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Early Life Stress (ELS) Effects on Fetal and Adult Bone Development. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10010102. [PMID: 36670652 PMCID: PMC9856960 DOI: 10.3390/children10010102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Early life stress (ELS) refers to harmful environmental events (i.e., poor maternal health, metabolic restraint, childhood trauma) occurring during the prenatal and/or postnatal period, which may cause the 'epigenetic corruption' of cellular and molecular signaling of mental and physical development. While the impact of ELS in a wide range of human diseases has been confirmed, the ELS susceptibility to bone diseases has been poorly explored. In this review, to understand the potential mediating pathways of ELS in bone diseases, PRISMA criteria were used to analyze different stress protocols in mammal models and the effects elicited in dams and their progeny. Data collected, despite the methodological heterogeneity, show that ELS interferes with fetal bone formation, also revealing that the stress type and affected developmental phase may influence the variety and severity of bone anomalies. Interestingly, these findings highlight the maternal and fetal ability to buffer stress, establishing a new role for the placenta in minimizing ELS perturbations. The functional link between ELS and bone impairments will boost future investigations on maternal stress transmission to the fetus and, parallelly, help the assessment of catch-up mechanisms of skeleton adaptations from the cascading ELS effects.
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Briffa JF, Bevens W, Gravina S, Said JM, Wlodek ME. Pregnant biglycan knockout mice have altered cardiorenal adaptations and a shorter gestational length, but do not develop a pre-eclamptic phenotype. Placenta 2022; 119:52-62. [PMID: 35150975 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pre-eclampsia complicates 4.6% of pregnancies and is linked to impaired placentation; likely due to dysregulated vasculogenesis/angiogenesis. Proteoglycans, such as biglycan, are located on the endothelial surface of fetal capillaries. Biglycan is reduced in the placenta of pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction and pre-eclampsia. Importantly, biglycan stimulates angiogenesis in numerous tissues. Therefore, this study investigated whether biglycan knockdown in mice results in a pre-eclamptic phenotype. METHODS Wild-type (WT) and Bgn-/- mice underwent cardiorenal measurements prior to and during pregnancy. One cohort of mice underwent post-mortem on gestational day 18 (E18) and another cohort underwent post-mortem on postnatal day 1 (PN1), with maternal and offspring tissues of relevance collected. RESULTS Bgn-/- dams had increased heart rate (+9%, p < 0.037) and reduced systolic (-11%, p < 0.001), diastolic (-15%, p < 0.001), and mean arterial (-12%, p < 0.001) pressures at all ages investigated compared to WT. Additionally, Bgn-/- dams had reduced urine flow rate (-64%, p < 0.001) as well as reduced urinary excretions (-49%, p < 0.004) during late gestation compared to WT. Bgn-/- pups had higher body weight (+8%, p = 0.004; E18 only) and a higher liver-to-brain weight ratio (+43%, p < 0.001). Placental weight was unaltered with only minor changes in vasculogenic and angiogenic gene abundances detected, which did not correlate to changes in protein expression. DISCUSSION This study demonstrated that total knockdown of biglycan is not associated with features of pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Briffa
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - W Bevens
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - S Gravina
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - J M Said
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia; Maternal Fetal Medicine, Sunshine Hospital, Western Health, St Albans, VIC, 3021, Australia
| | - M E Wlodek
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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Rock CR, White TA, Piscopo BR, Sutherland AE, Miller SL, Camm EJ, Allison BJ. Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Implications of Growth Restriction: Mechanisms and Potential Treatments. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147555. [PMID: 34299174 PMCID: PMC8303639 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a common complication of pregnancy, resulting in a fetus that fails to reach its genetically determined growth potential. Whilst the fetal cardiovascular response to acute hypoxia is well established, the fetal defence to chronic hypoxia is not well understood due to experiment constraints. Growth restriction results primarily from reduced oxygen and nutrient supply to the developing fetus, resulting in chronic hypoxia. The fetus adapts to chronic hypoxia by redistributing cardiac output via brain sparing in an attempt to preserve function in the developing brain. This review highlights the impact of brain sparing on the developing fetal cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems, as well as emerging long-term effects in offspring that were growth restricted at birth. Here, we explore the pathogenesis associated with brain sparing within the cerebrovascular system. An increased understanding of the mechanistic pathways will be critical to preventing neuropathological outcomes, including motor dysfunction such as cerebral palsy, or behaviour dysfunctions including autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Charmaine R. Rock
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton 3168, Australia; (C.R.R.); (T.A.W.); (B.R.P.); (A.E.S.); (S.L.M.); (E.J.C.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton 3168, Australia
| | - Tegan A. White
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton 3168, Australia; (C.R.R.); (T.A.W.); (B.R.P.); (A.E.S.); (S.L.M.); (E.J.C.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton 3168, Australia
| | - Beth R. Piscopo
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton 3168, Australia; (C.R.R.); (T.A.W.); (B.R.P.); (A.E.S.); (S.L.M.); (E.J.C.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton 3168, Australia
| | - Amy E. Sutherland
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton 3168, Australia; (C.R.R.); (T.A.W.); (B.R.P.); (A.E.S.); (S.L.M.); (E.J.C.)
