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van Kammen CM, Taal SEL, Wever KE, Granger JP, Lely AT, Terstappen F. Reduced uterine perfusion pressure as a model for preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction in murine: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 327:H89-H107. [PMID: 38758122 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00056.2024] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) model is frequently used to study preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. An improved understanding of influential factors might improve reproducibility and reduce animal use considering the variability in RUPP phenotype. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching Medline and Embase (until 28 March, 2023) for RUPP studies in murine. Primary outcomes included maternal blood pressure (BP) or proteinuria, fetal weight or crown-rump length, fetal reabsorptions, or antiangiogenic factors. We aimed to identify influential factors by meta-regression analysis. We included 155 studies. Our meta-analysis showed that the RUPP procedure results in significantly higher BP (MD = 24.1 mmHg; [22.6; 25.7]; n = 148), proteinuria (SMD = 2.3; [0.9; 3.8]; n = 28), fetal reabsorptions (MD = 50.4%; [45.5; 55.2]; n = 42), circulating soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) (SMD = 2.6; [1.7; 3.4]; n = 34), and lower fetal weight (MD = -0.4 g; [-0.47; -0.34]; n = 113. The heterogeneity (variability between studies) in primary outcomes appeared ≥90%. Our meta-regression identified influential factors in the method and time point of BP measurement, randomization in fetal weight, and type of control group in sFlt-1. The RUPP is a robust model considering the evident differences in maternal and fetal outcomes. The high heterogeneity reflects the observed variability in phenotype. Because of underreporting, we observed reporting bias and a high risk of bias. We recommend standardizing study design by optimal time point and method chosen for readout measures to limit the variability. This contributes to improved reproducibility and thereby eventually improves the translational value of the RUPP model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caren M van Kammen
- Division of Nanomedicine, Department CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Seija E L Taal
- Department of Woman and Baby, University Medical Center Utrecht, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kimberley E Wever
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Joey P Granger
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Cardiovascular-Renal Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States
| | - A Titia Lely
- Department of Woman and Baby, University Medical Center Utrecht, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Fieke Terstappen
- Department of Woman and Baby, University Medical Center Utrecht, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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2
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Lin C, Mazzuca MQ, Khalil RA. Increased uterine arterial tone, stiffness and remodeling with augmented matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -7 in uteroplacental ischemia-induced hypertensive pregnancy. Biochem Pharmacol 2024:116227. [PMID: 38643908 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related disorder manifested as hypertensive pregnancy (HTN-Preg) and often fetal growth restriction (FGR), but the mechanisms involved are unclear. We have reported enhanced reactivity of systemic vessels in HTN-Preg rats, but the critical changes in the uterine circulation are less clear. We tested whether HTN-Preg involves localized aberrations in uterine arterial tone, stiffness and remodeling by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Blood pressure (BP) and litter size were recorded in normal pregnant (Preg) rats and Preg rats with reduced uteroplacental perfusion pressure (RUPP). Isolated uterine arteries were placed in a pressure myograph for measuring intrinsic and extrinsic tone and arterial stiffness. Arteries were bathed in normal Krebs solution (2.5 mM Ca2+), Ca2+-free (2 mM EGTA) Krebs, treated with sodium nitroprusside (SNP), or endothelium denuded, then pressurized at 10 mmHg steps from 10 to 110 mmHg, and the % change in diameter was analyzed to measure total (active + passive), active Ca2+-dependent myogenic, passive, and endothelium-dependent tone, respectively. BP was higher and the litter size and pup weight were reduced in RUPP vs Preg rats. In normal Krebs, increasing intraluminal pressure caused smaller increments in diameter in arteries of RUPP vs Preg rats, suggesting greater total vascular tone. Arterial incubation in Ca2+-free Krebs, treatment with SNP or endothelium-removal abolished the differences in vascular tone, and subtraction of each of these components from total vascular tone revealed significant active Ca2+-dependent myogenic, passive, and endothelium-dependent tone, respectively, in RUPP vs Preg rats. The total and passive strain-stress curves were shifted leftward in arteries of RUPP vs Preg rats, indicating increased uterine arterial stiffness. Arterial sections showed decreased lumen/total and increased wall/total area, and immunohistochemistry revealed greater MMP-1 and MMP-7 staining particularly in the media, suggesting uterine arterial remodeling by MMPs in RUPP vs Preg rats. The increased uterine arterial active myogenic, passive, and endothelium-dependent tone, arterial stiffness and remodeling by MMPs would further reduce uterine blood flow and exacerbate uteroplacental ischemia, FGR and HTN-Preg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Lin
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Marc Q Mazzuca
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Raouf A Khalil
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
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Jiang L, Zhu Y, Wu L, Wang C, Yang N, Xu Y, Sun L. Comparative peptidomics analysis of preeclamptic placenta and the identification of a novel bioactive SERPINA1 C-terminal peptide. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100858. [PMID: 38290226 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a life-threatening disease that severely harms pregnant women and infants' health but has a poorly understood etiology. Peptidomics can supply important information about the occurrence of diseases. However, application of peptidomics in preeclamptic placentas has never been reported. We conducted a comparative peptidomics analysis of PE placentas and performed bio-informatics analysis on differentially expressed peptides. Effects of differential peptide 405SPLFMGKVVNPTQK418 on the behaviors of trophoblasts and angiogenesis were assessed by CCK8, transwell assays, and tube network formation assays. And we also confirmed the role of peptide in the zebrafish xenograft model. A total of 3582 peptide were identified. 48 peptides were differentially expressed. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that precursor proteins of these differentially expressed peptides correlate with "complement and coagulation cascades," and "platelet activation" pathways. Of the 48 differential peptides, we found that peptide 405SPLFMGKVVNPTQK418 can significantly increase proliferation, migration of trophoblasts and stimulate angiogenesis of HUVECs in vitro and zebrafish model. These findings suggest peptidomes can aid in understanding the pathogenesis of PE more comprehensively. Peptide 405SPLFMGKVVNPTQK418 can be novel target and strategy to alleviate the condition of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu, PR China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfeixiang, Mochou Road, Qinhuai, Nanjing 210004, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Liuxin Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Cong Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Nana Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yetao Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Lizhou Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu, PR China.
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Clark CR, Khalil RA. Regulation of vascular angiotensin II type 1 and type 2 receptor and angiotensin-(1-7)/MasR signaling in normal and hypertensive pregnancy. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 220:115963. [PMID: 38061417 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/01/2024]
Abstract
Normal pregnancy (Norm-Preg) is associated with a slight reduction in blood pressure (BP) and decreased BP response to vasoconstrictor stimuli such as angiotensin II (Ang II), although the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is upregulated. Preeclampsia (PE) is a complication of pregnancy manifested as hypertension-in-pregnancy (HTN-Preg), and dysregulation of angiotensin biosynthesis and signaling have been implicated. Ang II activates vascular Ang II type-1 receptor (AT1R) and Ang II type-2 receptor (AT2R), while angiotensin-(1-7) promotes Ang-(1-7)/MasR signaling. The role of AT1R in vasoconstriction and the activated cellular mechanisms are well-characterized. The sensitivity of vascular AT1R to Ang II and consequent activation of vasoconstrictor mechanisms decrease during Norm-Preg, but dramatically increase in HTN-Preg. Placental ischemia in late pregnancy could also initiate the release of AT1R agonistic autoantibodies (AT1AA) with significant impact on endothelial dysfunction and activation of contraction pathways in vascular smooth muscle including [Ca2+]c and protein kinase C. On the other hand, the role of AT2R and Ang-(1-7)/MasR in vascular relaxation, particularly during Norm-Preg and PE, is less clear. During Norm-Preg, increases in the expression/activity of vascular AT2R and Ang-(1-7)/MasR promote the production of endothelium-derived relaxing factors such as nitric oxide (NO), prostacyclin and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor leading to generalized vasodilation. Aortic segments of Preg rats show prominent endothelial AT2R staining and increased relaxation and NO production in response to AT2R agonist CGP42112A, and treatment with AT2R antagonist PD123319 enhances phenylephrine-induced contraction. Decreased vascular AT2R and Ang-(1-7)/MasR expression and receptor-mediated mechanisms of vascular relaxation have been suggested in HTN-Preg animal models, but their role in human PE needs further testing. Changes in angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) have been observed in COVID-19 patients, and whether ACE2 influences the course of COVID-19 viral infection/immunity in Norm-Preg and PE is an intriguing area for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline R Clark
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Raouf A Khalil
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Song R, Yadav P, Dangudubiyyam SV, Hofmann A, Mishra JS, Kumar S. Gestational intermittent hypoxia induces endothelial dysfunction and hypertension in pregnant rats: role of endothelin type B receptor†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:185-197. [PMID: 37823770 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Obstructive sleep apnea is a recognized risk factor for gestational hypertension, yet the exact mechanism behind this association remains unclear. Here, we tested the hypothesis that intermittent hypoxia, a hallmark of obstructive sleep apnea, induces gestational hypertension through perturbed endothelin-1 signaling. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to normoxia (control), mild intermittent hypoxia (10.5% O2), or severe intermittent hypoxia (6.5% O2) from gestational days 10-21. Blood pressure was monitored. Plasma was collected and mesenteric arteries were isolated for myograph and protein analyses. The mild and severe intermittent hypoxia groups demonstrated elevated blood pressure, reduced plasma nitrate/nitrite, and unchanged endothelin-1 levels compared to the control group. Western blot analysis revealed decreased expression of endothelin type B receptor and phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase, while the levels of endothelin type A receptor and total endothelial nitric oxide synthase remained unchanged following intermittent hypoxia exposure. The contractile responses to potassium chloride, phenylephrine, and endothelin-1 were unaffected in endothelium-denuded arteries from mild and severe intermittent hypoxia rats. However, mild and severe intermittent hypoxia rats exhibited impaired endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation responses to endothelin type B receptor agonist IRL-1620 and acetylcholine compared to controls. Endothelium denudation abolished IRL-1620-induced vasorelaxation, supporting the involvement of endothelium in endothelin type B receptor-mediated relaxation. Treatment with IRL-1620 during intermittent hypoxia exposure significantly attenuated intermittent hypoxia-induced hypertension in pregnant rats. This was associated with elevated circulating nitrate/nitrite levels, enhanced endothelin type B receptor expression, increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation, and improved vasodilation responses. Our data suggested that intermittent hypoxia exposure during gestation increases blood pressure in pregnant rats by suppressing endothelin type B receptor-mediated signaling, providing a molecular mechanism linking intermittent hypoxia and gestational hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruolin Song
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Pankaj Yadav
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Sri Vidya Dangudubiyyam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Alissa Hofmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jay S Mishra
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Sathish Kumar
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Liu L, Yao C, Song Z. MicroRNA-195-5p Attenuates Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress via OTX1/MAPK Signaling Pathway. Biochem Genet 2024:10.1007/s10528-023-10612-5. [PMID: 38177835 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-023-10612-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is a hypertensive disorder during pregnancy and can induce perinatal death of human infants. MicroRNA (miR)-195-5p was validated to display low expression in severe preeclampsia placentas, but the role of miR-195-5p in pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) has not been investigated. The study emphasized on the functions and mechanism of miR-195-5p in PIH. A reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) rat model was established to mimic PIH in vivo. Adenovirus (Ad)-miR-195-5p agomir and/or Ad-OTX1 were further injected into some model rats. RT-qPCR was conducted to assess the expression of miR-195-5p and orthodenticle homeobox 1 (OTX1) in rat placental tissues, the isolated aortic endothelial cells (AECs), and in serum samples of PIH patients. Western blot analysis was implemented to measure the protein levels of OTX1, VEGFA, and key factors involved in the MAPK signaling pathway. The concentrations of oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and lipid hydroperoxide) in AECs and placental tissues of RUPP rats were measured by corresponding kits. The binding relation between miR-195-5p and OTX1 was verified using the dual-luciferase reporter assay. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was conducted to evaluate the pathological features of rat placental tissues. MiR-195-5p was downregulated, while OTX1 was upregulated in rat placental tissues and human serum samples of PIH patients. MiR-195-5p could target OTX1 and inversely regulate OTX1 expression in AECs and rat placental tissues. In addition, miR-195-5p can negatively regulate VEGFA level. Furthermore, miR-195-5p inactivates oxidative stress and the MAPK signaling by downregulating OTX1 in AECs. In vivo experiments revealed that OTX1 overexpression reversed the protective effect of miR-195-5p overexpression on placental damage and oxidative stress. MiR-195-5p alleviates PIH by inhibiting oxidative stress via targeting OTX1 and inactivating MAPK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Liu
- Hospital Infection Management Division, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Tangshan, Tangshan, 063000, China
| | - Chunfeng Yao
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology, Tangshan Workers' Hospital, Tangshan, 063000, China
| | - Zhihui Song
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Tangshan, No. 1 Hetai Road, Lunan District, Tangshan, 063000, China.
