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Bolte E, Dean T, Garcia B, Seferovic MD, Sauter K, Hummel G, Bucher M, Li F, Hicks J, Qin X, Suter MA, Barrozo ER, Jochum M, Shope C, Friedman JE, Gannon M, Wesolowski SR, McCurdy CE, Kievit P, Aagaard KM. Initiation of metformin in early pregnancy results in fetal bioaccumulation, growth restriction, and renal dysmorphology in a primate model. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 231:352.e1-352.e16. [PMID: 38871238 PMCID: PMC11344684 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2024.06.002] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, pragmatic metformin use in pregnancy has stretched to include prediabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes mellitus, and (most recently) preeclampsia. However, with its expanded use, concerns of unintended harm have been raised. OBJECTIVE This study developed an experimental primate model and applied ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry for direct quantitation of maternal and fetal tissue metformin levels with detailed fetal biometry and histopathology. STUDY DESIGN Within 30 days of confirmed conception (defined as early pregnancy), 13 time-bred (timed-mated breeding) Rhesus dams with pregnancies designated for fetal necropsy were initiated on twice-daily human dose-equivalent 10 mg/kg metformin or vehicle control. Pregnant dams were maintained as pairs and fed either a control chow or 36% fat Western-style diet. Metformin or placebo vehicle control was delivered in various treats while the animals were separated via a slide. A cesarean delivery was performed at gestational day 145, and amniotic fluid and blood were collected, and the fetus and placenta were delivered. The fetus was immediately necropsied by trained primate center personnel. All fetal organs were dissected, measured, sectioned, and processed per clinical standards. Fluid and tissue metformin levels were assayed using validated ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry in selected reaction monitoring against standard curves. RESULTS Among 13 pregnancies at gestational day 145 with fetal necropsy, 1 dam and its fetal tissues had detectable metformin levels despite being allocated to the vehicle control group (>1 μmol metformin/kg maternal weight or fetal or placental tissue), whereas a second fetus allocated to the vehicle control group had severe fetal growth restriction (birthweight of 248.32 g [<1%]) and was suspected of having a fetal congenital condition. After excluding these 2 fetal pregnancies from further analyses, 11 fetuses from dams initiated on either vehicle control (n=4: 3 female and 1 male fetuses) or 10 mg/kg metformin (n=7: 5 female and 2 male fetuses) were available for analyses. Among dams initiated on metformin at gestational day 30 (regardless of maternal diet), significant bioaccumulation within the fetal kidney (0.78-6.06 μmol/kg; mean of 2.48 μmol/kg), liver (0.16-0.73 μmol/kg; mean of 0.38 μmol/kg), fetal gut (0.28-1.22 μmol/kg; mean of 0.70 μmol/kg), amniotic fluid (0.43-3.33 μmol/L; mean of 1.88 μmol/L), placenta (0.16-1.00 μmol/kg; mean of 0.50 μmol/kg), fetal serum (0.00-0.66 μmol/L; mean of 0.23 μmol/L), and fetal urine (4.10-174.10 μmol/L; mean of 38.5 μmol/L) was observed, with fetal levels near biomolar equivalent to maternal levels (maternal serum: 0.18-0.86 μmol/L [mean of 0.46 μmol/L]; maternal urine: 42.60-254.00 μmol/L [mean of 149.30 μmol/L]). Western-style diet feeding neither accelerated nor reduced metformin bioaccumulations in maternal or fetal serum, urine, amniotic fluid, placenta, or fetal tissues. In these 11 animals, fetal bioaccumulation of metformin was associated with less fetal skeletal muscle (57% lower cross-sectional area of gastrocnemius) and decreased liver, heart, and retroperitoneal fat masses (P<.05), collectively driving lower delivery weight (P<.0001) without changing the crown-rump length. Sagittal sections of fetal kidneys demonstrated delayed maturation, with disorganized glomerular generations and increased cortical thickness. This renal dysmorphology was not accompanied by structural or functional changes indicative of renal insufficiency. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates fetal bioaccumulation of metformin with associated fetal growth restriction and renal dysmorphology after maternal initiation of the drug within 30 days of conception in primates. Given these results and the prevalence of metformin use during pregnancy, additional investigation of any potential immediate and enduring effects of prenatal metformin use is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Bolte
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Tyler Dean
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR
| | - Brandon Garcia
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Maxim D Seferovic
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | | | - Gwendolynn Hummel
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Matthew Bucher
- Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene OR
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - John Hicks
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Xuan Qin
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Melissa A Suter
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Enrico R Barrozo
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Michael Jochum
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Cynthia Shope
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Jacob E Friedman
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
| | - Maureen Gannon
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | | | | | - Paul Kievit
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR
| | - Kjersti M Aagaard
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR.
