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Horvat Mercnik M, Schliefsteiner C, Sanchez-Duffhues G, Wadsack C. TGFβ signalling: a nexus between inflammation, placental health and preeclampsia throughout pregnancy. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:442-471. [PMID: 38519450 PMCID: PMC11215164 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmae007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta is a unique and pivotal organ in reproduction, controlling crucial growth and cell differentiation processes that ensure a successful pregnancy. Placental development is a tightly regulated and dynamic process, in which the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily plays a central role. This family of pleiotropic growth factors is heavily involved in regulating various aspects of reproductive biology, particularly in trophoblast differentiation during the first trimester of pregnancy. TGFβ signalling precisely regulates trophoblast invasion and the cell transition from cytotrophoblasts to extravillous trophoblasts, which is an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-like process. Later in pregnancy, TGFβ signalling ensures proper vascularization and angiogenesis in placental endothelial cells. Beyond its role in trophoblasts and endothelial cells, TGFβ signalling contributes to the polarization and function of placental and decidual macrophages by promoting maternal tolerance of the semi-allogeneic foetus. Disturbances in early placental development have been associated with several pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia (PE) which is one of the severe complications. Emerging evidence suggests that TGFβ is involved in the pathogenesis of PE, thereby offering a potential target for intervention in the human placenta. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This comprehensive review aims to explore and elucidate the roles of the major members of the TGFβ superfamily, including TGFβs, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), activins, inhibins, nodals, and growth differentiation factors (GDFs), in the context of placental development and function. The review focusses on their interactions within the major cell types of the placenta, namely trophoblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells, in both normal pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by PE throughout pregnancy. SEARCH METHODS A literature search was carried out using PubMed and Google Scholar, searching terms: 'TGF signalling preeclampsia', 'pregnancy TGF signalling', 'preeclampsia tgfβ', 'preeclampsia bmp', 'preeclampsia gdf', 'preeclampsia activin', 'endoglin preeclampsia', 'endoglin pregnancy', 'tgfβ signalling pregnancy', 'bmp signalling pregnancy', 'gdf signalling pregnancy', 'activin signalling pregnancy', 'Hofbauer cell tgfβ signalling', 'placental macrophages tgfβ', 'endothelial cells tgfβ', 'endothelium tgfβ signalling', 'trophoblast invasion tgfβ signalling', 'trophoblast invasion Smad', 'trophoblast invasion bmp', 'trophoblast invasion tgfβ', 'tgfβ preeclampsia', 'tgfβ placental development', 'TGFβ placental function', 'endothelial dysfunction preeclampsia tgfβ signalling', 'vascular remodelling placenta TGFβ', 'inflammation pregnancy tgfβ', 'immune response pregnancy tgfβ', 'immune tolerance pregnancy tgfβ', 'TGFβ pregnancy NK cells', 'bmp pregnancy NK cells', 'bmp pregnancy tregs', 'tgfβ pregnancy tregs', 'TGFβ placenta NK cells', 'TGFβ placenta tregs', 'NK cells preeclampsia', 'Tregs preeclampsia'. Only articles published in English until 2023 were used. OUTCOMES A comprehensive understanding of TGFβ signalling and its role in regulating interconnected cell functions of the main placental cell types provides valuable insights into the processes essential for successful placental development and growth of the foetus during pregnancy. By orchestrating trophoblast invasion, vascularization, immune tolerance, and tissue remodelling, TGFβ ligands contribute to the proper functioning of a healthy maternal-foetal interface. However, dysregulation of TGFβ signalling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of PE, where the shallow trophoblast invasion, defective vascular remodelling, decreased uteroplacental perfusion, and endothelial cell and immune dysfunction observed in PE, are all affected by an altered TGFβ signalling. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The dysregulation of TGFβ signalling in PE has important implications for research and clinical practice. Further investigation is required to understand the underlying mechanisms, including the role of different ligands and their regulation under pathophysiological conditions, in order to discover new therapeutic targets. Distinguishing between clinically manifested subtypes of PE and studying TGFβ signalling in different placental cell types holistically is an important first step. To put this knowledge into practice, pre-clinical animal models combined with new technologies are needed. This may also lead to improved human research models and identify potential therapeutic targets, ultimately improving outcomes for affected pregnancies and reducing the burden of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gonzalo Sanchez-Duffhues
- Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN-CSIC), Tissue-Specific BMP Signalling ISPA-HUCA, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Christian Wadsack
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
