1
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Frimat M, Gnemmi V, Stichelbout M, Provôt F, Fakhouri F. Pregnancy as a susceptible state for thrombotic microangiopathies. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1343060. [PMID: 38476448 PMCID: PMC10927739 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1343060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy and the postpartum period represent phases of heightened vulnerability to thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs), as evidenced by distinct patterns of pregnancy-specific TMAs (e.g., preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome), as well as a higher incidence of nonspecific TMAs, such as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura or hemolytic uremic syndrome, during pregnancy. Significant strides have been taken in understanding the underlying mechanisms of these disorders in the past 40 years. This progress has involved the identification of pivotal factors contributing to TMAs, such as the complement system, ADAMTS13, and the soluble VEGF receptor Flt1. Regardless of the specific causal factor (which is not generally unique in relation to the usual multifactorial origin of TMAs), the endothelial cell stands as a central player in the pathophysiology of TMAs. Pregnancy has a major impact on the physiology of the endothelium. Besides to the development of placenta and its vascular consequences, pregnancy modifies the characteristics of the women's microvascular endothelium and tends to render it more prone to thrombosis. This review aims to delineate the distinct features of pregnancy-related TMAs and explore the contributing mechanisms that lead to this increased susceptibility, particularly influenced by the "gravid endothelium." Furthermore, we will discuss the potential contribution of histopathological studies in facilitating the etiological diagnosis of pregnancy-related TMAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Frimat
- CHU Lille, Nephrology Department, Univ. Lille, Lille, France
- Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Univ. Lille, Lille, France
| | | | | | - François Provôt
- CHU Lille, Nephrology Department, Univ. Lille, Lille, France
| | - Fadi Fakhouri
- Service of Nephrology and Hypertension, CHUV and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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2
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Velegrakis A, Kouvidi E, Fragkiadaki P, Sifakis S. Predictive value of the sFlt‑1/PlGF ratio in women with suspected preeclampsia: An update (Review). Int J Mol Med 2023; 52:89. [PMID: 37594116 PMCID: PMC10500221 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2023.5292] [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: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a major complication of pregnancy with an incidence rate of 2‑8% and is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. The various consequences of severe preeclampsia for the fetus, neonate and child include intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), fetal hypoxia, oligohydramnios, intrauterine fetal demise, increased perinatal mortality and morbidity, neurodevelopmental disorders and even irreversible brain damage (cerebral palsy). A number of studies have demonstrated that differences in maternal serum concentrations of angiogenic factors between preeclampsia and normotensive pregnancies can be used as biomarkers, either alone or in combination with other markers, to predict the development of PE. The presence in the maternal circulation of two proteins of placental origin, placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms‑like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt‑1), has been shown to be of clinical value, as the sFlt‑1/PlGF ratio appears to be the optimal predictive tool for the development of PE. The measurement of their concentration in maternal serum in screening models, serves as predictive marker for the development of PE or IUGR later in gestation. However, further research is required to improve its clinical applicability and provide guidelines for its use worldwide to achieve more consistent clinical management of women with PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Velegrakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71500 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Elisavet Kouvidi
- Genesis Genoma Lab, Genetic Diagnosis, Clinical Genetics and Research, 15232 Athens, Greece
| | - Persefoni Fragkiadaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
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3
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Joshi NP, Madiwale SD, Sundrani DP, Joshi SR. Fatty acids, inflammation and angiogenesis in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Biochimie 2023; 212:31-40. [PMID: 37059350 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.04.005] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a metabolic disorder in pregnancy whose prevalence is on the rise. Reports suggest a likely association between inflammation and maternal GDM. A balance between pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines is necessary for the regulation of maternal inflammation system throughout pregnancy. Along with various inflammatory markers, fatty acids also act as pro-inflammatory molecules. However, studies reporting the role of inflammatory markers in GDM are contradictory, suggesting the need of more studies to better understand the role of inflammation in pregnancies complicated by GDM. Inflammatory response can be regulated by angiopoietins suggesting a link between inflammation and angiogenesis. Placental angiogenesis is a normal physiological process which is tightly regulated during pregnancy. Various pro and anti-angiogenic factors influence the regulation of the feto-placental vascular development. Studies evaluating the levels of angiogenic markers in women with GDM are limited and the findings are inconsistent. This review summarizes the available literature on fatty acids, inflammatory markers and angiogenesis in women with GDM. We also discuss the possible link between them and their influence on placental development in GDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita P Joshi
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India
| | - Shweta D Madiwale
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India
| | - Deepali P Sundrani
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India
| | - Sadhana R Joshi
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India.
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4
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Morris BJ, Chen R, Donlon TA, Kallianpur KJ, Masaki KH, Willcox BJ. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 gene ( FLT1) longevity variant increases lifespan by reducing mortality risk posed by hypertension. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:204722. [PMID: 37178326 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Longevity is written into the genes. While many so-called "longevity genes" have been identified, the reason why particular genetic variants are associated with longer lifespan has proven to be elusive. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that the strongest of 3 adjacent longevity-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms - rs3794396 - of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 gene, FLT1, may confer greater lifespan by protecting against mortality risk from one or more adverse medical conditions of aging - namely, hypertension, coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and diabetes. In a prospective population-based longitudinal study we followed 3,471 American men of Japanese ancestry living on Oahu, Hawaii, from 1965 until death or to the end of December 2019 by which time 99% had died. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association of FLT1 genotype with longevity for 4 genetic models and the medical conditions. We found that, in major allele recessive and heterozygote disadvantage models, genotype GG ameliorated the risk of mortality posed by hypertension, but not that posed by having CHD, stroke or diabetes. Normotensive subjects lived longest and there was no significant effect of FLT1 genotype on their lifespan. In conclusion, the longevity-associated genotype of FLT1 may confer increased lifespan by protecting against mortality risk posed by hypertension. We suggest that FLT1 expression in individuals with longevity genotype boosts vascular endothelial resilience mechanisms to counteract hypertension-related stress in vital organs and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Morris
- NIH Center of Biomedical Research Excellence for Clinical and Translational Research on Aging, Kuakini Medical Center, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Randi Chen
- NIH Center of Biomedical Research Excellence for Clinical and Translational Research on Aging, Kuakini Medical Center, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA
| | - Timothy A Donlon
- NIH Center of Biomedical Research Excellence for Clinical and Translational Research on Aging, Kuakini Medical Center, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Department of Pathology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Kalpana J Kallianpur
- NIH Center of Biomedical Research Excellence for Clinical and Translational Research on Aging, Kuakini Medical Center, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Kamal H Masaki
- NIH Center of Biomedical Research Excellence for Clinical and Translational Research on Aging, Kuakini Medical Center, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Bradley J Willcox
- NIH Center of Biomedical Research Excellence for Clinical and Translational Research on Aging, Kuakini Medical Center, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
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5
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Rocha G. Consequences of early-onset preeclampsia on neonatal morbidity and mortality. Minerva Pediatr (Torino) 2023; 75:87-97. [PMID: 35373936 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5276.22.06714-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Preterm birth is the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Common reasons for indicated preterm births include pre-eclampsia. The increase in incidences of morbidity and mortality observed in neonates resulting from pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia is also due to alterations in angiogenic and pro-inflammatory factors that directly affect the neonatal health. This review was prepared with the aim of gathering the information available at PubMed/MEDLINE, in the years from 2011 to 2021, on the consequences of neonatal morbidity and mortality of early-onset preeclampsia. There is great controversy in the literature and paucity of studies. Early onset pre-eclampsia has been linked to fetal growth restriction (FGR). Most studies support its association with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Most studies point to an association between preeclampsia and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), with the highest risk in FGR. The association between preeclampsia, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and sepsis is not supported by the literature. The association to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is controversial. The risk of spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) seems to be increased with preeclampsia. The association between intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and preeclampsia is controversial, however, preeclampsia seems to have a protective effect on periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). Most of the evidence points to the non-association between preeclampsia and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Hematological changes such as neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and increased nucleated red blood cell counts have been shown to be associated with preeclampsia. The evidence is still quite controversial regarding mortality. The early installation of preeclampsia will have direct consequences on neonatal morbidity. Gestational age at preterm birth is the main risk factor on neonatal morbidity. Obstetricians should aim to prolong the pregnancies complicated by early-onset severe preeclampsia as far as maternal conditions allow. This policy may contribute to improve the neonatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Rocha
- Department of Neonatology, São João University Hospital, Porto, Portugal -
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6
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Wei X, Zhou S, Liao L, Liu M, Gao Y, Yin Y, Xu Q, Zhou R. Comprehensive analysis of transcriptomic profiling of 5-methylcytosin modification in placentas from preeclampsia and normotensive pregnancies. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22751. [PMID: 36692426 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201248r] [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: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that RNA m5C modification and its regulators have been confirmed to be associated with the pathogenesis of many diseases. However, the distribution and biological functions of m5C in mRNAs of placental tissues remain unknown. we collected placentae from normotensive pregnancies (CTR) and preeclampsia patients (PE) to analyze the transcriptomic profiling of m5C RNA methylation through m5C RNA immunoprecipitation (UMI-MeRIP-Seq). we discovered that overall m5C methylation peaks were decreased in placental tissues from PE patients. And, 2844 aberrant m5C peaks were identified, of which respectively 1304 m5C peaks were upregulated and 1540 peaks were downregulated. The distribution of m5C peaks were mainly located in CDS (coding sequences) regions in placental tissues of both groups, but compared with the CTR group, the m5C peak in PE group before the stop code of CDS was significantly increased and even higher than the peak value after start code in CDS. Differentially methylated genes were mainly enriched in MAPK/cAMP signaling pathway. Moreover, the up-regulated genes with hypermethylated modification were enriched in the processes of hypoxia, inflammation/immune response. Finally, through analyzing the mRNA expression levels of m5C RNA methylation regulators, we found only DNMT3B and TET3 were significantly upregulated in PE samples than in control group. And they are not only negatively correlated with each other, but also closely related to those differentially expressed genes modified by differential methylation.Our findings provide new insights regarding alterations of m5C RNA modification into the pathogenic mechanisms of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Shengping Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Lingyun Liao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Yijie Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Yangxue Yin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Qin Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
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7