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Mazzuca MQ, Buyukcelebi K, Lin C, Khalil RA. Increased Ca 2+-dependent intrinsic tone and arterial stiffness in mesenteric microvessels of hypertensive pregnant rats. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 208:115353. [PMID: 36435203 PMCID: PMC9877182 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115353] [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: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related hypertensive disorder (HTN-Preg) with unclear mechanisms. We have shown increased vascular reactivity to extrinsic vasoconstrictors in HTN-Preg rats. Here, we test whether microvascular intrinsic tone and arterial stiffness could contribute to HTN-Preg, and examined the underlying cellular mechanisms. On gestational day 19, BP was recorded in normal pregnant (Preg) rats and Preg rats with reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP), and mesenteric microvessels were mounted on a pressure myograph for measurement of intrinsic tone, simultaneous changes in [Ca2+]i (fura-2 340/380 ratio), and arterial stiffness. Arteries were incubated in Ca2+-containing and 0 Ca2+ (2 mM EGTA) Krebs, pressurized at 10 to 110 mmHg in 10 mmHg increments, and the % change in vessel diameter from initial diameter at 10 mmHg was analyzed for measurement of total (active + passive) intrinsic tone and passive intrinsic response, respectively. The passive response was then subtracted from the total intrinsic tone to determine the active myogenic tone. The strain-stress relationship was also constructed as a measure of arterial stiffness. BP was higher in RUPP vs Preg rats. In Ca2+-containing Krebs, increases in intraluminal pressure caused smaller increases in diameter and greater increases in [Ca2+]i in microvessels of RUPP vs Preg rats, suggesting increased Ca2+-dependent myogenic tone. In 0 Ca2+ Krebs, increases in pressure also caused less increases in diameter in microvessels of RUPP vs Preg rats, but with no changes in [Ca2+]i, suggesting changes in the structure and mechanics of the arterial wall. The total and passive strain-stress relationship was shifted to the left in microvessels of RUPP vs Preg rats, suggesting increased arterial wall stiffness. Histology and immunohistochemistry showed greater vascular wall thickness and collagen-I staining in RUPP vs Preg rats, supporting changes in the wall architecture and structural proteins. The increased active myogenic tone and underlying increases in Ca2+ signaling as well as the increased passive intrinsic response, arterial stiffness and collagen-I in the mesenteric microvessels could play a role in the regulation of blood flow to the splanchnic region and the increased vascular resistance and BP in HTN-Preg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Q Mazzuca
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kadir Buyukcelebi
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Chen Lin
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Raouf A Khalil
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
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Dela Justina V, Dos Passos Júnior RR, Lima VV, Giachini FR. Evidence of Nitric Oxide Impairment During Hypertensive Pregnancies. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1428:99-125. [PMID: 37466771 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-32554-0_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy complicate up to 10% of pregnancies worldwide, and they can be classified into (1) gestational hypertension, (2) preeclampsia, (3) chronic hypertension and (4) chronic hypertension with preeclampsia. Nitric oxide (NO) plays an essential role in the haemodynamic adaptations observed during pregnancy. It has been shown that the nitric oxide pathway's dysfunction during pregnancy is associated with placental- and vascular-related diseases such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. This review aims to present a brief definition of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and physiological maternal cardiovascular adaptations during pregnancy. We also detail how NO signalling is altered in the (a) systemic vasculature, (b) uterine artery/spiral arteries, (c) implantation and (d) placenta of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. We conclude by summarizing the anti-hypertensive therapy of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy as a specific management strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Dela Justina
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Rinaldo Rodrigues Dos Passos Júnior
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
- Institute of Health Sciences and Health, Universidad Federal De Mato Grosso, Barra do Garcas, Brazil
| | - Victor Vitorino Lima
- Institute of Health Sciences and Health, Universidad Federal De Mato Grosso, Barra do Garcas, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Regina Giachini
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
- Institute of Health Sciences and Health, Universidad Federal De Mato Grosso, Barra do Garcas, Brazil
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Hayder H, Shan Y, Chen Y, O’Brien JA, Peng C. Role of microRNAs in trophoblast invasion and spiral artery remodeling: Implications for preeclampsia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:995462. [PMID: 36263015 PMCID: PMC9575991 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.995462] [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: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
It is now well-established that microRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of gene expression. The role of miRNAs in placental development and trophoblast function is constantly expanding. Trophoblast invasion and their ability to remodel uterine spiral arteries are essential for proper placental development and successful pregnancy outcome. Many miRNAs are reported to be dysregulated in pregnancy complications, especially preeclampsia and they exert various regulatory effects on trophoblasts. In this review, we provide a brief overview of miRNA biogenesis and their mechanism of action, as well as of trophoblasts differentiation, invasion and spiral artery remodeling. We then discuss the role of miRNAs in trophoblasts invasion and spiral artery remodeling, focusing on miRNAs that have been thoroughly investigated, especially using multiple model systems. We also discuss the potential role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heyam Hayder
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yanan Shan
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Chun Peng
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Research on Biomolecular Interactions, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Chun Peng,
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Zeng M, Xu M, Li X, Li J, Liu Y. PAD4 silencing inhibits inflammation whilst promoting trophoblast cell invasion and migration by inactivating the NEMO/NF‑κB pathway. Exp Ther Med 2022; 24:568. [PMID: 35978928 PMCID: PMC9366263 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE), presenting with onset hypertension and proteinuria, is a pregnancy-specific disorder that can result in maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Insufficient trophoblast invasion and migration has been considered to be an important cause of this disease. The present study aimed to investigate the role of peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4), whose knockdown has been previously indicated to reduce inflammation and susceptibility to pregnancy loss in mice, in the development of PE in vitro. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to treat a human trophoblast cell line (HTR8/SVneo). After PAD4 silencing via transfection with short hairpin RNA against PAD4, the concentrations of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-12 and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 were measured using ELISA. Cell viability was also measured using Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. HTR8/SVneo cell invasion and migration were detected using Transwell and wound healing assays, respectively. Western blotting was used to measure the expression of citrullinated NF-κB essential modulator (NEMO) and nuclear NF-κB p65 protein levels. TNF-α was applied for evaluating the potential regulatory effects of PAD4 on NF-κB in LPS-stimulated HTR8/SVneo cells. LPS increased the levels of IL-6, IL-12 and MCP-1 and reduced the migration and invasion of HTR8/SVneo cells. PAD4-knockdown was found to markedly reduce the levels of IL-6, IL-12 and MCP-1 secretion. HTR8/SVneo cell invasion and migration was also significantly elevated after PAD4 silencing following LPS exposure. In addition, LPS stimulation notably upregulated the protein levels of citrullinated NEMO and nuclear NF-κB p65, which was restored by PAD4 knockdown. Furthermore, TNF-α treatment partially counteracted the effects of PAD4 knockdown on the secretion of IL-6, MCP-1 and IL-12, which are markers of inflammation, and invasion and migration in LPS-induced HTR8/SVneo cells. To conclude, these results suggest that PAD4 silencing can suppress inflammation whilst promoting invasion and migration by trophoblast cells through inhibiting the NEMO/NF-κB pathway. These findings furthered the understanding in the complex molecular mechanism that can trigger PE and provide a promising target for the treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zeng
- Department of Obstetrics, Ganzhou People's Hospital, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341001, P.R. China
| | - Minjuan Xu
- Department of Obstetrics, Ganzhou People's Hospital, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341001, P.R. China
| | - Xiafang Li
- Department of Obstetrics, Ganzhou People's Hospital, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341001, P.R. China
| | - Junying Li
- Department of Obstetrics, Ganzhou People's Hospital, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341001, P.R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, Ganzhou People's Hospital, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341001, P.R. China
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Zheng H, Yu Z, Wang H, Liu H, Chen X. MiR-125b-5p ameliorates hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced endothelial cell dysfunction and attenuates reduced uterine perfusion pressure-induced hypertension in pregnant rats via targeting BMF. Hypertens Pregnancy 2022; 41:79-88. [PMID: 35171055 DOI: 10.1080/10641955.2022.2036753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE MicroRNA-125b-5p (miR-125b-5p) is downregulated in patients with gestational hypertension signs. However, the role of miR-125b-5p in pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) remains unknown. METHODS The human placental microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) have undergone hypoxia and reoxygenation (H/R) treatment to establish PIH cellular model. Rats were performed with reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) operation to establish PIH animal model. RESULTS MiR-125b-5p promoted viability while inhibited the apoptosis of H/R-treated HPMECs by downregulating BMF. MiR-125b-5p alleviated hypertensive symptoms and improved pregnancy outcomes in RUPP rats. CONCLUSION MiR-125b-5p ameliorates H/R-induced HPMEC dysfunction and attenuates RUPP-induced hypertension in pregnant rats by downregulating BMF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyu Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhou Yu
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian Jiangsu, China
| | - Hairong Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongxue Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoqin Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian Jiangsu, China
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12
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Ren Z, Cui N, Zhu M, Khalil RA. TNFα blockade reverses vascular and uteroplacental matrix metalloproteinases imbalance and collagen accumulation in hypertensive pregnant rats. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 193:114790. [PMID: 34600915 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related disorder of maternal hypertension-in-pregnancy (HTN-Preg) and often fetal growth restriction (FGR). Placental ischemia could be an initiating event leading to inadequate vascular and uteroplacental remodeling and HTN-Preg; however, the molecular targets are unclear. To test the hypothesis that placental ischemia-induced release of proinflammatory cytokines target vascular and uteroplacental matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), we tested if infusing TNFα (200 ng/kg/day) in day-14 pregnant (Preg) rats causes MMP imbalance and collagen accumulation, and if infusing TNFα decoy receptor Etanercept (0.4 mg/kg/day) in HTN-Preg rats with reduced uteroplacental perfusion pressure (RUPP) reverses MMP imbalance and collagen accumulation. On gestational day-19, blood pressure (BP) was higher in Preg + TNFα and RUPP vs Preg rats, and restored in RUPP + Etanercept rats. Gelatin zymography and Western blots revealed decreases in MMP-2 and MMP-9 and increases in MMP-1 and MMP-7 in aorta, uterus and placenta of Preg + TNFα and RUPP, that were reversed in RUPP + Etanercept rats. Collagen-I and IV were abundant in Preg + TNFα and RUPP, and were decreased in RUPP + Etanercept rats. The litter size, uterine, placenta, and pup weight were markedly reduced in RUPP, insignificantly reduced in Preg + TNFα, and slightly improved in RUPP + Etanercept rats. Thus TNFα blockade reverses the decreases in vascular and uteroplacental MMP-2 and MMP-9, and the increases in MMP-1, MMP-7 and accumulation of collagen-I and IV induced by placental ischemia and TNFα in HTN-Preg rats. Targeting TNFα using cytokine antagonists, or MMPs using MMP modulators could rectify MMP imbalance and collagen accumulation, restore vascular and uteroplacental remodeling, and improve BP in HTN-Preg and preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongli Ren
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ning Cui
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Minglin Zhu
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Raouf A Khalil
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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13
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Mirabito Colafella KM, Neves KB, Montezano AC, Garrelds IM, van Veghel R, de Vries R, Uijl E, Baelde HJ, van den Meiracker AH, Touyz RM, Danser AHJ, Versmissen J. Selective ETA vs. dual ETA/B receptor blockade for the prevention of sunitinib-induced hypertension and albuminuria in WKY rats. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 116:1779-1790. [PMID: 31593221 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvz260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Although effective in preventing tumour growth, angiogenesis inhibitors cause off-target effects including cardiovascular toxicity and renal injury, most likely via endothelin (ET)-1 up-regulation. ET-1 via stimulation of the ETA receptor has pro-hypertensive actions whereas stimulation of the ETB receptor can elicit both pro- or anti-hypertensive effects. In this study, our aim was to determine the efficacy of selective ETA vs. dual ETA/B receptor blockade for the prevention of angiogenesis inhibitor-induced hypertension and albuminuria. METHODS AND RESULTS Male Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were treated with vehicle, sunitinib (angiogenesis inhibitor; 14 mg/kg/day) alone or in combination with macitentan (ETA/B receptor antagonist; 30 mg/kg/day) or sitaxentan (selective ETA receptor antagonist; 30 or 100 mg/kg/day) for 8 days. Compared with vehicle, sunitinib treatment caused a rapid and sustained increase in mean arterial pressure of ∼25 mmHg. Co-treatment with macitentan or sitaxentan abolished the pressor response to sunitinib. Sunitinib did not induce endothelial dysfunction. However, it was associated with increased aortic, mesenteric, and renal oxidative stress, an effect that was absent in mesenteric arteries of the macitentan and sitaxentan co-treated groups. Albuminuria was greater in the sunitinib- than vehicle-treated group. Co-treatment with sitaxentan, but not macitentan, prevented this increase in albuminuria. Sunitinib treatment increased circulating and urinary prostacyclin levels and had no effect on thromboxane levels. These increases in prostacyclin were blunted by co-treatment with sitaxentan. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that both selective ETA and dual ETA/B receptor antagonism prevents sunitinib-induced hypertension, whereas sunitinib-induced albuminuria was only prevented by selective ETA receptor antagonism. In addition, our results uncover a role for prostacyclin in the development of these effects. In conclusion, selective ETA receptor antagonism is sufficient for the prevention of sunitinib-induced hypertension and renal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina M Mirabito Colafella
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Department of Physiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 26 Innovation Walk, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
- Division of Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karla B Neves
- Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Augusto C Montezano
- Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ingrid M Garrelds
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Department of Physiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 26 Innovation Walk, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Richard van Veghel
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Department of Physiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 26 Innovation Walk, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - René de Vries
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Department of Physiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 26 Innovation Walk, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Estrellita Uijl
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Department of Physiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 26 Innovation Walk, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Hans J Baelde
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anton H van den Meiracker
- Division of Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rhian M Touyz
- Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - A H Jan Danser
