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Karaer MC, Kankılıç T, Tavşanoğlu Ç, Cotman M, Čebulj-Kadunc N, Dovč A, Snoj T. Effects of season and sex on the concentrations of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites in captive and free-ranging endangered mountain gazelles ( Gazella gazella). Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1386009. [PMID: 38898996 PMCID: PMC11186381 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1386009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The aim of our study was to measure fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) concentrations in captive and free-ranging male and female mountain gazelles (Gazella gazella) during their circannual cycle. In addition, FGM concentrations were used to track the intensity of the adrenocortical response in mountain gazelles during the same period. Methods Fecal samples were collected from the ground in the Hatay Mountain Gazelle Wildlife Development Area in the Hatay Province of Türkiye (36°32' N, 36°32' E) in each season of the year (December, April, July, September). The sex of the animals was determined by detecting the SRY gene of the Y chromosome in DNA isolated from the fecal samples. FGM was extracted from dried fecal samples with methanol, and its concentration was measured using a previously partially validated ELISA. Results and discussion The results indicate that season is the most important factor explaining the variability in FGM concentrations in mountain gazelles. In animals of both sexes, the highest concentrations of FGM were observed in September. The values were significantly higher in the captive population, perhaps due to unpredictable stress. In July, FGM concentrations were low in both populations. As a result of the overall analysis across seasons, the comparison of FGM concentrations between captive and free-ranging animals revealed higher concentrations in captive animals only in September but not in other seasons, although higher concentrations have been previously reported for several wild captive species. Due to predation risk, the presence of offspring can be considered a critical point in the biological cycle for the welfare of free-ranging mountain gazelles, as suggested by the higher FGM concentrations in the free-ranging population in July. The high number of visitors could be a challenge for mountain gazelles in captivity, as indicated by higher FGM concentrations during September. Sex had no effect on the FGM concentrations of either population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Cansu Karaer
- Food and Agriculture Vocational School, Çankırı Karatekin University, Çankırı, Türkiye
- Institute of Science, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye
- Division of Ecology, Department of Biology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Tolga Kankılıç
- Department of Biology, Sabire Yazıcı Faculty of Science and Letters, Aksaray University, Aksaray, Türkiye
| | - Çağatay Tavşanoğlu
- Division of Ecology, Department of Biology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Marko Cotman
- Institute of Preclinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nina Čebulj-Kadunc
- Institute of Preclinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alenka Dovč
- Clinic for Birds, Small Mammals and Reptiles, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tomaž Snoj
- Institute of Preclinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Ninan K, Murphy KE, Asztalos EV, Jiang Y, Huszti E, Matthews SG, Santaguida P, Mukerji A, McDonald SD. The Impact of Infant Sex on Multiple Courses versus a Single Course of Antenatal Corticosteroids: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e2919-e2926. [PMID: 37935374 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1776348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Animal literature has suggested that the impact of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) may vary by infant sex. Our objective was to assess the impact of infant sex on the use of multiple courses versus a single course of ACS and perinatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a secondary analysis of the Multiple Courses of Antenatal Corticosteroids for Preterm Birth trial, which randomly allocated pregnant people to multiple courses versus a single course of ACS. Our primary outcome was a composite of perinatal mortality or clinically significant neonatal morbidity (including neonatal death, stillbirth, severe respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage [grade III or IV], cystic periventricular leukomalacia, and necrotizing enterocolitis [stage II or III]). Secondary outcomes included individual components of the primary outcome as well as anthropometric measures. Baseline characteristics were compared between participants who received multiple courses versus a single course of ACS. An interaction between exposure to ACS and infant sex was assessed for significance and multivariable regression analyses were conducted with adjustment for predefined covariates, when feasible. RESULTS Data on 2,300 infants were analyzed. The interaction term between treatment status (multiple courses vs. a single course of ACS) and infant sex was not significant for the primary outcome (p = 0.86), nor for any of the secondary outcomes (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Infant sex did not modify the association between exposure to ACS and perinatal outcomes including perinatal mortality or neonatal morbidity or anthropometric outcomes. However, animal literature indicates that sex-specific differences after exposure to ACS may emerge over time and thus investigating long-term sex-specific outcomes warrants further attention. KEY POINTS · We explored the impact of infant sex on perinatal outcomes after multiple versus a single course of ACS.. · Infant sex was not a significant effect modifier of ACS exposure and perinatal outcomes.. · Animal literature indicates that sex-specific differences after ACS exposure may emerge over time.. · Further investigation of long-term sex-specific outcomes is warranted..
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Ninan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kellie E Murphy
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth V Asztalos
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yidi Jiang
- Biostatistics Research Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ella Huszti
- Biostatistics Research Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen G Matthews
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pasqualina Santaguida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amit Mukerji
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah D McDonald
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Radiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Schroeder M, Fuenzalida B, Yi N, Shahnawaz S, Gertsch J, Pellegata D, Ontsouka E, Leiva A, Gutiérrez J, Müller M, Brocco MA, Albrecht C. LAT1-dependent placental methionine uptake is a key player in fetal programming of metabolic disease. Metabolism 2024; 153:155793. [PMID: 38295946 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2024.155793] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis sustains that exposure to different stressors during prenatal development prepares the offspring for the challenges to be encountered after birth. We studied the gestational period as a particularly vulnerable window where different stressors can have strong implications for fetal programming of the offspring's life-long metabolic status via alterations of specific placentally expressed nutrient transporters. To study this mechanism, we used a murine prenatal stress model, human preeclampsia, early miscarriage, and healthy placental tissue samples, in addition to in vitro models of placental cells. In stressed mice, placental overexpression of L-type amino acid transporter 1 (Lat1) and subsequent global placental DNA hypermethylation was accompanied by fetal and adult hypothalamic dysregulation in global DNA methylation and gene expression as well as long-term metabolic abnormalities exclusively in female offspring. In human preeclampsia, early miscarriage, and under hypoxic conditions, placental LAT1 was significantly upregulated, leading to increased methionine uptake and global DNA hypermethylation. Remarkably, subgroups of healthy term placentas with high expression of stress-related genes presented increased levels of placental LAT1 mRNA and protein, DNA and RNA hypermethylation, increased methionine uptake capacity, one-carbon metabolic pathway disruption, higher methionine concentration in the placenta and transport to the fetus specifically in females. Since LAT1 mediates the intracellular accumulation of methionine, global DNA methylation, and one-carbon metabolism in the placenta, our findings hint at a major sex-specific global response to a variety of prenatal stressors affecting placental function, epigenetic programming, and life-long metabolic disease and provide a much-needed insight into early-life factors predisposing females/women to metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Schroeder
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland; Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Barbara Fuenzalida
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nan Yi
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Saira Shahnawaz
- Department of Biochemistry, Sargodha Medical College, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan; Department of Allied Health Sciences, Sargodha Medical College, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland; Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Daniele Pellegata
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Edgar Ontsouka
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Leiva
- Faculty of Medicine and Science, Universidad of San Sebastian, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jaime Gutiérrez
- Faculty of Medicine and Science, Universidad of San Sebastian, Santiago, Chile
| | - Martin Müller
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Lindenhofgruppe, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marcela A Brocco
- Institute of Biotechnological Research, University of San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Christiane Albrecht
