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Uvnäs-Moberg K, Gross MM, Calleja-Agius J, Turner JD. The Yin and Yang of the oxytocin and stress systems: opposites, yet interdependent and intertwined determinants of lifelong health trajectories. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1272270. [PMID: 38689729 PMCID: PMC11058227 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1272270] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
During parturition and the immediate post-partum period there are two opposite, yet interdependent and intertwined systems that are highly active and play a role in determining lifelong health and behaviour in both the mother and her infant: the stress and the anti-stress (oxytocin) system. Before attempting to understand how the environment around birth determines long-term health trajectories, it is essential to understand how these two systems operate and how they interact. Here, we discuss together the hormonal and neuronal arms of both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the oxytocinergic systems and how they interact. Although the HPA axis and glucocorticoid stress axis are well studied, the role of oxytocin as an extremely powerful anti-stress hormone deserves more attention. It is clear that these anti-stress effects depend on oxytocinergic nerves emanating from the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN), and project to multiple sites at which the stress system is regulated. These, include projections to corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) neurons within the PVN, to the anterior pituitary, to areas involved in sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous control, to NA neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC), and to CRH neurons in the amygdala. In the context of the interaction between the HPA axis and the oxytocin system birth is a particularly interesting period as, for both the mother and the infant, both systems are very strongly activated within the same narrow time window. Data suggest that the HPA axis and the oxytocin system appear to interact in this early-life period, with effects lasting many years. If mother-child skin-to-skin contact occurs almost immediately postpartum, the effects of the anti-stress (oxytocin) system become more prominent, moderating lifelong health trajectories. There is clear evidence that HPA axis activity during this time is dependent on the balance between the HPA axis and the oxytocin system, the latter being reinforced by specific somatosensory inputs, and this has long-term consequences for stress reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Uvnäs-Moberg
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Section of Anthrozoology and Applied Ethology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skara, Sweden
| | - Mechthild M. Gross
- Midwifery Research and Education Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jean Calleja-Agius
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Jonathan D. Turner
- Immune Endocrine Epigenetics Research Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch sur Alzette, Luxembourg
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2
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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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3
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Joseph S, Li M, Zhang S, Horne L, Stacpoole PW, Wohlgemuth SE, Edison AS, Wood C, Keller-Wood M. Sodium dichloroacetate stimulates cardiac mitochondrial metabolism and improves cardiac conduction in the ovine fetus during labor. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2022; 322:R83-R98. [PMID: 34851727 PMCID: PMC8791792 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00185.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies in our laboratory have suggested that the increase in stillbirth in pregnancies complicated by chronic maternal stress or hypercortisolemia is associated with cardiac dysfunction in late stages of labor and delivery. Transcriptomics analysis of the overly represented differentially expressed genes in the fetal heart of hypercortisolemic ewes indicated involvement of mitochondrial function. Sodium dichloroacetate (DCA) has been used to improve mitochondrial function in several disease states. We hypothesized that administration of DCA to laboring ewes would improve both cardiac mitochondrial activity and cardiac function in their fetuses. Four groups of ewes and their fetuses were studied: control, cortisol-infused (1 g/kg/day from 115 to term; CORT), DCA-treated (over 24 h), and DCA + CORT-treated; oxytocin was delivered starting 48 h before the DCA treatment. DCA significantly decreased cardiac lactate, alanine, and glucose/glucose-6-phosphate and increased acetylcarnitine/isobutyryl-carnitine. DCA increased mitochondrial activity, increasing oxidative phosphorylation (PCI, PCI + II) per tissue weight or per unit of citrate synthase. DCA also decreased the duration of the QRS, attenuating the prolongation of the QRS observed in CORT fetuses. The effect to reduce QRS duration with DCA treatment correlated with increased glycerophosphocholine and serine and decreased phosphorylcholine after DCA treatment. There were negative correlations of acetylcarnitine/isobutyryl-carnitine to both heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP). These results suggest that improvements in mitochondrial respiration with DCA produced changes in the cardiac lipid metabolism that favor improved conduction in the heart. DCA may therefore be an effective treatment of fetal cardiac metabolic disturbances in labor that can contribute to impairments of fetal cardiac conduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serene Joseph
- 1Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida College of Pharmacy, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Mengchen Li
- 2Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Sicong Zhang
- 3Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Lloyd Horne
- 4Department of Medicine and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Peter. W. Stacpoole
- 4Department of Medicine and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Stephanie E. Wohlgemuth
- 5Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Arthur S. Edison
- 3Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Charles Wood
- 2Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Maureen Keller-Wood