| | - Suzanne L. Miller
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton 3168, Australia; (C.R.R.); (T.A.W.); (B.R.P.); (A.E.S.); (S.L.M.); (E.J.C.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton 3168, Australia
| | - Emily J. Camm
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton 3168, Australia; (C.R.R.); (T.A.W.); (B.R.P.); (A.E.S.); (S.L.M.); (E.J.C.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton 3168, Australia
| | - Beth J. Allison
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton 3168, Australia; (C.R.R.); (T.A.W.); (B.R.P.); (A.E.S.); (S.L.M.); (E.J.C.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton 3168, Australia
- Correspondence:
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Mangwiro YT, Cuffe JS, Vickers MH, Reynolds CM, Mahizir D, Anevska K, Gravina S, Romano T, Moritz KM, Briffa JF, Wlodek ME. Maternal exercise alters rat fetoplacental stress response: Minimal effects of maternal growth restriction and high-fat feeding. Placenta 2020; 104:57-70. [PMID: 33276236 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fetal growth restriction complicates 10% of pregnancies and increases offspring (F1) risk of metabolic disorders, including obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This disease predisposition can be passed onto the next generation (F2). Importantly, the risk of pregnancy complications in obese women can be exacerbated by a stressful pregnancy. Exercise can reduce adiposity and improve health outcomes in obese women and those with GDM. This study investigated the impacts of maternal growth restriction, obesity, exercise, and stress on fetal and placental endocrine function. METHODS Uteroplacental insufficiency (Restricted) or sham (Control) surgery was induced on embryonic day (E) 18 in F0 Wistar-Kyoto rats. F1 offspring were fed a Chow or High-fat (HFD) diet from weaning and, at 16 weeks, were randomly allocated an exercise protocol; Sedentary, Exercised prior to and during pregnancy (Exercise), or Exercised only during pregnancy (PregEx). Females were mated and further randomly allocated to either undergo (Stress), or not undergo (Unstressed), physiological measurements during pregnancy. On E20, F2 fetal plasma (steroid hormones), tissues (brain, liver), and placentae (morphology, stress genes) were collected. RESULTS Maternal growth restriction and high-fat feeding had minimal impact on fetoplacental endocrine function. PregEx and Exercise increased cross-sectional labyrinth and junctional zone areas. PregEx, but not Exercise, increased fetal deoxycorticosterone concentrations and reduced placental Hsd11b2 and Nr3c2 gene abundance. Maternal stress increased fetal corticosterone concentrations in Sedentary HFD dams and increased placental cross-sectional areas in PregEx mothers. DISCUSSION PregEx and Stress independently dysregulates the endocrine status of the developing fetus, which may program future disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeukai Tm Mangwiro
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia; Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - James Sm Cuffe
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Mark H Vickers
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Grafton, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Clare M Reynolds
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Grafton, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Dayana Mahizir
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Kristina Anevska
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia; Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Sogand Gravina
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Tania Romano
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Karen M Moritz
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia; Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
| | - Jessica F Briffa
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Mary E Wlodek
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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Bartho LA, Holland OJ, Moritz KM, Perkins AV, Cuffe JSM. Maternal corticosterone in the mouse alters oxidative stress markers, antioxidant function and mitochondrial content in placentas of female fetuses. J Physiol 2019; 597:3053-3067. [PMID: 31026055 DOI: 10.1113/jp277815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Maternal exposure to the stress hormone corticosterone is known to programme a range of sex specific disease outcomes in offspring. Sex differences in placental adaptations are thought to mediate these processes. Placental oxidative stress is implicated in a range of pregnancy disorders but the role of placental oxidative stress in sex specific disease outcomes following prenatal corticosterone exposure is unknown. This study demonstrates that maternal corticosterone reduced placental hydrogen peroxide and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine concentrations but increased protein carbonyl content and advanced glycation end product concentrations in placentas of female fetuses but not male fetuses. These results highlight that placentas of female fetuses respond differently to maternal corticosterone exposure, with oxidative stress a major finding in placentas of female fetuses. ABSTRACT Maternal exposure to glucocorticoids during pregnancy increases offspring risk of developing a range of sex specific disease phenotypes. These sex specific disease outcomes are thought to be in part mediated by different placental adaptations in males and