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Dela Justina V, Dos Passos Júnior RR, Lima VV, Giachini FR. Evidence of Nitric Oxide Impairment During Hypertensive Pregnancies. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1428:99-125. [PMID: 37466771 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-32554-0_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy complicate up to 10% of pregnancies worldwide, and they can be classified into (1) gestational hypertension, (2) preeclampsia, (3) chronic hypertension and (4) chronic hypertension with preeclampsia. Nitric oxide (NO) plays an essential role in the haemodynamic adaptations observed during pregnancy. It has been shown that the nitric oxide pathway's dysfunction during pregnancy is associated with placental- and vascular-related diseases such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. This review aims to present a brief definition of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and physiological maternal cardiovascular adaptations during pregnancy. We also detail how NO signalling is altered in the (a) systemic vasculature, (b) uterine artery/spiral arteries, (c) implantation and (d) placenta of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. We conclude by summarizing the anti-hypertensive therapy of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy as a specific management strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Dela Justina
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Rinaldo Rodrigues Dos Passos Júnior
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
- Institute of Health Sciences and Health, Universidad Federal De Mato Grosso, Barra do Garcas, Brazil
| | - Victor Vitorino Lima
- Institute of Health Sciences and Health, Universidad Federal De Mato Grosso, Barra do Garcas, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Regina Giachini
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
- Institute of Health Sciences and Health, Universidad Federal De Mato Grosso, Barra do Garcas, Brazil
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Griffith JA, Garner KL, Bowdridge EC, DeVallance E, Schafner KJ, Engles KJ, Batchelor TP, Goldsmith WT, Wix K, Hussain S, Nurkiewicz TR. Nanomaterial Inhalation During Pregnancy Alters Systemic Vascular Function in a Cyclooxygenase-Dependent Manner. Toxicol Sci 2022; 188:219-233. [PMID: 35642938 PMCID: PMC9333412 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfac055] [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: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy requires rapid adaptations in the uterine microcirculation to support fetal development. Nanomaterial inhalation is associated with cardiovascular dysfunction, which may impair gestation. We have shown that maternal nano-titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2) inhalation impairs microvascular endothelial function in response to arachidonic acid and thromboxane (TXA2) mimetics. However, the mechanisms underpinning this process are unknown. Therefore, we hypothesize that maternal nano-TiO2 inhalation during gestation results in uterine microvascular prostacyclin (PGI2) and TXA2 dysfunction. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed from gestational day 10-19 to nano-TiO2 aerosols (12.17 ± 1.67 mg/m3) or filtered air (sham-control). Dams were euthanized on gestational day 20, and serum, uterine radial arterioles, implantation sites, and lungs were collected. Serum was assessed for PGI2 and TXA2 metabolites. TXB2, the stable TXA2 metabolite, was significantly decreased in nano-TiO2 exposed dams (597.3 ± 84.4 vs 667.6 ± 45.6 pg/ml), whereas no difference was observed for 6-keto-PGF1α, the stable PGI2 metabolite. Radial arteriole pressure myography revealed that nano-TiO2 exposure caused increased vasoconstriction to the TXA2 mimetic, U46619, compared with sham-controls (-41.3% ± 4.3% vs -16.8% ± 3.4%). Nano-TiO2 exposure diminished endothelium-dependent vasodilation to carbaprostacyclin, a PGI2 receptor agonist, compared with sham-controls (30.0% ± 9.0% vs 53.7% ± 6.0%). Maternal nano-TiO2 inhalation during gestation decreased nano-TiO2 female pup weight when compared with sham-control males (3.633 ± 0.064 vs 3.995 ± 0.124 g). Augmented TXA2 vasoconstriction and decreased PGI2 vasodilation may lead to decreased placental blood flow and compromise maternofetal exchange of waste and nutrients, which could ultimately impact fetal health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Griffith
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505-9229, USA
- Center for Inhalation Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505-9229, USA
| | - Krista L Garner
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505-9229, USA
- Center for Inhalation Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505-9229, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Bowdridge
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505-9229, USA
- Center for Inhalation Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505-9229, USA
| | - Evan DeVallance
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505-9229, USA
- Center for Inhalation Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505-9229, USA
| | - Kallie J Schafner
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505-9229, USA
- Center for Inhalation Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505-9229, USA
| | - Kevin J Engles
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505-9229, USA
| | - Thomas P Batchelor
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505-9229, USA
- Center for Inhalation Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505-9229, USA
| | - William T Goldsmith
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505-9229, USA
- Center for Inhalation Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505-9229, USA
| | - Kimberley Wix
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505-9229, USA
| | - Salik Hussain
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505-9229, USA
- Center for Inhalation Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505-9229, USA
| | - Timothy R Nurkiewicz
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505-9229, USA
- Center for Inhalation Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505-9229, USA
