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Doan TNA, Cowley JM, Phillips AL, Briffa JF, Leemaqz SY, Burton RA, Romano T, Wlodek ME, Bianco-Miotto T. Imprinted gene alterations in the kidneys of growth restricted offspring may be mediated by a long non-coding RNA. Epigenetics 2024; 19:2294516. [PMID: 38126131 PMCID: PMC10761017 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2023.2294516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Altered epigenetic mechanisms have been previously reported in growth restricted offspring whose mothers experienced environmental insults during pregnancy in both human and rodent studies. We previously reported changes in the expression of the DNA methyltransferase Dnmt3a and the imprinted genes Cdkn1c (Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1C) and Kcnq1 (Potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 1) in the kidney tissue of growth restricted rats whose mothers had uteroplacental insufficiency induced on day 18 of gestation, at both embryonic day 20 (E20) and postnatal day 1 (PN1). To determine the mechanisms responsible for changes in the expression of these imprinted genes, we investigated DNA methylation of KvDMR1, an imprinting control region (ICR) that includes the promoter of the antisense long non-coding RNA Kcnq1ot1 (Kcnq1 opposite strand/antisense transcript 1). Kcnq1ot1 expression decreased by 51% in growth restricted offspring compared to sham at PN1. Interestingly, there was a negative correlation between Kcnq1ot1 and Kcnq1 in the E20 growth restricted group (Spearman's ρ = 0.014). No correlation was observed between Kcnq1ot1 and Cdkn1c expression in either group at any time point. Additionally, there was a 11.25% decrease in the methylation level at one CpG site within KvDMR1 ICR. This study, together with others in the literature, supports that long non-coding RNAs may mediate changes seen in tissues of growth restricted offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thu N. A. Doan
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, & Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - James M. Cowley
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, & Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Aaron L. Phillips
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, & Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jessica F. Briffa
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shalem Y. Leemaqz
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- SAHMRI Women and Kids, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Rachel A. Burton
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, & Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Tania Romano
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mary E. Wlodek
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tina Bianco-Miotto
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, & Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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2
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South AM, Allen NB. Antenatal Programming of Hypertension: Paradigms, Paradoxes, and How We Move Forward. Curr Hypertens Rep 2022; 24:655-667. [PMID: 36227517 PMCID: PMC9712278 DOI: 10.1007/s11906-022-01227-z] [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: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Synthesize the clinical, epidemiological, and preclinical evidence for antenatal programming of hypertension and critically appraise paradigms and paradoxes to improve translation. RECENT FINDINGS Clinical and epidemiological studies persistently demonstrate that antenatal factors contribute to programmed hypertension under the developmental origins of health and disease framework, including lower birth weight, preterm birth, and fetal growth restriction. Preclinical mechanisms include preeclampsia, maternal diabetes, maternal undernutrition, and antenatal corticosteroid exposure. However, clinical and epidemiological studies to date have largely failed to adequately identify, discuss, and mitigate many sources and types of bias in part due to heterogeneous study designs and incomplete adherence to scientific rigor. These limitations have led to incomplete and biased paradigms as well as persistent paradoxes that have significantly limited translation into clinical and population health interventions. Improved understanding of these paradigms and paradoxes will allow us to substantially move the field forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M South
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Nephrology, Brenner Children's, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, One Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
- Department of Surgery-Hypertension and Vascular Research, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
- Cardiovascular Sciences Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| | - Norrina B Allen
