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Abul M, Al-Bader MD, Mouihate A. Exposure to synthetic glucocorticoids during pregnancy alters the expression of p73 gene variants in fetal brains in a sex-specific manner. Brain Res 2018; 1707:117-123. [PMID: 30476470 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Fetal exposure to dexamethasone (DEX) alters brain plasticity and cognitive functions during adulthood in a sex-dependent manner. The mechanisms underlying such long-lasting sex-dependent change of prenatal DEX is not well understood. The p73 gene plays an important role in brain development. It encodes for two protein variants; the neural cell death protein (TAp73) and the anti-neural cell death protein (ΔNp73). Therefore, we sought to determine how prenatal exposure to DEX alters the expression of these p73 gene variants in the brain of male and female fetuses. Pregnant dams received daily injections of either DEX (0.4 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline from gestation day (GD) 14 until GD21. On GD21, body and brain weights were monitored and mRNA and protein levels of TAp73 and ΔNp73 were measured in male and female fetal brains using RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Prenatal exposure to DEX significantly reduced the body and brain weights of both male and female fetuses, although reduction in brain weight was less severe than that of the body weight. Administration of DEX to pregnant dams led to enhanced expression of both TAp73 and ΔNp73 gene/protein variants in the brain of male but not in that of female fetuses. Dexamethasone induced a sex-dependent effect on the expression of p73 gene variants. DEX-induced growth restriction in the brain of female fetuses is independent of p73 gene. This study strongly suggests that survival/death programs operate differently during the development of male and female brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Abul
- Department of Physiology, Health Sciences Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait
| | - Maie D Al-Bader
- Department of Physiology, Health Sciences Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait
| | - Abdeslam Mouihate
- Department of Physiology, Health Sciences Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait.
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Alqaryyan M, Kilarkaje N, Mouihate A, Al-Bader MD. Dexamethasone-Induced Intrauterine Growth Restriction Is Associated With Altered Expressions of Metastasis Tumor Antigens and Cell Cycle Control Proteins in Rat Placentas. Reprod Sci 2016; 24:1164-1175. [PMID: 27932593 DOI: 10.1177/1933719116681518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Molecular mechanisms affecting placental formation in intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) pregnancies are not clearly understood. Since metastasis tumor antigens (MTAs) MTA1 and MTA2 promote cell proliferation and MTA3 suppresses it, we hypothesized that IUGR alters cell survival/cell death programs driven by placental MTAs. To induce IUGR, pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were given daily intraperitoneal injections of either saline or dexamethasone (0.4 mg/kg) starting from 14 days of gestation (dg) to either 19 dg or 21 dg. Gene and protein expressions of MTA1-3 in the placental basal and labyrinth zones were investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. We also explored the expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), caspase-3, p53, p21, and β-catenin. Dexamethasone-induced IUGR resulted in decreased expression of MTA1 in the nuclei of cells in the basal zone. The expression of p21 was increased and that of PCNA was reduced in both placental zones of IUGR rats. Cytoplasmic expression of MTA1 and p53 increased in the labyrinth zone of IUGR placentas in association with an increase in cell death as indicated by an increased caspase-3 expression. The labyrinth zone of IUGR placentas showed a significant reduction in MTA2-MTA3 gene expression and an increase in p53 protein levels. Total MTA3 level increased and β-catenin level decreased in the labyrinth zone of IUGR placentas associated with a reduction in cell proliferation. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that dexamethasone-induced IUGR is associated with changes in MTA expression, decreased cell proliferation, and increased cell death in placentas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Alqaryyan
- 1 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Narayana Kilarkaje
- 2 Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Abdeslam Mouihate
- 1 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Maie D Al-Bader
- 1 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
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Dörr HG, Binder G, Reisch N, Gembruch U, Oppelt PG, Wieacker P, Kratzsch J. Experts' Opinion on the Prenatal Therapy of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) Due to 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency - Guideline of DGKED in cooperation with DGGG (S1-Level, AWMF Registry No. 174/013, July 2015). Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2015; 75:1232-1238. [PMID: 28435171 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-109717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This guideline of the German Society of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology (DGKED) is designed to be experts' opinion on the current concept of prenatal therapy for congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (CAH). Several scientific medical societies have also participated in the guideline. It aims to offer guidance to physicians when they counsel affected families about prenatal therapy. Methods: The experts commissioned by the medical societies developed a consensus in an informal process. The consensus was subsequently confirmed by the steering committees of the respective medical societies. Recommendations: Prenatal CAH therapy is an experimental therapy. We recommend designing and using standardized protocols for the prenatal diagnosis, therapy and long-term follow-up of women and children treated prenatally with dexamethasone. If long-term follow-up is not possible, then prenatal therapy should not be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- H G Dörr
