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Xu S, Chen T, Yu J, Wan L, Zhang J, Chen J, Wei W, Li X. Insights into the regulatory role of epigenetics in moyamoya disease: Current advances and future prospectives. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102281. [PMID: 39188306 PMCID: PMC11345382 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a progressive steno-occlusive cerebrovascular disorder that predominantly affecting East Asian populations. The intricate interplay of distinct and overlapping mechanisms, including genetic associations such as the RNF213-p.R4810K variant, contributes to the steno-occlusive lesions and moyamoya vessels. However, genetic mutations alone do not fully elucidate the occurrence of MMD, suggesting a potential role for epigenetic factors. Accruing evidence has unveiled the regulatory role of epigenetic markers, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), in regulating pivotal cellular and molecular processes implicated in the pathogenesis of MMD by modulating endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells. The profile of these epigenetic markers in cerebral vasculatures and circulation has been determined to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Furthermore, in vitro studies have demonstrated the multifaceted effects of modulating specific epigenetic markers on MMD pathogenesis. These findings hold great potential for the discovery of novel therapeutic targets, translational studies, and clinical applications. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the current understanding of epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and ncRNAs, in the context of MMD. Furthermore, we discuss the potential challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangxiang Xu
- Brain Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Tongyu Chen
- Brain Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jin Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Lei Wan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jianjian Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jincao Chen
- Brain Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Brain Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Brain Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Sino-Italian Ascula Brain Science Joint Laboratory, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
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Zhao M, Lei J, Deng F, Zhao C, Xu T, Ji B, Fu M, Wang X, Sun M, Zhang M, Gao Q. Gestational Hypoxia Impaired Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthesis Via miR-155-5p/NADPH Oxidase/Reactive Oxygen Species Axis in Male Offspring Vessels. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e032079. [PMID: 38240225 PMCID: PMC11056123 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.032079] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nitric oxide (NO) is the most important vasodilator secreted by vascular endothelial cells, and its abnormal synthesis is involved in the development of cardiovascular disease. The prenatal period is a critical time for development and largely determines lifelong vascular health in offspring. Given the high incidence and severity of gestational hypoxia in mid-late pregnancy, it is urgent to further explore whether it affects the long-term synthesis of NO in offspring vascular endothelial cells. METHODS AND RESULTS Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were housed in a normoxic or hypoxic (10.5% O2) chamber from gestation days 10 to 20. The thoracic aortas of fetal and adult male offspring were isolated for experiments. Gestational hypoxia significantly reduces the NO-dependent vasodilation mediated by acetylcholine in both the fetal and adult offspring thoracic aorta rings. Meanwhile, acetylcholine-induced NO synthesis is impaired in vascular endothelial cells from hypoxic offspring thoracic aortas. We demonstrate that gestational hypoxic offspring exhibit a reduced endothelial NO synthesis capacity, primarily due to increased expression of NADPH oxidase 2 and enhanced reactive oxygen species. Additionally, gestational hypoxic offspring show elevated levels of miR-155-5p in vascular endothelial cells, which is associated with increased expression of NADPH oxidase 2 and reactive oxygen species generation, as well as impaired NO synthesis. CONCLUSIONS The present study is the first to demonstrate that gestational hypoxia impairs endothelial NO synthesis via the miR-155-5p/NADPH oxidase 2/reactive oxygen species axis in offspring vessels. These novel findings indicate that the detrimental effects of gestational hypoxia on fetal vascular function can persist into adulthood, providing new insights into the development of vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of ChinaMaternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province Affiliated to Qingdao UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Third People’s Hospital of Bengbu Affiliated to Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbuAnhui ProvinceChina
| | - Jiahui Lei
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Fengying Deng
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Chenxuan Zhao
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Ting Xu
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Bingyu Ji
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Mengyu Fu
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Xietong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of ChinaMaternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province Affiliated to Qingdao UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Miao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of ChinaMaternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province Affiliated to Qingdao UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- Center for Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health CommissionShandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Meihua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of ChinaMaternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province Affiliated to Qingdao UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Qinqin Gao
