environment is believed to be an important source of cues to which these axes may adaptively respond. The effects of early social environments on the HPA axis have been widely studied in humans, and to some extent, in other primates, but there are still major gaps in knowledge specifically relating to males. There has also been relatively little research examining the role that social environments play in developmental programming of the HPG axis or the HPA/HPG interface, and what does exist disproportionately focuses on females. These topics are likely understudied in males in part due to the difficulty of identifying developmental milestones in males relative to females and the general quiescence of the HPG axis prior to maturation. However, there are clear indicators that early life social environments matter for both sexes. In this review, we examine what is known about the impact of social environments on HPG and HPA axis programming during male development in humans and nonhuman primates, including the role that epigenetic mechanisms may play in this programming. We conclude by highlighting important next steps in this research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella R Brown
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Lee T Gettler
- Department of Anthropology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Stacy Rosenbaum
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Kinkade CW, Aleksunes LM, Brinker A, Buckley B, Brunner J, Wang C, Miller RK, O'Connor TG, Rivera-Núñez Z, Barrett ES. Associations between mycoestrogen exposure and sex steroid hormone concentrations in maternal serum and cord blood in the UPSIDE pregnancy cohort. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2024; 260:114405. [PMID: 38878407 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114405] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEN) is a fungal-derived toxin found in global food supplies including cereal grains and processed foods, impacting populations worldwide through diet. Because the chemical structure of ZEN and metabolites closely resembles 17β-estradiol (E2), they interact with estrogen receptors α/β earning their designation as 'mycoestrogens'. In animal models, gestational exposure to mycoestrogens disrupts estrogen activity and impairs fetal growth. Here, our objective was to evaluate relationships between mycoestrogen exposure and sex steroid hormone concentrations in maternal circulation and cord blood for the first time in humans. In each trimester, pregnant participants in the UPSIDE study (n = 297) provided urine for mycoestrogen analysis and serum for hormone analysis. At birth, placental mycoestrogens and cord steroids were measured. We fitted longitudinal models examining log-transformed mycoestrogen concentrations in relation to log-transformed hormones, adjusting for covariates. Secondarily, multivariable linear models examined associations at each time point (1st, 2nd, 3rd trimesters, delivery). We additionally considered effect modification by fetal sex. ZEN and its metabolite, α-zearalenol (α-ZOL), were detected in >93% and >75% of urine samples; >80% of placentas had detectable mycoestrogens. Longitudinal models from the full cohort exhibited few significant associations. In sex-stratified analyses, in pregnancies with male fetuses, estrone (E1) and free testosterone (fT) were inversely associated with ZEN (E1 %Δ: -6.68 95%CI: -12.34, -0.65; fT %Δ: -3.22 95%CI: -5.68, -0.70); while α-ZOL was positively associated with E2 (%Δ: 5.61 95%CI: -1.54, 9.85) in pregnancies with female fetuses. In analysis with cord hormones, urinary mycoestrogens were inversely associated with androstenedione (%Δ: 9.15 95%CI: 14.64, -3.30) in both sexes, and placental mycoestrogens were positively associated with cord fT (%Δ: 37.13, 95%CI: 4.86, 79.34) amongst male offspring. Findings support the hypothesis that mycoestrogens act as endocrine disruptors in humans, as in animal models and livestock. Additional work is needed to understand impacts on maternal and child health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn W Kinkade
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
| | - Lauren M Aleksunes
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Anita Brinker
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Brian Buckley
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Jessica Brunner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Christina Wang
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor - UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Richard K Miller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Environmental Medicine, Pediatrics and Pathology, University of Rochester, New York, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Thomas G O'Connor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester, NY, USA; Wynne Center for Family Research, University of Rochester, USA
| | - Zorimar Rivera-Núñez
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Emily S Barrett
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
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Pacyga DC, Papandonatos GD, Rosas L, Whalen J, Smith S, Park JS, Gardiner JC, Braun JM, Schantz SL, Strakovsky RS. Associations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances with maternal early second trimester sex-steroid hormones. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2024; 259:114380. [PMID: 38657330 PMCID: PMC11127781 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114380] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Pregnant women are exposed to persistent environmental contaminants, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that disrupt thyroid function. However, it is unclear if PFAS alter maternal sex-steroid hormone levels, which support pregnancy health and fetal development. METHODS In Illinois women with relatively high socioeconomic status (n = 460), we quantified perfluorononanoic (PFNA), perfluorooctane sulfonic (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic (PFOA), methyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamide acetic acid, perfluorohexanesulphonic (PFHxS), perfluorodecanoic (PFDeA), and perfluoroundecanoic (PFUdA) acid concentrations in fasting serum samples at median 17 weeks gestation, along with plasma progesterone, testosterone, and estradiol. We evaluated covariate-adjusted associations of ln-transformed hormones with each ln-transformed PFAS individually using linear regression and with the PFAS mixture using quantile-based g-computation (QGComp). RESULTS Interquartile range (IQR) increases in PFOS were associated with higher progesterone (%Δ 3.0; 95%CI: -0.6, 6.6) and estradiol (%Δ: 8.1; 95%CI: 2.2, 14.4) levels. Additionally, PFHxS was positively associated with testosterone (%Δ: 10.2; 95%CI: 4.0, 16.7), whereas both PFDeA and PFUdA were inversely associated with testosterone (%Δ: -5.7; 95%CI: -10.3, -0.8, and %Δ: -4.1; 95%CI: -7.6, -0.4, respectively). The IQR-standardized PFAS mixture was not associated with progesterone (%Δ: 1.6; 95%CI: -5.8, 9.2), due equal partial positive (%Δ: 9.2; driven by PFOA) and negative (%Δ: -7.4; driven by PFOS) mixture associations. Similarly, the mixture was not associated with testosterone (%Δ: 5.3; 95%CI: -9.0, 20.1), due to similar partial positive (%Δ: 23.6; driven by PFHxS) and negative (%Δ: -17.4; driven by PFDeA) mixture associations. However, we observed a slightly stronger partial positive (%Δ: 25.6; driven by PFOS and PFUdA) than negative (%Δ: -16.3; driven by PFOA) association resulting in an overall non-significant positive trend between the mixture and estradiol (%Δ: 8.5; 95%CI: -3.7, 20.9). CONCLUSION PFAS mixture modeled using QGComp was not associated with maternal sex-steroid hormones due to potential opposing effects of certain PFAS. Additional prospective studies could corroborate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana C Pacyga
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | | | - Libeth Rosas
- The Beckman Institute, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA
| | - Jason Whalen
- Michigan Diabetes Research Center Chemistry Laboratory, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sabrina Smith
- Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Toxic Substances Control, California Environmental Protection Agency, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA
| | - June-Soo Park
- Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Toxic Substances Control, California Environmental Protection Agency, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Joseph C Gardiner
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Joseph M Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Susan L Schantz
- The Beckman Institute, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61802, USA
| | - Rita S Strakovsky
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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8
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Chai Y, Wang H, Tang D, Wu Y, Sun Z, Zeng Y, Zhang B, Niu B, Dong X. Changes of serum cortisol during pregnancy and labor initiation: an onsite cross-sectional study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1379693. [PMID: 38808114 PMCID: PMC11130462 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1379693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Increased maternal cortisol secretion has been observed during pregnancy and labor. However, due to the limitations in diagnostic methods, the dynamic change of cortisol during the short period between threatened labor and labor is unknown. In this study, we aim to evaluate the changes in serum cortisol during late pregnancy and full-term labor initiation, verifying if cortisol could serve as a biomarker for the diagnosis of labor initiation from threatened labor. Methods This cross-sectional onsite study involved 564 participants of 6 different gestational stages (C: Control; T1: Trimester 1; T3: Trimester 3; E: expectant; TL: threatened labor; L: labor), all patients in the E, TL, and L groups were at full term. The serum cortisol concentration was quantified with a point-of-care test (POCT), and the gestation, age, parity, and BMI of participants were documented. Morning serum cortisol was collected between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m., except for the TL and L group women who were tested upon arrival or during latent labor. With cortisol levels or all five variables, L was distinguished from TL using machine learning algorithms. Results Significant elevation of cortisol concentration was observed between T1 and T3, or TL and L group (P< 0.001). Women belonging to the E and TL group showed similar gestation week and cortisol levels. Diagnosis of labor initiation using cortisol levels (cutoff = 21.46 μg/dL) yielded sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of 86.50%, 88.60%, and 0.934. With additional variables, a higher specificity (89.29%) was achieved. The diagnostic accuracy of all methods ranged from 85.93% to 87.90%. Conclusion Serum cortisol could serve as a potential biomarker for diagnosis of L form TL. The rapid onsite detection of serum cortisol with POCT could facilitate medical decision-making for admission and special treatments, either as an additional parameter or when other technical platforms are not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujuan Chai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Hairong Wang
- Greater Bay Area International Institute for Innovation, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Daiyu Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhonghao Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuping Zeng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Binmao Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Ben Niu
- Department of Management, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaojing Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Sekar S, Fernando S, Budithi S. Association between polycystic ovarian syndrome and incompetent uterine cervix: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2024; 53:102763. [PMID: 38432628 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2024.102763] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine the association between polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and cervical incompetence (CI). We hypothesise that insulin resistance induces a glucose metabolism disorder that could potentially cause cervical incompetence, resulting in an adverse outcome. DESIGN We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies to summarise the evidence regarding the strength of the association of occurrence of CI in a PCOS pregnant woman compared to a non-PCOS pregnant woman. We defined PCOS as the presence of two of the three Rotterdam criteria, and a combination of clinical symptoms and ultrasound findings were used to diagnose CI. METHOD This review adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) reporting standards and the PROSPERO registration. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases to identify observational studies up to December 2022. We included studies in English which compared the PCOS and non-PCOS pregnant women who were diagnosed using Rotterdam criteria and subsequently developed CI in the same pregnancy. We excluded the studies which did not report CI as an outcome. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias (JBI critical appraisal tools). In the meta-analysis, effect estimates were pooled using the random effects model, and heterogeneity was measured using I2 statistics. RESULTS We identified 23 articles, of which 19 were screened, and three studies were included in the meta-analysis. Three observational studies reported the data of 3845 pregnant women with PCOS and 9449 pregnant women without PCOS. One hundred and forty-one (3.7 %) pregnant women with PCOS developed CI compared to 58 (0.6 %) non-PCOS pregnant women [Risk ratio: 5.3; 95 % confidence interval: 1.9-14.6; I2: 89 %]. Of the three studies included, two had a low risk of bias, and one had a moderate risk of bias. CONCLUSION The findings of the review suggested higher risk of CI in a pregnant woman with PCOS compared to pregnant women without PCOS. These findings highlight the necessity of establishing guidelines for early identification of CI in PCOS pregnant mothers to prevent adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes following preterm labour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sindhu Sekar
- Wrexham Maelor Hospital, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Wrexham LL13 7TD, United Kingdom.