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Kremer V, Oppelaar JJ, Gimbel T, Koziarek S, Ganzevoort W, van Pampus MG, van den Born BJ, Vogt L, de Groot C, Boon RA. Neuro-oncological Ventral Antigen 2 Regulates Splicing of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 1 and Is Required for Endothelial Function. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:678-689. [PMID: 35927413 PMCID: PMC9988812 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01044-4] [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: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia (PE) affects 2-8% of pregnancies and is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. The maternal clinical syndrome (defined by hypertension, proteinuria, and organ dysfunction) is the result of endothelial dysfunction. The endothelial response to increased levels of soluble FMS-like Tyrosine Kinase 1 (sFLT1) is thought to play a central role. sFLT1 is released from multiple tissues and binds VEGF with high affinity and antagonizes VEGF. Expression of soluble variants of sFLT1 is a result of alternative splicing; however, the mechanism is incompletely understood. We hypothesize that neuro-oncological ventral antigen 2 (NOVA2) contributes to this. NOVA2 was inhibited in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and multiple cellular functions were assessed. NOVA2 and FLT1 expression in the placenta of PE, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and normotensive controls was measured by RT-qPCR. Loss of NOVA2 in HUVECs resulted in significantly increased levels of sFLT1, but did not affect expression of membrane-bound FLT1. NOVA2 protein was shown to directly interact with FLT1 mRNA. Loss of NOVA2 was also accompanied by impaired endothelial functions such as sprouting. We were able to restore sprouting capacity by exogenous VEGF. We did not observe statistically significant regulation of NOVA2 or sFLT1 in the placenta. However, we observed a negative correlation between sFLT1 and NOVA2 expression levels. In conclusion, NOVA2 was found to regulate FLT1 splicing in the endothelium. Loss of NOVA2 resulted in impaired endothelial function, at least partially dependent on VEGF. In PE patients, we observed a negative correlation between NOVA2 and sFLT1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veerle Kremer
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, VU Medical Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Chemistry, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Microcirculation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jetta J Oppelaar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Nephrology, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Theresa Gimbel
- Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research DZHK, Partner Site Frankfurt Rhein/Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Susanne Koziarek
- Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research DZHK, Partner Site Frankfurt Rhein/Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Wessel Ganzevoort
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam UMC University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Bert-Jan van den Born
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Atherosclerosis and Ischemic Syndromes, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Liffert Vogt
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Microcirculation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Nephrology, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christianne de Groot
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Reinier A Boon
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, VU Medical Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. .,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research DZHK, Partner Site Frankfurt Rhein/Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. .,Amsterdam UMC, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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8
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Guan X, Yu M, Wu L, Chen J, Tong J, Wu X, Yin A, Xiao T, Wang B, Zhang JV, Niu J. Elevated trophoblastic Siglec6 contributes to the impairment of vascular endothelial cell functions by downregulating Wnt6/β-catenin signaling in preeclampsia. Arch Biochem Biophys 2022; 730:109396. [PMID: 36113626 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2022.109396] [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: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE), a systemic vascular disorder, is the leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, and its pathogenesis has yet to be fully elucidated. Siglec6, a transmembrane protein, is highly expressed in human placental trophoblasts, and previous studies have shown that Siglec6 overexpression correlates with PE, but the role of Siglec6 during PE progression is unknown. Here, we demonstrated that the mRNA and protein expression levels of Siglec6 were upregulated in early-onset PE placentas compared with uncomplicated pregnancies, and Siglec6 was primarily located in syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs) and extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs). Moreover, our results showed that chemical reagent-induced HIF-1α accumulation promoted the mRNA and protein levels of Siglec6 in HTR8/SVneo and BeWo cells. Although Siglec6 overexpression did not affect HTR8/SVneo cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, the conditional medium derived from the Siglec6 overexpressed HTR8/SVneo cells (Siglec6-OE-CM) significantly impaired the proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Subsequently, the transcriptome sequencing results revealed that Siglec6 overexpression led to the downregulation of Wnt6 in HTR8/SVneo cells, which was further confirmed by qPCR and ELISA. Recombinant human Wnt6 reversed Siglec6-OE-CM-mediated suppression of HUVEC functions by reactivating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Altogether, our study found that elevated trophoblastic Siglec6 contributed to the impairment of vascular endothelial cell functions by downregulating Wnt6/β-catenin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonian Guan
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518028, China
| | - Ming Yu
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Linlin Wu
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518028, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jianing Tong
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518028, China
| | - Xiaoxia Wu
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518028, China
| | - Aiqi Yin
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518028, China
| | - Tianxia Xiao
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Baobei Wang
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jian V Zhang
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Jianmin Niu
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518028, China.
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9
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Chemical optimization of siRNA for safe and efficient silencing of placental sFLT1. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 29:135-149. [PMID: 35847173 PMCID: PMC9263991 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a rising, potentially lethal complication of pregnancy. PE is driven primarily by the overexpression of placental soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFLT1), a validated diagnostic and prognostic marker of the disease when normalized to placental growth factor (PlGF) levels. Injecting cholesterol-conjugated, fully modified, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting sFLT1 mRNA into pregnant mice or baboons reduces placental sFLT1 and ameliorates clinical signs of PE, providing a strong foundation for the development of a PE therapeutic. siRNA delivery, potency, and safety are dictated by conjugate chemistry, siRNA duplex structure, and chemical modification pattern. Here, we systematically evaluate these parameters and demonstrate that increasing 2'-O-methyl modifications and 5' chemical stabilization and using sequence-specific duplex asymmetry and a phosphocholine-docosanoic acid conjugate enhance placental accumulation, silencing efficiency and safety of sFLT1-targeting siRNAs. The optimization strategy here provides a framework for the chemical optimization of siRNAs for PE as well as other targets and clinical indications.
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10
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de Alwis N, Beard S, Binder NK, Pritchard N, Kaitu’u-Lino TJ, Walker SP, Stock O, Groom K, Petersen S, Henry A, Said JM, Seeho S, Kane SC, Tong S, Hui L, Hannan NJ. Placental OLAH Levels Are Altered in Fetal Growth Restriction, Preeclampsia and Models of Placental Dysfunction. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:1677. [PMID: 36139751 PMCID: PMC9495588 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11091677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, we identified elevated transcripts for the gene Oleoyl-ACP Hydrolase (OLAH) in the maternal circulation of pregnancies complicated by preterm fetal growth restriction. As placental dysfunction is central to the pathogenesis of both fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia, we aimed to investigate OLAH levels and function in the human placenta. We assessed OLAH mRNA expression (qPCR) throughout pregnancy, finding placental expression increased as gestation progressed. OLAH mRNA and protein levels (Western blot) were elevated in placental tissue from cases of preterm preeclampsia, while OLAH protein levels in placenta from growth-restricted pregnancies were comparatively reduced in the preeclamptic cohort. OLAH expression was also elevated in placental explant tissue, but not isolated primary cytotrophoblast cultured under hypoxic conditions (as models of placental dysfunction). Further, we discovered that silencing cytotrophoblast OLAH reduced the expression of pro- and anti-apoptosis genes, BAX and BCL2, placental growth gene, IGF2, and oxidative stress gene, NOX4. Collectively, these findings suggest OLAH could play a role in placental dysfunction and may be a therapeutic target for mitigating diseases associated with this vital organ. Further research is required to establish the role of OLAH in the placenta, and whether these changes may be a maternal adaptation or consequence of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha de Alwis
- Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function in Pregnancy Group, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- Northern Health, Epping, VIC 3076, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Sally Beard
- Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function in Pregnancy Group, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- Northern Health, Epping, VIC 3076, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Natalie K. Binder
- Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function in Pregnancy Group, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Natasha Pritchard
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Tu’uhevaha J. Kaitu’u-Lino
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Susan P. Walker
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Owen Stock
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Katie Groom
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Scott Petersen
- Centre for Maternal Fetal Medicine, Mater Mothers’ Hospital, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
| | - Amanda Henry
- Discipline of Women’s Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Joanne M. Said
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Maternal Fetal Medicine, Joan Kirner Women’s & Children’s Sunshine Hospital, St Albans, VIC 3021, Australia
| | - Sean Seeho
- Women and Babies Research, Sydney Medical School-Northern, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Stefan C. Kane
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Stephen Tong
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Lisa Hui
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- Northern Health, Epping, VIC 3076, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Natalie J. Hannan
- Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function in Pregnancy Group, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- Northern Health, Epping, VIC 3076, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
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11
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Bogias KJ, Pederson SM, Leemaqz S, Smith MD, McAninch D, Jankovic-Karasoulos T, McCullough D, Wan Q, Bianco-Miotto T, Breen J, Roberts CT. Placental Transcription Profiling in 6-23 Weeks' Gestation Reveals Differential Transcript Usage in Early Development. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094506. [PMID: 35562897 PMCID: PMC9105363 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The human placenta is a rapidly developing transient organ that is key to pregnancy success. Early development of the conceptus occurs in a low oxygen environment before oxygenated maternal blood begins to flow into the placenta at ~10-12 weeks' gestation. This process is likely to substantially affect overall placental gene expression. Transcript variability underlying gene expression has yet to be profiled. In this study, accurate transcript expression profiles were identified for 84 human placental chorionic villus tissue samples collected across 6-23 weeks' gestation. Differential gene expression (DGE), differential transcript expression (DTE) and differential transcript usage (DTU) between 6-10 weeks' and 11-23 weeks' gestation groups were assessed. In total, 229 genes had significant DTE yet no significant DGE. Integration of DGE and DTE analyses found that differential expression patterns of individual transcripts were commonly masked upon aggregation to the gene-level. Of the 611 genes that exhibited DTU, 534 had no significant DGE or DTE. The four most significant DTU genes ADAM10, VMP1, GPR126, and ASAH1, were associated with hypoxia-responsive pathways. Transcript usage is a likely regulatory mechanism in early placentation. Identification of functional roles will facilitate new insight in understanding the origins of pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos J. Bogias
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; (K.J.B.); (S.L.); (D.M.); (T.J.-K.)
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia;
| | - Stephen M. Pederson
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia;
| | - Shalem Leemaqz
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; (K.J.B.); (S.L.); (D.M.); (T.J.-K.)
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia;
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; (M.D.S.); (D.M.); (Q.W.)
| | - Melanie D. Smith
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; (M.D.S.); (D.M.); (Q.W.)
| | - Dale McAninch
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; (K.J.B.); (S.L.); (D.M.); (T.J.-K.)
| | - Tanja Jankovic-Karasoulos
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; (K.J.B.); (S.L.); (D.M.); (T.J.-K.)
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia;
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; (M.D.S.); (D.M.); (Q.W.)
| | - Dylan McCullough
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; (M.D.S.); (D.M.); (Q.W.)
| | - Qianhui Wan
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; (M.D.S.); (D.M.); (Q.W.)
| | - Tina Bianco-Miotto
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia;
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - James Breen
- Indigenous Genomics, Telethon Kids Institute (Adelaide Office), Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia;
- College of Health & Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Claire T. Roberts
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; (K.J.B.); (S.L.); (D.M.); (T.J.-K.)
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia;
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; (M.D.S.); (D.M.); (Q.W.)