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Doan TNA, Akison LK, Bianco-Miotto T. Epigenetic Mechanisms Responsible for the Transgenerational Inheritance of Intrauterine Growth Restriction Phenotypes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:838737. [PMID: 35432208 PMCID: PMC9008301 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.838737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A poorly functioning placenta results in impaired exchanges of oxygen, nutrition, wastes and hormones between the mother and her fetus. This can lead to restriction of fetal growth. These growth restricted babies are at increased risk of developing chronic diseases, such as type-2 diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease, later in life. Animal studies have shown that growth restricted phenotypes are sex-dependent and can be transmitted to subsequent generations through both the paternal and maternal lineages. Altered epigenetic mechanisms, specifically changes in DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs that regulate expression of genes that are important for fetal development have been shown to be associated with the transmission pattern of growth restricted phenotypes. This review will discuss the subsequent health outcomes in the offspring after growth restriction and the transmission patterns of these diseases. Evidence of altered epigenetic mechanisms in association with fetal growth restriction will also be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thu Ngoc Anh Doan
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Lisa K. Akison
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Tina Bianco-Miotto
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- *Correspondence: Tina Bianco-Miotto,
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Sex-dependent vulnerability of fetal nonhuman primate cardiac mitochondria to moderate maternal nutrient reduction. Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 135:1103-1126. [PMID: 33899910 DOI: 10.1042/cs20201339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Poor maternal nutrition in pregnancy affects fetal development, predisposing offspring to cardiometabolic diseases. The role of mitochondria during fetal development on later-life cardiac dysfunction caused by maternal nutrient reduction (MNR) remains unexplored. We hypothesized that MNR during gestation causes fetal cardiac bioenergetic deficits, compromising cardiac mitochondrial metabolism and reserve capacity. To enable human translation, we developed a primate baboon model (Papio spp.) of moderate MNR in which mothers receive 70% of control nutrition during pregnancy, resulting in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) offspring and later exhibiting myocardial remodeling and heart failure at human equivalent ∼25 years. Term control and MNR baboon offspring were necropsied following cesarean-section, and left ventricle (LV) samples were collected. MNR adversely impacted fetal cardiac LV mitochondria in a sex-dependent fashion. Increased maternal plasma aspartate aminotransferase, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), and elevated cortisol levels in MNR concomitant with decreased blood insulin in male fetal MNR were measured. MNR resulted in a two-fold increase in fetal LV mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). MNR resulted in increased transcripts for several respiratory chain (NDUFB8, UQCRC1, and cytochrome c) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase proteins. However, MNR fetal LV mitochondrial complex I and complex II/III activities were significantly decreased, possibly contributing to the 73% decreased ATP content and increased lipid peroxidation. MNR fetal LV showed mitochondria with sparse and disarranged cristae dysmorphology. Conclusion: MNR disruption of fetal cardiac mitochondrial fitness likely contributes to the documented developmental programming of adult cardiac dysfunction, indicating a programmed mitochondrial inability to deliver sufficient energy to cardiac tissues as a chronic mechanism for later-life heart failure.
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Epigenetic mechanisms involved in intrauterine growth restriction and aberrant kidney development and function. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2020; 12:952-962. [PMID: 33349286 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174420001257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) due to uteroplacental insufficiency results in a placenta that is unable to provide adequate nutrients and oxygen to the fetus. These growth-restricted babies have an increased risk of hypertension and chronic kidney disease later in life. In rats, both male and female growth-restricted offspring have nephron deficits but only males develop kidney dysfunction and high blood pressure. In addition, there is transgenerational transmission of nephron deficits and hypertension risk. Therefore, epigenetic mechanisms may explain the sex-specific programming and multigenerational transmission of IUGR-related phenotypes. Expression of DNA methyltransferases (Dnmt1and Dnmt3a) and imprinted genes (Peg3, Snrpn, Kcnq1, and Cdkn1c) were investigated in kidney tissues of sham and IUGR rats in F1 (embryonic day 20 (E20) and postnatal day 1 (PN1)) and F2 (6 and 12 months of age, paternal and maternal lines) generations (n = 6-13/group). In comparison to sham offspring, F1 IUGR rats had a 19% decrease in Dnmt3a expression at E20 (P < 0.05), with decreased Cdkn1c (19%, P < 0.05) and increased Kcnq1 (1.6-fold, P < 0.01) at PN1. There was a sex-specific difference in Cdkn1c and Snrpn expression at E20, with 29% and 34% higher expression in IUGR males compared to females, respectively (P < 0.05). Peg3 sex-specific expression was lost in the F2 IUGR offspring, only in the maternal line. These findings suggest that epigenetic mechanisms may be altered in renal embryonic and/or fetal development in growth-restricted offspring, which could alter kidney function, predisposing these offspring to kidney disease later in life.