| | - Sujeewa Fernando
- Wrexham Maelor Hospital, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Wrexham LL13 7TD, United Kingdom
| | - Srividhya Budithi
- Wrexham Maelor Hospital, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Wrexham LL13 7TD, United Kingdom
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10
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Tang B, Hao Y, Wang C, Deng Z, Kou Z, Zhou H, Zhang H, Fan F, Wang K, Wang D. Biological characteristics of pregnancy in captive Yangtze finless porpoises revealed by urinary metabolomics†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:808-818. [PMID: 38169437 PMCID: PMC11017131 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad175] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The Yangtze finless porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis a.) are an endemic and critically endangered species in China. Intensive captive breeding is essential for understanding the biology of critically endangered species, especially their pregnancy characteristics, knowledge of which is crucial for effective breeding management. Urine metabolomics can reveal metabolic differences, arising from physiological changes across pregnancy stages. Therefore, we used the urinary metabolomic technology, to explore urinary metabolite changes in pregnant Yangtze finless porpoises. A total of 2281 metabolites were identified in all samples, which including organic acids and derivatives (24.45%), organoheterocyclic compounds (20.23%), benzenoids (18.05%), organic oxygen compounds (7.73%), and phenylpropanoids and polyketides (6.48%). There were 164, 387, and 522 metabolites demonstrating differential abundance during early pregnancy, mid pregnancy, and late pregnancy, respectively, from the levels observed in nonpregnancy. The levels of pregnenolone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, and tetrahydrocortisone were significantly higher during all pregnancy stages, indicating their important roles in fetal development. The differential metabolites between nonpregnancy and pregnancy were mainly associated with amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism. Moreover, metabolic activity varied across pregnancy stages; steroid hormone biosynthesis was predominant in early pregnancy, and amino acid biosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism were predominant in mid pregnancy and late pregnancy, respectively. Our results provide new insights into metabolic characteristics in the Yangtze finless porpoises' urine during pregnancy, and indicate that the differential levels of urine metabolites can determine pregnancy in Yangtze finless porpoises, providing valuable information for the husbandry and management of pregnant Yangtze finless porpoises in captivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Tang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yujiang Hao
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- National Aquatic Biological Resource Center, NABRC, Wuhan, China
| | - Chaoqun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- National Aquatic Biological Resource Center, NABRC, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhengyu Deng
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- National Aquatic Biological Resource Center, NABRC, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhangbing Kou
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Haojie Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haobo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Fan
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- National Aquatic Biological Resource Center, NABRC, Wuhan, China
| | - Kexiong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- National Aquatic Biological Resource Center, NABRC, Wuhan, China
| | - Ding Wang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- National Aquatic Biological Resource Center, NABRC, Wuhan, China
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11
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Hsu AP. The Known and Unknown "Knowns" of Human Susceptibility to Coccidioidomycosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:256. [PMID: 38667927 PMCID: PMC11051025 DOI: 10.3390/jof10040256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis occurs after inhalation of airborne spores of the endemic, dimorphic fungus, Coccidioides. While the majority of individuals resolve the infection without coming to medical attention, the fungus is a major cause of community-acquired pneumonia in the endemic region, and chronic pulmonary and extrapulmonary disease poses significant personal and economic burdens. This review explores the literature surrounding human susceptibility to coccidioidomycosis, including chronic pulmonary and extrapulmonary dissemination. Over the past century of study, themes have emerged surrounding factors impacting human susceptibility to severe disease or dissemination, including immune suppression, genetic susceptibility, sex, pregnancy, and genetic ancestry. Early studies were observational, frequently with small numbers of cases; several of these early studies are highly cited in review papers, becoming part of the coccidioidomycosis "canon". Specific genetic variants, sex, and immune suppression by TNF inhibitors have been validated in later cohort studies, confirming the original hypotheses. By contrast, some risk factors, such as ABO blood group, Filipino ancestry, or lack of erythema nodosum among black individuals, are repeated in the literature despite the lack of supporting studies or biologic plausibility. Using examination of historical reports coupled with recent cohort and epidemiology studies, evidence for commonly reported risk factors is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy P Hsu
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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12
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Peng C, Chen Q, Tan S, Shen X, Jiang C. Generalized reporter score-based enrichment analysis for omics data. Brief Bioinform 2024; 25:bbae116. [PMID: 38546324 PMCID: PMC10976918 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbae116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Enrichment analysis contextualizes biological features in pathways to facilitate a systematic understanding of high-dimensional data and is widely used in biomedical research. The emerging reporter score-based analysis (RSA) method shows more promising sensitivity, as it relies on P-values instead of raw values of features. However, RSA cannot be directly applied to multi-group and longitudinal experimental designs and is often misused due to the lack of a proper tool. Here, we propose the Generalized Reporter Score-based Analysis (GRSA) method for multi-group and longitudinal omics data. A comparison with other popular enrichment analysis methods demonstrated that GRSA had increased sensitivity across multiple benchmark datasets. We applied GRSA to microbiome, transcriptome and metabolome data and discovered new biological insights in omics studies. Finally, we demonstrated the application of GRSA beyond functional enrichment using a taxonomy database. We implemented GRSA in an R package, ReporterScore, integrating with a powerful visualization module and updatable pathway databases, which is available on the Comprehensive R Archive Network (https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/ReporterScore). We believe that the ReporterScore package will be a valuable asset for broad biomedical research fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Peng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Qiong Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Shangjin Tan
- BGI Research, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518083, China
| | - Xiaotao Shen
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Chao Jiang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
- Center for Life Sciences, Shaoxing Institute, Zhejiang University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 321000, China
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13
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Fernandes LM, Lorigo M, Cairrao E. Relationship between Androgens and Vascular and Placental Function during Pre-eclampsia. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:1668-1693. [PMID: 38534724 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46030108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) represent a substantial risk to maternal and fetal health. Emerging evidence suggests an association between testosterone and pre-eclampsia (PE), potentially mediated through androgen receptors (AR). Nevertheless, the mechanism driving this association is yet to be elucidated. On the other hand, reports of transgender men's pregnancies offer a limited and insightful opportunity to understand the role of high androgen levels in the development of HDP. In this sense, a literature review was performed from a little over 2 decades (1998-2022) to address the association of testosterone levels with the development of HDP. Furthermore, this review addresses the case of transgender men for the first time. The main in vitro outcomes reveal placenta samples with greater AR mRNA expression. Moreover, ex vivo studies show that testosterone-induced vasorelaxation impairment promotes hypertension. Epidemiological data point to greater testosterone levels in blood samples during PE. Studies with transgender men allow us to infer that exogenous testosterone administration can be considered a risk factor for PE and that the administration of testosterone does not affect fetal development. Overall, all studies analyzed suggested that high testosterone levels are associated with PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara M Fernandes
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- FCS-UBI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Margarida Lorigo
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- FCS-UBI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Elisa Cairrao
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- FCS-UBI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
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14
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Palm CVB, Dreyer AF, Boye H, Jørgensen JS, Wu C, Højsager FD, Jensen TK, Glintborg D, Andersen MS. Higher free testosterone in the third trimester was associated with lower abdominal circumference at birth in boys: Odense child cohort. BJOG 2024; 131:36-45. [PMID: 37443462 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17595] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate associations between maternal testosterone status and offspring birth anthropometrics. DESIGN Population-based prospective cohort study. SETTING University Hospital. POPULATION 1486 mother-child dyads from Odense Child Cohort. METHODS Maternal blood samples were collected at gestational weeks 27-30 and free testosterone (FT) levels were calculated using the Vermeulen equation from total testosterone (TT) analysed by mass spectrometry and sex hormone binding globulin. Associations between FT or TT levels and birth anthropometrics were analysed with multiple linear regression models according to offspring sex with adjustment for maternal age, parity, smoking and educational level. Analyses were repeated with polycystic ovary syndrome as exposure for offspring birth anthropometrics. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Offspring birth weight (BW), birth length, abdominal and head circumferences. RESULTS Maternal mean (SD) age was 30.2 (4.5) years and pre-pregnancy body mass index was 23.5 (5.3) kg/m2 . In boys (n = 787), higher FT was associated with lower birth weight (adjusted doubling constant = -65.53, P = 0.010), shorter birth length (adjusted doubling constant = -0.43, P < 0.001), and lower abdominal circumference (adjusted doubling constant = -0.39, P < 0.001); Higher TT was associated with lower abdominal circumference (adjusted doubling constant = -0.25, P = 0.028). In girls, no associations were found between maternal FT or TT and offspring anthropometrics. CONCLUSIONS Higher maternal free testosterone exposure was linked to reduced birth weight, length and abdominal circumference in boys, whereas girls were not susceptible to maternal testosterone exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla V B Palm
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Anja F Dreyer
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Henriette Boye
- Odense Child Cohort, Hans Christian Andersen Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- OPEN Patient data Explorative Network (OPEN), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jan S Jørgensen
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Chunsen Wu
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Frederik D Højsager
- Odense Child Cohort, Hans Christian Andersen Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Tina K Jensen
- Odense Child Cohort, Hans Christian Andersen Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- OPEN Patient data Explorative Network (OPEN), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Dorte Glintborg
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Marianne S Andersen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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15
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Ryva BA, Pacyga DC, Anderson KY, Calafat AM, Whalen J, Aung MT, Gardiner JC, Braun JM, Schantz SL, Strakovsky RS. Associations of urinary non-persistent endocrine disrupting chemical biomarkers with early-to-mid pregnancy plasma sex-steroid and thyroid hormones. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 183:108433. [PMID: 38219543 PMCID: PMC10858740 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Pregnant women are exposed to numerous endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that can affect hormonal pathways regulating pregnancy outcomes and fetal development. Thus, we evaluated overall and fetal sex-specific associations of phthalate/replacement, paraben, and phenol biomarkers with sex-steroid and thyroid hormones. METHODS Illinois women (n = 302) provided plasma for progesterone, estradiol, testosterone, free T4 (FT4), total T4 (TT4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) at median 17 weeks gestation. Women also provided up-to-five first-morning urine samples monthly across pregnancy (8-40 weeks), which we pooled to measure 19 phthalate/replacement metabolites (reflecting ten parent compounds), three parabens, and six phenols. We used linear regression to evaluate overall and fetal sex-specific associations of biomarkers with hormones, as well as weighted quantile sum and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to assess cumulative associations, non-linearities, and chemical interactions. RESULTS In women of relatively high socioeconomic status, several EDC biomarkers were associated with select hormones, without cumulative or non-linear associations with progesterone, FT4, or TT4. The biomarker mixture was negatively associated with estradiol (only at higher biomarker concentrations using BKMR), testosterone, and TSH, where each 10% mixture increase was associated with -5.65% (95% CI: -9.79, -1.28) lower testosterone and -0.09 μIU/mL (95% CI: -0.20, 0.00) lower TSH. Associations with progesterone, testosterone, and FT4 did not differ by fetal sex. However, in women carrying females, we identified an inverted u-shaped relationship of the mixture with estradiol. Additionally, in women carrying females, each 10% increase in the mixture was associated with 1.50% (95% CI: -0.15, 3.18) higher TT4, whereas in women carrying males, the mixture was associated with -1.77% (95% CI: -4.08, 0.58) lower TT4 and -0.18 μIU/mL (95% CI: -0.33, -0.03) lower TSH. We also identified select chemical interactions. CONCLUSION Some biomarkers were associated with early-to-mid pregnancy hormones. There were some sex-specific and non-linear associations. Future studies could consider how these findings relate to pregnancy/birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad A Ryva
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States; College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
| | - Diana C Pacyga
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States; Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
| | - Kaitlyn Y Anderson
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States
| | - Jason Whalen
- Michigan Diabetes Research Center Chemistry Laboratory, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Max T Aung
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90032, United States
| | - Joseph C Gardiner
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
| | - Joseph M Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States
| | - Susan L Schantz
- The Beckman Institute, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, United States; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61802, United States
| | - Rita S Strakovsky
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States; Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States.
