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Hogg JP, Campbell N, Deer E, Fitzgerald S, Cornelius D, Hoang N, Turner T, Amaral L, Lemon JP, Ibrahim T, LaMarca B. The role of T cell stimulated agonistic autoantibodies to the angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1-AA) in mediating multiorgan dysfunction in IL-17 induced hypertension during pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2024; 91:e13843. [PMID: 38606700 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Preeclampsia (PE), new-onset hypertension during pregnancy accompanied by organ dysfunction, is associated with chronic inflammation including elevated IL-17, CD4+ T cells, B cells and natural killer (NK) cells. IL-17 can serve as a signal for either the adaptive or innate immune activation. We have previously shown that IL-17 contributes to increased blood pressure in association with elevated TH17 cells, NK cells and B cells secreting angiotensin II type 1 receptor agonistic autoantibodies (AT1-AA) during pregnancy. Moreover, we have shown an important role for CD4+T cells and AT1-AA in multiorgan dysfunction as measured by mitochondrial oxidative stress (mt ROS). However, we do not know the role of adaptive immune cells such as T cells or B cells secreting AT1-AA in mediating the PE phenotype in response to elevated IL-17. METHOD OF STUDY In order to answer this question, we infused IL-17 (150 pg/day i.p.) into either Sprague Dawley (SD) or athymic nude rats via mini-osmotic pump from gestational day (GD) 14-19 of pregnancy. On GD 19, blood pressure was determined and NK cells, mtROS and respiration and AT1-AA production from B cells were measured. RESULTS Infusion of IL-17 increased blood pressure in the presence or absence of T cells. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) increased with IL-17 from 98 ± 2 mm Hg (n = 12) to 114 ± 2 (n = 12) in SD rats and from 99 ± 4 mm Hg (n = 7) versus 115 ± 2 mm Hg (n = 7) in athymic nude rats. Similar trends were seen in NK cells and placental mt ROS. Knowing that IL-17 stimulates AT1-AA in SD pregnant rats, we included a group of SD and athymic nude pregnant rats infused with IL-17 and the AT1-AA inhibitor peptide ('n7AAc'). The inhibitor attenuated blood pressure (104.9 ± 3.2, p = .0001) and normalized NK cells and mt function in SD pregnant rats. Importantly, the AT1-AA was not produced in pregnant nude IL-17 treated rats, nor did 'n7AAc' effect MAP, in nude athymic rats. CONCLUSION These findings suggest two conclusions; one is that IL-17 causes hypertension and multiorgan dysfunction in the absence of T cells and AT1-AA, possibly through its activation of innate cells and secondly, in the presence of T cells, blockade of the AT1-AA attenuates the effect of IL-17. This study indicates the critical effects of elevated IL-17 during pregnancy and suggest treatment modalities to consider for PE women.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Hogg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
| | - Nathan Campbell
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
| | - Evangeline Deer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
| | - Sarah Fitzgerald
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
| | - Denise Cornelius
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
| | - Ngoc Hoang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
| | - Ty Turner
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
| | - Lorena Amaral
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
| | - James P Lemon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
| | - Tarek Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
| | - Babbette LaMarca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
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Campbell N, Deer E, Solise D, Cornelius DC, Turner T, Amaral LM, Herrock O, Jordan A, Shukla S, Ibrahim T, LaMarca B. AT1-AA Is Produced in Offspring in Response to Placental Ischemia and Is Lowered by B-Cell Depletion Without Compromising Overall Offspring Health. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e031417. [PMID: 38353227 PMCID: PMC11010106 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.031417] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preeclampsia, new-onset hypertension during pregnancy alongside other organ dysfunction, is the leading cause of mortality for the mother and low birth weight for the baby. Low birth weight contributes to high risk of cardiovascular disorders later in life. Women with preeclampsia have activated B cells producing agonistic autoantibodies to AT1-AA (angiotensin II type I receptor). We hypothesize that rituximab, a B cell-depleting chemotherapeutic, will deplete maternal B cells in reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) rats without worsening the effect of placental ischemia on pup growth and survival. METHODS AND RESULTS To test this hypothesis, the RUPP procedure was performed, and rituximab was continuously infused via miniosmotic pump. Maternal blood and tissues were collected. A separate group of dams were allowed to deliver, pup weights were recorded, and at 4 months of age, tissues were collected from offspring. Immune cells were measured via flow cytometry, and AT1-AA was quantified using a contraction bioassay. Blood pressure increased in RUPP rats and was normalized with rituximab treatment. RUPP offspring also had increased circulating B cells, cytolytic natural killer cells, and increased circulating AT1-AA, which were normalized with maternal rituximab treatment. This is the first study to analyze the AT1-AA in RUPP offspring, which was normalized with rituximab. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that perinatal rituximab lowers maternal mean arterial pressure in RUPP rats and improves birth weight, circulating AT1-AA, and circulating natural killer cells, indicating that rituximab improves adverse fetal outcomes in response to placental ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Campbell
- Department of Pharmacology & ToxicologyUniversity of Mississippi Medical CenterJacksonMS
| | - Evangeline Deer
- Department of Pharmacology & ToxicologyUniversity of Mississippi Medical CenterJacksonMS
| | - Dylan Solise
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of Mississippi Medical CenterJacksonMS