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Walewska E, Makowczenko KG, Witek K, Laniecka E, Molcan T, Alvarez-Sanchez A, Kelsey G, Perez-Garcia V, Galvão AM. Fetal growth restriction and placental defects in obese mice are associated with impaired decidualisation: the role of increased leptin signalling modulators SOCS3 and PTPN2. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:329. [PMID: 39090270 PMCID: PMC11335253 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05336-7] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Decidualisation of the endometrium is a key event in early pregnancy, which enables embryo implantation. Importantly, the molecular processes impairing decidualisation in obese mothers are yet to be characterised. We hypothesise that impaired decidualisation in obese mice is mediated by the upregulation of leptin modulators, the suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS3) and the protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 2 (PTPN2), together with the disruption of progesterone (P4)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3) signalling. After feeding mice with chow diet (CD) or high-fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks, we confirmed the downregulation of P4 and oestradiol (E2) steroid receptors in decidua from embryonic day (E) 6.5 and decreased proliferation of stromal cells from HFD. In vitro decidualised mouse endometrial stromal cells (MESCs) and E6.5 deciduas from the HFD showed decreased expression of decidualisation markers, followed by the upregulation of SOCS3 and PTPN2 and decreased phosphorylation of STAT3. In vivo and in vitro leptin treatment of mice and MESCs mimicked the results observed in the obese model. The downregulation of Socs3 and Ptpn2 after siRNA transfection of MESCs from HFD mice restored the expression level of decidualisation markers. Finally, DIO mice placentas from E18.5 showed decreased labyrinth development and vascularisation and fetal growth restricted embryos. The present study revealed major defects in decidualisation in obese mice, characterised by altered uterine response to E2 and P4 steroid signalling. Importantly, altered hormonal response was associated with increased expression of leptin signalling modulators SOCS3 and PTPN2. Elevated levels of SOCS3 and PTPN2 were shown to molecularly affect decidualisation in obese mice, potentially disrupting the STAT3-PR regulatory molecular hub.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Walewska
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Karol G Makowczenko
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Witek
- Laboratory of Cell and Tissue Analysis and Imaging, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Laniecka
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Tomasz Molcan
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Andrea Alvarez-Sanchez
- Molecular Mechanisms of Placental Invasion, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Gavin Kelsey
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK.
| | - Vicente Perez-Garcia
- Molecular Mechanisms of Placental Invasion, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain.
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28049, Madrid, Spain.
| | - António M Galvão
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland.
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK.
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, 4 Royal College Street, London, NW1 0TU, UK.
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3
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Rozance PJ, Brown LD, Wesolowski SR. Absence of Metformin in Fetal Circulation Following Maternal Administration in Late Gestation Pregnant Sheep. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1763-1766. [PMID: 38653860 PMCID: PMC11111523 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01547-2] [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: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
In human pregnancy, metformin administered to the mother crosses the placenta resulting in metformin exposure to the fetus. However, the effects of metformin exposure on the fetus are poorly understood and difficult to study in humans. Pregnant sheep are a powerful large animal model for studying fetal physiology. The objective of this study was to determine if maternally administered metformin at human dose-equivalent concentrations crosses the ovine placenta and equilibrates in the fetal circulation. To test this, metformin was administered to the pregnant ewe via continuous intravenous infusion or supplementation in the drinking water. Both administration routes increased maternal metformin concentrations to human dose-equivalent concentrations of ~ 10 µM, yet metformin was negligible in the fetus even after 3-4 days of maternal administration. In cotyledon and caruncle tissue, expression levels of the major metformin uptake transporter organic cation transporter 1 (OCT1) were < 1% of expression levels in the fetal liver, a tissue with abundant expression. Expression of other putative uptake transporters OCT2 and OCT3, and efflux transporters multidrug and toxin extrusion (MATE)1 and MATE2were more abundant. These results demonstrate that the ovine placenta is impermeable to maternal metformin administration. This is likely due to anatomical differences and increased interhaemal distance between the maternal and umbilical circulations in the ovine versus human placenta limiting placental metformin transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Rozance
- Department of Pediatrics, Perinatal Research Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Mail Stop F441, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Laura D Brown
- Department of Pediatrics, Perinatal Research Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Mail Stop F441, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Stephanie R Wesolowski
- Department of Pediatrics, Perinatal Research Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Mail Stop F441, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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van Hoorn EGM, Rademaker D, van der Wel AWT, DeVries JH, Franx A, van Rijn BB, Kooy A, Siegelaar SE, Roseboom TJ, Ozanne SE, Hooijmans CR, Painter RC. Fetal and post-natal outcomes in offspring after intrauterine metformin exposure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal experiments. Diabet Med 2024; 41:e15243. [PMID: 37845186 DOI: 10.1111/dme.15243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The impact of maternal metformin use during pregnancy on fetal, infant, childhood and adolescent growth, development, and health remains unclear. Our objective was to systematically review the available evidence from animal experiments on the effects of intrauterine metformin exposure on offspring's anthropometric, cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes. METHODS A systematic search was conducted in PUBMED and EMBASE from inception (searched on 12th April 2023). We extracted original, controlled animal studies that investigated the effects of maternal metformin use during pregnancy on offspring