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Gyselaers W, Lees C. Maternal Low Volume Circulation Relates to Normotensive and Preeclamptic Fetal Growth Restriction. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:902634. [PMID: 35755049 PMCID: PMC9218216 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.902634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This narrative review summarizes current evidence on the association between maternal low volume circulation and poor fetal growth. Though much work has been devoted to the study of cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance, a low intravascular volume may explain why high vascular resistance causes hypertension in women with preeclampsia (PE) that is associated with fetal growth restriction (FGR) and, at the same time, presents with normotension in FGR itself. Normotensive women with small for gestational age babies show normal gestational blood volume expansion superimposed upon a constitutionally low intravascular volume. Early onset preeclampsia (EPE; occurring before 32 weeks) is commonly associated with FGR, and poor plasma volume expandability may already be present before conception, thus preceding gestational volume expansion. Experimentally induced low plasma volume in rodents predisposes to poor fetal growth and interventions that enhance plasma volume expansion in FGR have shown beneficial effects on intrauterine fetal condition, prolongation of gestation and birth weight. This review makes the case for elevating the maternal intravascular volume with physical exercise with or without Nitric Oxide Donors in FGR and EPE, and evaluating its role as a potential target for prevention and/or management of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilfried Gyselaers
- Department of Obstetrics, Ziekenhuis Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium.,Department of Physiology, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Christoph Lees
- Centre for Fetal Care, Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Centre for Fetal Care, Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Maréchal L, Sicotte B, Caron V, Brochu M, Tremblay A. Fetal Cardiac Lipid Sensing Triggers an Early and Sex-related Metabolic Energy Switch in Intrauterine Growth Restriction. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:3295-3311. [PMID: 34245263 PMCID: PMC8530737 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is an immediate outcome of an adverse womb environment, exposing newborns to developing cardiometabolic disorders later in life. OBJECTIVE This study investigates the cardiac metabolic consequences and underlying mechanism of energy expenditure in developing fetuses under conditions of IUGR. METHODS Using an animal model of IUGR characterized by uteroplacental vascular insufficiency, mitochondrial function, gene profiling, lipidomic analysis, and transcriptional assay were determined in fetal cardiac tissue and cardiomyocytes. RESULTS IUGR fetuses exhibited an upregulation of key genes associated with fatty acid breakdown and β-oxidation (Acadvl, Acadl, Acaa2), and mitochondrial carnitine shuttle (Cpt1a, Cpt2), instigating a metabolic gene reprogramming in the heart. Induction of Ech1, Acox1, Acox3, Acsl1, and Pex11a indicated a coordinated interplay with peroxisomal β-oxidation and biogenesis mainly observed in females, suggesting sexual dimorphism in peroxisomal activation. Concurring with the sex-related changes, mitochondrial respiration rates were stronger in IUGR female fetal cardiomyocytes, accounting for enhanced adenosine 5'-triphosphate production. Mitochondrial biogenesis was induced in fetal hearts with elevated expression of Ppargc1a transcript specifically in IUGR females. Lipidomic analysis identified the accumulation of arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosapentaenoic polyunsaturated long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) in IUGR fetal hearts, which leads to nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) transcriptional activation in cardiomyocytes. Also, the enrichment of H3K27ac chromatin marks to PPARα-responsive metabolic genes in IUGR fetal hearts outlines an epigenetic control in the early metabolic energy switch. CONCLUSION This study describes a premature and sex-related remodeling of cardiac metabolism in response to an unfavorable intrauterine environment, with specific LCFAs that may serve as predictive effectors leading to IUGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loïze Maréchal
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1J4, Canada
- Research Center, CHU Ste-Justine, Montréal, Quebec H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Benoit Sicotte
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Véronique Caron
- Research Center, CHU Ste-Justine, Montréal, Quebec H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Michèle Brochu
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - André Tremblay
- Research Center, CHU Ste-Justine, Montréal, Quebec H3T 1C5, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1J4, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec J2S 2M2, Canada
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Palei AC, Granger JP, Spradley FT. Placental Ischemia Says "NO" to Proper NOS-Mediated Control of Vascular Tone and Blood Pressure in Preeclampsia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011261. [PMID: 34681920 PMCID: PMC8541176 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we first provide a brief overview of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms and biochemistry. This is followed by describing what is known about NOS-mediated blood pressure control during normal pregnancy. Circulating nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability has been assessed by measuring its metabolites, nitrite (NO2) and/or nitrate (NO3), and shown to rise throughout normal pregnancy in humans and rats and decline postpartum. In contrast, placental malperfusion/ischemia leads to systemic reductions in NO bioavailability leading to maternal endothelial and vascular dysfunction with subsequent development of hypertension in PE. We end this article by describing emergent risk factors for placental malperfusion and ischemic disease and discussing strategies to target the NOS system therapeutically to increase NO bioavailability in preeclamptic patients. Throughout this discussion, we highlight the critical importance that experimental animal studies have played in our current understanding of NOS biology in normal pregnancy and their use in finding novel ways to preserve this signaling pathway to prevent the development, treat symptoms, or reduce the severity of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C. Palei