females. The placenta is a highly metabolic organ which is vulnerable to the effects of oxidative stress. In other tissues, males and females have been shown to respond differently to the pro-oxidant effects of glucocorticoids. This study therefore used a well characterized animal model of maternal corticosterone exposure to investigate sex specific alterations in reactive oxygen species production, antioxidant concentrations and mitochondrial properties that might contribute to sex differences in placental outcomes. C57BL/6 mice were implanted with osmotic minipumps containing corticosterone (33 μg kg-1 h-1 ) at embryonic day (E) 12.5 and placentas collected at E14.5 for analysis. Corticosterone exposure reduced placental hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine concentrations but increased protein carbonyl content and advanced glycation end product concentrations in placentas of female fetuses but not male fetuses. This dysregulation of different markers of oxidative stress may be due to increased placental activity of thioredoxin reductase in female but not male fetuses. Corticosterone reduced placental mitochondrial content but increased protein expression of the autophagosome cargo protein p62. This study demonstrates that placentas of female fetuses respond differently to maternal corticosterone exposure and highlights an important role of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial adaptations and antioxidant responses in glucocorticoid induced programmed disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy A Bartho
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Olivia J Holland
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Karen M Moritz
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.,Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Centre for Children's Health Research, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anthony V Perkins
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - James S M Cuffe
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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6
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Mangwiro YTM, Cuffe JSM, Mahizir D, Anevska K, Gravina S, Romano T, Moritz KM, Briffa JF, Wlodek ME. Exercise initiated during pregnancy in rats born growth restricted alters placental mTOR and nutrient transporter expression. J Physiol 2019; 597:1905-1918. [PMID: 30734290 DOI: 10.1113/jp277227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Fetal growth is dependent on effective placental nutrient transportation, which is regulated by mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 modulation of nutrient transporter expression. These transporters are dysregulated in pregnancies affected by uteroplacental insufficiency and maternal obesity. Nutrient transporters and mTOR were altered in placentae of mothers born growth restricted compared to normal birth weight dams, with maternal diet- and fetal sex-specific responses. Exercise initiated during pregnancy downregulated mTOR protein expression, despite an increase in mTOR activation in male associated placentae, and reduced nutrient transporter gene abundance, which was also dependent on maternal diet and fetal sex. Limited changes were characterized with exercise initiated before and continued throughout pregnancy in nutrient transporter and mTOR expression. Maternal exercise during pregnancy differentially regulated mTOR and nutrient transporters in a diet- and sex-specific manner, which likely aimed to improve late gestational placental growth and neonatal survival. ABSTRACT Adequate transplacental nutrient delivery is essential for fetoplacental development. Intrauterine growth restriction and maternal obesity independently alter placental nutrient transporter expression. Although exercise is beneficial for maternal health, limited studies have characterized how the timing of exercise initiation influences placental nutrient transport. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of maternal exercise on placental mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and nutrient transporter expression in growth restricted mothers and whether these outcomes were dependent on maternal diet or fetal sex. Uteroplacental insufficiency or sham surgery was induced on embryonic day (E) 18 in Wistar-Kyoto rats. F1 offspring were fed a chow or high-fat diet from weaning and at 16 weeks were randomly allocated to an exercise protocol: sedentary, exercised prior to and during pregnancy, or exercised during pregnancy only. Females were mated with normal males (20 weeks) and F2 placentae collected at E20. Exercise during pregnancy only, reduced mTOR protein expression in all groups and increased mTOR activation in male associated placentae. Exercise during pregnancy only, decreased the expression of amino acid transporters in a diet- and sex-specific manner. Maternal growth restriction altered mTOR and system A amino acid transporter expression in a sex- and diet-specific manner. These data highlight that maternal exercise initiated during pregnancy alters placental mTOR expression, which may directly regulate amino acid transporter expression, to a greater extent than exercise initiated prior to and continued during pregnancy, in a diet- and fetal sex-dependent manner. These findings highlight that the timing of exercise initiation is important for optimal placental function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeukai T M Mangwiro
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia.,Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - James S M Cuffe