- Division of Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jorie Versmissen
- Division of Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Ji ZS, Jiang H, Xie Y, Wei QP, Yin XF, Ye JH, Quan XZ, Lan YL, Zhao M, Tian XL, Zhang YJ, Yang XZ. Chemerin promotes the pathogenesis of preeclampsia by activating CMKLR1/p-Akt/CEBPɑ axis and inducing M1 macrophage polarization. Cell Biol Toxicol 2021; 38:611-628. [PMID: 34398343 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-021-09636-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A higher ratio of M1/M2 macrophages and an elevated chemerin level are both related to increased risk of preeclampsia. However, the crosstalk between these two events and their collective contribution to preeclampsia are not well understood. In this study, we assessed the impacts of chemerin chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1)/p-Akt/CEBPα axis in regulating macrophage polarization and mediating the pathogenic effects of chemerin on preeclampsia. We showed that chemerin, in a dose- and time-dependent manner, stimulated M1 macrophage polarization, inhibited macrophage-induced trophoblast invasion and migration, and suppressed macrophage-mediated angiogenesis. All these chemerin-induced phenotypes are essentially mediated by sequentially CMKLR1, Akt activation, and CEBPα. Mechanistically, CEBPα acted as a transcriptional activator for both IRF8 and chemerin. In vivo, chemerin aggravated preeclampsia, while α-NETA, an inhibitor for CMKLR1, significantly suppressed M1 macrophage polarization and alleviated preeclampsia. In summary, chemerin, by activating CMKLR1/Akt/CEBPα axis, forms a positive feedback loop, promotes M1 macrophage polarization, suppresses trophoblast migration/invasion and angiogenesis, and contributes to preeclampsia. Therefore, targeting chemerin signaling may benefit the prevention and/or treatment of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Song Ji
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, No.136, Jingzhou Road, Xiangcheng District, Xiangyang, 441021, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, 441021, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Xie
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, No.136, Jingzhou Road, Xiangcheng District, Xiangyang, 441021, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi-Peng Wei
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, No.136, Jingzhou Road, Xiangcheng District, Xiangyang, 441021, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Fang Yin
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, No.136, Jingzhou Road, Xiangcheng District, Xiangyang, 441021, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Hai Ye
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, No.136, Jingzhou Road, Xiangcheng District, Xiangyang, 441021, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Zhen Quan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, No.136, Jingzhou Road, Xiangcheng District, Xiangyang, 441021, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Li Lan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, No.136, Jingzhou Road, Xiangcheng District, Xiangyang, 441021, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, No.136, Jingzhou Road, Xiangcheng District, Xiangyang, 441021, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Long Tian
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, No.136, Jingzhou Road, Xiangcheng District, Xiangyang, 441021, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya-Jun Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, No.136, Jingzhou Road, Xiangcheng District, Xiangyang, 441021, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Zhou Yang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, No.136, Jingzhou Road, Xiangcheng District, Xiangyang, 441021, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Hu X, Zhang L. Uteroplacental Circulation in Normal Pregnancy and Preeclampsia: Functional Adaptation and Maladaptation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8622. [PMID: 34445328 PMCID: PMC8395300 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Uteroplacental blood flow increases as pregnancy advances. Adequate supply of nutrients and oxygen carried by uteroplacental blood flow is essential for the well-being of the mother and growth/development of the fetus. The uteroplacental hemodynamic change is accomplished primarily through uterine vascular adaptation, involving hormonal regulation of myogenic tone, vasoreactivity, release of vasoactive factors and others, in addition to the remodeling of spiral arteries. In preeclampsia, hormonal and angiogenic imbalance, proinflammatory cytokines and autoantibodies cause dysfunction of both endothelium and vascular smooth muscle cells of the uteroplacental vasculature. Consequently, the vascular dysfunction leads to increased vascular resistance and reduced blood flow in the uteroplacental circulation. In this article, the (mal)adaptation of uteroplacental vascular function in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia and underlying mechanisms are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangqun Hu
- Lawrence D. Longo, MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Lubo Zhang
- Lawrence D. Longo, MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
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16
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Habib YH, Abdelhady SA, Gowayed MA, El-Deeb NM, Darwish IE, El-Mas MM. Prenatal endothelin or thromboxane receptor antagonism surpasses sympathoinhibition in improving cardiorenal malfunctions in preeclamptic rats. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 426:115615. [PMID: 34102242 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Current therapies for preeclampsia (PE) and its complications are limited and defective. Considering the importance of endothelin (ET) and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) signaling in PE pathophysiology, we tested the hypothesis that prenatal blockade of endothelin ETA or thromboxane TXA2 receptors favorably reprograms preeclamptic cardiovascular and renal insults. PE was induced by daily oral administration of L-NAME (50 mg/kg) to pregnant rats for 7 consecutive days starting from gestational day 14. The effects of co-exposure to atrasentan (ETA receptor blocker, 10 mg/kg/day) or terutroban (TXA2 receptor blocker, 10 mg/kg/day) on cardiovascular and renal anomalies induced by PE were assessed on gestational day 20 (GD20) and at weaning time and compared with those evoked by the sympatholytic drug α-methyldopa (α-MD, 100 mg/kg/day), a prototypic therapy for PE management. Among all drugs, terutroban was basically the most potent in ameliorating PE-evoked increments in blood pressure and decrements in creatinine clearance. Cardiorenal tissues of PE rats exhibited significant increases in ETA and TXA2 receptor expressions and these effects disappeared after treatment with atrasentan and to a lesser extent by terutroban or α-MD. Atrasentan was also the most effective in reversing the reduced ETB receptor expression in renal tissues of PE rats. Signs of histopathological damage in cardiac and renal tissues of PE rats were mostly improved by all therapies. Together, pharmacologic elimination of ETA or TXA2 receptors offers a relatively better prospect than α-MD in controlling perinatal cardiorenal irregularities sparked by PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasser H Habib
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Sherien A Abdelhady
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mennatallah A Gowayed
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Nevine M El-Deeb
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Inas E Darwish
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud M El-Mas
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait.
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17
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Christou H, Michael Z, Spyropoulos F, Chen Y, Rong D, Khalil RA. Carbonic anhydrase inhibition improves pulmonary artery reactivity and nitric oxide-mediated relaxation in sugen-hypoxia model of pulmonary hypertension. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2021; 320:R835-R850. [PMID: 33826428 PMCID: PMC8285620 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00362.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a serious disease with pulmonary arterial fibrotic remodeling and limited responsiveness to vasodilators. Our data suggest that mild acidosis induced by carbonic anhydrase inhibition could ameliorate PH, but the vascular mechanisms are unclear. We tested the hypothesis that carbonic anhydrase inhibition ameliorates PH by improving pulmonary vascular reactivity and relaxation mechanisms. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were either control normoxic (Nx), or injected with Sugen 5416 (20 mg/kg, sc) and subjected to hypoxia (9% O2) (Su + Hx), or Su + Hx treated with acetazolamide (ACTZ, 100 mg/kg/day, in drinking water). After measuring the hemodynamics, right ventricular hypertrophy was assessed by Fulton's Index; vascular function was measured in pulmonary artery, aorta, and mesenteric arteries; and pulmonary arteriolar remodeling was assessed in lung sections. Right ventricular systolic pressure and Fulton's Index were increased in Su + Hx and reduced in Su + Hx + ACTZ rats. Pulmonary artery contraction to KCl and phenylephrine were reduced in Su + Hx and improved in Su + Hx + ACTZ. Acetylcholine (ACh)-induced relaxation and nitrate/nitrite production were reduced in pulmonary artery of Su + Hx and improved in Su + Hx + ACTZ. ACh relaxation was blocked by nitric oxide (NO) synthase and guanylate cyclase inhibitors, supporting a role of NO-cGMP. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced relaxation was reduced in pulmonary artery of Su + Hx, and ACTZ enhanced relaxation to SNP. Contraction/relaxation were not different in aorta or mesenteric arteries of all groups. Pulmonary arterioles showed wall thickening in Su + Hx that was ameliorated in Su + Hx + ACTZ. Thus, amelioration of pulmonary hemodynamics during carbonic anhydrase inhibition involves improved pulmonary artery reactivity and NO-mediated relaxation and may enhance responsiveness to vasodilator therapies in PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Christou
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Zoe Michael
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Fotios Spyropoulos
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yunfei Chen
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Dan Rong
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Raouf A Khalil
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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18
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Mata K, Nobre AVV, Felix Silva PH, Oliezer RS, Fernandes C, Amaral J, Ramos J, Constante Gabriel Del-Arco M, Messora MR, Tanus-Santos JE, Gerlach RF, Salvador SL. A new mixed model of periodontitis-induced preeclampsia: A pilot study. J Periodontal Res 2021; 56:726-734. [PMID: 33686671 DOI: 10.1111/jre.12869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/BACKGROUND Recent studies have shown that periodontal disease is strongly related to gestational complications such as preeclampsia (PE). PE is responsible for 42% of maternal deaths worldwide and kills approximately 76 000 women a year. In addition, children born under PE conditions are at increased risk of hospitalization due to metabolic disorders, epilepsy, and other complications. Numerous reviews and clinical studies on PE have been published, but the mechanisms underlying the relationship between periodontal disease and PE and the way periodontopathogens alter vascular response in pregnant women remain unclear. METHODS This study aims to verify whether periodontal disease induces PE by using the association of two periodontitis (PD) models: ligature and oral Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) W83 inoculation in Wistar rats. At gestational day 5, the ligature was placed on each mandibular first molar, which was followed by daily oral P. gingivalis inoculation for 15 days. At gestational day 19, urine was collected, and invasive arterial pressure was measured. The animals were euthanized, and plasma and tissues were collected. RESULTS After 15 days of the association of ligature and P. gingivalis inoculation, the animals presented the characteristic symptoms of PE: altered blood pressure, proteinuria, and change in litter size (number of pups) and pup weight when compared to the control group (p < .005). The PE animals also presented greater bone porosity, trabecular separation, and reduced bone volume in the hemimandibles, as well as altered inflammatory response. The level of cytokine IL-6 was higher in the PE group than in the control group (p < .005). CONCLUSION The association of two PD models effectively induced PE. To our knowledge, this is the first study on the oral use of P. gingivalis for PE induction. Our results support the importance of PD as a possible cause for PE development, opening an important new avenue to study cause and consequence relationships in inflammation and PE due to exposure to periodontal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Mata
- Department of Basic and Oral Biology, Dental School of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil.,University of Rio Verde, UniRV, Formosa, GO, Brazil
| | - Atila Vinícius Vitor Nobre
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Periodontology, Ribeirao Preto Dental School, University of Sao Paulo-USP, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Pedro Henrique Felix Silva
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Periodontology, Ribeirao Preto Dental School, University of Sao Paulo-USP, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Rene Seabra Oliezer
- Department of Basic and Oral Biology, Dental School of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Cleverson Fernandes
- University of Rio Verde, UniRV, Formosa, GO, Brazil.,Department of Pathology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Jefferson Amaral
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Junia Ramos
- Department of Basic and Oral Biology, Dental School of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Marina Constante Gabriel Del-Arco
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo-USP, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Michel Reis Messora
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Periodontology, Ribeirao Preto Dental School, University of Sao Paulo-USP, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - José Eduardo Tanus-Santos
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Raquel Fernanda Gerlach
- Department of Basic and Oral Biology, Dental School of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Sergio Luiz Salvador
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo-USP, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil
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19
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Barr LC, Pudwell J, Smith GN. Postpartum microvascular functional alterations following severe preeclampsia. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2021; 320:H1393-H1402. [PMID: 33481699 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00767.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is associated with adverse maternal health outcomes later in life. Vascular endothelial dysfunction has been previously described following preeclampsia. We hypothesized that microvascular endothelial dysfunction associated with preeclampsia persists postpartum and may identify those at greatest risk of future cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to examine postpartum microvascular endothelial function in women after a pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia. Women with previous preeclampsia (n = 30) and normotensive controls (n = 30) between 6 mo and 5 yr postpartum were recruited. Severity of preeclampsia [severe (n = 16) and mild (n = 14)] was determined by standardized chart review. Microvascular reactivity in the forearm was measured with laser speckle contrast imaging, coupled with iontophoresis; endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasodilation was induced with 1% acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside solutions, respectively. A postocclusive reactive hyperemia test assessed vasodilatory response following three minutes of suprasystolic (200 mmHg) occlusion with a mechanized cuff. Women with prior severe preeclampsia exhibited significantly higher vasodilation to acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside compared to controls (P < 0.01; P = 0.03) and prior mild preeclampsia (P = 0.03; P < 0.01). Neither the degree of postocclusive reactive hyperemia (P = 0.98), nor time to return halfway to baseline [OR = 1.026 (0.612, 1.72); P = 0.92], differed between preeclampsia and controls. In conclusion, severe preeclampsia is associated with heightened postpartum microvascular endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasoreactivity. These changes, or a common antecedent, may be linked to postpartum alterations in vascular function that predispose women to disease after preeclampsia. Further investigation should identify the contributing mechanism and the degree to which it could be amenable to medical intervention.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We examine maternal microvascular function after preeclampsia, identifying heightened endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent microvascular reactivity following severe disease. Our study represents a noteworthy addition to the existing literature with the use of a novel imaging modality, vascular perturbation, postpartum time point, and patient population with differentiation of preeclampsia into severe and nonsevere subtypes. These results represent a novel addition to the growing clinical and academic understanding of maternal health outcomes following preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan C Barr
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica Pudwell
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Graeme N Smith
