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Li Y, Yu X, Shi J, Zhao J, Li L. The role of aryl hydrocarbon receptors in nutrient metabolism and immune regulation at the maternal-fetal interface. Placenta 2024; 154:9-17. [PMID: 38830294 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.05.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
The maternal-fetal interface is composed of the placenta, which is affiliated with the fetus, and the maternal decidua. During pregnancy, the placenta is mainly responsible for nutrient transport and immune tolerance maintenance, which plays a key role in fetal growth and development and pregnancy maintenance. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that exists in various cell types at the maternal-fetal interface and is involved in multiple cellular processes. Recent studies have highlighted the role of AhR in regulating various physiological processes, including glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as tryptophan metabolism and immune responses, within non-pregnant tissues. This review shifts focus towards understanding how AhR modulation impacts metabolism and immune regulation at the maternal-fetal interface. This may implicate the development of pregnancy-related complications and the potential target of the AhR pathway for therapeutic strategies against poor pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China; The Laboratory of Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center (Institute of Translational Medicine), Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences) of China, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Xiaojun Yu
- School of Public Health Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Jing Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100083, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, 100083, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100083, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China.
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2
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Dai Y, Xu X, Huo X, Faas MM. Effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on pregnancy, placenta, and placental trophoblasts. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 262:115314. [PMID: 37536008 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of persistent organic pollutants that are carcinogenic, mutagenic, endocrine-toxic, and immunotoxic. PAHs can be found in maternal and fetal blood and in the placenta during pregnancy. They may thus affect placental and fetal development. Therefore, the exposure levels and toxic effects of PAHs in the placenta deserve further study and discussion. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on the effects of PAHs and their metabolites on pregnancy and birth outcomes and on placental trophoblast cells. A growing number of epidemiological studies detected PAH-DNA adducts as well as the 16 high-priority PAHs in the human placenta and showed that placental PAH exposure is associated with adverse fetal outcomes. Trophoblasts are important cells in the placenta and are involved in placental development and function. In vitro studies have shown that exposure to either PAH mixtures, benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) or BaP metabolite benzo(a)pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxide (BPDE) affected trophoblast cell viability, differentiation, migration, and invasion through various signaling pathways. Furthermore, similar effects of BPDE on trophoblast cells could also be observed in BaP-treated mouse models and were related to miscarriage. Although the current data show that PAHs may affect placental trophoblast cells and pregnancy outcomes, further studies (population studies, in vitro studies, and animal studies) are necessary to show the specific effects of different PAHs on placental trophoblasts and pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Dai
- Division of Medical Biology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen and University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands; Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Rd, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xijin Xu
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Rd, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Rd, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Xia Huo
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Marijke M Faas
- Division of Medical Biology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen and University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen and University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands
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3
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Toutounchi NS, Braber S, Land BV, Thijssen S, Garssen J, Folkerts G, Hogenkamp A. Deoxynivalenol exposure during pregnancy has adverse effects on placental structure and immunity in mice model. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 112:109-118. [PMID: 35840118 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Deoxynivalenol (DON), a highly prevalent food contaminant, is known to induce reproductive and immunotoxicity in humans upon exposure. The present study focused on the consequences of exposure to DON during pregnancy for placental barrier and immune function, as well as fetal survival. Female mice received diets contaminated with DON (6.25 and 12.5 mg/kg of diet), starting immediately after mating until the end of the experiment. On day 17 of pregnancy the animals were killed, and maternal and fetal samples were collected for further analysis. Feeding on DON-contaminated diets decreased fetal survival, and DON was detected at significant levels in the fetus. Placentae from DON-exposed mice revealed a reduction in expression of junctional proteins, ZO-1, E-cadherin and claudins, upregulation of AHR mRNA expressions, and increase in IFN-ꝩ, IL-6 and IL-4 production. In conclusion, results of this study demonstrate harmful effects of DON on the course of pregnancy and fetal survival, which might be due to immunological changes in maternal immune organs and placenta. Altogether, these data underline the importance of the quality of maternal diet during pregnancy as they clearly demonstrate the potential harmful effects of a commonly present food-contaminant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negisa Seyed Toutounchi
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Saskia Braber
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Belinda Van't Land
- Department of Immunology, Danone Nutricia Research, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Suzan Thijssen