anthropometric, cardiovascular and metabolic measurements. Subsequently, risk of bias was assessed and meta-analyses using the standardized mean difference and a random effects model were conducted for all outcomes containing data from 3 or more studies. Subgroup analyses were planned for species, strain, sex and type of model in the case of 10 comparisons or more per subgroup. RESULTS We included 37 articles (n = 3133 offspring from n = 716 litters, containing n = 51 comparisons) in this review, mostly (95%) on rodent models and 5% pig models. Follow-up of offspring ranged from birth to 2 years of age. Thirty four of the included articles could be included in the meta-analysis. No significant effects in the overall meta-analysis of metformin on any of the anthropometric, cardiovascular and metabolic offspring outcome measures were identified. Between-studies heterogeneity was high, and risk of bias was unclear in most studies as a consequence of poor reporting of essential methodological details. CONCLUSION This systematic review was unable to establish effects of metformin treatment during pregnancy on anthropometric, cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes in non-human offspring. Heterogeneity between studies was high and reporting of methodological details often limited. This highlights a need for additional high-quality research both in humans and model systems to allow firm conclusions to be established. Future research should include focus on the effects of metformin in older offspring age groups, and on outcomes which have gone uninvestigated to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- E G M van Hoorn
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - D Rademaker
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam University Medical Center location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A W T van der Wel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam University Medical Center location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J H DeVries
- Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A Franx
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - B B van Rijn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A Kooy
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Bethesda Diabetes Research Center, Hoogeveen, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Care Group Treant, Location Bethesda Hoogeveen, Hoogeveen, The Netherlands
| | - S E Siegelaar
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - T J Roseboom
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam University Medical Center location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - S E Ozanne
- Welcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - C R Hooijmans
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Care (Meta Research Team), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - R C Painter
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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5
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Cantacorps L, Zhu J, Yagoub S, Coull BM, Falck J, Chesters RA, Ritter K, Serrano-Lope M, Tscherepentschuk K, Kasch LS, Paterson M, Täger P, Baidoe-Ansah D, Pandey S, Igual-Gil C, Braune A, Lippert RN. Developmental metformin exposure does not rescue physiological impairments derived from early exposure to altered maternal metabolic state in offspring mice. Mol Metab 2024; 79:101860. [PMID: 38142972 PMCID: PMC10792763 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2023.101860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and metabolic disorders during pregnancy are increasing globally. This has resulted in increased use of therapeutic interventions such as metformin to aid in glycemic control during pregnancy. Even though metformin can cross the placental barrier, its impact on offspring brain development remains poorly understood. As metformin promotes AMPK signaling, which plays a key role in axonal growth during development, we hypothesized that it may have an impact on hypothalamic signaling and the formation of neuronal projections in the hypothalamus, the key regulator of energy homeostasis. We further hypothesized that this is dependent on the metabolic and nutritional status of the mother at the time of metformin intervention. Using mouse models of maternal overnutrition, we aimed to assess the effects of metformin exposure on offspring physiology and hypothalamic neuronal circuits during key periods of development. METHODS Female C57BL/6N mice received either a control diet or a high-fat diet (HFD) during pregnancy and lactation periods. A subset of dams was fed a HFD exclusively during the lactation. Anti-diabetic treatments were given during the first postnatal weeks. Body weights of male and female offspring were monitored daily until weaning. Circulating metabolic factors and molecular changes in the hypothalamus were assessed at postnatal day 16 using ELISA and Western Blot, respectively. Hypothalamic innervation was assessed by immunostaining at postnatal days 16 and 21. RESULTS We identified alterations in weight gain and circulating hormones in male and female offspring induced by anti-diabetic treatment during the early postnatal period, which were critically dependent on the maternal metabolic state. Furthermore, hypothalamic agouti-related peptide (AgRP) and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neuronal innervation outcomes in response to anti-diabetic treatment were also modulated by maternal metabolic state. We also identified sex-specific changes in hypothalamic AMPK signaling in response to metformin exposure. CONCLUSION We demonstrate a unique interaction between anti-diabetic treatment and maternal metabolic state, resulting in sex-specific effects on offspring brain development and physiological outcomes. Overall, based on our findings, no positive effect of metformin intervention was observed in the offspring, despite ameliorating effects on maternal metabolic outcomes. In fact, the metabolic state of the mother drives the most dramatic differences in offspring physiology and metformin had no rescuing effect. Our results therefore highlight the need for a deeper understanding of how maternal metabolic state (excessive weight gain versus stable weight during GDM treatment) affects the developing offspring. Further, these results emphasize that the interventions to treat alterations in maternal metabolism during pregnancy need to be reassessed from the perspective of the offspring physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lídia Cantacorps
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jiajie Zhu
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Selma Yagoub
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Bethany M Coull
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Joanne Falck
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Robert A Chesters
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Katrin Ritter
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Miguel Serrano-Lope
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Katharina Tscherepentschuk
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Lea-Sophie Kasch