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland; Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Sze Y, Brunton PJ. How is prenatal stress transmitted from the mother to the fetus? J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb246073. [PMID: 38449331 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246073] [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] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Prenatal stress programmes long-lasting neuroendocrine and behavioural changes in the offspring. Often this programming is maladaptive and sex specific. For example, using a rat model of maternal social stress in late pregnancy, we have demonstrated that adult prenatally stressed male, but not prenatally stressed female offspring display heightened anxiety-like behaviour, whereas both sexes show hyperactive hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis responses to stress. Here, we review the current knowledge of the mechanisms underpinning dysregulated HPA axis responses, including evidence supporting a role for reduced neurosteroid-mediated GABAergic inhibitory signalling in the brains of prenatally stressed offspring. How maternal psychosocial stress is signalled from the mother to the fetuses is unclear. Direct transfer of maternal glucocorticoids to the fetuses is often considered to mediate the programming effects of maternal stress on the offspring. However, protective mechanisms including attenuated maternal stress responses and placental 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-2 (which inactivates glucocorticoids) should limit materno-fetal glucocorticoid transfer during pregnancy. Moreover, a lack of correlation between maternal stress, circulating maternal glucocorticoid levels and circulating fetal glucocorticoid levels is reported in several studies and across different species. Therefore, here we interrogate the evidence for a role for maternal glucocorticoids in mediating the effects of maternal stress on the offspring and consider the evidence for alternative mechanisms, including an indirect role for glucocorticoids and the contribution of changes in the placenta in signalling the stress status of the mother to the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Sze
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Hugh Robson Building, University of Edinburgh, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Paula J Brunton
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Hugh Robson Building, University of Edinburgh, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Joint Institute, Haining, Zhejiang 314400, P.R. China
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Cissé YM, Montgomery KR, Zierden HC, Hill EM, Kane PJ, Huang W, Kane MA, Bale TL. Maternal preconception stress produces sex-specific effects at the maternal:fetal interface to impact offspring development and phenotypic outcomes†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:339-354. [PMID: 37971364 PMCID: PMC10873277 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad156] [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] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Entering pregnancy with a history of adversity, including adverse childhood experiences and racial discrimination stress, is a predictor of negative maternal and fetal health outcomes. Little is known about the biological mechanisms by which preconception adverse experiences are stored and impact future offspring health outcomes. In our maternal preconception stress (MPS) model, female mice underwent chronic stress from postnatal days 28-70 and were mated 2 weeks post-stress. Maternal preconception stress dams blunted the pregnancy-induced shift in the circulating extracellular vesicle proteome and reduced glucose tolerance at mid-gestation, suggesting a shift in pregnancy adaptation. To investigate MPS effects at the maternal:fetal interface, we probed the mid-gestation placental, uterine, and fetal brain tissue transcriptome. Male and female placentas differentially regulated expression of genes involved in growth and metabolic signaling in response to gestation in an MPS dam. We also report novel offspring sex- and MPS-specific responses in the uterine tissue apposing these placentas. In the fetal compartment, MPS female offspring reduced expression of neurodevelopmental genes. Using a ribosome-tagging transgenic approach we detected a dramatic increase in genes involved in chromatin regulation in a PVN-enriched neuronal population in females at PN21. While MPS had an additive effect on high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced weight gain in male offspring, both MPS and HFD were necessary to induce significant weight gain in female offspring. These data highlight the preconception period as a determinant of maternal health in pregnancy and provides novel insights into mechanisms by which maternal stress history impacts offspring developmental programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine M Cissé
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kristen R Montgomery
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hannah C Zierden
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Hill
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Patrick J Kane
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Weiliang Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Maureen A Kane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tracy L Bale
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Chen Z, Xia LP, Shen L, Xu D, Guo Y, Wang H. Glucocorticoids and intrauterine programming of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Metabolism 2024; 150:155713. [PMID: 37914025 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2023.155713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating epidemiological and experimental evidence indicates that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has an intrauterine origin. Fetuses exposed to adverse prenatal environments (e.g., maternal malnutrition and xenobiotic exposure) are more susceptible to developing NAFLD after birth. Glucocorticoids are crucial triggers of the developmental programming of fetal-origin diseases. Adverse intrauterine environments often lead to fetal overexposure to maternally derived glucocorticoids, which can program fetal hepatic lipid metabolism through epigenetic modifications. Adverse intrauterine environments program the offspring's glucocorticoid-insulin-like growth factor 1 (GC-IGF1) axis, which contributes to postnatal catch-up growth and disturbs glucose and lipid metabolism. These glucocorticoid-driven programming alterations increase susceptibility to NAFLD in the offspring. Notably, after delivery, offspring often face an environment distinct from their in utero life. The mismatch between the intrauterine and postnatal environments can serve as a postnatal hit that further disturbs the programmed endocrine axes, accelerating the onset of NAFLD. In this review, we summarize the current epidemiological and experimental evidence demonstrating that NAFLD has an intrauterine origin and discuss the underlying intrauterine programming mechanisms, focusing on the role of overexposure to maternally derived glucocorticoids. We also briefly discuss potential early life interventions that may be beneficial against fetal-originated NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Li-Ping Xia
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Lang Shen
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Dan Xu
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China; Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yu Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China.
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Paul EN, Shubitidze S, Rahim R, Rucker I, Valin L, Apostle S, Pospisilik JA, Racicot KE, Smith AL. Exogenous corticosterone administration during pregnancy in mice alters placental and fetal thyroid hormone availability in females. Placenta 2023; 142:1-11. [PMID: 37579594 PMCID: PMC10763606 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Maternal prenatal psychological stress is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and increased risk of adverse health outcomes in children. While the molecular mechanisms that govern these associations has not been fully teased apart, stress-induced changes in placental function can drive sex-specific phenotypes in offspring. We sought to identify and examine molecular pathways in the placenta that are altered in response to maternal prenatal stress. METHODS We previously employed a mouse model of maternal prenatal stress where pregnant dams were treated with stress hormone (CORT) beginning in mid-gestation. Using this model, we conducted RNAseq analysis of whole placenta at E18.5. We used qRT-PCR to validate gene expression changes in the placenta and in a trophoblast cell line. ELISAs were used to measure the abundance of thyroid hormones in maternal and fetal serum and in the placenta. RESULTS Dio2 was amongst the top differentially expressed genes in response to exogenous stress hormone. Dio2 expression was more downregulated in placenta of female fetuses from CORT-treated dams than both control placenta from females and placenta from male fetuses. Consistent with Dio2's role in production of bioactive thyroid hormone (T3), we found that there was a reduction of T3 in placenta and serum of female embryos from CORT-treated dams at E18.5. Both T3 and T4 were reduced in the fetal compartment of the placenta of female fetuses from CORT-treated dams at E16.5. Exogenous stress hormone induced reduction in thyroid hormone in females was independent of circulating levels of TH in the dams. DISCUSSION The placental thyroid hormone synthesis pathway may be a target of elevated maternal stress hormone and modulate fetal programming of health and disease of offspring in a sex-specific fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel N Paul
- Dept of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | | | - Rodaba Rahim
- Biology Department, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH, 43050, USA
| | - Imani Rucker
- Biology Department, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH, 43050, USA
| | - Liana Valin
- Biology Department, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH, 43050, USA
| | - Stefanos Apostle
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - J Andrew Pospisilik
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Karen E Racicot
- Dept of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Arianna L Smith
- Biology Department, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH, 43050, USA.