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Dayana Mahizir
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Kristina Anevska
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia.,Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Sogand Gravina
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Tania Romano
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Karen M Moritz
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia.,Child Health Research Centre, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, 4101, Australia
| | - Jessica F Briffa
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Mary E Wlodek
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
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Mangwiro YT, Briffa JF, Gravina S, Mahizir D, Anevska K, Romano T, Moritz KM, Cuffe JS, Wlodek ME. Maternal exercise and growth restriction in rats alters placental angiogenic factors and blood space area in a sex-specific manner. Placenta 2018; 74:47-54. [PMID: 30638632 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Fetal growth and development are dependent on adequate placental nutrient transfer. The surface area of the placental villous network is a key determinant of nutrient exchange, which is regulated by vasculogenic and angiogenic factors. These factors are altered by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and maternal obesity in both the first (F1) and second (F2) generations. We investigated the impact of endurance exercise in IUGR dams fed a High-fat diet on placental vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Uteroplacental insufficiency (Restricted) or sham (Control) surgery was induced on embryonic day (E) 18 in Wistar-Kyoto rats. F1 offspring were fed a Chow or High-fat diet from weaning, and at 16 weeks were further allocated an exercise protocol; Sedentary, Exercised prior to and during pregnancy (Exercise), or Exercised during pregnancy only (PregEx). Females were mated (20 weeks) and F2 placentae collected at E20. Maternal Restriction, High-fat feeding and Exercise had a minimal impact on placental regulators of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. However, Restriction increased placental labyrinth tissue area in Chow-fed dams. PregEx induced overt adaptations, including increased VEGFA and decreased PLGF protein expression, and reduced blood space area. These alterations were sex-dependent and associated with alterations in miRNA27a, a known regulator of VEGF translation. These data highlight that maternal exercise initiated during pregnancy (PregEx) causes alterations in placental vasculogenesis and angiogenesis in a sex-dependent manner, with minimal Restriction and maternal diet effects. However, further investigation is required to determine if these adaptations are beneficial or harmful for maternal and fetoplacental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeukai Tm Mangwiro
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia; Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Jessica F Briffa
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Sogand Gravina
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Dayana Mahizir
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Kristina Anevska
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Tania Romano
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Karen M Moritz
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia; Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, 4101, Australia
| | - James Sm Cuffe
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Mary E Wlodek
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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8
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Mangwiro YTM, Cuffe JSM, Briffa JF, Mahizir D, Anevska K, Jefferies AJ, Hosseini S, Romano T, Moritz KM, Wlodek ME. Maternal exercise in rats upregulates the placental insulin-like growth factor system with diet- and sex-specific responses: minimal effects in mothers born growth restricted. J Physiol 2018; 596:5947-5964. [PMID: 29953638 DOI: 10.1113/jp275758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS The placental insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system is critical for normal fetoplacental growth, which is dysregulated following several pregnancy perturbations including uteroplacental insufficiency and maternal obesity. We report that the IGF system was altered in placentae of mothers born growth restricted compared to normal birth weight mothers, with maternal diet- and fetal sex-specific responses. Additionally, we report increased body weight and plasma IGF1 concentrations in fetuses from chow-fed normal birth weight mothers that exercised prior to and continued during pregnancy compared to sedentary mothers. Exercise initiated during pregnancy, on the other hand, resulted in placental morphological alterations and increased IGF1 and IGF1R protein expression, which may in part be modulated by reduced Let 7f-1 miRNA abundance. Growth restriction of mothers before birth and exercise differentially regulate the placental IGF system with diet- and sex-specific responses, probably as a means to improve fetoplacental growth and development, and hence neonatal survival. This increased neonatal survival may prevent adult disease onset. ABSTRACT The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system regulates fetoplacental growth and plays a role in disease programming. Dysregulation of the IGF system is implicated