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Johan Garssen
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Immunology, Danone Nutricia Research, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Gert Folkerts
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Astrid Hogenkamp
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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4
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Zhang T, Shen HH, Qin XY, Li MQ. The metabolic characteristic of decidual immune cells and their unique properties in pregnancy loss. Immunol Rev 2022; 308:168-186. [PMID: 35582842 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Maternal tolerance to semi- or fully allograft conceptus is a prerequisite for the maintenance of pregnancy. Once this homeostasis is disrupted, it may result in pregnancy loss. As a potential approach to prevent pregnancy loss, targeting decidual immune cells (DICs) at the maternal-fetal interface has been suggested. Although the phenotypic features and functions of DIC have been extensively profiled, the regulatory pathways for this unique immunological adaption have yet to be elucidated. In recent years, a pivotal mechanism has been highlighted in the area of immunometabolism, by which the changes in intracellular metabolic pathways in DIC and interaction with the adjacent metabolites in the microenvironment can alter their phenotypes and function. More inspiringly, the manipulation of metabolic profiling in DIC provides a novel avenue for the prevention and treatment of pregnancy loss. Herein, this review highlights the major metabolic programs (specifically, glycolysis, ATP-adenosine metabolism, lysophosphatidic acid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism) in multiple immune cells (including decidual NK cells, macrophages, and T cells) and their integrations with the metabolic microenvironment in normal pregnancy. Importantly, this perspective may help to provide a potential therapeutic strategy for reducing pregnancy loss via targeting this interplay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hui-Hui Shen
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue-Yun Qin
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Medical School, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Holme JA, Valen H, Brinchmann BC, Vist GE, Grimsrud TK, Becher R, Holme AM, Øvrevik J, Alexander J. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) may explain the paradoxical effects of cigarette use on preeclampsia (PE). Toxicology 2022; 473:153206. [PMID: 35550401 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2022.153206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Tobacco smoking and use of snus (smokeless tobacco) are associated with adverse effects on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Nicotine is considered a key toxicant involved in effects caused by both smoking and snus, while pyrolysis products including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in cigarette smoke represents the constituents most unequally divided between these two groups of tobacco products. The aim of this review was: i) to compare the impact, in terms of relative effect estimates, of cigarette smoking and use of Swedish snus on pregnancy outcomes using similar non-tobacco user controls, and ii) to examine whether exposure to PAHs from smoking could explain possible differences in impact on pregnancy outcomes. We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, Web of Science and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews up to October 2021 and identified studies reporting risks for adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes associated with snus use and with smoking relative to pregnant women with no use of tobacco. Both snus use and smoking were associated with increased risk of stillbirth, preterm birth, and oral cleft malformation, with comparable point estimates. These effects were likely due to comparable nicotine exposure. We also found striking differences. While both smoking and snus increased the risk of having small for gestational age (SGA) infants, risk from maternal smoking was markedly higher as was the reduction in birthweight. In contrast, the risk of preeclampsia (PE) was markedly lower in smokers than in controls, while snus use was associated with a slightly increased risk. We suggest that PAHs acting via AhR may explain the stronger effects of tobacco smoking on SGA and also to the apparent protective effect of cigarette smoking on PE. Possible mechanisms involved include: i) disrupted endocrine control of fetal development as well as placental development and function, and ii) stress adaption and immune suppression in placenta and mother.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jørn A Holme
- Division of Climate and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Håkon Valen
- Division of Climate and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Bendik C Brinchmann
- Division of Climate and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway; Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Gunn E Vist
- Division for Health Services, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Tom K Grimsrud
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Rune Becher
- Division of Climate and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Ane M Holme
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Johan Øvrevik
- Division of Climate and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway; Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Jan Alexander
- Division of Climate and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
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6