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Anamthathmakula P, Shallie PD, Nayak N, Dhal S, Vivian JL, Mor G, Soares MJ, Nayak NR. Variable Cre Recombination Efficiency in Placentas of Cyp19-Cre ROSA mT/mG Transgenic Mice. Cells 2023; 12:2096. [PMID: 37626906 PMCID: PMC10453067 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162096] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The aromatase-Cre recombinase (Cyp19-Cre) transgenic mouse model has been extensively used for placenta-specific gene inactivation. In a pilot study, we observed unexpected phenotypes using this mouse strain, which prompted an extensive characterization of Cyp19-Cre placental phenotypes using ROSAmT/mG transgenic reporter mice. The two strains were mated to generate bi-transgenic Cyp19-Cre;ROSAmT/mG mice following a standard transgenic breeding scheme, and placental and fetal tissues were analyzed on embryonic day 17.5. Both maternal and paternal Cre inheritance were analyzed by mating the respective Cyp19-Cre and ROSAmT/mG males and females. The genotype results showed the expected percentage of Cyp19-Cre;ROSAmT/mG fetuses (73%) and Cre mRNA was expressed in all of the Cyp19-Cre placentas. However, surprisingly, only about 50% of the Cyp19-Cre;ROSAmT/mG placentas showed Cre-mediated recombinase activity as demonstrated by placental enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression. Further genetic excision analysis of the placentas revealed consistent results showing the absence of excision of the tdTomato in all of the Cyp19-Cre;ROSAmT/mG placentas lacking EGFP expression. Moreover, among the EGFP-expressing placentas, there was wide variability in recombination efficiency, even in placentas from the same litter, leading to a mosaic pattern of EGFP expression in different zones and cell types of the placentas. In addition, we observed a significantly higher percentage of Cre recombination activity in placentas with maternal Cre inheritance. Our results show frequent mosaicism, inconsistent recombination activity, and parent-of-origin effects in placentas from Cyp19-Cre;ROSAmT/mG mice, suggesting that tail-biopsy genotype results may not necessarily indicate the excision of floxed genes in Cyp19-Cre positive placentas. Thus, placenta-specific mutagenesis studies using the Cyp19-Cre model require extensive characterization and careful interpretation of the placental phenotypes for each floxed allele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashanth Anamthathmakula
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Philemon D. Shallie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Neha Nayak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Sabita Dhal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Jay L. Vivian
- Children’s Mercy Research Institute, Children’s Mercy, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Gil Mor
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Michael J. Soares
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Center for Perinatal Research, Children’s Mercy Research Institute, Children’s Mercy, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Nihar R. Nayak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
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Paul EN, Shubitidze S, Rahim R, Rucker I, Valin L, Apostle S, Andrew Pospisilik J, Racicot KE, Smithb AL. Exogenous corticosterone administration during pregnancy alters placental and fetal thyroid hormone availability in females. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.05.547278. [PMID: 37461599 PMCID: PMC10349991 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.05.547278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Maternal prenatal stress is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and predisposition to long-term adverse health outcomes in children. While the molecular mechanisms that govern these associations has not been fully teased apart, stress-induced changes in placental function can drive sex-specific phenotypes in offspring. We sought to identify and examine molecular pathways in the placenta that are altered in response to maternal prenatal stress. Methods Using a mouse model of maternal prenatal stress, we conducted RNA-seq analysis of whole placenta at E18.5. We used qRT-PCR to validate gene expression changes in the placenta and in a trophoblast cell line. ELISAs were used to measure the abundance of thyroid hormones in maternal and fetal serum and in the placenta. Results Dio2 was amongst the top differentially expressed genes in response to elevated maternal stress hormone. Dio2 expression was more downregulated in female placenta from stressed dams than both female control and male placenta. Consistent with Dio2's role in production of bioactive thyroid hormone (T3), we found that there was a reduction of T3 in placenta and serum of female embryos from stressed dams at E18.5. Both T3 and T4 were reduced in the fetal compartment of the female placenta from stressed dams at E16.5. Stress hormone induced reduction in thyroid hormone in females was independent of circulating levels of TH in the dams. Discussion The placental thyroid hormone synthesis pathway may be a target of maternal stress and modulate fetal programming of health and disease of offspring in a sex-specific fashion.