- Correspondence:
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12
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Kandel M, MacDonald TM, Walker SP, Cluver C, Bergman L, Myers J, Hastie R, Keenan E, Hannan NJ, Cannon P, Nguyen TV, Pritchard N, Tong S, Kaitu'u-Lino TJ. PSG7 and 9 (Pregnancy-Specific β-1 Glycoproteins 7 and 9): Novel Biomarkers for Preeclampsia. J Am Heart Assoc 2022; 11:e024536. [PMID: 35322669 PMCID: PMC9075453 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.121.024536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Preeclampsia is pregnancy specific, involving significant maternal endothelial dysfunction. Predictive biomarkers are lacking. We evaluated the biomarker potential, expression, and function of PSG7 (pregnancy‐specific β‐1 glycoprotein 7) and PSG9 (pregnancy‐specific β‐1 glycoprotein 9) in preeclampsia. Methods and Results At 36 weeks gestation preceding term preeclampsia diagnosis, PSG7 and PSG9 (in Australian cohorts of n=918 and n=979, respectively) were significantly increased before the onset of term preeclampsia (PSG7, P=0.013; PSG9, P=0.0011). In samples collected at 28 to 32 weeks from those with preexisting cardiovascular disease and at high risk of preeclampsia (Manchester Antenatal Vascular Service, UK cohort, n=235), both PSG7 and PSG9 were also significantly increased preceding preeclampsia onset (PSG7, P<0.0001; PSG9, P=0.0003) relative to controls. These changes were validated in the plasma and placentas of patients with established preeclampsia who delivered at <34 weeks gestation (PSG7, P=0.0008; PSG9, P<0.0001). To examine whether PSG7 and PSG9 are associated with increasing disease severity, we measured them in a cohort from South Africa stratified for this outcome, the PROVE (Preeclampsia Obstetric Adverse Events) cohort (n=72). PSG7 (P=0.0027) and PSG9 (P=0.0028) were elevated among patients who were preeclamptic with severe features (PROVE cohort), but not significantly changed in those without severe features or with eclampsia. In syncytialized first trimester cytotrophoblast stem cells, exposure to TNFα (tumor necrosis factor α) or IL‐6 (interleukin 6) significantly increased the expression and secretion of PSG7 and PSG9. In contrast, when we treated primary endothelial cells with recombinant PSG7 and PSG9, we only observed modest changes in Flt‐1 (FMS‐like tyrosine kinase‐1) expression and Plgf (placental growth factor) expression, and no other effects on proangiogenic/antiangiogenic or endothelial dysfunction markers were observed. Conclusions Circulating PSG7 and PSG9 are increased before preeclampsia onset and among those with established disease with their production and release potentially driven by placental inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manju Kandel
- Translational Obstetrics Group Mercy Hospital for Women Heidelberg Victoria Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Mercy Hospital for Women University of Melbourne Heidelberg Victoria Australia
| | - Teresa M MacDonald
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Mercy Hospital for Women University of Melbourne Heidelberg Victoria Australia.,Mercy PerinatalMercy Hospital for Women Victoria Australia
| | - Susan P Walker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Mercy Hospital for Women University of Melbourne Heidelberg Victoria Australia.,Mercy PerinatalMercy Hospital for Women Victoria Australia
| | - Catherine Cluver
- Translational Obstetrics Group Mercy Hospital for Women Heidelberg Victoria Australia.,Mercy PerinatalMercy Hospital for Women Victoria Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Stellenbosch University Cape Town South Africa
| | - Lina Bergman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Stellenbosch University Cape Town South Africa.,Department of Women's and Children's Health Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Institute of clinical sciencesSahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Jenny Myers
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine University of ManchesterManchester Academic Health Science CentreSt Mary's Hospital Manchester United Kingdom
| | - Roxanne Hastie
- Translational Obstetrics Group Mercy Hospital for Women Heidelberg Victoria Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Mercy Hospital for Women University of Melbourne Heidelberg Victoria Australia
| | - Emerson Keenan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Mercy Hospital for Women University of Melbourne Heidelberg Victoria Australia
| | - Natalie J Hannan
- Translational Obstetrics Group Mercy Hospital for Women Heidelberg Victoria Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Mercy Hospital for Women University of Melbourne Heidelberg Victoria Australia.,Mercy PerinatalMercy Hospital for Women Victoria Australia
| | - Ping Cannon
- Translational Obstetrics Group Mercy Hospital for Women Heidelberg Victoria Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Mercy Hospital for Women University of Melbourne Heidelberg Victoria Australia
| | - Tuong-Vi Nguyen
- Translational Obstetrics Group Mercy Hospital for Women Heidelberg Victoria Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Mercy Hospital for Women University of Melbourne Heidelberg Victoria Australia
| | - Natasha Pritchard
- Translational Obstetrics Group Mercy Hospital for Women Heidelberg Victoria Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Mercy Hospital for Women University of Melbourne Heidelberg Victoria Australia.,Mercy PerinatalMercy Hospital for Women Victoria Australia
| | - Stephen Tong
- Translational Obstetrics Group Mercy Hospital for Women Heidelberg Victoria Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Mercy Hospital for Women University of Melbourne Heidelberg Victoria Australia.,Mercy PerinatalMercy Hospital for Women Victoria Australia
| | - Tu'uhevaha J Kaitu'u-Lino
- Translational Obstetrics Group Mercy Hospital for Women Heidelberg Victoria Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Mercy Hospital for Women University of Melbourne Heidelberg Victoria Australia.,Mercy PerinatalMercy Hospital for Women Victoria Australia
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13
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Rowson S, Reddy M, De Guingand D, Langston-Cox A, Marshall S, da Silva Costa F, Palmer K. Comparison of circulating total sFLT-1 to placental-specific sFLT-1 e15a in women with suspected preeclampsia. Placenta 2022; 120:73-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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14
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Segal TR, Amini P, Wang J, Peters G, Skomorovska-Prokvolit Y, Mainigi MA, Goldfarb JM, Mesiano S, Weinerman R. Superovulation with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger and gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) trigger differentially alter essential angiogenic factors in the endometrium in a mouse ART model†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:1122-1133. [PMID: 31995151 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa014] [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: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) are used as an alternative to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to trigger ovulation and decrease the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. GnRHa is less potent at inducing ovarian vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), but may also affect endometrial angiogenesis and early placental development. In this study, we explore the effect of superovulation on endometrial angiogenesis during critical periods of gestation in a mouse model. We assigned female mice to three groups: natural mating or mating following injection with equine chorionic gonadotropin and trigger with GnRHa or hCG trigger. Females were killed prior to implantation (E3.5), post-implantation (E7.5), and at midgestation (E10.5), and maternal serum, uterus, and ovaries were collected. During peri-implantation, endometrial Vegfr1 and Vegfr2 mRNA were significantly increased in the GnRHa trigger group (P < 0.02) relative to the hCG group. Vegfr1 is highly expressed in the endometrial lining and secretory glands immediately prior to implantation. At E7.5, the ectoplacental cone expression of Vegfa and its receptor, Vegfr2, was significantly higher in the hCG trigger group compared to the GnRHa group (P < 0.05). Soluble VEGFR1 and free VEGFA were much higher in the serum of mice exposed to the hCG trigger compared to GnRHa group. At midgestation, there was significantly more local Vegfa expression in the placenta of mice triggered with hCG. GnRHa and hCG triggers differentially disrupt the endometrial expression of key angiogenic factors during critical periods of mouse gestation. These results may have significant implications for placental development and neonatal outcomes following human in vitro fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thalia R Segal
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Peyvand Amini
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Junye Wang
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Gregory Peters
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Monica A Mainigi
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - James M Goldfarb
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sam Mesiano
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Rachel Weinerman
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
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15
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Uteroplacental Circulation in Normal Pregnancy and Preeclampsia: Functional Adaptation and Maladaptation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168622. [PMID: 34445328 PMCID: PMC8395300 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [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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16
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Syncytiotrophoblast stress in early onset preeclampsia: The issues perpetuating the syndrome. Placenta 2021; 113:57-66. [PMID: 34053733 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.05.002] [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] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific syndrome characterized by a sudden increase in blood pressure accompanied by proteinuria and/or maternal multi-system damage associated to poor fetal outcome. In early-onset preeclampsia, utero-placental perfusion is altered, causing constant and progressive damage to the syncytiotrophoblast, generating syncytiotrophoblast stress. The latter leads to the detachment and release of syncytiotrophoblast fragments, anti-angiogenic factors and pro-inflammatory molecules into maternal circulation, resulting in the emergence and persistence of the characteristic symptoms of this syndrome during pregnancy. Therefore, understanding the origin and consequences of syncytiotrophoblast stress in preeclampsia is vital to develop new therapeutic alternatives, focused on reducing the burden of this syndrome. In this review, we describe five central characteristics of syncytial stress that should be targeted or prevented in order to reduce preeclampsia symptoms: histological alterations, syncytiotrophoblast damage, antiangiogenic protein export, placental deportation, and altered syncytiotrophoblast turnover. Therapeutic management of these characteristics may improve maternal and fetal outcomes.
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17
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Deshpande JS, Sundrani DP, Sahay AS, Gupte SA, Joshi SR. Unravelling the potential of angiogenic factors for the early prediction of preeclampsia. Hypertens Res 2021; 44:756-769. [PMID: 33795844 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-021-00647-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a multisystem, multiorgan hypertensive disorder of pregnancy responsible for maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries. The classic diagnostic features hold less specificity for preeclampsia and its associated adverse outcomes, suggesting a need for specific and reliable biomarkers for the early prediction of preeclampsia. The imbalance of pro- and antiangiogenic circulatory factors contributes to the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Several studies have examined the profile of angiogenic factors in preeclampsia to search for a biomarker that will improve the diagnostic ability of preeclampsia and associated adverse outcomes. This may help in more efficient patient management and the reduction of associated health care costs. This article reviews the findings from previous studies published to date on angiogenic factors and suggests a need to apply a multivariable model from the beginning of pregnancy and continuing throughout gestation for the early and specific prediction of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juilee S Deshpande
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be) University, Pune, India
| | - Deepali P Sundrani
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be) University, Pune, India
| | - Akriti S Sahay
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be) University, Pune, India
| | | | - Sadhana R Joshi
- Mother and Child Health, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be) University, Pune, India.
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18
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Differential regulation of sFlt-1 splicing by U2AF65 and JMJD6 in placental-derived and endothelial cells. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:222069. [PMID: 32039444 PMCID: PMC7042122 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20193252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite years of study, the gestational disorder preeclampsia (PE) remains poorly understood. One proposed mechanism of PE development is increased soluble VEGF receptor-1 (sFlt-1), ultimately causing angiogenic imbalance and endothelial dysfunction. The soluble protein is an alternative splice variant of FLT1, which also encodes for the full-length receptor Flt-1. The mechanism of the alternative splicing, and the reason for its inappropriate increase in preeclampsia, is not well understood. U2 auxiliary factor 65 (U2AF65) and jumonji C domain-containing protein 6 (JMJD6) have been implicated in the splicing of sFlt-1. Using siRNA knockdown and plasmid overexpression in immortalized placental trophoblasts (BeWo) and primary endothelial cells (HUVECs), we examined the role these proteins play in production of sFlt-1. Our results showed that U2AF65 has little, if any, effect on sFlt-1 splicing, and JMJD6 may enhance sFlt-1 splicing, but is not necessary for splicing to occur. Utilizing a hypoxic environment to mimic conditions of the preeclamptic placenta, as well as examining placentae in the reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) model of PE, which exhibits increased circulating sFlt-1, we found increased expression of JMJD6 in both hypoxic cells and placental tissue. Additionally, we observed a potential role for U2AF65 and JMJD6 to regulate the extracellular matrix enzyme heparanase, which may be involved in the release of sFlt-1 protein from the extracellular matrix. It will be important to study the role of these proteins in different tissues in the future, as changes in expression had differential effects on sFlt-1 splicing in the different cell types studied here.