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Pontifex T, Yang X, Tracy A, Burns K, Craig Z, Zhou C. Prenatal Exposure to Environmentally Relevant Low Dosage Dibutyl Phthalate Reduces Placental Efficiency in CD-1 Mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.26.582170. [PMID: 38464211 PMCID: PMC10925143 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.26.582170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), a phthalate congener, is widely utilized in consumer products and medication coatings. Women of reproductive age have a significant burden of DBP exposure through consumer products, occupational exposure, and medication. Prenatal DBP exposure is associated with adverse pregnancy/fetal outcomes and cardiovascular diseases in the offspring. However, the role of fetal sex and the general mechanisms underlying DBP exposure-associated adverse pregnancy outcomes are unclear. We hypothesize that prenatal DBP exposure at an environmentally relevant low dosage adversely affects fetal-placental development and function during pregnancy in a fetal sex-specific manner. Methods Adult female CD-1 mice (8-10wks) were orally treated with vehicle (control) or with environmentally relevant low DBP dosages at 0.1 μg/kg/day (refer as DBP0.1) daily from 30 days before pregnancy through gestational day (GD) 18.5. Dam body mass composition was measured non-invasively using the echo-magnetic resonance imaging system. Lipid disposition in fetal labyrinth and maternal decidual area of placentas was examined using Oil Red O staining. Results DBP0.1 exposure did not significantly affect the body weight and adiposity of non-pregnant adult female mice nor the maternal weight gain pattern and adiposity during pregnancy in adult female mice. DBP0.1 exposure does not affect fetal weight but significantly increased the placental weight at GD18.5 (indicative of decreased placental efficiency) in a fetal sex-specific manner. We further observed that DBP0.1 significantly decreased lipid disposition in fetal labyrinth of female, but not male placentas, while it did not affect lipid disposition in maternal decidual. Conclusions Prenatal exposure to environmentally relevant low-dosage DBP adversely impacts the fetal-placental efficiency and lipid disposition in a fetal sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasha Pontifex
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Xinran Yang
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Ayna Tracy
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Kimberlie Burns
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Zelieann Craig
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Chi Zhou
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
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Brown RE, Noah AI, Hill AV, Taylor BD. Fetal Sexual Dimorphism and Preeclampsia Among Twin Pregnancies. Hypertension 2024; 81:614-619. [PMID: 38152884 PMCID: PMC10922256 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.123.22380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In singleton pregnancies, fetal sexual dimorphism has been observed in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, particularly preeclampsia, a morbid syndrome that increases the risk of adult-onset cardiovascular disease for mothers and their offspring. However, few studies have explored the effect of fetal sex on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy among twin pregnancies. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 1032 twin pregnancies between 2011 and 2022 using data from a perinatal database that recruits participants from 3 hospitals in Houston, TX. We categorized pregnancies based on fetal sex pairings into female/female, male/male, and female/male. Pregnancies with female/female pairs were used as our reference group. Our primary outcomes included gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, superimposed preeclampsia, and preeclampsia subtyped by gestational age of delivery. A modified Poisson regression model with robust error variance was used to calculate the relative risk and 95% CI for the association between fetal sex pairs and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. RESULTS Adjusted models of female/male pairs were associated with preterm preeclampsia (relative risk, 2.01 [95% CI, 1.15-3.53]) relative to those with female/female pairs. No associations with other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were observed among pregnancies with male/male pairs compared with those with female/female fetal sex pairs. CONCLUSIONS We found some evidence of sexual dimorphism for preterm preeclampsia among female/male twin pairs. Additional research is needed to understand what biological mechanisms could explain these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah E. Brown
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Akaninyene I. Noah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Ashley V. Hill