- Kinder- und Jugendklinik des Universitätsklinikums Erlangen, Erlangen
| | - G Binder
- Univ.-Kinderklinik Tübingen, Sektion Endokrinologie, Tübingen
| | - N Reisch
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV. Klinikum der Universität München, München
| | - U Gembruch
- Abteilung für Geburtshilfe und Pränatalmedizin der Universität Bonn, Bonn
| | - P G Oppelt
- Kinder- und Jugendgynäkologie, Frauenklinik des Universitätsklinikums Erlangen, Erlangen
| | - P Wieacker
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster
| | - J Kratzsch
- Institut für Laboratoriumsmedizin, Klinische Chemie und Molekulare Diagnostik der Universität Leipzig, Leipzig
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Heland S, Hewitt JK, McGillivray G, Walker SP. Preventing female virilisation in congenital adrenal hyperplasia: The controversial role of antenatal dexamethasone. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2015; 56:225-32. [PMID: 26661642 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.12423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) refers to a group of recessively inherited disorders of cortisol production, which in the classical form results in virilisation of female fetuses. Since the 1980s, antenatal treatment with dexamethasone has been recommended in high-risk pregnancies to minimise the risk of virilising the female genitalia of affected fetuses. To be effective, this treatment requires implementation in early pregnancy, prior to the commencement of autonomous fetal adrenal androgen synthesis. Using this approach, seven of eight high-risk pregnancies are treated unnecessarily, prior to establishing the fetal gender or the confirmed diagnosis of a genetically affected pregnancy. In the face of ongoing concerns regarding potential adverse maternal-fetal effects of antenatal dexamethasone exposure, a review of this practice has been advocated by expert advisory groups. In this review, we summarise current controversies, potential improvements and future directions in the management of pregnancies at risk of CAH. In high-risk families, recent genomic advances include early prenatal diagnosis utilising noninvasive genetic techniques to minimise unnecessary dexamethasone exposure to unaffected fetuses. In affected pregnancies when families elect for antenatal treatment, optimal antenatal dosing regimens need to be defined and a standardised treatment and follow-up protocol are recommended. Establishment of a national registry with standardised follow-up will allow future families to be better informed of the risks and benefits of both treated and untreated fetal CAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Heland
- Department of Perinatal Medicine, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Jacqueline K Hewitt
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Children's Hospital and Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - George McGillivray
- Department of Perinatal Medicine, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Susan P Walker
- Department of Perinatal Medicine, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Ali H, Kalashnikova I, White MA, Sherman M, Rytting E. Preparation, characterization, and transport of dexamethasone-loaded polymeric nanoparticles across a human placental in vitro model. Int J Pharm 2013; 454:149-57. [PMID: 23850397 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2013.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2012] [Revised: 06/25/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to prepare dexamethasone-loaded polymeric nanoparticles and evaluate their potential for transport across human placenta. Statistical modeling and factorial design was applied to investigate the influence of process parameters on the following nanoparticle characteristics: particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and drug encapsulation efficiency. Dexamethasone and nanoparticle transport was subsequently investigated using the BeWo b30 cell line, an in vitro model of human placental trophoblast cells, which represent the rate-limiting barrier for maternal-fetal transfer. Encapsulation efficiency and drug transport were determined using a validated high performance liquid chromatography method. Nanoparticle morphology and drug encapsulation were further characterized by cryo-transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. Nanoparticles prepared from poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) were spherical, with particle sizes ranging from 140 to 298 nm, and encapsulation efficiency ranging from 52 to 89%. Nanoencapsulation enhanced the apparent permeability of dexamethasone from the maternal compartment to the fetal compartment more than 10-fold in this model. Particle size was shown to be inversely correlated with drug and nanoparticle permeability, as confirmed with fluorescently labeled nanoparticles. These results highlight the feasibility of designing nanoparticles capable of delivering medication to the fetus, in particular, potential dexamethasone therapy for the prenatal treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazem Ali