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Mangwiro YT, Cuffe JS, Vickers MH, Reynolds CM, Mahizir D, Anevska K, Gravina S, Romano T, Moritz KM, Briffa JF, Wlodek ME. Maternal exercise alters rat fetoplacental stress response: Minimal effects of maternal growth restriction and high-fat feeding. Placenta 2020; 104:57-70. [PMID: 33276236 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fetal growth restriction complicates 10% of pregnancies and increases offspring (F1) risk of metabolic disorders, including obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This disease predisposition can be passed onto the next generation (F2). Importantly, the risk of pregnancy complications in obese women can be exacerbated by a stressful pregnancy. Exercise can reduce adiposity and improve health outcomes in obese women and those with GDM. This study investigated the impacts of maternal growth restriction, obesity, exercise, and stress on fetal and placental endocrine function. METHODS Uteroplacental insufficiency (Restricted) or sham (Control) surgery was induced on embryonic day (E) 18 in F0 Wistar-Kyoto rats. F1 offspring were fed a Chow or High-fat (HFD) diet from weaning and, at 16 weeks, were randomly allocated an exercise protocol; Sedentary, Exercised prior to and during pregnancy (Exercise), or Exercised only during pregnancy (PregEx). Females were mated and further randomly allocated to either undergo (Stress), or not undergo (Unstressed), physiological measurements during pregnancy. On E20, F2 fetal plasma (steroid hormones), tissues (brain, liver), and placentae (morphology, stress genes) were collected. RESULTS Maternal growth restriction and high-fat feeding had minimal impact on fetoplacental endocrine function. PregEx and Exercise increased cross-sectional labyrinth and junctional zone areas. PregEx, but not Exercise, increased fetal deoxycorticosterone concentrations and reduced placental Hsd11b2 and Nr3c2 gene abundance. Maternal stress increased fetal corticosterone concentrations in Sedentary HFD dams and increased placental cross-sectional areas in PregEx mothers. DISCUSSION PregEx and Stress independently dysregulates the endocrine status of the developing fetus, which may program future disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeukai Tm Mangwiro
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia; Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - James Sm Cuffe
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Mark H Vickers
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Grafton, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Clare M Reynolds
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Grafton, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Dayana Mahizir
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Kristina Anevska
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia; Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Sogand Gravina
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Tania Romano
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Karen M Moritz
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia; Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
| | - Jessica F Briffa
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Mary E Wlodek
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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Kooiman J, Terstappen F, van Wagensveld L, Franx A, Wever KE, Roseboom TJ, Joles JA, Gremmels H, Lely AT. Conflicting Effects of Fetal Growth Restriction on Blood Pressure Between Human and Rat Offspring: A Meta-Analysis. Hypertension 2020; 75:806-818. [PMID: 31983304 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.119.14111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Low birth weight is associated with hypertension. Low birth weight can result from fetal growth restriction (FGR) or prematurity. FGR is postulated to impact blood pressure (BP) by developmental programming. This systematic review and meta-analysis studies BP in human and animal offspring following FGR. Pubmed and Web of Science were searched for studies reporting on BP after placental insufficiency induced FGR compared with normal growth controls. Primary outcome was mean absolute BP difference (ΔBP mm Hg [95% CI]). Meta-analysis was performed using random-effects models. Subgroup analyses were executed on species, sex, age, pregnancy duration, and stress during BP readings. Due to large interspecies heterogeneity, analyses were performed separately for human (n=41) and animal (n=31) studies, the latter restricted to rats (n=27). Human studies showed a ΔBP between FGR and controls of -0.6 mm Hg ([95% CI, -1.7 to 0.6]; I2=91%). Mean ΔBP was -2.6 mm Hg (95% CI, -5.7 to 0.4) in women versus -0.5 mm Hg (95% CI, -3.7 to 2.7) in men. Subgroup analyses did not indicate age, gestational age, and stress during measurements as sources of heterogeneity. In rats, mean BP was 12.0 mm Hg ([95% CI, 8.8-15.2]; I2=81%) higher in FGR offspring. This difference was more pronounced in FGR males (13.6 mm Hg [95% CI, 10.3-17.0] versus 9.1 mm Hg [95% CI, 5.3-12.8]). Subgroup analyses on age showed no statistical interaction. BP readings under restrained conditions resulted in larger BP differences between FGR and control rats (15.3 mm Hg [95% CI, 11.6-18.9] versus 5.7 mm Hg [95% CI, 1.1-10.3]). Rat studies confirm the relation between FGR and offspring BP, while observational studies in humans do not show such differences. This may be due to the observational nature of human studies, methodological limitations, or an absence of this phenomenon in humans. Clinical Trial Registration URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: CRD42018091819.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Kooiman
- From the Department of Obstetrics (J.K., F.T., L.v.W., A.F., A.T.L.), University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Fieke Terstappen
- From the Department of Obstetrics (J.K., F.T., L.v.W., A.F., A.T.L.), University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Developmental Origin of Disease (F.T.), University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lilian van Wagensveld
- From the Department of Obstetrics (J.K., F.T., L.v.W., A.F., A.T.L.), University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Arie Franx
- From the Department of Obstetrics (J.K., F.T., L.v.W., A.F., A.T.L.), University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Kimberley E Wever
- Systematic Review Center for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE), Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands (K.E.W.)