- 1Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida College of Pharmacy, Gainesville, Florida
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4
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Monica Shih MC, Huang CCJ, Chu HP, Hsu NC, Chung BC. Embryonic Steroids Control Developmental Programming of Energy Balance. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6380292. [PMID: 34599818 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Glucose is a major energy source for growth. At birth, neonates must change their energy source from maternal supply to its own glucose production. The mechanism of this transition has not been clearly elucidated. To evaluate the possible roles of steroids in this transition, here we examine the defects associated with energy production of a mouse line that cannot synthesize steroids de novo due to the disruption of its Cyp11a1 (cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily A member 1) gene. The Cyp11a1 null embryos had insufficient blood insulin and failed to store glycogen in the liver since embryonic day 16.5. Their blood glucose dropped soon after maternal deprivation, and the expression of hepatic gluconeogenic and glycogenic genes were reduced. Insulin was synthesized in the mutant fetal pancreas but failed to be secreted. Maternal glucocorticoid supply rescued the amounts of blood glucose, insulin, and liver glycogen in the fetus but did not restore expression of genes for glycogen synthesis, indicating the requirement of de novo glucocorticoid synthesis for glycogen storage. Thus, our investigation of Cyp11a1 null embryos reveals that the energy homeostasis is established before birth, and fetal steroids are required for the regulation of glycogen synthesis, hepatic gluconeogenesis, and insulin secretion at the fetal stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Chun Monica Shih
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- National Laboratory Animal Center, National Applied Research Laboratories, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Che Jeff Huang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Hsueh-Ping Chu
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nai-Chi Hsu
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bon-Chu Chung
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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5
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Davis MA, Camacho LE, Pendleton AL, Antolic AT, Luna-Ramirez RI, Kelly AC, Steffens NR, Anderson MJ, Limesand SW. Augmented glucose production is not contingent on high catecholamines in fetal sheep with IUGR. J Endocrinol 2021; 249:195-207. [PMID: 33994373 PMCID: PMC8175032 DOI: 10.1530/joe-21-0071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) have high concentrations of catecholamines, which lowers the insulin secretion and glucose uptake. Here, we studied the effect of hypercatecholaminemia on glucose metabolism in sheep fetuses with placental insufficiency-induced IUGR. Norepinephrine concentrations are elevated throughout late gestation in IUGR fetuses but not in IUGR fetuses with a bilateral adrenal demedullation (IAD) at 0.65 of gestation. Euglycemic (EC) and hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic (HEC) clamps were performed in control, intact-IUGR, and IAD fetuses at 0.87 of gestation. Compared to controls, basal oxygen, glucose, and insulin concentrations were lower in IUGR groups. Norepinephrine concentrations were five-fold higher in IUGR fetuses than in IAD fetuses. During the EC, rates of glucose entry (GER, umbilical + exogenous), glucose utilization (GUR), and glucose oxidation (GOR) were greater in IUGR groups than in controls. In IUGR and IAD fetuses with euglycemia and euinsulinemia, glucose production rates (GPR) remained elevated. During the HEC, GER and GOR were not different among groups. In IUGR and IAD fetuses, GURs were 40% greater than in controls, which paralleled the sustained GPR despite hyperinsulinemia. Glucose-stimulated insulin concentrations were augmented in IAD fetuses compared to IUGR fetuses. Fetal weights were not different between IUGR groups but were less than controls. Regardless of norepinephrine concentrations, IUGR fetuses not only develop greater peripheral insulin sensitivity for glucose utilization but also develop hepatic insulin resistance because GPR was maintained and unaffected by euglycemia or hyperinsulinemia. These findings show that adaptation in glucose metabolism of IUGR fetuses are independent of catecholamines, which implicate that hypoxemia and hypoglycemia cause the metabolic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Davis
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Leticia E Camacho
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Alexander L Pendleton
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Andrew T Antolic
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Rosa I Luna-Ramirez
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Amy C Kelly
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Nathan R Steffens
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Miranda J Anderson
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Sean W Limesand
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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6
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Worsham W, Dalton S, Bilder DA. The Prenatal Hormone Milieu in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:655438. [PMID: 34276434 PMCID: PMC8280339 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.655438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Though the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains largely unknown, recent findings suggest that hormone dysregulation within the prenatal environment, in conjunction with genetic factors, may alter fetal neurodevelopment. Early emphasis has been placed on the potential role of in utero exposure to androgens, particularly testosterone, to theorize ASD as the manifestation of an "extreme male brain." The relationship between autism risk and obstetric conditions associated with inflammation and steroid dysregulation merits a much broader understanding of the in utero steroid environment and its potential influence on fetal neuroendocrine development. The exploration of hormone dysregulation in the prenatal environment and ASD development builds upon prior research publishing associations with obstetric conditions and ASD risk. The insight gained may be applied to the development of chronic adult metabolic diseases that share prenatal risk factors with ASD. Future research directions will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney Worsham