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19
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Spearman AD, Gupta A, Pan AY, Gudausky TM, Foerster SR, Konduri GG, Ramchandran R. sVEGFR1 Is Enriched in Hepatic Vein Blood-Evidence for a Provisional Hepatic Factor Candidate? Front Pediatr 2021; 9:679572. [PMID: 34195162 PMCID: PMC8236596 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.679572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are common sequelae of palliated univentricular congenital heart disease, yet their pathogenesis remain poorly defined. In this preliminary study, we used paired patient blood samples to identify potential hepatic factor candidates enriched in hepatic vein blood. Methods: Paired venous blood samples were collected from the hepatic vein (HV) and superior vena cava (SVC) from children 0 to 10 years with univentricular and biventricular congenital heart disease (n = 40). We used three independent protein analyses to identify proteomic differences between HV and SVC blood. Subsequently, we investigated the relevance of our quantified protein differences with human lung microvascular endothelial assays. Results: Two independent protein arrays (semi-quantitative immunoblot and quantitative array) identified that soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (sVEGFR1) is significantly elevated in HV serum compared to SVC serum. Using ELISA, we confirmed the previous findings that sVEGFR1 is enriched in HV serum (n = 24, p < 0.0001). Finally, we studied the quantified HV and SVC serum levels of sVEGFR1 in vitro. HV levels of sVEGFR1 decreased tip cell selection (p = 0.0482) and tube formation (fewer tubes [p = 0.0246], shorter tube length [p = 0.0300]) in vitro compared to SVC levels of sVEGFR1. Conclusions: Based on a small heterogenous cohort, sVEGFR1 is elevated in HV serum compared to paired SVC samples, and the mean sVEGFR1 concentrations in these two systemic veins cause pulmonary endothelial phenotypic differences in vitro. Further research is needed to determine whether sVEGFR1 has a direct role in pulmonary microvascular remodeling and PAVMs in patients with palliated univentricular congenital heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Spearman
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Children's Wisconsin, Herma Heart Institute, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Ankan Gupta
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Children's Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Amy Y Pan
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Division of Quantitative Health Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Children's Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Todd M Gudausky
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Children's Wisconsin, Herma Heart Institute, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Susan R Foerster
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Children's Wisconsin, Herma Heart Institute, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - G Ganesh Konduri
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Children's Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Ramani Ramchandran
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Children's Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
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20
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PlGF Immunological Impact during Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228714. [PMID: 33218096 PMCID: PMC7698813 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, the mother’s immune system has to tolerate the persistence of paternal alloantigens without affecting the anti-infectious immune response. Consequently, several mechanisms aimed at preventing allograft rejection, occur during a pregnancy. In fact, the early stages of pregnancy are characterized by the correct balance between inflammation and immune tolerance, in which proinflammatory cytokines contribute to both the remodeling of tissues and to neo-angiogenesis, thus, favoring the correct embryo implantation. In addition to the creation of a microenvironment able to support both immunological privilege and angiogenesis, the trophoblast invades normal tissues by sharing the same behavior of invasive tumors. Next, the activation of an immunosuppressive phase, characterized by an increase in the number of regulatory T (Treg) cells prevents excessive inflammation and avoids fetal immuno-mediated rejection. When these changes do not occur or occur incompletely, early pregnancy failure follows. All these events are characterized by an increase in different growth factors and cytokines, among which one of the most important is the angiogenic growth factor, namely placental growth factor (PlGF). PlGF is initially isolated from the human placenta. It is upregulated during both pregnancy and inflammation. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the immunomodulatory effects of PlGF during pregnancy, warranting that both innate and adaptive immune cells properly support the early events of implantation and placental development. Furthermore, we highlight how an alteration of the immune response, associated with PlGF imbalance, can induce a hypertensive state and lead to the pre-eclampsia (PE).
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Bioenergetic effects of hydrogen sulfide suppress soluble Flt-1 and soluble endoglin in cystathionine gamma-lyase compromised endothelial cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15810. [PMID: 32978411 PMCID: PMC7519095 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72371-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction is a hallmark of preeclampsia, a life-threatening complication of pregnancy characterised by hypertension and elevated soluble Fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase-1 (sFlt-1). Dysregulation of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) by inhibition of cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) increases sFlt-1 and soluble endoglin (sEng) release. We explored whether compromise in CSE/H2S pathway is linked to dysregulation of the mitochondrial bioenergetics and oxidative status. We investigated whether these effects were linked to CSE-induced sFlt-1 and sEng production in endothelial cells. Here, we demonstrate that CSE/H2S pathway sustain endothelial mitochondrial bioenergetics and loss of CSE increases the production of mitochondrial-specific superoxide. As a compensatory effect, low CSE environment enhances the reliance on glycolysis. The mitochondrial-targeted H2S donor, AP39, suppressed the antiangiogenic response and restored the mitochondrial bioenergetics in endothelial cells. AP39 revealed that upregulation of sFlt-1, but not sEng, is independent of the mitochondrial H2S metabolising enzyme, SQR. These data provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms for antiangiogenic upregulation in a mitochondrial-driven environment. Targeting H2S to the mitochondria may be of therapeutic benefit in the prevention of endothelial dysfunction associated with preeclampsia.
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Matias DS, Santos R, Ferreira T, Matias BS, Correia LCL. Predictive value of ophthalmic artery Doppler velocimetry in relation to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND : JCU 2020; 48:388-395. [PMID: 32129500 DOI: 10.1002/jcu.22823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To test the predictive value of ophthalmic artery (OA) Doppler velocimetry in relation to the occurrence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). METHODS We compared, by analysis of variance, the values of seven OA Doppler variables (peak systolic velocity, second systolic peak velocity [P2], mean velocity, end diastolic velocity, resistance index [RI], pulsatility index [PI], and peak ratio) of 31 women with preeclampsia and 33 women with gestational hypertension vs those of 227 women without HDP. The prognostic value of these variables in relation to the occurrence of HDP was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC) receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS All OA Doppler variables except RI and PI showed significant (P < .5) differences between groups. After adjustment for confounders, only P2 was an independent predictor of HDP (P < .001), with an AUC of 0.76. The best cut-off point for predicting HDP was P2 ≥ 21.4 cm/s, with sensitivity 69%, specificity 78%, positive likelihood ratio 3.1, negative likelihood ratio 0.4, positive predictive value 47%, and negative predictive value 90%. P2 improved the predictive ability of a model based on clinical variables, incrementing AUC from 0.77 to 0.84 in the final model containing clinical and Doppler variables. CONCLUSION The elevation of OA P2 in the second trimester of pregnancy is an independent predictor of hypertensive disorders, and improves the discriminatory ability of clinical markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise S Matias
- Bahiana School of Medicine and Public Health - Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Perinatology Institute of Bahia (IPERBA) - Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Rebeca Santos
- Perinatology Institute of Bahia (IPERBA) - Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Ferreira
- Perinatology Institute of Bahia (IPERBA) - Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Bruno S Matias
- Santo Amaro Hospital - José Silveira Foundation - Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Luis Cláudio L Correia
- Bahiana School of Medicine and Public Health - Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- São Rafael Hospital - Monte Tabor Association - Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
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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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Binder NK, Brownfoot FC, Beard S, Cannon P, Nguyen TV, Tong S, Kaitu'u-Lino TJ, Hannan NJ. Esomeprazole and sulfasalazine in combination additively reduce sFlt-1 secretion and diminish endothelial dysfunction: potential for a combination treatment for preeclampsia. Pregnancy Hypertens 2020; 22:86-92. [PMID: 32758704 DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2020.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Development and repurposing of therapies that show promise in the prevention or treatment of preeclampsia would be a major advance for the obstetrics field. We recently identified esomeprazole and sulfasalazine as potential candidates for the treatment of preeclampsia. Both reduce placental and endothelial secretion of sFlt-1 and sENG and mitigate endothelial dysfunction in vitro. Here we assessed whether esomeprazole and sulfasalazine in combination would additively attenuate the elevated release of anti-angiogenic factors and markers of endothelial dysfunction, key characteristics of preeclampsia. Primary placental tissue and cells, and primary endothelial cells were treated with esomeprazole and sulfasalazine alone and in combination. We assessed secretion of sFlt-1 and sENG and performed in vitro assays of endothelial dysfunction. Combining esomeprazole and sulfasalazine in lower concentrations caused an additive reduction in sFlt-1 secretion in primary cytotrophoblasts, placental explants and endothelial cells. No additive reduction was observed in sENG secretion when esomeprazole and sulfasalazine were combined. Together, esomeprazole and sulfasalazine additively reduced TNF-α-induced VCAM and ET-1 mRNA expression, and monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. In conclusion, combining esomeprazole and sulfasalazine additively reduced secretion of sFlt-1 and markers of endothelial dysfunction. Combined administration of esomeprazole and sulfasalazine may provide a more effective treatment or prevention for preeclampsia compared to either as single agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie K Binder
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Mercy Perinatal 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fiona C Brownfoot
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Mercy Perinatal 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sally Beard
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Mercy Perinatal 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ping Cannon
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Diagnostics Discovery and Reverse Translation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Mercy Perinatal 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tuong V Nguyen
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Diagnostics Discovery and Reverse Translation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Mercy Perinatal 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen Tong
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Mercy Perinatal 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tu'uhevaha J Kaitu'u-Lino
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Diagnostics Discovery and Reverse Translation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Mercy Perinatal 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natalie J Hannan
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Australia; Mercy Perinatal 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia.
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MZe786 Rescues Cardiac Mitochondrial Activity in High sFlt-1 and Low HO-1 Environment. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9070598. [PMID: 32660064 PMCID: PMC7402164 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9070598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertensive disorder in pregnancy is a major cause of maternal and perinatal mortality worldwide. Women who have had preeclampsia are at three to four times higher risk in later life of developing high blood pressure and heart disease. Soluble Flt-1 (sFlt-1) is elevated in preeclampsia and may remain high postpartum in women with a history of preeclampsia. Heme oxygenase-1 (Hmox1/HO-1) exerts protective effects against oxidative stimuli and is compromised in the placenta of pregnant women with preeclampsia. We hypothesized that sFlt-1 inhibits cardiac mitochondrial activity in HO-1 deficient mice. HO-1 haplo-insufficient mice (Hmox1+/−) were injected with adenovirus encoding sFlt-1 (Ad-sFlt-1) or control virus (Ad-CMV). Subsequently, they were treated daily with either placebo or MZe786 for six days, when the heart tissue was harvested to assess cardiac mitochondrial activity. Here, we show that the loss of HO-1 disturbed cardiac mitochondrial respiration and reduced mitochondrial biogenesis. The overexpression of sFlt-1 resulted in the inhibition of the cardiac mitochondrial activity in Hmox1+/− mice. The present study demonstrates that the hydrogen sulfide (H2S) releasing molecule, MZe786, rescues mitochondrial activity by stimulating cardiac mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant defense in Hmox1−/− mice and in Hmox1+/− mice exposed to a high sFlt-1 environment.
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Jena MK, Sharma NR, Petitt M, Maulik D, Nayak NR. Pathogenesis of Preeclampsia and Therapeutic Approaches Targeting the Placenta. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10060953. [PMID: 32599856 PMCID: PMC7357118 DOI: 10.3390/biom10060953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious pregnancy complication, affecting about 5–7% of pregnancies worldwide and is characterized by hypertension and damage to multiple maternal organs, primarily the liver and kidneys. PE usually begins after 20 weeks’ gestation and, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications and lifelong disabilities—even death—in both the mother and the infant. As delivery is the only cure for the disease, treatment is primarily focused on the management of blood pressure and other clinical symptoms. The pathogenesis of PE is still not clear. Abnormal spiral artery remodeling, placental ischemia and a resulting increase in the circulating levels of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1), also called soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), are believed to be among the primary pathologies associated with PE. sFlt-1 is produced mainly in the placenta during pregnancy and acts as a decoy receptor, binding to free VEGF (VEGF-A) and placental growth factor (PlGF), resulting in the decreased bioavailability of each to target cells. Despite the pathogenic effects of increased sFlt-1 on the maternal vasculature, recent studies from our laboratory and others have strongly indicated that the increase in sFlt-1 in PE may fulfill critical protective functions in preeclamptic pregnancies. Thus, further studies on the roles of sFlt-1 in normal and preeclamptic pregnancies are warranted for the development of therapeutic strategies targeting VEGF signaling for the treatment of PE. Another impediment to the treatment of PE is the lack of suitable methods for delivery of cargo to placental cells, as PE is believed to be of placental origin and most available therapies for PE adversely impact both the mother and the fetus. The present review discusses the pathogenesis of PE, the complex role of sFlt-1 in maternal disease and fetal protection, and the recently developed placenta-targeted drug delivery system for the potential treatment of PE with candidate therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Kumar Jena
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India;
- Correspondence:
| | - Neeta Raj Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India;
| | - Matthew Petitt
- Redwood Biomedical Editing, Redwood City, CA 94061, USA;
| | - Devika Maulik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UMKC School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA; (D.M.); (N.R.N.)
| | - Nihar Ranjan Nayak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UMKC School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA; (D.M.); (N.R.N.)
