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Meakin AS, Gatford KL, Lien YC, Wiese MD, Simmons RA, Morrison JL. Characterisation of ciclesonide metabolism in human placentae across gestation. Placenta 2024; 154:42-48. [PMID: 38875771 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.06.004] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Current clinical management of pregnancies at risk of preterm delivery includes maternal antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) treatment. ACS activate the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in all fetal tissues, maturing the lungs at the cost of impaired brain development, creating a need for novel treatments. The prodrug ciclesonide (CIC) activates the GR only when converted to des-CIC by specific enzymes, including acetylcholinesterase (ACHE) and carboxylesterase 1 and 2 (CES1, CES2). Importantly, the human placenta expresses ACHE and CES, and could potentially produce des-CIC, resulting in systemic fetal exposure and GR activation in all fetal tissues. We therefore investigated CES gene expression and conversion of CIC to des-CIC in human placentae collected during the second trimester (Tri2), and at preterm and term birth. METHODS Differential expression analysis was performed in Tri2 (n = 27), preterm (n = 34), and term (n = 40) placentae using the DESeq2 R-package. Conversion of CIC to des-CIC was measured in a subset of placenta samples (Tri2 n = 7, preterm n = 26, term n = 20) using functional assays. RESULTS ACHE mRNA expression was higher in Tri2 male than preterm and term male placentae only, whereas CES1 mRNA expression was higher in Tri2 than preterm or term placentae of both sexes. Conversion of CIC to des-CIC did not differ between gestational ages. DISCUSSION Conversion of CIC to des-CIC by the human placenta may preclude its use as a novel GR-agonist in threatened preterm birth. In vivo studies are required to confirm the extent to which placental activation occurs after maternal treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley S Meakin
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical & Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Kathryn L Gatford
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| | - Yu-Chin Lien
- Centre for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA; Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michael D Wiese
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Innovation, Clinical & Health Sciences University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Rebecca A Simmons
- Centre for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA; Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Janna L Morrison
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical & Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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Paul EN, Shubitidze S, Rahim R, Rucker I, Valin L, Apostle S, Pospisilik JA, Racicot KE, Smith AL. Exogenous corticosterone administration during pregnancy in mice alters placental and fetal thyroid hormone availability in females. Placenta 2023; 142:1-11. [PMID: 37579594 PMCID: PMC10763606 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Maternal prenatal psychological stress is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and increased risk of adverse health outcomes in children. While the molecular mechanisms that govern these associations has not been fully teased apart, stress-induced changes in placental function can drive sex-specific phenotypes in offspring. We sought to identify and examine molecular pathways in the placenta that are altered in response to maternal prenatal stress. METHODS We previously employed a mouse model of maternal prenatal stress where pregnant dams were treated with stress hormone (CORT) beginning in mid-gestation. Using this model, we conducted RNAseq analysis of whole placenta at E18.5. We used qRT-PCR to validate gene expression changes in the placenta and in a trophoblast cell line. ELISAs were used to measure the abundance of thyroid hormones in maternal and fetal serum and in the placenta. RESULTS Dio2 was amongst the top differentially expressed genes in response to exogenous stress hormone. Dio2 expression was more downregulated in placenta of female fetuses from CORT-treated dams than both control placenta from females and placenta from male fetuses. Consistent with Dio2's role in production of bioactive thyroid hormone (T3), we found that there was a reduction of T3 in placenta and serum of female embryos from CORT-treated dams at E18.5. Both T3 and T4 were reduced in the fetal compartment of the placenta of female fetuses from CORT-treated dams at E16.5. Exogenous stress hormone induced reduction in thyroid hormone in females was independent of circulating levels of TH in the dams. DISCUSSION The placental thyroid hormone synthesis pathway may be a target of elevated maternal stress hormone and modulate fetal programming of health and disease of offspring in a sex-specific fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel N Paul
- Dept of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | | | - Rodaba Rahim
- Biology Department, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH, 43050, USA
| | - Imani Rucker
- Biology Department, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH, 43050, USA
| | - Liana Valin
- Biology Department, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH, 43050, USA
| | - Stefanos Apostle
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - J Andrew Pospisilik
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Karen E Racicot
- Dept of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Arianna L Smith
- Biology Department, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH, 43050, USA.