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Susan Dalton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Deborah A Bilder
- Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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7
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Wen L, Li R, Wang J, Yi J. The reproductive stress hypothesis. Reproduction 2020; 158:R209-R218. [PMID: 31677601 PMCID: PMC6892456 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we propose the reproductive stress hypothesis that describes the pregnant females response to reproductive events based upon the activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and sympathetic adrenomedullary system. The main components of the reproductive stress hypothesis can be summarized as follows: (1) events unique to reproduction including empathema, pregnancy, parturition and lactation cause non-specific responses in females, called active reproductive stress; (2) the fetus is a special stressor for pregnant females where endocrine hormones, including corticotropin-releasing hormones and fetal glucocorticoids secreted by the fetus and placenta, enter the maternal circulatory system, leading to another stress response referred to as passive reproductive stress and (3) response to uterine tension and intrauterine infection is the third type of stress, called fetal intrauterine stress. Appropriate reproductive stress is a crucial prerequisite in normal reproductive processes. By contrast, excessive or inappropriate reproductive stress may result in dysfunctions of the reproductive system, such as compromised immune function, leading to susceptibility to disease. The novel insights of the reproductive stress hypothesis have important implications for deciphering the pathogenesis of certain diseases in pregnant animals, including humans, which in turn may be applied to preventing and treating their occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixin Wen
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Hunan Collaborative Innovation Center of Animal Production Safety, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongfang Li
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Hunan Collaborative Innovation Center of Animal Production Safety, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji Wang
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Hunan Collaborative Innovation Center of Animal Production Safety, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Jine Yi
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Hunan Collaborative Innovation Center of Animal Production Safety, Changsha, People's Republic of China
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8
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Jones AK, Rozance PJ, Brown LD, Goldstrohm DA, Hay WW, Limesand SW, Wesolowski SR. Sustained hypoxemia in late gestation potentiates hepatic gluconeogenic gene expression but does not activate glucose production in the ovine fetus. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2019; 317:E1-E10. [PMID: 30964701 PMCID: PMC6732654 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00069.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Fetal hypoxemia is associated with pregnancy conditions that cause an early activation of fetal glucose production. However, the independent role of hypoxemia to activate this pathway is not well understood. We hypothesized that fetal hypoxemia would activate fetal glucose production by decreasing umbilical glucose uptake and increasing counter-regulatory hormone concentrations. We induced hypoxemia for 9 days with maternal tracheal N2 gas insufflation to reduce maternal and fetal arterial Po2 by ~20% (HOX) compared with fetuses from ewes receiving intratracheal compressed air (CON). At 0.9 of gestation, fetal metabolic studies were performed (n = 7 CON, 11 HOX). Umbilical blood flow rates, net fetal oxygen and glucose uptake rates, and fetal arterial plasma glucose concentrations were not different between the two groups. Fetal glucose utilization rates were lower in HOX versus CON fetuses but not different from umbilical glucose uptake rates, demonstrating the absence of endogenous glucose production. In liver tissue, mRNA expression of gluconeogenic genes G6PC (P < 0.01) and PCK1 (P = 0.06) were six- and threefold greater in HOX fetuses versus CON fetuses. Increased fetal norepinephrine and cortisol concentrations and hepatic G6PC and PCK1 expression were inversely related to fetal arterial Po2. These findings support a role for fetal hypoxemia to act with counter-regulatory hormones to potentiate fetal hepatic gluconeogenic gene expression. However, in the absence of decreased net fetal glucose uptake rates and plasma glucose concentrations, hypoxemia-induced gluconeogenic gene activation is not sufficient to activate fetal glucose production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda K Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine , Aurora, Colorado
| | - Paul J Rozance
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine , Aurora, Colorado
| | - Laura D Brown
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine , Aurora, Colorado
| | - David A Goldstrohm
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine , Aurora, Colorado
| | - William W Hay
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine , Aurora, Colorado
| | - Sean W Limesand
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
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9
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Miranda A, Sousa N. Maternal hormonal milieu influence on fetal brain development. Brain Behav 2018; 8:e00920. [PMID: 29484271 PMCID: PMC5822586 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