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Aspirin enhances trophoblast invasion and represses soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 production: a putative mechanism for preventing preeclampsia. J Hypertens 2020; 37:2461-2469. [PMID: 31335509 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000002185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent studies suggested that prophylactic aspirin prior to 16 weeks of gestation in high-risk patients may reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia; however, the exact mechanism of aspirin's effect on the pathophysiology of preeclampsia is not clear. This study was designed to investigate the effect of aspirin on trophoblast cell function and its effect on soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) production to elucidate the preventive mechanisms for preeclampsia. METHODS AND RESULTS We used two human trophoblastic cell lines (HTR-8/SVneo and JAR) and freshly isolated cytotrophoblasts from normal and preeclamptic placenta at term to determine the effect of aspirin on trophoblast cell function. Trophoblasts were pretreated with aspirin, and then cell functions and sFlt-1 expression were assessed. Our results showed that aspirin promoted trophoblast invasion not only in HTR-8/SVneo and JAR cells, but also in isolated cytotrophoblasts. sFlt-1 production was repressed by aspirin in a dose-dependent manner. By adding Flt-1 recombinant protein, the trophoblast invasion ability was inhibited in HTR-8/SVneo cells, which was reversed by Flt-1 small interfering ribonucleic acid knockdown. In addition, metalloproteinase 2/9 expression and activity were activated by aspirin but inhibited by sFlt-1. Aspirin also downregulated Akt phosphorylation, and trophoblast invasiveness was facilitated under Akt inhibitor treatment. CONCLUSION Aspirin enhances cell invasiveness and inhibits sFlt-1 production in trophoblasts. Moreover, sFlt-1 itself also inhibits trophoblast invasion. Our novel findings suggest that the preeclampsia prevention effect of aspirin may be exerted through these two mechanisms.
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Sasagawa T, Jinno-Oue A, Nagamatsu T, Morita K, Tsuruga T, Mori-Uchino M, Fujii T, Shibuya M. Production of an anti-angiogenic factor sFLT1 is suppressed via promoter hypermethylation of FLT1 gene in choriocarcinoma cells. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:112. [PMID: 32041578 PMCID: PMC7011436 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-6598-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT1) as an anti-angiogenic factor is abundantly expressed in placental trophoblasts. Choriocarcinoma, a malignant tumor derived from trophoblasts, is known to be highly angiogenic and metastatic. However, the molecular mechanism underlying angiogenesis in choriocarcinoma pathogenesis remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the mRNA expression and DNA methylation status of the FLT1 gene in human choriocarcinoma cells and trophoblast cells. METHODS qRT-PCR, Western blotting and ELISA were conducted to evaluate the mRNA and protein expression levels of sFLT1. 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5azadC) treatment and bisulfite sequencing were used to study the FLT1 gene promoter methylation. The effect of sFLT1 on choriocarcinoma growth and angiogenesis was evaluated in a xenograft mouse model. RESULTS Expression of the FLT1 gene was strongly suppressed in choriocarcinoma cell lines compared with that in the primary trophoblasts. Treatment of choriocarcinoma cell lines with 5azadC, a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, markedly increased in mRNA expression of three FLT1 splice variants and secretion of sFLT1 proteins. Bisulfite sequencing revealed that the CpG hypermethylation was observed at the FLT1 promoter region in choriocarcinoma cell lines and a human primary choriocarcinoma tissue but not in human trophoblast cells. Interestingly, in 5azadC-treated choriocarcinoma cell lines, sFLT1 mRNA expression and sFLT1 production were further elevated by hypoxic stimulation. Finally, as expected, sFLT1-expressing choriocarcinoma cells implanted into nude mice showed significantly slower tumor growth and reduced microvessel formation compared with GFP-expressing control choriocarcinoma cells. CONCLUSIONS Inhibition of sFLT1 production by FLT1 silencing occurs via the hypermethylation of its promoter in choriocarcinoma cells. The stable expression of sFLT1 in choriocarcinoma cells resulted in the suppression of tumor growth and tumor vascularization in vivo. We suggest that the FLT1 gene may be a cell-type-specific tumor suppressor in choriocarcinoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadashi Sasagawa
- Institute of Physiology and Medicine, Jobu University, 270-1 Shin-machi, Takasaki, Gunma, 370-1393, Japan
| | - Atsushi Jinno-Oue
- Bioresource Center, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nagamatsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kazuki Morita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tetsushi Tsuruga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Mayuyo Mori-Uchino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Fujii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Masabumi Shibuya
- Institute of Physiology and Medicine, Jobu University, 270-1 Shin-machi, Takasaki, Gunma, 370-1393, Japan.
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Stability of placental growth factor, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1, and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 e15a in human serum and plasma. Placenta 2019; 86:1-3. [PMID: 31476387 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2019.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Placental growth factor (PlGF), total soluble fms-like tyrosine-kinase 1 (sFlt-1) and its placental-specific variant, sFlt-1 e15a, show promise as biomarkers for the prediction and diagnosis of preeclampsia. This study describes the degradation of PlGF, sFlt-1 and sFlt-1 e15a within maternal serum and plasma to assist clinical implementation. Whole blood was refrigerated at 4 °C for up to 48 h prior to centrifugation for isolation of plasma and serum. PlGF and sFlt-1 were quantified using the B.R.A.H.M.S Kryptor Compact PLUS; sFlt-1 e15a via a custom ELISA. All three analytes are stable for at least 48 h at 4 °C. Serum and plasma performed comparably.
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30
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Eddy AC, Chapman H, George EM. Heparanase regulation of sFLT-1 release in trophoblasts in vitro. Placenta 2019; 85:63-68. [PMID: 31327483 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2019.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preeclampsia is a common pregnancy disorder which is characterized by new onset hypertension and endothelial dysfunction. Despite efforts to determine the causal factors of this disease, little progress has been made in discerning the etiology. The hypoxic and ischemic placenta, however, is generally accepted as the source for secreted factors in the maternal circulation, such as sFLT-1, which drive the maternal syndrome. METHODS Using BeWo placental trophoblast cells, we measured the role of hypoxia on sFLT-1 mRNA as well as protein production. We also exposed the cells to treatment with heparin and heparanase inhibitor OGT-2115. RESULTS We found that under hypoxic conditions mRNA levels of sFLT-1 were unchanged compared to normoxic controls. Although the message level did not differ under hypoxic conditions, the sFLT-1 release into the media was significantly greater in hypoxia. Additionally, we found that sFLT-1 is able to bind heparan strands in the extracellular matrix with its heparin binding site. These heparan strands can be cleaved by the extracellular enzyme heparanase. We found that heparanase expression was significantly increased in hypoxia, and inhibiting the actions of heparanase attenuated the release of sFLT-1 into the media. DISCUSSION While the placenta remains a source of sFLT-1, the mechanism of increased circulating sFLT-1 may differ than simple upregulation of the protein. These data demonstrate the potential importance of the role heparanase may play in releasing previously made sFLT-1 into the maternal circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian C Eddy
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N State St, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Heather Chapman
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N State St, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Eric M George
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N State St, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N State St, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
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Hastie R, Brownfoot FC, Pritchard N, Hannan NJ, Cannon P, Nguyen V, Palmer K, Beard S, Tong S, Kaitu’u-Lino TJ. EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) Signaling and the Mitochondria Regulate sFlt-1 (Soluble FMS-Like Tyrosine Kinase-1) Secretion. Hypertension 2019; 73:659-670. [DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.118.12300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne Hastie
- From the Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia (R.H., F.C.B., N.P., N.J.H., P.C., V.N., S.B., S.T., T.J.K.-L.)
- Mercy Perinatal, Research Department, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia (R.H., F.C.B., N.P., N.J.H., P.C., V.N., S.B., S.T., T.J.K.-L.)
| | - Fiona C. Brownfoot
- From the Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia (R.H., F.C.B., N.P., N.J.H., P.C., V.N., S.B., S.T., T.J.K.-L.)
- Mercy Perinatal, Research Department, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia (R.H., F.C.B., N.P., N.J.H., P.C., V.N., S.B., S.T., T.J.K.-L.)
| | - Natasha Pritchard
- From the Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia (R.H., F.C.B., N.P., N.J.H., P.C., V.N., S.B., S.T., T.J.K.-L.)
- Mercy Perinatal, Research Department, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia (R.H., F.C.B., N.P., N.J.H., P.C., V.N., S.B., S.T., T.J.K.-L.)
| | - Natalie J. Hannan
- From the Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia (R.H., F.C.B., N.P., N.J.H., P.C., V.N., S.B., S.T., T.J.K.-L.)
- Mercy Perinatal, Research Department, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia (R.H., F.C.B., N.P., N.J.H., P.C., V.N., S.B., S.T., T.J.K.-L.)
| | - Ping Cannon
- From the Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia (R.H., F.C.B., N.P., N.J.H., P.C., V.N., S.B., S.T., T.J.K.-L.)
- Mercy Perinatal, Research Department, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia (R.H., F.C.B., N.P., N.J.H., P.C., V.N., S.B., S.T., T.J.K.-L.)
| | - Vi Nguyen
- From the Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia (R.H., F.C.B., N.P., N.J.H., P.C., V.N., S.B., S.T., T.J.K.-L.)
- Mercy Perinatal, Research Department, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia (R.H., F.C.B., N.P., N.J.H., P.C., V.N., S.B., S.T., T.J.K.-L.)
| | - Kirsten Palmer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia (K.P.)
| | - Sally Beard
- From the Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia (R.H., F.C.B., N.P., N.J.H., P.C., V.N., S.B., S.T., T.J.K.-L.)
- Mercy Perinatal, Research Department, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia (R.H., F.C.B., N.P., N.J.H., P.C., V.N., S.B., S.T., T.J.K.-L.)
| | - Stephen Tong
- From the Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia (R.H., F.C.B., N.P., N.J.H., P.C., V.N., S.B., S.T., T.J.K.-L.)
- Mercy Perinatal, Research Department, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia (R.H., F.C.B., N.P., N.J.H., P.C., V.N., S.B., S.T., T.J.K.-L.)
| | - Tu’uhevaha J. Kaitu’u-Lino
- From the Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia (R.H., F.C.B., N.P., N.J.H., P.C., V.N., S.B., S.T., T.J.K.-L.)
