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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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2
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Ning H, Tao H. Small RNA sequencing of exosomal microRNAs reveals differential expression of microRNAs in preeclampsia. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35597. [PMID: 37861520 PMCID: PMC10589583 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035597] [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: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the most common hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. It is a dangerous condition with a high mortality rate in mothers and fetuses and is associated with a lack of early diagnosis and effective treatment. While the etiology of the disease is complex and obscure, it is now clear that the placenta is central to disease progression. Exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) are possible mediators that regulate placenta-related physiological and pathological processes. Placental mesenchymal stem cells have considerable potential to help us understand the pathogenesis and treatment of pregnancy-related diseases. Here, we investigate the exosomal miRNA profiles of human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells between healthy pregnant women and those with PE. We performed small RNA sequencing to obtain miRNA profiles, and conducted enrichment analysis of the miRNA target genes to identify differentially expressed miRNAs associated with PE. Overall, we detected 1795 miRNAs; among them, 206 were differentially expressed in women with PE, including 35 upregulated and 171 downregulated miRNAs, when compared with healthy pregnant women. Moreover, we identified possible functions and pathways associated with PE, including angiogenesis, cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and the coagulation-fibrinolysis balance. Eventually, we proposed hsa-miR-675-5p, hsa-miR-3614-5p, and hsa-miR-615-5p as potential regulators of the pathogenesis of PE, and constructed a miRNA-target gene network. Our study identifies possible candidate biomarkers for the diagnosis of PE, and introduces a new direction for further understanding the pathogenesis of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ning
- Department of Obstetrics, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Hong Tao
- Department of Obstetrics, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
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3
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Zhu S, Liu N, Gong H, Liu F, Yan G. Identification of biomarkers and sex differences in the placenta of fetal growth restriction. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2023; 49:2324-2336. [PMID: 37553225 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
AIM Fetal growth restriction (FGR) can lead to short-term and long-term impairments in the fetus. The placenta functions as an exchanger for substance transport, playing a critical role in fetal growth. However, the mechanism from the placental standpoint is still not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms in the placenta that mediated the development of FGR and sex differences. METHODS We analyzed the gene expression profiles of GSE100415 containing specific normotensive FGR placental samples and GSE114691 with canonical samples using three different methods, differentially expressed gene analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis. Gene enrichment was performed, including the gene ontology and pathway from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. The important process was then validated in pregnant Wistar rats subcutaneously administered dexamethasone (0.2 mg/kg/d) or saline from gestation Day 9 to 21. RESULTS Our results revealed little difference between the comparison of normal and normotensive FGR placental samples but confirmed the sex difference. Further analyses of the canonical samples identified the occurrence of vascular dysfunction, which was validated by the calculation of the vascular lumen area, showing that the vascular lumen in the FGR group was more than in the control. We also discovered 17 significantly expressed genes from the involved eigengenes. CONCLUSION Our study provides an important theoretical and experimental basis to reevaluate the development of FGR from the placental standpoint and suggests a series of biomarkers for future clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Niying Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hongjun Gong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hubei Province Dongxihu District Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Fulin Liu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Ge Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hubei Province Dongxihu District Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Devadasan MJ, Ramesha KP, Ramesh P, Kootimole CN, Jeyakumar S, Ashwitha A, Ammankallu S, Rai AB, Kumaresan A, Vedamurthy VG, Raju R, Das DN, Kataktalware MA, Prasad TSK. Exploring molecular dynamic indicators associated with reproductive performance of Bos indicus cattle in blood plasma samples through data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry. J Proteomics 2023; 285:104950. [PMID: 37321300 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2023.104950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Improving reproductive performance of cattle is of paramount importance for sustainable dairy farming. Poor