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16
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Colicino E, Cowell W, Pedretti NF, Joshi A, Petrick L, Niedzwiecki M, Wright RO, Wright RJ. Maternal steroids during pregnancy and their associations with exposure to lifetime stressful life events, prenatal stress appraisal and psychological functioning. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 158:106395. [PMID: 37776732 PMCID: PMC10841416 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During pregnancy, steroids enable physiological adaptations in response to many factors, including maternal stress or psychological functioning. While stress and psychological dysfunction can have endocrine-disrupting effects beyond cortisol disruption, associations between prenatal maternal stress or related psychological dysfunction and the broader steroid milieu remain understudied. AIM To assess associations between independent and joint maternal stress and psychological functioning measures and steroid profiles in pregnancy (22-40 gestational weeks) in the Programming of Intergenerational Stress Mechanisms (PRISM) birth cohort (n = 334). METHODS Serum metabolomics detected 42 steroids and their metabolites, which were grouped into five classes (pregnenolone, androgens, estrogens, progestin, and corticosteroids). The Perceived Stress Scale, Life Stressor Checklist-Revised, and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale indexed lifetime traumatic/non-traumatic stressors, global prenatal stress appraisal, and depressive symptoms during pregnancy, respectively. Exposures were categorized as high-low using the corresponding 3rd quartiles. We assessed associations between both individual and joint stress exposures with steroid classes using linear mixed effect models and with individual steroids using linear regressions. We also examined fetal sex-specific effects. RESULTS High prenatal perceived stress was independently associated with lower levels of androgens and estrogens in the overall sample [β (95%CI): androgens: -0.13 (-0.25;-0.01); estrogens: -0.16 (-0.31;-0.01)], particularly among women carrying males [androgens: -0.22 (-0.39;-0.05); estrogens: -0.28 (-0.50;-0.07)]. Results on estrogens were consistent when considering joint exposure to both greater lifetime stressors and higher prenatal perceived stress. We also found a single testosterone metabolite-5alpha-androstan-3alpha,17alpha-diol disulfate-negatively associated with both individual high perceived stress and joint exposure to high lifetime stressors and high perceived stress among women carrying males. CONCLUSIONS Increased maternal perceived stress experienced in pregnancy was independently associated with lower maternal androgen and estrogen levels during pregnancy in the overall sample, particularly among women carrying males. Results on estrogens were consistent when we considered the joint exposure of increased lifetime stressors and higher prenatal perceived stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Colicino
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Whitney Cowell
- Departments of Pediatrics and Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicolo Foppa Pedretti
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anu Joshi
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lauren Petrick
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Megan Niedzwiecki
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert O Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rosalind J Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Kravis Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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17
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Polinski KJ, Robinson SL, Putnick DL, Sundaram R, Bell E, Joseph PV, Segars J, Guan W, Silver RM, Schisterman EF, Mumford SL, Yeung EH. Examination of newborn DNA methylation among women with polycystic ovary syndrome/hirsutism. Epigenetics 2023; 18:2282319. [PMID: 37992405 PMCID: PMC10732621 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2023.2282319] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Research suggests that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) traits (e.g., hyperandrogenism) may create a suboptimal intrauterine environment and induce epigenetic modifications. Therefore, we assessed the associations of PCOS traits with neonatal DNA methylation (DNAm) using two independent cohorts. DNAm was measured in both cohorts using the Infinium MethylationEPIC array. Multivariable robust linear regression was used to determine associations of maternal PCOS exposure or preconception testosterone with methylation β-values at each CpG probe and corrected for multiple testing by false-discovery rate (FDR). In the birth cohort, 12% (102/849) had a PCOS diagnosis (8.1% PCOS without hirsutism; 3.9% PCOS with hirsutism). Infants exposed to maternal PCOS with hirsutism compared to no PCOS had differential DNAm at cg02372539 [β(SE): -0.080 (0.010); FDR p = 0.009], cg08471713 [β(SE):0.077 (0.014); FDR p = 0.016] and cg17897916 [β(SE):0.050 (0.009); FDR p = 0.009] with adjustment for maternal characteristics including pre-pregnancy BMI. PCOS with hirsutism was also associated with 8 differentially methylated regions (DMRs). PCOS without hirsutism was not associated with individual CpGs. In an independent preconception cohort, total testosterone concentrations were associated with 3 DMRs but not with individual CpGs, though the top quartile of testosterone compared to the lowest was marginally associated with increased DNAm at cg21472377 near an uncharacterized locus (FDR p = 0.09). Examination of these probes and DMRs indicate they may be under foetal genetic control. Overall, we found several associations among newborns exposed to PCOS, specifically when hirsutism was reported, and among newborns of women with relatively higher testosterone around conception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen J. Polinski
- Division of Population Health Research, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sonia L. Robinson
- Division of Population Health Research, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Diane L. Putnick
- Division of Population Health Research, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Rajeshwari Sundaram
- Division of Population Health Research, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Erin Bell
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany School of Public Health, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Paule V. Joseph
- Section of Sensory Science and Metabolism, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - James Segars
- Division of Reproductive Science and Women’s Health Research, Johns Hopkins Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Weihua Guan
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Robert M. Silver
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Enrique F. Schisterman
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sunni L. Mumford
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Edwina H. Yeung
- Division of Population Health Research, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Shao X, Yang Y, Liu Y, Wang Y, Zhao Y, Yu X, Liu J, Li YX, Wang YL. Orchestrated feedback regulation between melatonin and sex hormones involving GPER1-PKA-CREB signaling in the placenta. J Pineal Res 2023; 75:e12913. [PMID: 37746893 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Maintaining placental endocrine homeostasis is crucial for a successful pregnancy. Pre-eclampsia (PE), a gestational complication, is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Aberrant elevation of testosterone (T0 ) synthesis, reduced estradiol (E2 ), and melatonin productions have been identified in preeclamptic placentas. However, the precise contribution of disrupted homeostasis among these hormones to the occurrence of PE remains unknown. In this study, we established a strong correlation between suppressed melatonin production and decreased E2 as well as elevated T0 synthesis in PE placentas. Administration of the T0 analog testosterone propionate (TP; 2 mg/kg/day) to pregnant mice from E7.5 onwards resulted in PE-like symptoms, along with elevated T0 production and reduced E2 and melatonin production. Notably, supplementation with melatonin (10 mg/kg/day) in TP-treated mice had detrimental effects on fetal and placental development and compromised hormone synthesis. Importantly, E2 , but not T0 , actively enhanced melatonin synthetase AANAT expression and melatonin production in primary human trophoblast (PHT) cells through GPER1-PKA-CREB signaling pathway. On the other hand, melatonin suppressed the level of estrogen synthetase aromatase while promoting the expressions of androgen synthetic enzymes including 17β-HSD3 and 3β-HSD1 in PHT cells. These findings reveal an orchestrated feedback mechanism that maintains homeostasis of placental sex hormones and melatonin. It is implied that abnormal elevation of T0 synthesis likely serves as the primary cause of placental endocrine disturbances associated with PE. The suppression of melatonin may represent an adaptive strategy to correct the imbalance in sex hormone levels within preeclamptic placentas. The findings of this study offer novel evidence that identifies potential targets for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanlei Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yongqing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yangyu Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Traceability Technologies for Food Poisoning, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Xia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Ling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
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19
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Salamon D, Ujvari D, Hellberg A, Hirschberg AL. DHT and Insulin Upregulate Secretion of the Soluble Decoy Receptor of IL-33 From Decidualized Endometrial Stromal Cells. Endocrinology 2023; 165:bqad174. [PMID: 37972259 PMCID: PMC10681354 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin 33 (IL-33) signaling regulates most of the key processes of pregnancy, including decidualization, trophoblast proliferation and invasion, vascular remodeling, and placental growth. Accordingly, dysregulation of IL-33, its membrane-bound receptor (ST2L, transducer of IL-33 signaling), and its soluble decoy receptor (sST2, inhibitor of IL-33 signaling) has been linked to a wide range of adverse pregnancy outcomes that are common in women with obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome, that is, conditions associated with hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and compensatory hyperinsulinemia. To reveal if androgens and insulin might modulate uteroplacental IL-33 signaling, we investigated the effect of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and/or insulin on the expression of ST2L and sST2 (along with the activity of their promoter regions), IL-33 and sIL1RAP (heterodimerization partner of sST2), during in vitro decidualization of endometrial stromal cells from 9 healthy women. DHT and insulin markedly upregulated sST2 secretion, in addition to the upregulation of its messenger RNA (mRNA) expression, while the proximal ST2 promoter, from which the sST2 transcript originates, was upregulated by insulin, and in a synergistic manner by DHT and insulin combination treatment. On the other hand, sIL1RAP was slightly downregulated by insulin and IL-33 mRNA expression was not affected by any of the hormones, while ST2L mRNA expression and transcription from its promoter region (distal ST2 promoter) could not be detected or showed a negligibly low level. We hypothesize that high levels of androgens and insulin might lead to subfertility and pregnancy complications, at least partially, through the sST2-dependent downregulation of uteroplacental IL-33 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Salamon
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, SE-171 64 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dorina Ujvari
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, SE-171 64 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, National Pandemic Centre, Centre for Translational Microbiome Research, Karolinska Institute, SE-171 64 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anton Hellberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, SE-171 64 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Angelica Lindén Hirschberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, SE-171 64 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
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20
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Kumar S, Song R, Mishra JS. Elevated gestational testosterone impacts vascular and uteroplacental function. Placenta 2023:S0143-4004(23)00598-2. [PMID: 37977936 PMCID: PMC11087376 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Maternal vascular adaptations to establish an adequate blood supply to the uterus and placenta are essential for optimal nutrient and oxygen delivery to the developing fetus in eutherian mammals, including humans. Numerous factors contribute to maintaining appropriate hemodynamics and placental vascular development throughout pregnancy. Failure to achieve or sustain these pregnancy-associated changes in women is strongly associated with an increased risk of antenatal complications, such as preeclampsia, a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. The precise etiology of preeclampsia is unknown, but emerging evidence points to a potential role for androgens. The association between androgens and maternal cardiovascular and placental function merits particular attention due to the notable 2- to 3-fold elevated plasma testosterone (T) levels observed in preeclampsia. T levels in preeclamptic women positively correlate with vascular dysfunction, and preeclampsia is associated with increased androgen receptor (AR) levels in placental tissues. Moreover, animal studies replicating the pattern and magnitude of T increase observed in preeclamptic pregnancies have reproduced key features of preeclampsia, including gestational hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, heightened vasoconstriction to angiotensin II, impaired spiral artery remodeling, placental hypoxia, reduced nutrient transport, and fetal growth restriction. Collectively, these findings suggest that AR-mediated activity plays a significant role in the clinical presentation of preeclampsia. This review critically evaluates this hypothesis, considering both clinical and preclinical evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sathish Kumar
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53792, USA.