An adverse maternal hormonal environment during pregnancy can be associated with abnormal brain growth. Subtle changes in fetal brain development have been observed even for maternal hormone levels within the currently accepted physiologic ranges. In this review, we provide an update of the research data on maternal hormonal impact on fetal neurodevelopment, giving particular emphasis to thyroid hormones and glucocorticoids. Thyroid hormones are required for normal brain development. Despite serum TSH appearing to be the most accurate indicator of thyroid function in pregnancy, maternal serum free T4 levels in the first trimester of pregnancy are the major determinant of postnatal psychomotor development. Even a transient period of maternal hypothyroxinemia at the beginning of neurogenesis can confer a higher risk of expressive language and nonverbal cognitive delays in offspring. Nevertheless, most recent clinical guidelines advocate for targeted high-risk case finding during first trimester of pregnancy despite universal thyroid function screening. Corticosteroids are determinant in suppressing cell proliferation and stimulating terminal differentiation, a fundamental switch for the maturation of fetal organs. Not surprisingly, intrauterine exposure to stress or high levels of glucocorticoids, endogenous or synthetic, has a molecular and structural impact on brain development and appears to impair cognition and increase anxiety and reactivity to stress. Limbic regions, such as hippocampus and amygdala, are particularly sensitive. Repeated doses of prenatal corticosteroids seem to have short-term benefits of less respiratory distress and fewer serious health problems in offspring. Nevertheless, neurodevelopmental growth in later childhood and adulthood needs further clarification. Future studies should address the relevance of monitoring the level of thyroid hormones and corticosteroids during pregnancy in the risk stratification for impaired postnatal neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Miranda
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS)School of MedicineUniversity of MinhoBragaPortugal
- ICVS/3B's ‐ PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyHospital de BragaBragaPortugal
| | - Nuno Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS)School of MedicineUniversity of MinhoBragaPortugal
- ICVS/3B's ‐ PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
- Clinic Academic Center ‐ 2CABragaPortugal
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Abstract
Epidemiological evidence links an individual's susceptibility to chronic disease in adult life to events during their intrauterine phase of development. Biologically this should not be unexpected, for organ systems are at their most plastic when progenitor cells are proliferating and differentiating. Influences operating at this time can permanently affect their structure and functional capacity, and the activity of enzyme systems and endocrine axes. It is now appreciated that such effects lay the foundations for a diverse array of diseases that become manifest many years later, often in response to secondary environmental stressors. Fetal development is underpinned by the placenta, the organ that forms the interface between the fetus and its mother. All nutrients and oxygen reaching the fetus must pass through this organ. The placenta also has major endocrine functions, orchestrating maternal adaptations to pregnancy and mobilizing resources for fetal use. In addition, it acts as a selective barrier, creating a protective milieu by minimizing exposure of the fetus to maternal hormones, such as glucocorticoids, xenobiotics, pathogens, and parasites. The placenta shows a remarkable capacity to adapt to adverse environmental cues and lessen their impact on the fetus. However, if placental function is impaired, or its capacity to adapt is exceeded, then fetal development may be compromised. Here, we explore the complex relationships between the placental phenotype and developmental programming of chronic disease in the offspring. Ensuring optimal placentation offers a new approach to the prevention of disorders such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity, which are reaching epidemic proportions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham J Burton
- Centre for Trophoblast Research and Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; and Department of Medicine, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, and Moore Institute for Nutrition and Wellness, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Abigail L Fowden
- Centre for Trophoblast Research and Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; and Department of Medicine, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, and Moore Institute for Nutrition and Wellness, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Kent L Thornburg
- Centre for Trophoblast Research and Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; and Department of Medicine, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, and Moore Institute for Nutrition and Wellness, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
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11
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Wesolowski SR, Hay WW. Role of placental insufficiency and intrauterine growth restriction on the activation of fetal hepatic glucose production. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 435:61-68. [PMID: 26723529 PMCID: PMC4921201 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Revised: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Glucose is the major fuel for fetal oxidative metabolism. A positive maternal-fetal glucose gradient drives glucose across the placenta and is sufficient to meet the demands of the fetus, eliminating the need for endogenous hepatic glucose production (HGP). However, fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) from pregnancies complicated by placental insufficiency have an early activation of HGP. Furthermore, this activated HGP is resistant to suppression by insulin. Here, we present the data demonstrating the activation of HGP in animal models, mostly fetal sheep, and human pregnancies with IUGR. We also discuss potential mechanisms and pathways that may produce and support HGP and hepatic insulin resistance in IUGR fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie R Wesolowski
- Perinatal Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - William W Hay
- Perinatal Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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12
