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Hourtovenko C, Sreetharan S, Tharmalingam S, Tai TC. Impact of Ionizing Radiation Exposure on Placental Function and Implications for Fetal Programming. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9862. [PMID: 39337351 PMCID: PMC11432287 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25189862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Accidental exposure to high-dose radiation while pregnant has shown significant negative effects on the developing fetus. One fetal organ which has been studied is the placenta. The placenta performs all essential functions for fetal development, including nutrition, respiration, waste excretion, endocrine communication, and immunological functions. Improper placental development can lead to complications during pregnancy, as well as the occurrence of intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) offspring. IUGR is one of the leading indicators of fetal programming, classified as an improper uterine environment leading to the predisposition of diseases within the offspring. With numerous studies examining fetal programming, there remains a significant gap in understanding the placenta's role in irradiation-induced fetal programming. This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on how irradiation affects placental function to guide future research directions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of placental biology, including its development, structure, and function, and summarizes the placenta's role in fetal programming, with a focus on the impact of radiation on placental biology. Taken together, this review demonstrates that fetal radiation exposure causes placental degradation and immune function dysregulation. Given the placenta's crucial role in fetal development, understanding its impact on irradiation-induced IUGR is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron Hourtovenko
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Shayen Sreetharan
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Department of Medical Imaging, London Health Sciences Centre, 339 Windermere Rd., London, ON N6A 5A5, Canada
| | - Sujeenthar Tharmalingam
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - T C Tai
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
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2
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Vancamp P, Frapin M, Parnet P, Amarger V. Unraveling the Molecular Mechanisms of the Neurodevelopmental Consequences of Fetal Protein Deficiency: Insights From Rodent Models and Public Health Implications. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 4:100339. [PMID: 39040432 PMCID: PMC11262180 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2024.100339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Fetal brain development requires increased maternal protein intake to ensure that offspring reach their optimal cognitive potential in infancy and adulthood. While protein deficiency remains a prevalent issue in developing countries, it is also reemerging in Western societies due to the growing adoption of plant-based diets, some of which are monotonous and may fail to provide sufficient amino acids crucial for the brain's critical developmental phase. Confounding variables in human nutritional research have impeded our understanding of the precise impact of protein deficiency on fetal neurodevelopment, as well as its implications for childhood neurocognitive performance. Moreover, it remains unclear whether such deficiency could predispose to mental health problems in adulthood, mirroring observations in individuals exposed to prenatal famine. In this review, we sought to evaluate mechanistic data derived from rodent models, placing special emphasis on the involvement of neuroendocrine axes, the influence of sex and timing, epigenetic modifications, and cellular metabolism. Despite notable progress, critical knowledge gaps remain, including understanding the long-term reversibility of effects due to fetal protein restriction and the interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Enhancing our understanding of the precise mechanisms that connect prenatal nutrition to brain development in future research endeavors can be significantly advanced by integrating multiomics approaches and utilizing additional alternative models such as nonhuman primates. Furthermore, it is crucial to investigate potential interventions aimed at alleviating adverse outcomes. Ultimately, this research has profound implications for guiding public health strategies aimed at raising awareness about the crucial role of optimal maternal nutrition in supporting fetal neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieter Vancamp
- Nantes Université, Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'alimentation et l'Environnement, UMR1280, Physiopathologie des Adaptations Nutritionnelles, l'Institut des Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif, Nantes, France
| | - Morgane Frapin
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Patricia Parnet
- Nantes Université, Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'alimentation et l'Environnement, UMR1280, Physiopathologie des Adaptations Nutritionnelles, l'Institut des Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif, Nantes, France
| | - Valérie Amarger
- Nantes Université, Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'alimentation et l'Environnement, UMR1280, Physiopathologie des Adaptations Nutritionnelles, l'Institut des Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif, Nantes, France
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3
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Girchenko P, Lahti-Pulkkinen M, Laivuori H, Kajantie E, Räikkönen K. Maternal Antenatal Depression Is Associated With Metabolic Alterations That Predict Birth Outcomes and Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health. Biol Psychiatry 2024:S0006-3223(24)01509-9. [PMID: 39127233 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.07.023] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence regarding metabolic alterations associated with maternal antenatal depression (AD) is limited, and their role as potential biomarkers that improve the prediction of AD and adverse childbirth, neurodevelopmental, and mental health outcomes remains unexplored. METHODS In a cohort of 331 mother-child dyads, we studied associations between AD (a history of medical register diagnoses and/or a Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale score during pregnancy ≥ 20) and 95 metabolic measures analyzed 3 times during pregnancy. We tested whether the AD-related metabolic measures increased variance explained in AD over its risk factors and in childbirth, neurodevelopmental, and mental health outcomes over AD. We replicated the findings in a cohort of 416 mother-child dyads. RESULTS Elastic net regression identified 15 metabolic measures that collectively explained 25% (p < .0001) of the variance in AD, including amino and fatty acids, glucose, inflammation, and lipids. These metabolic measures increased the variance explained in AD over its risk factors (32.3%, p < .0001 vs. 12.6%, p = .004) and in child gestational age (9.0%, p < .0001 vs. 0.7%, p = .34), birth weight (9.0%, p = .03 vs. 0.7%, p = .33), developmental milestones at the age of 2.3 to 5.7 years (21.0%, p = .002 vs. 11.6%, p < .001), and any mental or behavioral disorder by the age of 13.1 to 16.8 years (25.2%, p = .03 vs. 5.0%, p = .11) over AD, child sex, and age. These findings were replicated in the independent cohort. CONCLUSIONS AD was associated with alterations in 15 metabolic measures, which collectively improved the prediction of AD over its risk factors and birth, neurodevelopmental, and mental health outcomes in children over AD. These metabolic measures may become biomarkers that can be used to identify at-risk mothers and children for personalized interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polina Girchenko
- Clinical Medicine Research Unit, MRC Oulu, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland; Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Marius Lahti-Pulkkinen
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland; Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Hannele Laivuori
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tampere University Hospital, The Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa, Tammerfors, Finland; Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland; Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eero Kajantie
- Clinical Medicine Research Unit, MRC Oulu, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland; Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Katri Räikkönen
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Shimada H, Powell TL, Jansson T. Regulation of placental amino acid transport in health and disease. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2024; 240:e14157. [PMID: 38711335 PMCID: PMC11162343 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Abnormal fetal growth, i.e., intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or fetal growth restriction (FGR) and fetal overgrowth, is associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality and is strongly linked to the development of metabolic and cardiovascular disease in childhood and later in life. Emerging evidence suggests that changes in placental amino acid transport may contribute to abnormal fetal growth. This review is focused on amino acid transport in the human placenta, however, relevant animal models will be discussed to add mechanistic insights. At least 25 distinct amino acid transporters with different characteristics and substrate preferences have been identified in the human placenta. Of these, System A, transporting neutral nonessential amino acids, and System L, mediating the transport of essential amino acids, have been studied in some detail. Importantly, decreased placental Systems A and L transporter activity is strongly associated with IUGR and increased placental activity of these two amino acid transporters has been linked to fetal overgrowth in human pregnancy. An array of factors in the maternal circulation, including insulin, IGF-1, and adiponectin, and placental signaling pathways such as mTOR, have been identified as key regulators of placental Systems A and L. Studies using trophoblast-specific gene targeting in mice have provided compelling evidence that changes in placental Systems A and L are mechanistically linked to altered fetal growth. It is possible that targeting specific placental amino acid transporters or their upstream regulators represents a novel intervention to alleviate the short- and long-term consequences of abnormal fetal growth in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Shimada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, US
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, US
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, US
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, US
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Kubo Y, Fukuoka H, Shoji K, Mori C, Sakurai K, Nishikawa M, Oshida K, Yamashiro Y, Kawabata T. Longitudinal Analysis of One-Carbon Metabolism-Related Metabolites in Maternal and Cord Blood of Japanese Pregnant Women. Nutrients 2024; 16:1765. [PMID: 38892698 PMCID: PMC11174998 DOI: 10.3390/nu16111765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
One-carbon metabolism (OCM) is a complex and interconnected network that undergoes drastic changes during pregnancy. In this study, we investigated the longitudinal distribution of OCM-related metabolites in maternal and cord blood and explored their relationships. Additionally, we conducted cross-sectional analyses to examine the interrelationships among these metabolites. This study included 146 healthy pregnant women who participated in the Chiba Study of Mother and Child Health. Maternal blood samples were collected during early pregnancy, late pregnancy, and delivery, along with cord blood samples. We analyzed 18 OCM-related metabolites in serum using stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. We found that serum S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) concentrations in maternal blood remained stable throughout pregnancy. Conversely, S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) concentrations increased, and the total homocysteine/total cysteine ratio significantly increased with advancing gestational age. The betaine/dimethylglycine ratio was negatively correlated with total homocysteine in maternal blood for all sampling periods, and this correlation strengthened with advances in gestational age. Most OCM-related metabolites measured in this study showed significant positive correlations between maternal blood at delivery and cord blood. These findings suggest that maternal OCM status may impact fetal development and indicate the need for comprehensive and longitudinal evaluations of OCM during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinori Kubo
- Faculty of Nutrition, Kagawa Nutrition University, 3-9-21 Chiyoda, Sakado 350-0288, Saitama, Japan; (K.S.); (T.K.)
- Division of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Anatomy, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu 520-2192, Shiga, Japan
| | - Hideoki Fukuoka
- Department of Perinatal Mesenchymal Stem Cell Research, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Fukushima, Japan;
| | - Kumiko Shoji
- Faculty of Nutrition, Kagawa Nutrition University, 3-9-21 Chiyoda, Sakado 350-0288, Saitama, Japan; (K.S.); (T.K.)
| | - Chisato Mori
- Department of Bioenvironmental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Chiba, Japan;
- Department of Sustainable Health Science, Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kenichi Sakurai
- Department of Nutrition and Metabolic Medicine, Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Chiba, Japan;
| | - Masazumi Nishikawa
- Department of Food Management, School of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Miyagi University, 2-2-1 Hatadate, Taihaku-ku, Sendai 982-0215, Miyagi, Japan;
| | - Kyoichi Oshida
- Faculty of Beauty & Wellness, Professional University of Beauty & Wellness, 3-9-3 Ushikubo, Tsuzuki-ku, Yokohama 224-0012, Kanagawa, Japan;
| | - Yuichiro Yamashiro
- Probiotics Research Laboratory, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, 2-9-8-3F, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan;
| | - Terue Kawabata
- Faculty of Nutrition, Kagawa Nutrition University, 3-9-21 Chiyoda, Sakado 350-0288, Saitama, Japan; (K.S.); (T.K.)