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Paul EN, Shubitidze S, Rahim R, Rucker I, Valin L, Apostle S, Andrew Pospisilik J, Racicot KE, Smithb AL. Exogenous corticosterone administration during pregnancy alters placental and fetal thyroid hormone availability in females. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.05.547278. [PMID: 37461599 PMCID: PMC10349991 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.05.547278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Maternal prenatal stress is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and predisposition to long-term adverse health outcomes in children. While the molecular mechanisms that govern these associations has not been fully teased apart, stress-induced changes in placental function can drive sex-specific phenotypes in offspring. We sought to identify and examine molecular pathways in the placenta that are altered in response to maternal prenatal stress. Methods Using a mouse model of maternal prenatal stress, we conducted RNA-seq analysis of whole placenta at E18.5. We used qRT-PCR to validate gene expression changes in the placenta and in a trophoblast cell line. ELISAs were used to measure the abundance of thyroid hormones in maternal and fetal serum and in the placenta. Results Dio2 was amongst the top differentially expressed genes in response to elevated maternal stress hormone. Dio2 expression was more downregulated in female placenta from stressed dams than both female control and male placenta. Consistent with Dio2's role in production of bioactive thyroid hormone (T3), we found that there was a reduction of T3 in placenta and serum of female embryos from stressed dams at E18.5. Both T3 and T4 were reduced in the fetal compartment of the female placenta from stressed dams at E16.5. Stress hormone induced reduction in thyroid hormone in females was independent of circulating levels of TH in the dams. Discussion The placental thyroid hormone synthesis pathway may be a target of maternal stress and modulate fetal programming of health and disease of offspring in a sex-specific fashion.
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McBride GM, Meakin AS, Soo JY, Darby JRT, Varcoe TJ, Bradshaw EL, Lock MC, Holman SL, Saini BS, Macgowan CK, Seed M, Berry MJ, Wiese MD, Morrison JL. Intrauterine growth restriction alters the activity of drug metabolising enzymes in the maternal-placental-fetal unit. Life Sci 2021; 285:120016. [PMID: 34614415 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Ten percent of pregnancies are affected by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and evidence suggests that affected neonates have reduced activity of hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) drug metabolising enzymes. Given that almost all pregnant individuals take medications and additional medications are often required during an IUGR pregnancy, we aimed to determine the impact of IUGR on hepatic CYP activity in sheep fetuses and pregnant ewes. METHODS Specific probes were used to determine the impact of IUGR on the activity of several CYP isoenzymes (CYP1A2, CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP3A) in sheep fetuses and pregnant ewes. Probes were administered intravenously to the ewe at 132 days (d) gestation (term 150 d), followed by blood sampling from the maternal and fetal circulation over 24 h. Maternal and fetal liver tissue was collected at 139-140 d gestation, from which microsomes were isolated and incubated with probes. Metabolite and maternal plasma cortisol concentrations were measured using Liquid Chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). RESULTS Maternal plasma cortisol concentration and maternal hepatic CYP1A2 and CYP3A activity was significantly higher in IUGR pregnancies. Maternal hepatic CYP activity was higher than fetal hepatic CYP activity for all CYPs tested, and there was minimal CYP1A2 or CYP3A activity in the late gestation fetus when assessed using in vitro methods. CONCLUSIONS The physiological changes to the maternal-placental-fetal unit in an IUGR pregnancy have significant effects on maternal drug metabolism, suggesting changes in medications and/or doses may be required to optimise maternal and fetal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace M McBride
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Australia; Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Ashley S Meakin
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Australia; Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Jia Yin Soo
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Australia; Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Jack R T Darby
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Australia; Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Tamara J Varcoe
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Australia; Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Emma L Bradshaw
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Australia; Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Mitchell C Lock
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Australia; Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | | | - Brahmdeep S Saini
- The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto M5G 1X8, Canada
| | | | - Mike Seed
- The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Mary J Berry
- University of Otago, Wellington, NZ 6242, New Zealand
| | - Michael D Wiese
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Janna L Morrison
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, Australia; Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia.
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Cianfarani S, Pampanini V. The Impact of Stress on Health in Childhood and Adolescence in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Horm Res Paediatr 2021; 96:83-87. [PMID: 34261075 PMCID: PMC8339036 DOI: 10.1159/000517460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is posing many challenges to global health. Efforts from the whole scientific community have shed light on the pathogenetic mechanisms and the clinical features of SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as on potential therapeutic strategies. SUMMARY The consequences of stress related to social isolation and anxiety generated by the pandemic on mental and physical health are collateral effects that are yet poorly investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Cianfarani
- Dipartimento Pediatrico Universitario Ospedaliero, IRCCS “Bambino Gesù” Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Valentina Pampanini
- Dipartimento Pediatrico Universitario Ospedaliero, IRCCS “Bambino Gesù” Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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