reproduction performance (RP) hinders the genetic improvement of important Bos indicus cattle breeds. It is well known that incorporation of molecular information along with conventional breeding method is far better than use of conventional method alone for the genetic improvement of reproductive performance traits in cattle. Therefore, the present study sought to investigate the plasma proteome of the Deoni cows in cyclical (n = 6) and pregnant (n = 6) reproductive phases with varying reproductive performance (high and low). High-throughput data independent acquisition (DIA) based proteomics was performed to understand corresponding proteome. We identified a total of 430 plasma proteins. Among cyclic cows, twenty proteins were differentially regulated in low RP as compared to high RP. BARD1 and AFP proteins were observed upregulated in cyclical cows whose upregulation reported to affect reproductive performance in cattle. Among the pregnant cows, thirty-five proteins were differentially regulated, including the downregulation of FGL2 and ZNFX1 that modulates the maternal immune response mechanism which is required for successful implantation of the embryo. Also, proteins such as AHSG, CLU and SERPINA6 were upregulated in the pregnant cows whose upregulation reported to reduced reproductive performance. The results of this study will be helpful in establishing a framework for future research on the aspect of improving reproductive performance in Bos indicus cattle breeds. SIGNIFICANCE: The Indian subcontinent is the center of domestication for Bos indicus cattle breeds and they are known for their disease resistance, heat tolerance, ability to survive in low input regime and harsh climatic conditions. In recent times, population of many important Bos indicus breeds including Deoni cattle is declining due to various factors, especially due to reproductive performance. Traditional breeding methods are not sufficient enough to understand and improve the reproductive performance traits in important Bos indicus cattle breeds. Proteomics approach is a promising technology to understand the complex biological factors which leads to poor reproductive performance in cattle. The present study utilized DIA based LC- MS/MS analysis to identify the plasma proteins associated with reproductive performance in cyclical and pregnant cows. This study if improved further, can be used to develop potential protein markers associated with reproductive performance which is useful for the selection and genetic improvement of important Bos indicus breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Joel Devadasan
- Southern Regional Station, ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Banglore 560030, India
| | - Kerekoppa P Ramesha
- Southern Regional Station, ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Banglore 560030, India.
| | - Poornima Ramesh
- Centre for System Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore 575018, India
| | - Chinmaya Narayana Kootimole
- Centre for System Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore 575018, India
| | - Sakthivel Jeyakumar
- Southern Regional Station, ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Banglore 560030, India
| | - A Ashwitha
- Southern Regional Station, ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Banglore 560030, India
| | - Shruthi Ammankallu
- Centre for System Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore 575018, India
| | - Akhila Balakrishna Rai
- Centre for System Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore 575018, India
| | - Arumugam Kumaresan
- Southern Regional Station, ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Banglore 560030, India
| | - Veerappa G Vedamurthy
- Southern Regional Station, ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Banglore 560030, India
| | - Rajesh Raju
- Centre for System Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore 575018, India
| | - D N Das
- Southern Regional Station, ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Banglore 560030, India
| | - Mukund A Kataktalware
- Southern Regional Station, ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Banglore 560030, India
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Shen Y, Cao J, Yao L, Li S, Zhao X, Li W, Wei Z, Zhang L, Wang J, Chang Y. Serum estradiol to testosterone ratio as a novel predictor of severe preeclampsia in the first trimester. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) 2022; 25:53-60. [PMID: 36478152 PMCID: PMC9832226 DOI: 10.1111/jch.14601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is the most common medical complication during pregnancy and the second leading cause of maternal death worldwide. However, a better predictive model of PE remains to be explored. A total of 15 severe preeclampsia (sPE) and 75 healthy control patients were included in this study. Patient data was obtained from September 2019 to September 2021. Nuchal translucency (NT) and crown-rump length (CRL) of the fetus were acquired by ultrasound. Maternal blood samples were collected at 11+0 to 13+6 weeks of gestation. Chemiluminescent immunoassays were used to detect serum testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) levels. Time-resolved fluorescence analysis was used to examine the levels of serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPPA) and β-human chorionic gonadotrophin (β-HCG) protein. The sPE group exhibited increased T levels, and decreased E2 levels and E2/T ratios from 11 to 14 weeks of gestation, compared with the control group. E2 and the E2/T ratio showed positive linear correlation with CRL in pregnant women. Body-mass-index (BMI), T, and E2 were determined to be the main factors that affected the occurrence of sPE at the 12-week gestation period time point. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve revealed that the AUC of the E2/T ratio was .717. The imbalanced T and E2 levels in the patients had a specific intrinsic relevance with sPE, which suggests them as novel predictors of the sPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongmei Shen