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Chen ST, Ran F, Shi WW, Liu CK, Wang PC, Luo HN, Yang ZM. Tryptophan in the mouse diet is essential for embryo implantation and decidualization. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1356914. [PMID: 38752181 PMCID: PMC11094255 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1356914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Nutritional deficiency occurs frequently during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tryptophan (Trp), an essential amino acid which is critical for protein synthesis, serves as the precursor for serotonin, melatonin, and kynurenine (Kyn). The imbalance between serotonin and kynurenine pathways in Trp metabolism is closely related to inflammation and depression. This study assessed the effects of Trp deficiency on mouse early pregnancy. Methods Embryo implantation and decidualization were analyzed after female mice had been fed diets containing 0.2% Trp (for the control group), 0.062% Trp (for the low Trp group) and 0% Trp (for the Trp-free group) for two months. The uteri of the mice were collected on days 4, 5, and 8 of pregnancy for further analysis. Results On day 8 of pregnancy, the number of implantation sites were found to be similar between the control and the low Trp groups. However, no implantation sites were detected in the Trp-free group. On day 5 of pregnancy, plane polarity- and decidualization-related molecules showed abnormal expression pattern in the Trp-free group. On day 4 of pregnancy, there was no significant difference in uterine receptivity molecules between the low-Trp group and the control group, but uterine receptivity was abnormal in the Trp-free group. At implantation sites of the Trp-free group, IDO and AHR levels were markedly elevated. This potentially increased levels of Kyn, 2-hydroxy estradiol, and 4-hydroxy estradiol to affect decidualization. Conclusions Trp-free diet may impair decidualization via the IDO-KYN-AHR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Ting Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountain Region, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Feng Ran
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountain Region, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Wen-Wen Shi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheng-Kan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng-Chao Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Hui-Na Luo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zeng-Ming Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountain Region, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
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7
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Tain YL, Hsu CN. Amino Acids during Pregnancy and Offspring Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health. Nutrients 2024; 16:1263. [PMID: 38732510 PMCID: PMC11085482 DOI: 10.3390/nu16091263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Amino acids are essential for normal pregnancy and fetal development. Disruptions in maternal amino acid metabolism have been associated with various adult diseases later in life, a phenomenon referred to as the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD). In this review, we examine the recent evidence highlighting the significant impact of amino acids on fetal programming, their influence on the modulation of gut microbiota, and their repercussions on offspring outcomes, particularly in the context of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome. Furthermore, we delve into experimental studies that have unveiled the protective effects of therapies targeting amino acids. These interventions have demonstrated the potential to reprogram traits associated with CKM in offspring. The discussion encompasses the challenges of translating the findings from animal studies to clinical applications, emphasizing the complexity of this process. Additionally, we propose potential solutions to overcome these challenges. Ultimately, as we move forward, future research endeavors should aim to pinpoint the most effective amino-acid-targeted therapies, determining the optimal dosage and mode of administration. This exploration is essential for maximizing the reprogramming effects, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Lin Tain
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan;
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ning Hsu
- Department of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
- School of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
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8
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Merrill AK, Sobolewski M, Susiarjo M. Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals impacts immunological and metabolic status of women during pregnancy. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 577:112031. [PMID: 37506868 PMCID: PMC10592265 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa K Merrill
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Marissa Sobolewski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Martha Susiarjo
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA.
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9
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He T, Chen Q, Yuan Z, Yang Y, Cao K, Luo J, Dong G, Peng X, Yang Z. Effects of maternal high-fat diet on fetal growth, placental nutrient transporters and circular RNA expression profiles. Food Funct 2023; 14:9391-9406. [PMID: 37791601 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo02202a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological and experimental studies suggest that there is a strong correlation between maternal high-fat diet and fetal-placental development. The current study aims to investigate the effects of maternal high-fat diet on fetal growth, placental nutrient transporters and circular RNA expression profiles in a mouse model. Forty C57BL/6 female mice were randomly assigned to two groups, fed either a control (10% fat for energy) diet (CON) or a high-fat (60% fat for energy) diet (HFD) for 4 weeks before mating and throughout pregnancy, and were killed on day 19.5 of pregnancy. The serum glucose, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein, the glucolipid metabolism-related hormones, and the insulin resistance index were significantly increased. High-throughput sequencing showed that differentially expressed circRNAs (DE circRNAs) in the placenta can regulate various biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions through various energy metabolism pathways, and mmu-let-7g-5p was found to target and bind to multiple DE circRNAs. In addition, this study also predicted that various circRNAs with protein coding functions can regulate maternal placental nutrient transport. In general, the ceRNA (circRNAs-miRNAs-mRNAs) regulatory network of maternal placental nutrient transport constructed in this study is of great significance for further understanding the effect of maternal nutrition on fetal growth in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianle He
- Laboratory for Bio-feed and Molecular Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Qingyun Chen
- Laboratory for Bio-feed and Molecular Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Zhidong Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Yulian Yang
- Laboratory for Bio-feed and Molecular Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Kai Cao
- Laboratory for Bio-feed and Molecular Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Ju Luo
- Laboratory for Bio-feed and Molecular Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Guozhong Dong
- Laboratory for Bio-feed and Molecular Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Xie Peng
- Laboratory for Bio-feed and Molecular Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Zhenguo Yang
- Laboratory for Bio-feed and Molecular Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
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10
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O'Brien K, Wang Y. The Placenta: A Maternofetal Interface. Annu Rev Nutr 2023; 43:301-325. [PMID: 37603428 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-nutr-061121-085246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
The placenta is the gatekeeper between the mother and the fetus. Over the first trimester of pregnancy, the fetus is nourished by uterine gland secretions in a process known as histiotrophic nutrition. During the second trimester of pregnancy, placentation has evolved to the point at which nutrients are delivered to the placenta via maternal blood (hemotrophic nutrition). Over gestation, the placenta must adapt to these variable nutrient supplies, to alterations in maternal physiology and blood flow, and to dynamic changes in fetal growth rates. Numerous questions remain about the mechanisms used to transport nutrients to the fetus and the maternal and fetal determinants of this process. Growing data highlight the ability of the placenta to regulate this process. As new technologies and omics approaches are utilized to study this maternofetal interface, greater insight into this unique organ and its impact on fetal development and long-term health has been obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly O'Brien
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA; ,
| | - Yiqin Wang
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA; ,
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11
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Lermant A, Rabussier G, Lanz HL, Davidson L, Porter IM, Murdoch CE. Development of a human iPSC-derived placental barrier-on-chip model. iScience 2023; 26:107240. [PMID: 37534160 PMCID: PMC10392097 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Although recently developed placenta-on-chip systems opened promising perspectives for placental barrier modeling, they still lack physiologically relevant trophoblasts and are poorly amenable to high-throughput studies. We aimed to implement human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC)-derived trophoblasts into a multi-well microfluidic device to develop a physiologically relevant and scalable placental barrier model. When cultured in a perfused micro-channel against a collagen-based matrix, hiPSC-derived trophoblasts self-arranged into a 3D structure showing invasive behavior, fusogenic and endocrine activities, structural integrity, and expressing placental transporters. RNA-seq analysis revealed that the microfluidic 3D environment boosted expression of genes related to early placental structural development, mainly involved in mechanosensing and cell surface receptor signaling. These results demonstrated the feasibility of generating a differentiated primitive syncytium from hiPSC in a microfluidic platform. Besides expanding hiPSC-derived trophoblast scope of applications, this study constitutes an important resource to improve placental barrier models and boost research and therapeutics evaluation in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agathe Lermant
- Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | | | | | - Lindsay Davidson
- Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Facility, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Iain M. Porter
- Dundee Imaging Facility, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Colin E. Murdoch
- Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
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12
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Diniz MS, Grilo LF, Tocantins C, Falcão-Pires I, Pereira SP. Made in the Womb: Maternal Programming of Offspring Cardiovascular Function by an Obesogenic Womb. Metabolites 2023; 13:845. [PMID: 37512552 PMCID: PMC10386510 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13070845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity incidence has been increasing at an alarming rate, especially in women of reproductive age. It is estimated that 50% of pregnancies occur in overweight or obese women. It has been described that maternal obesity (MO) predisposes the offspring to an increased risk of developing many chronic diseases in an early stage of life, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is the main cause of death worldwide among men and women, and it is manifested in a sex-divergent way. Maternal nutrition and MO during gestation could prompt CVD development in the offspring through adaptations of the offspring's cardiovascular system in the womb, including cardiac epigenetic and persistent metabolic programming of signaling pathways and modulation of mitochondrial metabolic function. Currently, despite diet supplementation, effective therapeutical solutions to prevent the deleterious cardiac offspring function programming by an obesogenic womb are lacking. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms by which an obesogenic intrauterine environment could program the offspring's cardiovascular metabolism in a sex-divergent way, with a special focus on cardiac mitochondrial function, and debate possible strategies to implement during MO pregnancy that could ameliorate, revert, or even prevent deleterious effects of MO on the offspring's cardiovascular system. The impact of maternal physical exercise during an obesogenic pregnancy, nutritional interventions, and supplementation on offspring's cardiac metabolism are discussed, highlighting changes that may be favorable to MO offspring's cardiovascular health, which might result in the attenuation or even prevention of the development of CVD in MO offspring. The objectives of this manuscript are to comprehensively examine the various aspects of MO during pregnancy and explore the underlying mechanisms that contribute to an increased CVD risk in the offspring. We review the current literature on MO and its impact on the offspring's cardiometabolic health. Furthermore, we discuss the potential long-term consequences for the offspring. Understanding the multifaceted effects of MO on the offspring's health is crucial for healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers to develop effective strategies for prevention and intervention to improve care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana S Diniz
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB-Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Ph.D. Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís F Grilo
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB-Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Ph.D. Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carolina Tocantins
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB-Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Ph.D. Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Inês Falcão-Pires
- UnIC@RISE, Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
| | - Susana P Pereira
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB-Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratory of Metabolism and Exercise (LaMetEx), Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Faculty of Sports, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
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McColl ER, Henderson JT, Piquette-Miller M. Dysregulation of Amino Acid Transporters in a Rat Model of TLR7-Mediated Maternal Immune Activation. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1857. [PMID: 37514044 PMCID: PMC10385561 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal immune activation (MIA) during pregnancy is linked to neurodevelopmental disorders in humans. Similarly, the TLR7 agonist imiquimod alters neurodevelopment in rodents. While the mechanisms underlying MIA-mediated neurodevelopmental changes are unknown, they could involve dysregulation of amino acid transporters essential for neurodevelopment. Therefore, we sought to determine the nature of such transporter changes in both imiquimod-treated rats and human placentas during infection. Pregnant rats received imiquimod on gestational day (GD)14. Transporter expression was measured in placentas and fetal brains via qPCR (GD14.5) and immunoblotting (GD16). To monitor function, fetal brain amino acid levels were measured by HPLC on GD16. Gene expression in the cortex of female fetal brains was further examined by RNAseq on GD19. In human placentas, suspected active infection was associated with decreased ASCT1 and SNAT2 protein expression. Similarly, in imiquimod-treated rats, ASCT1 and SNAT2 protein was also decreased in male placentas, while EAAT2 was decreased in female placentas. CAT3 was increased in female fetal brains. Consistent with this, imiquimod altered amino acid levels in fetal brains, while RNAseq demonstrated changes in expression of several genes implicated in autism. Thus, imiquimod alters amino acid transporter levels in pregnant rats, and similar changes occur in human placentas during active infection. This suggests that changes in expression of amino acid transporters may contribute to effects mediated by MIA toward altered neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza R McColl