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Qu H, Khalil RA. Vascular mechanisms and molecular targets in hypertensive pregnancy and preeclampsia. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2020; 319:H661-H681. [PMID: 32762557 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00202.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a major complication of pregnancy manifested as hypertension and often intrauterine growth restriction, but the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are unclear. Predisposing genetic and environmental factors cause placental maladaptations leading to defective placentation, apoptosis of invasive cytotrophoblasts, inadequate expansive remodeling of the spiral arteries, reduced uteroplacental perfusion pressure, and placental ischemia. Placental ischemia promotes the release of bioactive factors into the maternal circulation, causing an imbalance between antiangiogenic soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and soluble endoglin and proangiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor, placental growth factor, and transforming growth factor-β. Placental ischemia also stimulates the release of proinflammatory cytokines, hypoxia-inducible factor, reactive oxygen species, and angiotensin type 1 receptor agonistic autoantibodies. These circulating factors target the vascular endothelium, causing generalized endotheliosis in systemic, renal, cerebral, and hepatic vessels, leading to decreases in endothelium-derived vasodilators such as nitric oxide, prostacyclin, and hyperpolarization factor and increases in vasoconstrictors such as endothelin-1 and thromboxane A2. The bioactive factors also target vascular smooth muscle and enhance the mechanisms of vascular contraction, including cytosolic Ca2+, protein kinase C, and Rho-kinase. The bioactive factors could also target matrix metalloproteinases and the extracellular matrix, causing inadequate vascular remodeling, increased arterial stiffening, and further increases in vascular resistance and hypertension. As therapeutic options are limited, understanding the underlying vascular mechanisms and molecular targets should help design new tools for the detection and management of hypertension in pregnancy and preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Qu
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Raouf A Khalil
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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21
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Ou M, Zhao H, Ji G, Zhao X, Zhang Q. Long noncoding RNA MALAT1 contributes to pregnancy-induced hypertension development by enhancing oxidative stress and inflammation through the regulation of the miR-150-5p/ET-1 axis. FASEB J 2020; 34:6070-6085. [PMID: 32246794 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201902280r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) has been identified previously in the pathogenesis of hypertension and some gestational diseases. However, the biological functions of MALAT1 in pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) are still poorly understood. Herein, we aim to explore the functional relevance of MALAT1 in PIH and to explain the potential underlying mechanisms. We found that the levels of ET-1 and MALAT1 were upregulated and that of miR-150-5p were downregulated in the serum of pregnant women with PIH and the aortic endothelial cells (ECs) of reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP)-induced rat models. In aortic ECs, MALAT1 could competitively bind to miR-150-5p to upregulate the expression of ET-1. The MALAT1/miR-150-5p/ET-1 axis regulated the expression of endothelin B receptor (ETBR) in aortic ECs leading to oxidative stress imbalance and increased the release of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-18 and IL-1β), which concurrently activated the NF-κB pathway to regulate the ETBR expression and to stimulate smooth muscle cell (SMC) contraction. Furthermore, silencing MALAT1 could alleviate the hypertensive symptoms of RUPP-induced rat models. Taken conjointly, the upregulation of MALAT1 can reduce the expression of ET-1 by competitively binding to miR-150-5p, which enhances the expression of ETBR via the activation of the NF-κB pathway in SMCs, thus exacerbating the hypertensive symptoms in the RUPP-induced rat models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Ou
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, P.R. China
| | - Huidong Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, P.R. China
| | - Guoxin Ji
- Department of Obstetrics, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, P.R. China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, P.R. China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, P.R. China
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22
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Patel H, Aggarwal NT, Rao A, Bryant E, Sanghani RM, Byrnes M, Kalra D, Dairaghi L, Braun L, Gabriel S, Volgman AS. Microvascular Disease and Small-Vessel Disease: The Nexus of Multiple Diseases of Women. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2020; 29:770-779. [PMID: 32074468 PMCID: PMC7307673 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2019.7826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Microvascular disease, or small-vessel disease, is a multisystem disorder with a common pathophysiological basis that differentially affects various organs in some patients. The prevalence of small-vessel disease in the heart has been found to be higher in women compared with men. Additionally, other diseases prominently affecting women, including heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, cerebral small-vessel disease, preeclampsia, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), endothelial dysfunction in diabetes, diabetic cardiomyopathy, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic sclerosis, may have a common etiologic linkage related to microvascular disease. To the best of our knowledge this is the first article to investigate this potential linkage. We sought to identify various diseases with a shared pathophysiology involving microvascular/endothelial dysfunction that primarily affect women, and their potential implications for disease management. Advanced imaging technologies, such as magnetic resonance imaging and positron-emission tomography, enable the detection and increased understanding of microvascular dysfunction in various diseases. Therapies that improve endothelial function, such as those used in PAH, may also be associated with benefits across the full spectrum of microvascular dysfunction. A shared pathology across multiple organ systems highlights the need for a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach among medical subspecialty practitioners who care for women with small-vessel disease. Such an approach may lead to accelerated research in diseases that affect women and their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hena Patel
- Department of Cardiology, Rush Medical College, Rush University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Neelum T Aggarwal
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush Medical College, Rush University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Anupama Rao
- Department of Cardiology, Rush Medical College, Rush University, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Rupa M Sanghani
- Department of Cardiology, Rush Medical College, Rush University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mary Byrnes
- Clinical Nursing, Rush Medical College, Rush University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Dinesh Kalra
- Department of Cardiology, Rush Medical College, Rush University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Leigh Dairaghi
- Rush Medical College, Rush University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Lynne Braun
- Rush College of Nursing and Medicine, Rush University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Sherine Gabriel
- Department of Rheumatology, Rush Medical College, Rush University, Chicago, Illinois
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Li W, Yu N, Fan L, Chen SH, Wu JL. Circ_0063517 acts as ceRNA, targeting the miR-31-5p-ETBR axis to regulate angiogenesis of vascular endothelial cells in preeclampsia. Life Sci 2020; 244:117306. [PMID: 31953159 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Accumulated evidence indicates that the dysregulation of circular RNAs (circRNAs) plays pivotal roles in many human diseases including preeclampsia (PE). Circ_0063517 has been verified to be down-regulated in PE. But the role of circ_0063517 in PE is still unclear. This research aims to probe into the effect of circ_0063517 on angiogenesis in PE development. MAIN METHODS The expression of circ_0063517, endothelin receptor type B (ETBR) and miR-31-5p was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). MTT assay, colony formation assay, scratch assay, transwell assay, and tube formation assay were performed to detect proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis, respectively. Dual luciferase reporter system and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were carried out to determine the interaction between miR-31-5p and circ_0063517(or ETBR). ETBR, VEGFRA, and VEGFR2 levels were detected by western blot analysis. The effect of circ_0063517 and ETBR on angiogenesis was evaluated in N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME)-induced PE in vivo. KEY FINDINGS The levels of circ_0063517 and ETBR were down-regulated in the placenta tissue of PE patients. Conversely, the level of miR-31-5p was up-regulated in PE. Overexpression of circ_0063517 or knockdown of miR-31-5p facilitated growth, migration, and angiogenesis of vascular endothelial cells. Circ_0063517 knockdown-induced repression of the expression of ETBR, VEGFA, and VEGFR2 was partly counteracted by ETBR overexpression. Mechanistically, circ_0063517 sponged miR-31-5p to regulate ETBR expression. Finally, circ_0063517 promoted angiogenesis via enhancing ETBR expression in PE in vivo. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings suggest that circ_0063517-miR-31-5p-ETBR axis regulates angiogenesis during the pathological process of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Nan Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Lei Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Su-Hua Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Jian-Li Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, PR China.
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24
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Lin C, He H, Cui N, Ren Z, Zhu M, Khalil RA. Decreased uterine vascularization and uterine arterial expansive remodeling with reduced matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 in hypertensive pregnancy. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2020; 318:H165-H180. [PMID: 31834839 PMCID: PMC6985805 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00602.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Normal pregnancy involves extensive remodeling of uterine and spiral arteries and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-mediated proteolysis of extracellular matrix (ECM). Preeclampsia is characterized by hypertension in pregnancy (HTN-Preg) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) with unclear mechanisms. Initial faulty placentation and reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) could release cytoactive factors and trigger an incessant cycle of suppressed trophoblast invasion of spiral arteries, further RUPP, and progressive placental ischemia leading to HTN-Preg and IUGR; however, the extent and depth of uterine vascularization and the proteolytic enzymes and ECM proteins involved are unclear. We hypothesized that HTN-Preg involves decreased uterine vascularization and arterial remodeling by MMPs and accumulation of ECM collagen. Blood pressure (BP) and fetal parameters were measured in normal Preg rats and RUPP rat model, and the uteri were assessed for vascularity, MMP levels, and collagen deposition. On gestational day 19, BP was higher, and the uterus weight, litter size, and pup weight were reduced in RUPP vs. Preg rats. Histology of uterine tissue sections showed reduced number (5.75 ± 0.95 vs. 11.50 ± 0.87) and size (0.05 ± 0.01 vs. 0.12 ± 0.02 mm2) of uterine spiral arterioles in RUPP vs. Preg rats. Immunohistochemistry showed localization of endothelial cell marker cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) and smooth muscle marker α-actin in uterine arteriolar wall and confirmed decreased number/size of uterine arterioles in RUPP rats. The cytotrophoblast marker cytokeratin-7 showed less staining and invasion of spiral arteries in the deep decidua of RUPP vs. Preg rats. Uterine arteries showed less expansion in response to increases in intraluminal pressure in RUPP vs. Preg rats. Western blot analysis, gelatin zymography, and immunohistochemistry showed decreases in MMP-2 and MMP-9 and increases in the MMP substrate collagen-IV in uterus and uterine arteries of RUPP vs. those in Preg rats. The results suggest decreased number, size and expansiveness of spiral and uterine arteries with decreased MMP-2 and MMP-9 and increased collagen-IV in HTN-Preg. Decreased uterine vascularization and uterine arterial expansive remodeling by MMPs could be contributing mechanisms to uteroplacental ischemia in HTN-Preg and preeclampsia.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related disorder in which initial inadequate placentation and RUPP cause the release of cytoactive factors and trigger a ceaseless cycle of suppressed trophoblast invasion of spiral arteries, further RUPP, and progressive placental ischemia leading to HTN-Preg and IUGR; however, the extent/depth of uterine vascularization and the driving proteolytic enzymes and ECM proteins are unclear. This study shows decreased number, size, and expansiveness of uterine spiral arteries, with decreased MMP-2 and MMP-9 and increased collagen-IV in HTN-Preg rats. The decreased uterine vascularization and uterine arterial expansive remodeling by MMPs could contribute to progressive uteroplacental ischemia in HTN-Preg and preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Lin
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of General Surgery, 900th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University; Fuzong Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong He
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ning Cui
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Zongli Ren
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Minglin Zhu
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Raouf A Khalil
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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25
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Yu N, Wu JL, Xiao J, Fan L, Chen SH, Li W. HIF-1α regulates angiogenesis via Notch1/STAT3/ETBR pathway in trophoblastic cells. Cell Cycle 2019; 18:3502-3512. [PMID: 31724455 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2019.1689481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related complication and the major cause to maternal and fetal mortality. Despite extensive studies, the pathogenesis of this disease still remains unknown. Here we explored the roles of HIF-1α and Notch1/ETBR in preeclampsia.Methods: Immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR and western blot were used to measure levels of Notch1 and ETBR in placentas of preeclampsia patients. Transwell invasion assay and in vitro Matrigel assay were used to test the functions of Notch1, HIF-1α and ETBR in invasion and angiogenesis of trophoblast cells. In addition, we used reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) rat model to study preeclampsia in vivo.Results: We found that Notch1 and ETBR were down-regulated in the placenta of patients with preeclampsia. Hypoxia promoted invasion and angiogenesis of trophoblast cells, and up-regulated expressions of HIF-1α, Notch1/ETBR. Overexpression of Notch1 facilitated invasion and angiogenesis of trophoblast cells while HIF-1α inhibitor suppressed. Furthermore, Notch1 or ETBR could promote angiogenesis of trophoblast cells in RUPP rats.Conclusions: Our study reveals that HIF-1α and Notch1/ETBR play important roles in preeclampsia. Hypoxia-induced HIF-1αregulated Notch1/ETBR signaling, thereby modulating invasion and angiogenesis of trophoblast cells. These results shed light on molecular mechanisms of preeclampsia and provide potential targets for preeclampsia therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian-Li Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Juan Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Su-Hua Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Nascimento RA, Possomato-Vieira JS, Bonacio GF, Rizzi E, Dias-Junior CA. Reductions of Circulating Nitric Oxide are Followed by Hypertension during Pregnancy and Increased Activity of Matrix Metalloproteinases-2 and -9 in Rats. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111402. [PMID: 31703340 PMCID: PMC6912623 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertensive pregnancy has been associated with reduced nitric oxide (NO), bioavailability, and increased activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). However, it is unclear if MMPs activation is regulated by NO during pregnancy. To this end, we examined activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in plasma, placenta, uterus and aorta, NO bioavailability, oxidative stress, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and fetal-placental development at the early, middle, and late pregnancy stages in normotensive and Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl-ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertensive pregnancy in rats. Reduced MMP-2 activity in uterus, placenta, and aorta and reduced MMP-9 activity in plasma and placenta with concomitant increased NO levels were found in normotensive pregnant rats. By contrast, increased MMP-2 activity in uterus, placenta, and aorta, and increased MMP-9 activity in plasma and placenta with concomitant reduced NO levels were observed in hypertensive pregnant rats. Also, elevated oxidative stress was displayed by hypertensive pregnant rats at the middle and late stages. These findings in the L-NAME-treated pregnant rats were also followed by increases in SBP and associated with fetal growth restrictions at the middle and late pregnancy stages. We concluded that NO bioavailability may regulate MMPs activation during normal and hypertensive pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina A. Nascimento
- Department of Pharmacology, Biosciences Institute of Botucatu, Sao Paulo State University – UNESP, Botucatu, Sao Paulo 18.618-689, Brazil; (R.A.N.); (J.S.P.-V.)