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive RegulationTianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and GynecologyTianjinChina,Institute of Obstetrics and GynecologyAffiliated Maternal Hospital of Nankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Jiasong Cao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive RegulationTianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and GynecologyTianjinChina,Institute of Obstetrics and GynecologyAffiliated Maternal Hospital of Nankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Liying Yao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive RegulationTianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and GynecologyTianjinChina,Institute of Obstetrics and GynecologyAffiliated Maternal Hospital of Nankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Shanshan Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive RegulationTianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and GynecologyTianjinChina,Institute of Obstetrics and GynecologyAffiliated Maternal Hospital of Nankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Xiaomin Zhao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive RegulationTianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and GynecologyTianjinChina,Institute of Obstetrics and GynecologyAffiliated Maternal Hospital of Nankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Wen Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive RegulationTianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and GynecologyTianjinChina,Institute of Obstetrics and GynecologyAffiliated Maternal Hospital of Nankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Zhuo Wei
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive RegulationTianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and GynecologyTianjinChina,Institute of Obstetrics and GynecologyAffiliated Maternal Hospital of Nankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Lei Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive RegulationTianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and GynecologyTianjinChina,Institute of Obstetrics and GynecologyAffiliated Maternal Hospital of Nankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Jianxi Wang
- Biological Sample Resource Sharing CenterTianjin First Center HospitalTianjinTianjinChina
| | - Ying Chang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive RegulationTianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and GynecologyTianjinChina,Institute of Obstetrics and GynecologyAffiliated Maternal Hospital of Nankai UniversityTianjinChina
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6
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Feng Y, Lian X, Guo K, Zhang G, Huang X. A comprehensive analysis of metabolomics and transcriptomics to reveal major metabolic pathways and potential biomarkers of human preeclampsia placenta. Front Genet 2022; 13:1010657. [PMID: 36263435 PMCID: PMC9574103 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1010657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The etiology of preeclampsia (PE) remains unclear. With the utilization of metabolomics, dysregulated production of several metabolic components in human plasma, such as lipids, amino acids, androgens and estrogens, was found to be important in the pathogenesis of PE. Transcriptomics adds more in-depth information, and the integration of transcriptomics and metabolomics may yield further insight into PE pathogenesis than either one alone.Objectives: We investigated the placental metabolomics and transcriptomics of PE patients to identify affected metabolic pathways and potential biological targets for exploring the disease pathogenesis.Methods: Integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics were used to analyze five paired human placentas from patients with severe PE and normal pregnancies. This was followed by further validation of our findings in a publicly available dataset of 173 PE vs. 157 control placentas. In addition, weighted gene coexpression network construction was performed to assess the correlation between genetic alterations and diseases.Results: We identified 66 and 41 differentially altered metabolites in negative and positive ion modes, respectively, in the PE group compared to the control group, and found 2,560 differentially expressed genes. Several pathways were aberrantly altered in the PE placenta at both the metabolic and transcriptional levels, including steroid hormone biosynthesis, the cAMP signaling pathway, neuroactive ligand–receptor interactions, taste transduction and prion diseases. Additionally, we found 11 differential metabolites and 11 differentially expressed genes involved in the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway, indicating impaired metabolism of steroid hormones in the PE placenta. Furthermore, we found that CYP11A1, HSD3B2, and HSD17B6 are highly correlated with diseases.Conclusion: Our findings provide a profile of the dysregulated steroid hormone biosynthesis in PE placenta, we observed a dysregulated cortisol-to-cortisone ratio, testosterone accumulation, decreased testosterone downstream metabolites, impaired production of estrone and estriol, and aberrant hydroxylation and methylation of estradiol. Disorders of placental steroid hormone metabolism might be a consequence or a compensatory change in pathological placentation in PE, which underscores the need to investigate the physiology of steroid hormone metabolites in the etiology of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Feng