| | - Denise C. Cornelius
- Department of Pharmacology & ToxicologyUniversity of Mississippi Medical CenterJacksonMS
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Mississippi Medical CenterJacksonMS
| | - Ty Turner
- Department of Pharmacology & ToxicologyUniversity of Mississippi Medical CenterJacksonMS
| | - Lorena M. Amaral
- Department of Pharmacology & ToxicologyUniversity of Mississippi Medical CenterJacksonMS
| | - Owen Herrock
- Department of Pharmacology & ToxicologyUniversity of Mississippi Medical CenterJacksonMS
| | - Ariel Jordan
- Department of Pharmacology & ToxicologyUniversity of Mississippi Medical CenterJacksonMS
| | - Shivani Shukla
- Department of Pharmacology & ToxicologyUniversity of Mississippi Medical CenterJacksonMS
| | - Tarek Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacology & ToxicologyUniversity of Mississippi Medical CenterJacksonMS
| | - Babbette LaMarca
- Department of Pharmacology & ToxicologyUniversity of Mississippi Medical CenterJacksonMS
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of Mississippi Medical CenterJacksonMS
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Herrock O, Deer E, Amaral LM, Campbell N, Whitney D, Ingram N, Cornelius DC, Turner T, Hardy-Hardin J, Booz GW, Ibrahim T, LaMarca B. Inhibiting B cell activating factor attenuates preeclamptic symptoms in placental ischemic rats. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 89:e13693. [PMID: 36794639 PMCID: PMC10009902 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Preeclampsia (PE), new-onset hypertension during pregnancy, is associated with a pro-inflammatory state with activated T cells, cytolytic natural killer (NK) cells, dysregulated complement proteins, and B cells secreting agonistic autoantibodies to the angiotensin II type-1 receptor (AT1-AA). The reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) model of placental ischemia recapitulates these features of PE. Blocking CD40L-CD40 communication between T and B cells or B cell depletion with Rituximab prevents hypertension and AT1-AA production in RUPP rats. This suggests that T cell-dependent B cell activation contributes to the hypertension and AT1-AA associated with PE. B2 cells maturing into antibody producing plasma cells are the product of T cell-dependent B cell-interactions and B cell Activating Factor (BAFF) is an integral cytokine in the development of B2 cells specifically. Thus, we hypothesize that BAFF blockade will selectively deplete B2 cells, therefore reducing blood pressure, AT1-AA, activated NK Cells, and complement in the RUPP rat model of PE. METHOD OF STUDY Gestational Day (GD) 14 pregnant rats underwent the RUPP procedure, and a subset were treated with 1 mg/kg Anti-BAFF antibodies via jugular catheters. On GD19, blood pressure was measured, B cells and NK cells were measured by flow cytometry, AT1-AA was measured by cardiomyocyte bioassay, and complement activation was measured by ELISA. RESULTS Anti-BAFF therapy attenuated hypertension, AT1-AA, NK cell activation, and APRIL levels in RUPP rats without negatively impacting fetal outcomes. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that B2 cells contribute to hypertension, AT1-AA, and NK cell activation in response to placental ischemia during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen Herrock
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Evangeline Deer
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Lorena M. Amaral
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Nathan Campbell
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Darby Whitney
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Nicole Ingram
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | | | - Ty Turner
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Ja’Nasa Hardy-Hardin
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - George W. Booz
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Tarek Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Babbette LaMarca
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
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Deer E, Herrock O, Campbell N, Cornelius D, Fitzgerald S, Amaral LM, LaMarca B. The role of immune cells and mediators in preeclampsia. Nat Rev Nephrol 2023; 19:257-270. [PMID: 36635411 PMCID: PMC10038936 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-022-00670-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of major concern in pregnancy than can lead to intrauterine growth restriction, placental abruption and stillbirth. The pathophysiology of preeclampsia is multifactorial, including not only kidney dysfunction but also endothelial dysfunction, as the maternal endothelium becomes exposed to placental factors that are released into the circulation and increase systemic levels of vasoconstrictors, oxidative stress, anti-angiogenic factors and inflammatory mediators. Importantly, inflammation can lead to insufficient placental perfusion and low birthweight in offspring. Various innate and adaptive immune cells and mediators have been implicated in the development of preeclampsia, in which oxidative stress is associated with activation of the maternal inflammatory response. Immune cells such as regulatory T cells, macrophages, natural killer cells, and neutrophils are known to have major causative roles in the pathology of preeclampsia, but the contributions of additional immune cells such as B cells, inflammatory cytokines and anti-angiotensin II type 1 receptor autoantibodies are also now recognized. Immunological interventions, therefore, have therapeutic potential in this disease. Here, we provide an overview of the immune responses that are involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, including the role of innate and adaptive immune cells and mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangeline Deer
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Owen Herrock
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Nathan Campbell
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Denise Cornelius
- Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Sarah Fitzgerald
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Lorena M Amaral
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Babbette LaMarca
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA.