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of ChinaMaternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province Affiliated to Qingdao UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
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Pei J, Chen J. The influence of prenatal dexamethasone administration before scheduled full-term cesarean delivery on short-term adverse neonatal outcomes: a retrospective single-center cohort study. Front Pediatr 2024; 11:1323097. [PMID: 38274470 PMCID: PMC10808727 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1323097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective There has been a gradual increase in the prevalence of cesarean section deliveries and more healthcare professionals are considering the prophylactic use of corticosteroids before planned full-term cesarean sections. However, the association between dexamethasone administration before full-term cesarean delivery and short-term adverse neonatal outcomes is unclear. This study analyzed the disparities in short-term adverse neonatal effects in neonates born via full-term elective cesarean delivery with or without antenatal dexamethasone treatment. Study design This single-center retrospective cohort study involved neonates aged 37-39 weeks. The primary neonatal outcomes included various short-term adverse events, including neonatal admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, neonatal access to the special care baby unit, transient neonatal respiratory distress, respiratory distress syndrome, and the requirement of intravenous antibiotics or ventilatory support. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between these outcomes and dexamethasone exposure while adjusting for covariates. Results Of the 543 neonates included in the study, 121 (22.2%) had been exposed to prenatal dexamethasone. When compared with the control group, the dexamethasone-exposed group exhibited significantly higher rates of transient neonatal respiratory distress, respiratory distress syndrome, administration of intravenous antibiotics, the need for ventilatory support, and longer duration of neonatal hospitalization (P < 0.05). The association between dexamethasone exposure and short-term adverse neonatal outcomes remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders (odds ratio: 12.76, 95% confidence interval: 6.9-23.62, P < 0.001). Conclusion The dexamethasone-exposed group had a higher likelihood of experiencing short-term adverse outcomes when compared with non-exposed neonates, suggesting that dexamethasone may have detrimental effects on infants delivered at full term. This implies the importance of exercising caution when contemplating the use of antenatal corticosteroids.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiao Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Xindu District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
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Lei J, Zhao M, Deng F, Xu T, Ji B, Wang X, Zhang M, Sun M, Gao Q. Prenatal dexamethasone exposure impaired vascular reactivity in adult male offspring cerebral arteries. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2023; 181:46-56. [PMID: 37271369 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2023.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebrovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Middle cerebral artery (MCA) is the largest and most complex of cerebral arteries. The prenatal period is a critical time for development, which largely determines lifelong health. Clinically, glucocorticoids (GCs) administration to accelerate preterm fetal lung maturation has become standard practice. Prenatal GCs administration increases cardiovascular risks in offspring, but little is known regarding the side effects on offspring MCA function. OBJECTIVE We investigated the alterations of MCA reactivity following prenatal GCs administration in postnatal offspring. METHOD AND RESULTS Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats received synthetic GCs (dexamethasone, DEX) during the last week of pregnancy, and we examined vascular reactivity, cellular electrophysiology, and gene promoter epigenetic modifications in the male offspring MCA. Our results showed that prenatal DEX exposure increased the sensitivity of offspring MCA to Angiotensin II, which was resulted from the increased Cav1.2 (L-type Ca2+ channels subunit alpha1 C). Mechanistically, prenatal DEX exposure resulted in a transcriptionally active chromatin structure at the Cav1.2 gene promoter by altering histone modifications. This activation led to increased expression of vascular Cav1.2 gene, ultimately resulting in increased MCA contractility in offspring. CONCLUSION The present study is the first to demonstrate that the adverse effects of prenatal GCs administration on cerebrovascular tone persist into adulthood, providing new insights into developmental origins of cerebrovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Lei
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Meng Zhao
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third People's Hospital of Bengbu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Fengying Deng
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Bingyu Ji
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Xietong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Meihua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Miao Sun
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan 250014, China; Center for Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention and Genetic Medicine of Shandong Health Commission, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan 250014, Shandong, China.
| | - Qinqin Gao
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan 250014, China.