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Lehmann M, Haury K, Oster H, Astiz M. Circadian glucocorticoids throughout development. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1165230. [PMID: 37179561 PMCID: PMC10166844 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1165230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are essential drivers of mammalian tissue growth and maturation during one of the most critical developmental windows, the perinatal period. The developing circadian clock is shaped by maternal GCs. GC deficits, excess, or exposure at the wrong time of day leads to persisting effects later in life. During adulthood, GCs are one of the main hormonal outputs of the circadian system, peaking at the beginning of the active phase (i.e., the morning in humans and the evening in nocturnal rodents) and contributing to the coordination of complex functions such as energy metabolism and behavior, across the day. Our article discusses the current knowledge on the development of the circadian system with a focus on the role of GC rhythm. We explore the bidirectional interaction between GCs and clocks at the molecular and systemic levels, discuss the evidence of GC influence on the master clock in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus during development and in the adult system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Lehmann
- Institute of Neurobiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Katharina Haury
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Science Park of the UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Henrik Oster
- Institute of Neurobiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Mariana Astiz
- Institute of Neurobiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Science Park of the UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
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11
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Yüzen D, Graf I, Diemert A, Arck PC. Climate change and pregnancy complications: From hormones to the immune response. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1149284. [PMID: 37091849 PMCID: PMC10113645 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1149284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnant women are highly vulnerable to adverse environments. Accumulating evidence highlights that increasing temperatures associated with the ongoing climate change pose a threat to successful reproduction. Heat stress caused by an increased ambient temperature can result in adverse pregnancy outcomes, e.g., preterm birth, stillbirth and low fetal weight. The pathomechanisms through which heat stress interferes with pregnancy maintenance still remain vague, but emerging evidence underscores that the endocrine system is severely affected. It is well known that the endocrine system pivotally contributes to the physiological progression of pregnancy. We review – sometimes speculate - how heat stress can offset hormonal dysregulations and subsequently derail other systems which interact with hormones, such as the immune response. This may account for the heat-stress related threat to successful pregnancy progression, fetal development and long-term children’s health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Yüzen
- Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Medical Center of Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center of Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Isabel Graf
- Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Medical Center of Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anke Diemert
- Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Medical Center of Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Petra Clara Arck
- Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Medical Center of Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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12
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Retraction for Bazhanov et al., Fetal corticosterone exposure leads to enhanced visceral hypersensitivity and is associated with down-regulation of placental 11-beta-steriod dehydrogenase 2. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2023; 324:G231. [PMID: 35916414 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00054.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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13
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Mucci V, Demori I, Browne CJ, Deblieck C, Burlando B. Fibromyalgia in Pregnancy: Neuro-Endocrine Fluctuations Provide Insight into Pathophysiology and Neuromodulation Treatment. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020615. [PMID: 36831148 PMCID: PMC9953487 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain disorder with unclear pathophysiological mechanisms, which leads to challenges in patient management. In addition to pain, the disorder presents with a broad range of symptoms, such as sleep disruption, chronic fatigue, brain fog, depression, muscle stiffness, and migraine. FM has a considerable female prevalence, and it has been shown that symptoms are influenced by the menstrual cycle and periods of significant hormonal and immunological changes. There is increasing evidence that females with FM experience an aggravation of symptoms in pregnancy, particularly during the third trimester and after childbirth. In this perspective paper, we focus on the neuro-endocrine interactions that occur between progesterone, allopregnanolone, and cortisol during pregnancy, and propose that they align with our previously proposed model of FM pathogenesis based on GABAergic "weakening" in a thalamocortical neural loop system. Based on our hypothesis, we introduce the possibility of utilizing transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as a non-invasive treatment potentially capable of exerting sex-specific effects on FM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Mucci
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Ilaria Demori
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genova, Corso Europa, 26, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Cherylea J. Browne
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
- Brain Stimulation and Rehabilitation (BrainStAR) Lab, School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Choi Deblieck
- Antwerp Management School, University of Antwerp, Boogkeers 5, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bruno Burlando
- Department of Pharmacy, DIFAR, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
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14
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Maternal stress induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and impaired pancreatic islets’ insulin secretion via glucocorticoid receptor upregulation in adult male rat offspring. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12552. [PMID: 35869151 PMCID: PMC9307850 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16621-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to perinatal (prenatal and/or postnatal) stress is considered as a risk factor for metabolic disorders in later life. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the perinatal stress effects on the pancreatic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induction, insulin secretion impairment and WFS1 (wolframin ER transmembrane Glycoprotein, which is involved in ER homeostasis and insulin secretion) expression changes, in rat offspring. According to the dams’ period of exposure to variable stress, their male offspring were divided into, control (CTRL); pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, lactation stress (PPPLS); pre-pregnancy stress (PPS); pregnancy stress (PS); lactation stress (LS); pre-pregnancy, pregnancy stress (PPPS); pregnancy, lactation stress (PLS); pre-pregnancy, lactation stress (PPLS) groups. Offspring pancreases were removed for ER extraction and the assessment of ER stress biomarkers, WFS1 gene DNA methylation, and isolated islets’ insulin secretion. Glucose tolerance was also tested. In the stressed groups, maternal stress significantly increased plasma corticosterone levels. In PPS, PS, and PPPS groups, maternal stress increased Bip (Hsp70; heat shock protein family A member 4), Chop (Ddit3; DNA- damage inducible transcript3), and WFS1 protein levels in pancreatic extracted ER. Moreover, the islets’ insulin secretion and content along with glucose tolerance were impaired in these groups. In PPS, PS, LS and PPPS groups, the pancreatic glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression increased. Maternal stress did not affect pancreatic WFS1 DNA methylation. Thus, maternal stress, during prenatal period, impaired the islets’ insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis in adult male offspring, possibly through the induction of ER stress and GR expression in the pancreas, in this regard the role of WFS1 protein alteration in pancreatic ER should also be considered.
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15
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Cao J, Chen Y, Wang H. 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases and biomarkers in fetal development. Toxicology 2022; 479:153316. [PMID: 36096318 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2022.153316] [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] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
It is known that basal glucocorticoid levels in utero are essential for regulating fetal development and maturation, and determine the fate of later life. Recently, more and more studies suggest that adverse prenatal environments may cause abnormal maternal glucocorticoid levels in utero. 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (11β-HSDs) are widely distributed in the target organs of glucocorticoids (GCs) and mineralocorticoids. 11β-HSDs is involved in fetal physiological and pathological development by activating or inactivating GCs. Prenatal adverse environments (including exogenous and maternal environments) can affect the expression and activity of 11β-HSDs in the placenta and fetus via multiple pathways. It induces abnormal local glucocorticoid levels in fetal multiple tissues, fetal developmental programming and homeostasis changes, and the susceptibility to various diseases after birth. We also discuss the interventions of 11β-HSDs inhibitors on fetal developmental programming and susceptibility to multiple diseases. Finally, we propose that 11β-HSD2 can be used as a molecular target for fetal developmental toxicity, while 11β-HSD1 can be regarded as an intervention target to prevent fetal-originated diseases. This review will provide a theoretical basis for the early prevention and treatment of fetal-originated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangang Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yawen Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China.