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Herrock OT, Deer E, Amaral LM, Campbell N, Lemon J, Ingram N, Cornelius DC, Turner TW, Fitzgerald S, Ibrahim T, Dechend R, Wallukat G, LaMarca B. B2 cells contribute to hypertension and natural killer cell activation possibly via AT1-AA in response to placental ischemia. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2023; 324:F179-F192. [PMID: 36417275 PMCID: PMC9844978 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00190.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia, new onset hypertension during pregnancy, is associated with activated T helper cells (Th) and B cells secreting agonistic autoantibodies against the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1-AA). The reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) model of placental ischemia recapitulates these characteristics. We have shown that Th-B cell communication contributes to AT1-AA and symptoms of preeclampsia in the RUPP rat. B2 cells are classical B cells that communicate with Th cells and are then transformed into memory B cells. We hypothesize that B2 cells cause hypertension, natural killer (NK) cell activation, and complement activation during pregnancy through the production of AT1-AA. To test this hypothesis, total splenic B cells and B2 cells were isolated from normal pregnant (NP) or RUPP rats on gestational day (GD)19 and adoptively transferred into GD12 NP rats. A group of recipient rats was treated with a specific inhibitor peptide of AT1-AA. On GD19, mean arterial pressure was measured, tissues were collected, activated NK cells were measured by flow cytometry, and AT1-AA was measured by cardiomyocyte assay. NP recipients of RUPP B cells or RUPP B2 cells had increased mean arterial pressure, AT1-AA, and circulating activated NK cells compared with recipients of NP B cells. Hypertension in NP recipients of RUPP B cells or RUPP B2 was attenuated with AT1-AA blockade. This study demonstrates that B cells and B2 cells from RUPP rats cause hypertension and increased AT1-AA and NK cell activation in response to placental ischemia during pregnancy.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrates that placental ischemia-stimulated B2 cells induce hypertension and circulating natural killer cell activation and angiotensin II type 1 receptor production in normal pregnant rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen T Herrock
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Evangeline Deer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Lorena M Amaral
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Nathan Campbell
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - James Lemon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Nicole Ingram
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Denise C Cornelius
- Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Ty W Turner
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Sarah Fitzgerald
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Tarek Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Ralf Dechend
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, HELIOS Clinic, Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerd Wallukat
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, HELIOS Clinic, Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Babbette LaMarca
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
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Herrock O, Deer E, LaMarca B. Setting a stage: Inflammation during preeclampsia and postpartum. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1130116. [PMID: 36909242 PMCID: PMC9995795 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1130116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a leading cause of maternal and fetal mortality worldwide. The immune system plays a critical role in normal pregnancy progression; however, inappropriate inflammatory responses have been consistently linked with PE pathophysiology. This inflammatory phenotype consists of activation of the innate immune system, adaptive immune system, and increased inflammatory mediators in circulation. Moreover, recent studies have shown that the inflammatory profile seen in PE persists into the postpartum period. This manuscript aims to highlight recent advances in research relating to inflammation in PE as well as the inflammation that persists postpartum in women after a PE pregnancy. With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in obstetric disorders associated with COVID-19 infection during pregnancy. This manuscript also aims to shed light on the relationship between COVID-19 infection during pregnancy and the increased incidence of PE in these women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen Herrock
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Evangeline Deer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Babbette LaMarca
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
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Campbell NE, Deer EM, Herrock OT, LaMarca BB. The Role of Different Lymphoid Cell Populations in Preeclampsia Pathophysiology. KIDNEY360 2022; 3:1785-1794. [PMID: 36514732 PMCID: PMC9717666 DOI: 10.34067/kid.0001282022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE), new-onset hypertension during pregnancy, affects up to 10% of pregnancies worldwide. Despite being the leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, PE has no cure beyond the delivery of the fetal-placental unit. Although the exact pathogenesis of PE is unclear, there is a strong correlation between chronic immune activation; intrauterine growth restriction; uterine artery resistance; dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin system. Which contributes to renal dysfunction; and the resulting hypertension during pregnancy. The genesis of PE is thought to begin with insufficient trophoblast invasion leading to reduced spiral artery remodeling, resulting in decreased placental perfusion and thereby causing placental ischemia. The ischemic placenta releases factors that shower the endothelium and contribute to peripheral vasoconstriction and chronic immune activation and oxidative stress. Studies have shown imbalances in proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cell types in women with PE and in animal models used to examine mediators of a PE phenotype during pregnancy. T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells have all emerged as potential mediators contributing to the production of vasoactive factors, renal and endothelial dysfunction, mitochondrial dysfunction, and hypertension during pregnancy. The chronic immune activation seen in PE leads to a higher risk for other diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, CKD, dementia during the postpartum period, and PE during a subsequent pregnancy. The purpose of this review is to highlight studies demonstrating the role that different lymphoid cell populations play in the pathophysiology of PE. Moreover, we will discuss treatments focused on restoring immune balance or targeting specific immune mediators that may be potential strategies to improve maternal and fetal outcomes associated with PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan E Campbell
