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Ozarslan N, Robinson JF, Buarpung S, Kim MY, Ansbro MR, Akram J, Montoya DJ, Kamya MR, Kakuru A, Dorsey G, Rosenthal PJ, Cheng G, Feeney ME, Fisher SJ, Gaw SL. Gravidity influences distinct transcriptional profiles of maternal and fetal placental macrophages at term. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1384361. [PMID: 38994356 PMCID: PMC11237841 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1384361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Maternal intervillous monocytes (MIMs) and fetal Hofbauer cells (HBCs) are myeloid-derived immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface. Maternal reproductive history is associated with differential risk of pregnancy complications. The molecular phenotypes and roles of these distinct monocyte/macrophage populations and the influence of gravidity on these phenotypes has not been systematically investigated. Methods Here, we used RNA sequencing to study the transcriptional profiles of MIMs and HBCs in normal term pregnancies. Results Our analyses revealed distinct transcriptomes of MIMs and HBCs. Genes involved in differentiation and cell organization pathways were more highly expressed in MIMs vs. HBCs. In contrast, HBCs had higher expression of genes involved in inflammatory responses and cell surface receptor signaling. Maternal gravidity influenced monocyte programming, as expression of pro-inflammatory molecules was significantly higher in MIMs from multigravidae compared to primigravidae. In HBCs, multigravidae displayed enrichment of gene pathways involved in cell-cell signaling and differentiation. Discussion Our results demonstrated that MIMs and HBCs have highly divergent transcriptional signatures, reflecting their distinct origins, locations, functions, and roles in inflammatory responses. Furthermore, maternal gravidity influences the gene signatures of MIMs and HBCs, potentially modulating the interplay between tolerance and trained immunity. The phenomenon of reproductive immune memory may play a novel role in the differential susceptibility of primigravidae to pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nida Ozarslan
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Joshua F. Robinson
- Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Sirirak Buarpung
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - M. Yvonne Kim
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Megan R. Ansbro
- Obstetrics & Gynecology Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Jason Akram
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Dennis J. Montoya
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Moses R. Kamya
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Abel Kakuru
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Grant Dorsey
- Division of HIV, Global Medicine, and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Philip J. Rosenthal
- Division of HIV, Global Medicine, and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Genhong Cheng
- Department of Molecular Immunology and Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Margaret E. Feeney
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Susan J. Fisher
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Stephanie L. Gaw
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California (UCSF), San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Williams RP, Lesseur C, Cheng H, Li Q, Deyssenroth M, Molteno CD, Meintjes EM, Jacobson SW, Jacobson JL, Wainwright H, Hao K, Chen J, Carter RC. RNA-seq analysis reveals prenatal alcohol exposure is associated with placental inflammatory cells and gene expression. Gene 2024; 894:147951. [PMID: 37918548 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are the most common preventable cause of birth defects and neurodevelopmental disorders worldwide. The placenta is the crucial interface between mother and fetus. Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) has been shown to alter placental structure and expression of genes in bulk placental tissue samples, but prior studies have not examined effects on placental cell-type composition or taken cell-type into consideration in transcriptome analyses. METHODS We leveraged an existent placenta single-cell RNA-seq dataset to perform cell-type deconvolution of bulk placental RNA-seq data from 35 heavy drinking pregnant women and 33 controls in a prospective birth cohort in Cape Town, South Africa. We used bivariate analyses and multivariable adjusted linear regression models to assess the relation of PAE on inferred placental cell-type proportions. We also examined differential expression of inflammatory response genes and PAE, using multivariable adjusted linear models. RESULTS Deconvolution analyses showed heterogeneous placenta cell-type composition in which stromal (27 %), endothelial (26 %) and cytotrophoblasts (18 %) were the predominant cell-types. PAE around conception was associated with a higher proportion of Hofbauer cells (B = 0.51, p = 0.035) in linear models adjusted for maternal age, infant sex, and gestational age. Among the 652 inflammatory genes examined, 35 were differential expressed in alcohol exposed placentas (FDR p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that heavy alcohol exposure during pregnancy can influence the proportion of fetal placental villi macrophages (Hofbauer cells) and increased expression of inflammatory genes. Future studies are needed to further characterize these effects and to assess the potential functional roles of placental inflammation in FASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randy P Williams
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Corina Lesseur
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Haoxiang Cheng
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maya Deyssenroth
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christopher D Molteno
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ernesta M Meintjes
- Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sandra W Jacobson
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Joseph L Jacobson
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Helen Wainwright
- Department of Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ke Hao
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - R Colin Carter
- Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa; Departments of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA.
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White M, Arif‐Pardy J, Van Mieghem T, Connor KL. Fetal spina bifida associates with dysregulation in nutrient-sensitive placental gene networks: Findings from a matched case-control study. Clin Transl Sci 2024; 17:e13710. [PMID: 38226444 PMCID: PMC10804907 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
To improve outcomes in fetuses with spina bifida (SB), better understanding is needed of the molecular drivers of SB and its comorbidities. Pregnant people carrying a fetus with isolated SB (cases; n = 12) or a fetus with no congenital anomalies (controls; n = 21) were recruited at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Clinical data and placental samples were collected. Placental transcriptome was sequenced (Clariom D microarray) and a nutrient-focused gene expression analysis pipeline was applied to determine whether fetal SB associates with placental dysfunction. Of the 391 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in cases, 11% (n = 42) had at least one nutrient cofactor, including B vitamins (n = 7 genes), iron/heme (n = 6), and zinc (n = 11). Cases had dysregulation in genes not previously known to associate with SB, and in placental genes that have known links to SB but have not been previously identified in the placenta. Cases also had downregulated nutrient transport and upregulated branching angiogenesis and immune/inflammatory processes. Five nutrient-dependent transcription regulators, collectively predicted to target 46% of DEGs in cases, were identified and were most commonly dependent on B vitamins (n = 3) and zinc (n = 2). Placental gene expression changes were most acute in cases with poor growth. Placentae from fetuses with SB have dysregulation in several gene networks, including those that are sensitive to multiple micronutrients beyond the well-known folic acid. An improved understanding of placental phenotype in fetuses with SB may help identify novel mechanisms associated with comorbidities in fetuses with SB, and reveal new targets to improve fetal outcomes in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina White
- Health SciencesCarleton UniversityOttawaOntarioCanada
| | | | - Tim Van Mieghem
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMount Sinai HospitalTorontoOntarioCanada
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Eskandar S, Bezemer RE, Eggen BJL, Prins JR. Cold Mechanical Isolation of Placental Macrophages as a Method to Limit Procedure-Induced Activation of Macrophages. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 211:1868-1876. [PMID: 37909834 PMCID: PMC10694029 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Isolation of placental macrophages using enzymatic digestion at warm temperatures is widely used for in vitro studies. However, studies in brain and kidney tissue show that this method activates immune cells, immediate early genes, and heat shock proteins. Isolating placental macrophages while preserving their tissue-specific characteristics as much as possible is pivotal to reliably studying their functions. We therefore developed a mechanical dissociation protocol at low temperatures and compared this to enzymatic digestion at high temperatures. Decidual and villous macrophages were isolated from term human placentas. A cell suspension was generated by mechanical dissociation using a gentleMACS. For warm enzymatic digestion, Accutase was added, followed by incubation at 37°C. Macrophages were isolated after Ficoll density gradient centrifugation. Cell types were analyzed with flow cytometry (CD45, CD14, CD80, CD86, CD163, and CD206) and their activation status with real-time PCR (FOS, JUN, HSP27, HSP70, IL1β, TNFα, IL10, and TGFβ) after cell sorting. A higher proportion of leukocytes and macrophages was obtained from the villi with cold mechanical dissociation (p < 0.05). Compared to warm enzymatic digestion, cold mechanical dissociation resulted in a higher expression of CD163 in villous and decidual macrophages (p < 0.05). Warm enzymatic digestion showed higher levels of TNFα, IL1β, and IL10 in decidual and villous macrophages, and HSP70 in villous macrophages. Our data show that mechanical dissociation of placental tissue at low temperatures is associated with less activation of placental macrophages. This suggests that cold mechanical dissociation is a preferred method, resulting in macrophages that more closely resemble their in-tissue state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Eskandar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, Section Molecular Neurobiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Romy E. Bezemer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Pathology and Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Bart J. L. Eggen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, Section Molecular Neurobiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jelmer R. Prins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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Xodo S, Londero AP, Orsaria M, Marzinotto S, Colussi G, Cagnacci A, Mariuzzi L, Gri G. Examining the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Network in the Placental Tissues of Pregnancies Complicated by Pre-Eclampsia: An Explorative Case-Control Analysis. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2122. [PMID: 38004262 PMCID: PMC10672047 DOI: 10.3390/life13112122] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality associated with pre-eclampsia, which are caused partly by premature delivery, affect a factual proportion of pregnancies. Despite its prevalence, the underlying causes of pre-eclampsia remain elusive, with emerging evidence implicating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in its pathogenesis. This study sought to elucidate the involvement of the AhR and its associated pathway in pre-eclampsia by comparing placental components of the AhR pathway in pregnant individuals with and without pre-eclampsia. This case-control investigation was conducted at the University Hospital of Udine from May 2021 to February 2023. The AhR was assessed using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, and its mRNA was evaluated using a Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR. Levels of mRNA expression were also estimated for other components of the AhR pathway (CYP1B1, IDO1, ARNT, TIPARP, S100A4, and AHRR). Our findings show decreased levels of expression of AhR, IDO1, ARNT, TiPARP, and S100A4 in the placental tissues of individuals with pre-eclampsia compared to controls (p < 0.05). The AhR exhibited a distinct localization within the syncytiotrophoblast (nuclei and cytoplasm) and CD45-positive cells (nuclei and cytoplasm). Furthermore, a significant positive correlation between the AhR and S100A4 (rho = 0.81) was observed in normal placentas, while CYP1B1 displayed a significant negative correlation with the AhR (rho = -0.72), within addition to its negative correlation with TiPARP (rho = -0.83). This study illuminates pre-eclampsia's molecular aberrations, suggesting new diagnostic, therapeutic, and mechanistic approaches. This study emphasizes the need for more research to validate and broaden these findings to improve the management of this complex pregnancy condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Xodo
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Udine”, DAME, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Ambrogio P. Londero
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Infant Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genova, Italy;
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Orsaria
- Institute of Pathology, “Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Udine”, DAME, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (M.O.)
| | - Stefania Marzinotto
- Institute of Pathology, “Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Udine”, DAME, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (M.O.)
| | - Gianluca Colussi
- Hypertension Unit, Department of Medicine, ASFO “Santa Maria degli Angeli” Hospital of Pordenone, 33170 Pordenone, Italy;
| | - Angelo Cagnacci
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Infant Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genova, Italy;
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Laura Mariuzzi
- Institute of Pathology, “Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Udine”, DAME, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (M.O.)
| | - Giorgia Gri
- DIMEC—Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
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Ozarslan N, Robinson JF, Buarpung S, Kim MY, Ansbro MR, Akram J, Montoya DJ, Kamya MR, Kakuru A, Dorsey G, Rosenthal PJ, Cheng G, Feeney ME, Fisher SJ, Gaw SL. Distinct transcriptional profiles of maternal and fetal placental macrophages at term are associated with gravidity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.25.559419. [PMID: 37808856 PMCID: PMC10557660 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.25.559419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Maternal intervillous monocytes (MIMs) and fetal Hofbauer cells (HBCs) are myeloid-derived immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface. Little is known regarding the molecular phenotypes and roles of these distinct monocyte/macrophage populations. Here, we used RNA sequencing to investigate the transcriptional profiles of MIMs and HBCs in six normal term pregnancies. Our analyses revealed distinct transcriptomes of MIMs and HBCs. Genes involved in differentiation and cell organization pathways were more highly expressed in MIMs vs. HBCs. In contrast, HBCs had higher expression of genes involved in inflammatory responses and cell surface receptor signaling. Maternal gravidity influenced monocyte programming, as expression of pro-inflammatory molecules was significantly higher in MIMs from multigravidas compared to primigravidas. In HBCs, multigravidas displayed enrichment of gene pathways involved in cell-cell signaling and differentiation. In summary, our results demonstrated that MIMs and HBCs have highly divergent transcriptional signatures, reflecting their distinct origins, locations, functions, and roles in inflammatory responses. Our data further suggested that maternal gravidity influences the gene signatures of MIMs and HBCs, potentially modulating the interplay between tolerance and trained immunity. The phenomenon of reproductive immune memory may play a novel role in the differential susceptibility of primigravidas to pregnancy complications.