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Brandie DePaoli Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Population Health and Health Disparities, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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Struck EC, Belova T, Hsieh PH, Odeberg JO, Kuijjer ML, Dusart PJ, Butler LM. Global Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Distinct Phases of the Endothelial Response to TNF. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:117-129. [PMID: 38019121 PMCID: PMC10733583 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The vascular endothelium acts as a dynamic interface between blood and tissue. TNF-α, a major regulator of inflammation, induces endothelial cell (EC) transcriptional changes, the overall response dynamics of which have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we conducted an extended time-course analysis of the human EC response to TNF, from 30 min to 72 h. We identified regulated genes and used weighted gene network correlation analysis to decipher coexpression profiles, uncovering two distinct temporal phases: an acute response (between 1 and 4 h) and a later phase (between 12 and 24 h). Sex-based subset analysis revealed that the response was comparable between female and male cells. Several previously uncharacterized genes were strongly regulated during the acute phase, whereas the majority in the later phase were IFN-stimulated genes. A lack of IFN transcription indicated that this IFN-stimulated gene expression was independent of de novo IFN production. We also observed two groups of genes whose transcription was inhibited by TNF: those that resolved toward baseline levels and those that did not. Our study provides insights into the global dynamics of the EC transcriptional response to TNF, highlighting distinct gene expression patterns during the acute and later phases. Data for all coding and noncoding genes is provided on the Web site (http://www.endothelial-response.org/). These findings may be useful in understanding the role of ECs in inflammation and in developing TNF signaling-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eike C. Struck
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Tatiana Belova
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Nordic EMBL Partnership, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ping-Han Hsieh
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Nordic EMBL Partnership, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jacob O. Odeberg
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Protein Science, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
- The University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Coagulation Unit, Department of Hematology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marieke L. Kuijjer
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Nordic EMBL Partnership, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Leiden Center for Computational Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Philip J. Dusart
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Protein Science, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
- Clinical Chemistry and Blood Coagulation Research, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lynn M. Butler
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Protein Science, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
- Clinical Chemistry and Blood Coagulation Research, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Clinical Chemistry, Karolinska University Laboratory, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Zhao YJ, Zhou C, Wei YY, Zhang SY, Mishra JS, Li HH, Lei W, Wang K, Kumar S, Zheng J. An Endogenous Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Ligand Induces Preeclampsia-like Phenotypes: Transcriptome, Phosphoproteome, and Cell Functions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.20.572271. [PMID: 38187714 PMCID: PMC10769228 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.20.572271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Background Preeclampsia (PE) is one hypertensive disorder and a leading cause of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity during human pregnancy. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor, which regulates vascular functions. Exogenous and endogenous AhR ligands can induce hypertension in animals. However, if dysregulation of endogenous AhR ligands contributes to the pathophysiology of PE remains elusive. Methods We measured AhR activities in human maternal and umbilical vein sera. We also applied physiological, cellular, and molecular approaches to dissect the role of endogenous AhR ligands in vascular functions during pregnancy using pregnant rats and primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) as models. Results PE elevated AhR activities in human umbilical vein sera. Exposure of pregnant rats to an endogenous AhR ligand, 2-(1'H-indole-3'-carbonyl)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (ITE) increased blood pressure and proteinuria, while decreased uteroplacental blood flow and reduced fetal and placental weights, all of which are hallmarks of PE. ITE dampened vascular growth and fetal sex-specifically altered immune cell infiltration in rat placentas. ITE also decreased cell proliferation and cell monolayer integrity in HUVECs in vitro . RNA sequencing analysis revealed that ITE dysregulated transcriptome in rat placentas and HUVECs in a fetal sex-specific manner. Bottom-up phosphoproteomics showed that ITE disrupted phosphoproteome in HUVECs. These ITE-dysregulated genes and phosphoproteins were enriched in biological functions and pathways which are highly relevant to diseases of heart, liver, and kidney, vascular functions, inflammation responses, cell death, and kinase inhibition. Conclusions Dysregulation of endogenous AhR ligands during pregnancy may lead to the development of PE with underlying impaired vascular functions, fetal sex-specific immune cell infiltration and transcriptome, and phosphoproteome. Thus, this study has provided a novel mechanism for the development of PE and potentially other forms of hypertensive pregnancies. These AhR ligand-activated genes and phosphoproteins might represent promising therapeutic and fetal sex-specific targets for PE-impaired vascular functions.