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Culpepper C, Wesolowski SR, Benjamin J, Bruce JL, Brown LD, Jonker SS, Wilkening RB, Hay WW, Rozance PJ. Chronic anemic hypoxemia increases plasma glucagon and hepatic PCK1 mRNA in late-gestation fetal sheep. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2016; 311:R200-8. [PMID: 27170658 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00037.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic glucose production (HGP) normally begins just prior to birth. Prolonged fetal hypoglycemia, intrauterine growth restriction, and acute hypoxemia produce an early activation of fetal HGP. To test the hypothesis that prolonged hypoxemia increases factors which regulate HGP, studies were performed in fetuses that were bled to anemic conditions (anemic: n = 11) for 8.9 ± 0.4 days and compared with control fetuses (n = 7). Fetal arterial hematocrit and oxygen content were 32% and 50% lower, respectively, in anemic vs. controls (P < 0.005). Arterial plasma glucose was 15% higher in the anemic group (P < 0.05). Hepatic mRNA expression of phosphonenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK1) was twofold higher in the anemic group (P < 0.05). Arterial plasma glucagon concentrations were 70% higher in anemic fetuses compared with controls (P < 0.05), and they were positively associated with hepatic PCK1 mRNA expression (P < 0.05). Arterial plasma cortisol concentrations increased 90% in the anemic fetuses (P < 0.05), but fetal cortisol concentrations were not correlated with hepatic PCK1 mRNA expression. Hepatic glycogen content was 30% lower in anemic vs. control fetuses (P < 0.05) and was inversely correlated with fetal arterial plasma glucagon concentrations. In isolated primary fetal sheep hepatocytes, incubation in low oxygen (3%) increased PCK1 mRNA threefold compared with incubation in normal oxygen (21%). Together, these results demonstrate that glucagon and PCK1 may potentiate fetal HGP during chronic fetal anemic hypoxemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Culpepper
- Perinatal Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Stephanie R Wesolowski
- Perinatal Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado; Center for Women's Health Research, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado; and
| | - Joshua Benjamin
- Perinatal Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Jennifer L Bruce
- Perinatal Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Laura D Brown
- Perinatal Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado; Center for Women's Health Research, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado; and
| | - Sonnet S Jonker
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute Center for Developmental Health, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Randall B Wilkening
- Perinatal Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - William W Hay
- Perinatal Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Paul J Rozance
- Perinatal Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado; Center for Women's Health Research, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado; and
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13
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Macko AR, Yates DT, Chen X, Shelton LA, Kelly AC, Davis MA, Camacho LE, Anderson MJ, Limesand SW. Adrenal Demedullation and Oxygen Supplementation Independently Increase Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Concentrations in Fetal Sheep With Intrauterine Growth Restriction. Endocrinology 2016; 157:2104-15. [PMID: 26937714 PMCID: PMC4870878 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In pregnancies complicated by placental insufficiency and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), fetal glucose and oxygen concentrations are reduced, whereas plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine concentrations are elevated throughout the final third of gestation. Here we study the effects of chronic hypoxemia and hypercatecholaminemia on β-cell function in fetal sheep with placental insufficiency-induced IUGR that is produced by maternal hyperthermia. IUGR and control fetuses underwent a sham (intact) or bilateral adrenal demedullation (AD) surgical procedure at 0.65 gestation. As expected, AD-IUGR fetuses had lower norepinephrine concentrations than intact-IUGR fetuses despite being hypoxemic and hypoglycemic. Placental insufficiency reduced fetal weights, but the severity of IUGR was less with AD. Although basal plasma insulin concentrations were lower in intact-IUGR and AD-IUGR fetuses compared with intact-controls, glucose-stimulated insulin concentrations were greater in AD-IUGR fetuses compared with intact-IUGR fetuses. Interestingly, AD-controls had lower glucose- and arginine-stimulated insulin concentrations than intact-controls, but AD-IUGR and AD-control insulin responses were not different. To investigate chronic hypoxemia in the IUGR fetus, arterial oxygen tension was increased to normal levels by increasing the maternal inspired oxygen fraction. Oxygenation of IUGR fetuses enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin concentrations 3.3-fold in intact-IUGR and 1.7-fold in AD-IUGR fetuses but did not lower norepinephrine and epinephrine concentrations. Together these findings show that chronic hypoxemia and hypercatecholaminemia have distinct but complementary roles in the suppression of β-cell responsiveness in IUGR fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoni R Macko
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719
| | - Dustin T Yates
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719
| | - Xiaochuan Chen
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719
| | - Leslie A Shelton
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719
| | - Amy C Kelly
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719
| | - Melissa A Davis
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719
| | - Leticia E Camacho
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719
| | - Miranda J Anderson
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719
| | - Sean W Limesand
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719
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14
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Abstract
The fetal hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is at the center of mechanisms controlling fetal readiness for birth, survival after birth and, in several species, determination of the timing of birth. Stereotypical increases in fetal HPA axis activity at the end of gestation are critical for preparing the fetus for successful transition to postnatal life. The fundamental importance in fetal development of the endogenous activation of this endocrine axis at the end of gestation has led to the use of glucocorticoids for reducing neonatal morbidity in premature infants. However, the choice of dose and repetition of treatments has been controversial, raising the possibility that excess glucocorticoid might program an increased incidence of adult disease (e.g., coronary artery disease and diabetes). We make the argument that because of the critical importance of the fetal HPA axis and its interaction with the maternal HPA axis, dysregulation of cortisol plasma concentrations or inappropriate manipulation pharmacologically can have negative consequences at the beginning of extrauterine life and for decades thereafter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles E Wood