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College St, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Jeffrey T Henderson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College St, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Micheline Piquette-Miller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College St, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
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Chen F, Li Z, Xu Y, Huang S, Li Y, Jiang W. Non-Targeted Metabolomic Study of Fetal Growth Restriction. Metabolites 2023; 13:761. [PMID: 37367917 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13060761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to explore the differential metabolites in amniotic fluid and its cells from fetuses with fetal growth restriction (FGR). A total of 28 specimens of amniotic fluid were collected, including 18 with FGR and 10 controls. Differential metabolites in all samples were detected by chromatography-mass spectrometry. Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were used to analyze the differences in metabolic spectra between the FGR and control groups through multidimensional and single-dimensional statistical analysis. The KEGG database was used for metabolic pathway enrichment analysis. Both PCA and OPLS-DA models showed a clear separation trend between FGR and control groups. We identified 27 differentially expressed metabolites in the amniotic fluid supernatant of the two groups (p < 0.05), of which 14 metabolites were up-regulated in the FGR group, and 13 metabolites, such as glutamate, phenylalanine, valine and leucine, were down-regulated. We also identified 20 differentially expressed metabolites in the amniotic fluid cell (p < 0.05), of which 9 metabolites, including malic acid, glycolic acid and D-glycerate, were up-regulated significantly and 11 metabolites, including glyceraldehyde, were down-regulated. Pathway analysis showed that most of the identified differential metabolites were involved in tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle), ABC transport, amino acid metabolism pathways and so on. The results indicated that many metabolic changes associated with FGR, which are mainly manifested by abnormal metabolism of amino acid in amniotic fluid and abnormal glucose metabolism including TCA cycle in amniotic fluid cells, respectively. Our findings provide more data for exploring the mechanism of FGR and the potential therapy targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Chen
- Panyu Maternal and Child Care Service Centre of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 511495, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Panyu Maternal and Child Care Service Centre of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 511495, China
| | - Yanwen Xu
- Panyu Maternal and Child Care Service Centre of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 511495, China
| | - Shuang Huang
- Panyu Maternal and Child Care Service Centre of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 511495, China
| | - Yanqiu Li
- Panyu Maternal and Child Care Service Centre of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 511495, China
| | - Weiying Jiang
- Panyu Maternal and Child Care Service Centre of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 511495, China
- Department of Medical Genetics and Bioinformatics, Zhongshan Medical School, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
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Lintao RCV, Kammala AK, Vora N, Yaklic JL, Menon R. Fetal membranes exhibit similar nutrient transporter expression profiles to the placenta. Placenta 2023; 135:33-42. [PMID: 36913807 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.03.001] [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: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During pregnancy, the growth of the fetus is supported by the exchange of nutrients, waste, and other molecules between maternal and fetal circulations in the utero-placental unit. Nutrient transfer, in particular, is mediated by solute transporters such as solute carrier (SLC) and adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette (ABC) proteins. While nutrient transport has been extensively studied in the placenta, the role of human fetal membranes (FM), which was recently reported to have a role in drug transport, in nutrient uptake remains unknown. OBJECTIVES This study determined nutrient transport expression in human FM and FM cells and compared expression with placental tissues and BeWo cells. METHODS RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) of placental and FM tissues and cells was done. Genes of major solute transporter groups, such as SLC and ABC, were identified. Proteomic analysis of cell lysates was performed via nano-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS) to confirm expression at a protein level. RESULTS We determined that FM tissues and cells derived from the fetal membrane tissues express nutrient transporter genes, and their expression is similar to that seen in the placenta or BeWo cells. In particular, transporters involved in macronutrient and micronutrient transfer were identified in both placental and FM cells. Consistent with RNA-Seq findings, carbohydrate transporters (3), vitamin transport-related proteins (8), amino acid transporters (21), fatty acid transport-related proteins (9), cholesterol transport-related proteins (6) and nucleoside transporters (3) were identified in BeWo and FM cells, with both groups sharing similar nutrient transporter expression. CONCLUSION This study determined the expression of nutrient transporters in human FMs. This knowledge is the first step in improving our understanding of nutrient uptake kinetics during pregnancy. Functional studies are required to determine the properties of nutrient transporters in human FMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C V Lintao
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX, 77555-1062, USA; College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, 547 Pedro Gil St., Manila, 1000, Philippines
| | - Ananth Kumar Kammala
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX, 77555-1062, USA.
| | - Natasha Vora
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX, 77555-1062, USA; John Sealy School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX, 77555-1062, USA
| | - Jerome L Yaklic
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX, 77555-1062, USA
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX, 77555-1062, USA.
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Huang SY, Sun R, Chen YC, Kang L, Wang CT, Chiu CF, Wu HT. Aspartame consumption during pregnancy impairs placenta growth in mice through sweet taste receptor-reactive oxygen species-dependent pathway. J Nutr Biochem 2023; 113:109228. [PMID: 36435291 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2022.109228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity has risen dramatically over recent years, and so has the prevalence of adverse obesity-associated pregnancy outcomes. To combat obesity, the calorie contents of many foods and beverages may be reduced by the use of artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame. However, animal studies suggest that aspartame and its metabolites may exhibit toxicity, and the effects of aspartame on pregnancy are largely unknown. In this study, we treated pregnant mice with aspartame by oral gavage and found that the treatment decreased fasting blood glucose level, whereas systolic blood pressure was elevated. Importantly, the aspartame-treated animals also had low placenta and fetus weights, as well as reduced thickness of the placenta decidua layer. Moreover, aspartame decreased the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition proteins and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) in mouse placentae. In order to clarify the mechanisms though which aspartame affects placenta, we performed experiments on 3A-sub-E trophoblasts. In the cells, aspartame treatments induced cell cycle arrest and reduced the proliferation rate, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration activity and invasion activity. We also found that aspartame increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels to hyper-activate Akt and downregulate MnSOD expression. Pretreatment with antioxidants or sweet taste receptor inhibitors reversed the effects of aspartame on trophoblast function. We also found that the aspartame metabolite phenylalanine similarly induced ROS production and affected proliferation of trophoblasts. Taken together, our data suggest that aspartame consumption during pregnancy may impact the structure, growth and function of the placenta via sweet taste receptor-mediated stimulation of oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Yi Huang
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Metabolism and Obesity Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Nutrition Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Rong Sun
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yang-Ching Chen
- Graduate Institute of Metabolism and Obesity Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Family Medicine, School of medicine, College of medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lin Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Teng Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Feng Chiu
- Graduate Institute of Metabolism and Obesity Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Tsung Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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Yuan H, Liu C, Wang X, Huang T, Liu D, Huang S, Wu Z, Liu Y, Yin P, Yang B. Association between aberrant amino acid metabolism and nonchromosomal modifications fetal structural anomalies: A cohort study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1072461. [PMID: 36909308 PMCID: PMC9998993 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1072461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than half of the cases of fetal structural anomalies have no known cause with standard investigations like karyotype testing and chromosomal microarray. The differential metabolic profiles of amniotic fluid (AF) and maternal blood may reveal valuable information about the physiological processes of fetal development, which may provide valuable biomarkers for fetal health diagnostics. METHODS This cohort study of singleton-pregnant women had indications for amniocentesis, including structural anomalies and a positive result from maternal serum screening or non-invasive prenatal testing, but did not have any positive abnormal karyotype or chromosomal microarray analysis results. A total of 1580 participants were enrolled between June 2021 and March 2022. Of the 1580 pregnant women who underwent amniocentesis, 294 were included in the analysis. There were 137 pregnant women in the discovery cohort and 157 in the validation cohort. RESULTS High-coverage untargeted metabolomic analysis of AF revealed distinct metabolic signatures with 321 of the 602 metabolites measured (53%) (false discovery rate, q < 0.005), among which amino acids predominantly changed in structural anomalies. Targeted metabolomics identified glutamate and glutamine as novel predictive markers for structural anomalies, their vital role was also confirmed in the validation cohort with great predictive ability, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were 0.862 and 0.894 respectively. And AUCs for glutamine/glutamate were 0.913 and 0.903 among the two cohorts. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggested that the aberrant glutamine/glutamate metabolism in AF is associated with nonchromosomal modificantions fetal structural anomalies. Based on our findings, a novel screening method could be established for the nonchromosomal modificantions fetal structural anomalies. And the results also indicate that monitoring fetal metabolic conditions (especially glutamine and glutamine metabolism) may be helpful for antenatal diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huizhen Yuan
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Control, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, National Chromatographic R&A Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xinrong Wang
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Control, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Tingting Huang
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Control, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Danping Liu
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Control, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Shuhui Huang
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Control, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Zeming Wu
- iPhenome Biotechnology (Yun Pu Kang) Inc., Dalian, China
| | - Yanqiu Liu
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Control, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, China
- *Correspondence: Bicheng Yang, ; Yanqiu Liu, ; Peiyuan Yin,
| | - Peiyuan Yin
- Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- *Correspondence: Bicheng Yang, ; Yanqiu Liu, ; Peiyuan Yin,
| | - Bicheng Yang
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Control, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, China
- *Correspondence: Bicheng Yang, ; Yanqiu Liu, ; Peiyuan Yin,
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McColl ER, Croyle MA, Zamboni WC, Honer WG, Heise M, Piquette-Miller M, Goralski KB. COVID-19 Vaccines and the Virus: Impact on Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics. Drug Metab Dispos 2023; 51:130-141. [PMID: 36273826 PMCID: PMC11022893 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.122.000934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This article reports on an American Society of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Division of Drug Metabolism and Disposition symposium held at Experimental Biology on April 2, 2022, in Philadelphia. As of July 2022, over 500 million people have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19) and over 12 billion vaccine doses have been administered. Clinically significant interactions between viral infections and hepatic drug metabolism were first recognized over 40 years ago during a cluster of pediatric theophylline toxicity cases attributed to reduced hepatic drug metabolism amid an influenza B outbreak. Today, a substantive body of research supports that the activated innate immune response generally decreases hepatic cytochrome P450 activity. The interactions extend to drug transporters and other organs and have the potential to impact drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). Based on this knowledge, altered ADME is predicted with SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination. The report begins with a clinical case exploring the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination increasing clozapine levels. This is followed by discussions of how SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccines alter the metabolism and disposition of complex drugs, such as nanoparticles and biologics and small molecule therapies. The review concludes with a discussion of the effects of viral infections on placental amino acid transport and their potential to impact fetal development. The session improved our understanding of the impact of emerging viral infections and vaccine technologies on drug metabolism and disposition, which will help mitigate drug toxicity and improve drug and vaccine safety and effectiveness. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Altered pharmacokinetics of small molecule and complex molecule drugs and fetal brain distribution of amino acids following SARS-CoV-2 infection or immunization are possible. The proposed mechanisms involve decreased liver cytochrome P450 metabolism of small molecules, enhanced innate immune system metabolism of complex molecules, and altered placental and fetal blood-brain barrier amino acid transport, respectively. Future research is needed to understand the effects of these interactions on adverse drug responses, drug and vaccine safety, and effectiveness and fetal neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza R McColl