- Fetal Care Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinlei Lian
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kaimin Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guanglan Zhang
- Fetal Care Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Huang
- Fetal Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xuan Huang,
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7
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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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8
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Wijesena HR, Nonneman DJ, Keel BN, Lents CA. Gene expression in the amygdala and hippocampus of cyclic and acyclic gilts. J Anim Sci 2022; 100:6497483. [PMID: 34984470 PMCID: PMC8801052 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Age at first estrus is the earliest phenotypic indicator of future reproductive success of gilts. Prebreeding anestrus is a major reason for reproductive failure leading to culling of replacement gilts. The two types of prebreeding anestrus are delay in attaining puberty (prepubertal anestrus, PPA) and silent ovulation (behavioral anestrus, BA). Neural tissues such as amygdala and hippocampus play a major role in regulating sexual behavior, social interactions, and receptivity to males. Differences in gene expression in the amygdala and hippocampus of gilts were analyzed in three comparisons: 1) PPA cases and cyclic controls at follicular phase of estrous cycle, 2) BA cases and cyclic controls at luteal phase of estrous cycle, and 3) gilts at different stages of the ovarian cycle (cyclic gilts at follicular phase and luteal phase of estrous cycle) to gain functional understanding of how these rarely studied tissues may differ between pubertal phenotypes and different stages of the estrous cycle of gilts. Differentially expressed genes (DEG) between PPA and BA cases and their respective cyclic controls were involved in neurological and behavioral disorders as well as nervous system functions that could directly or indirectly involved in development of behaviors related to estrus. The comparison between cyclic follicular and luteal phase control gilts identified the greatest number of DEG in the hippocampus and amygdala. These DEG were involved in adult neurogenesis and neural synapse (e.g., GABAergic, dopamine, cholinergic), suggesting that these tissues undergo structural changes and synaptic plasticity in gilts. This is the first report to demonstrate that the stage of estrous cycle is associated with dynamic changes in gene expression within porcine hippocampus and amygdala and indicates a role of gonadal steroids in regulating their biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiruni R Wijesena
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933-0166, USA
| | - Dan J Nonneman
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933-0166, USA
| | - Brittney N Keel
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933-0166, USA
| | - Clay A Lents
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933-0166, USA,Corresponding author:
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9
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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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10
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Early Pregnancy Exposure to Ambient Air Pollution among Late-Onset Preeclamptic Cases Is Associated with Placental DNA Hypomethylation of Specific Genes and Slower Placental Maturation. TOXICS 2021; 9:toxics9120338. [PMID: 34941772 PMCID: PMC8708250 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9120338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to ambient air pollution during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia (PE). Some suggested mechanisms behind this association are changes in placental DNA methylation and gene expression. The objective of this study was to identify how early pregnancy exposure to ambient nitrogen oxides (NOx) among PE cases and normotensive controls influence DNA methylation (EPIC array) and gene expression (RNA-seq). The study included placentas from 111 women (29 PE cases/82 controls) in Scania, Sweden. First-trimester NOx exposure was assessed at the participants’ residence using a dispersion model and categorized via median split into high or low NOx. Placental gestational epigenetic age was derived from the DNA methylation data. We identified six differentially methylated positions (DMPs, q < 0.05) comparing controls with low NOx vs. cases with high NOx and 14 DMPs comparing cases and controls with high NOx. Placentas with female fetuses showed more DMPs (N = 309) than male-derived placentas (N = 1). Placentas from PE cases with high NOx demonstrated gestational age deceleration compared to controls with low NOx (p = 0.034). No differentially expressed genes (DEGs, q < 0.05) were found. In conclusion, early pregnancy exposure to NOx affected placental DNA methylation in PE, resulting in placental immaturity and showing sexual dimorphism.