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16
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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: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [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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17
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Costa TJ, De Oliveira JC, Giachini FR, Lima VV, Tostes RC, Bomfim GF. Programming of Vascular Dysfunction by Maternal Stress: Immune System Implications. Front Physiol 2022; 13:787617. [PMID: 35360231 PMCID: PMC8961444 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.787617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing body of evidence highlights that several insults during pregnancy impact the vascular function and immune response of the male and female offspring. Overactivation of the immune system negatively influences cardiovascular function and contributes to cardiovascular disease. In this review, we propose that modulation of the immune system is a potential link between prenatal stress and offspring vascular dysfunction. Glucocorticoids are key mediators of stress and modulate the inflammatory response. The potential mechanisms whereby prenatal stress negatively impacts vascular function in the offspring, including poor hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis regulation of inflammatory response, activation of Th17 cells, renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system hyperactivation, reactive oxygen species imbalance, generation of neoantigens and TLR4 activation, are discussed. Alterations in the immune system by maternal stress during pregnancy have broad relevance for vascular dysfunction and immune-mediated diseases, such as cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago J. Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Júlio Cezar De Oliveira
- Health Education Research Center (NUPADS), Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Sinop, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Regina Giachini
- Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, Brazil
| | - Victor Vitorino Lima
- Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, Brazil
| | - Rita C. Tostes
- Health Education Research Center (NUPADS), Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Sinop, Brazil
| | - Gisele Facholi Bomfim
- Health Education Research Center (NUPADS), Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Sinop, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Gisele Facholi Bomfim,
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18
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Hodges TE, Puri TA, Blankers SA, Qiu W, Galea LAM. Steroid hormones and hippocampal neurogenesis in the adult mammalian brain. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2021; 118:129-170. [PMID: 35180925 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Hippocampal neurogenesis persists across the lifespan in many species, including rodents and humans, and is associated with cognitive performance and the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease and psychiatric disorders. Neurogenesis is modulated by steroid hormones that change across development and differ between the sexes in rodents and humans. Here, we discuss the effects of stress and glucocorticoid exposure from gestation to adulthood as well as the effects of androgens and estrogens in adulthood on neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Throughout the review we highlight sex differences in the effects of steroid hormones on neurogenesis and how they may relate to hippocampal function and disease. These data highlight the importance of examining age and sex when evaluating the effects of steroid hormones on hippocampal neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis E Hodges
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tanvi A Puri
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Samantha A Blankers
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Wansu Qiu
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Liisa A M Galea
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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19
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Abuaish S, Lavergne SG, Hing B, St-Cyr S, Spinieli RL, Boonstra R, McGowan PO. Sex-specific maternal programming of corticosteroid-binding globulin by predator odour. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20211908. [PMID: 34847769 PMCID: PMC8634628 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.1908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Predation is a key organizing force in ecosystems. The threat of predation may act to programme the endocrine hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis during development to prepare offspring for the environment they are likely to encounter. Such effects are typically investigated through the measurement of corticosteroids (Cort). Corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) plays a key role in regulating the bioavailability of Cort, with only free unbound Cort being biologically active. We investigated the effects of prenatal predator odour exposure (POE) in mice on offspring CBG and its impact on Cort dynamics before, during and after restraint stress in adulthood. POE males, but not females, had significantly higher serum CBG at baseline and during restraint and lower circulating levels of Free Cort. Restraint stress was associated with reduced liver transcript abundance of SerpinA6 (CBG-encoding gene) only in control males. POE did not affect SerpinA6 promoter DNA methylation. Our results indicate that prenatal exposure to a natural stressor led to increased CBG levels, decreased per cent of Free Cort relative to total and inhibited restraint stress-induced downregulation of CBG transcription. These changes suggest an adaptive response to a high predator risk environment in males but not females that could buffer male offspring from chronic Cort exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameera Abuaish
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, PO Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biological Sciences and Centre for Environmental Epigenetics and Development, University of Toronto Scarborough Campus, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Departments of Cell and Systems Biology, Psychology, and Physiology, University of Toronto, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sophia G. Lavergne
- Department of Biological Sciences and Centre for Environmental Epigenetics and Development, University of Toronto Scarborough Campus, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benjamin Hing
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, 51 Newton Road, Bowen Science Building 6-509, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Sophie St-Cyr
- Department of Biological Sciences and Centre for Environmental Epigenetics and Development, University of Toronto Scarborough Campus, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Departments of Cell and Systems Biology, Psychology, and Physiology, University of Toronto, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Richard L. Spinieli
- Psychobiology Graduate Program, School of Philosophy, Science and Literature of Ribeirão Preto of the University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rudy Boonstra
- Department of Biological Sciences and Centre for Environmental Epigenetics and Development, University of Toronto Scarborough Campus, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patrick O. McGowan
- Department of Biological Sciences and Centre for Environmental Epigenetics and Development, University of Toronto Scarborough Campus, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Departments of Cell and Systems Biology, Psychology, and Physiology, University of Toronto, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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20
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Starks RR, Kaur H, Tuteja G. Mapping cis-regulatory elements in the midgestation mouse placenta. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22331. [PMID: 34785717 PMCID: PMC8595355 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01664-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a temporary organ that provides the developing fetus with nutrients, oxygen, and protection in utero. Defects in its development, which may be caused by misregulated gene expression, can lead to devastating outcomes for the mother and fetus. In mouse, placental defects during midgestation commonly lead to embryonic lethality. However, the regulatory mechanisms controlling expression of genes during this period have not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, we generated and analyzed ChIP-seq data for multiple histone modifications known to mark cis-regulatory regions. We annotated active and poised promoters and enhancers, as well as regions generally associated with repressed gene expression. We found that poised promoters were associated with neuronal development genes, while active promoters were largely associated with housekeeping genes. Active and poised enhancers were associated with placental development genes, though only active enhancers were associated with genes that have placenta-specific expression. Motif analysis within active enhancers identified a large network of transcription factors, including those that have not been previously studied in the placenta and are candidates for future studies. The data generated and genomic regions annotated provide researchers with a foundation for future studies, aimed at understanding how specific genes in the midgestation mouse placenta are regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah R Starks
- Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.,Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Haninder Kaur
- Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Geetu Tuteja
- Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA. .,Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.