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (E.R.M., M.P-M.); Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery and LaMontagne Center for Infectious Disease, University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Austin, Texas (M.A.C.); Eshelman School of Pharmacy (W.C.Z.) and Department of Genetics, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and The Rapidly Emerging Antiviral Drug Development Initiative (READDI) (M.H.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia and British Columbia Mental Health and Substance Use Services Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (W.G.H.); and College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University (K.B.G.); Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, IWK Health Centre (K.B.G.); and Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute (K.B.G.), Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Maria A Croyle
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (E.R.M., M.P-M.); Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery and LaMontagne Center for Infectious Disease, University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Austin, Texas (M.A.C.); Eshelman School of Pharmacy (W.C.Z.) and Department of Genetics, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and The Rapidly Emerging Antiviral Drug Development Initiative (READDI) (M.H.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia and British Columbia Mental Health and Substance Use Services Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (W.G.H.); and College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University (K.B.G.); Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, IWK Health Centre (K.B.G.); and Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute (K.B.G.), Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - William C Zamboni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (E.R.M., M.P-M.); Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery and LaMontagne Center for Infectious Disease, University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Austin, Texas (M.A.C.); Eshelman School of Pharmacy (W.C.Z.) and Department of Genetics, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and The Rapidly Emerging Antiviral Drug Development Initiative (READDI) (M.H.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia and British Columbia Mental Health and Substance Use Services Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (W.G.H.); and College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University (K.B.G.); Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, IWK Health Centre (K.B.G.); and Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute (K.B.G.), Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - William G Honer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (E.R.M., M.P-M.); Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery and LaMontagne Center for Infectious Disease, University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Austin, Texas (M.A.C.); Eshelman School of Pharmacy (W.C.Z.) and Department of Genetics, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and The Rapidly Emerging Antiviral Drug Development Initiative (READDI) (M.H.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia and British Columbia Mental Health and Substance Use Services Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (W.G.H.); and College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University (K.B.G.); Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, IWK Health Centre (K.B.G.); and Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute (K.B.G.), Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Mark Heise
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (E.R.M., M.P-M.); Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery and LaMontagne Center for Infectious Disease, University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Austin, Texas (M.A.C.); Eshelman School of Pharmacy (W.C.Z.) and Department of Genetics, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and The Rapidly Emerging Antiviral Drug Development Initiative (READDI) (M.H.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia and British Columbia Mental Health and Substance Use Services Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (W.G.H.); and College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University (K.B.G.); Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, IWK Health Centre (K.B.G.); and Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute (K.B.G.), Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Micheline Piquette-Miller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (E.R.M., M.P-M.); Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery and LaMontagne Center for Infectious Disease, University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Austin, Texas (M.A.C.); Eshelman School of Pharmacy (W.C.Z.) and Department of Genetics, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and The Rapidly Emerging Antiviral Drug Development Initiative (READDI) (M.H.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia and British Columbia Mental Health and Substance Use Services Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (W.G.H.); and College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University (K.B.G.); Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, IWK Health Centre (K.B.G.); and Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute (K.B.G.), Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Kerry B Goralski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (E.R.M., M.P-M.); Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery and LaMontagne Center for Infectious Disease, University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Austin, Texas (M.A.C.); Eshelman School of Pharmacy (W.C.Z.) and Department of Genetics, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and The Rapidly Emerging Antiviral Drug Development Initiative (READDI) (M.H.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia and British Columbia Mental Health and Substance Use Services Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (W.G.H.); and College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University (K.B.G.); Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, IWK Health Centre (K.B.G.); and Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute (K.B.G.), Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Zhang M, Brady TM, Buckley JP, Appel LJ, Hong X, Wang G, Liang L, Wang X, Mueller NT. Metabolome-Wide Association Study of Cord Blood Metabolites With Blood Pressure in Childhood and Adolescence. Hypertension 2022; 79:2806-2820. [PMID: 36111548 PMCID: PMC9649875 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.122.20139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND No studies have examined whether the cord blood metabolome-a reflection of in utero metabolism-influences blood pressure (BP) in children. OBJECTIVES To examine prospective associations of cord blood metabolites with systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and risk of elevated BP in childhood and adolescence. METHODS In the Boston Birth Cohort, we measured metabolites in cord blood plasma, and SBP and DBP at clinic visits between 3 and 18 years. We examined associations of cord metabolites with SBP and DBP percentiles using linear mixed models and with elevated BP using mixed-effects Poisson regression. RESULTS Our study included 902 mother-child dyads (60% Black, 23% Hispanic, 45% female). Children were followed for a median of 9.2 (interquartile range, 6.7-11.7) years, and the median number of BP observations per child was 7 (interquartile range, 4-11). After false discovery rate correction, 3 metabolites were associated with SBP, 96 with DBP, and 24 with elevated BP; 2 metabolites (1-methylnicotinamide, dimethylguanidino valeric acid) were associated with all 3 outcomes, and 21 metabolites were associated with both DBP and elevated BP. After multivariable adjustment, 48 metabolites remained significantly associated with DBP. Metabolites that showed the strongest associations with SBP, DBP, and elevated BP included nucleotides (eg, xanthosine, hypoxanthine, xanthine) and acylcarnitines (eg, C6 and C7 carnitines), which represent fatty acid oxidation and purine metabolism pathways. CONCLUSIONS In our urban and predominantly racial/ethnic minority cohort, we provide evidence that metabolomic alterations in utero, in particular, acylcarnitine- and purine-metabolism metabolites, may be involved in the early life origins of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyu Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
- Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Tammy M Brady
- Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jessie P Buckley
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Lawrence J Appel
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
- Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Xiumei Hong
- Center on the Early Life Origins of Disease, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Guoying Wang
- Center on the Early Life Origins of Disease, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Liming Liang
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Xiaobin Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Center on the Early Life Origins of Disease, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Noel T Mueller
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
- Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
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20
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Cindrova-Davies T, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Human placental development and function. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 131:66-77. [PMID: 35393235 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The placenta is a transient fetal organ that plays a critical role in the health and wellbeing of both the fetus and its mother. Functionally, the placenta sustains the growth of the fetus as it facilitates delivery of oxygen and nutrients and removal of waste products. Not surprisingly, defective early placental development is the primary cause of common disorders of pregnancy, including recurrent miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, pre-eclampsia and stillbirth. Adverse pregnancy conditions will also affect the life-long health of the fetus via developmental programming[1]. Despite its critical importance in reproductive success and life-long health, our understanding of placental development is not extensive, largely due to ethical limitations to studying early or chronological placental development, lack of long-term in vitro models, or comparative animal models. In this review, we examine current knowledge of early human placental development, discuss the critical role of the maternal endometrium and of the fetal-maternal dialogue in pregnancy success, and we explore the latest models of trophoblast and endometrial stem cells. In addition, we discuss the role of oxygen in placental formation and function, how nutrient delivery is mediated during the periods of histotrophic nutrition (uptake of uterine secretions) and haemotrophic nutrition (exchange between the maternal and fetal circulations), and how placental endocrine function facilitates fetal growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Cindrova-Davies
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
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21
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Fowden AL, Vaughan OR, Murray AJ, Forhead AJ. Metabolic Consequences of Glucocorticoid Exposure before Birth. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14112304. [PMID: 35684104 PMCID: PMC9182938 DOI: 10.3390/nu14112304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids have an important role in development of the metabolic phenotype in utero. They act as environmental and maturational signals in adapting feto-placental metabolism to maximize the chances of survival both before and at birth. They influence placental nutrient handling and fetal metabolic processes to support fetal growth, fuel storage and energy production with respect to nutrient availability. More specifically, they regulate the transport, utilization and production of a range of nutrients by the feto-placental tissues that enables greater metabolic flexibility in utero while minimizing any further drain on maternal resources during periods of stress. Near term, the natural rise in fetal glucocorticoid concentrations also stimulates key metabolic adaptations that prepare tissues for the new energy demanding functions after birth. Glucocorticoids, therefore, have a central role in the metabolic communication between the mother, placenta and fetus that optimizes offspring metabolic phenotype for survival to reproductive age. This review discusses the effects of maternal and fetal glucocorticoids on the supply and utilization of nutrients by the feto-placental tissues with particular emphasis on studies using quantitative methods to assess metabolism in rodents and sheep in vivo during late pregnancy. It considers the routes of glucocorticoid overexposure in utero, including experimental administration of synthetic glucocorticoids, and the mechanisms by which these hormones control feto-placental metabolism at the molecular, cellular and systems levels. It also briefly examines the consequences of intrauterine glucocorticoid overexposure for postnatal metabolic health and the generational inheritance of metabolic phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail L. Fowden
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (A.J.M.); (A.J.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Owen R. Vaughan
- EGA Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London WC1E 6HX, UK;
| | - Andrew J. Murray
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (A.J.M.); (A.J.F.)
| | - Alison J. Forhead
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (A.J.M.); (A.J.F.)
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
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22
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McColl ER, Hurtarte M, Piquette-Miller M. Impact of inflammation and infection on the expression of amino acid transporters in the placenta: A minireview. Drug Metab Dispos 2022; 50:DMD-MR-2021-000703. [PMID: 35512807 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.121.000703] [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: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Amino acid transporters expressed in the placenta help to regulate the transfer of amino acids from maternal to fetal circulation. Nutritional or hormonal factors are known to potentially impact the expression of amino acid transporters in the placenta. A relatively new field of inquiry has also demonstrated that inflammation, whether associated with infection or not, also alters the expression of amino acid transporters in the placenta. Indeed, studies over the past 15 years have demonstrated that malaria, viral and bacterial models of infection, preeclampsia, and direct administration of proinflammatory cytokines can alter placental amino acid transporter expression. While such studies have largely focused on System A and System L transporters, other transporters are also affected. p38 MAPK, STAT3, mTORC1, and AMPK signaling have all been implicated in these changes, but the underlying mechanism(s) remain to be fully elucidated. Furthermore, the implications of such changes warrant further investigation. This review will summarize studies that have investigated the impact of inflammation on placental amino acid transporter expression, identify questions that remain unanswered, and propose future areas of research to advance the field. As amino acid transporters are now being considered for drug targeting and drug delivery, furthering our understanding of the regulation of these transporters during disease states will be of increasing clinical value. Significance Statement While this is a relatively new field of research, multiple studies have demonstrated that inflammation alters placental amino acid transporter expression. This review will serve to summarize, for the first time, studies in this field and identify gaps in current knowledge as research in this area moves beyond identifying changes in transporter expression to investigating the implications of such changes and the mechanisms underlying them.