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Alois Gessl
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Dreger A, Feder EK, Tamar-Mattis A. Prenatal Dexamethasone for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: An Ethics Canary in the Modern Medical Mine. JOURNAL OF BIOETHICAL INQUIRY 2012; 9:277-294. [PMID: 22904609 PMCID: PMC3416978 DOI: 10.1007/s11673-012-9384-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Following extensive examination of published and unpublished materials, we provide a history of the use of dexamethasone in pregnant women at risk of carrying a female fetus affected by congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). This intervention has been aimed at preventing development of ambiguous genitalia, the urogenital sinus, tomboyism, and lesbianism. We map out ethical problems in this history, including: misleading promotion to physicians and CAH-affected families; de facto experimentation without the necessary protections of approved research; troubling parallels to the history of prenatal use of diethylstilbestrol (DES); and the use of medicine and public monies to attempt prevention of benign behavioral sex variations. Critical attention is directed at recent investigations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Office of Human Research Protections (OHRP); we argue that the weak and unsupported conclusions of these investigations indicate major gaps in the systems meant to protect subjects of high-risk medical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Dreger
- Clinical Medical Humanities and Bioethics, Program in Medical Humanities and Bioethics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 750 N Lake Shore Dr., Suite 625, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
| | - Ellen K. Feder
- Department of Philosophy and Religion, American University, Washington, DC USA
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Dexamethasone induces apoptosis in the developing rat amygdala in an age-, region-, and sex-specific manner. Neuroscience 2011; 199:535-47. [PMID: 22008524 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.09.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2011] [Revised: 09/18/2011] [Accepted: 09/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to glucocorticoids (GCs) in early development can lead to long-term changes in brain function and behavior, although little is known about the underlying neural mechanisms. Perinatal exposure to GCs alters adult anxiety and neuroendocrine responses to stress. Therefore, we investigated the effects of either late gestational or neonatal exposure to the GC receptor agonist dexamethasone (DEX), on apoptosis within the amygdala, a region critical for emotional regulation. DEX was administered to timed-pregnant rat dams from gestational day 18 until parturition, or postnatal day 4-6. Offspring were sacrificed the day following the last DEX treatment, and tissue was processed for immunohistochemical detection of cleaved caspase-3, a marker for apoptotic cells. Prenatal DEX treatment significantly increased the number of cleaved caspase-3-positive cells in the amygdala of both sexes, largely due to increases within the medial and basomedial subregions. Postnatal DEX treatment also increased cleaved caspase-3 immunoreactivity within the amygdala, although effects reached significance only in the central nucleus of females. Overall, DEX induction of cleaved caspase-3 in the amygdala was greater following prenatal compared with postnatal treatment, yet in both instances, elevations in cleaved caspase-3 correlated with an increase in pro-apoptotic Bax mRNA expression. Dual-label immunohistochemistry of cleaved caspase-3 and the neuronal marker NeuN confirmed that virtually all cleaved caspase-3-positive cells in the amygdala were neurons, and a subset of these cells (primarily following postnatal treatment) expressed a GABAergic calcium-binding protein phenotype (calbindin or calretinin). Together these results indicate that early developmental GC exposure induces neuronal apoptosis within the amygdala in an age-, sex-, and region-dependent manner.
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Hui L, Bianchi DW. Prenatal pharmacotherapy for fetal anomalies: a 2011 update. Prenat Diagn 2011; 31:735-43. [PMID: 21638296 DOI: 10.1002/pd.2777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2011] [Revised: 04/12/2011] [Accepted: 04/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Fetal therapy can be defined as any prenatal treatment administered to the mother with the primary indication to improve perinatal or long-term outcomes for the fetus or newborn. This review provides an update of the pharmacological therapies that are solely directed at the fetus with anomalies and outlines a future transcriptomic approach. Fetal anomalies targeted with prenatal pharmacotherapy are a heterogeneous group of structural, endocrine, and metabolic conditions, including congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM), congenital adrenal hyperplasia, congenital heart block, fetal tachyarrhythmias, inborn errors of metabolism, fetal thyroid disorders, and polyhydramnios. To date, the majority of pharmacotherapies for fetal anomalies have been evaluated only in retrospective, uncontrolled studies. The way forward will be with an evidence-based approach to prenatal pharmacological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Hui
- Mother Infant Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
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