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Maya Paterson
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Paula Täger
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - David Baidoe-Ansah
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Shuchita Pandey
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Carla Igual-Gil
- Department of Physiology of Energy Metabolism, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke (DIfE), Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Annett Braune
- Research Group Intestinal Microbiology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Rachel N Lippert
- Department of Neurocircuit Development and Function, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany; NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
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6
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Tarry-Adkins JL, Robinson IG, Pantaleão LC, Armstrong JL, Thackray BD, Holzner LMW, Knapton AE, Virtue S, Jenkins B, Koulman A, Murray AJ, Ozanne SE, Aiken CE. The metabolic response of human trophoblasts derived from term placentas to metformin. Diabetologia 2023; 66:2320-2331. [PMID: 37670017 PMCID: PMC10627909 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-023-05996-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Metformin is increasingly used therapeutically during pregnancy worldwide, particularly in the treatment of gestational diabetes, which affects a substantial proportion of pregnant women globally. However, the impact on placental metabolism remains unclear. In view of the association between metformin use in pregnancy and decreased birthweight, it is essential to understand how metformin modulates the bioenergetic and anabolic functions of the placenta. METHODS A cohort of 55 placentas delivered by elective Caesarean section at term was collected from consenting participants. Trophoblasts were isolated from the placental samples and treated in vitro with clinically relevant doses of metformin (0.01 mmol/l or 0.1 mmol/l) or vehicle. Respiratory function was assayed using high-resolution respirometry to measure oxygen concentration and calculated [Formula: see text]. Glycolytic rate and glycolytic stress assays were performed using Agilent Seahorse XF assays. Fatty acid uptake and oxidation measurements were conducted using radioisotope-labelled assays. Lipidomic analysis was conducted using LC-MS. Gene expression and protein analysis were performed using RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. RESULTS Complex I-supported oxidative phosphorylation was lower in metformin-treated trophoblasts (0.01 mmol/l metformin, 61.7% of control, p<0.05; 0.1 mmol/l metformin, 43.1% of control, p<0.001). The proton efflux rate arising from glycolysis under physiological conditions was increased following metformin treatment, up to 23±5% above control conditions following treatment with 0.1 mmol/l metformin (p<0.01). There was a significant increase in triglyceride concentrations in trophoblasts treated with 0.1 mmol/l metformin (p<0.05), particularly those of esters of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Fatty acid oxidation was reduced by ~50% in trophoblasts treated with 0.1 mmol/l metformin compared with controls (p<0.001), with no difference in uptake between treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION In primary trophoblasts derived from term placentas metformin treatment caused a reduction in oxidative phosphorylation through partial inactivation of complex I and potentially by other mechanisms. Metformin-treated trophoblasts accumulate lipids, particularly long- and very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Our findings raise clinically important questions about the balance of risk of metformin use during pregnancy, particularly in situations where the benefits are not clear-cut and alternative therapies are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane L Tarry-Adkins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - India G Robinson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lucas C Pantaleão
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jenna L Armstrong
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience and Development, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Benjamin D Thackray
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience and Development, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lorenz M W Holzner
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience and Development, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alice E Knapton
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience and Development, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sam Virtue
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Benjamin Jenkins
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Albert Koulman
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrew J Murray
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience and Development, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Susan E Ozanne
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Catherine E Aiken
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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7
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Tocci V, Mirabelli M, Salatino A, Sicilia L, Giuliano S, Brunetti FS, Chiefari E, De Sarro G, Foti DP, Brunetti A. Metformin in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: To Use or Not to Use, That Is the Question. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1318. [PMID: 37765126 PMCID: PMC10537239 DOI: 10.3390/ph16091318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). GDM occurs when maternal insulin resistance develops and/or progresses during gestation, and it is not compensated by a rise in maternal insulin secretion. If not properly managed, this condition can cause serious short-term and long-term problems for both mother and child. Lifestyle changes are the first line of treatment for GDM, but if ineffective, insulin injections are the recommended pharmacological treatment choice. Some guidance authorities and scientific societies have proposed the use of metformin as an alternative pharmacological option for treating GDM, but there is not yet a unanimous consensus on this. Although the use of metformin appears to be safe for the mother, concerns remain about its long-term metabolic effects on the child that is exposed in utero to the drug, given that metformin, contrary to insulin, crosses the placenta. This review article describes the existing lines of evidence about the use of metformin in pregnancies complicated by GDM, in order to clarify its potential benefits and limits, and to help clinicians make decisions about who could benefit most from this drug treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Tocci
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (V.T.); (M.M.)
- Operative Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes in Pregnancy Ambulatory Care Center, Renato Dulbecco University Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Mirabelli
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (V.T.); (M.M.)