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, FL, USA
| | - Maureen Keller-Wood
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida College of Pharmacy, FL, USA
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15
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Lactate in cord blood and its relation to fetal gluconeogenesis in at term deliveries. Early Hum Dev 2015; 91:165-8. [PMID: 25656301 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2015.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2014] [Revised: 01/02/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the human fetus, an increased lactate and glucose level can be anticipated when hypoxia and stress are present and is likely to be a function of both anaerobic metabolism and catecholamine-mediated glycogenolysis/glycolysis. AIM We assessed if measurement of lactate in cord artery blood after vaginal and cesarean delivery may predict glucose concentration. STUDY DESIGN Umbilical artery cord blood lactacidemia, acidemia, and glucose concentration was tested by 'mini-lab' Radiometer ABL90 FLEX analyzers (Radiometer®, Copenhagen, Denmark) after vaginal delivery (VD), spontaneous (n=493) and by vacuum extractor (n=41) or by cesarean delivery (CD), elective (n=120) and emergency (n=68) in at term, vigorous neonates delivered from March to December 2012 at the 2nd level maternity ward of Policlinico Abano Terme, Abano Terme (Italy). RESULTS Cord blood lactacidemia and glucose levels were significantly higher in VD by vacuum extractor than in all other groups (5.32±1.96mmol/L, p=0.050 and 103.6±30.5mg/dL, p<0.001, respectively) and significantly lower in elective CD group (1.77±0.99mmol/L, p<0.001 and 69.8±13.0mg/dL, p<0.001). The cord blood lactate concentration was significantly and positively correlated with glucose levels (r=0.434, p<0.001), but significantly and negatively correlated with pH (r=-0,662, p<0.001), NaHCO3(-) (r=-0,802, p<0.001), and base excess (BE) (r=-0,698, p<0.001). However, in multivariate linear regression analysis, only BE, PaCO2 and cord blood lactate were significant predictive variables (R(2)=0.410; p<0.001) of glucose levels at birth. CONCLUSION Cord blood artery lactate and glucose concentration are significantly and positively correlated at birth in healthy, at term vaginally and cesarean delivered neonates, but BE is the best indicator of activated fetal gluconeogenesis.
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16
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Houin SS, Rozance PJ, Brown LD, Hay WW, Wilkening RB, Thorn SR. Coordinated changes in hepatic amino acid metabolism and endocrine signals support hepatic glucose production during fetal hypoglycemia. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2015; 308:E306-14. [PMID: 25516551 PMCID: PMC4329495 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00396.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Reduced fetal glucose supply, induced experimentally or as a result of placental insufficiency, produces an early activation of fetal glucose production. The mechanisms and substrates used to fuel this increased glucose production rate remain unknown. We hypothesized that in response to hypoglycemia, induced experimentally with maternal insulin infusion, the fetal liver would increase uptake of lactate and amino acids (AA), which would combine with hormonal signals to support hepatic glucose production. To test this hypothesis, metabolic studies were done in six late gestation fetal sheep to measure hepatic glucose and substrate flux before (basal) and after [days (d)1 and 4] the start of hypoglycemia. Maternal and fetal glucose concentrations decreased by 50% on d1 and d4 (P < 0.05). The liver transitioned from net glucose uptake (basal, 5.1 ± 1.5 μmol/min) to output by d4 (2.8 ± 1.4 μmol/min; P < 0.05 vs. basal). The [U-¹³C]glucose tracer molar percent excess ratio across the liver decreased over the same period (basal: 0.98 ± 0.01, vs. d4: 0.89 ± 0.01, P < 0.05). Total hepatic AA uptake, but not lactate or pyruvate uptake, increased by threefold on d1 (P < 0.05) and remained elevated throughout the study. This AA uptake was driven largely by decreased glutamate output and increased glycine uptake. Fetal plasma concentrations of insulin were 50% lower, while cortisol and glucagon concentrations increased 56 and 86% during hypoglycemia (P < 0.05 for basal vs. d4). Thus increased hepatic AA uptake, rather than pyruvate or lactate uptake, and decreased fetal plasma insulin and increased cortisol and glucagon concentrations occur simultaneously with increased fetal hepatic glucose output in response to fetal hypoglycemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satya S Houin
- Perinatal Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Paul J Rozance
- Perinatal Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Laura D Brown
- Perinatal Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - William W Hay
- Perinatal Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Randall B Wilkening
- Perinatal Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Stephanie R Thorn
- Perinatal Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
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17
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Schäff C, Rohrbeck D, Steinhoff-Wagner J, Kanitz E, Sauerwein H, Bruckmaier R, Hammon H. Hepatic glucocorticoid and α1- and β2-adrenergic receptors in calves change during neonatal maturation and are related to energy regulation. J Dairy Sci 2015; 98:1046-56. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2014-8636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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18