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Evangeline M Deer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Owen T Herrock
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Babbette B LaMarca
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
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Reeve KE, Deer E, Amaral LM, Cornelius DC, Herrock O, Harmon AC, Campbell N, Fitzgerald S, Ibrahim T, Wallukat G, Dechend R, LaMarca B. Placental CD4 + T cells from preeclamptic patients cause autoantibodies to the angiotensin II type I receptor and hypertension in a pregnant rat model of preeclampsia. EXPLORATION OF MEDICINE 2022; 3:99-111. [PMID: 37645383 PMCID: PMC10465114 DOI: 10.37349/emed.2022.00077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy associated with activated CD4+ T cells and autoantibodies to angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1-AA). We have previously shown that CD4+ T cells isolated from women with PE cause hypertension, increased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), endothelin-1, and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) when injected into pregnant nude-athymic rats compared to CD4+ T cells from normal pregnant (NP) women. However, the role of PE CD4+ T cells to cause AT1-AA as a mechanism of hypertension is not known. Aim: Our goal was to determine if PE CD4+ T cells stimulate AT1-AA in pregnant nude-athymic rats. CD4+ T cells were isolated from human NP and PE placentasand injected into nude-athymic rats on gestational day (GD) 12. In order to examine the role of the PE CD4+ T cells to stimulate B cell secretion of AT1-AA, a subset of the rats receiving PE CD4+ T cells were treated with rituximab on GD 14 or anti-CD40 ligand (anti-CD40L) on GD 12. On GD 19, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and tissues were obtained MAP [114 ± 1 mmHg (n = 9)] and AT1-AA [19.8 ± 0.9 beats per minute (bpm, n = 4)] were increased in NP nude + PE CD4+ T cells compared to NP nude + NP CD4+ T cells [98 ± 2 mmHg (n = 7, P < 0.05) and 1.3 ± 0.9 bpm (n = 5, P < 0.05)]. Rituximab (103 ± 2 mmHg, n = 3, P < 0.05) and anti-CD40L (102 ± 1 mmHg, n = 3, P < 0.05) lowered MAP compared to NP nude + PE CD4+ T cells. Circulating a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) and placental angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) activity was increased in response to PE CD4+ T cells. These results show that placental CD4+ T cells play an important role in the pathophysiology of PE, by activating B cells secreting AT1-AA to cause hypertension during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin E. Reeve
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Evangeline Deer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Lorena M. Amaral
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Denise C. Cornelius
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Owen Herrock
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Ashlyn C. Harmon
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Nathan Campbell
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Sarah Fitzgerald
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Tarek Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Gerd Wallukat
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin, 13092 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Dechend
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin, 13092 Berlin, Germany
| | - Babbette LaMarca
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
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Miller D, Motomura K, Galaz J, Gershater M, Lee ED, Romero R, Gomez-Lopez N. Cellular immune responses in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 111:237-260. [PMID: 33847419 PMCID: PMC8511357 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5ru1120-787rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia, defined as new-onset hypertension accompanied by proteinuria occurring at 20 weeks of gestation or later, is a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The pathophysiology of this major multi-systemic syndrome includes defective deep placentation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, the presence of an anti-angiogenic state, and intravascular inflammation, among others. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the cellular immune responses involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Specifically, we summarize the role of innate and adaptive immune cells in the maternal circulation, reproductive tissues, and at the maternal-fetal interface of women affected by this pregnancy complication. The major cellular subsets involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia are regulatory T cells, effector T cells, NK cells, monocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils. We also summarize the literature on those immune cells that have been less characterized in this clinical condition, such as γδ T cells, invariant natural killer T cells, dendritic cells, mast cells, and B cells. Moreover, we discuss in vivo studies utilizing a variety of animal models of preeclampsia to further support the role of immune cells in this disease. Finally, we highlight the existing gaps in knowledge of the immunobiology of preeclampsia that require further investigation. The goal of this review is to promote translational research leading to clinically relevant strategies that can improve adverse perinatal outcomes resulting from the obstetrical syndrome of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Miller
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS); Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Kenichiro Motomura
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS); Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Jose Galaz
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS); Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Meyer Gershater
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS); Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Eun D. Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS); Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS); Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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10