- Operative Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes in Pregnancy Ambulatory Care Center, Renato Dulbecco University Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alessandro Salatino
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (V.T.); (M.M.)
| | - Luciana Sicilia
- Operative Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes in Pregnancy Ambulatory Care Center, Renato Dulbecco University Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefania Giuliano
- Operative Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes in Pregnancy Ambulatory Care Center, Renato Dulbecco University Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesco S. Brunetti
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (V.T.); (M.M.)
| | - Eusebio Chiefari
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (V.T.); (M.M.)
| | - Giovambattista De Sarro
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (V.T.); (M.M.)
| | - Daniela P. Foti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Antonio Brunetti
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (V.T.); (M.M.)
- Operative Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes in Pregnancy Ambulatory Care Center, Renato Dulbecco University Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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8
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Swenson KS, Wang D, Jones AK, Nash MJ, O’Rourke R, Takahashi DL, Kievit P, Hennebold JD, Aagaard KM, Friedman JE, Jones KL, Rozance PJ, Brown LD, Wesolowski SR. Metformin Disrupts Signaling and Metabolism in Fetal Hepatocytes. Diabetes 2023; 72:1214-1227. [PMID: 37347736 PMCID: PMC10450827 DOI: 10.2337/db23-0089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Metformin is used by women during pregnancy to manage diabetes and crosses the placenta, yet its effects on the fetus are unclear. We show that the liver is a site of metformin action in fetal sheep and macaques, given relatively abundant OCT1 transporter expression and hepatic uptake following metformin infusion into fetal sheep. To determine the effects of metformin action, we performed studies in primary hepatocytes from fetal sheep, fetal macaques, and juvenile macaques. Metformin increases AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, decreases mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, and decreases glucose production in fetal and juvenile hepatocytes. Metformin also decreases oxygen consumption in fetal hepatocytes. Unique to fetal hepatocytes, metformin activates stress pathways (e.g., increased PGC1A gene expression, NRF-2 protein abundance, and phosphorylation of eIF2α and CREB proteins) alongside perturbations in hepatokine expression (e.g., increased growth/differentiation factor 15 [GDF15] and fibroblast growth factor 21 [FGF21] expression and decreased insulin-like growth factor 2 [IGF2] expression). Similarly, in liver tissue from sheep fetuses infused with metformin in vivo, AMPK phosphorylation, NRF-2 protein, and PGC1A expression are increased. These results demonstrate disruption of signaling and metabolism, induction of stress, and alterations in hepatokine expression in association with metformin exposure in fetal hepatocytes. ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS The major metformin uptake transporter OCT1 is expressed in the fetal liver, and fetal hepatic uptake of metformin is observed in vivo. Metformin activates AMPK, reduces glucose production, and decreases oxygen consumption in fetal hepatocytes, demonstrating similar effects as in juvenile hepatocytes. Unique to fetal hepatocytes, metformin activates metabolic stress pathways and alters the expression of secreted growth factors and hepatokines. Disruption of signaling and metabolism with increased stress pathways and reduced anabolic pathways by metformin in the fetal liver may underlie reduced growth in fetuses exposed to metformin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karli S. Swenson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Amanda K. Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Michael J. Nash
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Rebecca O’Rourke
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Diana L. Takahashi
- Division of Cardiometabolic Health, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR
| | - Paul Kievit
- Division of Cardiometabolic Health, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR
| | - Jon D. Hennebold
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR
| | - Kjersti M. Aagaard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Jacob E. Friedman
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
| | - Kenneth L. Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
| | - Paul J. Rozance
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Laura D. Brown
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
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9
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Wang L, O'Kane AM, Zhang Y, Ren J. Maternal obesity and offspring health: Adapting metabolic changes through autophagy and mitophagy. Obes Rev 2023:e13567. [PMID: 37055041 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13567] [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: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Maternal obesity leads to obstetric complications and a high prevalence of metabolic anomalies in the offspring. Among various contributing factors for maternal obesity-evoked health sequelae, developmental programming is considered as one of the leading culprit factors for maternal obesity-associated chronic comorbidities. Although a unified theory is still lacking to systematically address multiple unfavorable postnatal health sequelae, a cadre of etiological machineries have been put forward, including lipotoxicity, inflammation, oxidative stress, autophagy/mitophagy defect, and cell death. Hereinto, autophagy and mitophagy play an essential housekeeping role in the clearance of long-lived, damaged, and unnecessary cell components to maintain and restore cellular homeostasis. Defective autophagy/mitophagy has been reported in maternal obesity and negatively impacts fetal development and postnatal health. This review will provide an update on metabolic disorders in fetal development and postnatal health issues evoked by maternal obesity and/or intrauterine overnutrition and discuss the possible contribution of autophagy/mitophagy in metabolic diseases. Moreover, relevant mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies will be discussed in an effort to target autophagy/mitophagy and metabolic disturbances in maternal obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Litao Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Aislinn M O'Kane
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, USA