| | - Jose S. Possomato-Vieira
- Department of Pharmacology, Biosciences Institute of Botucatu, Sao Paulo State University – UNESP, Botucatu, Sao Paulo 18.618-689, Brazil; (R.A.N.); (J.S.P.-V.)
| | - Giselle F. Bonacio
- Unit of Biotechnology, University of Ribeirao Preto, UNAERP, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo 14096-900, Brazil; (G.F.B.); (E.R.)
| | - Elen Rizzi
- Unit of Biotechnology, University of Ribeirao Preto, UNAERP, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo 14096-900, Brazil; (G.F.B.); (E.R.)
| | - Carlos A. Dias-Junior
- Department of Pharmacology, Biosciences Institute of Botucatu, Sao Paulo State University – UNESP, Botucatu, Sao Paulo 18.618-689, Brazil; (R.A.N.); (J.S.P.-V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55 14 3880-0214
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Regal JF, Lund JM, Wing CR, Root KM, McCutcheon L, Bemis LT, Gilbert JS, Fleming SD. Interactions between the complement and endothelin systems in normal pregnancy and following placental ischemia. Mol Immunol 2019; 114:10-18. [PMID: 31326653 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2019.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is characterized by new onset hypertension and fetal growth restriction and is associated with aberrant activation of the innate immune complement system and stressed or ischemic placenta. Previous studies have suggested a role for both endothelin and complement system activation products in new onset hypertension in pregnancy, but inter-relationships of the pathways are unclear. We hypothesized that complement activation following placental ischemia stimulates the endothelin pathway to cause hypertension and impair fetal growth. The Reduced Uterine Perfusion Pressure (RUPP) model results in hypertension and fetal growth restriction in a pregnant rat due to placental ischemia caused by mechanical obstruction of blood flow to uterus and placenta. The effect of inhibitor of complement activation soluble Complement Receptor 1 (sCR1) and endothelin A receptor (ETA) antagonist atrasentan on hypertension, fetal weight, complement activation (systemic circulating C3a and local C3 placental deposition) and endothelin [circulating endothelin and message for preproendothelin (PPE), ETA and endothelin B receptor (ETB) in placenta] in the RUPP rat model were determined. Following placental ischemia, sCR1 attenuated hypertension but increased message for PPE and ETA in placenta, suggesting complement activation causes hypertension via an endothelin independent pathway. With ETA antagonism the placental ischemia-induced increase in circulating C3a was unaffected despite inhibition of hypertension, indicating systemic C3a alone is not sufficient. In normal pregnancy, inhibiting complement activation increased plasma endothelin but not placental PPE message. Atrasentan treatment increased fetal weight, circulating endothelin and placental ETA message, and unexpectedly increased local complement activation in placenta (C3 deposition) but not C3a in circulation, suggesting endothelin controls local placental complement activation in normal pregnancy. Atrasentan also significantly decreased message for endogenous complement regulators Crry and CD55 in placenta and kidney in normal pregnancy. Results of our study indicate that complement/endothelin interactions differ in pregnancies complicated with placental ischemia vs normal pregnancy, as well as locally vs systemically. These data clearly illustrate the complex interplay between complement and endothelin indicating that perturbations of either pathway may affect pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean F Regal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, 1035 University Dr., University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus, Duluth, Minnesota, 55812, USA.
| | - Jenna M Lund
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, 1035 University Dr., University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus, Duluth, Minnesota, 55812, USA.
| | - Cameron R Wing
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, 1035 University Dr., University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus, Duluth, Minnesota, 55812, USA.
| | - Kate M Root
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, 1035 University Dr., University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus, Duluth, Minnesota, 55812, USA.
| | - Luke McCutcheon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, 1035 University Dr., University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus, Duluth, Minnesota, 55812, USA.
| | - Lynne T Bemis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, 1035 University Dr., University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus, Duluth, Minnesota, 55812, USA.
| | - Jeffrey S Gilbert
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, 1035 University Dr., University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus, Duluth, Minnesota, 55812, USA.
| | - Sherry D Fleming
- Division of Biology, 18 Ackert, Kansas State University, 1717 Claflin Rd, Manhattan, Kansas, 66506, USA.
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28
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Morton JS, Levasseur J, Ganguly E, Quon A, Kirschenman R, Dyck JRB, Fraser GM, Davidge ST. Characterisation of the Selective Reduced Uteroplacental Perfusion (sRUPP) Model of Preeclampsia. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9565. [PMID: 31266978 PMCID: PMC6606748 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45959-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy characterised by gestational hypertension, proteinuria and/or end organ disease. The reduced uteroplacental perfusion (RUPP) model, via partial occlusion of the lower abdominal aorta, mimics insufficient placental perfusion as a primary causal characteristic of preeclampsia. However, a major limitation of the RUPP model is that perfusion is reduced to the entire hindquarters of the rat resulting in hindlimb ischemia. We hypothesised that clipping the uterine and ovarian arteries in the selective (s)RUPP model would provoke signs of preeclampsia while avoiding systemic ischemia. Sham, RUPP or sRUPP procedures were performed in pregnant Sprague Dawley rats on gestational day (GD)14. On GD21 uterine blood flow was significantly reduced in both the RUPP and sRUPP models while aortic flow was reduced only in RUPP. Both models resulted in increased MAP, increased vascular oxidative stress (superoxide generation), increased pro-inflammatory (RANTES) and reduced pro-angiogenic (endoglin) mediators. Vascular compliance and constriction were unaltered in either RUPP or sRUPP groups. In summary, refinements to the RUPP model simultaneously maintain the characteristic phenotype of preeclampsia and avoid peripheral ischemia; providing a useful tool which may be used to increase our knowledge and bring us closer to a solution for women affected by preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Morton
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Dept. of Ob/Gyn, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2S2, Canada.,Women and Children's Health Research Institute, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - J Levasseur
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Dept. of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2S2, Canada
| | - E Ganguly
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Dept. of Ob/Gyn, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2S2, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Dept. of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H7, Canada.,Women and Children's Health Research Institute, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - A Quon
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Dept. of Ob/Gyn, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2S2, Canada.,Women and Children's Health Research Institute, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - R Kirschenman
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Dept. of Ob/Gyn, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2S2, Canada.,Women and Children's Health Research Institute, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - J R B Dyck
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Dept. of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2S2, Canada
| | - G M Fraser
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada
| | - S T Davidge
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Dept. of Ob/Gyn, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2S2, Canada. .,Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Dept. of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H7, Canada. .,Women and Children's Health Research Institute, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada.
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Endothelin receptor antagonism during preeclampsia: a matter of timing? Clin Sci (Lond) 2019; 133:1341-1352. [PMID: 31221823 DOI: 10.1042/cs20190464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy complication, featuring elevated blood pressure and proteinuria, with no appropriate treatment. Activation of the endothelin system has emerged as an important pathway in PE pathophysiology based on experimental PE models where endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) prevented or attenuated hypertension and proteinuria. Hence, ERAs have been suggested as potential therapy for PE. However, developmental toxicity studies in animals have shown severe teratogenic effects of ERAs, particularly craniofacial malformations. Nonetheless, sporadic cases of pregnancy in women using ERAs to treat pulmonary hypertension have been described. In this review we give an overview of cases describing ERA use in pregnancy and critically address their possible teratogenic effects. A systematic search in literature yielded 18 articles describing 39 cases with ERA exposure during human pregnancy. In most cases there was only exposure in the first trimester, but exposure later or throughout pregnancy was reported in five cases. Elective termination of pregnancy was performed in 12 pregnancies (31%), two ended in a spontaneous miscarriage (5%) and no fetal congenital abnormalities have been described in the remaining cases. These preliminary findings support the idea that ERA treatment for severe, early onset PE might be an option if applied later in pregnancy, when organogenesis is completed to avoid teratogenic risks. However, third trimester toxicology studies are warranted to evaluate drug safety. Subsequently, it remains to be established whether ERA treatment is effective for alleviating maternal symptoms, as demonstrated in preclinical PE models, allowing pregnancy prolongation without leading to adverse neonatal outcomes.
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Placental Origins of Preeclampsia: Potential Therapeutic Targets. Curr Med Sci 2019; 39:190-195. [PMID: 31016509 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-019-2018-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Revised: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) remains a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in obstetrics worldwide. No effective treatments to reduce its incidence and severity in clinical practice are currently available. A variety of hypotheses have been generated aiming to explain the origins of PE, notably being the genetic predispositions and placental dysfunction. As regard to placental dysfunction, much progress has been made in basic research and several potential therapeutic targets have been identified. This review will discuss in detail the potential therapeutic targets in PE models including uteroplacental blood flow, oxidative stress, vasoactive factors and inflammation/immune response, and introduce the evolving technologies for placental research nowadays.
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31
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Sulodexide promotes arterial relaxation via endothelium-dependent nitric oxide-mediated pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 166:347-356. [PMID: 31014752 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Sulodexide (SDX) is a highly purified glycosaminoglycan with antithrombotic and profibrinolytic properties and reported benefits in thrombotic and atherosclerotic vascular disorders. However, the effects of SDX on vascular function are unclear. We tested whether SDX affects vascular relaxation and examined the potential underlying mechanisms. Isolated segments of male rat abdominal aorta and mesenteric artery were suspended in a tissue bath, and the changes in arterial contraction/relaxation were measured. The α-adrenergic receptor agonist phenylephrine (Phe) (10-9-10-5 M) caused concentration-dependent aortic and mesenteric artery contraction that was reduced in tissues pretreated with SDX (1 mg/ml). In aortic and mesenteric arterial segments precontracted with submaximal concentration of Phe (3 × 10-7-6 × 10-7 M), SDX (0.001-1 mg/ml) caused concentration-dependent relaxation. To test the role of endothelium, SDX-induced relaxation was compared with that of acetylcholine (ACh), a known activator of endothelium-dependent relaxation. In Phe precontracted aorta, ACh relaxation was abolished and SDX relaxation was significantly inhibited by endothelium removal or the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), suggesting a role of NO. In mesenteric artery, ACh relaxation was abolished by endothelium removal, partially blocked by L-NAME, and completely blocked by a mixture of indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor and blocker of the PGI2-cAMP pathway, and tetraethylammonium, a blocker of K+ channels and EDHF-dependent hyperpolarization pathway. In comparison, SDX relaxation of mesenteric artery was almost completely inhibited by endothelium removal or NOS inhibitor L-NAME. SDX enhanced vascular relaxation and increased nitrate/nitrite production in response to all ACh concentrations in the aorta, but only to low ACh concentrations (<10-7 M) in mesenteric artery. SDX did not affect aortic or mesenteric artery endothelium-independent relaxation to the NO donor sodium nitroprusside. Thus, SDX promotes arterial relaxation via a mechanism involving endothelium-dependent NO production; an effect that could enhance vasodilation and decrease vasoconstriction in vascular disorders.