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Mao J, Kinkade JA, Bivens NJ, Roberts RM, Rosenfeld CS. Placental Changes in the serotonin transporter (Slc6a4) knockout mouse suggest a role for serotonin in controlling nutrient acquisition. Placenta 2021; 115:158-168. [PMID: 34649169 PMCID: PMC8585720 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The mouse placenta accumulates and possibly produces serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) in parietal trophoblast giant cells (pTGC) located at the interface between the placenta and maternal deciduum. However, the roles of 5-HT in placental function are unclear. This lack of information is unfortunate, given that selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors are commonly used to combat depression in pregnant women. The high affinity 5-HT transporter SLC6A4 (also known as SERT) is the target of such drugs and likely controls much of 5-HT uptake into pTGC and other placental cells. We hypothesized that ablation of the Slc6a4 gene would result in morphological changes correlated with placental gene expression changes, especially for those involved in nutrient acquisition and metabolism, and thereby, provide insights into 5-HT placental function. METHODS Placentas were collected at embryonic age (E) 12.5 from Slc6a4 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) conceptuses. Histological analyses, RNAseq, qPCR, and integrative correlation analyses were performed. RESULTS Slc6a4 KO placentas had a considerable increased pTGC to spongiotrophoblast area ratio relative to WT placentas and significantly elevated expression of genes associated with intestinal functions, including nutrient sensing, uptake, and catabolism, and blood clotting. Integrative correlation analyses revealed upregulation of many of these genes was correlated with pTGC layer expansion. One other key gene was dopa decarboxylase (Ddc), which catalyzes conversion of L-5-hydroxytryptophan to 5-HT. DISCUSSION Our studies possibly suggest a new paradigm relating to how 5-HT operates in the placenta, namely as a factor regulating metabolic functions and blood coagulation. We further suggest that pTGC might be functional analogs of enterochromaffin 5-HT-positive cells of the intestinal mucosa, which regulate similar activities within the gut. Further work, including proteomics and metabolomic studies, are needed to buttress our hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiude Mao
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
| | - Jessica A Kinkade
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Nathan J Bivens
- Genomics Technology Core, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - R Michael Roberts
- Christopher S Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Cheryl S Rosenfeld
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; MU Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; Thompson Center for Autism and Neurobehavioral Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
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12
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Pereira MM, Mainigi M, Strauss JF. Secretory products of the corpus luteum and preeclampsia. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 27:651-672. [PMID: 33748839 PMCID: PMC8222764 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite significant advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of preeclampsia (PE), there are still many unknowns and controversies in the field. Women undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) to a hormonally prepared endometrium have been found to have an unexpected increased risk of PE compared to women who receive embryos in a natural FET cycle. The differences in risk have been hypothesized to be related to the absence or presence of a functioning corpus luteum (CL). OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE To evaluate the literature on secretory products of the CL that could be essential for a healthy pregnancy and could reduce the risk of PE in the setting of FET. SEARCH METHODS For this review, pertinent studies were searched in PubMed/Medline (updated June 2020) using common keywords applied in the field of assisted reproductive technologies, CL physiology and preeclampsia. We also screened the complete list of references in recent publications in English (both animal and human studies) on the topics investigated. Given the design of this work as a narrative review, no formal criteria for study selection or appraisal were utilized. OUTCOMES The CL is a major source of multiple factors regulating reproduction. Progesterone, estradiol, relaxin and vasoactive and angiogenic substances produced by the CL have important roles in regulating its functional lifespan and are also secreted into the circulation to act remotely during early stages of pregnancy. Beyond the known actions of progesterone and estradiol on the uterus in early pregnancy, their metabolites have angiogenic properties that may optimize implantation and placentation. Serum levels of relaxin are almost undetectable in pregnant women without a CL, which precludes some maternal cardiovascular and renal adaptations to early pregnancy. We suggest that an imbalance in steroid hormones and their metabolites and polypeptides influencing early physiologic processes such as decidualization, implantation, angiogenesis and maternal haemodynamics could contribute to the increased PE risk among women undergoing programmed FET cycles. WIDER IMPLICATIONS A better understanding of the critical roles of the secretory products of the CL during early pregnancy holds the promise of improving the efficacy and safety of ART based on programmed FET cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- María M Pereira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Monica Mainigi
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Centre for Research on Reproduction and Women’s Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA,19104 USA
| | - Jerome F Strauss
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
- Centre for Research on Reproduction and Women’s Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA,19104 USA
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Quantitative chemoproteomics reveals O-GlcNAcylation of cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) represses trophoblast syncytialization. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:788-801.e5. [PMID: 33626323 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates the involvement of O-GlcNAc modification in placental development and pregnant health through mechanisms that are not well understood. Herein, by applying the quantitative O-GlcNAc proteomics, we established a database of O-GlcNAcylated proteins in human placental trophoblasts. Hundreds of proteins that were dynamically O-GlcNAcylated during trophoblast differentiation were identified, among which cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) exhibited the most significant change. Site-specific analysis by mass spectrometry revealed Ser138 as the core O-GlcNAc site in CSE, and its O-GlcNAcylation promoted the enzymatic activity to produce H2S, which in turn repressed trophoblast differentiation via inhibiting androgen receptor dimerization. Consistently, in preeclamptic placentas, remarkably enhanced CSE O-GlcNAcylation and H2S production were associated with restricted trophoblast differentiation. The findings establish a resource of O-GlcNAc dynamics in human placenta, and provide a deeper insight into the biological significance of O-GlcNAcylation in placental development as well as potential therapeutic targets for the relevant pregnant complications.