- Department of Surgery, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA;
| | - Joey P. Granger
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA;
| | - Frank T. Spradley
- Department of Surgery, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA;
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
- Correspondence:
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Sicotte B, Brochu M. Fetal Sex and Fetal Environment Interact to Alter Diameter, Myogenic Tone, and Contractile Response to Thromboxane Analog in Rat Umbilical Cord Vessels. Front Physiol 2021; 12:620058. [PMID: 34603067 PMCID: PMC8481594 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.620058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth needs adequate blood perfusion from both sides of the placenta, on the maternal side through the uterine vessels and on the fetal side through the umbilical cord. In a model of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) induced by reduced blood volume expansion, uterine artery remodeling was blunted. The aim of this study is to determine if IUGR and fetus sex alter the functional and mechanical parameters of umbilical cord blood vessels. Pregnant rats were given a low sodium (IUGR) or a control diet for the last 7 days of pregnancy. Umbilical arteries and veins from term (22 day) fetal rats were isolated and set-up in wire myographs. Myogenic tone, diameter, length tension curve and contractile response to thromboxane analog U46619 and serotonin (5-HT) were measured. In arteries from IUGR fetuses, myogenic tone was increased in both sexes while diameter was significantly greater only in male fetuses. In umbilical arteries collected from the control group, the maximal contraction to U46619 was lower in females than males. Compared to the control groups, the maximal response decreased in IUGR male arteries and increased in female ones, thus abolishing the sexual dimorphism observed in the control groups. Reduced contractile response to U46619 was observed in the IUGR vein of both sexes. No difference between groups was observed in response to 5HT in arteries. In conclusion, the change in parameters of the umbilical cord blood vessels in response to a mild insult seems to show adaptation that favors better exchange of deoxygenated and wasted blood from the fetus to the placenta with increased myogenic tone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Sicotte
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Michèle Brochu
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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7
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Denkl B, Cordasic N, Huebner H, Menendez-Castro C, Schmidt M, Mocker A, Woelfle J, Hartner A, Fahlbusch FB. No evidence of the unfolded protein response in the placenta of two rodent models of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:449-463. [PMID: 33955453 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preeclampsia (PE) are associated with induction of the unfolded protein response (UPR) and increased placental endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Especially in PE, oxidative stress occurs relative to the severity of maternal vascular underperfusion (MVU) of the placental bed. On the premise that understanding the mechanisms of placental dysfunction could lead to targeted therapeutic options for human IUGR and PE, we investigated the roles of the placental UPR and oxidative stress in two rodent models of these human gestational pathologies. We employed a rat IUGR model of gestational maternal protein restriction, as well as an endothelial nitric oxide synthase knockout mouse model (eNOS-/-) of PE/IUGR. Placental expression of UPR members was analyzed via qRT-PCR (Grp78, Calnexin, Perk, Chop, Atf6, and Ern1), immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting (Calnexin, ATF6, GRP78, CHOP, phospho-eIF2α, and phospho-IRE1). Oxidative stress was determined via Western blotting (3-nitrotyrosine and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal). Both animal models showed a significant reduction of fetal and placental weight. These effects did not induce placental UPR. In contrast to human data, results from our rodent models suggest retention of placental plasticity in the setting of ER stress under an adverse gestational environment. Oxidative stress was significantly increased only in female IUGR rat placentas, suggesting a sexually dimorphic response to maternal malnutrition. Our study advances understanding of the involvement of the placental UPR in IUGR and PE. Moreover, it emphasizes the appropriate choice of animal models researching various aspects of these pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Denkl
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nada Cordasic
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hanna Huebner
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carlos Menendez-Castro
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marius Schmidt
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alexander Mocker
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Joachim Woelfle
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andrea Hartner
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Fabian B Fahlbusch
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Mukosera GT, Clark TC, Ngo L, Liu T, Schroeder H, Power GG, Yellon SM, Parast MM, Blood AB. Nitric oxide metabolism in the human placenta during aberrant maternal inflammation. J Physiol 2020; 598:2223-2241. [PMID: 32118291 DOI: 10.1113/jp279057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Nitric oxide (NO) is a gasotransmitter with important physiological and pathophysiological roles in pregnancy. There is limited information available about the sources and metabolism of NO and its bioactive metabolites (NOx) in both normal and complicated pregnancies. The present study characterized and quantified endogenous NOx in human and mouse placenta following determination of the stability of exogenous NOx in placental homogenates. NOx have differential stability in placental homogenates. NO and iron nitrosyl species (FeNOs), are relatively unstable in placental homogenates from normal placentas. Exogenous NO, nitrite and nitrosothiols react with placental homogenates to form iron nitrosyl complexes. FeNOs