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Wu T, Zhou K, Hua Y, Zhang W, Li Y. The molecular mechanisms in prenatal drug exposure-induced fetal programmed adult cardiovascular disease. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1164487. [PMID: 37153765 PMCID: PMC10157035 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1164487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The "developmental origins of health and disease" (DOHaD) hypothesis posits that early-life environmental exposures have a lasting impact on individual's health and permanently shape growth, structure, and metabolism. This reprogramming, which results from fetal stress, is believed to contribute to the development of adulthood cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and increased susceptibility to ischemic injuries. Recent studies have shown that prenatal exposure to drugs, such as glucocorticoids, antibiotics, antidepressants, antiepileptics, and other toxins, increases the risk of adult-onset cardiovascular diseases. In addition, observational and animal experimental studies have demonstrated the association between prenatal drug exposure and the programming of cardiovascular disease in the offspring. The molecular mechanisms underlying these effects are still being explored but are thought to involve metabolism dysregulation. This review summarizes the current evidence on the relationship between prenatal drug exposure and the risk of adult cardiovascular disorders. Additionally, we present the latest insights into the molecular mechanisms that lead to programmed cardiovascular phenotypes after prenatal drug exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wu
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Ultrasonic Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kaiyu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Ultrasonic Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yimin Hua
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Ultrasonic Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Ultrasonic Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Wen Zhang, ; Yifei Li,
| | - Yifei Li
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Wen Zhang, ; Yifei Li,
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Li N, Shi R, Ye Y, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Wang Z, Gu Y, Yin Y, Chen D, Tang J. Aging-induced down-regulation of Pka/Bkca pathway in rat cerebral arteries. Physiol Res 2022. [DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of cerebrovascular diseases increases significantly with aging. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that aging may influence the protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent vasodilation via RyR/BKCa pathway in the middle cerebral arteries (MCA). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control (4-6 month-old) and aged (24-month-old) groups. The functions of MCA and ion channel activities in smooth muscle cells were examined using myograph system and patch-clamp. Aging decreased the isoproterenol/forskolin-induced relaxation in the MCA. Large-conductance Ca2+-activated-K+ (BKCa) channel inhibitor, iberiotoxin, significantly attenuated the forskolin-induced vasodilatation and hyperpolarization in the young group, but not in the aged group. The amplitude and frequency of spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) were significantly decreased in the aged group. Single channel recording revealed that the mean open time of BKCa channels were decreased, while an increased mean closed time of BKCa channels were found in the aged group. The Ca2+/voltage sensitivity of the channels was decreased accompanied by reduced BKCa α and β1-subunit, the expression of RyR2, PKA-Cα and PKA-Cβ subunits were also declined in the aged group. Aging induced down-regulation of PKA/BKCa pathway in cerebral artery in rats. The results provides new information on further understanding in cerebrovascular diseases resulted from age-related cerebral vascular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - J Tang
- Institute for Fetology, First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P. R. China. E-mail:
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Xu T, Ji B, Li L, Lei J, Zhao M, Sun M, Xu Z, Gao Q. Antenatal Dexamethasone Exposure Impairs Vascular Contractile Functions via Upregulating IP3 Receptor 1 and Cav1.2 in Adult Male Offspring. Hypertension 2022; 79:1997-2007. [PMID: 35762340 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.122.19040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Administration of antenatal glucocorticoids remains common practice for treating preterm delivery. Antenatal glucocorticoid exposure increased the risk of developing vascular diseases in later life, but the precise mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects and mechanisms of antenatal exposure to clinically relevant doses of dexamethasone (synthetic glucocorticoids) on vascular functions in adult male offspring. METHODS Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats received dexamethasone or vehicle during the last week of pregnancy. Male offspring were killed at gestational day 21 (Fetus) or postnatal day 120 (adult offspring). Mesenteric arteries were collected for vascular function, electrophysiology, target gene expression, and promotor methylation studies. RESULTS Antenatal dexamethasone exposure increased phenylephrine-mediated vascular contractility in offspring, which was resulted by the activated inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor and L-type Ca2+ channels. Specifically, increases of IP3R1 (IP3 receptor 1) and Cav1.2 (L-type Ca2+ channels subunit alpha1 C) were responsible for an activated IP3-Ca2+ pathway in the vasculature, and eventually predisposed the antenatal dexamethasone offspring to vascular hypercontractility. In addition, IP3R1 and Cav1.2 was upregulated through transcriptional mechanism; the overall changes in promotor histone modifications were consistent with the corresponding changes in transcriptional levels of the 2 genes, suggesting that antenatal dexamethasone exposure activated the transcription of IP3R1 and Cav1.2 via altering promotor histone modifications. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, this study demonstrated that antenatal dexamethasone exposure resulted in vascular adverse outcomes in male offspring that is linked to the increases of IP3R1 and Cav1.2 mediated by epigenetic modifications in the vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Xu
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China (T.X., B.J., L.L., J.L., M.Z., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.)
| | - Bingyu Ji
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China (T.X., B.J., L.L., J.L., M.Z., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.)
| | - Lingjun Li
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China (T.X., B.J., L.L., J.L., M.Z., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.)
| | - Jiahui Lei
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China (T.X., B.J., L.L., J.L., M.Z., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.)
| | - Meng Zhao
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China (T.X., B.J., L.L., J.L., M.Z., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.)
| | - Miao Sun
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China (T.X., B.J., L.L., J.L., M.Z., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.)
| | - Zhice Xu
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China (T.X., B.J., L.L., J.L., M.Z., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.)
| | - Qinqin Gao
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China (T.X., B.J., L.L., J.L., M.Z., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.)