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Zou Y, Li S, Wu D, Xu Y, Wang S, Jiang Y, Liu F, Jiang Z, Qu H, Yu X, Wang X, Wang Y, Sun L. Resveratrol promotes trophoblast invasion in pre-eclampsia by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:2702-2710. [PMID: 30710417 PMCID: PMC6433653 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Impairment spiral arteries remodelling was considered to be the underlying cause of pathogenesis of pre‐eclampsia (PE). Resveratrol (RE) was reported that it could modulate cellar phenotype to ameliorate diverse human diseases. However, the biological function of RE in PE remains poorly understood. In this report, we investigated the effect of RE on trophoblast phenotype both in vivo and in vitro. We conducted MTT and transwell assays to explore cell proliferation and invasion events in HTR‐8/SVneo. In mice model, the clinical characteristics of PE were established through the injection of NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME). Furthermore, related experiments were performed to detect cellar phenotype‐associated signalling pathway, including epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and Wnt/β‐catenin. Cell assays indicated that RE could increase trophoblasts migration and invasion. In addition, hypertension and proteinuria were markedly ameliorated by RE compared with the controls in PE mice model. Moreover, treatment by RE in trophoblasts or in PE model, we found that RE activated EMT progress through the regulation of E‐cadherin, β‐catenin, N‐cadherin, vimentin expression, and further altered the WNT‐related gene expression, including WNT1, WNT3 and WNT5B. Our findings demonstrated that RE might stimulate the invasive capability of human trophoblasts by promoting EMT and mediating the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfen Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong Province, China
| | - Shuhong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong Province, China
| | - Dan Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yetao Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Sailan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ying Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyan Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hongmei Qu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiang Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yuanli Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lizhou Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
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Yu W, Gao W, Rong D, Wu Z, Khalil RA. Molecular determinants of microvascular dysfunction in hypertensive pregnancy and preeclampsia. Microcirculation 2018; 26:e12508. [PMID: 30338879 PMCID: PMC6474836 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related disorder characterized by hypertension and often fetal intrauterine growth restriction, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Defective placentation and apoptosis of invasive cytotrophoblasts cause inadequate remodeling of spiral arteries, placental ischemia, and reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP). RUPP causes imbalance between the anti-angiogenic factors soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and soluble endoglin and the pro-angiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor and placental growth factor, and stimulates the release of proinflammatory cytokines, hypoxia-inducible factor, reactive oxygen species, and angiotensin AT1 receptor agonistic autoantibodies. These circulating factors target the vascular endothelium, smooth muscle and various components of the extracellular matrix. Generalized endotheliosis in systemic, renal, cerebral, and hepatic vessels causes decreases in endothelium-derived vasodilators such as nitric oxide, prostacyclin and hyperpolarization factor, and increases in vasoconstrictors such as endothelin-1 and thromboxane A2. Enhanced mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle contraction, such as intracellular Ca2+ , protein kinase C, and Rho-kinase cause further increases in vasoconstriction. Changes in matrix metalloproteinases and extracellular matrix cause inadequate vascular remodeling and increased arterial stiffening, leading to further increases in vascular resistance and hypertension. Therapeutic options are currently limited, but understanding the molecular determinants of microvascular dysfunction could help in the design of new approaches for the prediction and management of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Yu
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Wei Gao
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Dan Rong
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Zhixian Wu
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Raouf A Khalil
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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34
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Nascimento RA, Possomato-Vieira JS, Gonçalves-Rizzi VH, Bonacio GF, Rizzi E, Dias-Junior CA. Hypertension, augmented activity of matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9 and angiogenic imbalance in hypertensive pregnancy are attenuated by doxycycline. Eur J Pharmacol 2018; 840:60-69. [PMID: 30336141 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is manifested as maternal hypertension and fetal growth restriction. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in hypertension and doxycycline reduces blood pressure by inhibition of MMPs. Moreover, excessive levels of MMPs and reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability have been related to preeclampsia. We investigated the involvement of MMPs in hypertension in pregnancy induced by Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) in rats. To this end, zimography was performed to evaluate the activity of MMPs -2 and -9 in placenta, uterus and thoracic aorta, and systolic blood pressure, feto-placental development and metabolites of NO were evaluated. Also, plasma antioxidant capacity, plasma levels of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PLGF) were examined. Doxycycline prevented hypertensive pregnancy and significant reductions in number of pups induced by L-NAME. Low NO bioavailability was found in hypertensive pregnant rats treated (or not) with doxycycline. Increased activity of placental MMP-2 and MMP-9 and uterine MMP-2 were attenuated by doxycycline. MMP-2 activity of thoracic aorta showed no change after hypertension. Increases in PLGF with concomitant decreases in sFlt-1 levels were found with doxycycline treatment. Also, plasma antioxidant capacity was improved with doxycycline. Also, elevations of plasma antioxidant capacity were observed in hypertensive rats treated with doxycycline. Therefore, we suggest that L-NAME reduced NO and this triggered the increases in MMP-2 and -9 activities during hypertensive pregnancy. Importantly, increases in MMPs activation and angiogenic imbalance were attenuated by doxycycline and these effects were associated with decreases in systolic blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina A Nascimento
- Department of Pharmacology, Biosciences Institute of Botucatu, Sao Paulo State University - UNESP, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - José S Possomato-Vieira
- Department of Pharmacology, Biosciences Institute of Botucatu, Sao Paulo State University - UNESP, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Victor H Gonçalves-Rizzi
- Department of Pharmacology, Biosciences Institute of Botucatu, Sao Paulo State University - UNESP, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gisele F Bonacio
- Unit of Biotechnology, University of Ribeirao Preto, UNAERP, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elen Rizzi
- Unit of Biotechnology, University of Ribeirao Preto, UNAERP, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos A Dias-Junior
- Department of Pharmacology, Biosciences Institute of Botucatu, Sao Paulo State University - UNESP, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
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35
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Stanhewicz AE. Residual vascular dysfunction in women with a history of preeclampsia. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2018; 315:R1062-R1071. [PMID: 30133302 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00204.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy characterized by new-onset hypertension, proteinuria, and edema occurring after 20 wk of gestation, with a prevalence of ~7-10% of pregnancies in the United States and ~8 million pregnancies worldwide. Despite the postpartum remission of preeclamptic symptoms, women who have had preeclampsia are two to four times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) and are significantly more likely to die of CVD compared with women with a history of normal pregnancy. Although the relation between history of preeclampsia and elevated CVD risk is well documented, the mechanism(s) underlying this association remains unclear. One hypothesis explaining this association is that the initial vascular damage and dysfunction sustained during the preeclamptic pregnancy persist chronically. Indeed, even in the absence of, or in advance of, overt CVD women who have had preeclampsia have compromised vascular endothelial function. Emerging mechanistic studies in these women have provided some insight into the underlying mechanisms of this persistent vascular dysfunction and have begun to identify potential therapeutic targets for the prevention or mitigation of CVD progression in this vulnerable population. This review summarizes the existing literature examining vascular function and dysfunction in women with a history of preeclampsia and highlights future directions for mechanistic investigations and development of novel intervention strategies aimed at halting or slowing the progression of CVD in these women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Stanhewicz
- Department of Kinesiology, Pennsylvania State University , University Park, Pennsylvania
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36
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Preeclampsia (PE) is a disorder of pregnancy typically characterized by new-onset hypertension and proteinuria after gestational week 20. Although preeclampsia is one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and death worldwide, the mechanisms of the pathogenesis of the disorder remain unclear and treatment options are limited. Placental ischemic events and the release of placental factors appear to play a critical role in the pathophysiology. These factors contribute to a generalized systemic vascular endothelial dysfunction and result in increased systemic vascular resistance and hypertension. RECENT FINDINGS There is increasing evidence to suggest that endothelin-1 (ET-1) in the maternal vascular endothelium is a critical final common pathway, whereby placental ischemic factors cause cardiovascular and renal dysfunction in the mother. Multiple studies report increased levels of ET-1 in PE. A number of experimental models of PE are also associated with elevated tissue levels of prepro-ET-1 mRNA. Moreover, experimental models of PE (placental ischemia, sFlt-1 excess, TNF-α excess, and AT1-AA infusion) have proven to be responsive to ET type A receptor antagonism. Recent studies also suggest that abnormalities in ET type B receptor signaling may also play a role in PE. Although numerous studies highlight the importance of the ET system in the pathogenesis of PE, further work is needed to determine whether ET receptor antagonists could provide an effective therapy for the management of this disease.
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Ren Z, Cui N, Zhu M, Khalil RA. Placental growth factor reverses decreased vascular and uteroplacental MMP-2 and MMP-9 and increased MMP-1 and MMP-7 and collagen types I and IV in hypertensive pregnancy. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2018; 315:H33-H47. [PMID: 29569955 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00045.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy manifested as maternal hypertension (HTN) and fetal intrauterine growth restriction, with unclear mechanisms. Placental ischemia increases antiangiogenic soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) relative to angiogenic placental growth factor (PlGF); however, the molecular targets are unclear. To test the hypothesis that placental ischemia-induced changes in sFlt-1 and PlGF target vascular and uteroplacental matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), we tested whether raising the sFlt-1-to-PlGF ratio by infusing sFlt-1 (10 µg·kg-1·day-1) in pregnant (Preg) rats increases blood pressure (BP) and alters MMPs and whether correcting sFlt-1/PlGF by infusing PlGF (20 µg·kg-1·day-1) in Preg rats with reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) improves BP and reverses the changes in MMPs. On gestational day 19, BP was higher and the litter size and uterine, placenta, and pup weight were less in Preg + sFlt-1 and RUPP than Preg rats and restored in RUPP + PlGF versus RUPP rats. Gelatin and casein zymography and Western blots revealed decreases in MMP-2 and MMP-9 and increases in MMP-1 and MMP-7 in the aorta, uterine artery, uterus, and placenta of Preg + sFlt-1 and RUPP versus Preg rats, which were reversed in RUPP + PlGF versus RUPP rats. Collagen types I and IV were more abundant in Preg + sFlt-1 and RUPP versus Preg rats and were reversed in RUPP + PlGF versus RUPP rats. Thus, PlGF reverses decreased vascular and uteroplacental MMP-2 and MMP-9 and increased MMP-1, MMP-7, and collagen types I and IV induced by placental ischemia and sFlt-1 in HTN in pregnancy. Angiogenic factors and MMP modulators could rectify changes in MMPs and collagen, restore vascular and uteroplacental remodeling, and improve HTN and intrauterine growth restriction in preeclampsia. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Understanding the mechanisms of preeclampsia could help in its prevention and management. This study shows that correcting soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1)/placental growth factor (PlGF) imbalance by infusing PlGF reverses the decreases in vascular and uteroplacental matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 and the increases in MMP-1, MMP-7, and collagen types I and IV induced by placental ischemia and antiangiogenic sFlt-1 in hypertension in pregnancy. Angiogenic factors and MMP modulators could rectify changes in vascular and uteroplacental MMPs and collagen content and ameliorate hypertension and intrauterine growth restriction in preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongli Ren
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ning Cui
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Minglin Zhu
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Raouf A Khalil
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts
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38
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Endothelin type B (ET B) receptors: friend or foe in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia and future cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk? Clin Sci (Lond) 2018; 132:33-36. [PMID: 29295950 DOI: 10.1042/cs20171366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
In a recent issue of Clinical Science, Stanhewicz et al. investigated persistent microvascular dysfunction in women up to 16 months postpartum. The authors found sensitivity to the pressor effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) was enhanced when compared with women who had a normotensive pregnancy. Importantly, the authors demonstrated that this effect was mediated via the endothelin type B (ETB) receptors. Therefore, the present study highlights the possibility that alterations in the localization of the ETB receptor contributes to the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia and future cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Currently, there is great interest in the role of the endothelin system in pre-eclampsia. Targetting the endothelin system, potentially by modulating upstream pathways to prevent ETB receptor dysfunction, may improve health outcomes for women and their offspring during pre-eclampsia and later life.