in several pregnancy perturbations associated with altered fetal growth, including intrauterine growth restriction and maternal obesity. Limited human studies have demonstrated that maternal exercise enhances fetoplacental growth and decreases cord IGF ligands, which may restore the placental IGF system in complicated pregnancies. This study investigated the impact maternal exercise has on the placental IGF system in placentae from mothers born growth restricted and if these outcomes are dependent on maternal diet or fetal sex. Uteroplacental insufficiency (Restricted) or sham (Control) surgery was induced on embryonic day (E) 18 in Wistar-Kyoto rats. F1 offspring were fed a chow or high-fat diet from weaning, and at 16 weeks were randomly allocated an exercise protocol: Sedentary, Exercised prior to and during pregnancy (Exercise), or Exercised during pregnancy only (PregEx). Females were mated (20 weeks) with placentae associated with F2 fetuses collected at E20. The placental IGF system mRNA abundance and placental morphology was altered in mothers born growth restricted. Exercise increased fetal weight and Control plasma IGF1 concentrations, and decreased female placental weight. PregEx did not influence fetoplacental growth but increased placental IGF1 and IGF1R (potentially modulated by reduced Let 7f-1 miRNA) and decreased placental IGF2 protein. Importantly, these placental IGF system changes occurred with sex-specific responses. These data highlight that exercise differently influences fetoplacental growth and the placental IGF system depending on maternal exercise initiation, which may prevent the transgenerational transmission of deficits and dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeukai T M Mangwiro
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia.,Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - James S M Cuffe
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.,School of Medical Science and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, 4215, Australia
| | - Jessica F Briffa
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Dayana Mahizir
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Kristina Anevska
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Andrew J Jefferies
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Sogand Hosseini
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Tania Romano
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Karen M Moritz
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.,Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
| | - Mary E Wlodek
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
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9
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Camm EJ, Botting KJ, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Near to One's Heart: The Intimate Relationship Between the Placenta and Fetal Heart. Front Physiol 2018; 9:629. [PMID: 29997513 PMCID: PMC6029139 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of the fetal heart is exquisitely controlled by a multitude of factors, ranging from humoral to mechanical forces. The gatekeeper regulating many of these factors is the placenta, an external fetal organ. As such, resistance within the placental vascular bed has a direct influence on the fetal circulation and therefore, the developing heart. In addition, the placenta serves as the interface between the mother and fetus, controlling substrate exchange and release of hormones into both circulations. The intricate relationship between the placenta and fetal heart is appreciated in instances of clinical placental pathology. Abnormal umbilical cord insertion is associated with congenital heart defects. Likewise, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, where monochorionic twins have unequal sharing of their placenta due to inter-twin vascular anastomoses, can result in cardiac remodeling and dysfunction in both fetuses. Moreover, epidemiological studies have suggested a link between placental phenotypic traits and increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adult life. To date, the mechanistic basis of the relationships between the placenta, fetal heart development and later risk of cardiac dysfunction have not been fully elucidated. However, studies using environmental exposures and gene manipulations in experimental animals are providing insights into the pathways involved. Likewise, surgical instrumentation of the maternal and fetal circulations in large animal species has enabled the manipulation of specific humoral and mechanical factors to investigate their roles in fetal cardiac development. This review will focus on such studies and what is known to date about the link between the placenta and heart development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Camm
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience and Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kimberley J Botting
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience and Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience and Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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10