- Mercy Perinatal, Research Department, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia (R.H., F.C.B., N.P., N.J.H., P.C., V.N., S.B., S.T., T.J.K.-L.)
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The untapped potential of placenta-enriched molecules for diagnostic and therapeutic development. Placenta 2019; 84:28-31. [PMID: 30745114 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 01/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy complications such as fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia are diseases with limited biomarkers for prediction, and a complete lack of therapeutic options. We define placenta-enriched molecules as those that are highly expressed in the placenta relative to all other human tissues. Many exist including mRNAs, miRNAs and proteins. It is now well established that placenta-enriched mRNAs are found within the maternal circulation and are cleared rapidly after birth. Similarly, distinct clusters of miRNAs that are placenta-enriched have been identified and are measurable within the circulation. However, perhaps the most established potential diagnostics thus far are circulating placental proteins such as placental growth factor (PlGF), pregnancy associated pregnancy protein-A (PAPP-A) and soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1). There has also been much interest in targeting placenta-enriched molecules as a means to treat diseases of pregnancy. We have shown promising results in targeting placenta-enriched epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) to treat ectopic pregnancy. Others have focused on using placenta-enriched molecules as a means of homing therapeutic-filled nanoparticles to the placenta, or to directly target sFlt-1 to improve disease outcomes. Importantly, many placenta-enriched molecules remain largely unstudied. We propose that a better understanding of their biology, and potential contribution to the pathogenesis of diseases, may yield more predictive diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
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Wang Y, La M, Pham T, Lovrecz GO, Nie G. High levels of HtrA4 detected in preeclamptic circulation may disrupt endothelial cell function by cleaving the main VEGFA receptor KDR. FASEB J 2019; 33:5058-5066. [PMID: 30601675 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201802151rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Systemic endothelial dysfunction is a key characteristic of preeclampsia (PE), which is a serious disorder of human pregnancy. We have previously reported that high-temperature requirement factor (Htr)A4 is a placenta-specific protease that is secreted into the maternal circulation and significantly up-regulated in PE, especially early-onset PE. We have also demonstrated that high levels of HtrA4 detected in the early onset PE circulation induce endothelial dysfunction in HUVECs. In the current study, we investigated whether HtrA4 could cleave the main receptor of VEGFA, the kinase domain receptor (KDR), thereby inhibiting VEGFA signaling. We first demonstrated that HtrA4 cleaved recombinant KDR in vitro. We then confirmed that HtrA4 reduced the level of KDR in HUVECs and inhibited the VEGFA-induced phosphorylation of Akt kinase, which is essential for downstream signaling. Further functional studies demonstrated that HtrA4 prevented the VEGFA-induced tube formation in HUVECs and dose-dependently inhibited the VEGFA-induced angiogenesis in explants of mouse aortic rings. These data strongly suggest that high levels of HtrA4 in the maternal circulation could cleave the main receptor of VEGFA in endothelial cells to induce a wide-spread impairment of angiogenesis. Our studies therefore suggest that HtrA4 is a potential causal factor of early onset PE.-Wang, Y., La, M., Pham, T., Lovrecz, G. O., Nie, G. High levels of HtrA4 detected in preeclamptic circulation may disrupt endothelial cell function by cleaving the main VEGFA receptor KDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wang
- Implantation and Placental Development Laboratory, Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mylinh La
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Manufacturing, Clayton South, Victoria, Australia; and
| | - Tam Pham
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Manufacturing, Clayton South, Victoria, Australia; and
| | - George O Lovrecz
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Manufacturing, Clayton South, Victoria, Australia; and
| | - Guiying Nie
- Implantation and Placental Development Laboratory, Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Wen Y, Peng L, Xu R, Zang N, Huang Q, Zhong M. Maternal serum trimethylamine-N-oxide is significantly increased in cases with established preeclampsia. Pregnancy Hypertens 2018; 15:114-117. [PMID: 30825906 DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the levels of trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) in sera of normal and preeclamptic pregnancies and to explore whether serum TMAO level was associated with the severity of preeclampsia. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighty-six pregnant women in the third trimester were enrolled in this case control study. Levels of TMAO were quantified by a novel liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry-based method in fasting serum samples from 43 preeclamptic women and 43 normotensive controls. Clinical characteristics, serum biomarkers of inflammation (IL-1β) and biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction (sVCAM-1, sFlt-1) were assessed. RESULTS TMAO levels were significantly higher in women with preeclampsia than those with normal pregnancy. The serum levels of TMAO were positively correlated with systolic blood pressure (r = 0.602, P < 0.001), urinary protein levels (r = 0.557, P < 0.001) and the serum levels of IL-1β (r = 0.633, P < 0.001), sVCAM-1 (r = 0.719, P < 0.001) as well as sFlt-1 (r = 0.763, P < 0.001) in patients with PE. CONCLUSIONS Elevated TMAO levels are associated with higher risk of preeclampsia and correlate with increased systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Further validation of these findings with more robust multicenter prospective and longitudinal characterization of maternal serum TMAO in pregnancy may be carried out in subsequent investigations to determine its suitability as a predictive biomarker for preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwen Wen
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China; First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Linrui Peng
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China; First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruoting Xu
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China; First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China; Division of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Nailiang Zang
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Qitao Huang
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China.
| | - Mei Zhong
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
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Turanov AA, Lo A, Hassler MR, Makris A, Ashar-Patel A, Alterman JF, Coles AH, Haraszti RA, Roux L, Godinho BMDC, Echeverria D, Pears S, Iliopoulos J, Shanmugalingam R, Ogle R, Zsengeller ZK, Hennessy A, Karumanchi SA, Moore MJ, Khvorova A. RNAi modulation of placental sFLT1 for the treatment of preeclampsia. Nat Biotechnol 2018; 36:nbt.4297. [PMID: 30451990 PMCID: PMC6526074 DOI: 10.1038/nbt.4297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a placentally induced hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality to mothers and fetuses. Clinical manifestations of preterm preeclampsia result from excess circulating soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor FLT1 (sFLT1 or sVEGFR1) of placental origin. Here we identify short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that selectively silence the three sFLT1 mRNA isoforms primarily responsible for placental overexpression of sFLT1 without reducing levels of full-length FLT1 mRNA. Full chemical stabilization in the context of hydrophobic modifications enabled productive siRNA accumulation in the placenta (up to 7% of injected dose) and reduced circulating sFLT1 in pregnant mice (up to 50%). In a baboon preeclampsia model, a single dose of siRNAs suppressed sFLT1 overexpression and clinical signs of preeclampsia. Our results demonstrate RNAi-based extrahepatic modulation of gene expression with nonformulated siRNAs in nonhuman primates and establish a path toward a new treatment paradigm for patients with preterm preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton A Turanov
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Agnes Lo
- Center for Vascular Biology Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew R Hassler
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Angela Makris
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Renal Department, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ami Ashar-Patel
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julia F Alterman
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrew H Coles
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Reka A Haraszti
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Loic Roux
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bruno M D C Godinho
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Suzanne Pears
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jim Iliopoulos
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Renuka Shanmugalingam
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Renal Department, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robert Ogle
- Women's and Babies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Zsuzsanna K Zsengeller
- Center for Vascular Biology Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Annemarie Hennessy
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - S Ananth Karumanchi
- Center for Vascular Biology Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Melissa J Moore
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- Moderna Therapeutics, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
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Amin-Beidokhti M, Gholami M, Abedin-Do A, Pirjani R, Sadeghi H, Karamoddin F, Yassaee VR, Mirfakhraie R. An intron variant in the FLT1 gene increases the risk of preeclampsia in Iranian women. Clin Exp Hypertens 2018; 41:697-701. [PMID: 30409050 DOI: 10.1080/10641963.2018.1539097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Background: Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder that affects pregnancy, mother, and fetus. Pathogenesis of preeclampsia could be associated with the angiogenesis pathways. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family is one of the important factors for normal pregnancy and angiogenesis. Genetic variations in the gene family members may play a role in the etiology of preeclampsia. We investigated the possible association between VEGFA gene rs3025039, and VEGFR1 (FLT1) gene rs722503 polymorphisms and preeclampsia in a sample of Iranian patients. Methods: Genotyping was performed in 395 women, including, 204 pre-eclamptic pregnant women and 191 healthy normotensive pregnant women by using the PCR-RFLP method. Results: The rs722503 polymorphism was associated with preeclampsia under the dominant model (P = 0.04, OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.03-2.27). No significant difference was observed for the rs3025039 alleles and genotypes in the studied groups. Conclusions: Based on our study, rs722503 polymorphism in the FLT1 gene may play an important role in susceptibility to preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Amin-Beidokhti
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Milad Gholami
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Atieh Abedin-Do
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reihaneh Pirjani
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Arash Women Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Sadeghi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Vahid Reza Yassaee
- Genomic Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Mirfakhraie
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Sun X, Qu T, He X, Yang X, Guo N, Mao Y, Xu X, Sun X, Zhang X, Wang W. Screening of differentially expressed proteins from syncytiotrophoblast for severe early-onset preeclampsia in women with gestational diabetes mellitus using tandem mass tag quantitative proteomics. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2018; 18:437. [PMID: 30404616 PMCID: PMC6223002 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-018-2066-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have revealed that women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have an increased risk of developing preeclampsia (PE). The possible reason is the abnormal lipid metabolism caused by GDM that leads to dysfunction of vascular endothelial cells and atherosclerosis, resulting in the onset of PE. However, studies focusing on the pathogenesis of PE in syncytiotrophoblast of GDM patients are lacking. This study aimed to compare differentially expressed proteins from syncytiotrophoblast between women with GDM and women with GDM with subsequently developed PE. METHODS Syncytiotrophoblast samples were obtained from pregnant women immediately after delivery. To explore the protein expression changes of syncytiotrophoblast that might explain the pathogenesis of PE in women with GDM, quantitative proteomics was performed using tandem mass tag (TMT) isobaric tags and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to enrich the biological processes that these differentially expressed proteins were involved in. RESULTS A total of 28,234 unique peptides and 4140 proteins were identified in all samples. Among them, 23 differentially expressed proteins were identified between patients with GDM and patients with GDM with subsequently developed PE. Therein, 11 proteins were upregulated and 12 proteins were downregulated. Two relative proteins (FLT1 and PABPC4) were independently verified using immunoblotting analysis. Bioinformatic results indicated that the onset of PE in patients with GDM is a multifactorial disorder, involving factors such as apoptosis, transcriptional misregulation, oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, cell infiltration and migration, and angiogenesis. CONCLUSION These results indicated that the inadequacy of endometrium infiltration, angiogenic disorder, and oxidative stress in syncytiotrophoblast are more likely to occur in patients with GDM and may be the potential mechanisms leading to such patients secondarily developing severe early-onset PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Sun
- 0000 0000 8571 0482grid.32566.34The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- grid.417234.7Department of Obstetrics, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tao Qu