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Stanhewicz AE, Jandu S, Santhanam L, Alexander LM. Alterations in endothelin type B receptor contribute to microvascular dysfunction in women who have had preeclampsia. Clin Sci (Lond) 2017; 131:2777-2789. [PMID: 29042489 PMCID: PMC5922254 DOI: 10.1042/cs20171292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Microvascular dysfunction originating during a preeclamptic pregnancy persists postpartum and probably contributes to increased CVD risk in these women. One putative mechanism contributing to this dysfunction is increased vasoconstrictor sensitivity to endothelin-1 (ET-1), mediated by alterations in ET-1 receptor type-B (ETBR). We evaluated ET-1 sensitivity, ETAR, and ETBR contributions to ET-1-mediated constriction, and the mechanistic role of ETBR in endothelium-dependent dilation in vivo in the microvasculature of postpartum women who had preeclampsia (PrEC, n=12) and control women who had a healthy pregnancy (HC, n=12). We hypothesized that (1) PrEC would have a greater vasoconstrictor response to ET-1, and (2) reduced ETBR-mediated dilation. We further hypothesized that ETBR-blockade would attenuate endothelium-dependent vasodilation in HC, but not PrEC. Microvascular reactivity was assessed by measurement of cutaneous vascular conductance responses to graded infusion of ET-1 (10-20-10-8 mol/l), ET-1 + 500 nmol/l BQ-123 (ETAR-blockade), and ET-1 + 300 nmol/l BQ-788 (ETBR-blockade), and during graded infusion of acetylcholine (ACh, 10-7-102 mmol/l) and a standardized local heating protocol with and without ETBR-inhibition. PrEC had an increased vasoconstriction response to ET-1 (P=0.02). PrEC demonstrated reduced dilation responses to selective ETBR stimulation with ET-1 (P=0.01). ETBR-inhibition augmented ET-1-mediated constriction in HC (P=0.01) but attenuated ET-1-mediated constriction in PrEC (P=0.003). ETBR-inhibition attenuated endothelium-dependent vasodilation responses to 100mmol/l ACh (P=0.04) and local heat (P=0.003) in HC but increased vasodilation (ACh: P=0.01; local heat: P=0.03) in PrEC. Women who have had preeclampsia demonstrate augmented vasoconstrictor sensitivity to ET-1, mediated by altered ETBR signaling. Furthermore, altered ETBR function contributes to diminished endothelium-dependent dilation in previously preeclamptic women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Stanhewicz
- Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, U.S.A.
| | - Sandeep Jandu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, U.S.A
| | - Lakshmi Santhanam
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, U.S.A
| | - Lacy M Alexander
- Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, U.S.A
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40
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Christou H, Hudalla H, Michael Z, Filatava EJ, Li J, Zhu M, Possomato-Vieira JS, Dias-Junior C, Kourembanas S, Khalil RA. Impaired Pulmonary Arterial Vasoconstriction and Nitric Oxide-Mediated Relaxation Underlie Severe Pulmonary Hypertension in the Sugen-Hypoxia Rat Model. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2017; 364:258-274. [PMID: 29212831 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.117.244798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary vasoreactivity could determine the responsiveness to vasodilators and, in turn, the prognosis of pulmonary hypertension (PH). We hypothesized that pulmonary vasoreactivity is impaired, and we examined the underlying mechanisms in the Sugen-hypoxia rat model of severe PH. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with Sugen (20 mg/kg s.c.) and exposed to hypoxia (9% O2) for 3 weeks, followed by 4 weeks in normoxia (Su/Hx), or treated with Sugen alone (Su) or hypoxia alone (Hx) or neither (Nx). After hemodynamic measurements, the heart was assessed for right ventricular hypertrophy (Fulton's index); the pulmonary artery, aorta, and mesenteric arteries were isolated for vascular function studies; and contractile markers were measured in pulmonary arteries using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Other rats were used for morphometric analysis of pulmonary vascular remodeling. Right ventricular systolic pressure and Fulton's index were higher in Su/Hx versus Su, Hx, and Nx rats. Pulmonary vascular remodeling was more prominent in Su/Hx versus Nx rats. In pulmonary artery rings, contraction to high KCl (96 mM) was less in Su/Hx versus Nx and Su, and phenylephrine-induced contraction was reduced in Su/Hx versus Nx, Hx, and Su. Acetylcholine (ACh)-induced relaxation was less in Su/Hx versus Nx and Hx, suggesting reduced endothelium-dependent vasodilation. ACh relaxation was inhibited by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and guanylate cyclase blockade in all groups, suggesting a role of the NO-cGMP pathway. Nitrate/nitrite production in response to ACh was less in Su/Hx versus Nx, supporting reduced endothelial NO production. Sodium nitroprusside (10-8 M) caused less relaxation in Su/Hx versus Nx, Hx, and Su, suggesting a decreased responsiveness of vascular smooth muscle (VSM) to vasodilators. Neither contraction nor relaxation differed in the aorta or mesenteric arteries of all groups. PCR analysis showed decreased expression of contractile markers in pulmonary artery of Su/Hx versus Nx. The reduced responsiveness to vasoconstrictors and NO-mediated vasodilation in the pulmonary, but not systemic, vessels may be an underlying mechanism of severe PH in Su/Hx rats and appears to involve attenuation of the NO relaxation pathway and a switch of pulmonary VSM cells to a synthetic less reactive phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Christou
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine (H.C., H.H., Z.M., E.J.F., S.K.), and Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (J.L., M.Z., J.S.P.-V., C.D.-J., R.A.K.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Division of Newborn Medicine, Children's Hospital (H.C., S.K.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; and Department of Neonatology, Children's University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany (H.H.)
| | - Hannes Hudalla
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine (H.C., H.H., Z.M., E.J.F., S.K.), and Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (J.L., M.Z., J.S.P.-V., C.D.-J., R.A.K.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Division of Newborn Medicine, Children's Hospital (H.C., S.K.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; and Department of Neonatology, Children's University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany (H.H.)
| | - Zoe Michael
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine (H.C., H.H., Z.M., E.J.F., S.K.), and Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (J.L., M.Z., J.S.P.-V., C.D.-J., R.A.K.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Division of Newborn Medicine, Children's Hospital (H.C., S.K.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; and Department of Neonatology, Children's University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany (H.H.)
| | - Evgenia J Filatava
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine (H.C., H.H., Z.M., E.J.F., S.K.), and Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (J.L., M.Z., J.S.P.-V., C.D.-J., R.A.K.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Division of Newborn Medicine, Children's Hospital (H.C., S.K.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; and Department of Neonatology, Children's University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany (H.H.)
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine (H.C., H.H., Z.M., E.J.F., S.K.), and Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (J.L., M.Z., J.S.P.-V., C.D.-J., R.A.K.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Division of Newborn Medicine, Children's Hospital (H.C., S.K.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; and Department of Neonatology, Children's University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany (H.H.)
| | - Minglin Zhu
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine (H.C., H.H., Z.M., E.J.F., S.K.), and Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (J.L., M.Z., J.S.P.-V., C.D.-J., R.A.K.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Division of Newborn Medicine, Children's Hospital (H.C., S.K.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; and Department of Neonatology, Children's University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany (H.H.)
| | - Jose S Possomato-Vieira
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine (H.C., H.H., Z.M., E.J.F., S.K.), and Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (J.L., M.Z., J.S.P.-V., C.D.-J., R.A.K.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Division of Newborn Medicine, Children's Hospital (H.C., S.K.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; and Department of Neonatology, Children's University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany (H.H.)
| | - Carlos Dias-Junior
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine (H.C., H.H., Z.M., E.J.F., S.K.), and Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (J.L., M.Z., J.S.P.-V., C.D.-J., R.A.K.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Division of Newborn Medicine, Children's Hospital (H.C., S.K.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; and Department of Neonatology, Children's University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany (H.H.)
| | - Stella Kourembanas
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine (H.C., H.H., Z.M., E.J.F., S.K.), and Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (J.L., M.Z., J.S.P.-V., C.D.-J., R.A.K.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Division of Newborn Medicine, Children's Hospital (H.C., S.K.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; and Department of Neonatology, Children's University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany (H.H.)
| | - Raouf A Khalil
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine (H.C., H.H., Z.M., E.J.F., S.K.), and Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (J.L., M.Z., J.S.P.-V., C.D.-J., R.A.K.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Division of Newborn Medicine, Children's Hospital (H.C., S.K.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; and Department of Neonatology, Children's University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany (H.H.)
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Affiliation(s)
- Styliani Goulopoulou
- From the Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth
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Angiogenic imbalance and diminished matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 underlie regional decreases in uteroplacental vascularization and feto-placental growth in hypertensive pregnancy. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 146:101-116. [PMID: 28912068 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a form of hypertension-in-pregnancy (HTN-Preg) with unclear mechanism. Generalized reduction of uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) could be an initiating event leading to uteroplacental ischemia, angiogenic imbalance, and HTN-Preg. Additional regional differences in uteroplacental blood flow could further affect the pregnancy outcome and increase the risk of preeclampsia in twin or multiple pregnancy, but the mechanisms involved are unclear. To test the hypothesis that regional differences in angiogenic balance and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) underlie regional uteroplacental vascularization and feto-placental development, we compared fetal and placental growth, and placental and myoendometrial vascularization in the proximal, middle and distal regions of the uterus (in relation to the iliac bifurcation) in normal pregnant (Preg) and RUPP rats. Maternal blood pressure and plasma anti-angiogenic soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1)/placenta growth factor (PIGF) ratio were higher, and average placentae number, placenta weight, litter size, and pup weight were less in RUPP than Preg rats. The placenta and pup number and weight were reduced, while the number and diameter of placental and adjacent myoendometrial arteries, and MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels/activity were increased, and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was decreased in distal vs proximal uterus of Preg rats. In RUPP rats, the placenta and pup number and weight, the number and diameter of placental and myoendometrial arteries, and MMP-2 and -9 levels/activity were decreased, and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was increased in distal vs proximal uterus. Treatment with sFlt-1 or RUPP placenta extract decreased MMP-2 and MMP-9 in distal segments of Preg uterus, and treatment with PIGF or Preg placenta extract restored MMP levels in distal segments of RUPP uterus. Thus, in addition to the general reduction in placental and fetal growth during uteroplacental ischemia, localized angiogenic imbalance and diminished MMP-2 and MMP-9 could cause further decrease in placental and myoendometrial vascularization and placental and fetal growth in distal vs proximal uterus of HTN-Preg rats. Regional differences in uteroplacental perfusion, angiogenic balance and MMPs could be a factor in the incidence of preeclampsia in multiple pregnancy.
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SCF-KIT signaling induces endothelin-3 synthesis and secretion: Thereby activates and regulates endothelin-B-receptor for generating temporally- and spatially-precise nitric oxide to modulate SCF- and or KIT-expressing cell functions. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184154. [PMID: 28880927 PMCID: PMC5589172 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
We demonstrate that SCF-KIT signaling induces synthesis and secretion of endothelin-3 (ET3) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and melanoma cells in vitro, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, human sun-exposed skin, and myenteric plexus of human colon post-fasting in vivo. This is the first report of a physiological mechanism of ET3 induction. Integrating our finding with supporting data from literature leads us to discover a previously unreported pathway of nitric oxide (NO) generation derived from physiological endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) or neuronal NOS (nNOS) activation (referred to as the KIT-ET3-NO pathway). It involves: (1) SCF-expressing cells communicate with neighboring KIT-expressing cells directly or indirectly (cleaved soluble SCF). (2) SCF-KIT signaling induces timely local ET3 synthesis and secretion. (3) ET3 binds to ETBR on both sides of intercellular space. (4) ET3-binding-initiated-ETBR activation increases cytosolic Ca2+, activates cell-specific eNOS or nNOS. (5) Temporally- and spatially-precise NO generation. NO diffuses into neighboring cells, thus acts in both SCF- and KIT-expressing cells. (6) NO modulates diverse cell-specific functions by NO/cGMP pathway, controlling transcriptional factors, or other mechanisms. We demonstrate the critical physiological role of the KIT-ET3-NO pathway in fulfilling high demand (exceeding basal level) of endothelium-dependent NO generation for coping with atherosclerosis, pregnancy, and aging. The KIT-ET3-NO pathway most likely also play critical roles in other cell functions that involve dual requirement of SCF-KIT signaling and NO. New strategies (e.g. enhancing the KIT-ET3-NO pathway) to harness the benefit of endogenous eNOS and nNOS activation and precise NO generation for correcting pathophysiology and restoring functions warrant investigation.