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21
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Liu H, Liu Y, Huang K, Yan S, Hao J, Zhu P, Tao F, Shao S. Gender-specific associations of pregnancy-related anxiety with placental epigenetic patterning of glucocorticoid response genes and preschooler's emotional symptoms and hyperactivity. BMC Pediatr 2021; 21:479. [PMID: 34715840 PMCID: PMC8555194 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-021-02938-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUD We have recently reported that maternal prenatal pregnancy-related anxiety predicts preschoolers' emotional and behavioral development in a gender-dependent manner. This study aims to test for this gender-specific effect in a different cohort and investigate whether the gender difference was specific to placental methylation of genes regulating glucocorticoids. METHODS A total of 2405 mother-child pairs from the Ma'anshan Birth Cohort Study were included in present study. The maternal pregnancy-related anxiety symptoms were evaluated with the Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire in the third trimester of pregnancy. Child neurobehavior was assessed with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire at 4 years old. Placental methylation of FKBP5, NR3C1 and HSD11B2 genes was quantified using the MethylTarget approach in 439 pregnant women. After exploratory factor analysis, the associations between methylation factor scores and pregnancy-related anxiety and child neurobehavior were examined using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS After controlling for confounding factors, pregnancy-related anxiety in the third trimester of pregnancy increased the risk of hyperactivity only in boys and emotional symptoms only in girls. Decreased scores of the factor characterized by FKBP5 methylation were associated with maternal pregnancy-related anxiety only in boys. Furthermore, increased scores of the factors characterized by NR3C1 and HSD11B2 methylation were associated with hyperactivity (NR3C1: adjusted OR = 1.80, 95%CI = 1.15-2.83) and emotional symptoms (HSD11B2: adjusted OR = 0.53, 95%CI = 0.29-0.97; NR3C1: adjusted OR = 1.64, 95%CI = 1.03-2.59) only in boys. However, the scores of the factor characterized by FKBP5, NR3C1 and HSD11B2 did not mediate the relationship between maternal pregnancy-related anxiety and preschoolers' emotional symptoms and hyperactivity. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggested that pregnancy-related anxiety in the third trimester of pregnancy predicted preschoolers' emotional symptoms and hyperactivity in a gender-dependent manner. Although we did not find the mediation role of the placental methylation of genes regulating glucocorticoids, we found it was associated with both maternal pregnancy-related anxiety and preschoolers' emotional symptoms and hyperactivity in a gender-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yuwei Liu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Kun Huang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Shuangqin Yan
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.,Maternal and Child Health Care Center of Ma'anshan, No 24 Jiashan Road, Ma'anshan, 243011, Anhui, China
| | - Jiahu Hao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Peng Zhu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China. .,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China. .,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China. .,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Shanshan Shao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China. .,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China. .,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China. .,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
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22
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Christians JK. The Placenta's Role in Sexually Dimorphic Fetal Growth Strategies. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:1895-1907. [PMID: 34699045 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00780-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Fetal sex affects the risk of pregnancy complications and the long-term effects of prenatal environment on health. Some have hypothesized that growth strategies differ between the sexes, whereby males prioritize growth whereas females are more responsive to their environment. This review evaluates the role of the placenta in such strategies, focusing on (1) mechanisms underlying sexual dimorphism in gene expression, (2) the nature and extent of sexual dimorphism in placental gene expression, (3) sexually dimorphic responses to nutrient supply, and (4) sexual dimorphism in morphology and histopathology. The sex chromosomes contribute to sex differences in placental gene expression, and fetal hormones may play a role later in development. Sexually dimorphic placental gene expression may contribute to differences in the prevalence of complications such as preeclampsia, although this link is not clear. Placental responses to nutrient supply frequently show sexual dimorphism, but there is no consistent pattern where one sex is more responsive. There are sex differences in the prevalence of placental histopathologies, and placental changes in pregnancy complications, but also many similarities. Overall, no clear patterns support the hypothesis that females are more responsive to the maternal environment, or that males prioritize growth. While male fetuses are at greater risk of a variety of complications, total prenatal mortality is higher in females, such that males exposed to early insults may be more likely to survive and be observed in studies of adverse outcomes. Going forward, robust statistical approaches to test for sex-dependent effects must be more widely adopted to reduce the incidence of spurious results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian K Christians
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada. .,Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada. .,British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada. .,Women's Health Research Institute, BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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23
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Diao L, Hierweger AM, Wieczorek A, Arck PC, Thiele K. Disruption of Glucocorticoid Action on CD11c + Dendritic Cells Favors the Generation of CD4 + Regulatory T Cells and Improves Fetal Development in Mice. Front Immunol 2021; 12:729742. [PMID: 34764952 PMCID: PMC8576435 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.729742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A wealth of innate and adaptive immune cells and hormones are involved in mounting tolerance towards the fetus, a key aspect of successful reproduction. We could recently show that the specific cross talk between the pregnancy hormone progesterone and dendritic cells (DCs) is significantly engaged in the generation of CD4+ FoxP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells while a disruption led to placental alterations and intra-uterine growth restriction. Apart from progesterone, also glucocorticoids affect immune cell functions. However, their functional relevance in the context of pregnancy still needs clarification. We developed a mouse line with a selective knockout of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) on DCs, utilizing the cre/flox system. Reproductive outcome and maternal immune and endocrine adaptation of Balb/c-mated C57Bl/6 GRflox/floxCD11ccre/wt (mutant) females was assessed on gestation days (gd) 13.5 and 18.5. Balb/c-mated C57Bl/6 GRwt/wtCD11ccre/wt (wt) females served as controls. The number of implantation and fetal loss rate did not differ between groups. However, we identified a significant increase in fetal weight in fetuses from mutant dams. While the frequencies of CD11c+ cells remained largely similar, a decreased expression of co-stimulatory molecules was observed on DCs of mutant females on gd 13.5, along with higher frequencies of CD4+ and CD8+ Treg cells. Histomorphological and gene expression analysis revealed an increased placental volume and an improved functional placental capacity in mice lacking the GR on CD11c+ DCs. In summary, we here demonstrate that the disrupted communication between GCs and DCs favors a tolerant immune microenvironment and improves placental function and fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Kristin Thiele
- Division of Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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24
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Meakin AS, Cuffe JSM, Darby JRT, Morrison JL, Clifton VL. Let's Talk about Placental Sex, Baby: Understanding Mechanisms That Drive Female- and Male-Specific Fetal Growth and Developmental Outcomes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126386. [PMID: 34203717 PMCID: PMC8232290 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well understood that sex differences exist between females and males even before they are born. These sex-dependent differences may contribute to altered growth and developmental outcomes for the fetus. Based on our initial observations in the human placenta, we hypothesised that the male prioritises growth pathways in order to maximise growth through to adulthood, thereby ensuring the greatest chance of reproductive success. However, this male-specific “evolutionary advantage” likely contributes to males being less adaptable to shifts in the in-utero environment, which then places them at a greater risk for intrauterine morbidities or mortality. Comparatively, females are more adaptable to changes in the in-utero environment at the cost of growth, which may reduce their risk of poor perinatal outcomes. The mechanisms that drive these sex-specific adaptations to a change in the in-utero environment remain unclear, but an increasing body of evidence within the field of developmental biology would suggest that alterations to placental function, as well as the feto-placental hormonal milieu, is an important contributing factor. Herein, we have addressed the current knowledge regarding sex-specific intrauterine growth differences and have examined how certain pregnancy complications may alter these female- and male-specific adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley S. Meakin
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; (A.S.M.); (J.R.T.D.); (J.L.M.)
| | - James S. M. Cuffe
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Jack R. T. Darby
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; (A.S.M.); (J.R.T.D.); (J.L.M.)
| | - Janna L. Morrison
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; (A.S.M.); (J.R.T.D.); (J.L.M.)
| | - Vicki L. Clifton
- Mater Medical Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
- Correspondence:
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25
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Pang TY, Yaeger JDW, Summers CH, Mitra R. Cardinal role of the environment in stress induced changes across life stages and generations. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 124:137-150. [PMID: 33549740 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The stress response in rodents and humans is exquisitely dependent on the environmental context. The interactive element of the environment is typically studied by creating laboratory models of stress-induced plasticity manifested in behavior or the underlying neuroendocrine mediators of the behavior. Here, we discuss three representative sets of studies where the role of the environment in mediating stress sensitivity or stress resilience is considered across varying windows of time. Collectively, these studies testify that environmental variation at an earlier time point modifies the relationship between stressor and stress response at a later stage. The metaplastic effects of the environment on the stress response remain possible across various endpoints, including behavior, neuroendocrine regulation, region-specific neural plasticity, and regulation of receptors. The timescale of such variation spans adulthood, across stages of life history and generational boundaries. Thus, environmental variables are powerful determinants of the observed diversity in stress response. The predominant role of the environment suggests that it is possible to promote stress resilience through purposeful modification of the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terence Y Pang
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, 3052, VIC, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, 3010, VIC, Australia
| | - Jazmine D W Yaeger
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, 57069, USA; Neuroscience Group, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, 57069, USA; Veterans Affairs Research Service, Sioux Falls VA Health Care System, Sioux Falls, SD, 57105, USA
| | - Cliff H Summers
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, 57069, USA; Neuroscience Group, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, 57069, USA; Veterans Affairs Research Service, Sioux Falls VA Health Care System, Sioux Falls, SD, 57105, USA
| | - Rupshi Mitra
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore.