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Lapides L, Varga I, Csöbönyeiová M, Klein M, Pavlíková L, Visnyaiová K, Babál P, Mikušová R. The Neglected Uterine NK Cells/Hamperl Cells/Endometrial Stromal Granular Cell, or K Cells: A Narrative Review from History through Histology and to Medical Education. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12693. [PMID: 37628873 PMCID: PMC10454298 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612693] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive immunology is at the forefront of research interests, aiming to better understand the mechanisms of immune regulation during gestation. The relationship between the immune system and the implanting embryo is profound because the embryo is semi-allogenic but not targeted by the maternal immune system, as expected in graft-versus-host reactions. The most prominent cell population at the maternal-fetal interface is the population of uterine natural killer (uNK) cells. Uterine NK cells are two-faced immunologically active cells, bearing comparison with Janus, the ancient Roman god of beginnings and endings. Their first face can be seen as natural killer cells, namely lymphocytes, which are critical for host defense against viruses and tumors. Even though uNK cells contain cytolytic molecules, their cytotoxic effect is not applied to classical target cells in vivo, playing a permissive rather than a defensive role. Their second face is crucial in maintaining physiological gestation-uNK cells show critical immunomodulatory functions with the potential to control embryo implantation and trophoblast invasion, regulate placental vascular remodeling, and promote embryonic/fetal growth. Therefore, we believe that their current designation "natural killer cells" (the first "cytotoxic" Janus's face) is misleading and inappropriate, considering their principal function is supporting and maintaining pregnancy. In this narrative review, we will focus on three lesser-known areas of knowledge about uNK cells. First, from the point of view of histology, we will comprehensively map the history of the discovery of these cells, as well as the current histological possibilities of their identification within the endometrium. To be brief, the discovery of uNK cells is generally attributed to Herwig Hamperl, one of the most influential and prominent representatives of German pathology in the 20th century, and his co-worker, Gisela Hellweg. Secondly, we will discuss the interesting aspect of terminology, since uNK cells are probably one of the human cells with the highest number of synonymous names, leading to significant discrepancies in their descriptions in scientific literature. From the first description of this cell type, they were referred to as endometrial granulocytes, granular endometrial stromal cells, or large granular lymphocytes until the end of the 1980s and the beginning of the 1990s of the last century, when the first publications appeared where the name "uterine NK cells" was used. The third area of present review is medical teaching of histology and clinical embryology. We can confirm that uNK cells are, in most textbooks, overlooked and almost forgotten cells despite their enormous importance. In the present narrative review, we summarize the lesser-known historical and terminological facts about uNK cells. We can state that within the textbooks of histology and embryology, this important cell population is still "overlooked and neglected" and is not given the same importance as in fields of clinical research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Lapides
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia; (L.L.); (M.C.); (M.K.); (R.M.)
| | - Ivan Varga
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia; (L.L.); (M.C.); (M.K.); (R.M.)
| | - Mária Csöbönyeiová
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia; (L.L.); (M.C.); (M.K.); (R.M.)
| | - Martin Klein
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia; (L.L.); (M.C.); (M.K.); (R.M.)
| | - Lada Pavlíková
- Faculty of Health Care Studies, University of Western Bohemia, 30100 Pilsen, Czech Republic;
| | - Kristína Visnyaiová
- Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Spitalska 24, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Pavel Babál
- Institute of Pathological Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Renáta Mikušová
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia; (L.L.); (M.C.); (M.K.); (R.M.)
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Ersoy Canillioglu Y, Senturk GE, Sahin H, Sahin S, Seval-Celik Y. The Distribution of Foxp3 and CD68 in Preeclamptic and Healthy Placentas: A Histomorphological Evaluation. J Histochem Cytochem 2023; 71:211-225. [PMID: 37070940 PMCID: PMC10149892 DOI: 10.1369/00221554231170662] [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: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy that affects 3-5% of pregnancies and is one of the major causes of maternal/neonatal mortality and morbidities worldwide. We aimed to investigate the distribution of Foxp3+ regulatory T-cells and CD68+ Hofbauer cells in the placenta of preeclamptic and healthy pregnant women with a special focus on correlating these findings with placental histology. Decidua and chorionic villi of the placenta obtained from healthy and preeclamptic pregnancies were evaluated in full-thickness sections. Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome and immunostained for Foxp3 and CD68 for histological analyses. The total histomorphological score for placentas was found to be higher in preeclamptic placentas than that in the controls. The CD68 immunoreactivity was higher in the chorionic villi of preeclamptic placentas than that in the controls. The immunoreactivity of Foxp3 was found widely distributed within the decidua in both the groups and did not differ significantly. Interestingly, Foxp3 immunoreactivity in the chorionic villi was found mainly in the villous core and, to a lesser extent, in the syncytiotrophoblasts. We found no significant relation between Foxp3 expressions and morphological changes observed in preeclamptic placentas. Although extensive research is being carried out regarding the pathophysiology of preeclampsia, the findings are still controversial.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gozde Erkanli Senturk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hakan Sahin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sadik Sahin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yasemin Seval-Celik
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Izmir University of Economics, Izmir, Turkey
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Choi H, Yang SW, Joo JS, Park M, Jin Y, Kim JW, Lee SY, Lee SV, Yun TJ, Cho ML, Hwang HS, Kang YS. Sialylated IVIg binding to DC-SIGN + Hofbauer cells induces immune tolerance through the caveolin-1/NF-kB pathway and IL-10 secretion. Clin Immunol 2023; 246:109215. [PMID: 36581222 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2022.109215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Although the use of IVIg has increased in various immune-driven diseases and even in pregnancy, the exact action mechanisms of IVIg are not fully understood. Dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3 grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN) is a known receptor for α-2,6-sialylated IgG (sIVIg), which is responsible for the anti-inflammatory effect of IVIg. DC-SIGN is expressed on Hofbauer cells (HBCs) of the fetal villi of the placenta which act as an innate immune modulator at the maternal-fetal interface. Preeclampsia is a major complication in pregnancy and is related to IL-10, a cytokine with an important role in immune tolerance. DC-SIGN interaction with sIVIg in HBCs promoted IL-10 secretion through the activation of the caveolin-1/NF-κB pathway, especially in plasma lipid rafts. Consistent results were obtained for HBCs from patients with preeclampsia. Collectively, the stimulation of DC-SIGN+ HBCs with sIVIg enhanced immune tolerance in the feto-maternal environment, suggesting the therapeutic application of sIVIg to prevent preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeongjwa Choi
- Department of KONKUK-KIST Biomedical Science & Technology, Konkuk University; 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Woo Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sang-Gye Paik Hospital, Inje University School of Medicine; Seoul 01757, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Soo Joo
- Department of KONKUK-KIST Biomedical Science & Technology, Konkuk University; 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea; Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Science Research Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University; 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Park
- Department of KONKUK-KIST Biomedical Science & Technology, Konkuk University; 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Yihua Jin
- Department of KONKUK-KIST Biomedical Science & Technology, Konkuk University; 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Woon Kim
- Department of KONKUK-KIST Biomedical Science & Technology, Konkuk University; 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon-Yeong Lee
- The Rheumatism Research Center, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sung-Vin Lee
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Science Research Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University; 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Jin Yun
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine; New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Mi-La Cho
- The Rheumatism Research Center, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, South Korea
| | - Han-Sung Hwang
- Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Institute of Medical Science, Konkuk University School of Medicine; Seoul, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young-Sun Kang
- Department of KONKUK-KIST Biomedical Science & Technology, Konkuk University; 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea; Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Science Research Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University; 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; KU Research Center for Zoonosis, Konkuk University; 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea.
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10
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Lapides L, Varga I, Klein M, Rybánska L, Belušáková V, Babál P. When Less Is More – Pipelle Endometrial Sampling for Quantification of Uterine Natural Killer Cells in Patients With Recurrent Implantation Failure or Habitual Abortion. Physiol Res 2022. [DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advancements in reproductive medicine, recurrent implantation failure and habitual abortion remain ongoing issues. One of the most important aspects of successful implantation is the intricate immune response and regulation necessary for the acceptance of the hemiallogenic embryo. The most numerous immune cells in the decidua are uterine natural killer cells (uNK). Studies suggest that changes in the uNK count and physiology may be responsible for the aforementioned pathological conditions. Thus, testing for uNK may provide valuable insights into their pathogenesis. The study compared Pipelle endometrial sampling with conventional curettage to find out whether the less invasive Pipelle method is a viable alternative of tissue collection. Tissue samples from 14 patients obtained by both methods were examined. The average size of tissue samples obtained with Pipelle was 17 mm2, samples obtained with curettage had on average 34 mm2. Using immunohistochemical visualization of CD56 (NK cells) and granzyme B antigens (serine protease-expressing activation state of NK cells), it was found that the average total count of CD56 / mm2 was 115 for Pipelle and 120 for curettage, respectively. The study also proved a correlation between granzyme B positivity and identification of NK cells clusters. The results indicated that Pipelle endometrial sampling seems a suitable method of tissue harvesting for the purpose of uNK cells examination. Pipelle endometrial sampling is safe, cost-effective and can be performed on an outpatient basis without the need of anesthesia or analgesia. Several issues remain yet to be solved: how to standardize the subsequent uNK testing, how to interpret the results and finally yet importantly, how to use this knowledge in personalized treatment protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - I Varga
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
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11
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Lapides L, Klein M, Belušáková V, Csöbönyeiová M, Varga I, Babál P. Uterine Natural Killer Cells in the Context of Implantation: Immunohistochemical Analysis of Endometrial Samples from Women with Habitual Abortion and Recurrent Implantation Failure. Physiol Res 2022. [DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.935012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects approximately 48 million couples globally. Despite the enormous progress of the methods of reproductive medicine that has been made since the first test-tube baby was born in 1978, the implantation rate of day-3 embryos is only around 15-20 % and 30 % of day-5 embryos. Numerous strategies aim to improve implantation rates and prevent repeated implantation failure. However, there is no specific general recommendation leading to satisfying results. One of the many risk factors relevant in this regard is the uterine immunological make-up, mainly the uterine Natural Killer (uNK) cells. They orchestrate the overall immune response during implantation by influencing trophoblast invasion and vascular remodeling and throughout pregnancy, uNK cells are also the main immune cells at the maternal–fetal interface. Previously, uNK count has been correlated with various fertility issues including idiopathic recurrent miscarriage. The present study used endometrial samples collected from 256 patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF), habitual abortion (HA) and idiopathic sterility. Samples were collected between day 19 and 21 of the menstrual cycle mainly by Pipelle endometrial sampling. The samples were fixed in formalin for 24 hours and further processed for immunohistochemistry using anti-CD56 to visualize this antigen marker of uNK cells. Immunohistochemical counting was performed to assess the low, normal, or elevated count of uNK cells. According to the one-way ANOVA test, the age of our patients did not have any influence on the count of uNK cells. With Spearman correlation analysis, we found statistically significant correlation (p-value 0.05) of -0.133 between prior miscarriage and lower uNK cell count. Using the same analysis we found statistically significant correlation (correlation 0.233 with p value 0.01) between number of uNK cells and activation status. Patients with higher uNK cells were more frequenty diagnosed with endometriosis (p-value 0.05, correlation 0.130). Patients with an immunological factor of sterility (defined by a clinical immunologist) had a lower chance of gravidity (-0.203 with p-value 0.01). Based on our results, we can confirm that there is a correlation between RIF, HA, idiopathic sterility, endometriosis, and immunological factor of sterility (uNK cell count). The true predictive value with regard to fertility outcomes needs to be addressed in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Lapides
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia.