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23
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Ma X, Wu L, Wang Y, Han S, El-Dalatony MM, Feng F, Tao Z, Yu L, Wang Y. Diet and human reproductive system: Insight of omics approaches. Food Sci Nutr 2022; 10:1368-1384. [PMID: 35592285 PMCID: PMC9094499 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.2708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutrition and lifestyle have a great impact on reproduction and infertility in humans, as they are essential for certain processes such as implantation, placental growth, angiogenesis, and the transfer of nutrients from the mother to the fetus. The aim of this review is to provide the interconnection between nutrition and reproductive health through the insight of omics approaches (including metabolomics and nutrigenomics). The effect of various macronutrients, micronutrients, and some food‐associated components on male and female reproduction was discussed. Recent research work was collected through database search from 2010 to 2020 to identify eligible studies. Alterations of metabolic pathways in pregnant women were deliberated with an emphasis on different strategies of lifestyle and dietary interventions. Several nutritional methods, which are important for embryonic and child neurological development, nutritional supplements to lactation, and improved gestational length along with birth weight have been emphasized. Considerable advances in omics strategies show potential technological development for improving human reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Ma
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University The First School of Clinical Medicine Lanzhou University Lanzhou China.,Gansu International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Reproductive Medicine Transformation Application Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo Lanzhou China
| | - Luming Wu
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University The First School of Clinical Medicine Lanzhou University Lanzhou China
| | - Yinxue Wang
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University The First School of Clinical Medicine Lanzhou University Lanzhou China
| | - Shiqiang Han
- Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture Maternity and Childcare Hospital Linxia China
| | - Marwa M El-Dalatony
- Gansu International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Reproductive Medicine Transformation Application Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo Lanzhou China
| | - Fei Feng
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University The First School of Clinical Medicine Lanzhou University Lanzhou China
| | - Zhongbin Tao
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University The First School of Clinical Medicine Lanzhou University Lanzhou China
| | - Liulin Yu
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University The First School of Clinical Medicine Lanzhou University Lanzhou China.,Gansu International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Reproductive Medicine Transformation Application Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo Lanzhou China
| | - Yiqing Wang
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University The First School of Clinical Medicine Lanzhou University Lanzhou China.,Gansu International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Reproductive Medicine Transformation Application Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo Lanzhou China
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24
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Karahoda R, Zaugg J, Fuenzalida B, Kallol S, Moser-Haessig R, Staud F, Albrecht C. Trophoblast Differentiation Affects Crucial Nutritive Functions of Placental Membrane Transporters. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:820286. [PMID: 35273963 PMCID: PMC8901483 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.820286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytotrophoblasts are progenitor cells that proliferate and fuse to form the multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast layer, implicated in placental endocrine and transport functions. While membrane transporters play a critical role in the distribution of nutrients, hormones, and xenobiotics at the maternal-fetal interface, their selectivity to the syncytiotrophoblast layer is poorly characterized. We aimed to evaluate the regulation of placental transporters in response to trophoblast differentiation in vitro. Experiments were carried out in isolated primary human trophoblast cells before and after syncytialization. Gene expression of six molecular markers and thirty membrane transporters was investigated by qPCR analysis. Subsequently, functional expression was evaluated for proteins involved in the transplacental transfer of essential nutrients i.e., cholesterol (ABCA1, ABCG1), glucose (SLC2A1), leucine (SLC3A2, SLC7A5), and iron (transferrin receptor, TfR1). We identified that human chorionic gonadotropin, placental lactogen, endoglin, and cadherin-11 serve as optimal gene markers for the syncytialization process. We showed that trophoblast differentiation was associated with differential gene expression (mostly up-regulation) of several nutrient and drug transporters. Further, we revealed enhanced protein expression and activity of ABCG1, SLC3A2, SLC7A5, and TfR1 in syncytialized cells, with ABCA1 and GLUT1 displaying no change. Taken together, these results indicate that the syncytiotrophoblast has a dominant role in transporting essential nutrients cholesterol, leucine, and iron. Nonetheless, we present evidence that the cytotrophoblast cells may also be linked to transport functions that could be critical for the cell fusion processes. Our findings collectively yield new insights into the cellular functions associated with or altered by the trophoblast fusion. Importantly, defective syncytialization could lead to nutrient transfer imbalance, ultimately compromising fetal development and programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rona Karahoda
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jonas Zaugg
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Fuenzalida
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sampada Kallol
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Frantisek Staud
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Christiane Albrecht
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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25
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Al-Kouatly HB, Scott RK, Makhamreh MM, Cunningham G, Visclosky T, Ingram BO, Inagaki K, Rakhmanina N, Kirmse B. Metabolomics in Placental Tissue from Women Living with HIV. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2022; 38:198-207. [PMID: 34498948 PMCID: PMC8968831 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2021.0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It is unknown whether antiretroviral (ARV) drugs in women living with HIV (WLHIV) are associated with mitochondrial toxicity and altered fat oxidation and branched-chain amino acid metabolism in the placenta and fetus. Immediately after delivery, we froze placental biopsies from 20 WLHIV and 20 matched uninfected women. We analyzed global biochemical profiles using high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. We used t-tests, principle component analysis, hierarchical clustering, and random forest analysis (RFA) in our analysis. Twelve WLHIV were on protease inhibitors, six on non-nucleoside reverse inhibitors, and two on integrase strand inhibitors with optimized backbone. Mean birth weight of HIV-exposed neonates was significantly lower than unexposed neonates (3,075 g vs. 3,498 g, p = .01) at similar gestational age. RFA identified 30 of 702 analytes that differentiated the placental profiles of WLHIV from uninfected women with 72.5% predictive accuracy. Placental profiles of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-treated WLHIV exhibited lower levels of amino acids, including essential and branched-chain amino acids, and some medium-chain acylcarnitines. Placental metabolism may be altered in WLHIV, possibly associated with ARV exposure. The lower birth weight among neonates of WLHIV suggests the need for further studies considering potential deleterious effects of altered placenta metabolism on fetal growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huda B. Al-Kouatly
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.,National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rachel K. Scott
- MedStar Health Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.,MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Mona M. Makhamreh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Gary Cunningham
- Division of Genetics & Metabolism, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Timothy Visclosky
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Kengo Inagaki
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Natella Rakhmanina
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.,Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Brian Kirmse
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA.,Address correspondence to: Brian Kirmse, Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State Street, R-619, Jackson, Mississippi 39216, USA
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26
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Zhang M, Buckley JP, Liang L, Hong X, Wang G, Wang MC, Wills-Karp M, Wang X, Mueller NT. A metabolome-wide association study of in utero metal and trace element exposures with cord blood metabolome profile: Findings from the Boston Birth Cohort. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 158:106976. [PMID: 34991243 PMCID: PMC8742133 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to metals lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) and trace elements selenium (Se) and manganese (Mn) has been linked to the developmental origins of cardiometabolic diseases, but the mechanisms are not well-understood. OBJECTIVE Conduct a metabolome-wide association study to understand how in utero exposure to Pb, Hg, Cd, Se, and Mn affects the metabolic programming of fetuses. METHODS We used data from the Boston Birth Cohort, which enrolled mother-child pairs from Boston, MA. We measured metals and trace elements in maternal red blood cells (RBCs) collected 24-72 h after delivery, and metabolites in cord blood collected at birth. We used multivariable linear regression to examine associations of metals and trace elements with metabolites and Bonferroni correction to account for multiple comparisons. We assessed non-linear associations of metals and trace elements with metabolites using restricted cubic spline plots. RESULTS This analysis included 670 mother-child pairs (57% non-Hispanic Black and 24% Hispanic). After Bonferroni correction, there were 25 cord metabolites associated with at least one of the metals or trace elements. Pb was negatively associated with the xenobiotic piperine, Cd was positively associated with xenobiotics cotinine and hydroxycotinine, and Hg was associated with 8 lipid metabolites (in both directions). Se and Mn shared associations with 6 metabolites (in both directions), which mostly included nucleotides and amino acids; Se was additionally associated with 7 metabolites (mostly amino acids, nucleotides, and carnitines) and Mn was additionally associated with C36:4 hydroxy phosphatidylcholine. Restricted cubic spline plots showed that most associations were linear. DISCUSSION Maternal RBC metal and trace element concentrations were associated in a dose-dependent fashion with cord blood metabolites. What remains to be determined is whether these metals- and trace elements-associated changes in cord metabolites can influence a child's risk of cardiometabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyu Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jessie P Buckley
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Liming Liang
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xiumei Hong
- Center on the Early Life Origins of Disease, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Guoying Wang
- Center on the Early Life Origins of Disease, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mei-Cheng Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marsha Wills-Karp
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xiaobin Wang
- Center on the Early Life Origins of Disease, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Noel T Mueller
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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27
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Placental Development and Pregnancy-Associated Diseases. MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.1097/fm9.0000000000000134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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28
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Transport and Toxicity of Methylmercury-Cysteine in Cultured BeWo Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010394. [PMID: 35008820 PMCID: PMC8745507 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mercury is a heavy metal toxicant that is prevalent throughout the environment. Organic forms of mercury, such as methylmercury (MeHg), can cross the placenta and can lead to lasting detrimental effects in the fetus. The toxicological effects of MeHg on the placenta itself have not been clearly defined. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to assess the transport of MeHg into placental syncytiotrophoblasts and to characterize the mechanisms by which MeHg exerts its toxic effects. Cultured placental syncytiotrophoblasts (BeWo) were used for these studies. The transport of radioactive MeHg was measured to identify potential mechanisms involved in the uptake of this compound. The toxicological effects of MeHg on BeWo cells were determined by assessing visible pathological change, autophagy, mitochondrial viability, and oxidative stress. The findings of this study suggest that MeHg compounds are transported into BeWo cells primarily by sodium-independent amino acid carriers and organic anion transporters. The MeHg altered mitochondrial function and viability, decreased mitophagy and autophagy, and increased oxidative stress. Exposure to higher concentrations of MeHg inhibited the ability of cells to protect against MeHg-induced injury. The findings show that MeHg is directly toxic to syncytiotrophoblasts and may lead to disruptions in the fetal/maternal transfer of nutrients and wastes.
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29
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Tashev SA, Parsons D, Hillman C, Harris S, Lofthouse EM, Goggin P, Chatelet DS, Cleal JK, Smyth N, Palaiologou H, Page A, Lewis RM. Folding of the syncytiotrophoblast basal plasma membrane increases the surface area available for exchange in human placenta. Placenta 2021; 117:57-63. [PMID: 34768170 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The placental syncytiotrophoblast is the primary barrier between the mother and the fetus. To cross the placenta, nutrients and wastes must be transported across the apical microvillous and basal plasma membranes. While the syncytiotrophoblast basal plasma membrane is typically represented as relatively smooth, it has been shown to have invaginations that may increase its surface area. This study aimed to quantify how folding of the syncytiotrophoblast basal membrane contributes to its surface area and to visualise three-dimensional structures of the basal membrane and cytotrophoblast cell structures. METHODS Transmission electron microscope images of human term placenta were analysed using stereological approaches to quantify how folding of the syncytiotrophoblast basal plasma membrane affected surface area. Serial block-face scanning electron microscopy was used to visualise the three-dimensional structure of the syncytiotrophoblast basal membrane and cytotrophoblast cells. RESULTS Syncytiotrophoblast basal membrane covered 69.1% of the basal lamina, with cytotrophoblast cells covering the remaining 30.9%. In basal lamina adjacent to syncytiotrophoblast, 34% was adjacent to smooth basal membrane and 66% to folded basal membrane. Syncytiotrophoblast basal membrane folds increased the surface area adjacent to basal lamina by 305%. Including regions overlying the cytotrophoblast cells, basal membrane folds increased syncytiotrophoblast basal membrane surface area by 4.4-fold relative to the basal lamina in terminal villi. Terminal and intermediate villi were similar in terms of trophoblast coverage of the basal lamina and basal membrane folding. The three-dimensional structures of the syncytiotrophoblast basal plasma membrane and cytotrophoblast cells were generated from serial block-face scanning electron microscopy image stacks. DISCUSSION These findings indicate that the surface area of the syncytiotrophoblast basal plasma membrane is far larger than had been appreciated. We suggest that these folds increase the surface area available for transport to and from the fetus. Changes in the extent of basal membrane folding could affect nutrient transfer capacity and underlie pathological fetal growth, including fetal growth restriction and macrosomia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daisy Parsons
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Cameron Hillman
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Life Sciences, United Kingdom
| | - Shelley Harris
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, United Kingdom
| | | | - Patricia Goggin
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Imaging Unit, United Kingdom
| | - David S Chatelet
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Imaging Unit, United Kingdom
| | - Jane K Cleal
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, United Kingdom; University of Southampton, Institute for Life Sciences, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Smyth
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Life Sciences, United Kingdom
| | | | - Anton Page
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Imaging Unit, United Kingdom
| | - Rohan M Lewis
- University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, United Kingdom; University of Southampton, Institute for Life Sciences, United Kingdom.