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26
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Examining Sex Differences in the Human Placental Transcriptome During the First Fetal Androgen Peak. Reprod Sci 2020; 28:801-818. [PMID: 33150487 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00355-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Sex differences in human placenta exist from early pregnancy to term, however, it is unclear whether these differences are driven solely by sex chromosome complement or are subject to differential sex hormonal regulation. Here, we survey the human chorionic villus (CV) transcriptome for sex-linked signatures from 11 to 16 gestational weeks, corresponding to the first window of increasing testis-derived androgen production in male fetuses. Illumina HiSeq RNA sequencing was performed on Lexogen Quantseq 3' libraries derived from CV biopsies (n = 11 females, n = 12 males). Differential expression (DE) was performed to identify sex-linked transcriptional signatures, followed by chromosome mapping, pathway analysis, predicted protein interaction, and post-hoc linear regressions to identify transcripts that trend over time. We observe 322 transcripts DE between male and female CV from 11 to 16 weeks, with 22 transcripts logFC > 1. Contrary to our predictions, the difference between male and female expression of DE autosomal genes was more pronounced at the earlier gestational ages. In females, we found selective upregulation of extracellular matrix components, along with a number of X-linked genes. In males, DE transcripts centered on chromosome 19, with mitochondrial, immune, and pregnancy maintenance-related transcripts upregulated. Among the highest differentially expressed autosomal genes were CCRL2, LGALS13, and LGALS14, which are known to regulate immune cell interactions. Our results provide insight into sex-linked gene expression in late first and early second trimester developing human placenta and lay the groundwork to understand the mechanistic origins of sex differences in prenatal development.
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27
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Ramos-Navarro C, Sánchez-Luna M, Zeballos-Sarrato S, Pescador-Chamorro I. Antenatal corticosteroids and the influence of sex on morbidity and mortality of preterm infants. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2020; 35:3438-3445. [DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2020.1819977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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28
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Fan F, Shen W, Wu S, Chen N, Tong X, Wang F, Zhang Q. Sp1 participates in the cadmium-induced imbalance of the placental glucocorticoid barrier by suppressing 11β-HSD2 expression. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 261:113976. [PMID: 32044612 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.113976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is widely present in the environment as a heavy metal poison. Prenatal Cd exposure can damage the placental glucocorticoid barrier, leading to foetal growth restriction (FGR), but the molecular mechanism is unknown. We aimed to study the effects of prenatal Cd exposure on 11β-HSD2 and its possible involvement in Cd induced damage in the placental glucocorticoid barrier. Pregnant rats were treated with CdCl2 (1.0 mg/kg/day) by gavage from gestational day (GD) 9-19. Maternal exposure to Cd increased the FGR rate of the offspring, and the levels of corticosterone in the placenta, maternal and foetal serum. Further in vitro experiments with placenta or JEG3 cells indicated that Cd was able to decrease 11β-HSD2 and Sp1 expression in trophoblast cells but did not affect 11β-HSD1. Additionally, decreased p300 and Sp1 enrichment at the 11β-HSD2 promoter region was observed in the cells treated with Cd. Decreasing or increasing Sp1 expression accordingly inhibited or promoted the expression of 11β-HSD2 and further decreased or increased p300 and Sp1 enrichment at the 11β-HSD2 promoter region. In conclusion, Cd inhibits the expression of 11β-HSD2 by affecting the binding of p300 to 11β-HSD2 via a decrease in Sp1 expression, which damages the placental glucocorticoid barrier and exposes the foetus to excessive glucocorticoids, resulting in FGR. These findings reveal a possible underlying molecular mechanism by which Cd exposure leads to FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyun Fan
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; The Second Clinical Medical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wanting Shen
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; The First Clinical Medical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Sisi Wu
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; The Second Clinical Medical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Na Chen
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; The Second Clinical Medical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xia Tong
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; The Second Clinical Medical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fan Wang
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; The Second Clinical Medical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Qiong Zhang
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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29
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Xia L, Jiao Z, Pei L, Yuan C, Zhao Y, Guo Y, Wang H. Prenatal ethanol exposure induced disorder of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis-associated neuroendocrine metabolic programming alteration and dysfunction of glucose and lipid metabolism in 40-week-old female offspring rats. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 94:48-54. [PMID: 32333956 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.04.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study was designed to demonstrate disorder of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis-associated neuroendocrine metabolic programming alteration and dysfunction of glucose and lipid metabolism induced by prenatal ethanol exposure (PEE) in postnatal week 40 (PW40) female offspring rats. Pregnant Wistar rats were administrated 4 g/kg·d ethanol intragastrically from gestational day 11 until term delivery. After weaning, the female offspring were fed with high-fat diet until PW24, and suffered to unpredictable chronic stress (UCS) during PW38-40. Animal serum was collected to examine the changes in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, glucose and lipid metabolic phenotypes before and after UCS. We found that pups in the PEE group manifested a low birthweight at PW1 and an early catch-up growth pattern. Furthermore, a low basal activity of HPA axis continued to PW38 in the PEE group. On the basal condition, serum low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) level was significantly increased and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) level was significantly decreased in the PEE group, while serum triglyceride, total cholesterol (TCH), glucose and insulin levels were not significantly changed. Under unpredictable chronic stress, serum insulin in the PEE group was significantly decreased, while the levels of serum triglyceride, TCH, LDL-C, and the ratio of LDL-C/HDL-C were significantly higher than those in the control. These results suggest that PEE increases the dysfunction of glucose and lipid metabolism in PW40 female offspring, which is related to the disorder of HPA axis-associated neuroendocrine metabolic programming alteration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Xia
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China; Department of Pediatrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Zhexiao Jiao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Linguo Pei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Chao Yuan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Yanjuan Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Yu Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, PR China.
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, PR China.
