1
|
Fan Y, Hou W, Xing Y, Zhang L, Zhou C, Gui J, Xu P, Wang A, Fan X, Zeng X, Feng S, Li P. Peptidomics analysis of myometrium tissues in term labor compared with term nonlabor. J Cell Biochem 2019; 121:1890-1900. [PMID: 31709621 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) is a major cause of neonatal mortality, with a poorly understood etiology. The regular contraction of the myometrium was considered as contributing to the etiology of the onset of labor, especially PTB. Thus, studying the mechanism of myometrium contraction is very important for understanding the initiation of labor and also for preventing PTB. Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, we found 322 significantly differential peptides in myometrium tissues between term nonlabor and term labor groups (absolute fold change ≥ 2 and P < .05). We next analyzed length, molecular weights, isoelectric point, and cleavage site of all the different peptides. We, next, analyzed the functions of different peptides through their precursor proteins by Gene Ontology, enrichment and canonical pathway analysis. The results indicated that the extracellular matrix (ECM) played a major role in biological process, the cellular component, and molecular function categories, and revealed that ECM remodeling played a vital role in myometrial contraction. In addition, some known signaling, such as corticotropin-releasing hormone signaling and calcium signaling were proven to be involved in this process. Ingenuity Pathways Analysis upstream regulator analysis suggested that some of the known molecules, which reportedly were very important in labor onset, were included, for example, nuclear factor κB, tubulin, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase. We also identified 23 peptides derived from the precursor protein TITIN, of which 21 peptides sequences from TITIN were located in functional domains. These results suggested that peptides play an important role in labor onset and provide further insight into PTB therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuru Fan
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Wenwen Hou
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Yuan Xing
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Chunxiu Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Gui
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Pengfei Xu
- Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Institute, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Anming Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Xuemei Fan
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Zeng
- Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Institute, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Shanwu Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Arrowsmith S, Keov P, Muttenthaler M, Gruber CW. Contractility Measurements of Human Uterine Smooth Muscle to Aid Drug Development. J Vis Exp 2018. [PMID: 29443077 PMCID: PMC5841565 DOI: 10.3791/56639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Discovery and characterization of novel pharmaceutical compounds or biochemical probes rely on robust and physiologically relevant assay systems. We describe methods to measure ex vivo myometrium contractility. This assay can be used to investigate factors and molecules involved in the modulation of myometrial contraction and to determine their excitatory or inhibitory actions, and hence their therapeutic potential in vivo. Biopsies are obtained from women undergoing cesarean section delivery with informed consent. Fine strips of myometrium are dissected, clipped and attached to a force transducer within 1 mL organ baths superfused with physiological saline solution at 37 °C. Strips develop spontaneous contractions within 2-3 h under set tension and remain stable for many hours (>6 h). Strips can also be stimulated to contract such as by the endogenous hormones, oxytocin and vasopressin, which cause concentration-dependent modulation of contraction frequency, force and duration, to more closely resemble contractions in labor. Hence, the effect of known and novel drug leads can be tested on spontaneous and agonist-induced contractions. This protocol specifically details how this assay can be used to determine the potency of known and novel agents by measuring their effects on various parameters of human myometrial contraction. We use the oxytocin- and V1a receptor antagonists, atosiban and SR49059 as examples of known compounds which inhibit oxytocin- and vasopressin-induced contractions, and demonstrate how this method can be used to complement and validate pharmacological data obtained from cell-based assays to aid drug development. The effects of novel agonists in comparison to oxytocin and vasopressin can also be characterized. Whilst we use the example of the oxytocin/ vasopressin system, this method can also be used to study other receptors and ion channels that play a role in uterine contraction and relaxation to advance the understanding of human uterine physiology and pathophysiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Arrowsmith
- Harris-Wellbeing Preterm Birth Research Centre, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool;
| | - Peter Keov
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Biological Chemistry, University of Vienna; Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland
| | - Christian W Gruber