| | - Tessa J Roseboom
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands (T.J.R.)
| | - Jaap A Joles
- Wilhelmina Children's Hospital and Department of Nephrology and Hypertension (J.A.J., H.G.), University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hendrik Gremmels
- Wilhelmina Children's Hospital and Department of Nephrology and Hypertension (J.A.J., H.G.), University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - A Titia Lely
- From the Department of Obstetrics (J.K., F.T., L.v.W., A.F., A.T.L.), University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Harvey A, Caretti G, Moresi V, Renzini A, Adamo S. Interplay between Metabolites and the Epigenome in Regulating Embryonic and Adult Stem Cell Potency and Maintenance. Stem Cell Reports 2019; 13:573-589. [PMID: 31597110 PMCID: PMC6830055 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2019.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The environment surrounding stem cells has the ability to elicit profound, heritable epigenetic changes orchestrated by multiple epigenetic mechanisms, which can be modulated by the level of specific metabolites. In this review, we highlight the significance of metabolism in regulating stem cell homeostasis, cell state, and differentiation capacity, using metabolic regulation of embryonic and adult muscle stem cells as examples, and cast light on the interaction between cellular metabolism and epigenetics. These new regulatory networks, based on the dynamic interplay between metabolism and epigenetics in stem cell biology, are important, not only for understanding tissue homeostasis, but to determine in vitro culture conditions which accurately support normal cell physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Harvey
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 2010, Australia
| | - Giuseppina Caretti
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Viviana Moresi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine & Orthopedics, Histology & Medical Embryology Section, Sapienza University of Rome and Interuniversity Institute of Myology, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Renzini
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine & Orthopedics, Histology & Medical Embryology Section, Sapienza University of Rome and Interuniversity Institute of Myology, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Adamo
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine & Orthopedics, Histology & Medical Embryology Section, Sapienza University of Rome and Interuniversity Institute of Myology, Rome, Italy
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Ferguson DP, Monroe TO, Heredia CP, Fleischmann R, Rodney GG, Taffet GE, Fiorotto ML. Postnatal undernutrition alters adult female mouse cardiac structure and function leading to limited exercise capacity. J Physiol 2019; 597:1855-1872. [PMID: 30730556 DOI: 10.1113/jp277637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Impaired growth during fetal life can reprogramme heart development and increase the risk for long-term cardiovascular dysfunction. It is uncertain if the developmental window during which the heart is vulnerable to reprogramming as a result of inadequate nutrition extends into the postnatal period. We found that adult female mice that had been undernourished only from birth to 3 weeks of age had disproportionately smaller hearts compared to males, with thinner ventricle walls and more mononucleated cardiomyocytes. In females, but not males, cardiac diastolic function, and heart rate responsiveness to adrenergic stimulation were limited and maximal exercise capacity was compromised. These data suggest that the developmental window during which the heart is vulnerable to reprogramming by inadequacies in nutrient intake may extend into postnatal life and such individuals could be at increased risk for a cardiac event as a result of strenuous exercise. ABSTRACT Adults who experienced undernutrition during critical windows of development are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The contribution of cardiac function to this increased disease risk is uncertain. We evaluated the effect of a short episode of postnatal undernutrition on cardiovascular function in mice at the whole animal, organ, and cellular levels. Pups born to control mouse dams were suckled from birth to postnatal day (PN) 21 on dams fed either a control (20% protein) or a low protein (8% protein) isocaloric diet. After PN21 offspring were fed the same control diet until adulthood. At PN70 V ̇ O 2 , max was measured by treadmill test. At PN80 cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography and Doppler analysis at rest and following β-adrenergic stimulation. Isolated cardiomyocyte nucleation and Ca2+ transients (with and without β-adrenergic stimulation) were measured at PN90. Female mice that were undernourished and then refed (PUN), unlike male mice, had disproportionately smaller hearts and their exercise capacity, cardiac diastolic function, and heart rate responsiveness to adrenergic stimulation were limited. A reduced left ventricular end diastolic volume, impaired early filling, and decreased stored energy at the beginning of diastole contributed to these impairments. Female PUN mice had more mononucleated cardiomyocytes; under resting conditions binucleated cells had a functional profile suggestive of increased basal adrenergic activation. Thus, a brief episode of early postnatal undernutrition in the mouse can produce persistent changes to cardiac structure and function that limit exercise/functional capacity and thereby increase the risk for the development of a wide variety of cardiovascular morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P Ferguson
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Tanner O Monroe