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Klenov V, Flor S, Ganesan S, Adur M, Eti N, Iqbal K, Soares MJ, Ludewig G, Ross JW, Robertson LW, Keating AF. The Aryl hydrocarbon receptor mediates reproductive toxicity of polychlorinated biphenyl congener 126 in rats. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 426:115639. [PMID: 34256052 PMCID: PMC8500329 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are endocrine disrupting chemicals with documented, though mechanistically ill-defined, reproductive toxicity. The toxicity of dioxin-like PCBs, such as PCB126, is mediated via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in non-ovarian tissues. The goal of this study was to examine the uterine and ovarian effects of PCB126 and test the hypothesis that the AHR is required for PCB126-induced reproductive toxicity. Female Holzman-Sprague Dawley wild type (n = 14; WT) and Ahr knock out (n = 11; AHR-/-) rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of either corn oil vehicle (5 ml/kg: WT_O and AHR-/-_O) or PCB126 (1.63 mg/kg in corn oil: WT_PCB and AHR-/-_PCB) at four weeks of age. The estrous cycle was synchronized and ovary and uterus were collected 28 days after exposure. In WT rats, PCB126 exposure reduced (P < 0.05) body and ovary weight, uterine gland number, uterine area, progesterone, 17β-estradiol and anti-Müllerian hormone level, secondary and antral follicle and corpora lutea number but follicle stimulating hormone level increased (P < 0.05). In AHR-/- rats, PCB126 exposure increased (P ≤ 0.05) circulating luteinizing hormone level. Ovarian or uterine mRNA abundance of biotransformation, and inflammation genes were altered (P < 0.05) in WT rats due to PCB126 exposure. In AHR-/- rats, the transcriptional effects of PCB126 were restricted to reductions (P < 0.05) in three inflammatory genes. These findings support a functional role for AHR in the female reproductive tract, illustrate AHR's requirement in PCB126-induced reprotoxicity, and highlight the potential risk of dioxin-like compounds on female reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violet Klenov
- Dept of Ob/Gyn, University of Iowa, United States of America
| | - Susanne Flor
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Human Toxicology and Dept of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, United States of America
| | - Shanthi Ganesan
- Dept of Animal Science, Iowa State University, United States of America
| | - Malavika Adur
- Dept of Animal Science, Iowa State University, United States of America
| | - Nazmin Eti
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Human Toxicology and Dept of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, United States of America
| | - Khursheed Iqbal
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research and Department of Pathology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States of America
| | - Michael J Soares
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research and Department of Pathology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States of America; Departments of Pediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States of America; Center for Perinatal Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's Mercy, Kansas City, MO, United States of America
| | - Gabriele Ludewig
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Human Toxicology and Dept of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, United States of America
| | - Jason W Ross
- Dept of Animal Science, Iowa State University, United States of America
| | - Larry W Robertson
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Human Toxicology and Dept of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, United States of America
| | - Aileen F Keating
- Dept of Animal Science, Iowa State University, United States of America.
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Yao Y, Hao F, Tang LC, Xu XH, Jin L. Downregulation of HDAC8 expression decreases CD163 levels and promotes the apoptosis of macrophages by activating the ERK signaling pathway in recurrent spontaneous miscarriage. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:521-531. [PMID: 32433749 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous miscarriage (RSM) is a systemic disorder that has been defined as two or more pregnancies lost before the 20th week of gestation. Although the impaired function of macrophages at the maternal-fetal interface has been reported to be associated with RSM, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Here, we revealed that HDAC8 plays a critical role in RSM. Our results show that the mRNA and protein expression of HDAC8 was decreased in decidual macrophages from RSM patients. Moreover, the knockdown of HDAC8 resulted in a significant decrease in CD163 expression and an increase in apoptosis in dTHP-1 macrophages. Mechanistically, the ERK signaling pathway was activated in HDAC8-knockdown macrophages. When HDAC8-knockdown cells were pretreated with the ERK inhibitor U0126, expression levels of CD163, activated caspases 3, 7 and 9, and the apoptosis rate, were rescued. Taken together, our current results suggest that HDAC8 plays an important role in macrophage activation and apoptosis and may contribute to maintaining normal pregnancy by increasing the expression of M2 marker genes and inhibiting the apoptosis of macrophages at the maternal-fetal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongli Yao
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Fan Hao
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Lin-Chen Tang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Xiang-Hong Xu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Liping Jin
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, China
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8
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Torti MF, Giovannoni F, Quintana FJ, García CC. The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor as a Modulator of Anti-viral Immunity. Front Immunol 2021; 12:624293. [PMID: 33746961 PMCID: PMC7973006 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.624293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor, which interacts with a wide range of organic molecules of endogenous and exogenous origin, including environmental pollutants, tryptophan metabolites, and microbial metabolites. The activation of AHR by these agonists drives its translocation into the nucleus where it controls the expression of a large number of target genes that include the AHR repressor (AHRR), detoxifying monooxygenases (CYP1A1 and CYP1B1), and cytokines. Recent advances reveal that AHR signaling modulates aspects of the intrinsic, innate and adaptive immune response to diverse microorganisms. This review will focus on the increasing evidence supporting a role for AHR as a modulator of the host response to viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Florencia Torti
- Laboratory of Antiviral Strategies, Biochemistry Department, School of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, IQUIBICEN-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Federico Giovannoni
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Francisco Javier Quintana
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Cybele Carina García