| | - Yingmei Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jun Ren
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
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10
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Schoonejans JM, Blackmore HL, Ashmore TJ, Pantaleão LC, Pellegrini Pisani L, Dearden L, Tadross JA, Aiken CE, Fernandez-Twinn DS, Ozanne SE. Sex-specific effects of maternal metformin intervention during glucose-intolerant obese pregnancy on body composition and metabolic health in aged mouse offspring. Diabetologia 2022; 65:2132-2145. [PMID: 36112170 PMCID: PMC9630251 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-022-05789-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Metformin is increasingly used to treat gestational diabetes (GDM) and pregnancies complicated by pregestational type 2 diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome but data regarding long-term offspring outcome are lacking in both human studies and animal models. Using a mouse model, this study investigated the effects of maternal metformin intervention during obese glucose-intolerant pregnancy on adiposity, hepatic steatosis and markers of metabolic health of male and female offspring up to the age of 12 months. METHODS C57BL/6J female mice were weaned onto either a control diet (Con) or, to induce pre-conception obesity, an obesogenic diet (Ob). The respective diets were maintained throughout pregnancy and lactation. These obese dams were then randomised to the untreated group or to receive 300 mg/kg oral metformin hydrochloride treatment (Ob-Met) daily during pregnancy. In male and female offspring, body weights and body composition were measured from 1 month until 12 months of age, when serum and tissues were collected for investigation of adipocyte cellularity (histology), adipose tissue inflammation (histology and quantitative RT-PCR), and hepatic steatosis and fibrosis (histochemistry and modified Folch assay). RESULTS At 12 months of age, male Ob and Ob-Met offspring showed increased adiposity, adipocyte hypertrophy, elevated expression of proinflammatory genes, hyperleptinaemia and hepatic lipid accumulation compared with Con offspring. Male Ob-Met offspring failed to show hyperplasia between 8 weeks and 12 months, indicative of restricted adipose tissue expansion, resulting in increased immune cell infiltration and ectopic lipid deposition. Female Ob offspring were relatively protected from these phenotypes but Ob-Met female offspring showed increased adiposity, adipose tissue inflammation, hepatic lipid accumulation, hyperleptinaemia and hyperinsulinaemia compared with Con female offspring. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION Maternal metformin treatment of obese dams increased offspring metabolic risk factors in a sex- and age-dependent manner. These observations highlight the importance of following up offspring of both sexes beyond early adulthood after interventions during pregnancy. Our findings illustrate the complexity of balancing short-term benefits to mother and child vs any potential long-term metabolic effects on the offspring when prescribing therapeutic agents that cross the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josca M Schoonejans
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Heather L Blackmore
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Thomas J Ashmore
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lucas C Pantaleão
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Luciana Pellegrini Pisani
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Bioscience, Laboratory of Nutrition and Endocrine Physiology, Federal University of São Paulo, Santos, Brazil
| | - Laura Dearden
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - John A Tadross
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Catherine E Aiken
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Denise S Fernandez-Twinn
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Susan E Ozanne
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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11
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Tarry-Adkins JL, Robinson IG, Reynolds RM, Aye ILMH, Charnock-Jones DS, Jenkins B, Koulmann A, Ozanne SE, Aiken CE. Impact of Metformin Treatment on Human Placental Energy Production and Oxidative Stress. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:935403. [PMID: 35784487 PMCID: PMC9247405 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.935403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin is increasingly prescribed in pregnancy, with beneficial maternal effects. However, it is not known how metformin-treatment impacts metabolism and energy production in the developing feto-placental unit. We assessed the human placental response to metformin using both in vivo and in vitro treated samples. trophoblasts were derived from placentas collected from non-laboured Caesarean deliveries at term, then treated in vitro with metformin (0.01 mM, 0.1 mM or vehicle). Metformin-concentrations were measured using liquid-chromatography mass-spectrometry. Oxygen consumption in cultured-trophoblasts was measured using a Seahorse-XF Mito Stress Test. Markers of oxidative-stress were assayed using qRT-PCR. Metformin-transporter mRNA and protein-levels were determined by quantitative RT-PCR and Western-blotting respectively. Metformin concentrations were also measured in sample trios (maternal plasma/fetal plasma/placental tissue) from pregnancies exposed to metformin on clinical-grounds. Maternal and fetal metformin concentrations in vivo were highly correlated over a range of concentrations (R2 = 0.76, p < 0.001; average fetal:maternal ratio 1.5; range 0.8-2.1). Basal respiration in trophoblasts was reduced by metformin treatment (0.01 mM metformin; p < 0.05, 0.1 mM metformin; p < 0.001). Mitochondrial-dependent ATP production and proton leak were reduced after treatment with metformin (p < 0.001). Oxidative stress markers were significantly reduced in primary-trophoblast-cultures following treatment with metformin. There is a close linear relationship between placental, fetal, and maternal metformin concentrations. Primary-trophoblast cultures exposed to clinically-relevant metformin concentrations have reduced mitochondrial-respiration, mitochondrial-dependent ATP-production, and reduced markers of oxidative-stress. Given the crucial role of placental energy-production in supporting fetal growth and well-being during pregnancy, the implications of these findings are concerning for intrauterine fetal growth and longer-term metabolic programming in metformin-exposed pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane L. Tarry-Adkins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - India G. Robinson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca M. Reynolds
- Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Irving L. M. H. Aye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - D. Stephen Charnock-Jones
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Jenkins
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Albert Koulmann
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Susan E. Ozanne
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine E. Aiken
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Rosie Hospital and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom,Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Catherine E. Aiken,
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12
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Sissala N, Myllymäki E, Mohr F, Halmetoja R, Kuvaja P, Dimova EY, Koivunen P. Hypoxia ameliorates maternal diet-induced insulin resistance during pregnancy while having a detrimental effect on the placenta. Physiol Rep 2022; 10:e15302. [PMID: 35535947 PMCID: PMC9088222 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal overweight/obesity contributes significantly to the development of gestational diabetes, which causes risks to both mother and fetus and is increasing sharply in prevalence worldwide. Since hypoxia reprograms energy metabolism and can alleviate weight gain, adiposity, insulin resistance (IR), and dyslipidemia, we set out to study the potential of sustained reduced ambient oxygen tension (15% O2 ) during pregnancy for alleviating the detrimental effects of diet-induced IR in C57Bl/6N mice, taking normal chow-fed and normoxia (21% O2 ) groups as controls. Our data show that hypoxic intervention reduced maternal weight gain, adiposity, and adipose tissue inflammation, and ameliorated maternal glucose metabolism and IR during gestation in diet-induced IR relative to normoxia. Where diet-induced IR reduced maternal hemoglobin and increased serum erythropoietin levels, hypoxic intervention compensated for these changes. Diet-induced IR reduced fetal growth in normoxia, and even more in hypoxia. Hypoxic intervention reduced liver weight gain during pregnancy in the dams with diet-induced IR, maternal liver weight being positively associated with embryo number. In case of diet-induced IR, the hypoxic intervention compromised placental energy metabolism and vascularization and increased end-pregnancy placental necrosis. Altogether, these data show that although hypoxic intervention mediates several beneficial effects on maternal metabolism, the combination of it with diet-induced IR is even more detrimental to the placental and fetal outcome than diet-induced IR alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niina Sissala
- Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular MedicineOulu Center for Cell‐Matrix ResearchUniversity of OuluOuluFinland
| | - Elisa Myllymäki
- Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular MedicineOulu Center for Cell‐Matrix ResearchUniversity of OuluOuluFinland
| | - Florian Mohr
- Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular MedicineOulu Center for Cell‐Matrix ResearchUniversity of OuluOuluFinland
| | - Riikka Halmetoja
- Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular MedicineOulu Center for Cell‐Matrix ResearchUniversity of OuluOuluFinland
| | - Paula Kuvaja
- Finnish Institute for Health and WelfareOuluFinland
| | - Elitsa Y. Dimova
- Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular MedicineOulu Center for Cell‐Matrix ResearchUniversity of OuluOuluFinland
| | - Peppi Koivunen
- Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular MedicineOulu Center for Cell‐Matrix ResearchUniversity of OuluOuluFinland
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13
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Sandovici I, Fernandez-Twinn DS, Hufnagel A, Constância M, Ozanne SE. Sex differences in the intergenerational inheritance of metabolic traits. Nat Metab 2022; 4:507-523. [PMID: 35637347 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-022-00570-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Strong evidence suggests that early-life exposures to suboptimal environmental factors, including those in utero, influence our long-term metabolic health. This has been termed developmental programming. Mounting evidence suggests that the growth and metabolism of male and female fetuses differ. Therefore, sexual dimorphism in response to pre-conception or early-life exposures could contribute to known sex differences in susceptibility to poor metabolic health in adulthood. However, until recently, many studies, especially those in animal models, focused on a single sex, or, often in the case of studies performed during intrauterine development, did not report the sex of the animal at all. In this review, we (a) summarize the evidence that male and females respond differently to a suboptimal pre-conceptional or in utero environment, (b) explore the potential biological mechanisms that underlie these differences and (c) review the consequences of these differences for long-term metabolic health, including that of subsequent generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ionel Sandovici
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Denise S Fernandez-Twinn
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Antonia Hufnagel
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Miguel Constância
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Susan E Ozanne
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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14
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Hufnagel A, Dearden L, Fernandez-Twinn DS, Ozanne SE. Programming of cardiometabolic health: the role of maternal and fetal hyperinsulinaemia. J Endocrinol 2022; 253:R47-R63. [PMID: 35258482 PMCID: PMC9066586 DOI: 10.1530/joe-21-0332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Obesity and gestational diabetes during pregnancy have multiple short- and long-term consequences for both mother and child. One common feature of pregnancies complicated by maternal obesity and gestational diabetes is maternal hyperinsulinaemia, which has effects on the mother and her adaptation to pregnancy. Even though insulin does not cross the placenta insulin can act on the placenta as well affecting placental growth, angiogenesis and lipid metabolism. Obese and gestational diabetic pregnancies are often characterised by maternal hyperglycaemia resulting in exposure of the fetus to high levels of glucose, which freely crosses the placenta. This leads to stimulation of fetal ß-cells and insulin secretion in the fetus. Fetal hyperglycaemia/hyperinsulinaemia has been shown to cause multiple complications in fetal development, such as altered growth trajectories, impaired neuronal and cardiac development and early exhaustion of the pancreas. These changes could increase the susceptibility of the offspring to develop cardiometabolic diseases later in life. In this review, we aim to summarize and review the mechanisms by which maternal and fetal hyperinsulinaemia impact on (i) maternal health during pregnancy; (ii) placental and fetal development; (iii) offspring energy homeostasis and long-term cardiometabolic health; (iv) how interventions can alleviate these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Hufnagel