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12
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Liu Z, Zhai M, Zhang Q, Yang T, Wan Z, Li J, Liu X, Xu B, Du L, Chan RWS, Zhang L, Yeung WSB, Cheung KW, Chiu PCN, Wang WJ, Lee CL, Gao Y. Resolving the gene expression maps of human first-trimester chorionic villi with spatial transcriptome. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1060298. [PMID: 36561369 PMCID: PMC9763897 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1060298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is important for fetal development in mammals, and spatial transcriptomic profiling of placenta helps to resolve its structure and function. In this study, we described the landscape of spatial transcriptome of human placental villi obtained from two pregnant women at the first trimester using the modified Stereo-seq method applied for paraformaldehyde (PFA) fixation samples. The PFA fixation of human placenta villi was better than fresh villi embedded in optimum cutting temperature (OCT) compound, since it greatly improved tissue morphology and the specificity of RNA signals. The main cell types in chorionic villi such as syncytiotrophoblasts (SCT), villous cytotrophoblasts (VCT), fibroblasts (FB), and extravillous trophoblasts (EVT) were identified with the spatial transcriptome data, whereas the minor cell types of Hofbauer cells (HB) and endothelial cells (Endo) were spatially located by deconvolution of scRNA-seq data. We demonstrated that the Stereo-seq data of human villi could be used for sophisticated analyses such as spatial cell-communication and regulatory activity. We found that the SCT and VCT exhibited the most ligand-receptor pairs that could increase differentiation of the SCT, and that the spatial localization of specific regulons in different cell types was associated with the pathways related to hormones transport and secretion, regulation of mitotic cell cycle, and nutrient transport pathway in SCT. In EVT, regulatory pathways such as the epithelial to mesenchyme transition, epithelial development and differentiation, and extracellular matrix organization were identified. Finally, viral receptors and drug transporters were identified in villi according to the pathway analysis, which could help to explain the vertical transmission of several infectious diseases and drug metabolism efficacy. Our study provides a valuable resource for further investigation of the placenta development, physiology and pathology in a spatial context.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Qingqing Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tingyu Yang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China,Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Birth Defects Screening, Shenzhen, China,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Jianlin Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiaofeng Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Libei Du
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rachel W. S. Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - William S. B. Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ka Wang Cheung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Philip C. N. Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wen-Jing Wang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China,*Correspondence: Wen-Jing Wang, ; Cheuk-Lun Lee, ; Ya Gao,
| | - Cheuk-Lun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China,*Correspondence: Wen-Jing Wang, ; Cheuk-Lun Lee, ; Ya Gao,
| | - Ya Gao
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China,Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Birth Defects Screening, Shenzhen, China,*Correspondence: Wen-Jing Wang, ; Cheuk-Lun Lee, ; Ya Gao,
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13
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Maternal Underweight and Obesity Are Associated with Placental Pathologies in Human Pregnancy. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:3425-3448. [PMID: 35739350 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00983-2] [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: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Maternal underweight and obesity are prevalent conditions, associated with chronic, low-grade inflammation, poor fetal development, and long-term adverse outcomes for the child. The placenta senses and adapts to the pregnancy environment in an effort to support optimal fetal development. However, the mechanisms driving these adaptations, and the resulting placental phenotypes, are poorly understood. We hypothesised that maternal underweight and obesity would be associated with increased prevalence of placental pathologies in term and preterm pregnancies. Data from 12,154 pregnancies were obtained from the Collaborative Perinatal Project, a prospective cohort study conducted from 1959 to 1974. Macro- and microscopic placental pathologies were analysed across maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) to assess differences in the presence of pathologies among underweight, overweight, and obese BMI groups compared to normal weight reference BMI at term and preterm. Placental pathologies were also assessed across fetal sex. Pregnancies complicated by maternal obesity had placentae with increased fetal inflammation at preterm, and increased inflammation of maternal gestational tissues at term. In term pregnancies, increasing maternal BMI associated with increased maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM), odds of an appropriately mature placenta for gestational age, and placental weight, and decreased placental efficiency. Male placentae, independent of maternal BMI, had increased inflammation, MVM, and placental efficiency than female placentae, particularly at term. Maternal underweight and obesity are not inert conditions for the placenta, and the histomorphological changes driven by suboptimal maternal BMI may serve as indicators of adversities experienced in utero and potential predictors of future health trajectories.
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14
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LAPIDES L, KLEIN M, BELUŠÁKOVÁ V, CSÖBÖNYEIOVÁ M, VARGA I, BABÁL P. Uterine Natural Killer Cells in the Context of Implantation: Immunohistochemical Analysis of Endometrial Samples from Women with Habitual Abortion and Recurrent Implantation Failure. Physiol Res 2022; 71:S99-S105. [PMID: 36592445 PMCID: PMC9853996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects approximately 48 million couples globally. Despite the enormous progress of the methods of reproductive medicine that has been made since the first test-tube baby was born in 1978, the implantation rate of day-3 embryos is only around 15-20 % and 30 % of day-5 embryos. Numerous strategies aim to improve implantation rates and prevent repeated implantation failure, however there is no specific general recommendation leading to satisfying results. One of the many risk factors relevant in this regard is the uterine immunological make-up, mainly the uterine Natural Killer (uNK) cells. They orchestrate the overall immune response during implantation by influencing trophoblast invasion and vascular remodeling and throughout pregnancy, uNK cells are also the main immune cells at the maternal-foetal interface. Previously, uNK count has been correlated with various fertility issues including idiopathic reccurent miscarriage. The present study used endometrial samples collected from 256 patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF), habitual abortion (HA) and idiopathic sterility. Samples were collected between day 19 and 21 of the menstrual cycle mainly by Pipelle endometrial sampling. The samples were fixed in formalin for 24 hours and further processed for immunohistochemistry using anti-CD56 to visualize this antigen marker of uNK cells. Immunohistochemical counting was performed to assess the low, normal, or elevated count of uNK cells. According to the one-way ANOVA test, the age of our patients did not have any influence on the count of uNK cells. With Spearman correlation analysis, we found statistically significant correlation (p-value 0.05) of -0.133 between prior miscarriage and lower uNK cell count. Using the same analysis we found statistically significant correlation (correlation 0.233 with p-value 0.01) between number of uNK cells and activation status. Patients with higher uNK cells were more frequenty diagnosed with endometriosis (p-value 0.05, correlation 0.130). Patients with an immunological factor of sterility (defined by a clinical immunologist) had a lower chance of gravidity (-0.203 with p-value 0.01). Based on our results, we can confirm that there is a correlation between RIF, HA, idiopathic sterility, endometriosis, and immunological factor of sterility (uNK cell count). The true predictive value with regard to fertility outcomes needs to be addressed in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka LAPIDES
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia,ISCARE, Reproduction Clinic, Gynaecology & Urology, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Martin KLEIN
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Viera BELUŠÁKOVÁ
- ISCARE, Reproduction Clinic, Gynaecology & Urology, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Mária CSÖBÖNYEIOVÁ
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ivan VARGA
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Pavel BABÁL
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
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15
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LAPIDES L, VARGA I, KLEIN M, RYBÁNSKA L, BELUŠÁKOVÁ V, BABÁL P. When Less Is More - Pipelle Endometrial Sampling for Quantification of Uterine Natural Killer Cells in Patients With Recurrent Implantation Failure or Habitual Abortion. Physiol Res 2022; 71:S65-S73. [PMID: 36592442 PMCID: PMC9854003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advancements in reproductive medicine, recurrent implantation failure and habitual abortion remain ongoing issues. One of the most important aspects of successful implantation is the intricate immune response and regulation necessary for the acceptance of the hemiallogenic embryo. The most numerous immune cells in the decidua are uterine natural killer cells (uNK). Studies suggest that changes in the uNK count and physiology may be responsible for the aforementioned pathological conditions. Thus, testing for uNK may provide valuable insights into their pathogenesis. The study compared Pipelle endometrial sampling with conventional curettage to find out whether the less invasive Pipelle method is a viable alternative of tissue collection. Tissue samples from 14 patients obtained by both methods were examined. The average size of tissue samples obtained with Pipelle was 17 mm2, samples obtained with curettage had on average 34 mm2. Using immunohistochemical visualization of CD56 (NK cells) and granzyme B antigens (serine protease-expressing activation state of NK cells), it was found that the average total count of CD56 / mm2 was for Pipelle 115 and 120 for curettage, respectively. The study also proved a correlation between granzyme B positivity and identification of NK cells clusters. The results indicated that Pipelle endometrial sampling seems a suitable method of tissue harvesting for the purpose of uNK cells examination. Pipelle endometrial sampling is safe, cost-effective and can be performed on an outpatient basis without the need of anesthesia or analgesia. Several issues remain yet to be solved: how to standardize the subsequent uNK testing, how to interpret the results and finally yet importantly, how to use this knowledge in personalized treatment protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka LAPIDES
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia,ISCARE, Reproduction Clinic, Gynaecology & Urology, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ivan VARGA
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Martin KLEIN
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lenka RYBÁNSKA
- ISCARE, Reproduction Clinic, Gynaecology & Urology, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Viera BELUŠÁKOVÁ
- ISCARE, Reproduction Clinic, Gynaecology & Urology, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Pavel BABÁL
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
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16
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Zaugg J, Solenthaler F, Albrecht C. Materno-fetal iron transfer and the emerging role of ferroptosis pathways. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 202:115141. [PMID: 35700759 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A successful pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby depend to a great extent on the controlled supply of essential nutrients via the placenta. Iron is essential for mitochondrial energy supply and oxygen distribution via the blood. However, its high reactivity requires tightly regulated transport processes. Disturbances of maternal-fetal iron transfer during pregnancy can aggravate or lead to severe pathological consequences for the mother and the fetus with lifelong effects. Furthermore, high intracellular iron levels due to disturbed gestational iron homeostasis have recently been associated with the non-apoptotic cell death pathway called ferroptosis. Therefore, the investigation of transplacental iron transport mechanisms, their physiological regulation and potential risks are of high clinical importance. The present review summarizes the current knowledge on principles and regulatory mechanisms underlying materno-fetal iron transport and gives insight into common pregnancy conditions in which iron homeostasis is disturbed. Moreover, the significance of the newly emerging ferroptosis pathway and its impact on the regulation of placental iron homeostasis, oxidative stress and gestational diseases will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Zaugg
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland; Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabia Solenthaler
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland; Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christiane Albrecht
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland; Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Switzerland.