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Celia Pena Heredia
- Section of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ryan Fleischmann
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - George G Rodney
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - George E Taffet
- Section of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Marta L Fiorotto
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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10
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Briffa JF, Wlodek ME, Moritz KM. Transgenerational programming of nephron deficits and hypertension. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 103:94-103. [PMID: 29859996 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to a sub-optimal environment in the womb can result in poor fetal growth and impair the normal development of organs. The kidney, specifically the process of nephrogenesis, has been shown to be impacted by many common pregnancy exposures including an inadequate diet, poor placental function, maternal stress as well as maternal smoking and alcohol consumption. This can result in offspring being born with a reduced nephron endowment, which places these individuals at increased risk of hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Of recent interest is whether this disease risk can be passed on to subsequent generations and, if so, what are the mechanisms and pathways involved. In this review, we highlight the growing body of evidence that a low birth weight and hypertension, which are both major risk factors for cardiovascular and CKD, can be transmitted across generations. However, as yet there is little data as to whether a low nephron endowment contributes to this disease transmission. The emerging data suggests transmission can occur both through both the maternal and paternal lines, which likely involves epigenetic mechanisms such chromatin remodelling (DNA methylation and histone modification) and non-coding RNA modifications. In addition, females who were born small and/or have a low nephron endowment are at an increased risk for pregnancy complications, which can influence the growth and development of the next generation. Future animal studies in this area should include examining nephron endowment across multiple generations and determining adult renal function. Clinically, long term follow-up studies of large birth cohorts need to be undertaken to more clearly determine the impact a sub-optimal environment in one generation has on the health outcomes in the second, and subsequent, generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica F Briffa
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Mary E Wlodek
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Karen M Moritz
- Child Health Research Centre and School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia.
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11
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Botting KJ, Loke XY, Zhang S, Andersen JB, Nyengaard JR, Morrison JL. IUGR decreases cardiomyocyte endowment and alters cardiac metabolism in a sex- and cause-of-IUGR-specific manner. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2018; 315:R48-R67. [PMID: 29561647 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00180.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) increases the risk of ischemic heart disease in adulthood. Studies in rats suggest cardiac vulnerability is more pronounced in males and in offspring that were exposed to hypoxia in utero. Therefore, we aimed to test the hypotheses that 1) IUGR adolescent males, but not females, have fewer cardiomyocytes and altered expression of cardiometabolic genes compared with controls; and 2) IUGR due to hypoxia has a greater effect on these parameters compared with IUGR due to nutrient restriction. IUGR was induced in guinea pigs by maternal hypoxia (MH; 10% O2, n = 9) or maternal nutrient restriction (MNR; ~30% reduction in food intake, n = 9) in the second half of pregnancy and compared with control ( n = 11). At 120 days of age, postmortem was performed and the left ventricle perfusion fixed for stereological determination of cardiomyocyte number or snap frozen to determine the abundance of cardiometabolic genes and proteins by quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. MH reduced the number of cardiomyocytes in female ( P < 0.05), but not male or MNR, adolescent offspring. Furthermore, IUGR males had decreased expression of genes responsible for fatty acid activation in the sarcoplasm ( FACS) and transport into the mitochondria ( AMPK-a2 and ACC; P < 0.05) and females exposed to MH had increased activation/phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase-α ( P < 0.05). We postulate that the changes in cardiomyocyte endowment and cardiac gene expression observed in the present study are a direct result of in utero programming, as offspring at this age did not suffer from obesity, hypertension, or left ventricular hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Botting
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia , Adelaide, South Australia , Australia.,Discipline of Physiology, School of Medical Science, The University of Adelaide , Adelaide, South Australia , Australia
| | - X Y Loke
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia , Adelaide, South Australia , Australia
| | - S Zhang
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia , Adelaide, South Australia , Australia
| | - J B Andersen
- Core Centre for Molecular Morphology, Section for Stereology and Microscopy, Department of Clinical Medicine, Centre for Stochastic Geometry and Advanced Bioimaging, Aarhus University , Aarhus , Denmark
| | - J R Nyengaard