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30
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Zazara DE, Wegmann M, Giannou AD, Hierweger AM, Alawi M, Thiele K, Huber S, Pincus M, Muntau AC, Solano ME, Arck PC. A prenatally disrupted airway epithelium orchestrates the fetal origin of asthma in mice. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2020; 145:1641-1654. [PMID: 32305348 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2020.01.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal challenges such as maternal stress perception increase the risk and severity of asthma during childhood. However, insights into the trajectories and targets underlying the pathogenesis of prenatally triggered asthma are largely unknown. The developing lung and immune system may constitute such targets. OBJECTIVE Here we have aimed to identify the differential sex-specific effects of prenatal challenges on lung function, immune response, and asthma severity in mice. METHODS We generated bone marrow chimeric (BMC) mice harboring either prenatally stress-exposed lungs or a prenatally stress-exposed immune (hematopoietic) system and induced allergic asthma via ovalbumin. Next-generation sequencing (RNA sequencing) of lungs and assessment of airway epithelial barrier function in ovalbumin-sensitized control and prenatally stressed offspring was also performed. RESULTS Profoundly enhanced airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, and fibrosis were exclusively present in female BMC mice with prenatally stress-exposed lungs. These effects were significantly perpetuated if both the lungs and the immune system had been exposed to prenatal stress. A prenatally stress-exposed immune system alone did not suffice to increase the severity of these asthma features. RNA sequencing analysis of lungs from prenatally stressed, non-BMC, ovalbumin-sensitized females unveiled a deregulated expression of genes involved in asthma pathogenesis, tissue remodeling, and tight junction formation. It was also possible to independently confirm a tight junction disruption. In line with this, we identified an altered perinatal and/or postnatal expression of genes involved in lung development along with an impaired alveolarization in female prenatally stressed mice. CONCLUSION Here we have shown that the fetal origin of asthma is orchestrated by a disrupted airway epithelium and further perpetuated by a predisposed immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra E Zazara
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Wegmann
- Division of Asthma Exacerbation & Regulation, Priority Area Asthma and Allergy, Leibniz Lung Center Borstel, Airway Research Center North, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Borstel, Germany
| | - Anastasios D Giannou
- I. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Maximiliane Hierweger
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Institute for Immunology, Center for Diagnostics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Malik Alawi
- Bioinformatics Core, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kristin Thiele
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Samuel Huber
- I. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maike Pincus
- Pediatrics and Pediatric Pneumology Practice, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ania C Muntau
- University Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maria Emilia Solano
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Petra C Arck
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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31
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Solano ME, Arck PC. Steroids, Pregnancy and Fetal Development. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3017. [PMID: 32038609 PMCID: PMC6987319 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal glucocorticoids critically rise during pregnancy reaching up to a 20-fold increase of mid-pregnancy concentrations. Concurrently, another steroid hormone, progesterone, increases. Progesterone, which shows structural similarities to glucocorticoids, can bind the intracellular glucocorticoid receptor, although with lower affinity. Progesterone is essential for the establishment and continuation of pregnancy and it is generally acknowledged to promote maternal immune tolerance to fetal alloantigens through a wealth of immunomodulatory mechanisms. Despite the potent immunomodulatory capacity of glucocorticoids, little is known about their role during pregnancy. Here we aim to compare general aspects of glucocorticoids and progesterone during pregnancy, including shared common steroidogenic pathways, plasma transporters, regulatory pathways, expression of receptors, and mechanisms of action in immune cells. It was recently acknowledged that progesterone receptors are not ubiquitously expressed on immune cells and that pivotal features of progesterone induced- maternal immune adaptations to pregnancy are mediated via the glucocorticoid receptor, including e.g., T regulatory cells expansion. We hypothesize that a tight equilibrium between progesterone and glucocorticoids is critically required and recapitulate evidence supporting that their disequilibrium underlie pregnancy complications. Such a disequilibrium can occur, e.g., after maternal stress perception, which triggers the release of glucocorticoids and impair progesterone secretion, resulting in intrauterine inflammation. These endocrine misbalance might be interconnected, as increase in glucocorticoid synthesis, e.g., upon stress, may occur in detriment of progesterone steroidogenesis, by depleting the common precursor pregnenolone. Abundant literature supports that progesterone deficiency underlies pregnancy complications in which immune tolerance is challenged. In these settings, it is largely yet undefined if and how glucocorticoids are affected. However, although progesterone immunomodulation during pregnancy appear to be chiefly mediated glucocorticoid receptors, excess glucocorticoids cannot compensate by progesterone deficiency, indicating that additional und still undercover mechanisms are at play.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Emilia Solano
- Department for Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Petra Clara Arck
- Department for Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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32
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Sze Y, Brunton PJ. Sex, stress and steroids. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 52:2487-2515. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Sze
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
| | - Paula J. Brunton
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
- Zhejiang University‐University of Edinburgh Joint Institute Haining Zhejiang China
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33
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De Clercq K, Persoons E, Napso T, Luyten C, Parac-Vogt TN, Sferruzzi-Perri AN, Kerckhofs G, Vriens J. High-resolution contrast-enhanced microCT reveals the true three-dimensional morphology of the murine placenta. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:13927-13936. [PMID: 31249139 PMCID: PMC6683600 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1902688116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic engineering of the mouse genome identified many genes that are essential for embryogenesis. Remarkably, the prevalence of concomitant placental defects in embryonic lethal mutants is highly underestimated and indicates the importance of detailed placental analysis when phenotyping new individual gene knockouts. Here we introduce high-resolution contrast-enhanced microfocus computed tomography (CE-CT) as a nondestructive, high-throughput technique to evaluate the 3D placental morphology. Using a contrast agent, zirconium-substituted Keggin polyoxometalate (Zr-POM), the soft tissue of the placenta (i.e., different layers and cell types and its vasculature) was imaged with a resolution of 3.5 µm voxel size. This approach allowed us to visualize and study early and late stages of placental development. Moreover, CE-CT provides a method to precisely quantify placental parameters (i.e., volumes, volume fraction, ratio of different placental layers, and volumes of specific cell populations) that are crucial for statistical comparison studies. The CE-CT assessment of the 3D morphology of the placentas was validated (i) by comparison with standard histological studies; (ii) by evaluating placentas from 2 different mouse strains, 129S6 and C57BL/6J mice; and (iii) by confirming the placental phenotype of mice lacking phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-p110α. Finally, the Zr-POM-based CE-CT allowed for inspection of the vasculature structure in the entire placenta, as well as detecting placental defects in pathologies characterized by embryonic resorption and placental fusion. Taken together, Zr-POM-based CE-CT offers a quantitative 3D methodology to investigate placental development or pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrien De Clercq
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Gynecology-Pediatrics and Urology Research Group (G-PURE), Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) Centre for Brain & Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eleonora Persoons
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Gynecology-Pediatrics and Urology Research Group (G-PURE), Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) Centre for Brain & Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tina Napso
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Luyten
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Gynecology-Pediatrics and Urology Research Group (G-PURE), Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tatjana N Parac-Vogt
- Molecular Design and Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - Greet Kerckhofs
- Biomechanics Laboratory, Institute of Mechanics, Materials, and Civil Engineering, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Prometheus, Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joris Vriens
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Gynecology-Pediatrics and Urology Research Group (G-PURE), Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
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