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Zhao M, Xu T, Lei J, Ji B, Gao Q. Unveiling the Role of DNA Methylation in Vascular CACNA1C Tissue–Specific Expression. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:872977. [PMID: 35711357 PMCID: PMC9197502 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.872977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha1 C (CACNA1C) plays a critical role in many vascular physiological and pathological processes. Determining its tissue-specific expression pattern and clarifying the underlying molecular mechanisms are necessary and meaningful. Methods We selected several representative vessels from normal male Sprague-Dawley rats. Vessel tissue or primary vascular smooth muscle cells were isolated for vascular function, electrophysiology, gene expression and promoter methylation studies. Results We found CACNA1C had tissue-specific expressions in vessels. The specific manifestations were as follows: CACNA1C expression was highest in thoracic aorta, second lowest in middle cerebral and pulmonary artery, and lowest in mesenteric artery. Excitingly, an opposing trend was observed between CACNA1C expression and its promoter methylation. Conclusions This study was the first report to indicate that DNA methylation could be involved in regulating CACNA1C tissue-specific expressions and vasoconstriction function in vascular system. This study not only provided more information for further understanding the physiological characteristics of vascular CACNA1C expressions, also strengthened the idea that DNA methylation plays important roles in regulating vascular smooth muscle cells function and the consequent occurrence of vascular diseases.
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Ji B, Lei J, Xu T, Zhao M, Cai H, Qiu J, Gao Q. Effects of prenatal hypoxia on placental glucocorticoid barrier: mechanistic insight from experiments in rats. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 110:78-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Wang J, Chen F, Zhu S, Li X, Shi W, Dai Z, Hao L, Wang X. Adverse effects of prenatal dexamethasone exposure on fetal development. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 151:103619. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Qiu J, Fan X, Ding H, Zhao M, Xu T, Lei J, Ji B, Zhuang Z, Gao Q. Antenatal dexamethasone retarded fetal long bones growth and development by down-regulating of insulin-like growth factor 1 signaling in fetal rats. Hum Exp Toxicol 2022; 41:9603271211072870. [PMID: 35148621 DOI: 10.1177/09603271211072870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Dexamethasone (DEX), a synthetic glucocorticoid, has been widely used as a medication for premature delivery. However, the side effects of antenatal DEX treatment on fetal bone development, as well as the underlying mechanisms still remain to be elucidated. Here, we aimed to explore the effects and the related mechanisms of antenatal DEX exposure during late pregnancy on fetal bone growth and development. METHODS Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into DEX group and vehicle group from gestational day 14 (GD14). Pregnant rats in DEX group were intraperitoneally injected once with DEX (200 µg/kg body weight) on GD14, 16, 18, and 20. The vehicle group rats were administered the same amount of normal saline at the same time. Pregnant rats were anesthetized at GD21 to harvest fetal femurs for analysis. RESULTS Antenatal DEX treatment delayed fetal skeletal growth via inhibiting extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and downregulating insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) signaling. Several components of IGF1 signaling pathway, including IGF1 receptor, insulin receptor substrate, as well as serine-threonine protein kinase, were down-regulated in fetal growth plate chondrocytes following DEX treatment. CONCLUSION This study indicated that antenatal DEX treatment-retarded fetal skeletal growth was associated with the down-regulation of IGF1 signaling in growth plate chondrocytes, providing important information about the impact of antenatal DEX application four courses on premature infant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junlan Qiu
- Institute for Fetology, 74566First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Department of Oncology, 105860Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Department of Oncology and Hematology, Affiliated Suzhou Science and Technology Town Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaorong Fan
- Institute for Fetology, 74566First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongmei Ding
- Institute for Fetology, 74566First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Meng Zhao
- Institute for Fetology, 74566First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Institute for Fetology, 74566First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Lei
- Institute for Fetology, 74566First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Bingyu Ji
- Institute for Fetology, 74566First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhixiang Zhuang
- Department of Oncology, 105860Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qinqin Gao