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Vaughan OR, Fisher HM, Dionelis KN, Jeffreys EC, Higgins JS, Musial B, Sferruzzi-Perri AN, Fowden AL. Corticosterone alters materno-fetal glucose partitioning and insulin signalling in pregnant mice. J Physiol 2015; 593:1307-21. [PMID: 25625347 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2014.287177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids affect glucose metabolism in adults and fetuses, although their effects on materno-fetal glucose partitioning remain unknown. The present study measured maternal hepatic glucose handling and placental glucose transport together with insulin signalling in these tissues in mice drinking corticosterone either from day (D) 11 to D16 or D14 to D19 of pregnancy (term = D21). On the final day of administration, corticosterone-treated mice were hyperinsulinaemic (P < 0.05) but normoglycaemic compared to untreated controls. In maternal liver, there was no change in glycogen content or glucose 6-phosphatase activity but increased Slc2a2 glucose transporter expression in corticosterone-treated mice, on D16 only (P < 0.05). On D19, but not D16, transplacental (3) H-methyl-d-glucose clearance was reduced by 33% in corticosterone-treated dams (P < 0.05). However, when corticosterone-treated animals were pair-fed to control intake, aiming to prevent the corticosterone-induced increase in food consumption, (3) H-methyl-d-glucose clearance was similar to the controls. Depending upon gestational age, corticosterone treatment increased phosphorylation of the insulin-signalling proteins, protein kinase B (Akt) and glycogen synthase-kinase 3β, in maternal liver (P < 0.05) but not placenta (P > 0.05). Insulin receptor and insulin-like growth factor type I receptor abundance did not differ with treatment in either tissue. Corticosterone upregulated the stress-inducible mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) suppressor, Redd1, in liver (D16 and D19) and placenta (D19), in ad libitum fed animals (P < 0.05). Concomitantly, hepatic protein content and placental weight were reduced on D19 (P < 0.05), in association with altered abundance and/or phosphorylation of signalling proteins downstream of mTOR. Taken together, the data indicate that maternal glucocorticoid excess reduces fetal growth partially by altering placental glucose transport and mTOR signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- O R Vaughan
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
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19
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Schäff C, Rohrbeck D, Steinhoff-Wagner J, Kanitz E, Sauerwein H, Bruckmaier R, Hammon H. Effects of colostrum versus formula feeding on hepatic glucocorticoid and α1- and β2-adrenergic receptors in neonatal calves and their effect on glucose and lipid metabolism. J Dairy Sci 2014; 97:6344-57. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2014-8359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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20
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Li C, Shu ZJ, Lee S, Gupta MB, Jansson T, Nathanielsz PW, Kamat A. Effects of maternal nutrient restriction, intrauterine growth restriction, and glucocorticoid exposure on phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase-1 expression in fetal baboon hepatocytes in vitro. J Med Primatol 2013; 42:211-9. [PMID: 23600855 DOI: 10.1111/jmp.12048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to develop a cell culture system for fetal baboon hepatocytes and to test the hypotheses that (i) expression of the gluconeogenic enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase-1 (PEPCK-1) is upregulated in hepatocytes isolated from fetuses of nutrient-restricted mothers (MNR) compared with ad libitum-fed controls (CTR), and (ii) glucocorticoids stimulate PEPCK-1 expression. METHODS Hepatocytes from 0.9G CTR and MNR fetuses were isolated and cultured. PEPCK-1 protein and mRNA levels in hepatocytes were determined by Western blot and quantitative PCR, respectively. RESULTS Fetuses of MNR mothers were intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR). Feasibility of culturing 0.9G fetal baboon hepatocytes was demonstrated. PEPCK-1 protein levels were increased in hepatocytes isolated from IUGR fetuses, and PEPCK-1 mRNA expression was stimulated by glucocorticoids in fetal hepatocytes. CONCLUSIONS Cultured fetal baboon hepatocytes that retain their in vivo phenotype provide powerful in vitro tools to investigate mechanisms that regulate normal and programmed hepatic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cun Li
- Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Research, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
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21
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Thorn SR, Brown LD, Rozance PJ, Hay WW, Friedman JE. Increased hepatic glucose production in fetal sheep with intrauterine growth restriction is not suppressed by insulin. Diabetes 2013; 62:65-73. [PMID: 22933111 PMCID: PMC3526037 DOI: 10.2337/db11-1727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) increases the risk for metabolic disease and diabetes, although the developmental origins of this remain unclear. We measured glucose metabolism during basal and insulin clamp periods in a fetal sheep model of placental insufficiency and IUGR. Compared with control fetuses (CON), fetuses with IUGR had increased basal glucose production rates and hepatic PEPCK and glucose-6-phosphatase expression, which were not suppressed by insulin. In contrast, insulin significantly increased peripheral glucose utilization rates in CON and IUGR fetuses. Insulin robustly activated AKT, GSK3β, and forkhead box class O (FOXO)1 in CON and IUGR fetal livers. IUGR livers, however, had increased basal FOXO1 phosphorylation, nuclear FOXO1 expression, and Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase activation during hyperinsulinemia. Expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α and hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α were increased in IUGR livers during basal and insulin periods. Cortisol and norepinephrine concentrations were positively correlated with glucose production rates. Isolated IUGR hepatocytes maintained increased glucose production in culture. In summary, fetal sheep with IUGR have increased hepatic glucose production, which is not suppressed by insulin despite insulin sensitivity for peripheral glucose utilization. These data are consistent with a novel mechanism involving persistent transcriptional activation in the liver that seems to be unique in the fetus with IUGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie R Thorn
- Perinatal Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA.