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Level 4, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Laura Dearden
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Level 4, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Denise S Fernandez-Twinn
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Level 4, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Susan E Ozanne
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Level 4, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
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15
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Lewis JE, Aldiss P. The physiology of obesity: from mechanisms to medicine (M2M). Part one. J Physiol 2022; 600:697-698. [PMID: 35165901 DOI: 10.1113/jp282346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jo Edward Lewis
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science Metabolic Research Laboratories, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Peter Aldiss
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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16
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Panera N, Mandato C, Crudele A, Bertrando S, Vajro P, Alisi A. Genetics, epigenetics and transgenerational transmission of obesity in children. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1006008. [PMID: 36452324 PMCID: PMC9704419 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1006008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sedentary lifestyle and consumption of high-calorie foods have caused a relentless increase of overweight and obesity prevalence at all ages. Its presently epidemic proportion is disquieting due to the tight relationship of obesity with metabolic syndrome and several other comorbidities which do call for urgent workarounds. The usual ineffectiveness of present therapies and failure of prevention campaigns triggered overtime a number of research studies which have unveiled some relevant aspects of obesity genetic and epigenetic inheritable profiles. These findings are revealing extremely precious mainly to serve as a likely extra arrow to allow the clinician's bow to achieve still hitherto unmet preventive goals. Evidence now exists that maternal obesity/overnutrition during pregnancy and lactation convincingly appears associated with several disorders in the offspring independently of the transmission of a purely genetic predisposition. Even the pre-conception direct exposure of either father or mother gametes to environmental factors can reprogram the epigenetic architecture of cells. Such phenomena lie behind the transfer of the obesity susceptibility to future generations through a mechanism of epigenetic inheritance. Moreover, a growing number of studies suggests that several environmental factors such as maternal malnutrition, hypoxia, and exposure to excess hormones and endocrine disruptors during pregnancy and the early postnatal period may play critical roles in programming childhood adipose tissue and obesity. A deeper understanding of how inherited genetics and epigenetics may generate an obesogenic environment at pediatric age might strengthen our knowledge about pathogenetic mechanisms and improve the clinical management of patients. Therefore, in this narrative review, we attempt to provide a general overview of the contribution of heritable genetic and epigenetic patterns to the obesity susceptibility in children, placing a particular emphasis on the mother-child dyad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Panera
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Mandato
- Pediatrics Section, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salermo, Italy
- *Correspondence: Anna Alisi, ; Claudia Mandato,
| | - Annalisa Crudele
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Bertrando
- Pediatrics Clinic, San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d’Aragona University Hospital, Salerno, Italy
| | - Pietro Vajro
- Pediatrics Section, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salermo, Italy
| | - Anna Alisi
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Anna Alisi, ; Claudia Mandato,
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Schoonejans JM, Ozanne SE. Developmental programming by maternal obesity: Lessons from animal models. Diabet Med 2021; 38:e14694. [PMID: 34553414 DOI: 10.1111/dme.14694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The obesity epidemic has led to more women entering pregnancy overweight or obese. In addition to adverse short-term outcomes, maternal obesity and/or gestational diabetes predispose offspring to developing obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in adulthood through developmental programming. Human epidemiological studies, although vital in identifying associations, are often unable to address causality and mechanistic studies can be limited by the lack of accessibility of key metabolic tissues. Furthermore, multi-generational studies take many years to complete. Integration of findings from human studies with those from animal models has therefore been critical in moving forward this field that has been termed the 'Developmental Origins of Health and Disease'. This review summarises the evidence from animal models and highlights how animal models provide valuable insight into the maternal factors responsible for developmental programming, potential critical developmental windows, sexual dimorphism, molecular mechanisms and age-related offspring outcomes throughout life. Moreover, we describe how animal models are vital to explore clinically relevant interventions to prevent adverse offspring outcomes in obese or glucose intolerant pregnancy, such as antioxidant supplementation, exercise and maternal metformin treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josca Mariëtte Schoonejans
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Susan Elizabeth Ozanne
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science-Metabolic Research Laboratories, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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18
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Simmons R. Metformin in pregnancy: a re-examination of its safety. J Physiol 2021; 600:705-706. [PMID: 34762307 DOI: 10.1113/jp282324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Simmons
- Department of Paediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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