- Core Centre for Molecular Morphology, Section for Stereology and Microscopy, Department of Clinical Medicine, Centre for Stochastic Geometry and Advanced Bioimaging, Aarhus University , Aarhus , Denmark
| | - J L Morrison
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia , Adelaide, South Australia , Australia.,Discipline of Physiology, School of Medical Science, The University of Adelaide , Adelaide, South Australia , Australia
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12
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Asif Y, Wlodek ME, Black MJ, Russell AP, Soeding PF, Wadley GD. Sustained cardiac programming by short-term juvenile exercise training in male rats. J Physiol 2017; 596:163-180. [PMID: 29143975 DOI: 10.1113/jp275339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Cardiac hypertrophy following endurance-training is thought to be due to hypertrophy of existing cardiomyocytes. The benefits of endurance exercise on cardiac hypertrophy are generally thought to be short-lived and regress to sedentary levels within a few weeks of stopping endurance training. We have now established that cardiomyocyte hyperplasia also plays a considerable role in cardiac growth in response to just 4 weeks of endurance exercise in juvenile (5-9 weeks of age) rats. The effect of endurance exercise on cardiomyocyte hyperplasia diminishes with age and is lost by adulthood. We have also established that the effect of juvenile exercise on heart mass is sustained into adulthood. ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to investigate if endurance training during juvenile life 'reprogrammes' the heart and leads to sustained improvements in the structure, function, and morphology of the adult heart. Male Wistar Kyoto rats were exercise trained 5 days week-1 for 4 weeks in either juvenile (5-9 weeks of age), adolescent (11-15 weeks of age) or adult life (20-24 weeks of age). Juvenile exercise training, when compared to 24-week-old sedentary rats, led to sustained increases in left ventricle (LV) mass (+18%; P < 0.05), wall thickness (+11%; P < 0.05), the longitudinal area of binucleated cardiomyocytes (P < 0.05), cardiomyocyte number (+36%; P < 0.05), and doubled the proportion of mononucleated cardiomyocytes (P < 0.05), with a less pronounced effect of exercise during adolescent life. Adult exercise training also increased LV mass (+11%; P < 0.05), wall thickness (+6%; P < 0.05) and the longitudinal area of binucleated cardiomyocytes (P < 0.05), despite no change in cardiomyocyte number or the proportion of mono- and binucleated cardiomyocytes. Resting cardiac function, LV chamber dimensions and fibrosis levels were not altered by juvenile or adult exercise training. At 9 weeks of age, juvenile exercise significantly reduced the expression of microRNA-208b, which is a known regulator of cardiac growth, but this was not sustained to 24 weeks of age. In conclusion, juvenile exercise leads to physiological cardiac hypertrophy that is sustained into adulthood long after exercise training has ceased. Furthermore, this cardiac reprogramming is largely due to a 36% increase in cardiomyocyte number, which results in an additional 20 million cardiomyocytes in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Asif
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - M E Wlodek
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - M J Black
- Department of Anatomy & Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - A P Russell
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - P F Soeding
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - G D Wadley
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3125, Australia.,Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
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13
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Lock MC, Botting KJ, Tellam RL, Brooks D, Morrison JL. Adverse Intrauterine Environment and Cardiac miRNA Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18122628. [PMID: 29210999 PMCID: PMC5751231 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18122628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Placental insufficiency, high altitude pregnancies, maternal obesity/diabetes, maternal undernutrition and stress can result in a poor setting for growth of the developing fetus. These adverse intrauterine environments result in physiological changes to the developing heart that impact how the heart will function in postnatal life. The intrauterine environment plays a key role in the complex interplay between genes and the epigenetic mechanisms that regulate their expression. In this review we describe how an adverse intrauterine environment can influence the expression of miRNAs (a sub-set of non-coding RNAs) and how these changes may impact heart development. Potential consequences of altered miRNA expression in the fetal heart include; Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) activation, dysregulation of angiogenesis, mitochondrial abnormalities and altered glucose and fatty acid transport/metabolism. It is important to understand how miRNAs are altered in these adverse environments to identify key pathways that can be targeted using miRNA mimics or inhibitors to condition an improved developmental response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell C Lock
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group; School of Pharmacy & Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Kimberley J Botting
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group; School of Pharmacy & Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Ross L Tellam
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group; School of Pharmacy & Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
- CSIRO Agriculture, 306 Carmody Rd, St. Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia.