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Navajas R, Corrales F, Paradela A. Quantitative proteomics-based analyses performed on pre-eclampsia samples in the 2004-2020 period: a systematic review. Clin Proteomics 2021; 18:6. [PMID: 33499801 PMCID: PMC7836571 DOI: 10.1186/s12014-021-09313-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quantitative proteomics is an invaluable tool in biomedicine for the massive comparative analysis of protein component of complex biological samples. In the last two decades, this technique has been used to describe proteins potentially involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of preeclampsia as well as to identify protein biomarkers that could be used with diagnostic/prognostic purposes in pre-eclampsia. RESULTS We have done a systematic review of all proteomics-based papers describing differentially expressed proteins in this disease. Searching Pubmed with the terms pre-eclampsia and proteomics, restricted to the Title/Abstract and to MeSH fields, and following manual curation of the original list, retrieved 69 original articles corresponding to the 2004-2020 period. We have only considered those results based on quantitative, unbiased proteomics studies conducted in a controlled manner on a cohort of control and pre-eclamptic individuals. The sources of biological material used were serum/plasma (n = 32), placenta (n = 23), urine (n = 9), cerebrospinal fluid (n = 2), amniotic fluid (n = 2) and decidual tissue (n = 1). Overall results were filtered based on two complementary criteria. First, we have only accounted all those proteins described in at least two (urine), three (placenta) and four (serum/plasma) independent studies. Secondly, we considered the consistency of the quantitative data, that is, inter-study agreement in the protein abundance control/pre-eclamptic ratio. The total number of differential proteins in serum/plasma (n = 559), placenta (n = 912), urine (n = 132) and other sources of biological material (n = 26), reached 1631 proteins. Data were highly complementary among studies, resulting from differences on biological sources, sampling strategies, patient stratification, quantitative proteomic analysis methods and statistical data analysis. Therefore, stringent filtering was applied to end up with a cluster of 18, 29 and 16 proteins consistently regulated in pre-eclampsia in placenta, serum/plasma and urine, respectively. The systematic collection, standardization and evaluation of the results, using diverse filtering criteria, provided a panel of 63 proteins whose levels are consistently modified in the context of pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosana Navajas
- Functional Proteomics Facility, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), ProteoRed-ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Corrales
- Functional Proteomics Facility, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), ProteoRed-ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Paradela
- Functional Proteomics Facility, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), ProteoRed-ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.
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Huang J, Yang Y, He P. Serum apolipoprotein A-II and alpha-2-antiplasmin levels in midtrimester can be used as predictors of preterm delivery. J Int Med Res 2020; 48:300060520952280. [PMID: 32962505 PMCID: PMC7517993 DOI: 10.1177/0300060520952280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify serum protein markers in midtrimester that predict preterm delivery. METHODS A retrospective case-control study randomly selected patients that experienced spontaneous preterm birth and healthy control patients that experienced a normal delivery at term. A proteomic analysis was undertaken using the data-independent acquisition method. RESULTS A total of 30 singleton pregnant women were randomly selected from 12 800 pregnant women: 15 women had a spontaneous preterm birth (group Y) and 15 age- and body mass index-matched women gave birth at term (group D). All of the patients provided serum at 15-20 weeks of gestation. A total of 39 differentially expressed proteins were identified. Compared with group D, 24 proteins were upregulated and 15 were downregulated in the preterm group Y. Using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment, the 24 upregulated proteins were significantly enriched in the complement and coagulation cascade pathways. Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes Furthermore (STRING) analysis showed that apolipoprotein A-II (apoA-II) and alpha-2-antiplasmin (α2-AP), two upregulated proteins, were key nodes in the STRING protein-protein network. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that apoA-II and α2-AP might be new markers for predicting preterm delivery in the midtrimester.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxia Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shanghai Baoshan District Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhong Yang
- Department of Obstetrics, Hangzhou Women’s Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Pei He
- Department of Obstetrics, Hangzhou Women’s Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
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Association of imbalanced sex hormone production with excessive procoagulation factor SerpinF2 in preeclamsia. J Hypertens 2019; 37:1537. [DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000002168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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