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Murray EC, Nosalski R, MacRitchie N, Tomaszewski M, Maffia P, Harrison DG, Guzik TJ. Therapeutic targeting of inflammation in hypertension: from novel mechanisms to translational perspective. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 117:2589-2609. [PMID: 34698811 PMCID: PMC9825256 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Both animal models and human observational and genetic studies have shown that immune and inflammatory mechanisms play a key role in hypertension and its complications. We review the effects of immunomodulatory interventions on blood pressure, target organ damage, and cardiovascular risk in humans. In experimental and small clinical studies, both non-specific immunomodulatory approaches, such as mycophenolate mofetil and methotrexate, and medications targeting T and B lymphocytes, such as tacrolimus, cyclosporine, everolimus, and rituximab, lower blood pressure and reduce organ damage. Mechanistically targeted immune interventions include isolevuglandin scavengers to prevent neo-antigen formation, co-stimulation blockade (abatacept, belatacept), and anti-cytokine therapies (e.g. secukinumab, tocilizumab, canakinumab, TNF-α inhibitors). In many studies, trial designs have been complicated by a lack of blood pressure-related endpoints, inclusion of largely normotensive study populations, polypharmacy, and established comorbidities. Among a wide range of interventions reviewed, TNF-α inhibitors have provided the most robust evidence of blood pressure lowering. Treatment of periodontitis also appears to deliver non-pharmacological anti-hypertensive effects. Evidence of immunomodulatory drugs influencing hypertension-mediated organ damage are also discussed. The reviewed animal models, observational studies, and trial data in humans, support the therapeutic potential of immune-targeted therapies in blood pressure lowering and in hypertension-mediated organ damage. Targeted studies are now needed to address their effects on blood pressure in hypertensive individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor C Murray
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G12 8TA Glasgow, UK
| | - Ryszard Nosalski
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G12 8TA Glasgow, UK,Department of Internal Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University, 31-008 Kraków, Poland
| | - Neil MacRitchie
- Centre for Immunobiology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G12 8TA Glasgow, UK
| | - Maciej Tomaszewski
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Biology and Health, University of Manchester, M13 9PL Manchester, UK,Manchester Heart Centre and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, M13 9WL Manchester, UK
| | - Pasquale Maffia
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G12 8TA Glasgow, UK,Centre for Immunobiology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G12 8TA Glasgow, UK,Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - David G Harrison
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbildt University Medical Centre, Nashville, 37232 TN, USA
| | - Tomasz J Guzik
- Corresponding author. Tel: +44 141 3307590; fax: +44 141 3307590, E-mail:
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11
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Cunningham MW, Amaral LM, Campbell NE, Cornelius DC, Ibrahim T, Vaka VR, LaMarca B. Investigation of interleukin-2-mediated changes in blood pressure, fetal growth restriction, and innate immune activation in normal pregnant rats and in a preclinical rat model of preeclampsia. Biol Sex Differ 2021; 12:4. [PMID: 33407826 PMCID: PMC7789596 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-020-00345-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Two important clinical features of preeclampsia (PE) are hypertension and fetal growth restriction. The reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) preclinical rat model of PE exhibits both of these features. Moreover, RUPP and PE women have elevated vasoconstrictor peptide endothelin-1 (ET-1) and inflammation. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a cytokine that regulates NK cell activity and is elevated in miscarriage, PE, and RUPP rats. The objective of this study was to examine a role for IL-2 in NK cell activation, fetal growth restriction, and hypertension during pregnancy by either infusion of IL-2 or blockade of IL-2 (basiliximab) in normal pregnant (NP) and RUPP rats. On gestational day 14, NP and RUPP rats received low (LD), middle (MD), or high dose (HD) IL-2 (0.05, 0.10, or 0.20 ng/ml) IP or basiliximab (0.07 mg per rat) by IV infusion. On day 19, blood pressure (MAP), pup weights, and blood were collected. Basiliximab had no effect on blood pressure, however, significantly lowered NK cells and may have worsened overall fetal survival in RUPP rats. However, IL-2 LD (102 ± 4 mmHg) and IL-2 HD (105 ± 6 mmHg) significantly lowered blood pressure, ET-1, and activated NK cells compared to control RUPPs (124 ± 3 mmHg, p < 0.05). Importantly, IL-2 in RUPP rats significantly reduced fetal weight and survival. These data indicate that although maternal benefits may have occurred with low dose IL-2 infusion, negative effects were seen in the fetus. Moreover, inhibition of IL-2 signaling did not have favorable outcome for the mother or fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W. Cunningham
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Center for Excellence in Renal and Cardiovascular Research, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216 USA
| | - Lorena M. Amaral
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Center for Excellence in Renal and Cardiovascular Research, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216 USA
| | - Nathan E. Campbell
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Center for Excellence in Renal and Cardiovascular Research, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216 USA
| | - Denise C. Cornelius
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Center for Excellence in Renal and Cardiovascular Research, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216 USA
- Department Of Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS USA
| | - Tarek Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Center for Excellence in Renal and Cardiovascular Research, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216 USA
| | - Venkata Ramana Vaka
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Center for Excellence in Renal and Cardiovascular Research, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216 USA
| | - Babbette LaMarca