| | - Doug Brooks
- Mechanisms in Cell Biology and Disease Research Group School of Pharmacy & Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Janna L Morrison
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group; School of Pharmacy & Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
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14
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Tiu AC, Bishop MD, Asico LD, Jose PA, Villar VAM. Primary Pediatric Hypertension: Current Understanding and Emerging Concepts. Curr Hypertens Rep 2017; 19:70. [PMID: 28780627 PMCID: PMC6314210 DOI: 10.1007/s11906-017-0768-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The rising prevalence of primary pediatric hypertension and its tracking into adult hypertension point to the importance of determining its pathogenesis to gain insights into its current and emerging management. Considering that the intricate control of BP is governed by a myriad of anatomical, molecular biological, biochemical, and physiological systems, multiple genes are likely to influence an individual's BP and susceptibility to develop hypertension. The long-term regulation of BP rests on renal and non-renal mechanisms. One renal mechanism relates to sodium transport. The impaired renal sodium handling in primary hypertension and salt sensitivity may be caused by aberrant counter-regulatory natriuretic and anti-natriuretic pathways. The sympathetic nervous and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone systems are examples of antinatriuretic pathways. An important counter-regulatory natriuretic pathway is afforded by the renal autocrine/paracrine dopamine system, aberrations of which are involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension, including that associated with obesity. We present updates on the complex interactions of these two systems with dietary salt intake in relation to obesity, insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress. We review how insults during pregnancy such as maternal and paternal malnutrition, glucocorticoid exposure, infection, placental insufficiency, and treatments during the neonatal period have long-lasting effects in the regulation of renal function and BP. Moreover, these effects have sex differences. There is a need for early diagnosis, frequent monitoring, and timely management due to increasing evidence of premature target organ damage. Large controlled studies are needed to evaluate the long-term consequences of the treatment of elevated BP during childhood, especially to establish the validity of the current definition and treatment of pediatric hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Tiu
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2300 I Street, N.W. Washington, DC, 20037, USA.
| | - Michael D Bishop
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2300 I Street, N.W. Washington, DC, 20037, USA
| | - Laureano D Asico
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2300 I Street, N.W. Washington, DC, 20037, USA
| | - Pedro A Jose
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2300 I Street, N.W. Washington, DC, 20037, USA
| | - Van Anthony M Villar
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2300 I Street, N.W. Washington, DC, 20037, USA
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15
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Schipke J, Gonzalez-Tendero A, Cornejo L, Willführ A, Bijnens B, Crispi F, Mühlfeld C, Gratacós E. Experimentally induced intrauterine growth restriction in rabbits leads to differential remodelling of left versus right ventricular myocardial microstructure. Histochem Cell Biol 2017; 148:557-567. [DOI: 10.1007/s00418-017-1587-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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16
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Wang KCW, Botting KJ, Zhang S, McMillen IC, Brooks DA, Morrison JL. Akt signaling as a mediator of cardiac adaptation to low birth weight. J Endocrinol 2017; 233:R81-R94. [PMID: 28219933 DOI: 10.1530/joe-17-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [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] [Received: 02/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine insults, such as poor nutrition and placental insufficiency, can alter cardiomyocyte development, and this can have significant long-term implications for heart health. Consequently, epidemiological studies have shown that low-birth-weight babies have an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease in adult life. In addition, intrauterine growth restriction can result in increased left ventricular hypertrophy, which is the strongest predictor for poor health outcomes in cardiac patients. The mechanisms responsible for these associations are not clear, but a suboptimal intrauterine environment can program alternative expression of genes such as cardiac IGF-2/H19, IGF-2R and AT1R through either an increase or decrease in DNA methylation or histone acetylation at specific loci. Furthermore, hypoxia and other intrauterine insults can also activate the IGF-1 receptor via IGF-1 and IGF-2, and the AT1 receptor via angiotensin signaling pathways; both of which can result in the phosphorylation of Akt and the activation of a range of downstream pathways. In turn, Akt activation can increase cardiac angiogenesis and cardiomyocyte apoptosis and promote a reversion of metabolism in postnatal life to a fetal phenotype, which involves increased reliance on glucose. Cardiac Akt can also be indirectly regulated by microRNAs and conversely can target microRNAs that will eventually affect other specific cardiac genes and proteins. This review aims to discuss our understanding of this complex network of interactions, which may help explain the link between low birth weight and the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adult life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley C W Wang
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research GroupSchool of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kimberley J Botting
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research GroupSchool of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Song Zhang
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research GroupSchool of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - I Caroline McMillen
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research GroupSchool of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Doug A Brooks
- Mechanisms in Cell Biology and Disease Research GroupSchool of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Janna L Morrison