| | - Ruolin Song
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Jay S Mishra
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
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21
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Hansel MC, Murphy HR, Brunner J, Wang C, Miller RK, O'Connor TG, Barrett ES, Rivera-Núñez Z. Associations between neighborhood stress and maternal sex steroid hormones in pregnancy. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:730. [PMID: 37845614 PMCID: PMC10577914 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-06043-0] [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: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neighborhood stressors (e.g., crime and deprivation) have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes including preterm birth and low birth weight. A potential mechanism is disruption of maternal endocrine pathways. While stress hormones (e.g., cortisol) have received much attention, other relevant hormones, including sex steroids, have been overlooked. METHODS Pregnant women in the Understanding Pregnancy Signals and Infant Development (UPSIDE) study contributed biospecimens, questionnaires, and medical record data (n = 262). In each trimester, maternal serum total testosterone [TT], estrone, estradiol, and estriol were measured using LC/MS-MS and serum free testosterone was measured by equilibrium dialysis. In the third trimester, participants reported on neighborhood stress over the last year through the validated City Stress Inventory. We examined two subscales: 11-item neighborhood disorder (e.g., vacant buildings, crime) and 7-item exposure to violence (personal experiences of violence). Composite scores were calculated and examined categorically (quartile (Q) for neighborhood disorder and any/none for exposure to violence). We fitted linear mixed models examining associations between neighborhood stressors and sex steroid hormones across pregnancy as well as trimester-specific linear regression models, all adjusting for confounders. Secondarily, we stratified by fetal sex. Results are presented as percentage change (∆%) and 95% confidence interval (CI) in hormones. RESULTS Most participants (73%) reported one or more exposures to neighborhood disorder; 22% reported any exposure to violence. In adjusted models, neighborhood disorder was associated with higher TT across pregnancy (Q2: %∆= 37.3, 95%CI: 13.2, 66.5; Q3: %∆= 22.2, 95%CI: 1.2, 47.5; and Q4: %∆= 25.7, 95%CI: 1.6, 55.3), with the strongest associations observed in the third trimester (Q2: %∆= 38.0, 95%CI: 10.6, 72.1; Q3: %∆= 29.2, 95%CI: 4.4, 59.9; and Q4: %∆=33.4, 95%CI: 4.9, 69.6). In stratified models, neighborhood disorder was associated with higher TT among women carrying male fetuses (%∆ range: 48.2-84.8). Exposure to violence was not associated with any hormones. CONCLUSION Neighborhood disorder is associated with higher maternal testosterone levels, which may have implications for maternal and child health. Additional research is needed to understand the mechanisms by which neighborhood stress impacts endocrine physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan C Hansel
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Hannah R Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Jessica Brunner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Christina Wang
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor -UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Richard K Miller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Thomas G O'Connor
- Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, Neuroscience, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Emily S Barrett
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Zorimar Rivera-Núñez
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
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22
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Pasanen A, Karjalainen MK, Zhang G, Tiensuu H, Haapalainen AM, Ojaniemi M, Feenstra B, Jacobsson B, Palotie A, Laivuori H, Muglia LJ, Rämet M, Hallman M. Meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies of gestational duration and spontaneous preterm birth identifies new maternal risk loci. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010982. [PMID: 37871108 PMCID: PMC10621942 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm birth (<37 weeks of gestation) is a major cause of neonatal death and morbidity. Up to 40% of the variation in timing of birth results from genetic factors, mostly due to the maternal genome. METHODS We conducted a genome-wide meta-analysis of gestational duration and spontaneous preterm birth in 68,732 and 98,370 European mothers, respectively. RESULTS The meta-analysis detected 15 loci associated with gestational duration, and four loci associated with preterm birth. Seven of the associated loci were novel. The loci mapped to several biologically plausible genes, for example HAND2 whose expression was previously shown to decrease during gestation, associated with gestational duration, and GC (Vitamin D-binding protein), associated with preterm birth. Downstream in silico-analysis suggested regulatory roles as underlying mechanisms for the associated loci. LD score regression found birth weight measures as the most strongly correlated traits, highlighting the unique nature of spontaneous preterm birth phenotype. Tissue expression and colocalization analysis revealed reproductive tissues and immune cell types as the most relevant sites of action. CONCLUSION We report novel genetic risk loci that associate with preterm birth or gestational duration, and reproduce findings from previous genome-wide association studies. Altogether, our findings provide new insight into the genetic background of preterm birth. Better characterization of the causal genetic mechanisms will be important to public health as it could suggest new strategies to treat and prevent preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Pasanen
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, and Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Minna K. Karjalainen
- Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | | | - Ge Zhang
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute and March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center Ohio Collaborative, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Heli Tiensuu
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, and Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Antti M. Haapalainen
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, and Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Marja Ojaniemi
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, and Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Bjarke Feenstra
- Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bo Jacobsson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Clinical Science, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Health Data and Digitalization, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Aarno Palotie
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Psychiatric & Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Department of Medicine, and the Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Hannele Laivuori
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Center for Child, Adolescent, and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Louis J. Muglia
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute and March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center Ohio Collaborative, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Mika Rämet
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, and Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mikko Hallman
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, and Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
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23
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Meng Y, Thornburg LL, Hoeger KM, Núñez ZR, Kautz A, Evans AT, Wang C, Miller RK, Groth SW, O’Connor TG, Barrett ES. Association between sex steroid hormones and subsequent hyperglycemia during pregnancy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1213402. [PMID: 37766683 PMCID: PMC10520461 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1213402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Sex steroid hormones may play a role in insulin resistance and glucose dysregulation. However, evidence regarding associations between early-pregnancy sex steroid hormones and hyperglycemia during pregnancy is limited. The primary objective of this study was to assess the relationships between first trimester sex steroid hormones and the subsequent development of hyperglycemia during pregnancy; with secondary evaluation of sex steroid hormones levels in mid-late pregnancy, concurrent with and subsequent to diagnosis of gestational diabetes. Methods Retrospective analysis of a prospective pregnancy cohort study was conducted. Medically low-risk participants with no known major endocrine disorders were recruited in the first trimester of pregnancy (n=319). Sex steroid hormones in each trimester, including total testosterone, free testosterone, estrone, estradiol, and estriol, were assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Glucose levels of the 1-hour oral glucose tolerance test and gestational diabetes diagnosis were abstracted from medical records. Multivariable linear regression models were fitted to assess the associations of individual first trimester sex steroids and glucose levels. Results In adjusted models, first trimester total testosterone (β=5.24, 95% CI: 0.01, 10.46, p=0.05) and free testosterone (β=5.98, 95% CI: 0.97, 10.98, p=0.02) were positively associated with subsequent glucose concentrations and gestational diabetes diagnosis (total testosterone: OR=3.63, 95% CI: 1.50, 8.78; free testosterone: OR=3.69; 95% CI: 1.56, 8.73). First trimester estrone was also positively associated with gestational diabetes (OR=3.66, 95% CI: 1.56, 8.55). In mid-late pregnancy, pregnant people with gestational diabetes had lower total testosterone levels (β=-0.19, 95% CI: -0.36, -0.02) after adjustment for first trimester total testosterone. Conclusion Early-pregnancy sex steroid hormones, including total testosterone, free testosterone, and estrone, were positively associated with glucose levels and gestational diabetes in mid-late pregnancy. These hormones may serve as early predictors of gestational diabetes in combination with other risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Meng
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Loralei L. Thornburg
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Kathleen M. Hoeger
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Zorimar Rivera- Núñez
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, United States
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Amber Kautz
- Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Adam T. Evans
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Christina Wang
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine and Clinical and Translational Science Institue, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
| | - Richard K. Miller
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Susan W. Groth
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Thomas G. O’Connor
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
- Wynne Center for Family Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Emily S. Barrett
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, United States
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
- Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
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24
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Tang SL, Luke L, Al-Shaikh S. Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma in Postmenopausal Females: A Potential Link With Hyperandrogenism. Cureus 2023; 15:e43256. [PMID: 37692702 PMCID: PMC10492000 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A 54-year-old female presented to the otolaryngology (ENT) outpatient department with an eight-month history of unilateral nasal obstruction and headache. There was no change in the sense of smell, rhinorrhoea, facial pain, or associated epistaxis. On examination, there was a large, erythematous mass in the superior aspect of the right nasal cavity, filling the space between the nasal septum, middle, and superior meatus. The rest of the ENT examination was normal. Vital signs were all within the normal range. There was no significant past medical history, and she had tried steroid nasal spray without any benefit. She had a complete resolution of symptoms from surgical intervention, and the mass was confirmed to be an angiofibroma through histopathology. This case report discusses the importance of considering nasopharyngeal angiofibroma as a differential diagnosis for patients presenting with unilateral nasal masses, including female patients, regardless of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Ling Tang
- Otolaryngology, James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Great Yarmouth, GBR
| | - Louis Luke
- Otolaryngology, James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Great Yarmouth, GBR
| | - Salim Al-Shaikh
- Otolaryngology, James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Great Yarmouth, GBR
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25