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Center for Excellence in Renal and Cardiovascular Research, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216 USA
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department Of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216 USA
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12
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Fehrenbach DJ, Dasinger JH, Lund H, Zemaj J, Mattson DL. Splenocyte transfer exacerbates salt-sensitive hypertension in rats. Exp Physiol 2020; 105:864-875. [PMID: 32034948 DOI: 10.1113/ep088340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? Recruitment of immune cells to the kidney potentiates hypertensive pathology, but more refined methods are needed to assess these cells functionally. Adoptive transfer studies of immune cells have been limited in rat models and especially in the study of salt-sensitive hypertension. We tested the hypothesis that splenocyte transfer into T-cell-deficient rats is sufficient to exacerbate salt-sensitive hypertension. What is the main finding and its importance? We demonstrate that transfer of splenocytes into T-cell-deficient animals exacerbates salt-sensitive hypertension, and an enrichment in the CD4+ compartment specifically induces this phenomenon. ABSTRACT Increasing evidence of immune system activation during the progression of hypertension and renal injury has led to a need for new methods to study individual cell types. Transfer of immune cells serves as a powerful tool to isolate effects of specific subsets. Transfer studies in Rag1-/- mice have demonstrated an important role of T-cell activation in hypertension, but this approach has yielded limited success in rat models. Using the T-cell-deficient Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rat, SSCD247-/- , we hypothesized that splenocyte transfer from SS wild-type animals into SSCD247-/- animals would populate the T-cell compartment. The Dahl SS background provides a model for studying salt-sensitive hypertension; therefore, we also tested whether the dietary salt content of the donor would confer differential salt sensitivity in the recipient. To test this, donors were maintained on either a low-salt or a high-salt diet, and at postnatal day 5 the recipients received splenocyte transfer from one of these groups before a high-salt diet challenge. We showed that splenocyte transfer elevated blood pressures while rats were fed low salt and exacerbated the salt-sensitive increase in pressure when they were fed fed high salt. Furthermore, transfer of splenocytes conferred exacerbated renal damage. Lastly, we confirmed the presence of T cells in the circulation and in the spleen, and that infiltration of immune cells, including T cells, macrophages and B cells, into the kidney was elevated in those receiving the transfer. Interestingly, the source of the splenocytes, from donors fed either a low-salt or a high-salt diet, did not significantly affect these salt-sensitive phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John Henry Dasinger
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,Department of Physiology, Augusta University and the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Hayley Lund
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jeylan Zemaj
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - David L Mattson
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,Department of Physiology, Augusta University and the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
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13
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Kawashima A, Oba T, Yasuhara R, Sekiya B, Sekizawa A. Cytokine profiles in maternal serum are candidates for predicting an optimal timing for the delivery in early-onset fetal growth restriction. Prenat Diagn 2020; 40:728-737. [PMID: 32149412 DOI: 10.1002/pd.5679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examined whether maternal serum cytokine profiles of mothers with early-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR) were associated with delivery within 2 weeks after sampling during the third trimester. STUDY DESIGN This exploratory prospective cross-sectional study included a total of 20 singleton fetuses with early-onset FGR and 31 healthy controls. Maternal serum samples during the early third trimester were analyzed for 23 cytokines. RESULTS Of 20 fetuses with early-onset FGR, 14 had delivery within 2 weeks after sampling. Multivariate analysis revealed that maternal serum concentrations of soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (sVEGFR-1) and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) were independently associated with delivery within 2 weeks in early-onset FGR. Among cases of early-onset FGR, concentrations of almost all maternal serum cytokines were similar. Maternal serum sVEGFR-1 concentrations were high when delivery occurred within 2 weeks. Maternal serum sCD40L concentrations were elicited only in cases in which delivery within 2 weeks occurred due to fetal deterioration. CONCLUSION We identified two biomarkers, one specific for FGR and the other dependent on severity, that were significant components of angiogenic activities and inflammation factors. Imbalances in serum protein expression may have a substantial effect on the pathogenesis of FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Kawashima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Oba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rika Yasuhara
- Division of Pathology, Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, Showa University School of Dentistry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Bunbu Sekiya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiko Sekizawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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14
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Cornelius DC, Cottrell J, Amaral LM, LaMarca B. Inflammatory mediators: a causal link to hypertension during preeclampsia. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:1914-1921. [PMID: 30095157 PMCID: PMC6534812 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive disorder that occurs after 20 weeks of gestation, implicating the placenta as a key offender. PE is associated with an imbalance among B lymphocytes, CD4+ T lymphocytes, NK cells and increased inflammatory cytokines. During early onset PE, trophoblast invasion and placentation are impaired, leading to reduced blood flow to the fetus. In all spectrums of this disorder, a shift towards a pro-inflammatory state where regulatory cells and cytokines are decreased occurs. Specifically, inflammatory CD4+ T-cells and inflammatory cytokines are increased while CD4+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) and immunosuppressive cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-10 are decreased resulting in B cell activation, production of autoantibodies, endothelial dysfunction and hypertension associated with PE. However, the stimulus for these imbalances is unknown and need to be fully understood so that effective treatments that target the pathogenesis of the disease can be designed. Therefore, this review will focus on the pathways involving CD4+ , TH1, TH2, Tregs, TH17s, B cells, and NK cells in the pathophysiology of PE. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Immune Targets in Hypertension. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.12/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise C Cornelius