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Bucher M, Kadam L, Ahuna K, Myatt L. Differences in Glycolysis and Mitochondrial Respiration between Cytotrophoblast and Syncytiotrophoblast In-Vitro: Evidence for Sexual Dimorphism. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910875. [PMID: 34639216 PMCID: PMC8509198 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In the placenta the proliferative cytotrophoblast cells fuse into the terminally differentiated syncytiotrophoblast layer which undertakes several energy-intensive functions including nutrient uptake and transfer and hormone synthesis. We used Seahorse glycolytic and mitochondrial stress tests on trophoblast cells isolated at term from women of healthy weight to evaluate if cytotrophoblast (CT) and syncytiotrophoblast (ST) have different bioenergetic strategies, given their different functions. Whereas there are no differences in basal glycolysis, CT have significantly greater glycolytic capacity and reserve than ST. In contrast, ST have significantly higher basal, ATP-coupled and maximal mitochondrial respiration and spare capacity than CT. Consequently, under stress conditions CT can increase energy generation via its higher glycolytic capacity whereas ST can use its higher and more efficient mitochondrial respiration capacity. We have previously shown that with adverse in utero conditions of diabetes and obesity trophoblast respiration is sexually dimorphic. We found no differences in glycolytic parameters between sexes and no difference in mitochondrial respiration parameters other than increases seen upon syncytialization appear to be greater in females. There were differences in metabolic flexibility, i.e., the ability to use glucose, glutamine, or fatty acids, seen upon syncytialization between the sexes with increased flexibility in female trophoblast suggesting a better ability to adapt to changes in nutrient supply.
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Ikumi NM, Anumba D, Matjila M. Pharmacokinetics and placental transfer of dolutegravir in pregnancy. J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 77:283-289. [PMID: 34618029 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkab365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Dolutegravir is currently recommended by the WHO as the preferred first-line treatment for all people with HIV, including pregnant women. Estimates indicate that, by 2024, nearly 22 million adults in low- and middle-income countries will have transitioned to dolutegravir-based ART. It is therefore critical that there is a clear appreciation and understanding of the risks that may be associated with in utero exposure to dolutegravir. In this review we consolidate data from studies on dolutegravir and the placenta. The studies have largely focused on the pharmacokinetics and placental transfer of dolutegravir in pregnancy. These include studies on transplacental transfer of dolutegravir, ex vivo placenta perfusion models, physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models and animal studies. The data available clearly demonstrate that placental transfer of dolutegravir occurs in moderate to high concentrations. Intracellular placental dolutegravir has been demonstrated in the placental villous tissue. There are limited data suggesting that pregnancy is associated with decreased maternal dolutegravir levels. In addition, PBPK models have great potential in predicting the passage of drugs through the placenta and further contributing towards the elucidation of fetal exposure. The animal studies available demonstrate that in utero dolutegravir exposure can be associated with neural tube defects. Taking into consideration that antiretroviral exposure may be associated with poor placental development or function and increased risk of adverse effects to the fetus, it is crucially important that these risks are evaluated, especially with the rapid scale up of dolutegravir-based ART into national treatment programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia M Ikumi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dilly Anumba
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Mushi Matjila
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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D’ Fonseca NMM, Gibson CME, van Doorn DA, Roelfsema E, de Ruijter-Villani M, Stout TAE. Effect of Overfeeding Shetland Pony Mares on Embryonic Glucose and Lipid Accumulation, and Expression of Imprinted Genes. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092504. [PMID: 34573470 PMCID: PMC8470267 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In pregnant individuals, maternal overnutrition is associated with disturbances in the expression of specific genes and nutrient transporters in the early embryo, which can affect both fetal and placental development and have lasting effects on the health of resulting offspring. To examine how maternal overfeeding affects the equine embryo, Shetland pony mares were fed either a high-energy (HE: 200% of net energy requirements) or maintenance (control) diet. Mares from both groups were inseminated, and day-seven embryos were recovered and transferred to recipients from the same or the alternate group. The expression of several genes, nutrient transporters and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs; play an important role in regulating gene expression) were determined in extra-embryonic membranes after recovery on day 28 of gestation. The expression of nutrient transporters was also assessed in endometrium recovered from recipient mares immediately after embryo removal. In addition, glucose uptake by day-28 extra-embryonic membranes, and lipid droplet accumulation in day-seven embryos were assessed. Maternal overfeeding resulted in elevated expression of several genes, DNMTs and nutrient transporters following embryo transfer from an HE to a control mare. The expression of two amino acid transporters was also elevated in the endometrium after embryo transfer from HE to control. Maternal overfeeding did not affect lipid droplet accumulation in day-seven embryos, or glucose uptake by membranes of day-28 embryos. It remains to be seen whether the alterations in gene expression are maintained throughout gestation and into postnatal life. Abstract Maternal overfeeding is associated with disturbances in early embryonic epigenetic reprogramming, leading to altered expression of imprinted genes and nutrient transporters, which can affect both fetal and placental development and have lasting effects on the health of resulting offspring. To examine how maternal overfeeding affects the equine embryo, Shetland pony mares were fed either a high-energy (HE: 200% of net energy requirements) or maintenance (control) diet. Mares from both groups were inseminated, and day-seven embryos were recovered and transferred to recipients from the same or the alternate group. The expression of a panel of imprinted genes, glucose and amino acid transporters, and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) were determined in conceptus membranes after recovery on day 28 of gestation (late pre-implantation phase). The expression of nutrient transporters was also assessed in endometrium recovered from recipient mares immediately after conceptus removal. In addition, glucose uptake by day-28 extra-embryonic membranes, and lipid droplet accumulation in day-seven blastocysts were assessed. Maternal overfeeding resulted in elevated expression of imprinted genes (IGF2, IGF2R, H19, GRB10, PEG10 and SNRPN), DNMTs (DNMT1 and DNMT3B), glucose (SLC2A1), fructose (SLC2A5) and amino acid (SLC7A2) transporters following ET from an HE to a control mare. Expression of amino acid transporters (SLC1A5 and SLC7A1) was also elevated in the endometrium after ET from HE to control. Maternal overfeeding did not affect lipid droplet accumulation in blastocysts, or glucose uptake by day-28 membranes. It remains to be seen whether the alterations in gene expression are maintained throughout gestation and into postnatal life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicky M. M. D’ Fonseca
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (C.M.E.G.); (D.A.v.D.); (E.R.); (M.d.R.-V.); (T.A.E.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Charlotte M. E. Gibson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (C.M.E.G.); (D.A.v.D.); (E.R.); (M.d.R.-V.); (T.A.E.S.)
| | - David A. van Doorn
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (C.M.E.G.); (D.A.v.D.); (E.R.); (M.d.R.-V.); (T.A.E.S.)
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen Roelfsema
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (C.M.E.G.); (D.A.v.D.); (E.R.); (M.d.R.-V.); (T.A.E.S.)
| | - Marta de Ruijter-Villani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (C.M.E.G.); (D.A.v.D.); (E.R.); (M.d.R.-V.); (T.A.E.S.)
| | - Tom A. E. Stout
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (C.M.E.G.); (D.A.v.D.); (E.R.); (M.d.R.-V.); (T.A.E.S.)