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research GroupSchool of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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17
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Paauw ND, van Rijn BB, Lely AT, Joles JA. Pregnancy as a critical window for blood pressure regulation in mother and child: programming and reprogramming. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2017; 219:241-259. [PMID: 27124608 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Revised: 02/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy is a critical time for long-term blood pressure regulation in both mother and child. Pregnancies complicated by placental insufficiency, resulting in pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction, are associated with a threefold increased risk of the mother to develop hypertension later in life. In addition, these complications create an adverse intrauterine environment, which programmes the foetus and the second generation to develop hypertension in adult life. Female offspring born to a pregnancy complicated by placental insufficiency are at risk for pregnancy complications during their own pregnancies as well, resulting in a vicious circle with programmed risk for hypertension passing from generation to generation. Here, we review the epidemiology and mechanisms leading to the altered programming of blood pressure trajectories after pregnancies complicated by placental insufficiency. Although the underlying mechanisms leading to hypertension remain the subject of investigation, several abnormalities in angiotensin sensitivity, sodium handling, sympathetic activity, endothelial function and metabolic pathways are found in the mother after exposure to placental insufficiency. In the child, epigenetic modifications and disrupted organ development play a crucial role in programming of hypertension. We emphasize that pregnancy can be viewed as a window of opportunity to improve long-term cardiovascular health of both mother and child, and outline potential gains expected of improved preconceptional, perinatal and post-natal care to reduce the development of hypertension and the burden of cardiovascular disease later in life. Perinatal therapies aimed at reprogramming hypertension are a promising strategy to break the vicious circle of intergenerational programming of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. D. Paauw
- Department of Obstetrics; Wilhelmina Children's Hospital Birth Center; University Medical Center Utrecht; Utrecht the Netherlands
| | - B. B. van Rijn
- Department of Obstetrics; Wilhelmina Children's Hospital Birth Center; University Medical Center Utrecht; Utrecht the Netherlands
- Academic Unit of Human Development and Health; University of Southampton; Southampton UK
| | - A. T. Lely
- Department of Obstetrics; Wilhelmina Children's Hospital Birth Center; University Medical Center Utrecht; Utrecht the Netherlands
| | - J. A. Joles
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension; University Medical Center Utrecht; Utrecht the Netherlands
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18
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Sferruzzi-Perri AN, Camm EJ. The Programming Power of the Placenta. Front Physiol 2016; 7:33. [PMID: 27014074 PMCID: PMC4789467 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2016.00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Size at birth is a critical determinant of life expectancy, and is dependent primarily on the placental supply of nutrients. However, the placenta is not just a passive organ for the materno-fetal transfer of nutrients and oxygen. Studies show that the placenta can adapt morphologically and functionally to optimize substrate supply, and thus fetal growth, under adverse intrauterine conditions. These adaptations help meet the fetal drive for growth, and their effectiveness will determine the amount and relative proportions of specific metabolic substrates supplied to the fetus at different stages of development. This flow of nutrients will ultimately program physiological systems at the gene, cell, tissue, organ, and system levels, and inadequacies can cause permanent structural and functional changes that lead to overt disease, particularly with increasing age. This review examines the environmental regulation of the placental phenotype with particular emphasis on the impact of maternal nutritional challenges and oxygen scarcity in mice, rats and guinea pigs. It also focuses on the effects of such conditions on fetal growth and the developmental programming of disease postnatally. A challenge for future research is to link placental structure and function with clinical phenotypes in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily J Camm
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge Cambridge, UK
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19
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KUNEŠ J, VANĚČKOVÁ I, MIKULÁŠKOVÁ B, BEHULIAK M, MALETÍNSKÁ L, ZICHA J. Epigenetics and a New Look on Metabolic Syndrome. Physiol Res 2015; 64:611-20. [DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.933174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of metabolic syndrome increases in the developed countries, therefore biomedical research is focused on the understanding of its etiology. The study of exact mechanisms is very complicated because both genetic and environmental factors contribute to this complex disease. The ability of environmental factors to promote phenotype changes by epigenetic DNA modifications (i.e. DNA methylation, histone modifications) was demonstrated to play an important role in the development and predisposition to particular symptoms of metabolic syndrome. There is no doubt that the early life, such as the fetal and perinatal periods, is critical for metabolic syndrome development and therefore critical for prevention of this disease. Moreover, these changes are visible not only in individuals exposed to environmental factors but also in the subsequent progeny for multiple generations and this phenomenon is called transgenerational inheritance. The knowledge of molecular mechanisms, by which early minor environmental stimuli modify the expression of genetic information, might be the desired key for the understanding of mechanisms leading to the change of phenotype in adulthood. This review provides a short overview of metabolic syndrome epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. KUNEŠ
- Institute of Physiology CAS, Prague, Czech Republic
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