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17
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Fakonti G, Pantazi P, Bokun V, Holder B. Placental Macrophage (Hofbauer Cell) Responses to Infection During Pregnancy: A Systematic Scoping Review. Front Immunol 2022; 12:756035. [PMID: 35250964 PMCID: PMC8895398 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.756035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital infection of the fetus via trans-placental passage of pathogens can result in severe morbidity and mortality. Even without transmission to the fetus, infection of the placenta itself is associated with pregnancy complications including pregnancy loss and preterm birth. Placental macrophages, also termed Hofbauer cells (HBCs), are fetal-origin macrophages residing in the placenta that are likely involved in responding to placental infection and protection of the developing fetus. As HBCs are the only immune cell present in the villous placenta, they represent one of the final opportunities for control of infection and prevention of passage to the developing fetus. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The objective of this review was to provide a systematic overview of the literature regarding HBC responses during infection in pregnancy, including responses to viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens. METHODS PubMed and Scopus were searched on May 20th, 2021, with no limit on publication date, to identify all papers that have studied placental macrophages/Hofbauer cells in the context of infection. The following search strategy was utilized: (hofbauer* OR "hofbauer cells" OR "hofbauer cell" OR "placental macrophage" OR "placental macrophages") AND [infect* OR virus OR viral OR bacteri* OR parasite* OR pathogen* OR LPS OR "poly(i:c)" OR toxoplasm* OR microb* OR HIV)]. OUTCOMES 86 studies were identified for review. This included those that investigated HBCs in placentas from pregnancies complicated by maternal infection and in vitro studies investigating HBC responses to pathogens or Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs). HBCs can be infected by a variety of pathogens, and HBC hyperplasia was a common observation. HBCs respond to pathogen infection and PAMPs by altering their transcriptional, translational and secretion profiles. Co-culture investigations demonstrate that they can replicate and transmit pathogens to other cells. In other cases, they may eliminate the pathogen through a variety of mechanisms including phagocytosis, cytokine-mediated pathogen elimination, release of macrophage extracellular traps and HBC-antibody-mediated neutralization. HBC responses differ across gestation and may be influenced by pre-existing immunity. Clinical information, including gestational age at infection, gestational age of the samples, mode of sample collection and pregnancy outcome were missing for the majority of studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Beth Holder
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Wang L, Li W, Zhang S, Liu H, Li W, Hu T, Leng J. Association of leukocyte counts in the first trimester with glucose intolerance during pregnancy. J Diabetes Investig 2022; 13:191-200. [PMID: 34288555 PMCID: PMC8756326 DOI: 10.1111/jdi.13633] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS/INTRODUCTION We investigated the association between leukocyte counts and glucose challenge test (GCT) level during pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS We collected prenatal information of women who had their first clinic visit in early pregnancy. Women underwent GCT at 24-28 gestational weeks, and a result of ≥7.8 mmol/L was considered positive. Participants were divided into quartiles of leukocyte counts, and association with GCT results and positive rate were analyzed by logistic regression. RESULTS Among 20,707 pregnant women, the median of leukocyte counts was higher in the positive group than the normal group (8.5 × 109 /L vs 8.2 × 109 /L, P < 0.01). There was a linear trend in GCT results and positive rate with increasing leukocyte quartiles. Compared with the lowest quartile, the highest leukocyte quartile (>9.70 × 109 /L) was significantly associated with positive GCT results (adjusted odds ratio 1.378, 95% confidence interval 1.246-1.524), and the linear relationship between increased risk of positive result and increasing leukocyte quartiles persisted (P for linear trend <0.01). In multivariable analysis, the risk of a positive result increased by 2.2% with each 1-unit increase in leukocyte counts (adjusted odds ratio 1.022, 95% confidence interval 1.011-1.033). CONCLUSIONS Elevated leukocyte counts in early pregnancy were independently and linearly associated with the risk of positive GCT levels, indicating that inflammation might play an important role in the development of gestational diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leishen Wang
- Tianjin Women and Children’s Health CenterTianjinChina
| | - Weiqin Li
- Tianjin Women and Children’s Health CenterTianjinChina
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Tianjin Women and Children’s Health CenterTianjinChina
| | - Huikun Liu
- Tianjin Women and Children’s Health CenterTianjinChina
| | - Wei Li
- Tianjin Women and Children’s Health CenterTianjinChina
| | | | - Junhong Leng
- Tianjin Women and Children’s Health CenterTianjinChina
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19
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Altunkaynak BZ, Yahyazadeh A. Stereological and Histological Assessment of the Umbilical Cord in New-Born Rat. J Microsc Ultrastruct 2021; 9:108-113. [PMID: 34729350 PMCID: PMC8507517 DOI: 10.4103/jmau.jmau_14_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Umbilical cord plays a crucial role in the continuation of pregnancy by transferring nutrition and oxygen across the placenta to the fetus. We aimed to investigate the morphometrical and histological features of the umbilical cords in new-born rats. Materials and Methods The adult male and female rats were chosen for matting purpose in the present study. Briefly, ten adult Wistar albino rats (female, n = 5; male, n = 5) were randomly assigned into five groups of two animals (female, n = 1; male, n = 1). Immediately after parturition, two umbilical cords of new-born rats (0-day-old) from each group were randomly selected. Finally, ten umbilical cord samples were examined using the histological and stereological methods in the light and electron microscopes. Results The total numbers of Hofbauer cells and mesenchymal stromal cells was estimated statistically. We also calculated the mean volume of umbilical cords, arteries and veins, as well as arterial and venous lumens. Our histological findings also exhibited the histological features of Hofbauer cells, mesenchymal stromal cell cells, and blood vessels. Conclusion Our findings showed more detailed information about umbilical cord tissues and their components, and that may contribute to the diagnose of umbilical cord complications in the developing fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahmad Yahyazadeh
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medicine Faculty, Karabuk University, Karabuk, Turkey
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20
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White M, Grynspan D, Van Mieghem T, Connor KL. Isolated fetal neural tube defects associate with increased risk of placental pathology: Evidence from the Collaborative Perinatal Project. Placenta 2021; 114:56-67. [PMID: 34479062 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.08.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neural tube defects (NTDs) are amongst the most common congenital anomalies and are associated with significant postnatal morbidity, but also with a higher incidence of low birthweight and fetal growth restriction. Despite the placenta being a critical determinant of fetal growth, placental development has not been extensively studied in fetuses with NTDs. METHODS We performed a matched case-cohort study using data from the Collaborative Perinatal Project to assess the risk of placental pathology in pregnancies with an isolated fetal NTD (cases; n = 74) compared to those without any congenital anomalies (controls; n = 148). We hypothesised that cases would be at an increased risk of placental pathology compared to controls. Data were analysed using adjusted generalized linear and nominal logistic regression models. Results are presented as adjusted β or adjusted odds ratio (aOR; 95% confidence interval). RESULTS Cases had lower placental weight (β = -22.2 g [-37.8 to -6.6]), surface area (β = -9.6 cm2 [-18.3 to -1.0]) and birth length z-scores (β = -0.4 [-0.7 to -0.001]) compared to controls. Cases were more likely to have a single umbilical artery (vs. two; 6 [8.1%] vs. 1 [0.7%]; aOR = 301 [52.6-1726]), placental hypermaturity (9 [12.2%] vs. 5 [3.4%]; aOR = 6.8 [3.1-14.7]), many (vs. few) Hofbauer cells (9 [12.2%] vs. 7 [4.7%]; aOR = 3.02 [1.2-7.3]), and stromal fibrosis (9 [12.2%] vs. 10 [6.8%]; aOR = 3.0 [1.4-6.3]) in placental terminal villi compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS Fetuses with isolated NTDs may be at increased risk of placental pathology, which could be contributing to poor fetal growth in these pregnancies and subsequent postnatal morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina White
- Health Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - David Grynspan
- Vernon Jubilee Hospital, Vernon, BC, V1T 5L2, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z7, Canada
| | - Tim Van Mieghem
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Kristin L Connor
- Health Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada.
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21
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Thomas JR, Appios A, Zhao X, Dutkiewicz R, Donde M, Lee CYC, Naidu P, Lee C, Cerveira J, Liu B, Ginhoux F, Burton G, Hamilton RS, Moffett A, Sharkey A, McGovern N. Phenotypic and functional characterization of first-trimester human placental macrophages, Hofbauer cells. J Exp Med 2021; 218:211477. [PMID: 33075123 PMCID: PMC7579740 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20200891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Hofbauer cells (HBCs) are a population of macrophages found in high abundance within the stroma of the first-trimester human placenta. HBCs are the only fetal immune cell population within the stroma of healthy placenta. However, the functional properties of these cells are poorly described. Aligning with their predicted origin via primitive hematopoiesis, we find that HBCs are transcriptionally similar to yolk sac macrophages. Phenotypically, HBCs can be identified as HLA-DR-FOLR2+ macrophages. We identify a number of factors that HBCs secrete (including OPN and MMP-9) that could affect placental angiogenesis and remodeling. We determine that HBCs have the capacity to play a defensive role, where they are responsive to Toll-like receptor stimulation and are microbicidal. Finally, we also identify a population of placenta-associated maternal macrophages (PAMM1a) that adhere to the placental surface and express factors, such as fibronectin, that may aid in repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake R Thomas
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Centre for Trophoblast Research, Departments of Physiology and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anna Appios
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Centre for Trophoblast Research, Departments of Physiology and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Xiaohui Zhao
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Departments of Physiology and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Maria Donde
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Colin Y C Lee
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Praveena Naidu
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Centre for Trophoblast Research, Departments of Physiology and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christopher Lee
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore.,School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joana Cerveira
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bing Liu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Florent Ginhoux
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore.,School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.,Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Graham Burton
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Departments of Physiology and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Russell S Hamilton
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Departments of Physiology and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ashley Moffett
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Centre for Trophoblast Research, Departments of Physiology and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrew Sharkey
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Centre for Trophoblast Research, Departments of Physiology and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Naomi McGovern
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Centre for Trophoblast Research, Departments of Physiology and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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22
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Hofbauer Cells Spread Listeria monocytogenes among Placental Cells and Undergo Pro-Inflammatory Reprogramming while Retaining Production of Tolerogenic Factors. mBio 2021; 12:e0184921. [PMID: 34399615 PMCID: PMC8406333 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01849-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnant women are highly susceptible to infection by the bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes, leading to miscarriage, premature birth, and neonatal infection. L. monocytogenes is thought to breach the placental barrier by infecting trophoblasts at the maternal/fetal interface. However, the fate of L. monocytogenes within chorionic villi and how infection reaches the fetus are unsettled. Hofbauer cells (HBCs) are fetal placental macrophages and the only leukocytes residing in healthy chorionic villi, forming a last immune barrier protecting fetal blood from infection. Little is known about the HBCs’ antimicrobial responses to pathogens. Here, we studied L. monocytogenes interaction with human primary HBCs. Remarkably, despite their M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype at basal state, HBCs phagocytose and kill non-pathogenic bacteria like Listeria innocua and display low susceptibility to infection by L. monocytogenes. However, L. monocytogenes can exploit HBCs to spread to surrounding placental cells. Transcriptomic analyses by RNA sequencing revealed that HBCs undergo pro-inflammatory reprogramming upon L. monocytogenes infection, similarly to macrophages stimulated by the potent M1-polarizing agents lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/interferon gamma (IFN-γ). Infected HBCs also express pro-inflammatory chemokines known to promote placental infiltration by maternal leukocytes. However, HBCs maintain the expression of a collection of tolerogenic genes and secretion of tolerogenic cytokines, consistent with their tissue homeostatic role in prevention of fetal rejection. In conclusion, we propose a previously unrecognized model in which HBCs promote the spreading of L. monocytogenes among placental cells and transition to a pro-inflammatory state likely to favor innate immune responses, while maintaining the expression of tolerogenic factors known to prevent maternal anti-fetal adaptive immunity.