were also detected endogenously in mouse and human placenta. NOx levels in placental villous tissue are increased in fetal growth restriction vs. placentas from women with normal pregnancies, particularly in fetal growth restriction associated with pre-eclampsia. Villitis was not associated, however, with an increase in NOx levels in either normotensive or pre-eclamptic placentas. The results call for further investigation of FeNOs in normal and complicated pregnancies. ABSTRACT Nitric oxide (NO) is a gasotransmitter with important roles in pregnancy under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Although products of NO metabolism (NOx) also have significant bioactivity, little is known about the role of NO and NOx under conditions of aberrant placental inflammation during pregnancy. An ozone-based chemiluminescence approach was used to investigate the stability and metabolic fate of NOx in human placental homogenates from uncomplicated pregnancies in healthy mothers compared to that in placental tissue from normotensive and pre-eclamptic pregnancies complicated with fetal growth restriction (FGR) with and without villitis of unknown aetiology. We hypothesized that placental NOx would be increased in FGR vs. normal tissue, and be further increased in villitis vs. non-villitis placentas. Findings indicate that nitrate, nitrite and nitrosothiols, but not NO or iron nitrosyl species (FeNOs), are relatively stable in placental homogenates from normal placentas, and that NO, nitrite and nitrosothiols react with placental homogenates to form iron nitrosyl complexes. Furthermore, NOx levels in placental villous tissue are increased in FGR vs. placentas from women with normal pregnancies, particularly in FGR associated with pre-eclampsia. However, in contrast to our hypothesis, villitis was not associated with an increase in NOx levels in either normotensive or pre-eclamptic placentas. Our results also strongly support the involvement of FeNOs in both mouse and human placenta, and call for their further study as a critical mechanistic link between pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- George T Mukosera
- Lawrence D Longo Center for Perinatal Biology and Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University, 11175 Campus Street, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Tatianna C Clark
- Lawrence D Longo Center for Perinatal Biology and Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University, 11175 Campus Street, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Larry Ngo
- Lawrence D Longo Center for Perinatal Biology and Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University, 11175 Campus Street, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Taiming Liu
- Lawrence D Longo Center for Perinatal Biology and Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University, 11175 Campus Street, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Hobe Schroeder
- Lawrence D Longo Center for Perinatal Biology and Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University, 11175 Campus Street, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Gordon G Power
- Lawrence D Longo Center for Perinatal Biology and Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University, 11175 Campus Street, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Steven M Yellon
- Lawrence D Longo Center for Perinatal Biology and Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University, 11175 Campus Street, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Mana M Parast
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, 200 W Arbor Dr, San Diego, CA, 92103, USA
| | - Arlin B Blood
- Lawrence D Longo Center for Perinatal Biology and Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University, 11175 Campus Street, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
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9
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Morley LC, Beech DJ, Walker JJ, Simpson NAB. Emerging concepts of shear stress in placental development and function. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 25:329-339. [PMID: 30931481 PMCID: PMC6554190 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaz018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 03/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood flow, and the force it generates, is critical to placental development and function throughout pregnancy. This mechanical stimulation of cells by the friction generated from flow is called shear stress (SS) and is a fundamental determinant of vascular homeostasis, regulating remodelling and vasomotor tone. This review describes how SS is fundamental to the establishment and regulation of the blood flow through the uteroplacental and fetoplacental circulations. Amongst the most recent findings is that alongside the endothelium, embryonic stem cells and the villous trophoblast are mechanically sensitive. A complex balance of forces is required to enable effective establishment of the uteroplacental circulation, while protecting the embryo and placental villi. SS also generates flow-mediated vasodilatation through the release of endothelial nitric oxide, a process vital for adequate placental blood flow. The identification of SS sensors and the mechanisms governing how the force is converted into biochemical signals is a fast-paced area of research, with multiple cellular components under investigation. For example, the Piezo1 ion channel is mechanosensitive in a variety of tissues including the fetoplacental endothelium. Enhanced Piezo1 activity has been demonstrated in response to the Yoda1 agonist molecule, suggesting the possibility for developing tools to manipulate these channels. Whether such agents might progress to novel therapeutics to improve blood flow through the placenta requires further consideration and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Morley
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, LIGHT Laboratories, University of Leeds, UK
| | - D J Beech
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, LIGHT Laboratories, University of Leeds, UK
| | - J J Walker
- Academic department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Level, Worsley Building, University of Leeds, UK
| | - N A B Simpson
- Academic department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Level, Worsley Building, University of Leeds, UK
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