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Briffa JF, Wlodek ME, Moritz KM. Transgenerational programming of nephron deficits and hypertension. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 103:94-103. [PMID: 29859996 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to a sub-optimal environment in the womb can result in poor fetal growth and impair the normal development of organs. The kidney, specifically the process of nephrogenesis, has been shown to be impacted by many common pregnancy exposures including an inadequate diet, poor placental function, maternal stress as well as maternal smoking and alcohol consumption. This can result in offspring being born with a reduced nephron endowment, which places these individuals at increased risk of hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Of recent interest is whether this disease risk can be passed on to subsequent generations and, if so, what are the mechanisms and pathways involved. In this review, we highlight the growing body of evidence that a low birth weight and hypertension, which are both major risk factors for cardiovascular and CKD, can be transmitted across generations. However, as yet there is little data as to whether a low nephron endowment contributes to this disease transmission. The emerging data suggests transmission can occur both through both the maternal and paternal lines, which likely involves epigenetic mechanisms such chromatin remodelling (DNA methylation and histone modification) and non-coding RNA modifications. In addition, females who were born small and/or have a low nephron endowment are at an increased risk for pregnancy complications, which can influence the growth and development of the next generation. Future animal studies in this area should include examining nephron endowment across multiple generations and determining adult renal function. Clinically, long term follow-up studies of large birth cohorts need to be undertaken to more clearly determine the impact a sub-optimal environment in one generation has on the health outcomes in the second, and subsequent, generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica F Briffa
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Mary E Wlodek
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Karen M Moritz
- Child Health Research Centre and School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia.
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11
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Anevska K, Cheong JN, Wark JD, Wlodek ME, Romano T. Maternal stress does not exacerbate long-term bone deficits in female rats born growth restricted, with differential effects on offspring bone health. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2018; 314:R161-R170. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00215.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Females born growth restricted have poor adult bone health. Stress exposure during pregnancy increases risk of pregnancy complications. We determined whether maternal stress exposure in growth-restricted females exacerbates long-term maternal and offspring bone phenotypes. On gestational day 18, bilateral uterine vessel ligation (restricted) or sham (control) surgery was performed on Wistar-Kyoto rats. At 4 mo, control and restricted females were mated and allocated to unstressed or stressed pregnancies. Stressed pregnancies had physiological measurements performed; unstressed females were not handled. After birth, mothers were aged to 13 mo. Second-generation (F2) offspring generated four experimental groups: control unstressed, restricted unstressed, control stressed and restricted stressed. F2 offspring were studied at postnatal day 35 (PN35), 6, 12, and 16 mo. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography was performed on maternal and F2 offspring femurs. Restricted females, irrespective of stress during pregnancy, had decreased endosteal circumference, bending strength, and increased osteocalcin concentrations after pregnancy at 13 mo. F2 offspring of stressed mothers were born lighter. F2 male offspring from stressed pregnancies had decreased trabecular content at 6 mo and decreased endosteal circumference at 16 mo. F2 female offspring from growth-restricted mothers had reduced cortical thickness at PN35 and reduced endosteal circumference at 6 mo. At 12 mo, females from unstressed restricted and stressed control mothers had decreased trabecular content. Low birth weight females had long-term bone changes, highlighting programming effects on bone health. Stress during pregnancy did not exacerbate these programmed effects. Male and female offspring responded differently to maternal growth restriction and stress, indicating gender-specific programming effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Anevska
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Jean N. Cheong
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - John D. Wark
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne and Bone and Mineral Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Mary E. Wlodek
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Tania Romano
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
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12
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Abstract
Any effective strategy to tackle the global obesity and rising noncommunicable disease epidemic requires an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms that underlie these conditions that manifest as a consequence of complex gene-environment interactions. In this context, it is now well established that alterations in the early life environment, including suboptimal nutrition, can result in an increased risk for a range of metabolic, cardiovascular, and behavioral disorders in later life, a process preferentially termed developmental programming. To date, most of the mechanistic knowledge around the processes underpinning development programming has been derived from preclinical research performed mostly, but not exclusively, in laboratory mouse and rat strains. This review will cover the utility of small animal models in developmental programming, the limitations of such models, and potential future directions that are required to fully maximize information derived from preclinical models in order to effectively translate to clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare M Reynolds