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23
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Silvano A, Seravalli V, Strambi N, Cecchi M, Tartarotti E, Parenti A, Di Tommaso M. Tryptophan metabolism and immune regulation in the human placenta. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 147:103361. [PMID: 34365162 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103361] [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: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The placenta represents the maternal-fetal vascular interface. It is capable of supplying the bioenergetic needs of the developing conceptus. It is composed of different cell types that engage in highly varied functions, ranging from attachment, invasion and vascular remodeling to cell fusion, hormone production, and nutrient transport. A deep knowledge of the immunological mechanisms responsible for maintaining an active tolerance towards an allogeneic fetus and the anti-inflammatory properties of the placenta can be useful to clarify the pathogenesis of adverse events in pregnancy. While the systemic mechanisms of this immunological regulation in pregnancy have been well studied, the metabolic processes involved in the placental immune response are still poorly understood. The aim of this review is to summarize the most important information concerning the immune regulation in pregnancy, focusing on the role of tryptophan (Trp) catabolism performed by indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) in the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Silvano
- Department of Health Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Viola Seravalli
- Department of Health Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Noemi Strambi
- Department of Health Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Marta Cecchi
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology Section, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Enrico Tartarotti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Italy
| | - Astrid Parenti
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology Section, University of Florence, Italy.
| | - Mariarosaria Di Tommaso
- Department of Health Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy; Department of Health Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology Section, University of Florence, Italy.
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24
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Schwartz DA, Baldewijns M, Benachi A, Bugatti M, Bulfamante G, Cheng K, Collins RRJ, Debelenko L, De Luca D, Facchetti F, Fitzgerald B, Levitan D, Linn RL, Marcelis L, Morotti D, Morotti R, Patanè L, Prevot S, Pulinx B, Saad AG, Schoenmakers S, Strybol D, Thomas K, Tosi D, Toto V, van der Meeren LE, Verdijk RM, Vivanti AJ, Zaigham M. Hofbauer cells and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in pregnancy: Molecular pathology analysis of villous macrophages, endothelial cells, and placental findings from 22 placentas infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with and without fetal transmission. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2021; 145:1328-1340. [PMID: 34297794 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2021-0296-sa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT - Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can undergo maternal-fetal transmission, heightening interest in the placental pathology findings from this infection. Transplacental SARS-CoV-2 transmission is typically accompanied by chronic histiocytic intervillositis together with necrosis and positivity of syncytiotrophoblast for SARSCoV-2. Hofbauer cells are placental macrophages that have been involved in viral diseases including HIV and Zika virus, but their involvement in SARS-CoV-2 in unknown. OBJECTIVE - To determine whether SARS-CoV-2 can extend beyond the syncytiotrophoblast to enter Hofbauer cells, endothelium and other villous stromal cells in infected placentas of liveborn and stillborn infants. DESIGN - Case-based retrospective analysis by 29 perinatal and molecular pathology specialists of placental findings from a preselected cohort of 22 SARS-CoV-2-infected placentas delivered to pregnant women testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 from 7 countries. Molecular pathology methods were used to investigate viral involvement of Hofbauer cells, villous capillary endothelium, syncytiotrophoblast and other fetal-derived cells. RESULTS - Chronic histiocytic intervillositis and trophoblast necrosis was present in all 22 placentas (100%). SARS-CoV-2 was identified in Hofbauer cells from 4/22 placentas (18%). Villous capillary endothelial staining was positive in 2/22 cases (9%), both of which also had viral positivity in Hofbauer cells. Syncytiotrophoblast staining occurred in 21/22 placentas (95%). Hofbauer cell hyperplasia was present in 3/22 placentas (14%). In the 7 cases having documented transplacental infection of the fetus, 2 occurred in placentas with Hofbauer cell staining positive for SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSIONS - SARS-CoV-2 can extend beyond the trophoblast into the villous stroma, involving Hofbauer cells and capillary endothelial cells, in a small number of infected placentas. Most cases of SARS-CoV-2 transplacental fetal infection occur without Hofbauer cell involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Schwartz
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA
| | | | - Alexandra Benachi
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Antoine Béclère Hospital, Paris Saclay University Hospitals, Clamart, France
| | - Mattia Bugatti
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Gaetano Bulfamante
- Hospital Complex for Pathological Anatomy and Medical Genetics, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Rebecca R J Collins
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Larisa Debelenko
- Department of Pediatric and Perinatal Pathology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Danièle De Luca
- Neonatology Division of Pediatrics, Transportation and Neonatal Critical Care APHP, Paris Saclay University Hospitals, Medical Center "A.Béclère" & Physiopathology and Therapeutic Innovation Unit, Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France
| | - Fabio Facchetti
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Brendan Fitzgerald
- Department of Pathology, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland
| | - Daniel Levitan
- Department of Pathology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY
| | - Rebecca L Linn
- Department of Pathology & Lab Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania & Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Denise Morotti
- Pathology Unit and Medical Genetics Laboratory, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Raffaella Morotti
- Department of Pathology and Pediatrics, Autopsy Service, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Luisa Patanè
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Sophie Prevot
- Division of Pathology, Bicêtre Hospital, Paris Saclay University Hospitals, APHP, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Bianca Pulinx
- Department of Clinical Biology, Sint-Trudo Hospital, Sint-Truiden, Belgium
| | - Ali G Saad
- Department of Pathology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine/Jackson Health System/Holtz Children's Hospital, Miami, FL
| | - Sam Schoenmakers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - David Strybol
- Department of Pathology, Sint-Trudo Hospital, Sint-Truiden, Belgium
| | - Kristen Thomas
- Department of Pathology, NYU Langone Health, Main Campus & Bellevue Hospital Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Delfina Tosi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Toto
- Hospital Complex for Pathological Anatomy and Medical Genetics, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - Lotte E van der Meeren
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, and Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Robert M Verdijk
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alexandre J Vivanti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Antoine Beclere Hospital, APHP, Université Paris Saclay, Clamart, France
| | - Mehreen Zaigham
- Obstetrics & Gynecology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden and Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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25
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Molecular Changes on Maternal-Fetal Interface in Placental Abruption-A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126612. [PMID: 34205566 PMCID: PMC8235312 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Placental abruption is the separation of the placenta from the lining of the uterus before childbirth. It is an infrequent perinatal complication with serious after-effects and a marked risk of maternal and fetal mortality. Despite the fact that numerous placental abruption risk factors are known, the pathophysiology of this issue is multifactorial and not entirely clear. The aim of this review was to examine the current state of knowledge concerning the molecular changes on the maternal–fetal interface occurring in placental abruption. Only original research articles describing studies published in English until the 15 March 2021 were considered eligible. Reviews, book chapters, case studies, conference papers and opinions were excluded. The systematic literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus databases identified 708 articles, 22 of which were analyzed. The available evidence indicates that the disruption of the immunological processes on the maternal–fetal interface plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of placental abruption. The features of chronic non-infectious inflammation and augmented immunological cytotoxic response were found to be present in placental abruption samples in the reviewed studies. Various molecules participate in this process, with only a few being examined. More advanced research is needed to fully explain this complicated process.
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26
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Appios A, Thomas JR, McGovern N. Isolation of First-Trimester and Full-term Human Placental Hofbauer Cells. Bio Protoc 2021; 11:e4044. [PMID: 34250210 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is the crucial organ that regulates the health of both mother and fetus during pregnancy. The human placenta is composed of villous tree-like structures that embed into the maternal decidua. Within the stroma of the villi resides a population of fetally-derived macrophages, the Hofbauer cells (HBC). HBC are the only fetal immune cells found within the placenta in the steady-state and are thought to play a crucial role in placental function. From the 10th week of gestation, maternal blood flow into the intervillous space begins, resulting in the placental villi becoming bathed in maternal blood. To study HBC it is necessary to develop techniques that allow for their specific isolation and distinction from maternal blood monocytes and decidual macrophages. Here, we describe a protocol that explains step-by-step the strategy we have developed that allows the specific isolation of HBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Appios
- Department of Pathology and Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jake R Thomas
- Department of Pathology and Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Naomi McGovern
- Department of Pathology and Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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27
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Redline RW, Ravishankar S, Bagby CM, Saab ST, Zarei S. Four major patterns of placental injury: a stepwise guide for understanding and implementing the 2016 Amsterdam consensus. Mod Pathol 2021; 34:1074-1092. [PMID: 33558658 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-021-00747-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The Amsterdam classification system defines four major patterns of placental injury, maternal vascular malperfusion, fetal vascular malperfusion, acute chorioamnionitis, and villitis of unknown etiology, and lists the histologic findings that characterize each. However, there continues to be uncertainty regarding specific definitions, histologic mimics, grading and staging, and what combination of findings is required to diagnose each pattern of injury in a reproducible fashion. The purpose of this review is to clarify some of these issues by suggesting a stepwise approach to more fully realize the potential of this new classification system. In our view, the critical steps for correctly identifying and communicating each pattern of injury are (1) familiarity with the underlying pathophysiology and known clinical associations, (2) incorporation of important gross findings, (3) learning to recognize underlying architectural alterations and defining features at low power, (4) using higher magnification to narrow the differential diagnosis and assess severity (grading) and duration (staging), and (5) adopting a template for generating standardized placental reports that succinctly provide useful information for patient care and research applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond W Redline
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA. .,Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Sanjita Ravishankar
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Christina M Bagby
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Shahrazad T Saab
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Shabnam Zarei
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
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28