- Laboratory of Antiviral Strategies, Biochemistry Department, School of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, IQUIBICEN-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Vota D, Torti M, Paparini D, Giovannoni F, Merech F, Hauk V, Calo G, Ramhorst R, Garcia C, Pérez Leirós C. Zika virus infection of first trimester trophoblast cells affects cell migration, metabolism and immune homeostasis control. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:4913-4925. [PMID: 33305387 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) re-emerged after circulating almost undetected for many years and the last spread in 2015 was the major outbreak reported. ZIKV infection was associated with congenital fetal growth anomalies such as microcephaly, brain calcifications, and low birth weight related to fetal growth restriction. In this study, we investigated the effect of ZIKV infection on first trimester trophoblast cell function and metabolism. We also studied the interaction of trophoblast cells with decidual immune populations. Results presented here demonstrate that ZIKV infection triggered a strong antiviral response in first trimester cytotrophoblast-derived cells, impaired cell migration, increased glucose uptake and GLUT3 expression, and reduced brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. ZIKV infection also conditioned trophoblast cells to favor a tolerogenic response since an increased recruitment of CD14+ monocytes bearing an anti-inflammatory profile, increased CD4+ T cells and NK CD56Dim and NK CD56Bright populations and an increment in the population CD4+ FOXP3+ IL-10+ cells was observed. Interestingly, when ZIKV infection of trophoblast cells occurred in the presence of the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) there was lower detection of viral RNA and reduced toll-like receptor-3 and viperin messenger RNA expression, along with reduced CD56Dim cells trafficking to trophoblast conditioned media. The effects of ZIKV infection on trophoblast cell function and immune-trophoblast interaction shown here could contribute to defective placentation and ZIKV persistence at the fetal-maternal interface. The inhibitory effect of VIP on ZIKV infection of trophoblast cells highlights its potential as a candidate molecule to interfere ZIKV infection during early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiana Vota
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA). Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET). Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN-CONICET). Laboratorio de Inmunofarmacología. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Torti
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA). Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET). Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN-CONICET). Laboratorio de Estrategias Antivrales. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel Paparini
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA). Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET). Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN-CONICET). Laboratorio de Inmunofarmacología. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Federico Giovannoni
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA). Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET). Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN-CONICET). Laboratorio de Estrategias Antivrales. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fátima Merech
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA). Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET). Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN-CONICET). Laboratorio de Inmunofarmacología. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanesa Hauk
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA). Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET). Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN-CONICET). Laboratorio de Inmunofarmacología. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermina Calo
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA). Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET). Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN-CONICET). Laboratorio de Inmunofarmacología. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rosanna Ramhorst
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA). Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET). Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN-CONICET). Laboratorio de Inmunofarmacología. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cybele Garcia
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA). Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET). Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN-CONICET). Laboratorio de Estrategias Antivrales. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia Pérez Leirós
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA). Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET). Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN-CONICET). Laboratorio de Inmunofarmacología. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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10
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Li Y, Zhou C, Lei W, Wang K, Zheng J. Roles of aryl hydrocarbon receptor in endothelial angiogenic responses†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:927-937. [PMID: 32716482 PMCID: PMC7731988 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor, which can be activated by a plethora of structure-diverse ligands. Historically, AhR is known for its involvements in regulation of metabolism of xenobiotics. However, normal physiological roles of AhR have been defined in other essential biological processes, including vascular growth and function, reproduction, and immunoresponses. In contrast, aberrant expression and activation of the AhR signaling pathway occur in a variety of human diseases, many of which (e.g., preeclampsia, atherosclerosis, and hypertension) could be associated with endothelial dysfunction. Indeed, emerging evidence has shown that either exogenous or endogenous AhR ligands can induce endothelial dysfunction in either an AhR-dependent or AhR-independent manner, possibly reliant on the blood vessel origin (artery and vein) of endothelial cells. Given that the AhR signaling pathway has broad impacts on endothelial and cardiovascular function, AhR ligands, AhR, and their downstream genes could be considered novel therapeutic targets for those endothelial-related diseases. This review will discuss the current knowledge of AhR's mediation on endothelial function and potential mechanisms underlying these actions with a focus on placental endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Chi Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Wei Lei
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