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Mississippi Medical CenterJacksonMSUSA
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Mississippi Medical CenterJacksonMSUSA
| | - Jesse Cottrell
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of Mississippi Medical CenterJacksonMSUSA
| | - Lorena M Amaral
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Mississippi Medical CenterJacksonMSUSA
| | - Babbette LaMarca
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Mississippi Medical CenterJacksonMSUSA
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of Mississippi Medical CenterJacksonMSUSA
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15
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Bomfim GF, Cau SBA, Bruno AS, Fedoce AG, Carneiro FS. Hypertension: a new treatment for an old disease? Targeting the immune system. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:2028-2048. [PMID: 29969833 PMCID: PMC6534786 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Arterial hypertension represents a serious public health problem, being a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The availability of many antihypertensive therapeutic strategies still fails to adequately treat around 20% of hypertensive patients, who are considered resistant to conventional treatment. In the pathogenesis of hypertension, immune system mechanisms are activated and both the innate and adaptive immune responses play a crucial role. However, what, when and how the immune system is triggered during hypertension development is still largely undefined. In this context, this review highlights scientific advances in the manipulation of the immune system in order to attenuate hypertension and end-organ damage. Here, we discuss the potential use of immunosuppressants and immunomodulators as pharmacological tools to control the activation of the immune system, by non-specific and specific mechanisms, to treat hypertension and improve end-organ damage. Nevertheless, more clinical trials should be performed with these drugs to establish their therapeutic efficacy, safety and risk-benefit ratio in hypertensive conditions. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Immune Targets in Hypertension. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.12/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefany Bruno Assis Cau
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological ScienceFederal University of Minas GeraisBelo HorizonteMGBrazil
| | - Alexandre Santos Bruno
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological ScienceFederal University of Minas GeraisBelo HorizonteMGBrazil
| | - Aline Garcia Fedoce
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical SchoolUniversity of São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - Fernando S Carneiro
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical SchoolUniversity of São PauloSão PauloBrazil
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16
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Care AS, Bourque SL, Morton JS, Hjartarson EP, Robertson SA, Davidge ST. Reduction in Regulatory T Cells in Early Pregnancy Causes Uterine Artery Dysfunction in Mice. Hypertension 2018; 72:177-187. [PMID: 29785960 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.118.10858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and miscarriage remain important causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. These complications are associated with reduced numbers of a specialized T lymphocyte subset called regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in the maternal circulation, decidua, and placenta. Treg cells suppress inflammation and prevent maternal immunity toward the fetus, which expresses foreign paternal alloantigens. Treg cells are demonstrated to contribute to vascular homeostasis, but whether Treg cells influence the vascular adaptations essential for a healthy pregnancy is unknown. Thus, using a mouse model of Treg-cell depletion, we investigated the hypothesis that depletion of Treg cells would cause increased inflammation and aberrant uterine artery function. Here, we show that Treg-cell depletion resulted in increased embryo resorption and increased production of proinflammatory cytokines. Mean arterial pressure exhibited greater modulation by NO in Treg cell-deficient mice because the L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester-induced increase in mean arterial pressure was 46% greater compared with Treg cell-replete mice. Uterine artery function, which is essential for the supply of nutrients to the placenta and fetus, demonstrated dysregulated hemodynamics after Treg-cell depletion. This was evidenced by increased uterine artery resistance and pulsatility indices and enhanced conversion of bET-1 (big endothelin-1) to the active and potent vasoconstrictor, ET-1 (endothelin-1). These data demonstrate an essential role for Treg cells in modulating uterine artery function during pregnancy and implicate Treg-cell control of maternal vascular function as a key mechanism underlying normal fetal and placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison S Care
- From the Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia (A.S.C., S.A.R.) .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (A.S.C., J.S.M., E.P.H., S.T.D.).,Women and Children's Health Research Institute, Edmonton, Canada (A.S.C., S.L.B., J.S.M., E.P.H., S.T.D.)
| | - Stephane L Bourque
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine (S.L.B.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Jude S Morton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (A.S.C., J.S.M., E.P.H., S.T.D.).,Women and Children's Health Research Institute, Edmonton, Canada (A.S.C., S.L.B., J.S.M., E.P.H., S.T.D.)
| | - Emma P Hjartarson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (A.S.C., J.S.M., E.P.H., S.T.D.).,Women and Children's Health Research Institute, Edmonton, Canada (A.S.C., S.L.B., J.S.M., E.P.H., S.T.D.)