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Straughen JK, Sitarik AR, Johnson CC, Wegienka G, Ownby DR, Johnson-Hooper TM, Allo G, Levin AM, Cassidy-Bushrow AE. Prenatal IgE as a Risk Factor for the Development of Childhood Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:601092. [PMID: 34055677 PMCID: PMC8160239 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.601092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Few studies have examined if maternal allergic disease is associated with an offspring's neurodevelopment. We hypothesized that Th-2 biased maternal immune function assessed as total serum immunoglobulin (Ig) E is associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: Data are from the Wayne County Health, Environment, Allergy, and Asthma Longitudinal Study (WHEALS), a racially and socioeconomically diverse birth cohort in metropolitan Detroit, Michigan. Maternal total IgE was measured prenatally and at 1-month postpartum. Child total IgE was assessed at birth, 6 months, and 2 years of age. ADHD diagnosis was based on the parental report at the 10-12-year study visits or medical chart abstraction. Total IgE was log2 transformed. Poisson regression models with robust error variance were used to calculate the risk ratios (RR). Inverse probability weighting was used to correct for potential bias due to a loss to follow-up and non-response. Results: Of the 636 maternal-child pairs in the analysis, 513 children were neurotypical and 123 had ADHD. Maternal prenatal total IgE was significantly associated with ADHD even after adjustment for potential confounders (RR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.03-1.13). Maternal and child IgE measures were positively and significantly correlated, but child total IgE was not associated with ADHD at any time point. Conclusions: Maternal prenatal IgE may influence neurodevelopment, but additional studies are needed to confirm and expand these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K. Straughen
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Alexandra R. Sitarik
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, United States
| | | | - Ganesa Wegienka
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Dennis R. Ownby
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Tisa M. Johnson-Hooper
- Department of Pediatrics, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, United States
- Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Ghassan Allo
- Department of Pathology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Albert M. Levin
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, United States
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29
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Valdespino-Vázquez MY, Helguera-Repetto CA, León-Juárez M, Villavicencio-Carrisoza O, Flores-Pliego A, Moreno-Verduzco ER, Díaz-Pérez DL, Villegas-Mota I, Carrasco-Ramírez E, López-Martínez IE, Giraldo-Gómez DM, Lira R, Yocupicio-Monroy M, Rodríguez-Bosch M, Sevilla-Reyes EE, Cortés-Bonilla M, Acevedo-Gallegos S, Merchant-Larios H, Cardona-Pérez JA, Irles C. Fetal and placental infection with SARS-CoV-2 in early pregnancy. J Med Virol 2021; 93:4480-4487. [PMID: 33764543 PMCID: PMC8250563 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.26965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
To date, mother‐to‐fetus transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, remains controversial. Although placental COVID‐19 infection has been documented in some cases during the second‐ and third‐trimesters, no reports are available for the first trimester of pregnancy, and no SARS‐CoV‐2 protein has been found in fetal tissues. We studied the placenta and fetal organs from an early pregnancy miscarriage in a COVID‐19 maternal infection by immunohistochemical, reverse transcription quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy methods. SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleocapsid protein, viral RNA, and particles consistent with coronavirus were found in the placenta and fetal tissues, accompanied by RNA replication revealed by double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) positive immunostain. Prominent damage of the placenta and fetal organs were associated with a hyperinflammatory process identified by histological examination and immunohistochemistry. The findings provided in this study document that congenital SARS‐CoV‐2 infection is possible during the first trimester of pregnancy and that fetal organs, such as lung and kidney, are targets for coronavirus. The infection and multi‐organic fetal inflammation produced by SARS‐CoV‐2 during early pregnancy should alert clinicians in the assessment and management of pregnant women for possible fetal consequences and adverse perinatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Y Valdespino-Vázquez
- Departamento de Patología, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Cecilia A Helguera-Repetto
- Departamento de Immunobioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Moises León-Juárez
- Departamento de Immunobioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Oscar Villavicencio-Carrisoza
- Departamento de Immunobioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Arturo Flores-Pliego
- Departamento de Immunobioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Elsa R Moreno-Verduzco
- Subdirección de Servicios auxiliares de Diagnóstico, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Diana L Díaz-Pérez
- Departamento de Patología, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Isabel Villegas-Mota
- Departamento de Epidemiología e Infectología Clínica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Elba Carrasco-Ramírez
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico.,Unidad de Microscopía, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Irma E López-Martínez
- Unidad de Microscopía, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - David M Giraldo-Gómez
- Unidad de Microscopía, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico.,Departamento de Biología Celular y Tisular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rosalia Lira
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Martha Yocupicio-Monroy
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mario Rodríguez-Bosch
- Subdirección de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Edgar E Sevilla-Reyes
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Manuel Cortés-Bonilla
- Dirección Médica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sandra Acevedo-Gallegos
- Departamento de Medicina Materno-Fetal, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Horacio Merchant-Larios
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jorge Arturo Cardona-Pérez
- Dirección General, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Claudine Irles
- Departamento de Fisiología y Desarrollo Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City, Mexico
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30
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Tauber Z, Chroma K, Baranova R, Cizkova K. The expression patterns of IL-1β and IL-10 and their relation to CYP epoxygenases in normal human placenta. Ann Anat 2021; 236:151671. [PMID: 33440233 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2020.151671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The success of pregnancy depends on the regulation of immunological processes in the placenta. Important mediators of an immune response include pro- and anti-inflammatory interleukins which may be regulated by CYP epoxygenases and their metabolites. The relation between interleukins and CYP epoxygenases expression in human placenta has not yet been studied vastly. MATERIAL AND METHODS We investigated the expression patterns of IL-1β and IL-10 in embryonic (n=8), early foetal (n=16) and term (n=7) human placenta tissue by an immunohistochemical method and evaluated the results by Kruskal-Wallis test. The obtained data was correlated using Spearman's correlation coefficient to our previously published data of CYP epoxygenases expression in the same samples. To confirm that Hofbauer cells express IL-10 and IL-1β as well as CYP2C8 and IL-10 together, and thus there is a relation between proteins of interests, we used multiplex immunofluorescent staining. RESULTS The expression of IL-1β decreased with gestational age in cytotrophoblast, syncytiotrophoblast, as well as in Hofbauer cells whilst IL-10 decreased in cytotrophoblast, remained at the same levels in syncytiotrophoblast and increased in Hofbauer cells. In trophoblast cells, we found a statistically significant positive correlation between the expression of CYP2J2 and CYP2C9 with IL-1β, whereas there was no relation between IL-10 and any of the tested CYP epoxygenases. In Hofbauer cells, we found a significant positive correlation between CYP2C8 and IL-10 and a significant negative correlation between CYP2C8 and IL-1β. CONCLUSION Our results showed that the exact role and relation of interleukins and CYP epoxygenases and their metabolites is dependent on their respective cellular context. Because of IL-10, IL-1β, as well as HBCs play a role in various pathological conditions, further investigation of the exact role of CYP epoxygenase, interleukins and their relations is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zdenek Tauber
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic.
| | - Katarina Chroma
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
| | - Romana Baranova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic.
| | - Katerina Cizkova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic.
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Abstract
In this article, the authors provide a general overview of the major immune cells present at the maternal-fetal interface, describe the key mechanisms used by the placenta to promote maternal immune regulation, tolerance, and adaptation, and discuss how dysregulation of these pathways could lead to obstetric complications such as pregnancy loss and preeclampsia. Finally, they conclude with a description of the innate immune properties of the human placenta that not only serve to protect the pregnancy from infection but also contribute to pregnancy complications such as preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mancy Tong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 310 Cedar Street, LSOG 309A, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Vikki M Abrahams
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 310 Cedar Street, LSOG 305C, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
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Mezouar S, Katsogiannou M, Ben Amara A, Bretelle F, Mege JL. Placental macrophages: Origin, heterogeneity, function and role in pregnancy-associated infections. Placenta 2020; 103:94-103. [PMID: 33120051 PMCID: PMC7568513 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Placental macrophages are a heterogenous population of immune cells present throughout pregnancy. They are essential for maintenance of the homeostatic placenta environment and host defense against infections. The characterization of placental macrophages as well as their activation have been limited for a long time by the lack of convenient tools. The emergence of unbiased methods makes it possible to reappraise the study of placental macrophages. In this review, we discuss the diversity and the functions of placental macrophages to better understand their dysfunctions during placental infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya Mezouar
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France; IHU - Mediterranean Infection, Marseille, France.
| | - Maria Katsogiannou
- Hôpital Saint Joseph, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, FR-13008, Marseille, France
| | - Amira Ben Amara
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France; IHU - Mediterranean Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Florence Bretelle
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France; IHU - Mediterranean Infection, Marseille, France; AP-HM, Gynecology Department, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Louis Mege
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France; IHU - Mediterranean Infection, Marseille, France; AP-HM, UF Immunology, Marseille, France.
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NLRP3 inflammasome function and pyroptotic cell death in human placental Hofbauer cells. J Reprod Immunol 2020; 142:103214. [PMID: 33152658 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2020.103214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Alterations in the number and protein/gene expression of Hofbauer cells (HBCs) may play a role in microbial-driven/cytokine-mediated placental inflammation, and in subsequent pregnancy complications such as villitis, histologic chorioamnionitis, and the fetal inflammatory response syndrome. Pyroptosis is an inflammatory form of cell death mediated by the inflammasome, a multi-protein complex which drives the processing and secretion of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β). Pyroptosis can be triggered by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in non-placental macrophages through activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. However, the role of inflammasome activation and pyroptosis in HBC pathophysiology remains unclear. HBCs isolated from human term placentas were treated with or without LPS or ATP, alone or in combination. Treatment of HBCs with both LPS and ATP induced the rapid secretion of high levels of IL-1β and at the same time, cell death associated with nuclear condensation and cellular swelling. HBC treatment with both LPS and ATP induced caspase-1 activation, gasdermin D (GSDMD) cleavage, which mediates pyroptosis, and IL-1β processing. Caspase-1 activation, GSDMD cleavage, IL-1β processing, and IL-1β secretion were all significantly reduced following NLRP3 knockdown; inhibition of caspase-1; and inhibition of P2X7, the receptor that mediates K+ efflux. Together, our data indicate that LPS and ATP treatment stimulated NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis in HBCs leading to the rapid release of IL-1β. Since the localization of HBCs confers a unique ability to influence microbial-associated placental and fetal inflammation, these studies suggest a key role for the inflammasome and pyroptosis in mediating HBC driven inflammation.
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34
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Arumugasaamy N, Rock KD, Kuo CY, Bale TL, Fisher JP. Microphysiological systems of the placental barrier. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 161-162:161-175. [PMID: 32858104 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Methods to evaluate maternal-fetal transport across the placental barrier have generally involved clinical observations after-the-fact, ex vivo perfused placenta studies, or in vitro Transwell assays. Given the ethical and technical limitations in these approaches, and the drive to understand fetal development through the lens of transport-induced injury, such as with the examples of thalidomide and Zika Virus, efforts to develop novel approaches to study these phenomena have expanded in recent years. Notably, within the past 10 years, placental barrier models have been developed using hydrogel, bioreactor, organ-on-a-chip, and bioprinting approaches. In this review, we discuss the biology of the placental barrier and endeavors to recapitulate this barrier in vitro using these approaches. We also provide analysis of current limitations to drug discovery in this context, and end with a future outlook.