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Turski WA, Wnorowski A, Turski GN, Turski CA, Turski L. AhR and IDO1 in pathogenesis of Covid-19 and the "Systemic AhR Activation Syndrome:" a translational review and therapeutic perspectives. Restor Neurol Neurosci 2020; 38:343-354. [PMID: 32597823 PMCID: PMC7592680 DOI: 10.3233/rnn-201042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Covid-19 is the acute illness caused by SARS-CoV-2 with initial clinical symptoms such as cough, fever, malaise, headache, and anosmia. After entry into cells, corona viruses (CoV) activate aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhRs) by an indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1)-independent mechanism, bypassing the IDO1-kynurenine-AhR pathway. The IDO1-kynurenine-AhR signaling pathway is used by multiple viral, microbial and parasitic pathogens to activate AhRs and to establish infections. AhRs enhance their own activity through an IDO1-AhR-IDO1 positive feedback loop prolonging activation induced by pathogens. Direct activation of AhRs by CoV induces immediate and simultaneous up-regulation of diverse AhR-dependent downstream effectors, and this, in turn, results in a "Systemic AhR Activation Syndrome" (SAAS) consisting of inflammation, thromboembolism, and fibrosis, culminating in multiple organ injuries, and death. Activation of AhRs by CoV may lead to diverse sets of phenotypic disease pictures depending on time after infection, overall state of health, hormonal balance, age, gender, comorbidities, but also diet and environmental factors modulating AhRs. We hypothesize that elimination of factors known to up-regulate AhRs, or implementation of measures known to down-regulate AhRs, should decrease severity of infection. Although therapies selectively down-regulating both AhR and IDO1 are currently lacking, medications in clinical use such as dexamethasone may down-regulate both AhR and IDO1 genes, as calcitriol/vitamin D3 may down-regulate the AhR gene, and tocopherol/vitamin E may down-regulate the IDO1 gene. Supplementation of calcitriol should therefore be subjected to epidemiological studies and tested in prospective trials for prevention of CoV infections, as should tocopherol, whereas dexamethasone could be tried in interventional trials. Because lack of physical exercise activates AhRs via the IDO1-kynurenine-AhR signaling pathway increasing risk of infection, physical exercise should be encouraged during quarantines and stay-at-home orders during pandemic outbreaks. Understanding which factors affect gene expression of both AhR and IDO1 may help in designing therapies to prevent and treat humans suffering from Covid-19.
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MESH Headings
- Air Pollutants/adverse effects
- Betacoronavirus/physiology
- COVID-19
- Calcitriol/therapeutic use
- Coronavirus Infections/complications
- Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy
- Coronavirus Infections/physiopathology
- Dexamethasone/therapeutic use
- Exercise
- Feedback, Physiological
- Female
- Fibrosis/etiology
- Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects
- Humans
- Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase/biosynthesis
- Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase/genetics
- Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase/physiology
- Inflammation/etiology
- Kynurenine/physiology
- Male
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Multiple Organ Failure/etiology
- Obstetric Labor, Premature/etiology
- Pandemics
- Pneumonia, Viral/complications
- Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy
- Pneumonia, Viral/physiopathology
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/physiopathology
- Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon/genetics
- Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon/physiology
- SARS-CoV-2
- Sensation Disorders/etiology
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Signal Transduction/physiology
- Thromboembolism/etiology
- Tocopherols/therapeutic use
- COVID-19 Drug Treatment
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Affiliation(s)
- Waldemar A. Turski
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Artur Wnorowski
- Department of Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Gabrielle N. Turski
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christopher A. Turski
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Bonn, Germany
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Expression, Localization, and Activity of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in the Human Placenta. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19123762. [PMID: 30486367 PMCID: PMC6321474 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19123762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The human placenta is an organ between the blood of the mother and the fetus, which is essential for fetal development. It also plays a role as a selective barrier against environmental pollutants that may bypass epithelial barriers and reach the placenta, with implications for the outcome of pregnancy. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is one of the most important environmental-sensor transcription factors and mediates the metabolism of a wide variety of xenobiotics. Nevertheless, the identification of dietary and endogenous ligands of AhR suggest that it may also fulfil physiological functions with which pollutants may interfere. Placental AhR expression and activity is largely unknown. We established the cartography of AhR expression at transcript and protein levels, its cellular distribution, and its transcriptional activity toward the expression of its main target genes. We studied the profile of AhR expression and activity during different pregnancy periods, during trophoblasts differentiation in vitro, and in a trophoblast cell line. Using diverse methods, such as cell fractionation and immunofluorescence microscopy, we found a constitutive nuclear localization of AhR in every placental model, in the absence of any voluntarily-added exogenous activator. Our data suggest an intrinsic activation of AhR due to the presence of endogenous placental ligands.
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Otarola G, Castillo H, Marcellini S. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor-based bioassays for dioxin detection: Thinking outside the box. J Appl Toxicol 2017; 38:437-449. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.3575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gaston Otarola
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences; University of Concepcion; Chile
| | - Hector Castillo
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences; University of Concepcion; Chile
| | - Sylvain Marcellini
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences; University of Concepcion; Chile
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