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Alkhatib B, Salimi S, Jabari M, Padmanabhan V, Vyas AK. Impact of Adverse Gestational Milieu on Maternal Cardiovascular Health. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad060. [PMID: 37042476 PMCID: PMC10164662 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease affects 1% to 4% of the nearly 4 million pregnancies in the United States each year and is the primary cause of pregnancy-related mortality. Adverse pregnancy outcomes are associated with cardiovascular complications during pregnancy persisting into the postpartum period. Recently, investigations have identified an altered sex hormone milieu, such as in the case of hyperandrogenism, as a causative factor in the development of gestational cardiovascular dysfunction. The mechanisms involved in the development of cardiovascular disease in postpartum women are largely unknown. Animal studies have attempted to recapitulate adverse pregnancy outcomes to investigate causal relationships and molecular underpinnings of adverse gestational cardiac events and progression to the development of cardiovascular disease postpartum. This review will focus on summarizing clinical and animal studies detailing the impact of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and maternal obesity, on gestational cardiometabolic dysfunction and postpartum cardiovascular disease. Specifically, we will highlight the adverse impact of gestational hyperandrogenism and its potential to serve as a biomarker for maternal gestational and postpartum cardiovascular dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bashar Alkhatib
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Shadi Salimi
- College of Human Medicine, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA
| | - Mary Jabari
- College of Human Medicine, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA
| | | | - Arpita Kalla Vyas
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- College of Human Medicine, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA
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26
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Dou Q, Ma LY, Li PF, Xu XT, Yu G, Zhang D, Xiang YG, Tan L. The influence of polycystic ovary syndrome on abortion rate after in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection fresh cycle pregnancy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5978. [PMID: 37045897 PMCID: PMC10097689 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32988-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
There are many reports on clinical pregnancy outcomes in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients receiving vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), but little research about abortion has been done and there is a debate on whether the abortion risk increases in PCOS patients receiving IVF/ICSI. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigated the abortion in PCOS patients. Clinical data of 12055 IVF/ICSI fresh cycles performed in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2020 were collected. Based on the Rotterdam diagnostic criteria of PCOS and after propensity score matching (PSM) for baseline data of clinical pregnancy cycles, matched 599 PCOS (PCOS group) and Non-PCOS (non-PCOS group) cycles were obtained. Abortion and abortion-related outcomes were compared between the two groups. Risk factors for late abortion in twins were analyzed using binary Logistics regression. Post-PSM data showed that the late abortion rate was significantly higher in the PCOS group than in the non-PCOS group only in twin pregnancy (9.50% vs. 3.96%, OR: 2.55, 95%CI 1.10-5.89). There were no statistical differences in other pregnancy outcomes. The etiological distribution for late abortion were not statistically different between the two groups in both singletons and twins. Logistics regression indicated that PCOS and obesity [pregnancy-assisted body mass index (BMI) ≥ 28] were risk factors for late abortion in twin pregnancy. In twin pregnancy, PCOS and obese patients are more likely to have late abortion. In twin pregnancy, the late abortion risk significantly increased in the PCOS patients as compared with non-PCOS patients (OR: 2.59, 95%CI 1.11-6.03, P < 0.05), as well as in the patients with obesity (BMI ≥ 28) as compared with the patients with normal BMI (OR: 4.17, 95%CI 1.59-10.90, P < 0.05). PCOS does not significantly affect early and overall late abortion rates after IVF/ICSI fresh cycle pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Dou
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 2, Jingba Road, Zhengzhou, 450014, China
| | - Li-Ying Ma
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 2, Jingba Road, Zhengzhou, 450014, China
| | - Peng-Fen Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 2, Jingba Road, Zhengzhou, 450014, China
| | - Xiao-Ting Xu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 2, Jingba Road, Zhengzhou, 450014, China
| | - Guo Yu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 2, Jingba Road, Zhengzhou, 450014, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 2, Jingba Road, Zhengzhou, 450014, China
| | - Yun-Gai Xiang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 2, Jingba Road, Zhengzhou, 450014, China
| | - Li Tan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 2, Jingba Road, Zhengzhou, 450014, China.
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Prenatal Androgen Exposure and Traits of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Offspring: Odense Child Cohort. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:1053-1065. [PMID: 35124780 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05446-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Fetal androgen exposure may be associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We studied 1777 mother-child pairs in the prospective Odense Child Cohort. Prenatal androgen exposure was assessed by maternal 3rd trimester testosterone concentrations, maternal polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and 3 months offspring anogenital distance. ASD traits were assessed at age 3 years with the ASD-symptom scale of the Child Behavior Checklist for ages 1½-5 years. Maternal testosterone was positively associated with traits of ASD in boys (p < 0.05). Maternal PCOS was associated with increased offspring ASD traits (p = 0.046), but became non-significant after excluding parental psychiatric diagnosis. Offspring anogenital distance was not linked to ASD traits. Higher prevalence of ASD in boys could be linked to higher susceptibility to fetal androgen exposure.
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Yazawa T, Islam MS, Imamichi Y, Watanabe H, Yaegashi K, Ida T, Sato T, Kitano T, Matsuzaki S, Umezawa A, Muranishi Y. Comparison of Placental HSD17B1 Expression and Its Regulation in Various Mammalian Species. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040622. [PMID: 36830409 PMCID: PMC9951672 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040622] [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: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
During mammalian gestation, large amounts of progesterone are produced by the placenta and circulate for the maintenance of pregnancy. In contrast, primary plasma estrogens are different between species. To account for this difference, we compared the expression of ovarian and placental steroidogenic genes in various mammalian species (mouse, guinea pig, porcine, ovine, bovine, and human). Consistent with the ability to synthesize progesterone, CYP11A1/Cyp11a1, and bi-functional HSD3B/Hsd3b genes were expressed in all species. CYP17A1/Cyp17a1 was expressed in the placenta of all species, excluding humans. CYP19A/Cyp19a1 was expressed in all placental estrogen-producing species, whereas estradiol-producing HSD17B1 was only strongly expressed in the human placenta. The promoter region of HSD17B1 in various species possesses a well-conserved SP1 site that was activated in human placental cell line JEG-3 cells. However, DNA methylation analyses in the ovine placenta showed that the SP1-site in the promoter region of HSD17B1 was completely methylated. These results indicate that epigenetic regulation of HSD17B1 expression is important for species-specific placental sex steroid production. Because human HSD17B1 showed strong activity for the conversion of androstenedione into testosterone, similar to HSD17B1/Hsd17b1 in other species, we also discuss the biological significance of human placental HSD17B1 based on the symptoms of aromatase-deficient patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yazawa
- Department of Biochemistry, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Hokkaido, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-166-68-2342
| | - Mohammad Sayful Islam
- Department of Biochemistry, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Imamichi
- Department of Marine Bioscience, Fukui Prefectural University, Obama 917-0003, Fukui, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Watanabe
- Department of Life and Food Science, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | | | - Takanori Ida
- Center for Animal Disease Control, Frontiers Science Research Center, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-1692, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Takahiro Sato
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Life Sciences, Kurume University, Kurume 830-0011, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kitano
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8555, Kumamoto, Japan
| | | | - Akihiro Umezawa
- Department of Reproduction, National Center for Child Health and Development Research Institute, Setagaya 157-8535, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Muranishi
- Department of Life and Food Science, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
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Younes N, St-Jean M, Bourdeau I, Lacroix A. Endogenous Cushing's syndrome during pregnancy. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2023; 24:23-38. [PMID: 35670990 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-022-09731-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Endogenous Cushing's syndrome (CS) is rare during pregnancy, probably because hypercortisolism induces anovulation and infertility. To date, slightly above 200 cases have been reported in the literature. The most frequent etiology of CS diagnosed during gestation is from primary adrenal causes, namely adrenal adenomas and an entity called pregnancy-induced CS. The latter can be secondary to the aberrant adrenal expression of luteinizing hormone/human chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) in the adrenal lesions. Diagnosis of CS during pregnancy is extremely challenging, as a consequence of the physiologic hypercortisolism normally present during pregnancy. Assessment of excess cortisol production tests should be interpreted cautiously using adapted upper limits of normal criteria for pregnant patients and a high index of suspicion is required for diagnosis. Imaging is also limited due to high risk of radiation exposure with computed tomography and teratogenicity with contrast agents. The optimal treatment strategy is surgical resection of adrenal adenoma or pituitary adenoma, ideally before 24 weeks of gestation to reduce the risk of maternal and fetal complications. In mild cases, surgery can be postponed until after delivery and treatment should focus on controlling metabolic complications of hypercortisolism, such as hypertension and dysglycemia. Maternal and fetal outcomes of excess cortisol exposure, except fetal loss, are not readily improved by successful treatment of hypercortisolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nada Younes
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine Research Center, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), CHUM 900 Saint-Denis Street, H2X 0A9, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Matthieu St-Jean
- Division of Endocrinology, Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Isabelle Bourdeau
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine Research Center, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), CHUM 900 Saint-Denis Street, H2X 0A9, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - André Lacroix
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine Research Center, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), CHUM 900 Saint-Denis Street, H2X 0A9, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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Association between prenatal androgens and cord blood androgens, a path analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:380. [PMID: 36611054 PMCID: PMC9825367 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25531-5] [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: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
To determine association paths between prenatal androgens and cord blood androgens. The concentrations of T, FT, DHT, DHEA and SHBG in prenatal venous blood and cord blood were measured in 342 pregnant women and their neonates. The association paths between these hormones in prenatal and cord blood were revealed using Pearson correlation, multiple linear regression and path analysis. CB-T, CB-FT and CB-DHT in male neonates were higher than those in female neonates. In male and female neonates, P-FT was lower than CB-FT; however, P-DHT and P-SHBG were higher than CB-DHT and CB-SHBG, respectively. P-DHEA was lower than CB-DHEA in female newborns. In male neonates, there were association paths of P-T → CB-T → CB-FT → CB-DHT, P-T → CB-FT → CB-DHT, P-T → P-FT → CB-FT → CB-DHT, P-T → P-DHT, CB-DHEA → CB-DHT, CB-DHEA → P-DHT, and CB-DHEA → P-DHEA. In female neonates, there were association paths of P-T → CB-T → CB-FT → CB-DHT, P-T → P-FT → CB-FT → CB-DHT, P-T → P-FT → P-DHT, P-T → P-DHT, P-DHEA → P-DHT, CB-DHEA → P-DHEA, and CB-DHEA → CB-FT. There were differences in the T, FT and DHT concentrations in cord blood between male and female neonates and in the FT, DHT, DHEA, and SHBG concentrations between prenatal and cord blood. P-T and P-FT concentrations were positively associated with CB-T and CB-FT concentrations, while CB-DHEA concentration was positively associated with P-DHEA concentration.