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35
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Toothaker JM, Presicce P, Cappelletti M, Stras SF, McCourt CC, Chougnet CA, Kallapur SG, Konnikova L. Immune Cells in the Placental Villi Contribute to Intra-amniotic Inflammation. Front Immunol 2020; 11:866. [PMID: 32528468 PMCID: PMC7256198 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Intra-amniotic (IA) inflammation is associated with significant morbidities for both the mother and the fetus. Prior studies have illustrated many of the effects of IA inflammation on the uterine lining (decidua) and membranous layers of the placenta at the fetal–maternal interface. However, much less is known about the immunological response occurring within the villous placenta. Using a rhesus macaque model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced IA inflammation, we showed that pregnancy-matched choriodecidua and villi have distinct immunological profiles in rhesus pregnancies. In the choriodecidua, we show that the abundance of neutrophils, multiple populations of antigen-presenting cells, and two populations of natural killer (NK) cells changes with prenatal IA LPS exposure. In contrast, in immune cells within the villous placenta we observed alterations in the abundance of B cells, monocytes, and CD8 T cells. Prior work has illustrated that IA inflammation leads to an increase in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) at the fetal–maternal interface. In this study, pretreatment with a TNFα blockade partially reversed inflammation in the placental villi. Furthermore, we report that immune cells in the villous placenta sensed LPS during our experimental window, and subsequently activated T cells to produce proinflammatory cytokines. Moreover, this study is the first report of memory T cells in third-trimester non-human primate placental villi and provides evidence that manipulation of immune cells in the villi at the fetal–maternal interface should be considered as a potential therapeutic target for IA inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Toothaker
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Pietro Presicce
- Divisions of Neonatology and Developmental Biology, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Monica Cappelletti
- Divisions of Neonatology and Developmental Biology, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Stephanie F Stras
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Collin C McCourt
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Claire A Chougnet
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Suhas G Kallapur
- Divisions of Neonatology and Developmental Biology, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Liza Konnikova
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
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Swieboda D, Johnson EL, Beaver J, Haddad L, Enninga EAL, Hathcock M, Cordes S, Jean V, Lane I, Skountzou I, Chakraborty R. Baby's First Macrophage: Temporal Regulation of Hofbauer Cell Phenotype Influences Ligand-Mediated Innate Immune Responses across Gestation. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 204:2380-2391. [PMID: 32213562 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1901185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The importance of fetal placental macrophages (Hofbauer cell [HCs]) is underscored by their appearance 18 d postconception and maintenance through term; however, how human HCs evolve during healthy pregnancy and how microenvironment and ontogeny impact phenotype and function remain unknown. In this study, we comprehensively classify human HCs ex vivo, interrogate phenotypic plasticity, and characterize antiviral immune responses through gestation. Activated HCs were abundant in early pregnancy and decreased by term; molecular signatures emphasize inflammatory phenotypes early in gestation. Frequency of HCs with regulatory phenotypes remained high through term. Furthermore, term HCs exhibited blunted responses to stimulation, indicating reduced plasticity. IFN-λ1 is a key placental IFN that appeared less protective than IFN-α, suggesting a potential weakness in antiviral immunity. Ligand-specific responses were temporally regulated: we noted an absence of inflammatory mediators and reduced antiviral gene transcription following RIG-I activation at term despite all HCs producing inflammatory mediators following IFN-γ plus LPS stimulation. Collectively, we demonstrate sequential, evolving immunity as part of the natural history of HCs through gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Swieboda
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Erica L Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Jacob Beaver
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Lisa Haddad
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Elizabeth Ann L Enninga
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Alix School of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905
| | - Matthew Hathcock
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Alix School of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905; and
| | - Sarah Cordes
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Valerie Jean
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Ivy Lane
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Ioanna Skountzou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Rana Chakraborty
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322; .,Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Alix School of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Alix School of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905
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Vangrieken P, Vanterpool SF, van Schooten FJ, Al-Nasiry S, Andriessen P, Degreef E, Alfer J, Kramer BW, von Rango U. Histological villous maturation in placentas of complicated pregnancies. Histol Histopathol 2020; 35:849-862. [PMID: 31985030 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Chorioamnionitis and preeclampsia account for the majority of preterm births worldwide. Thus far, adequate methods for early detection or prevention of these diseases are lacking. In preeclampsia, accelerated villous maturation is believed to compensate placental insufficiency. However, little is known about the effects of placental inflammation in chorioamnionitis on villous maturation. Therefore, we established a set of morphological parameters to evaluate histological villous maturity in pregnancies complicated by chorioamnionitis and preeclampsia. Preterm placentas complicated by chorioamnionitis or preeclampsia were compared to idiopathic preterm placentas and term controls. Histological villous maturation was analyzed by means of 17 histological markers. Fourteen of these markers provided information on absolute and relative numbers of the terminal villi (TV), the extent of their vascularization (using CD31-stained sections) and their exchange capacities. In addition, the numbers of syncytial bridges, syncytial apoptotic knots and shed syncytiotrophoblasts were counted. Accelerated villous maturation in preeclampsia was demonstrated by means of histological villous remodeling and confirmed by 11 relevant markers. Chorioamnionitis, however, only showed increased area of fetal capillaries. In preeclampsia, placentas may transition from growth to maturation earlier than placentas in normal pregnancies, whereas in chorioamnionitis placental changes are more acute and therefore less elaborated at a structural level. Regression analysis suggests the number of all villi and the number of terminal villi as a percentage of all villi as parameters to evaluate histological villous maturity in preeclamptic placentas and to assist diagnosis. However, we would recommend to analyze all 11 relevant parameters to judge placental maturity in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Vangrieken
- School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Sizzle F Vanterpool
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium.,School for Mental Health and Neurosciences (MHeNS), Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Frederik J van Schooten
- School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Salwan Al-Nasiry
- School for Oncology and Developmental Biology (GROW), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Andriessen
- Department of Pediatrics, Máxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Ellen Degreef
- Foundation Laboratory for Pathology and Medical Microbiology (PAMM), Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Joachim Alfer
- Department of Pathology, Kaufbeuren-Ravensburg, Ravensburg, Germany
| | - Boris W Kramer
- School for Mental Health and Neurosciences (MHeNS), Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,School for Oncology and Developmental Biology (GROW), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Ulrike von Rango
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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38
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Hendrix P, Tang Z, Silasi M, Racicot KE, Mor G, Abrahams VM, Guller S. Herpesvirus-infected Hofbauer cells activate endothelial cells through an IL-1β-dependent mechanism. Placenta 2020; 91:59-65. [PMID: 32174308 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Placental viral infections are associated with fetal inflammation and adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, there have been limited studies on how placental macrophages in the villous and adjacent fetal umbilical endothelial cells respond to a viral insult. This study aimed to evaluate the communication between Hofbauer cells (HBCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) during a viral infection. METHODS HBCs were either uninfected or infected with the γ-herpesvirus, MHV-68, and the conditioned medium (CM) collected. HUVECs were exposed to HBC CM and the levels of the pro-neutrophilic response markers: IL-8; E-selectin; intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1); and vascular adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) measured by ELISA and qPCR. The role of HBC-derived IL-1β was investigated using an IL-1β blocking antibody (Ab) or IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra). RESULTS MHV-68 infection of HBCs induced a significant increase in IL-1β secretion. CM from infected HBCs induced HUVEC expression of IL-8, E-selectin, VCAM-1, ICAM-1 mRNA, and secretion of IL-8. The HUVEC response to the CM of MHV-infected HBCs was inhibited by a neutralizing IL-1β Ab and by IL-1Ra. DISCUSSION Virally-induced HBC IL-1β activates HUVECs to generate a pro-neutrophilic response. This novel cell-cell communication pathway may play an important role in the genesis of fetal inflammation associated with placental viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Hendrix
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Zhonghua Tang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michelle Silasi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Karen E Racicot
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Gil Mor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Vikki M Abrahams
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Seth Guller
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Perinatal Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Their Possible Contribution to Fetal-Maternal Tolerance. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111401. [PMID: 31703272 PMCID: PMC6912620 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, a successful coexistence between the mother and the semi-allogenic fetus occurs which requires a dynamic immune system to guarantee an efficient immune protection against possible infections and tolerance toward fetal antigens. The mechanism of fetal-maternal tolerance is still an open question. There is growing in vitro and in vivo evidence that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) which are present in perinatal tissues have a prominent role in generating a functional microenvironment critical to a successful pregnancy. This review highlights the immunomodulatory properties of perinatal MSC and their impact on the major immune cell subsets present in the uterus during pregnancy, such as natural killer cells, antigen-presenting cells (macrophages and dendritic cells), and T cells. Here, we discuss the current understanding and the possible contribution of perinatal MSC in the establishment of fetal-maternal tolerance, providing a new perspective on the physiology of gestation.
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Chu A, Najafzadeh P, Sullivan P, Cone B, Elshimali R, Shakeri H, Janzen C, Mah V, Wadehra M. Aldehyde dehydrogenase isoforms and inflammatory cell populations are differentially expressed in term human placentas affected by intrauterine growth restriction. Placenta 2019; 81:9-17. [PMID: 31138432 PMCID: PMC6719708 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2019.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a complication of pregnancy that has both short- and long-term sequelae for affected mothers and offspring. The pathophysiology of disease stems from poor nutrient and oxygen provision to the fetus, resulting in increased oxidative stress within the placenta. As the milieu within the local microenvironment alters macrophage differentiation, we hypothesized that macrophage plasticity may be altered in placentas associated with IUGR, and that macrophages would show hallmarks of lipid peroxidation including altered aldehyde metabolism. METHODS In human placentas taken from normal pregnancies resulting in appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) newborns and placentas associated with IUGR, placental macrophages were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and shown in IUGR to resemble pro-inflammatory activated M1-type macrophages. To link oxidative stress to macrophages, the expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDHs) isozymes ALDH1, ALDH2, and ALDH3 was assessed. RESULTS All three isozymes displayed preferential staining for distinct cellular populations within the term human placenta. ALDH1 and ALDH2 were strongly expressed in placental Hofbauer and decidual stromal cells. ALDH3, in contrast, was present in extravillous trophoblasts. Comparing AGA and IUGR-associated placentas, ALDH1 and ALDH2 trended to have greater expression in macrophage populations but lower expression in decidual cell populations in IUGR-associated placentas. ALDH3 had higher expression in IUGR-associated placentas but localized specifically to extravillous trophoblast populations. CONCLUSION Therefore, we speculate that specific ALDH isozymes have cell-specific functions related to differentiation, inflammation, or oxidative stress responses that are altered in IUGR-associated term human placentas. This family of isozymes may be a novel method to identify human placentas affected by placental insufficiency/IUGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Chu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology and Developmental Biology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 10833 LeConte Avenue, Room B2-375 MDCC, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Parisa Najafzadeh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, 4525 MacDonald Research Laboratories, Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Peggy Sullivan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, 4525 MacDonald Research Laboratories, Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Brian Cone
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, 4525 MacDonald Research Laboratories, Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Ryan Elshimali
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, 4525 MacDonald Research Laboratories, Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Hania Shakeri
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, 4525 MacDonald Research Laboratories, Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Carla Janzen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Room 22-172, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Vei Mah
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, 4525 MacDonald Research Laboratories, Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Madhuri Wadehra
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, 4525 MacDonald Research Laboratories, Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 8-684 Factor Building, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; Center to Eliminate Cancer Health Disparities, Charles Drew University, 1731 East 120th Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90059, USA.
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Differential Activation of Fetal Hofbauer Cells in Primigravidas Is Associated with Decreased Birth Weight in Symptomatic Placental Malaria. Malar Res Treat 2019; 2019:1378174. [PMID: 31186834 PMCID: PMC6521392 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1378174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Placental malaria is a leading global cause of low birth weight neonates, especially in first-time mothers. To better understand the role of innate immunity in placental malaria, we investigated the relationships between histopathological markers of placental malaria, fetal and maternal macrophage responses, and perinatal outcomes in a cross-sectional case control study of pregnant women presenting with symptomatic malaria at the time of delivery. Results Primigravidas showed increased hemozoin deposition in placental villi (p=0.02), syncytiotrophoblasts (p=0.01), and fetal Hofbauer cells (p=0.01). The percentage of hemozoin-positive villi negatively correlated with infant birth weight (regression coefficient [b] = -0.03 kg decrease in birth weight per % increase in hemozoin-positive villi, p=0.035). Malaria-infected placentas showed a twofold increase in Hofbauer cells (p<0.001) and maternal macrophages (p<0.001). Placental malaria was associated with a threefold increase in the percentage of M2 maternal macrophages (19.2% vs 6.4%, p=0.01). Primigravidas showed a significant decrease in the Hofbauer cell M2-percentage in placental malaria (92.7% vs. 97.0%, p=0.04), which was predictive of infant birth weight (b=0.08 kg increase in birth weight per % increase in M2 Hofbauer cells, p=0.001). There was no association between maternal macrophage response and infant birth weights. Conclusions Placentas with malarial infection had increased numbers of fetal Hofbauer cells in the villous stroma and maternal macrophages in the intervillous space. In primigravidas, decreased anti-inflammatory M2-type Hofbauer cells were predictive of lower birth weight. M2-type maternal macrophages were increased in placental malaria, but there was no association with gravidity or birth weight. These results suggested a protective role of M2 Hofbauer cells in fetal growth restriction.