- Institute for Fetology, 74566First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Ding H, Ding Z, Zhao M, Ji B, Lei J, Chen J, Li M, Li M, Chen Y, Gao Q. Correlation of amniotic fluid index and placental aquaporin 1 levels in terms of preeclampsia. Placenta 2021; 117:169-178. [PMID: 34929457 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Aquaporin 1 (AQP1) plays an important role in regulation of maternal-fetal fluid exchange and amniotic fluid volume. This present study aimed to determine the relationship between amniotic fluid index and placental AQP1 levels in terms of preeclampsia, and to reveal possible pathophysiological changes of AQP1 expression under preeclamptic conditions. METHODS Placental tissues and medical records information were obtained from 389 preeclamptic and 447 uncomplicated pregnancies. Placental AQP1 levels were analyzed by molecular biological methods, DNA methylation within gene promotor was determined by targeted bisulfite sequencing assay. RESULTS Here, we found that preeclamptic pregnancy had a greater frequency of oligohydramnios, and higher placental AQP1 levels. There was a significantly inverse correlation between amniotic fluid index and placental AQP1 levels in preeclampsia cases. Additionally, the increased AQP1 was correlated with a decreased DNA methylation within its gene promoter. DISCUSSION Overall, this was the first description that a greater frequency of oligohydramnios in preeclampsia was strongly associated with reprogrammed AQP1 expression via a DNA methylation-mediated epigenetic mechanism. This study suggested AQP1 might play an important role in regulating maternal-fetal fluid balance under preeclamptic conditions, providing new information for further understanding the pathophysiological mechanism of oligohydramnios in preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Ding
- Institute for Fetology, First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhiyun Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Meng Zhao
- Institute for Fetology, First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Bingyu Ji
- Institute for Fetology, First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Lei
- Institute for Fetology, First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Institute for Fetology, First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Min Li
- Institute for Fetology, First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ming Li
- Institute for Fetology, First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Department of Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Youguo Chen
- Institute for Fetology, First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Qinqin Gao
- Institute for Fetology, First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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Li H, Ji B, Xu T, Zhao M, Zhang Y, Sun M, Xu Z, Gao Q. Antenatal Hypoxia Affects Pulmonary Artery Contractile Functions via Downregulating L-type Ca 2+ Channels Subunit Alpha1 C in Adult Male Offspring. J Am Heart Assoc 2021; 10:e019922. [PMID: 33843249 PMCID: PMC8174167 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.120.019922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Antenatal intrauterine fetal hypoxia is a common pregnancy complication that has profound adverse effects on an individual's vascular health later in life. Pulmonary arteries are sensitive to hypoxia, but adverse effects of antenatal hypoxia on pulmonary vasoreactivities in the offspring remain unknown. This study aimed to determine the effects and related mechanisms of antenatal hypoxia on pulmonary artery functions in adult male offspring. Methods and Results Pregnant Sprague‐Dawley rats were housed in a normoxic or hypoxic (10.5% O2) chamber from gestation days 10 to 20. Male offspring were euthanized at 16 weeks old (adult offspring). Pulmonary arteries were collected for vascular function, electrophysiology, target gene expression, and promoter methylation studies. In pulmonary artery rings, contractions to serotonin hydrochloride, angiotensin II, or phenylephrine were reduced in the antenatal hypoxic offspring, which resulted from inactivated L‐type Ca2+ channels. In pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, the basal whole‐cell Ca2+ currents, as well as vasoconstrictor‐induced Ca2+ transients were significantly reduced in antenatal hypoxic offspring. In addition, increased promoter methylations within L‐type Ca2+ channel subunit alpha1 C were compatible with its reduced expressions. Conclusions This study indicated that antenatal hypoxia programmed long‐lasting vascular hypocontractility in the male offspring that is linked to decreases of L‐type Ca2+ channel subunit alpha1 C in the pulmonary arteries. Antenatal hypoxia resulted in pulmonary artery adverse outcomes in postnatal offspring, was strongly associated with reprogrammed L‐type Ca2+ channel subunit alpha1 C expression via a DNA methylation‐mediated epigenetic mechanism, advancing understanding toward the effect of antenatal hypoxia in early life on long‐term vascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Li
- From the Institute for Fetology First Hospital of Soochow University Suzhou China
| | - Bingyu Ji
- From the Institute for Fetology First Hospital of Soochow University Suzhou China
| | - Ting Xu
- From the Institute for Fetology First Hospital of Soochow University Suzhou China
| | - Meng Zhao
- From the Institute for Fetology First Hospital of Soochow University Suzhou China
| | - Yingying Zhang
- From the Institute for Fetology First Hospital of Soochow University Suzhou China
| | - Miao Sun
- From the Institute for Fetology First Hospital of Soochow University Suzhou China
| | - Zhice Xu
- From the Institute for Fetology First Hospital of Soochow University Suzhou China
| | - Qinqin Gao
- From the Institute for Fetology First Hospital of Soochow University Suzhou China
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