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Zhou J, Jiang Z, Fu L, Qu F, Dai M, Xie N, Zhang S, Wang F. Contribution of labor related gene subtype classification on heterogeneity of polycystic ovary syndrome. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282292. [PMID: 36857354 PMCID: PMC9977056 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE As one of the most common endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is highly heterogeneous with varied clinical features and diverse gestational complications among individuals. The patients with PCOS have 2-fold higher risk of preterm labor which is associated with substantial infant morbidity and mortality and great socioeconomic cost. The study was designated to identify molecular subtypes and the related hub genes to facilitate the susceptibility assessment of preterm labor in women with PCOS. METHODS Four mRNA datasets (GSE84958, GSE5090, GSE43264 and GSE98421) were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus database. Twenty-eight candidate genes related to preterm labor or labor were yielded from the researches and our unpublished data. Then, we utilized unsupervised clustering to identify molecular subtypes in PCOS based on the expression of above candidate genes. Key modules were generated with weighted gene co-expression network analysis R package, and their hub genes were generated with CytoHubba. The probable biological function and mechanism were explored through Gene Ontology analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis. In addition, STRING and Cytoscape software were used to identify the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and the molecular complex detection (MCODE) was used to identify the hub genes. Then the overlapping hub genes were predicted. RESULTS Two molecular subtypes were found in women with PCOS based on the expression similarity of preterm labor or labor-related genes, in which two modules were highlighted. The key modules and PPI network have five overlapping five hub genes, two of which, GTF2F2 and MYO6 gene, were further confirmed by the comparison between clustering subgroups according to the expression of hub genes. CONCLUSIONS Distinct PCOS molecular subtypes were identified with preterm labor or labor-related genes, which might uncover the potential mechanism underlying heterogeneity of clinical pregnancy complications in women with PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jue Zhou
- School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhou Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Leyi Fu
- Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fan Qu
- Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Minchen Dai
- Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ningning Xie
- Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Songying Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- * E-mail: (FW); (SZ)
| | - Fangfang Wang
- Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- * E-mail: (FW); (SZ)
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Zhang X, Miao H, Zhou J, Chen Y, Ou Y, Song Y, Peng X, Li Y, Li L. Association between preconception anti-androgen therapy and pregnancy outcomes of patients with PCOS: A prospective cohort study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1109861. [PMID: 36793270 PMCID: PMC9923094 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1109861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) not only increases fertility challenges for women of reproductive age, but also leads to increased complications during pregnancy and even affects the birth weight of newborns. Also, hyperandrogenemia is associated with lower pregnancy rates and lower live birth rates and may even play a role in preterm delivery and pre-eclampsia in patients with PCOS. However, it is still controversial whether PCOS patients are treated with androgen-lowering therapy before pregnancy. OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of anti-androgen therapy prior to ovulation induction on maternal and infant pregnancy outcomes in patients with PCOS. METHODS Prospective cohort study. RESULTS A total of 296 patients with PCOS were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes, and neonatal complications was lower in DRSP(with drospirenone ethinyl estradiol tablets (II) pretreatment) group than in NO-DRSP(without drospirenone ethinyl estradiol tablets (II) pretreatment) groups (DRSP vs. NO-DRSP: adverse pregnancy outcomes, 12.16% vs. 27.03%, P=0.001; neonatal complications, 17.16% vs. 36.67%, P<0.001). No significant difference was found in maternal complications. Further subgroup analysis revealed that PCOS with pretreatment decreased the risk of preterm delivery (2.99% vs. 10.00%; Adjusted RR, 3.80; 95% CI, 1.19-12.13), pregnancy loss (9.46% vs. 18.92%; Adjusted RR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.08-3.96), low birth weight (0.75% vs 7.50%; Adjusted RR, 12.08; 95% CI, 1.50-97.31), fetal malformations(1.49% vs. 8.33%; Adjusted RR, 5.63; 95% CI, 1.20-26.33).There were no significant differences in the incidence of DM and PIH as pregnancy complications between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that preconception androgen-lowering therapy in patients with PCOS improves pregnancy outcomes and reduces neonatal complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,Dongguan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Dongguan, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Huazhang Miao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiahe Zhou
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanlan Ou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yue Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiuhong Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuancheng Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- *Correspondence: Li Li,
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Abruzzese GA, Arbocco FCV, Ferrer MJ, Silva AF, Motta AB. Role of Hormones During Gestation and Early Development: Pathways Involved in Developmental Programming. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1428:31-70. [PMID: 37466768 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-32554-0_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that an altered maternal milieu and environmental insults during the intrauterine and perinatal periods of life affect the developing organism, leading to detrimental long-term outcomes and often to adult pathologies through programming effects. Hormones, together with growth factors, play critical roles in the regulation of maternal-fetal and maternal-neonate interfaces, and alterations in any of them may lead to programming effects on the developing organism. In this chapter, we will review the role of sex steroids, thyroid hormones, and insulin-like growth factors, as crucial factors involved in physiological processes during pregnancy and lactation, and their role in developmental programming effects during fetal and early neonatal life. Also, we will consider epidemiological evidence and data from animal models of altered maternal hormonal environments and focus on the role of different tissues in the establishment of maternal and fetus/infant interaction. Finally, we will identify unresolved questions and discuss potential future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giselle Adriana Abruzzese
- Laboratorio de Fisio-patología ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fiorella Campo Verde Arbocco
- Laboratorio de Hormonas y Biología del Cáncer, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU), CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Reproducción y Lactancia, IMBECU, CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - María José Ferrer
- Laboratorio de Fisio-patología ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Aimé Florencia Silva
- Laboratorio de Fisio-patología ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alicia Beatriz Motta
- Laboratorio de Fisio-patología ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Pacyga DC, Talge NM, Gardiner JC, Calafat AM, Schantz SL, Strakovsky RS. Maternal diet quality moderates associations between parabens and birth outcomes. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 214:114078. [PMID: 35964672 PMCID: PMC10052883 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Maternal paraben exposure and diet quality are both independently associated with birth outcomes, but whether these interact is unknown. We assessed sex-specific associations of parabens with birth outcomes and differences by maternal diet quality. METHODS Illinois pregnant women (n = 458) provided five first-morning urines collected at 8-40 weeks gestation, which we pooled for quantification of ethylparaben, methylparaben, and propylparaben concentrations. We collected/measured gestational age at delivery, birth weight, body length, and head circumference within 24 h of birth, and calculated sex-specific birth weight-for-gestational-age z-scores and weight/length ratio. Women completed three-month food frequency questionnaires in early and mid-to-late pregnancy, which we used to calculate the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI)-2010. Linear regression models evaluated sex-specific associations of parabens with birth outcomes, and differences in associations by average pregnancy AHEI-2010. RESULTS In this predominately non-Hispanic white, college-educated sample, maternal urinary paraben concentrations were only modestly inversely associated with head circumference and gestational length. However, methylparaben and propylparaben were inversely associated with birth weight, birth weight z-scores, body length, and weight/length ratio in female, but not male newborns. For example, each 2-fold increase in methylparaben concentrations was associated with -46.61 g (95% CI: -74.70, -18.51) lower birth weight, -0.09 (95% CI: -0.15, -0.03) lower birth weight z-scores, -0.21 cm (95% CI: -0.34, -0.07) shorter body length, and -0.64 g/cm (95% CI: -1.10, -0.19) smaller weight/length ratio in females. These inverse associations were more prominent in females of mothers with poorer diets (AHEI-2010 < median), but attenuated in those with healthier diets (AHEI-2010 ≥ median). In newborn males of mothers with healthier diets, moderate inverse associations emerged for propylparaben with gestational length and head circumference. CONCLUSIONS Maternal diet may moderate associations of parabens with birth size in a sex-specific manner. Additional studies may consider understanding the inflammatory and metabolic mechanisms underlying these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana C Pacyga
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Nicole M Talge
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Joseph C Gardiner
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - Susan L Schantz
- The Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, 61802, USA; The Beckman Institute, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Rita S Strakovsky
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
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Takeshita RSC. Validation of an enzyme immunoassay for measurement of fecal dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in gibbons and siamangs. Zoo Biol 2022; 41:544-553. [PMID: 35254709 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Monitoring wildlife stress levels is essential to ensure their quality of life in captivity or in the wild. One promising method to assess the stress response is the comeasurement of glucocorticoids (GC) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), adrenal hormones involved in the modulation of the stress response. Although noninvasive methods to measure GCs have been validated in several species, only a few studies have validated DHEAS assays. The aims of this study were (1) to describe an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to measure DHEAS levels, (2) to validate this assay for fecal samples in gibbons and siamangs, and (3) to test hormonal stability after one freeze-thaw cycle and over time at two freezer temperatures (-20°C and -80°C). Subjects included 32 gibbons and siamangs from U.S. zoological parks. The EIA was validated analytically by parallelism and accuracy tests, and biologically by confirming a DHEAS response 1-2 days after a stressful event (accident, vaccination, or transportation) in three individuals. In addition, fecal DHEAS levels in a pregnant female were above nonpregnant/nonlactating levels and declined progressively the following parturition. The hormonal stability experiments revealed no significant changes in fecal DHEAS levels after one freeze-thaw cycle. Hormonal levels in fecal extracts were stable for 2 months, regardless of the storage temperature, with no significant differences between -20°C and -80°C conditions. The EIA described has high sensitivity and it is suitable for fecal DHEAS measurement in gibbons and siamangs, with a potential to be applied to other species.
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Application of Felid Hair for Non-Invasive Tracking of Animal Reproductive Status and Adrenal Activity. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12202792. [PMID: 36290178 PMCID: PMC9597714 DOI: 10.3390/ani12202792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Hair can be a useful matrix to examine the hormonal status of an animal, although it is difficult to correlate the results to a specific time point. The aim of this study was to evaluate seasonal changes in cortisol and testosterone levels in the hair of four feline species (lynx, Lynx lynx, n = 8; Amur wildcat, Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus, n = 8; caracal, Caracal caracal, n = 6 and domestic cat, Felis catus, n = 17) with different breeding strategies. Animals of both sexes were sampled over the year, once per season (every three months), and the concentrations of hair testosterone and cortisol were measured by EIA. Both hormones showed annual dynamic changes, which coincided with the reproductive seasonality of the studied species. Sexual differences in testosterone level were found only during the mating season (spring for lynx and Amur wildcats, spring-summer for domestic cats), when testosterone levels were higher in males than in females. Cortisol levels were higher in males than in females in domestic cats and Amur wildcat, but also only during the mating season. Seasonal increases in testosterone were observed in three seasonal breeders (lynx, Amur wildcat and domestic cat) but not in caracal, which had high testosterone levels over the whole year. In lynx and Amur wildcat, it decreased sharply in the summer. Cortisol levels increased during the mating period in domestic cat males and lynx of both sexes; in caracal, an increase in cortisol was related to the transfer of animals to smaller winter cages. Measurements of steroids in hair can provide a reliable method for evaluating the reproductive status and the activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis in several felid species.