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Zulu MZ, Martinez FO, Gordon S, Gray CM. The Elusive Role of Placental Macrophages: The Hofbauer Cell. J Innate Immun 2019; 11:447-456. [PMID: 30970346 DOI: 10.1159/000497416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, we discuss the often overlooked tissue-resident fetal macrophages, Hofbauer cells, which are found within the chorionic villi of the human placenta. Hofbauer cells have been shown to have a phenotype associated with regulatory and anti-inflammatory functions. They are thought to play a crucial role in the regulation of pregnancy and in the maintenance of a homeostatic environment that is crucial for fetal development. Even though the numbers of these macrophages are some of the most abundant immune cells in the human placenta, which are sustained throughout pregnancy, there are very few studies that have identified their origin, their phenotype, and functions and why they are maintained throughout gestation. It is not yet understood how Hofbauer cells may change in function throughout normal pregnancy, and especially in those complicated by maternal gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and viral infections, such as Zika, cytomegalovirus, and human immunodeficiency virus. We review what is known about the origin of these macrophages and explore how common complications of pregnancy dysregulate these cells leading to adverse birth outcomes in humans. Our synthesis sheds light on areas for human studies that can further define these innate regulatory cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Z Zulu
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Fernando O Martinez
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Siamon Gordon
- Chang Gung University, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.,Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Clive M Gray
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, .,National Health Laboratory Services/Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa,
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Gene Expression Profiling of Placenta from Normal to Pathological Pregnancies. Placenta 2018. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.80551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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Brien ME, Baker B, Duval C, Gaudreault V, Jones RL, Girard S. Alarmins at the maternal-fetal interface: involvement of inflammation in placental dysfunction and pregnancy complications 1. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2018; 97:206-212. [PMID: 30485131 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2018-0363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation is known to be associated with placental dysfunction and pregnancy complications. Infections are well known to be a cause of inflammation but they are frequently undetectable in pregnancy complications. More recently, the focus has been extended to inflammation of noninfectious origin, namely caused by endogenous mediators known as "damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs)" or alarmins. In this manuscript, we review the mechanism by which inflammation, sterile or infectious, can alter the placenta and its function. We discuss some classical DAMPs, such as uric acid, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), cell-free fetal deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) (cffDNA), S100 proteins, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and their impact on the placenta. We focus on the main placental cells (i.e., trophoblast and Hofbauer cells) and describe the placental response to, and release of, DAMPs. We also covered the current state of knowledge about the role of DAMPs in pregnancy complications including preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and stillbirth and possible therapeutic strategies to preserve placental function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Eve Brien
- a Ste-Justine Hospital Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.,b Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Bernadette Baker
- c Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom.,d St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
| | - Cyntia Duval
- a Ste-Justine Hospital Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.,e Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Virginie Gaudreault
- a Ste-Justine Hospital Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.,e Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Rebecca L Jones
- c Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom.,d St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
| | - Sylvie Girard
- a Ste-Justine Hospital Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.,b Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.,e Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
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45
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In Vitro Models for Studying Transport Across Epithelial Tissue Barriers. Ann Biomed Eng 2018; 47:1-21. [DOI: 10.1007/s10439-018-02124-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Cizkova K, Tauber Z. Time-dependent expression pattern of cytochrome P450 epoxygenases and soluble epoxide hydrolase in normal human placenta. Acta Histochem 2018; 120:513-519. [PMID: 29908721 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
CYP2C and CYP2 J enzymes, commonly named as cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenases, convert arachidonic acid to four regioisomeric epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), biologically active eicosanoids with many functions in organism. EETs are rapidly hydrolysed to less active dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs) by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). We investigated spatio-temporal expression pattern of CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2 J2 and sEH in normal human placenta by immunohistochemical method. In the villous trophoblast, CYP2C8 was the most abundant protein. Its expression is higher than the CYP2C9 and CYP2 J2 in the cytotrophoblast in the embryonic stage of development and remains higher in syncytiotrophoblast of term placenta. Unlike to CYP2C8, CYP2C9 and CYP2 J2 expression decrease in term placenta. sEH expression increases with gestation age and is strictly limited to cytotrophoblast in embryonic and foetal stages of the development. Moreover, CYP2C8 shows more intensive staining than the other protein monitored in Hofbauer cells in villous stroma. Specific information regarding the exact role of EETs and DHETs functions in a normal placenta is still unknown. Based on CYP epoxygenases and sEH localization and well known information about the functions of placental structures during development, we suggest that these enzymes could play different roles in various cell populations in the placenta. As the placenta is absolutely crucial for prenatal development, arachidonic acid is essential part of human nutrient and CYP epoxygenases expression can be affected by xenobiotics, further investigation of the exact role of CYP epoxygenases, sEH, and their metabolites in normal pregnancy and under pathological conditions is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Cizkova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, 77900, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, 77900, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
| | - Z Tauber
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, 77900, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
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Biomimetic Placenta-Fetus Model Demonstrating Maternal-Fetal Transmission and Fetal Neural Toxicity of Zika Virus. Ann Biomed Eng 2018; 46:1963-1974. [PMID: 30003503 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-018-2090-y] [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] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Recent global epidemics of viral infection such as Zika virus (ZIKV) and associated birth defects from maternal-fetal viral transmission highlights the critical unmet need for experimental models that adequately recapitulates the biology of the human maternal-fetal interface and downstream fetal development. Herein, we report an in vitro biomimetic placenta-fetus model of the maternal-fetal interface and downstream fetal cells. Using a tissue engineering approach, we built a 3D model incorporating placental trophoblast and endothelial cells into an extracellular matrix environment and validated formation of the maternal-fetal interface. We utilized this model to study ZIKV exposure to the placenta and neural progenitor cells. Our results indicated ZIKV infects both trophoblast and endothelial cells, leading to a higher viral load exposed to fetal cells downstream of the barrier. Viral inhibition by chloroquine reduced the amount of virus both in the placenta and transmitted to fetal cells. A sustained downstream neural cell viability in contrast to significantly reduced viability in an acellular model indicates that the placenta sequesters ZIKV consistent with clinical observations. These findings suggest that the placenta can modulate ZIKV exposure-induced fetal damage. Moreover, such tissue models can enable rigorous assessment of potential therapeutics for maternal-fetal medicine.
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Zhao H, Kalish FS, Wong RJ, Stevenson DK. Hypoxia regulates placental angiogenesis via alternatively activated macrophages. Am J Reprod Immunol 2018; 80:e12989. [PMID: 29932269 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Uterine and placental macrophages play critical roles in maintaining a normal pregnancy. The majority of these macrophages are believed to be alternatively activated macrophages (M2). METHOD OF STUDY Mouse bone marrow cells were differentiated into macrophages and polarized to M2 in vitro by treatment with IL-4 [M2a] or IL-10 [M2c] and M1 with LPS/IFN-γ as controls. Macrophage subtypes were confirmed by surface markers and characterized by gene expression profiles. RESULTS Compared to M1, M2 showed strong pro-angiogenic activity by expressing higher mRNA for angiogenic-associated factors (Cxcl12, Vegfa, PlGF, Mmp2). M2c produced the highest levels of PlGF, Mmp2, and Cxcr4. To mimic the normal placental microenvironment, M2 were exposed to hypoxia and sex hormones (progesterone, estrogen). In both M2c and M2a, severe hypoxic (1%-3% O2 ) exposure significantly suppressed PlGF, Cxcl12, and Mmp2 mRNA, but not Vegfa, compared to normoxia (21% O2 ) or physiological hypoxia (5% O2 ). mRNA expression returned to normal when hypoxic cells were returned to normoxia. Hypoxia (1%) reduced antioxidant levels in M2 and re-exposure to normoxia significantly increased superoxide dismutase (Sod1, Sod2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels in M2a, and only glutathione peroxidase (Gpx1, Gpx3, Gpx4) in M2c. However, progesterone and estrogen treatment had minimal effects on angiogenic factor expression in M2. CONCLUSION M2, particularly M2c, displayed strong pro-angiogenic potential, which decreased under severe hypoxia such as in early pregnancy. Thus, conditions that alter the placental oxygen microenvironment or macrophage response in early pregnancy might cause aberrant angiogenesis and vascular remodeling, and lead to abnormal placental vascular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Flora S Kalish
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ronald J Wong
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - David K Stevenson
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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Harding JC, Ladinig A, Novakovic P, Detmer SE, Wilkinson JM, Yang T, Lunney JK, Plastow GS. Novel insights into host responses and reproductive pathophysiology of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome caused by PRRSV-2. Vet Microbiol 2017; 209:114-123. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2017.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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50
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Straughen JK, Misra DP, Divine G, Shah R, Perez G, VanHorn S, Onbreyt V, Dygulska B, Schmitt R, Lederman S, Narula P, Salafia CM. The association between placental histopathology and autism spectrum disorder. Placenta 2017; 57:183-188. [PMID: 28864010 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2017.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Research suggests that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has its origins in utero. This study examines the association between evidence of placental histopathology and ASD. METHODS Administrative claims data and medical records data were used to identify ASD cases (N = 55) and matched controls (N = 199) born at New York Methodist Hospital between 2007 and 2014 and subsequently seen in affiliated pediatrics clinics. Placentas from all births during this time period were reviewed as part of routine care. Data were analyzed using conditional logistic regression to account for the matched (gender, gestational age, and birth weight) design. RESULTS Acute placental inflammation, regardless of type was associated with an increased risk of ASD (odds ratio [OR] = 3.14, 95% CI = 1.39, 6.95). Chronic uteroplacental vasculitis (OR = 7.13; 95% CI = 1.17, 43.38), the fetal inflammatory response in the chorionic plate vessels (OR = 5.12; 95% CI = 2.02, 12.96), and maternal vascular malperfusion pathology (OR = 12.29; 95% CI = 1.37, 110.69) were associated with an increased risk of ASD. Placental villous edema was associated with a decreased risk of ASD (OR = 0.05; 95% CI = 0.0005, 0.42). In subanalyses among male placentas acute inflammation overall, fetal inflammatory response in the chorionic plate vessels, and maternal vascular malperfusion pathology remained significantly associated with an increased risk of ASD whereas placental villous edema remained associated with a decreased risk of ASD. DISCUSSION Histologic evidence of placental inflammation and maternal vascular malperfusion pathology are associated with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K Straughen
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Hospital, 1 Ford Place, Suite 3E, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
| | - Dawn P Misra
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
| | - George Divine
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Hospital, 1 Ford Place, Suite 3E, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
| | - Ruchit Shah
- Placental Modulation Laboratory, Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, 1550 Forest Hill Road, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA.
| | - Gabriela Perez
- Placental Analytics LLC, 187 Overlook Circle, New Rochelle, NY 10804, USA.
| | - Samantha VanHorn
- Placental Analytics LLC, 187 Overlook Circle, New Rochelle, NY 10804, USA; Department of Women's, Gender, & Sexuality Studies & Bioethics, Emory University, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - Victoria Onbreyt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, 550 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA.
| | - Beata Dygulska
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, 550 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA.
| | - Rebecca Schmitt
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, 550 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA.
| | - Sanford Lederman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, 550 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA.
| | - Pramod Narula
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, 550 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA.
| | - Carolyn M Salafia
- Placental Modulation Laboratory, Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, 1550 Forest Hill Road, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA; Placental Analytics LLC, 187 Overlook Circle, New Rochelle, NY 10804, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, 550 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA; Department of Pediatrics, New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, 550 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA.
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