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Aslan Cetin B, Aydogan Mathyk B, Cift T, Tuten A, Bulut B, Yilmaz N, Erenel H, Ekmekci H, Gezer A. Serum collectrin levels in patients with early- and late-onset preeclampsia. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2017; 31:2827-2831. [DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2017.1357692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Berna Aslan Cetin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Begum Aydogan Mathyk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tayfur Cift
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bursa Sevket Yılmaz Training and Research Hospital, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Tuten
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul University Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Berk Bulut
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Liv Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nevin Yilmaz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul University Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hakan Erenel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul University Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hakan Ekmekci
- Department of Biochemistry, Istanbul University Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Altay Gezer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul University Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
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Li W, Cui N, Mazzuca MQ, Mata KM, Khalil RA. Increased vascular and uteroplacental matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -7 levels and collagen type I deposition in hypertension in pregnancy: role of TNF-α. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2017. [PMID: 28626073 PMCID: PMC5625170 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00207.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related disorder manifested as maternal hypertension in pregnancy (HTN-Preg) and fetal growth restriction. Placental ischemia could be an initiating event that leads to abnormal vascular and uteroplacental remodeling in HTN-Preg; however, the molecular targets and intermediary mechanisms involved are unclear. We tested the hypothesis that placental ischemia could target vascular and uteroplacental matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) through an inflammatory cytokine-mediated mechanism. MMP levels and distribution were measured in the aorta, uterus, and placenta of normal pregnant (Preg) rats and pregnant rats with reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP). Maternal blood pressure was higher and the litter size and pup weight were lower in RUPP compared with Preg rats. Gelatin zymography showed prominent uterine MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity that was dependent on the amount of loaded protein. At saturating protein loading, both gelatin and casein zymography revealed two additional bands corresponding to MMP-1 and MMP-7 that were greater in the aorta, uterus, and placenta of RUPP compared with Preg rats. Western blots and immunohistochemistry confirmed increased MMP-1 and MMP-7 in the aorta, uterus, and placenta of RUPP versus Preg rats. The levels of MMP-1 and MMP-7 substrate collagen type I were greater in tissues of RUPP compared with Preg rats. In organ culture, TNF-α increased MMP-1 and MMP-7 in the aorta, uterus, and placenta of Preg rats, and a TNF-α antagonist prevented the increases in MMPs in tissues of RUPP rats. Thus, placental ischemia, possibly through TNF-α, increases vascular and uteroplacental MMP-1 and MMP-7, which, in turn, alter collagen deposition and cause inadequate tissue remodeling in HTN-Preg. Cytokine antagonists may reverse the increase in MMP-1 and MMP-7 expression/activity and, in turn, restore proper vascular and uteroplacental remodeling in HTN-Preg and preeclampsia.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The molecular mechanisms of preeclampsia are unclear, making it difficult to predict, prevent, or manage the pregnancy-associated disorder. This study showed that placental ischemia, possibly through the release of TNF-α, causes increases in the levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-7, which could alter collagen deposition and cause inadequate uteroplacental and vascular remodeling in hypertension in pregnancy. The data suggest that targeting MMP-1 and MMP-7 and their upstream modulators, such as TNF-α, could provide a new approach in the management of hypertension in pregnancy and preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ning Cui
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Marc Q Mazzuca
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Karina M Mata
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Raouf A Khalil
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Chen J, Khalil RA. Matrix Metalloproteinases in Normal Pregnancy and Preeclampsia. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2017; 148:87-165. [PMID: 28662830 PMCID: PMC5548443 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2017.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Normal pregnancy is associated with marked hemodynamic and uterine changes that allow adequate uteroplacental blood flow and uterine expansion for the growing fetus. These pregnancy-associated changes involve significant uteroplacental and vascular remodeling. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are important regulators of vascular and uterine remodeling. Increases in MMP-2 and MMP-9 have been implicated in vasodilation, placentation, and uterine expansion during normal pregnancy. The increases in MMPs could be induced by the increased production of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy. MMP expression/activity may be altered during complications of pregnancy. Decreased vascular MMP-2 and MMP-9 may lead to decreased vasodilation, increased vasoconstriction, hypertensive pregnancy, and preeclampsia. Abnormal expression of uteroplacental integrins, cytokines, and MMPs may lead to decreased maternal tolerance, apoptosis of invasive trophoblast cells, inadequate remodeling of spiral arteries, and reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP). RUPP may cause imbalance between the antiangiogenic factors soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and soluble endoglin and the proangiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor and placental growth factor, or stimulate the release of inflammatory cytokines, hypoxia-inducible factor, reactive oxygen species, and angiotensin AT1 receptor agonistic autoantibodies. These circulating factors could target MMPs in the extracellular matrix as well as endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells, causing generalized vascular dysfunction, increased vasoconstriction and hypertension in pregnancy. MMP activity can also be altered by endogenous tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) and changes in the MMP/TIMP ratio. In addition to their vascular effects, decreases in expression/activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the uterus could impede uterine growth and expansion and lead to premature labor. Understanding the role of MMPs in uteroplacental and vascular remodeling and function could help design new approaches for prediction and management of preeclampsia and premature labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Chen
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Raouf A Khalil
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.
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Chen J, Ren Z, Zhu M, Khalil RA. Decreased homodimerization and increased TIMP-1 complexation of uteroplacental and uterine arterial matrix metalloproteinase-9 during hypertension-in-pregnancy. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 138:81-95. [PMID: 28506758 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy manifested as hypertension-in-pregnancy (HTN-Preg) and often intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Placental ischemia could be an initiating event, but the molecular mechanisms are unclear. To test the hypothesis that dimerization of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) plays a role in HTN-Preg and IUGR, the levels/activity of MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1), and their dimerization forms were measured in the placenta, uterus, and uterine artery of normal pregnant (Preg) rats and a rat model of reduced uteroplacental perfusion pressure (RUPP). Consistent with our previous report, blood pressure (BP) was higher, pup weight was lower, and gelatin zymography showed different gelatinolytic activity for pro-MMP-9, MMP-9, pro-MMP-2 and MMP-2 in RUPP vs Preg rats. Careful examination of the zymograms showed additional bands at 200 and 135kDa. Western blots with MMP-9 antibody suggested that the 200kDa band was a MMP-9 homodimer. Western blots with TIMP-1 antibody as well as reverse zymography suggested that the 135kDa band was a MMP-9/TIMP-1 complex. The protein levels and gelatinase activity of MMP-9 homodimer were decreased while MMP-9/TIMP-1 complex was increased in placenta, uterus and uterine artery of RUPP vs Preg rats. The epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor blocker erlotinib and protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide decreased MMP-9 homodimer and increased MMP-9/TIMP-1 complex in placenta, uterus and uterine artery of Preg rats. EGF and the PKC activator phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) reversed the decreases in MMP-9 homodimer and the increases in MMP-9/TIMP-1 complex in tissues of RUPP rats. Thus, the increased BP and decreased pup weight in placental ischemia model of HTN-Preg are associated with a decrease in MMP-9 homodimer and an increase in MMP-9/TIMP-1 complex in placenta, uterus, and uterine artery, which together would cause a net decrease in MMP-9 activity and reduce uteroplacental and vascular remodeling in the setting of HTN-Preg and IUGR. Enhancing EGFR/PKC signaling may reverse the MMP-9 unfavorable dimerization patterns and thereby promote uteroplacental and vascular remodeling in preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Chen
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Zongli Ren
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Minglin Zhu
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Raouf A Khalil
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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The Endothelin Type A Receptor as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Preeclampsia. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18030522. [PMID: 28264495 PMCID: PMC5372538 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18030522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a disorder of pregnancy typically characterized by new onset hypertension after gestational week 20 and proteinuria. Although PE is one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and death worldwide, the mechanisms of the pathogenesis of the disease remain unclear and treatment options are limited. However, there is increasing evidence to suggest that endothelin-1 (ET-1) plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of PE. Multiple studies report that ET-1 is increased in PE and some studies report a positive correlation between ET-1 and the severity of symptoms. A number of experimental models of PE are also associated with elevated tissue levels of prepro ET-1 mRNA. Moreover, experimental models of PE (placental ischemia, sFlt-1 infusion, Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -α infusion, and Angiotensin II type 1 receptor autoantibody (AT1-AA) infusion) have proven to be susceptible to Endothelin Type A (ETA) receptor antagonism. While the results are promising, further work is needed to determine whether ET antagonists could provide an effective therapy for the management of preeclampsia.
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Zhu M, Ren Z, Possomato-Vieira JS, Khalil RA. Restoring placental growth factor-soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 balance reverses vascular hyper-reactivity and hypertension in pregnancy. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2016; 311:R505-21. [PMID: 27280428 PMCID: PMC5142222 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00137.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-related hypertensive disorder (HTN-Preg) with unclear mechanism. An imbalance between antiangiogenic soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and angiogenic placental growth factor (PlGF) has been observed in PE, but the vascular targets and signaling pathways involved are unclear. We assessed the extent of sFlt-1/PlGF imbalance and vascular dysfunction in a rat model of HTN-Preg produced by reduction of uteroplacental perfusion pressure (RUPP), and tested whether inducing a comparable sFlt-1/PlGF imbalance by infusing sFlt-1 (10 μg·kg(-1)·day(-1)) in day 14 pregnant (Preg) rats cause similar increases in blood pressure (BP) and vascular reactivity. Using these guiding measurements, we then tested whether restoring sFlt-1/PlGF balance by infusing PIGF (20 μg·kg(-1)·day(-1)) in RUPP rats would improve BP and vascular function. On gestational day 19, BP was in Preg+sFlt-1 and RUPP > Preg, and in RUPP+PlGF < RUPP rats. Plasma sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was increased in Preg+sFlt-1, and RUPP and was reduced in RUPP+PlGF rats. In isolated endothelium-intact aorta, carotid, mesenteric, and renal artery, phenylephrine (Phe)- and high KCl-induced contraction was in Preg+sFlt-1 and RUPP > Preg, and in RUPP+PlGF < RUPP. The differences in vascular reactivity to Phe and KCl between groups were less apparent in vessels treated with the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor l-NAME or guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) or endothelium-denuded, suggesting changes in endothelial NO-cGMP pathway. In Phe precontracted vessels, ACh-induced relaxation was in Preg+sFlt-1 and RUPP < Preg, and in RUPP+PlGF > RUPP, and was blocked by N(ω)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) or ODQ treatment or endothelium removal. Western blots revealed that aortic total endothelial NOS (eNOS) and activated phosphorylated-eNOS were in Preg+sFlt-1 and RUPP < Preg and in RUPP+PlGF > RUPP. ACh-induced vascular nitrate/nitrite production was in Preg+sFlt-1 and RUPP < Preg, and in RUPP+PlGF > RUPP. Vascular relaxation to the exogenous NO donor sodium nitroprusside was not different among groups. Thus, a tilt in the angiogenic balance toward anti-angiogenic sFlt-1 is associated with decreased vascular relaxation and increased vasoconstriction and BP. Restoring the angiogenic/antiangiogenic balance using PlGF enhances endothelial NO-cGMP vascular relaxation and decreases vasoconstriction and BP in HTN-Preg rats and could offer a new approach in the management of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minglin Zhu
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Zongli Ren
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - José S Possomato-Vieira
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Raouf A Khalil
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Possomato-Vieira JS, Khalil RA. Mechanisms of Endothelial Dysfunction in Hypertensive Pregnancy and Preeclampsia. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY 2016; 77:361-431. [PMID: 27451103 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2016.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related disorder characterized by hypertension and could lead to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Although the causative factors and pathophysiological mechanisms are unclear, endothelial dysfunction is a major hallmark of preeclampsia. Clinical tests and experimental research have suggested that generalized endotheliosis in the systemic, renal, cerebral, and hepatic circulation could decrease endothelium-derived vasodilators such as nitric oxide, prostacyclin, and hyperpolarization factor and increase vasoconstrictors such as endothelin-1 and thromboxane A2, leading to increased vasoconstriction, hypertension, and other manifestation of preeclampsia. In search for the upstream mechanisms that could cause endothelial dysfunction, certain genetic, demographic, and environmental risk factors have been suggested to cause abnormal expression of uteroplacental integrins, cytokines, and matrix metalloproteinases, leading to decreased maternal tolerance, apoptosis of invasive trophoblast cells, inadequate spiral arteries remodeling, reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP), and placental ischemia/hypoxia. RUPP may cause imbalance between the antiangiogenic factors soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and soluble endoglin and the proangiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor and placental growth factor, or stimulate the release of other circulating bioactive factors such as inflammatory cytokines, hypoxia-inducible factor-1, reactive oxygen species, and angiotensin AT1 receptor agonistic autoantibodies. These circulating factors could then target endothelial cells and cause generalized endothelial dysfunction. Therapeutic options are currently limited, but understanding the factors involved in endothelial dysfunction could help design new approaches for prediction and management of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Possomato-Vieira
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - R A Khalil
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
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