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22
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Jia Y, Cong R, Li R, Yang X, Sun Q, Parvizi N, Zhao R. Maternal low-protein diet induces gender-dependent changes in epigenetic regulation of the glucose-6-phosphatase gene in newborn piglet liver. J Nutr 2012; 142:1659-65. [PMID: 22833655 DOI: 10.3945/jn.112.160341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC) plays an important role in glucose homeostasis because it catalyzes the final steps of gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. Maternal malnutrition during pregnancy affects G6PC activity, yet it is unknown whether epigenetic regulations of the G6PC gene are also affected. In this study, we fed primiparous, purebred Meishan sows either standard-protein (SP; 12% crude protein) or low-protein (LP; 6% crude protein) diets throughout gestation and analyzed hepatic G6PC expression in both male and female newborn piglets. The epigenetic regulation of G6PC, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and micro RNA (miRNA), was determined to reveal potential mechanisms. Male, but not female, LP piglets had a significantly lower serum glucose concentration and greater hepatic G6PC mRNA expression and enzyme activity. Also, in LP males, glucocorticoid receptor binding to the G6PC promoter was lower compared with SP males, which was accompanied by hypomethylation of the G6PC promoter. Modifications in histones also were gender dependent; LP males had less histone H3 and histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation and more histone H3 acetylation and histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation on the G6PC promoter compared with the SP males, whereas LP females had more H3 and greater H3 methylation compared with their SP counterparts. Moreover, two miRNA, ssc-miR-339-5p and ssc-miR-532-3p, targeting the G6PC 3' untranslated region were significantly upregulated by the LP diet only in females. These results suggest that a maternal LP diet during pregnancy causes hepatic activation of G6PC gene expression in male piglets, which possibly contributes to adult-onset hyperglycemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimin Jia
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, PR China
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23
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Yates DT, Macko AR, Chen X, Green AS, Kelly AC, Anderson MJ, Fowden AL, Limesand SW. Hypoxaemia-induced catecholamine secretion from adrenal chromaffin cells inhibits glucose-stimulated hyperinsulinaemia in fetal sheep. J Physiol 2012; 590:5439-47. [PMID: 22907052 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2012.237347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract Hypoxaemia elicits adrenergic suppression of fetal glucose-stimulated hyperinsulinaemia. We postulate that this effect is mediated by catecholamines, exclusively, from fetal adrenal chromaffin cells. To investigate this hypothesis, square-wave hyperglycaemic clamp studies were performed under normoxaemic (26 ± 0.9 mmHg) and hypoxaemic (14 ± 0.3 mmHg) steady-state conditions in near-term fetal sheep that had undergone either surgical sham or bilateral adrenal demedullation (AD), values mentioned are ± SEM. Under normoxaemic conditions plasma noradrenaline concentrations were lower in AD fetuses than in sham-operated fetuses (457 ± 122 versus 1073 ± 103 pg ml(-1), P < 0.05). Plasma insulin concentrations were not different at euglycaemia between shams (0.46 ± 0.07 ng ml(-1)) and AD fetuses (0.44 ± 0.04 ng ml(-1)) and increased (P < 0.05) with hyperglycaemia in both groups although to a lesser extent in AD fetuses (0.94 ± 0.19 ng ml(-1)) compared to shams (1.31 ± 0.15 ng ml(-1); P < 0.05). Hypoxaemia increased plasma adrenaline (26-fold) and noradrenaline (5-fold) in shams but elicited no change in AD fetuses. Under hypoxaemic conditions, euglycaemic plasma insulin concentrations were reduced (P < 0.05) in both sham and AD fetuses to 0.30 ± 0.05 ng ml(-1) and 0.27 ± 0.01 ng ml(-1) respectively, and the insulin response to hyperglycaemia was abolished in shams but not affected in AD fetuses (0.33 ± 0.06 versus 0.73 ± 0.02 ng ml(-1), P < 0.05). Hypoxaemia also induced hyperlactacaemia and hypocarbia to a greater extent in shams than in AD fetuses, indicating that catecholamines potentiate reductions in oxidative metabolism independently of insulin. These findings demonstrate that the fetal adrenal chromaffin cells are the source for acute hypoxaemia-induced elevations in fetal plasma catecholamines and suppression of glucose-stimulated hyperinsulinaemia, but other factors reduce plasma insulin at euglycaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin T Yates
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
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