- grid.417234.7Department of Biotherapy Center, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiyan He
- grid.417234.7Department of Obstetrics, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xueping Yang
- grid.417234.7Department of Obstetrics, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Nan Guo
- grid.417234.7Department of Obstetrics, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yan Mao
- grid.417234.7Department of Obstetrics, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xianghong Xu
- grid.417234.7Department of Biotherapy Center, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- 0000 0004 1790 6079grid.268079.2Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Xuehong Zhang
- 0000 0000 8571 0482grid.32566.34The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- grid.412643.6The Reproductive Medicine Special Hospital of the First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo of Gansu, Lanzhou, China
| | - Weihua Wang
- Houston Fertility Laboratory, Houston, TX USA
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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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Minhas R, Young D, Naseem R, Mueller A, Chinthala S, Perdigao JL, Yeo KTJ, Chan SL, Tung A, White JB, Shahul S, Rana S. Association of antepartum blood pressure levels and angiogenic profile among women with chronic hypertension. Pregnancy Hypertens 2018; 14:110-114. [PMID: 30527096 DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiogenic factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. This pilot study explored the association between antenatal blood pressure levels and angiogenic biomarkers (sFlt1 and PlGF) among women with chronic hypertension (cHTN). METHODS Blood samples were collected from women with cHTN (with/without superimposed preeclampsia) within 96 h prior to delivery. Subjects were stratified by mean outpatient BP as controlled (cBP < 140/90) or uncontrolled (uBP ≥ 140/90). Descriptive statistics were generated and assessed as appropriate. Logistic regression was employed to assess for adverse pregnancy outcomes between groups. RESULTS Data from seventy-eight women were analyzed, of which 58 (74.4%) were African American. Fifty-six (71.8%) had cBP and 22 (28.2%) had uBP. Use of antepartum outpatient antihypertensive medications was more frequent in patients with uBP (46.4% vs. 13.6%, p = 0.01). Compared to women with cBP, women with uBP had higher levels of pre-delivery sFlt1 and sFlt1/PlGF ratio (sFlt: 4218.5 vs. 3056.0 pg/ml, p = 0.046; sFlt/PlGF: 62.5 vs. 25.0, p = 0.04). Additionally, more uBP patients had superimposed preeclampsia with severe features (54.6% vs. 25.0%; p = 0.01) and preterm delivery (defined as a gestational age <35 weeks (40.9% vs. 10.7%; p = 0.002)) than cBP patients. In the multivariable model, women with uBP had greater odds of preterm delivery (OR 6.78; p = 0.01), superimposed preeclampsia (OR 3.20; p = 0.03) and preeclampsia with severe features (OR 3.27; p = 0.04) than women with cBP. CONCLUSION In women with cHTN, elevated antepartum BP is associated with worsened outcomes and may be associated with abnormal angiogenic profile at delivery. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruby Minhas
- Section of Maternal Fetal Medicine/Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Danielle Young
- Section of Maternal Fetal Medicine/Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rabab Naseem
- Section of Maternal Fetal Medicine/Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ariel Mueller
- Section of Maternal Fetal Medicine/Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sireesha Chinthala
- Section of Maternal Fetal Medicine/Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Joana Lopes Perdigao
- Section of Maternal Fetal Medicine/Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kiang-Teck J Yeo
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Siaw Li Chan
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Avery Tung
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Julia Bregand White
- Section of Maternal Fetal Medicine/Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sajid Shahul
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sarosh Rana
- Section of Maternal Fetal Medicine/Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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O'Sullivan KP, Marshall SA, Cullen S, Saunders T, Hannan NJ, Senadheera SN, Parry LJ. Evidence of proteinuria, but no other characteristics of pre-eclampsia, in relaxin-deficient mice. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 29:1477-1485. [PMID: 27489037 DOI: 10.1071/rd16056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a leading cause of maternal and fetal death, characterised by an imbalance of placental growth factors and hypertension at >20 weeks gestation. Impaired maternal systemic vascular adaptations and fetal growth restriction are features of both PE and pregnant relaxin-deficient (Rln-/-) mice. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether these phenotypes in Rln-/- mice are associated with abnormal placental growth factor expression, increased soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), proteinuria and/or hypertension during pregnancy. In addition, we examined relaxin and relaxin receptor (relaxin/insulin like family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1)) mRNA expression in placentas of women with PE. There was no significant difference in placental vascular endothelial growth factor A (VegfA) and placenta growth factor (Plgf) gene expression between Rln-/- and wild-type mice. Circulating plasma sFlt-1 concentrations in pregnant mice of both genotypes and ages were increased compared with non-pregnant mice but were lower in younger pregnant Rln-/- mice compared with aged-matched Rln+/+ mice. Aged pregnant Rln-/- mice had higher urinary albumin:creatinine ratios compared with age-matched Rln+/+ mice, indicative of proteinuria. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures did not differ between genotypes. In addition, PE in women was not associated with altered placental mRNA expression of RLN2 or RXFP1 at term. Overall, the data demonstrate that pregnant Rln-/- mice do not have the typical characteristics of PE. However, these mice show evidence of proteinuria, but we suggest that this results from systemic renal vascular dysfunction before pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly P O'Sullivan
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., 3010, Australia
| | - Sarah A Marshall
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., 3010, Australia
| | - Scott Cullen
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., 3010, Australia
| | - Tahnee Saunders
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., 3010, Australia
| | - Natalie J Hannan
- The Translational Obstetrics Group, Mercy Hospital for Women, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Vic., 3010, Australia
| | - Sevvandi N Senadheera
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., 3010, Australia
| | - Laura J Parry
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., 3010, Australia
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Marshall SA, Hannan NJ, Jelinic M, Nguyen TP, Girling JE, Parry LJ. Animal models of preeclampsia: translational failings and why. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2018; 314:R499-R508. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00355.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia affects up to 8% of pregnancies worldwide and is a leading cause of both maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Our current understanding of the cause(s) of preeclampsia is far from complete, and the lack of a single reliable animal model that recapitulates all aspects of the disease further confounds our understanding. This is partially due to the heterogeneous nature of the disease, coupled with our evolving understanding of its etiology. Nevertheless, animal models are still highly relevant and useful tools that help us better understand the pathophysiology of specific aspects of preeclampsia. This review summarizes the various types and characteristics of animal models used to study preeclampsia, highlighting particular features of these models relevant to clinical translation. This review points out the strengths and limitations of these models to illustrate the importance of using the appropriate model depending on the research question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Marshall
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natalie J. Hannan
- The Translational Obstetrics Group, Mercy Hospital for Women, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maria Jelinic
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thy P.H. Nguyen
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane E. Girling
- Gynaecology Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne and Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Laura J. Parry
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Sano T, Terai Y, Daimon A, Nunode M, Nagayasu Y, Okamoto A, Fujita D, Hayashi M, Ohmichi M. Recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin as an anticoagulation therapy improves recurrent miscarriage and fetal growth restriction due to placental insufficiency - The leading cause of preeclampsia. Placenta 2018; 65:1-6. [PMID: 29908636 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Placental insufficiency is one of the major risk factors for growth restriction and preeclampsia. The aim of this study is to investigate whether recombinant human Thrombomodulin(r-TM) improves fetal conditions and physiological outcomes. METHODS We used CBA/J × BALB/C mice as a control and CBA/J × DBA/2 mice - a well-studied model of recurrent spontaneous miscarriage. Pregnant mice received daily subcutaneous injections of r-TM or saline from day 0-15. The fetal resorption rate, fetal weight, and litter size were calculated at day 15. Additionally, we analyzed the mRNA expression of angiogenic factors and the concentration of soluble Flt-1 (sFlt-1) using the ELISA kit. RESULTS The rate of fetal resorption in CBA/J × DBA/2 mice treated with r-TM was significantly lower compared with mice without r-TM treatment. Additionally, fetal weight and litter size were also significantly higher in the r-TM treated mice. Fibrinogen deposition in the labyrinth area of the CBA/J × DBA/2 mice treated with r-TM was significantly lower compared with deposits in the mice untreated with r-TM. As well, r-TM significantly increased the gene expression level of VEGF and Flt-1 mRNA in the placentas of the CBA/J × DBA/2 mice. r-TM treatment also significantly decreased the production of sFlt-1 protein in the placentas of preeclampsia-like diseased mice. CONCLUSION r-TM as an anticoagulation therapy has the potential for the medical treatment of recurrent miscarriage and fetal growth restriction due to improved angiogenic factors. Additionally, r-TM treatment has the potential for the recovery of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Sano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka Medical College, Takatsuki-city, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshito Terai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka Medical College, Takatsuki-city, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Atsushi Daimon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka Medical College, Takatsuki-city, Osaka, Japan
| | - Misa Nunode
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka Medical College, Takatsuki-city, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoko Nagayasu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka Medical College, Takatsuki-city, Osaka, Japan
| | - Atsuko Okamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka Medical College, Takatsuki-city, Osaka, Japan
| | - Daisuke Fujita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka Medical College, Takatsuki-city, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masami Hayashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka Medical College, Takatsuki-city, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahide Ohmichi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka Medical College, Takatsuki-city, Osaka, Japan
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Xiao Z, Li S, Yu Y, Li M, Chen J, Wang F, Zhang J, Deng W, Yang Q, Fan X. VEGF-A regulates sFlt-1 production in trophoblasts through both Flt-1 and KDR receptors. Mol Cell Biochem 2018; 449:1-8. [PMID: 29497919 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-018-3337-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Studies have shown that sFlt-1 overproduction stimulated by excess VEGF of deciduous origin in trophoblasts can cause preeclampsia. However, the mechanism underlying how VEGF regulates sFtl-1 expression in trophoblasts remains unknown. To address this issue, JEG3 and HTR-8/SV neo (HTR8) trophoblast cell lines were used to investigate the signaling pathways involved in the regulation of sFlt-1 production via VEGF overexpression in vitro. JEG3 (VEGF-GFP-JEG3, V-J) and HTR8 (VEGF-GFP-HTR8, V-H) cells overexpressing VEGF165 were established by infecting the JEG3 and HTR8 cell lines with lentivirus expressing VEGF165. Both the mRNA and protein levels of VEGF and sFlt-1 were dramatically up-regulated in the V-J and V-H cells compared to the JEG3 and HTR8 cells, and they were significantly decreased after treatment with an Flt-1 receptor inhibitor (MK-2461), a KDR receptor inhibitor (XL-184), or an Flt-1 and KDR receptor inhibitor (ABT-869). The mRNA levels of sFlt-1, Flt-1, and KDR were increased in V-H cells after treatment, and the VEGF-A mRNA levels were also elevated. The migration and invasion abilities of JEG3 and HTR8 cells were decreased after VEGF overexpression, and this reduction could be reversed with VEGF receptor inhibitor treatment. In addition, after the different treatments, the cell migration rates of V-J cells were significantly increased compared with the control treatment. Taken together, these results indicate that sFlt-1 up-regulation by VEGF may be mediated by the VEGF/Flt-1 and/or VEGF/KDR signaling pathways. However, elucidating which pathway plays this key role requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonglin Xiao
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Songjun Li
- Reproductive Center of Shenzhen Armed Police Hospital, Shenzhen, 518023, China
| | - Yan Yu
- Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518133, China
| | - Mengxia Li
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Reproductive Center of Shenzhen Armed Police Hospital, Shenzhen, 518023, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Weifen Deng
- Reproductive Center of Shenzhen Armed Police Hospital, Shenzhen, 518023, China.
| | - Qing Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China.