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland; Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Thornton S, Valenzuela G, Baidoo C, Fossler MJ, Montague TH, Clayton L, Powell M, Snidow J, Stier B, Soergel D. Treatment of spontaneous preterm labour with retosiban: a phase II pilot dose-ranging study. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2017; 83:2283-2291. [PMID: 28556962 PMCID: PMC5595955 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.13336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims The aims of the present study were to investigate the maternal, fetal and neonatal safety and tolerability, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of intravenous (IV) retosiban in pregnant women with spontaneous preterm labour (PTL) between 340/7 and 356/7 weeks' gestation. Methods In parts A and B of a three‐part, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multicentre study, women were randomized 3:1 (Part A) or 2:1 (Part B) to either 12‐h IV retosiban followed by a single dose of oral placebo (R‐P) or 12‐h IV placebo followed by single‐dose oral retosiban (P‐R). Results A total of 29 women were randomized; 20 to R‐P and nine to P‐R. An integrated analysis found that adverse events were infrequent in mothers/newborns and consistent with events expected in the population under study or associated with confounding factors. Retosiban was rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with an observed half‐life of 1.45 h. Efficacy analyses included 19 women. While not statistically significant, those receiving R‐P more frequently achieved uterine quiescence in 6 h (R‐P, 63%; 95% credible interval [CrI]: 38, 84; P‐R, 43%; 95% CrI: 12, 78) and more achieved a reduction of ≥50% in uterine contractions in 6 h (R‐P, 63%; 95% CrI: 38, 84; P‐R, 29%; 95% CrI: 4, 64). The number of days to delivery was increased in women receiving R‐P (median 26 days for R‐P vs. 13 days for P‐R). Conclusions Intravenous retosiban has a favourable safety and tolerability profile and might prolong pregnancies in women with PTL. The study provides the rationale and dosing strategy for further evaluation of the efficacy of retosiban in the treatment of PTL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven Thornton
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Michael J Fossler
- Quantitative Sciences, GSK, Uxbridge, UK.,Quantitative Sciences, GSK, King of Prussia, PA, USA
| | - Timothy H Montague
- Quantitative Sciences, GSK, Uxbridge, UK.,Quantitative Sciences, GSK, King of Prussia, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
McCafferty GP, Pullen MA, Wu C, Edwards RM, Allen MJ, Woollard PM, Borthwick AD, Liddle J, Hickey DMB, Brooks DP, Westfall TD. Use of a novel and highly selective oxytocin receptor antagonist to characterize uterine contractions in the rat. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2007; 293:R299-305. [PMID: 17395790 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00057.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Spontaneous and induced uterine contractions in the rat were found to be inhibited by a novel and selective oxytocin receptor antagonist GSK221149A (3R,6R)-3-Indan-2-yl-1-[(1R)-1-(2-methyl-1,3-oxazol-4-yl)-2-morpholin-4-yl-2-oxoethyl]-6-[(1S)-1-methylpropyl]-2,5-piperazinedione. GSK221149A displayed nanomolar affinity (K(i) = 0.65 nM) for human recombinant oxytocin receptors with >1,400-fold selectivity over human V1a, V1b, and V2 receptors. GSK221149A had similar affinity (K(i) = 4.1 nM) and selectivity for native oxytocin receptors from rat and produced a functional, competitive block of oxytocin-induced contractions in isolated rat myometrial strips with a pA(2) value of 8.18. Intravenous administration of GSK221149A produced a dose-dependent decrease in oxytocin-induced uterine contractions in anesthetized rats with an ID(50) = 0.27 +/- 0.60 mg/kg (corresponding plasma concentrations were 88 ng/ml). Oral administration of GSK221149A (5 mg/kg) was effective in inhibiting oxytocin-induced uterine contractions after single and multiple (4-day) dosing. Spontaneous uterine contractions in late-term pregnant rats (19-21 days gestation) were significantly reduced by intravenous administration of 0.3 mg/kg of GSK221149A. These results provide further evidence that selective oxytocin receptor antagonism may offer an effective treatment for preterm labor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerald P McCafferty
- Department of Urogenital Biology, GlaxoSmithKline Research and Development, 709 Swedeland Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
One of the classical biological actions mediated by the posterior pituitary hormone oxytocin (OT) is contraction of the uterus at parturition. Moreover, premature activation of the OT system is thought to contribute to preterm labor, a major clinical problem in obstetrical practice. However, the molecular mechanisms linking activation of the OT receptor (OTR) to myometrial contractions are not fully understood. Here, we describe an in vitro system that should serve as a useful tool to study this question at a cellular level. The system consists of a collagen lattice contraction assay and two different human myometrial cell lines: a cell clone from a telomerase-immortalized human myometrial cell population (hTERT-C3) as well as a cell line derived from a primary culture of human myometrial cells (M11). Using this approach, we observed that 1 nM OT promoted an almost maximal effect on cell contraction in both cell lines tested. Furthermore, this dose-dependent, OT-induced contraction was antagonized by the specific OTR antagonist d(CH(2))(5)[Tyr(Me)(2),Thr(4),Tyr-NH(2)(9)]OVT as well as the clinically used antagonist atosiban. This cell line-based contraction assay enables the application of molecular tools aimed at suppressing or overexpressing specific genes. It is also amenable to high-throughput testing approaches. Therefore, this system represents a powerful and improved experimental model that should facilitate the study of the molecular signal transduction pathways involved in the uterotonic actions of OT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Devost
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, 3655 Promenade Sir-William-Osler, Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Allen MJ, Livermore DGH, Mordaunt JE. Oxytocin antagonists as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of preterm labour. PROGRESS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2006; 44:331-73. [PMID: 16697900 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6468(05)44407-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Allen
- GlaxoSmithKline, New Frontiers Science Park (North), Third Avenue, Harlow, Essex, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|