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Cornejo M, Fuentes G, Valero P, Vega S, Grismaldo A, Toledo F, Pardo F, Moore‐Carrasco R, Subiabre M, Casanello P, Faas MM, Goor H, Sobrevia L. Gestational diabesity and foetoplacental vascular dysfunction. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2021; 232:e13671. [PMID: 33942517 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) shows a deficiency in the metabolism of D-glucose and other nutrients, thereby negatively affecting the foetoplacental vascular endothelium. Maternal hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinemia play an important role in the aetiology of GDM. A combination of these and other factors predisposes women to developing GDM with pre-pregnancy normal weight, viz. classic GDM. However, women with GDM and prepregnancy obesity (gestational diabesity, GDty) or overweight (GDMow) show a different metabolic status than women with classic GDM. GDty and GDMow are associated with altered l-arginine/nitric oxide and insulin/adenosine axis signalling in the human foetoplacental microvascular and macrovascular endothelium. These alterations differ from those observed in classic GDM. Here, we have reviewed the consequences of GDty and GDMow in the modulation of foetoplacental endothelial cell function, highlighting studies describing the modulation of intracellular pH homeostasis and the potential implications of NO generation and adenosine signalling in GDty-associated foetal vascular insulin resistance. Moreover, with an increase in the rate of obesity in women of childbearing age worldwide, the prevalence of GDty is expected to increase in the next decades. Therefore, we emphasize that women with GDty and GDMow should be characterized with a different metabolic state from that of women with classic GDM to develop a more specific therapeutic approach for protecting the mother and foetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Cornejo
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory Department of Obstetrics Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology School of Medicine Faculty of Medicine Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago Chile
- Faculty of Health Sciences Universidad de Talca Talca Chile
- Faculty of Health Sciences Universidad de Antofagasta Antofagasta Chile
| | - Gonzalo Fuentes
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory Department of Obstetrics Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology School of Medicine Faculty of Medicine Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago Chile
- Faculty of Health Sciences Universidad de Talca Talca Chile
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology University of GroningenUniversity Medical Center Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Paola Valero
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory Department of Obstetrics Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology School of Medicine Faculty of Medicine Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago Chile
- Faculty of Health Sciences Universidad de Talca Talca Chile
| | - Sofía Vega
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory Department of Obstetrics Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology School of Medicine Faculty of Medicine Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago Chile
- Medical School (Faculty of Medicine) Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - Adriana Grismaldo
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory Department of Obstetrics Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology School of Medicine Faculty of Medicine Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago Chile
- Department of Nutrition and Biochemistry Faculty of Sciences Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Bogotá D.C. Colombia
| | - Fernando Toledo
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory Department of Obstetrics Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology School of Medicine Faculty of Medicine Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago Chile
- Department of Basic Sciences Faculty of Sciences Universidad del Bío‐Bío Chillán Chile
| | - Fabián Pardo
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory Department of Obstetrics Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology School of Medicine Faculty of Medicine Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago Chile
- Metabolic Diseases Research Laboratory Interdisciplinary Centre of Territorial Health Research (CIISTe) Biomedical Research Center (CIB) School of Medicine Faculty of Medicine Universidad de Valparaíso San Felipe Chile
| | | | - Mario Subiabre
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory Department of Obstetrics Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology School of Medicine Faculty of Medicine Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago Chile
| | - Paola Casanello
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology University of GroningenUniversity Medical Center Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Department of Neonatology Division of Pediatrics School of Medicine Faculty of Medicine Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago Chile
| | - Marijke M Faas
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology University of GroningenUniversity Medical Center Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Harry Goor
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology University of GroningenUniversity Medical Center Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Luis Sobrevia
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory Department of Obstetrics Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology School of Medicine Faculty of Medicine Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago Chile
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology University of GroningenUniversity Medical Center Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
- Medical School (Faculty of Medicine) Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) Sao Paulo Brazil
- Department of Physiology Faculty of Pharmacy Universidad de Sevilla Seville Spain
- University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR) Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences University of Queensland Herston QLD Australia
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Castillo-Castrejon M, Yamaguchi K, Rodel RL, Erickson K, Kramer A, Hirsch NM, Rolloff K, Jansson T, Barbour LA, Powell TL. Effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus on placental expression and activity of nutrient transporters and their association with birth weight and neonatal adiposity. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 532:111319. [PMID: 33989714 PMCID: PMC8206039 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Infants born to women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) are at risk of being born large for gestational age due to excess fetal fat accretion. Placental nutrient transport determines fetal nutrient availability, impacting fetal growth. The aims of the study were to evaluate the effect of T2DM on placental insulin signaling, placental nutrient transporters and neonatal adiposity. METHODS Placentas were collected from BMI-matched normoglycemic controls (NGT, n = 9) and T2DM (n = 9) women. Syncytiotrophoblast microvillous (MVM) and basal (BM) plasma membranes were isolated. Expression of glucose (GLUT1, -4), fatty acid (FATP2, -4, -6, FAT/CD36), amino acid (SNAT1, -2, -4, LAT1, -2) transporters, insulin signaling, and System A transporter activity was determined. Neonatal fat mass (%) was measured in a subset of neonates born to T2DM women. RESULTS GLUT1 protein expression was increased (p = 0.001) and GLUT4 decreased (p = 0.006) in BM from T2DM. MVM FATP6 expression was increased (p = 0.02) and correlated with birth weight in both T2DM and NGT groups (r = 0.65, p = 0.02). BM FATP6 expression was increased (p = 0.01) in T2DM. In MVM of T2DM placentas, SNAT1 expression was increased (p = 0.05) and correlated with birth weight (r = 0.84, p = 0.004); SNAT2 was increased (p = 0.01), however System A transporter activity was not different between groups. MVM LAT1 expression was increased (p = 0.01) in T2DM and correlated with birth weight (r = 0.59, p = 0.04) and neonatal fat mass (r = 0.76, p = 0.06). CONCLUSION In pregnancies complicated by T2DM placental protein expression of transporters for glucose, amino acids and fatty acids is increased, which may contribute to increased fetal growth and neonatal adiposity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisol Castillo-Castrejon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Kyohei Yamaguchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| | - Rachel L Rodel
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Kathryn Erickson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Anita Kramer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Nicole M Hirsch
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Kristy Rolloff
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Linda A Barbour
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
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Fowden AL, Camm EJ, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Effects of Maternal Obesity On Placental Phenotype. Curr Vasc Pharmacol 2021; 19:113-131. [PMID: 32400334 DOI: 10.2174/1570161118666200513115316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of obesity is rising rapidly worldwide with the consequence that more women are entering pregnancy overweight or obese. This leads to an increased incidence of clinical complications during pregnancy and of poor obstetric outcomes. The offspring of obese pregnancies are often macrosomic at birth although there is also a subset of the progeny that are growth-restricted at term. Maternal obesity during pregnancy is also associated with cardiovascular, metabolic and endocrine dysfunction in the offspring later in life. As the interface between the mother and fetus, the placenta has a central role in programming intrauterine development and is known to adapt its phenotype in response to environmental conditions such as maternal undernutrition and hypoxia. However, less is known about placental function in the abnormal metabolic and endocrine environment associated with maternal obesity during pregnancy. This review discusses the placental consequences of maternal obesity induced either naturally or experimentally by increasing maternal nutritional intake and/or changing the dietary composition. It takes a comparative, multi-species approach and focusses on placental size, morphology, nutrient transport, metabolism and endocrine function during the later stages of obese pregnancy. It also examines the interventions that have been made during pregnancy in an attempt to alleviate the more adverse impacts of maternal obesity on placental phenotype. The review highlights the potential role of adaptations in placental phenotype as a contributory factor to the pregnancy complications and changes in fetal growth and development that are associated with maternal obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Fowden
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - E J Camm
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - A N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
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McIntyre KR, Vincent KMM, Hayward CE, Li X, Sibley CP, Desforges M, Greenwood SL, Dilworth MR. Human placental uptake of glutamine and glutamate is reduced in fetal growth restriction. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16197. [PMID: 33004923 PMCID: PMC7530652 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72930-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a significant risk factor for stillbirth, neonatal complications and adulthood morbidity. Compared with those of appropriate weight for gestational age (AGA), FGR babies have smaller placentas with reduced activity of amino acid transporter systems A and L, thought to contribute to poor fetal growth. The amino acids glutamine and glutamate are essential for normal placental function and fetal development; whether transport of these is altered in FGR is unknown. We hypothesised that FGR is associated with reduced placental glutamine and glutamate transporter activity and expression, and propose the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway as a candidate mechanism. FGR infants [individualised birth weight ratio (IBR) < 5th centile] had lighter placentas, reduced initial rate uptake of 14C-glutamine and 14C-glutamate (per mg placental protein) but higher expression of key transporter proteins (glutamine: LAT1, LAT2, SNAT5, glutamate: EAAT1) versus AGA [IBR 20th-80th]. In further experiments, in vitro exposure to rapamycin inhibited placental glutamine and glutamate uptake (24 h, uncomplicated pregnancies) indicating a role of mTOR in regulating placental transport of these amino acids. These data support our hypothesis and suggest that abnormal glutamine and glutamate transporter activity is part of the spectrum of placental dysfunction in FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty R McIntyre
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. .,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK. .,School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Wolfson Medical School Building, University Avenue, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
| | - Kirsty M M Vincent
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Christina E Hayward
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Xiaojia Li
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Colin P Sibley
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Michelle Desforges
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Susan L Greenwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Mark R Dilworth
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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Elmetwally MA, Halawa AA, Tang W, Wu G, Bazer FW. Effects of Bisphenol A on expression of genes related to amino acid transporters, insulin- like growth factor, aquaporin and amino acid release by porcine trophectoderm cells. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 96:241-248. [PMID: 32710935 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The peri-implantation period of pregnancy is critical for conceptus development, implantation, and signaling for establishment of pregnancy. This study evaluated the effects of bisphenol A (BPA) on proliferation, adhesion, and migration of porcine trophectoderm (pTr2) cells, expression of transporters of arginine and synthesis of amino acids. All concentrations of BPA decreased proliferation and adhesion of pTr2 cells after 96 h compared to the control group. Lower concentrations of BPA (1 × 10-9, 1 × 10-8, 10-7M) increased (P < 0.05), but higher concentrations of BPA (1 × 10-5, 1 × 10-4 M) decreased migration of pTr2 cells. BPA increased expression of SLC7A1 mRNA at lower concentrations (1 × 10-9 to 1 × 10-6M) and SL7A6, another cationic acid transporter, at higher concentrations (1 × 10-5, 1 × 10-4 M). BPA also down-regulated the expression of IGF1 and IGF1 receptor at concentrations of 1 × 10-7 to 1 × 10-4 M compared to the control group. The expression of mRNAs for aquaporins (AQP) 3 and 4 were reduced at all concentrations of BPA, but at lower concentrations of BPA, (1 × 10-9 to 1 × 10-8M) expression of AQP9 mRNA increased and the expression of AQP11 was not affected by BPA (P > 0.05). There was an inhibitory effect of BPA on the release of synthesis of asparagine, threonine, taurine, tryptophan, and ornithine into the culture medium by pTr2 cells. Collectively, BPA adversely affected the expression of transporters for cationic amino acids like arginine, as well as AQPs, IGF1, and IGF1R associated with proliferation, migration, and adhesion of pTr2 cells. Those adverse effects would likely increase pregnancy losses during the peri-implantation period of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Elmetwally
- Department of Animal Science, United States; Center for Animal Biotechnology and Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States; Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Amal A Halawa
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Wanjin Tang
- Department of Animal Science, United States; Center for Animal Biotechnology and Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Guoyao Wu
- Department of Animal Science, United States; Center for Animal Biotechnology and Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, United States; Center for Animal Biotechnology and Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States.
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Lofthouse EM, Cleal JK, Hudson G, Lewis RM, Sengers BG. Glibenclamide transfer across the perfused human placenta is determined by albumin binding not transporter activity. Eur J Pharm Sci 2020; 152:105436. [PMID: 32592753 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2020.105436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The placenta mediates the transfer of maternal nutrients into the fetal circulation while removing fetal waste products, drugs and environmental toxins that may otherwise be detrimental to fetal development. This study investigated the role of drug transporters and protein binding in the transfer of the antidiabetic drug glibenclamide across the human placental syncytiotrophoblast using placental perfusion experiments and computational modeling. In the absence of albumin, placental glibenclamide uptake from the fetal circulation was not affected by competitive inhibition with bromosulphothalein (BSP), indicating that OATP2B1 does not mediate placental glibenclamide uptake from the fetus. In the presence of maternal and fetal albumin, BSP increased placental glibenclamide uptake from the fetal circulation by displacing glibenclamide from BSA, increasing the free fraction of glibenclamide driving diffusive transport. The P-gp and BCRP inhibitor GF120918 did not affect placental glibenclamide uptake from the maternal circulation and as such this study did not find any evidence for the apical efflux transporters in placental glibenclamide transfer. Computational modeling confirmed that albumin binding and not transporter activity, is the dominant factor in the transfer of glibenclamide across the human placenta. The effect of BSP binding to albumin on promoting the diffusive transfer of glibenclamide highlights the importance of drug-protein binding interactions and their interpretation using computational modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M Lofthouse
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK; Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Jane K Cleal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK; Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, UK
| | | | - Rohan M Lewis
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK; Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Bram G Sengers
- Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, UK; Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, UK.
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39
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Amino Acids and Developmental Origins of Hypertension. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12061763. [PMID: 32545526 PMCID: PMC7353289 DOI: 10.3390/nu12061763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, amino acids are important biomolecules that play essential roles in fetal growth and development. Imbalanced amino acid intake during gestation may produce long-term morphological or functional changes in offspring, for example, developmental programming that increases the risk of developing hypertension in later life. Conversely, supplementation with specific amino acids could reverse the programming processes in early life, which may counteract the rising epidemic of hypertension. This review provides an overview of the evidence supporting the importance of amino acids during pregnancy and fetal development, the impact of amino acids on blood pressure regulation, insight from animal models in which amino acids were used to prevent hypertension of developmental origin, and interactions between amino acids and the common mechanisms underlying development programming of hypertension. A better understanding of the pathophysiological roles of specific amino acids and their interactions in developmental programming of hypertension is essential so that pregnant mothers are able to benefit from accurate amino acid supplementation during pregnancy in order to prevent hypertension development in their children.