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- From the Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia (A.S.C., S.A.R.)
| | - Sandra T Davidge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (A.S.C., J.S.M., E.P.H., S.T.D.).,Women and Children's Health Research Institute, Edmonton, Canada (A.S.C., S.L.B., J.S.M., E.P.H., S.T.D.)
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17
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LaMarca B, Cornelius DC, Harmon AC, Amaral LM, Cunningham MW, Faulkner JL, Wallace K. Identifying immune mechanisms mediating the hypertension during preeclampsia. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2016; 311:R1-9. [PMID: 27097659 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00052.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-associated disorder that affects 5-8% of pregnancies and is a major cause of maternal, fetal, and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Hallmark characteristics of PE are new onset hypertension after 20 wk gestation with or without proteinuria, chronic immune activation, fetal growth restriction, and maternal endothelial dysfunction. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to the development of PE are poorly understood. Recent data from studies of both clinical and animal models demonstrate an imbalance in the subpopulations of CD4+ T cells and a role for these cells as mediators of inflammation and hypertension during pregnancy. Specifically, it has been proposed that the imbalance between two CD4+ T cell subtypes, regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T-helper 17 cells (Th17s), is involved in the pathophysiology of PE. Studies from our laboratory highlighting how this imbalance contributes to vasoactive factors, endothelial dysfunction, and hypertension during pregnancy will be discussed in this review. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to highlight hypertensive mechanisms stimulated by inflammatory factors in response to placental ischemia, thereby elucidating a role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babbette LaMarca
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Denise C Cornelius
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi; and
| | - Ashlyn C Harmon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi; and
| | - Lorena M Amaral
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi; and
| | - Mark W Cunningham
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi; and
| | - Jessica L Faulkner
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi; and
| | - Kedra Wallace
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
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18
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Faulkner JL, Cornelius DC, Amaral LM, Harmon AC, Cunningham MW, Darby MM, Ibrahim T, Thomas DS, Herse F, Wallukat G, Dechend R, LaMarca B. Vitamin D supplementation improves pathophysiology in a rat model of preeclampsia. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2015; 310:R346-54. [PMID: 26676250 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00388.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Deficiency of vitamin D (VD) is associated with preeclampsia (PE), a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy characterized by proinflammatory immune activation. We sought to determine whether VD supplementation would reduce the pathophysiology and hypertension associated with the reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) rat model of PE. Normal pregnant (NP) and RUPP rats were supplemented with VD2 or VD3 (270 IU and 15 IU/day, respectively) on gestation days 14-18 and mean arterial pressures (MAPs) measured on day 19. MAP increased in RUPP to 123 ± 2 mmHg compared with 102 ± 3 mmHg in NP and decreased to 113 ± 3 mmHg with VD2 and 115 ± 3 mmHg with VD3 in RUPP rats. Circulating CD4+ T cells increased in RUPP to 7.90 ± 1.36% lymphocytes compared with 2.04 ± 0.67% in NP but was lowered to 0.90 ± 0.19% with VD2 and 4.26 ± 1.55% with VD3 in RUPP rats. AT1-AA, measured by chronotropic assay, decreased from 19.5 ± 0.4 bpm in RUPPs to 8.3 ± 0.5 bpm with VD2 and to 15.4 ± 0.7 bpm with VD3. Renal cortex endothelin-1 (ET-1) expression was increased in RUPP rats (11.6 ± 2.1-fold change from NP) and decreased with both VD2 (3.3 ± 1.1-fold) and VD3 (3.1 ± 0.6-fold) supplementation in RUPP rats. Plasma-soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) was also reduced to 74.2 ± 6.6 pg/ml in VD2-treated and 91.0 ± 16.1 pg/ml in VD3-treated RUPP rats compared with 132.7 ± 19.9 pg/ml in RUPP rats. VD treatment reduced CD4+ T cells, AT1-AA, ET-1, sFlt-1, and blood pressure in the RUPP rat model of PE and could be an avenue to improve treatment of hypertension in response to placental ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Faulkner
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Denise C Cornelius
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Lorena M Amaral
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Ashlyn C Harmon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Mark W Cunningham
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Marie M Darby
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Tarek Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - D'Andrea S Thomas
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Florian Herse
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité Campus Buch and Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany; and
| | - Gerd Wallukat
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité Campus Buch and Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany; and
| | - Ralf Dechend
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité Campus Buch and Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany; and HELIOS Clinic, Department of Cardiology and Nephrology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Babbette LaMarca
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi;
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