| | - Xiujun Fan
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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Adebambo OA, Shea D, Fry RC. Cadmium disrupts signaling of the hypoxia-inducible (HIF) and transforming growth factor (TGF-β) pathways in placental JEG-3 trophoblast cells via reactive oxygen species. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2018; 342:108-115. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2018.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Kaitu’u-Lino TJ, Brownfoot FC, Beard S, Cannon P, Hastie R, Nguyen TV, Binder NK, Tong S, Hannan NJ. Combining metformin and esomeprazole is additive in reducing sFlt-1 secretion and decreasing endothelial dysfunction - implications for treating preeclampsia. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0188845. [PMID: 29466360 PMCID: PMC5821305 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The discovery of new treatments that prevent or treat preeclampsia would be a major advance. Antiangiogenic factors soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and soluble endoglin (sENG) are secreted in excess from the placenta, causing hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, and multiorgan injury. We recently identified metformin and esomeprazole as potential treatments for preeclampsia. Both reduce placental and endothelial secretion of sFlt-1 and soluble endoglin, and reduce endothelial dysfunction. OBJECTIVES We set out to assess whether combining metformin and esomeprazole would additively reduce sFlt-1 and soluble endoglin secretion and reduce endothelial dysfunction (verses drug alone). Metformin and esomeprazole were added to primary placental cells and tissues, and endothelial cells and their effects on sFlt-1 and soluble endoglin secretion were assessed in vitro. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was added to endothelial cells to induce dysfunction in vitro. We examined the ability of metformin + esomeprazole to rescue TNF-α induced vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and Endothelin-1 (ET-1) expression, leukocyte adhesion (markers of endothelial dysfunction). RESULTS Combining metformin and esomeprazole was additive at reducing sFlt-1 secretion and expression of sFlt-1 e15a mRNA isoform in primary cytotrophoblast, placental explants and endothelial cells. In contrast, no additive reduction in sENG was observed with combined metformin and esomeprazole. The low-dose combination of metformin + esomeprazole additively reduced TNF-α-induced VCAM-1 mRNA, but not VCAM-1 protein expression. There was no additive reduction when combining metformin and esomeprazole on TNF-α induced PBMC adhesion to endothelial cells. However, combining metformin and esomeprazole additively reduced ET-1 mRNA expression. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion combining metformin and esomeprazole additively reduced secretion of sFlt-1, and markers of endothelial dysfunction. The combination of metformin and esomeprazole may provide a more effective treatment or prevention for preeclampsia compared to either as single agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tu’uhevaha J. Kaitu’u-Lino
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fiona C. Brownfoot
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sally Beard
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ping Cannon
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Roxanne Hastie
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tuong V. Nguyen
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natalie K. Binder
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen Tong
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natalie J. Hannan
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Palmer KR, Tong S, Kaitu'u-Lino TJ. Placental-specific sFLT-1: role in pre-eclamptic pathophysiology and its translational possibilities for clinical prediction and diagnosis. Mol Hum Reprod 2018; 23:69-78. [PMID: 27986932 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaw077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia is a common obstetric complication globally responsible for a significant burden of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Central to its pathophysiology is the anti-angiogenic protein, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT-1). sFLT-1 is released from a range of tissues into the circulation, where it antagonizes the activity of vascular endothelial growth factor and placental growth factor leading to endothelial dysfunction. It is this widespread endothelial dysfunction that produces the clinical features of pre-eclampsia including hypertension and proteinuria. There are multiple splice variants of sFLT-1. One, known as sFLT-1 e15a, evolved quite recently and is only present in humans and higher order primates. This sFLT-1 variant is also the main sFLT-1 secreted from the placenta. Recent work has shown that sFLT-1 e15a is significantly elevated in the placenta and circulation of women with pre-eclampsia. It is also biologically active, capable of causing endothelial dysfunction and the end-organ dysfunction seen in pre-eclampsia. Indeed, the over-expression of sFLT-1 e15a in mice recapitulates the pre-eclamptic phenotype in pregnancy. Therefore, here we propose that sFLT-1 e15a may be the sFLT-1 variant primarily responsible for pre-eclampsia, a uniquely human disease. Furthermore, this placental-specific sFLT-1 variant provides promise for use as an accurate biomarker in the prediction or diagnosis of pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- K R Palmer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Rd, Clayton, 3168 Victoria, Australia.,Translational Obstetric Group, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, 3084 Victoria, Australia
| | - S Tong
- Translational Obstetric Group, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, 3084 Victoria, Australia
| | - T J Kaitu'u-Lino
- Translational Obstetric Group, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, 3084 Victoria, Australia
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Gray KJ, Saxena R, Karumanchi SA. Genetic predisposition to preeclampsia is conferred by fetal DNA variants near FLT1, a gene involved in the regulation of angiogenesis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2018; 218:211-218. [PMID: 29138037 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2017.11.562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia risk is influenced by both the mother's genetic background and the genetics of her fetus; however, the specific genes responsible for conferring preeclampsia risk have largely remained elusive. Evidence that preeclampsia has a genetic predisposition was first detailed in the early 1960s, and overall preeclampsia heritability is estimated at ∼55%. Many traditional gene discovery approaches have been used to investigate the specific genes that contribute to preeclampsia risk, but these have largely not been successful or reproducible. Over the past decade, genome-wide association studies have allowed for significant advances in the understanding of the genetic basis of many common diseases. Genome-wide association studies are predicated on the idea that the genetic basis of many common diseases are complex and polygenic with many variants, each with modest effects that contribute to disease risk. Using this approach in preeclampsia, a large genome-wide association study recently identified and replicated the first robust fetal genomic region associated with excess risk. A screen of >7 million genetic variants in 2658 offspring from preeclamptic women and 308,292 population controls identified a single association signal close to the Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 gene, on chromosome 13. Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 encodes soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1, a splice variant of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor that exerts antiangiogenic activity by inhibiting signaling of proangiogenic factors. The Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 pathway is central in preeclampsia pathogenesis because excess circulating soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 in the maternal plasma leads to the hallmark clinical features of preeclampsia, including hypertension and proteinuria. The success of this landmark fetal preeclampsia genome-wide association study suggests that well-powered, larger maternal and fetal genome-wide association study will be fruitful in identifying additional common variants that implicate causal preeclampsia genes and pathways. Such efforts will rely on the continued development of large preeclampsia consortia focused on preeclampsia genetics to obtain adequate sample sizes, detailed clinical phenotyping, and matched maternal-fetal samples. In summary, the fetal preeclampsia genome-wide association study represents an exciting advance in preeclampsia biology, suggesting that dysregulation at the Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 locus in the fetal genome (likely in the placenta) is a fundamental molecular defect in preeclampsia.
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48
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Palmer K. Assessing the Circulating Placental-Specific Anti-angiogenic Protein sFLT-1 e15a in Preeclampsia. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1710:27-37. [PMID: 29196992 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7498-6_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a common obstetric complication globally responsible for a significant burden of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The anti-angiogenic protein, sFLT-1, plays a central role in its pathophysiology. sFLT-1 is released from a range of tissues into the circulation, where it antagonizes the activity of vascular endothelial growth factor and placental growth factor leading to endothelial dysfunction. The resulting widespread endothelial dysfunction produces the clinical features of preeclampsia including hypertension and proteinuria. Multiple splice variants of sFLT-1 have been identified, with one, known as sFLT-1 e15a, present only in humans and higher-order primates. This sFLT-1 variant is also the main form of sFLT-1 produced by the placenta. Recent work has shown that sFLT-1 e15a is significantly elevated in the placenta and circulation of women with preeclampsia. It is also biologically active, capable of causing endothelial dysfunction and end-organ dysfunction seen in preeclampsia. Indeed, overexpression of sFLT-1 e15a in mice recapitulates the preeclamptic phenotype in pregnancy. No commercial assay currently exists to analyze sFLT-1 e15a protein levels. Here, a new ELISA method to determine circulating sFLT-1 variant levels is described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Palmer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Level 5, 246 Clayton Rd, Clayton, 3168, VIC, Australia.
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49
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Quao ZC, Tong M, Bryce E, Guller S, Chamley LW, Abrahams VM. Low molecular weight heparin and aspirin exacerbate human endometrial endothelial cell responses to antiphospholipid antibodies. Am J Reprod Immunol 2018; 79:10.1111/aji.12785. [PMID: 29135051 PMCID: PMC5728699 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Women with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are at risk for pregnancy complications despite treatment with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) or aspirin (ASA). aPL recognizing beta2 glycoprotein I can target the uterine endothelium, however, little is known about its response to aPL. This study characterized the effect of aPL on human endometrial endothelial cells (HEECs), and the influence of LMWH and ASA. METHOD OF STUDY HEECs were exposed to aPL or control IgG, with or without low-dose LMWH and ASA, alone or in combination. Chemokine and angiogenic factor secretion were measured by ELISA. A tube formation assay was used to measure angiogenesis. RESULTS aPL increased HEEC secretion of pro-angiogenic VEGF and PlGF; increased anti-angiogenic sFlt-1; inhibited basal secretion of the chemokines MCP-1, G-CSF, and GRO-α; and impaired angiogenesis. LMWH and ASA, alone and in combination, exacerbated the aPL-induced changes in the HEEC angiogenic factor and chemokine profile. There was no reversal of the aPL inhibition of HEEC angiogenesis by either single or combination therapy. CONCLUSION By aPL inhibiting HEEC chemokine secretion and promoting sFlt-1 release, the uterine endothelium may contribute to impaired placentation and vascular transformation. LMWH and ASA may further contribute to endothelium dysfunction in women with obstetric APS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zola Chihombori Quao
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mancy Tong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Elena Bryce
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Seth Guller
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lawrence W Chamley
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Vikki M Abrahams
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Ashar-Patel A, Kaymaz Y, Rajakumar A, Bailey JA, Karumanchi SA, Moore MJ. FLT1 and transcriptome-wide polyadenylation site (PAS) analysis in preeclampsia. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12139. [PMID: 28939845 PMCID: PMC5610261 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11639-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal symptoms of preeclampsia (PE) are primarily driven by excess anti-angiogenic factors originating from the placenta. Chief among these are soluble Flt1 proteins (sFlt1s) produced from alternatively polyadenylated mRNA isoforms. Here we used polyadenylation site sequencing (PAS-Seq) of RNA from normal and PE human placentae to interrogate transcriptome-wide gene expression and alternative polyadenylation signatures associated with early-onset PE (EO-PE; symptom onset < 34 weeks) and late-onset PE (LO-PE; symptom onset > 34 weeks) cohorts. While we observed no general shift in alternative polyadenylation associated with PE, the EO-PE and LO-PE cohorts do exhibit gene expression profiles distinct from both each other and from normal placentae. The only two genes upregulated across all transcriptome-wide PE analyses to date (microarray, RNA-Seq and PAS-Seq) are NRIP1 (RIP140), a transcriptional co-regulator linked to metabolic syndromes associated with obesity, and Flt1. Consistent with sFlt1 overproduction being a significant driver of clinical symptoms, placental Flt1 mRNA levels strongly correlate with maternal blood pressure. For Flt1, just three mRNA isoforms account for > 94% of all transcripts, with increased transcription of the entire locus driving Flt1 upregulation in both EO-PE and LO-PE. These three isoforms thus represent potential targets for therapeutic RNA interference (RNAi) in both early and late presentations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami Ashar-Patel
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Yasin Kaymaz
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Augustine Rajakumar
- Departments of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, USA.,Departments of Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center for Vascular Biology Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Bailey
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Transfusion Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - S Ananth Karumanchi
- Departments of Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center for Vascular Biology Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Melissa J Moore
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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