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40
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Lewis RM, Cleal JK, Sengers BG. Placental perfusion and mathematical modelling. Placenta 2020; 93:43-48. [PMID: 32250738 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The isolated perfused placental cotyledon technique has led to numerous advances in placental biology. Combining placental perfusion with mathematical modelling provides an additional level of insight into placental function. Mathematical modelling of perfusion data provides a quantitative framework to test the understanding of the underlying biology and to explore how different processes work together within the placenta as part of an integrated system. The perfusion technique provides a high degree of control over the experimental conditions as well as regular measurements of functional parameters such as pressure, solute concentrations and pH over time. This level of control is ideal for modelling as it allows placental function to be studied across a wide range of different conditions which permits robust testing of mathematical models. By placing quantitative values on different processes (e.g. transport, metabolism, blood flow), their relative contribution to the system can be estimated and those most likely to become rate-limiting identified. Using a combined placental perfusion and modelling approach, placental metabolism was shown to be a more important determinant of amino acid and fatty acid transfer. In contrast, metabolism was a less important determinant of placental cortisol transfer than initially thought. Identifying the rate-limiting factors in the system allows future work to be focused on the factors that are most likely to underlie placental dysfunction. A combined experimental and modelling approach using placental perfusions promotes an integrated view of placental physiology that can more effectively identify the processes leading to placental pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan M Lewis
- University of Southampton, Faulty of Medicine, UK; University of Southampton, Institute for Life Sciences, UK.
| | - Jane K Cleal
- University of Southampton, Faulty of Medicine, UK; University of Southampton, Institute for Life Sciences, UK
| | - Bram G Sengers
- University of Southampton, Institute for Life Sciences, UK; University of Southampton, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, UK
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41
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Johns EC, Denison FC, Reynolds RM. The impact of maternal obesity in pregnancy on placental glucocorticoid and macronutrient transport and metabolism. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165374. [PMID: 30684643 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Maternal obesity is the most common metabolic disturbance in pregnancy affecting >1 in 5 women in some countries. Babies born to obese women are heavier with more adiposity at birth, and are vulnerable to obesity and metabolic disease across the lifespan suggesting offspring health is 'programmed' by fetal exposure to an obese intra-uterine environment. The placenta plays a major role in dictating the impact of maternal health on prenatal development. Maternal obesity impacts the function of integral placental receptors and transporters for glucocorticoids and nutrients, key drivers of fetal growth, though mechanisms remain poorly understood. This review aims to summarise current knowledge in this area, and considers the impact of obesity on the epigenetic machinery of the placenta at this vital juncture in offspring development. Further research is required to advance understanding of these areas in the hope that the trans-generational cycle of obesity can be alleviated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma C Johns
- Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona C Denison
- Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca M Reynolds
- Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; BHF/University Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
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42
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Chen Y, Dinges MM, Green A, Cramer SE, Larive CK, Lytle C. Absorptive transport of amino acids by the rat colon. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2020; 318:G189-G202. [PMID: 31760764 PMCID: PMC6985843 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00277.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The capacity of the colon to absorb microbially produced amino acids (AAs) and the underlying mechanisms of AA transport are incompletely defined. We measured the profile of 16 fecal AAs along the rat ceco-colonic axis and compared unidirectional absorptive AA fluxes across mucosal tissues isolated from the rat jejunum, cecum, and proximal colon using an Ussing chamber approach, in conjunction with 1H-NMR and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry chemical analyses. Passage of stool from cecum to midcolon was associated with segment-specific changes in fecal AA composition and a decrease in total AA content. Simultaneous measurement of up to 16 AA fluxes under native luminal conditions, with correction for endogenous AA release, demonstrated absorptive transfer of AAs across the cecum and proximal colon at rates comparable (30-80%) to those across the jejunum, with significant Na+-dependent and H+-stimulated components. Expression profiling of 30 major AA transporter genes by quantitative PCR revealed comparatively high levels of transcripts for 20 AA transporters in the cecum and/or colon, with the levels of 12 exceeding those in the small intestine. Our results suggest a more detailed model of major apical and basolateral AA transporters in rat colonocytes and provide evidence for a previously unappreciated transfer of AAs across the colonic epithelium that could link the prodigious metabolic capacities of the luminal microbiota, the colonocytes, and the body tissues.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study provides evidence for a previously unappreciated transfer of microbially generated amino acids across the colonic epithelium under physiological conditions that could link the prodigious metabolic capacities of the luminal microbiota, the colonocytes, and the body tissues. The segment-specific expression of at least 20 amino acid transporter genes along the colon provides a detailed mechanistic basis for uniport, heteroexchange, Na+-cotransport, and H+-cotransport components of colonic amino acid absorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Chen
- 1Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, California
| | - Meredith M. Dinges
- 2Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California
| | - Andrew Green
- 2Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California
| | - Scott E. Cramer
- 1Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, California
| | - Cynthia K. Larive
- 2Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California
| | - Christian Lytle
- 1Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, California
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43
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Che D, Adams S, Zhao B, Qin G, Jiang H. Effects of Dietary L-arginine Supplementation from Conception to Post- Weaning in Piglets. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2019; 20:736-749. [PMID: 30678624 DOI: 10.2174/1389203720666190125104959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 12/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Weaned piglets experience sudden changes in their dietary patterns such as withdrawal from the easily digestible watery milk to a coarse cereal diet with both systemic and intestinal disruptions coupling with the expression of pro-inflammatory proteins which affects the immune system and the concentrations of haptoglobin including both positive and negative acute-phase proteins in the plasma. L-arginine is an important protein amino acid for piglets, but its inadequate synthesis is a nutritional problem for both sows and piglets. Recent studies indicated that dietary supplementation of L-arginine increased feed intake, uterine growth, placental growth and nutrient transport, maternal growth and health, embryonic survival, piglets birth weight, piglet's growth, and productivity, and decreased stillbirths. L-arginine is essential in several important pathways involved in the growth and development of piglets such as nitric oxide synthesis, energy metabolism, polyamine synthesis, cellular protein production and muscle accretion, and the synthesis of other functional amino acids. However, the underlying molecular mechanism in these key pathways remains largely unresolved. This review was conducted on the general hypothesis that L-arginine increased the growth and survival of post-weaning piglets. We discussed the effects of dietary L-arginine supplementation during gestation, parturition, lactation, weaning, and post-weaning in pigs as each of these stages influences the health and survival of sows and their progenies. Therefore, the aim of this review was to discuss through a logical approach the effects of L-arginine supplementation on piglet's growth and survival from conception to postweaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng Che
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Lab of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China.,Key Lab of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118 China
| | - Seidu Adams
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Bao Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China.,Key Lab of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118 China
| | - Guixin Qin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Lab of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China.,Key Lab of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118 China
| | - Hailong Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Lab of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China.,Key Lab of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118 China
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44
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Bennet L, Ikeda T, Llanos AJ, Nijhuis J, Gunn AJ. Challenges and controversies in perinatal physiology. J Physiol 2019; 596:5485-5489. [PMID: 30499159 DOI: 10.1113/jp276299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- L Bennet
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - T Ikeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mie University, Mie Prefecture, Japan
| | - A J Llanos
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - J Nijhuis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - A J Gunn
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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45
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McIntyre KR, Hayward CE, Sibley CP, Greenwood SL, Dilworth MR. Evidence of adaptation of maternofetal transport of glutamine relative to placental size in normal mice, and in those with fetal growth restriction. J Physiol 2019; 597:4975-4990. [PMID: 31400764 PMCID: PMC6790568 DOI: 10.1113/jp278226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Key points Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major risk factor for stillbirth and has significant impact upon lifelong health. A small, poorly functioning placenta, as evidenced by reduced transport of nutrients to the baby, underpins FGR. It remains unclear how a small but normal placenta differs from the small FGR placenta in terms of ability to transfer nutrients to the fetus. Placental transport of glutamine and glutamate, key amino acids for fetal growth, was assessed in normal mice and those with FGR. Glutamine and glutamate transport was greater in the lightest versus heaviest placenta in a litter of normally grown mice. Placentas of mice with FGR had increased transport capacity in mid‐pregnancy, but this adaptation was insufficient in late pregnancy. Placental adaptations, in terms of increased nutrient transport (per gram) to compensate for small size, appear to achieve appropriate fetal growth in normal pregnancy. Failure of this adaptation might contribute to FGR.
Abstract Fetal growth restriction (FGR), a major risk factor for stillbirth, and neonatal and adulthood morbidity, is associated with reduced placental size and decreased placental nutrient transport. In mice, a small, normal placenta increases its nutrient transport, thus compensating for its reduced size and maintaining normal fetal growth. Whether this adaptation occurs for glutamine and glutamate, two key amino acids for placental metabolism and fetal growth, is unknown. Additionally, an assessment of placental transport of glutamine and glutamate between FGR and normal pregnancy is currently lacking. We thus tested the hypothesis that the transport of glutamine and glutamate would be increased (per gram of tissue) in a small normal placenta [C57BL6/J (wild‐type, WT) mice], but that this adaptation fails in the small dysfunctional placenta in FGR [insulin‐like growth factor 2 knockout (P0) mouse model of FGR]. In WT mice, comparing the lightest versus heaviest placenta in a litter, unidirectional maternofetal clearance (Kmf) of 14C‐glutamine and 14C‐glutamate (glutamineKmf and glutamateKmf) was significantly higher at embryonic day (E) 18.5, in line with increased expression of LAT1, a glutamine transporter protein. In P0 mice, glutamineKmf and glutamateKmf were higher (P0 versus wild‐type littermates, WTL) at E15.5. At E18.5, glutamineKmf remained elevated whereas glutamateKmf was similar between groups. In summary, we provide evidence that glutamineKmf and glutamateKmf adapt according to placental size in WT mice. The placenta of the growth‐restricted P0 fetus also elevates transport capacity to compensate for size at E15.5, but this adaptation is insufficient at E18.5; this may contribute to decreased fetal growth. Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major risk factor for stillbirth and has significant impact upon lifelong health. A small, poorly functioning placenta, as evidenced by reduced transport of nutrients to the baby, underpins FGR. It remains unclear how a small but normal placenta differs from the small FGR placenta in terms of ability to transfer nutrients to the fetus. Placental transport of glutamine and glutamate, key amino acids for fetal growth, was assessed in normal mice and those with FGR. Glutamine and glutamate transport was greater in the lightest versus heaviest placenta in a litter of normally grown mice. Placentas of mice with FGR had increased transport capacity in mid‐pregnancy, but this adaptation was insufficient in late pregnancy. Placental adaptations, in terms of increased nutrient transport (per gram) to compensate for small size, appear to achieve appropriate fetal growth in normal pregnancy. Failure of this adaptation might contribute to FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty R McIntyre
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.,School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Christina E Hayward
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Colin P Sibley
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Susan L Greenwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Mark R Dilworth
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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