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Perusquía M. Androgens and Non-Genomic vascular responses in hypertension. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 203:115200. [PMID: 35926652 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Arterial hypertension is a global public health concern. In the last few years, the interest in androgen deficiency has been growing, and the association between androgens and high blood pressure (BP) is still controversial. One purpose of this review was to summarize the available findings in order to clarify whether male sex steroid hormones have beneficial or harmful effect on BP. The second purpose was to enhance the recognition of the acute non-genomic sex-independent vasorelaxing effect of androgens. Remarkably, BP variation is expected to be a consequence of the androgen-induced vasorelaxation which reduces systemic BP; hence the in vivo vasodepressor, hypotensive, and antihypertensive responses of androgens were also analyzed. This article reviews the current understanding of the physiological regulation of vascular smooth muscle contractility by androgens. Additionally, it summarizes older and more recent data on androgens, and some of the possible underlying mechanisms of relaxation, structural-functional differences in the androgen molecules, and their designing ability to induce vasorelaxation. The clinical relevance of these findings in terms of designing future therapeutics mainly the 5-reduced metabolite of testosterone, 5β-dihydrotestosterone, is also highlighted. Literature collected through a PubMed database search, as well as our experimental work, was used for the present review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Perusquía
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510 Ciudad de México, México.
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Association between fetal sex and pregnancy outcomes among women with twin pregnancies: a multicenter cross-sectional study. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2022; 307:1397-1405. [PMID: 35624168 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06623-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the frequency and to what extent fetal sex is associated with pregnancy outcomes among twin pregnancies, stratified by chorionicity. METHODS This registry-based multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted using the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology perinatal database between 2007 and 2016. The sample population was restricted to women with twin pregnancies. The main pregnancy-related outcomes included preterm birth, very preterm birth, extremely preterm birth, preeclampsia, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), and selective intrauterine growth restriction (s-IUGR). Birth weight, small for gestational age (SGA), and fetal death were also investigated. RESULTS The primary analysis was performed based on 37,953 women, including 23,804 women with dichorionic diamniotic (DD) twins and 14,149 women with monochorionic diamniotic (MD) twins. Women with male/male DD twins had a significantly higher risk of preterm birth (adjusted risk ratio [aRR]: 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.10) and a lower risk of preeclampsia (aRR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.62-0.88) than women with female/female DD twins. Women with male/male MD twins also had a significantly higher risk of preterm birth (aRR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.04-1.09) than women with female/female MD twins. Risks of preeclampsia, TTTS, and s-IUGR did not differ by sex among MD pregnancies. Male SGA risk was significantly higher among male/male twins than among male/female DD twins. Among MD twins, risks of SGA and fetal death were significantly higher in male/male fetuses. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated significant associations between fetal sex and several pregnancy outcomes in twin pregnancies, some of which differed by chorionicity.
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Shao X, Yu W, Yang Y, Wang F, Yu X, Wu H, Ma Y, Cao B, Wang YL. The mystery of the life tree: the placenta. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:301-316. [PMID: 35552600 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is the interface between the fetal and maternal environments during mammalian gestation, critically safeguarding the health of the developing fetus and the mother. Placental trophoblasts origin from embryonic trophectoderm that differentiates into various trophoblastic subtypes through villous and extravillous pathways. The trophoblasts actively interact with multiple decidual cells and immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface and thus construct fundamental functional units, which are responsible for blood perfusion, maternal-fetal material exchange, placental endocrine, immune tolerance, and adequate defense barrier against pathogen infection. Various pregnant complications are tightly associated with the defects in placental development and function maintenance. In this review, we summarize the current views and our recent progress on the mechanisms underlying the formation of placental functional units, the interactions among trophoblasts and various uterine cells, as well as the placental barrier against pathogen infections during pregnancy. The involvement of placental dysregulation in adverse pregnancy outcomes is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenzhe Yu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Feiyang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yeling Ma
- Medical College, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Bin Cao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yan-Ling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Liang J, Yang C, Liu T, Tang P, Huang H, Wei H, Liao Q, Long J, Zeng X, Liu S, Huang D, Qiu X. Single and mixed effects of prenatal exposure to multiple bisphenols on hemoglobin levels and the risk of anemia in pregnant women. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 207:112625. [PMID: 34973942 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bisphenols have endocrine-disrupting effects, which may disrupt hemoglobin (Hb) homeostasis and lead to anemia. However, the effects of bisphenols on anemia remain unknown. Therefore, we assessed the effects of single- and multiple-exposure to bisphenols on Hb levels and anemia of pregnant women. METHODS The study involved 2035 pregnant women from Guangxi Zhuang Birth Cohort in China. Generalized linear regression, principal component analysis (PCA), quantile g-computation (Qgcomp), and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were performed to examine the effects of serum bisphenols on Hb levels and the risk of anemia. RESULTS After adjustment, elevated bisphenol A (BPA) levels were correlated with decreased Hb concentrations (β = -0.51; 95%CI: -0.92, -0.10) in the first trimester, and these correlations were more sensitive in mothers of males. Compared with the low-exposure group, bisphenol B (BPB) levels in the high-exposure group led to a 1.52 g/L (95%CI: -3.01, -0.03) decrease in Hb levels in the second trimester; tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) levels in the high-exposure group led to a higher the risk of anemia in the third trimester (OR = 1.46; 95%CI: 1.07, 1.99); bisphenol F (BPF) in the high-exposure group led to lower Hb levels (β = -2.42; 95%CI:-4.69, -0.14) in mothers of male fetuses in the third trimester. Qgcomp showed that elevated levels of bisphenol mixture was correlated with (β = -1.42; 95%CI: -2.61, -0.24) decrease in Hb levels in the second trimester. PCA revealed a negative association between PC2 and Hb levels in the first trimester (β = -0.89; 95%CI: -1.61, -0.17). Similarly, a negative relationship was observed between PC1 and Hb levels in the third trimester among mothers with male fetuses (β = -1.00; 95%CI: -1.94, -0.06). CONCLUSIONS Prenatal exposure to single and mixed bisphenols may decrease Hb levels and increase the risk of anemia during pregnancy, the associations may be greater in mothers with male fetuses than those with female fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Chunxiu Yang
- The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Huaihua Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Huaihua, 418000, Hunan, China
| | - Peng Tang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Huishen Huang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Huanni Wei
- Department of Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Qian Liao
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Jinghua Long
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaoyun Zeng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Shun Liu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health & Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Dongping Huang
- Department of Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Qiu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
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Molecular characterization and expression patterns of nuclear androgen receptors in the ovoviviparous black rockfish Sebastes schlegelii. AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aaf.2022.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Abruzzese GA, Silva AF, Velazquez ME, Ferrer MJ, Motta AB. Hyperandrogenism and Polycystic ovary syndrome: Effects in pregnancy and offspring development. WIREs Mech Dis 2022; 14:e1558. [PMID: 35475329 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the major endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age. Its etiology remains unclear. It is suggested that environmental factors, and particularly the intrauterine environment, play key roles in PCOS development. Besides the role of androgens in PCOS pathogenesis, exposure to endocrine disruptors, as is Bisphenol A, could also contribute to its development. Although PCOS is considered one of the leading causes of ovarian infertility, many PCOS patients can get pregnant. Some of them by natural conception and others by assisted reproductive technique treatments. As hyperandrogenism (one of PCOS main features) affects ovarian and uterine functions, PCOS women, despite reaching pregnancy, could present high-risk pregnancies, including implantation failure, an increased risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm birth. Moreover, hyperandrogenism may also be maintained in these women during pregnancy. Therefore, as an altered uterine milieu, including hormonal imbalance, could affect the developing organisms, monitoring these patients throughout pregnancy and their offspring development is highly relevant. The present review focuses on the impact of androgenism and PCOS on fertility issues and pregnancy-related outcomes and offspring development. The evidence suggests that the increased risk of pregnancy complications and adverse offspring outcomes of PCOS women would be due to the factors involved in the syndrome pathogenesis and the related co-morbidities. A better understanding of the involved mechanisms is still needed and could contribute to a better management of these women and their offspring. This article is categorized under: Reproductive System Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology Reproductive System Diseases > Environmental Factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giselle A Abruzzese
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Aimé F Silva
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariela E Velazquez
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria-José Ferrer
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alicia B Motta
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Firestein MR, Romeo RD, Winstead H, Goldman DA, Grobman WA, Haas D, Mercer B, Parker C, Parry S, Reddy U, Silver R, Simhan H, Wapner RJ, Champagne FA. Elevated prenatal maternal sex hormones, but not placental aromatase, are associated with child neurodevelopment. Horm Behav 2022; 140:105125. [PMID: 35131524 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Fetal exposure to testosterone may contribute to vulnerability for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is hypothesized that placental aromatase prevents fetal exposure to maternal testosterone, however, this pathway and the implications for child neurodevelopment have not been fully explored. We examined the relationships between prenatal maternal testosterone and estradiol at 19.2 ± 1.3 weeks, cord blood testosterone and estradiol at birth, placental aromatase mRNA expression, and neurodevelopment using the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), the Behavioral Assessment System for Children, 3rd Edition (BASC-3), and the Empathizing Quotient for Children (EQ-C) at 4.5-6.5 years of age in a sample of 270 Nulliparous-Mothers-to-be (nuMoM2b) study participants. Maternal testosterone levels were positively associated with SCQ scores, but the association was not significant after adjusting for maternal age at delivery, nor was there a significant interaction with sex. Maternal estradiol levels were negatively associated with BASC-3 Clinical Probability scores among males (n = 139). We report a significant interaction effect of cord blood testosterone and fetal sex on both total SCQ scores and t-scores on the Developmental Social Disorders subscale. Placental aromatase was not associated with any neurodevelopmental or hormone measure, but under conditions of low placental aromatase expression, high maternal testosterone was positively associated with SCQ scores in males (n = 46). No other associations between hormone levels and neurodevelopment were significant. Our findings provide a foundation for further investigation of the mechanisms through which maternal sex hormones and placental steroidogenesis may affect fetal hormone production and neurobehavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan R Firestein
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Russell D Romeo
- Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience and Behavior, Barnard College of Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Danielle A Goldman
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - William A Grobman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David Haas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Brian Mercer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Samuel Parry
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Uma Reddy
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Robert Silver
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Hyagriv Simhan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ronald J Wapner
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Schuh K, Häussler S, Sadri H, Prehn C, Lintelmann J, Adamski J, Koch C, Frieten D, Ghaffari MH, Dusel G, Sauerwein H. Blood and adipose tissue steroid metabolomics and mRNA expression of steroidogenic enzymes in periparturient dairy cows differing in body condition. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2297. [PMID: 35145150 PMCID: PMC8831572 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06014-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In high-yielding dairy cows, the rapidly increasing milk production after parturition can result in a negative nutrient balance, since feed intake is insufficient to cover the needs for lactation. Mobilizing body reserves, mainly adipose tissue (AT), might affect steroid metabolism. We hypothesized, that cows differing in the extent of periparturient lipomobilization, will have divergent steroid profiles measured in serum and subcutaneous (sc)AT by a targeted metabolomics approach and steroidogenic enzyme profiles in scAT and liver. Fifteen weeks antepartum, 38 multiparous Holstein cows were allocated to a high (HBCS) or normal body condition (NBCS) group fed differently until week 7 antepartum to either increase (HBCS BCS: 3.8 ± 0.1 and BFT: 2.0 ± 0.1 cm; mean ± SEM) or maintain BCS (NBCS BCS: 3.0 ± 0.1 and BFT: 0.9 ± 0.1 cm). Blood samples, liver, and scAT biopsies were collected at week -7, 1, 3, and 12 relative to parturition. Greater serum concentrations of progesterone, androsterone, and aldosterone in HBCS compared to NBCS cows after parturition, might be attributed to the increased mobilization of AT. Greater glucocorticoid concentrations in scAT after parturition in NBCS cows might either influence local lipogenesis by differentiation of preadipocytes into mature adipocytes and/or inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Schuh
- Institute of Animal Science, Physiology Unit, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Life Sciences and Engineering, Animal Nutrition and Hygiene Unit, University of Applied Sciences Bingen, 55411, Bingen am Rhein, Germany
| | - S Häussler
- Institute of Animal Science, Physiology Unit, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany.