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Mark H Vickers
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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13
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Briffa JF, Hosseini SS, Tran M, Moritz KM, Cuffe JS, Wlodek ME. Maternal growth restriction and stress exposure in rats differentially alters expression of components of the placental glucocorticoid barrier and nutrient transporters. Placenta 2017; 59:30-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2017.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Cheong JN, Cuffe JSM, Jefferies AJ, Anevska K, Moritz KM, Wlodek ME. Sex-Specific Metabolic Outcomes in Offspring of Female Rats Born Small or Exposed to Stress During Pregnancy. Endocrinology 2016; 157:4104-4120. [PMID: 27571133 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Low birth weight increases adult metabolic disease risk in both the first (F1) and second (F2) generation. Physiological stress during pregnancy in F1 females that were born small induces F2 fetal growth restriction, but the long-term metabolic health of these F2 offspring is unknown. Uteroplacental insufficiency (restricted) or sham (control) surgery was performed in F0 rats. F1 females (control, restricted) were allocated to unstressed or stressed pregnancies. F2 offspring exposed to maternal stress in utero had reduced birth weight. At 6 months, F2 stressed males had elevated fasting glucose. In contrast, F2 restricted males had reduced pancreatic β-cell mass. Interestingly, these metabolic deficits were not present at 12 month. F2 males had increased adrenal mRNA expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and IGF-1 receptor when their mothers were born small or exposed to stress during pregnancy. Stressed control F2 males had increased expression of adrenal genes that regulate androgen signaling at 6 months, whereas expression increased in restricted male and female offspring at 12 months. F2 females from stressed mothers had lower area under the glucose curve during glucose tolerance testing at 12 months compared with unstressed females but were otherwise unaffected. If F1 mothers were either born small or exposed to stress during her pregnancy, F2 offspring had impaired physiological outcomes in a sex- and age-specific manner. Importantly, stress during pregnancy did not exacerbate disease risk in F2 offspring of mothers born small, suggesting that they independently program disease in offspring through different mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean N Cheong
- Department of Physiology (J.N.C., A.J.J., K.A., M.E.W.), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences (J..S.M.C., K.M.M.), University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia; School of Medical Science (J.S.M.C.), Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia; and Department of Physiology (K.A.), Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - James S M Cuffe
- Department of Physiology (J.N.C., A.J.J., K.A., M.E.W.), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences (J..S.M.C., K.M.M.), University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia; School of Medical Science (J.S.M.C.), Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia; and Department of Physiology (K.A.), Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Andrew J Jefferies
- Department of Physiology (J.N.C., A.J.J., K.A., M.E.W.), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences (J..S.M.C., K.M.M.), University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia; School of Medical Science (J.S.M.C.), Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia; and Department of Physiology (K.A.), Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Kristina Anevska
- Department of Physiology (J.N.C., A.J.J., K.A., M.E.W.), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences (J..S.M.C., K.M.M.), University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia; School of Medical Science (J.S.M.C.), Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia; and Department of Physiology (K.A.), Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Karen M Moritz
- Department of Physiology (J.N.C., A.J.J., K.A., M.E.W.), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences (J..S.M.C., K.M.M.), University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia; School of Medical Science (J.S.M.C.), Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia; and Department of Physiology (K.A.), Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Mary E Wlodek
- Department of Physiology (J.N.C., A.J.J., K.A., M.E.W.), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences (J..S.M.C., K.M.M.), University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia; School of Medical Science (J.S.M.C.), Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia; and Department of Physiology (K.A.), Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086, Australia
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