| | - H Sadri
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, 5166616471, Tabriz, Iran
| | - C Prehn
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Metabolomics and Proteomics Core, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - J Lintelmann
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Metabolomics and Proteomics Core, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - J Adamski
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - C Koch
- Educational and Research Centre for Animal Husbandry, Hofgut Neumuehle, 67728, Muenchweiler an der Alsenz, Germany
| | - D Frieten
- Thünen Institute of Organic Farming, 23847, Westerau, Germany
| | - M H Ghaffari
- Institute of Animal Science, Physiology Unit, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - G Dusel
- Department of Life Sciences and Engineering, Animal Nutrition and Hygiene Unit, University of Applied Sciences Bingen, 55411, Bingen am Rhein, Germany
| | - H Sauerwein
- Institute of Animal Science, Physiology Unit, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
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Neven ACH, Mousa A, Boyle JA, Teede HJ. Endocrine and metabolic interactions in healthy pregnancies and hyperinsulinemic pregnancies affected by polycystic ovary syndrome, diabetes and obesity. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:993619. [PMID: 36733795 PMCID: PMC9886898 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.993619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, the fetoplacental unit is key in the pronounced physiological endocrine changes which support pregnancy, fetal development and survival, birth and lactation. In healthy women, pregnancy is characterized by changes in insulin sensitivity and increased maternal androgen levels. These are accompanied by a suite of mechanisms that support fetal growth, maintain glucose homeostasis and protect both mother and fetus from adverse effects of pregnancy induced insulin and androgen excess. In pregnancies affected by endocrine, metabolic disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), diabetes and obesity, there is an imbalance of beneficial and adverse impacts of pregnancy induced endocrine changes. These inter-related conditions are characterized by an interplay of hyperinsulinemia and hyperandrogenism which influence fetoplacental function and are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, macrosomia, preterm delivery and caesarean section. However, the exact underlying mechanisms and relationships of the endocrine and metabolic milieu in these disorders and the impact they have on the prenatal endocrine environment and developing fetus remain poorly understood. Here we aim to review the complex endocrine and metabolic interactions in healthy women during normal pregnancies and those in pregnancies complicated by hyperinsulinemic disorders (PCOS, diabetes and obesity). We also explore the relationships between these endocrine and metabolic differences and the fetoplacental unit, pregnancy outcomes and the developing fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana C. H. Neven
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Aya Mousa
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Jacqueline A. Boyle
- Monash Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Box Hill, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Jacqueline A. Boyle,
| | - Helena J. Teede
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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Kuan KKW, Saunders PTK. Female Reproductive Systems: Hormone Dependence and Receptor Expression. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1390:21-39. [PMID: 36107311 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-11836-4_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The female reproductive system which consists of the ovaries, uterus (myometrium, endometrium), Fallopian tubes, cervix and vagina is exquisitely sensitive to the actions of steroid hormones. The ovaries play a key role in the synthesis of bioactive steroids (oestrogens, androgens, progestins) that act both within the tissue (intracrine/paracrine) as well as on other reproductive organs following release into the blood stream (endocrine action). Sex steroid receptors encoded by the oestrogen (ESR1, ESR2), progesterone (PR) and androgen (AR) receptor genes, which are members of the superfamily of ligand activated transcription factors are widely expressed within these tissues. These receptors play critical role(s) in regulation of cell proliferation, ovulation, endometrial receptivity, myometrial cell function and inflammatory cell infiltration. Our understanding of their importance has been informed by studies on human tissues and cells, which have employed immunohistochemistry as well as a wide range of molecular and genetic methods to identify which processes are dependent steroid ligand activation. The development of mice with targeted deletions of each of these receptors has provided complementary data that has extended our appreciation of cell-cell interactions in the fine tuning of reproductive tissue function. This large body of work has formed the basis of new and improved therapeutics to treat conditions such as infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin K W Kuan
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Morton A, Teasdale S. Physiological changes in pregnancy and their influence on the endocrine investigation. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2022; 96:3-11. [PMID: 34724247 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physiological changes in pregnancy may result in significant alterations in endocrine hormone profiles, serum and urine electrolytes and endocrine gland morphology on imaging. Pregnancy-specific pathophysiological processes may also affect the results for endocrine tests. Investigation of endocrine disorders in pregnancy requires knowledge of these changes and awareness of the safety of dynamic hormone testing and imaging for the mother and foetus. OBJECTIVE This review seeks to outline the important physiological changes in pregnancy affecting reference intervals of basal and dynamic endocrine tests in pregnancy and the scenarios in which these changes are clinically significant, the pregnancy-specific disorders that may affect the investigation of endocrine disorders, and the safety of dynamic testing and imaging. CONCLUSION Awareness of the effect of physiological changes, and the potential impact of pregnancy-specific disorders of endocrine tests, and the safety of imaging is crucial to the management of endocrine disorders in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Morton
- Departments of Endocrinology and Obstetric Medicine, Mater Health, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Stephanie Teasdale
- Departments of Endocrinology and Obstetric Medicine, Mater Health, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Placental Development and Pregnancy-Associated Diseases. MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.1097/fm9.0000000000000134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Hill M, Pařízek A, Šimják P, Koucký M, Anderlová K, Krejčí H, Vejražková D, Ondřejíková L, Černý A, Kancheva R. Steroids, steroid associated substances and gestational diabetes mellitus. Physiol Res 2021. [DOI: 10.33549//physiolres.934794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
As gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is both a frequent and serious complication, steroid levels in pregnancy are extremely elevated and their role in pregnancy is crucial, this review focuses on the role of steroids and related substances in the GDM pathophysiology. Low SHBG levels are associated with insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, while also predicting a predisposition to GDM. Other relevant agents are placental hormones such as kisspeptin and CRH, playing also an important role beyond pregnancy, but which are synthesized here in smaller amounts in the hypothalamus. These hormones affect both the course of pregnancy as well as the synthesis of pregnancy steroids and may also be involved in the GDM pathophysiology. Steroids, whose biosynthesis is mainly provided by the fetal adrenal glands, placenta, maternal adrenal glands, and both maternal and fetal livers, are also synthesized in limited amounts directly in the pancreas and may influence the development of GDM. These substances involve the sulfated Δ5 steroids primarily acting via modulating different ion channels and influencing the development of GDM in different directions, mostly diabetogenic progesterone and predominantly anti-diabetic estradiol acting both in genomic and non-genomic way, androgens associated with IR and hyperinsulinemia, neuroactive steroids affecting the pituitary functioning, and cortisol whose production is stimulated by CRH but which suppresses its pro-inflammatory effects. Due to the complex actions of steroids, studies assessing their predominant effect and studies assessing their predictive values for estimating predisposition to GDM are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hill
- Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Sundararajan A, Vora K, Saiyed S, Natesan S. Comparative profiling of prenatal cortisol and DHEA-S among pregnant women with poor birth outcome and pregnant women with normal birth outcome. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2021; 95:863-872. [PMID: 34370329 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) are indispensable hormones for normal pregnancy. It is unclear if these hormones, specifically DHEA-S can offer value for predicting poor birth outcome. OBJECTIVE To compare prenatal cortisol and DHEA-S levels among pregnant women with normal or poor birth outcome. METHODS Plasma and saliva were collected prospectively from women in second-third trimester of pregnancy. Women with normal birth outcome (NBO) (n = 501) included live birth, no pregnancy complications and ≥2.5 kg infant birth weight. Women with poor birth outcome included adverse birth outcome (ABO) (n = 50) or low birth weight outcome (LBW) (n = 147). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to measure hormone concentrations in plasma and saliva. RESULTS Circulatory-DHEA-S levels in pregnant women with ABO were higher than women with NBO (p = .043). Among ABO, only stillbirth cases demonstrated significant increase in circulatory-DHEA-S levels (p = .006). Circulatory and salivary cortisol/DHEA-S ratio was lower among women with stillbirth (p = .004) and ABO outcome (p = .043) respectively compared with women with NBO. Consistently, increased odds of ABO were observed in pregnant women with highest circulatory-DHEA-S levels (odds ratio quartile score 1 vs. 4, 2.79, p = .027) and lowest salivary cortisol/DHEA-S ratio (score 4 vs. 2, 2.83, p = .025). Increased odds of stillbirth outcome were observed in pregnant women with highest circulatory-DHEA-S levels (odds ratio quartile score 1 vs. 4, 8.47, p = .046) and lowest circulatory cortisol/DHEA-S ratio (score 4 vs. 1, 4.803, p = .048). Associations remained significant after adjusting for confounders. Women with LBW did not demonstrate significant changes in cortisol or DHEA-S levels. CONCLUSION Prenatal measurement of DHEA-S or cortisol/DHEA-S ratio may offer significant value for predicting adverse birth, specifically stillbirth outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kranti Vora
- Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar, Lekawada, Gandhinagar, India
- University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Shahin Saiyed
- Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar, Lekawada, Gandhinagar, India
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