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Knihtilä HM, Kachroo P, Shadid I, Raissadati A, Peng C, McElrath TF, Litonjua AA, Demeo DL, Loscalzo J, Weiss ST, Mirzakhani H. Cord blood DNA methylation signatures associated with preeclampsia are enriched for cardiovascular pathways: insights from the VDAART trial. EBioMedicine 2023; 98:104890. [PMID: 37995466 PMCID: PMC10709000 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preeclampsia has been associated with maternal epigenetic changes, in particular DNA methylation changes in the placenta. It has been suggested that preeclampsia could also cause DNA methylation changes in the neonate. We examined DNA methylation in relation to gene expression in the cord blood of offspring born to mothers with preeclampsia. METHODS This study included 128 mother-child pairs who participated in the Vitamin D Antenatal Asthma Reduction Trial (VDAART), where assessment of preeclampsia served as secondary outcome. We performed an epigenome-wide association study of preeclampsia and cord blood DNA methylation (Illumina 450 K chip). We then examined gene expression of the same subjects for validation and replicated the gene signatures in independent DNA methylation datasets. Lastly, we applied functional enrichment and network analyses to identify biological pathways that could potentially be involved in preeclampsia. FINDINGS In the cord blood samples (n = 128), 263 CpGs were differentially methylated (FDR <0.10) in preeclampsia (n = 16), of which 217 were annotated. Top pathways in the functional enrichment analysis included apelin signaling pathway and other endothelial and cardiovascular pathways. Of the 217 genes, 13 showed differential expression (p's < 0.001) in preeclampsia and 11 had been previously related to preeclampsia (p's < 0.0001). These genes were linked to apelin, cGMP and Notch signaling pathways, all having a role in angiogenic process and cardiovascular function. INTERPRETATION Preeclampsia is related to differential cord blood DNA methylation signatures of cardiovascular pathways, including the apelin signaling pathway. The association of these cord blood DNA methylation signatures with offspring's long-term morbidities due to preeclampsia should be further investigated. FUNDING VDAART is funded by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute grants of R01HL091528 and UH3OD023268. HMK is supported by Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation, Paulo Foundation, and the Pediatric Research Foundation. HM is supported by K01 award from NHLBI (1K01HL146977-01A1). PK is supported by K99HL159234 from NIH/NHLBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna M Knihtilä
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Priyadarshini Kachroo
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Iskander Shadid
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Clinical Pharmacy & Toxicology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Alireza Raissadati
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Cheng Peng
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas F McElrath
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Augusto A Litonjua
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Golisano Children's Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Dawn L Demeo
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph Loscalzo
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Scott T Weiss
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hooman Mirzakhani
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Brown RE, Noah AI, Hill AV, DePaoli Taylor B. Fetal sexual dimorphism and preeclampsia among twin pregnancies. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.11.10.23298403. [PMID: 37986979 PMCID: PMC10659481 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.10.23298403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Background In singleton pregnancies, fetal sexual dimorphism has been observed in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), particularly preeclampsia, a morbid syndrome that increases risk of adult onset cardiovascular disease for mothers and their offspring. However, few studies have explored the effect of fetal sex on HDP among twin pregnancies. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 1,032 twin pregnancies between 2011 - 2022 using data from a perinatal database that recruits participants from three hospitals in Houston, TX. We categorized pregnancies based on fetal sex pairings into female/female, male/male, and female/male. Pregnancies with a female/female fetal sex were used as our reference group. Our primary outcomes included gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, superimposed preeclampsia, and preeclampsia subtyped by gestational age of delivery. A modified Poisson regression model with robust error variance was used to calculate the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association between fetal sex pairs and HDP. Results Adjusted models of female/male fetal sex pairs were associated with preterm preeclampsia (RR 2.01, 95% CI 1.15-3.53) relative to those with female/female fetuses. No associations with other HDP were observed among pregnancies with male/male fetal sex compared to those with female/female fetal sex pairs. Conclusions We found some evidence of sexual dimorphism for preterm preeclampsia among female/male twin pairs. Additional research is needed to understand what biological mechanisms could explain these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah E. Brown
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Akaninyene I. Noah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Ashley V. Hill
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Brandie DePaoli Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Population Health and Health Disparities, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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Yan Q, Guerrero RF, Khan RR, Surujnarine AA, Wapner RJ, Hahn MW, Raja A, Salleb-Aouissi A, Grobman WA, Simhan H, Blue NR, Silver R, Chung JH, Reddy UM, Radivojac P, Pe’er I, Haas DM. Searching and visualizing genetic associations of pregnancy traits by using GnuMoM2b. Genetics 2023; 225:iyad151. [PMID: 37602697 PMCID: PMC10691790 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) are major risk factors for women's health during pregnancy and even in the years after pregnancy. Due to the heterogeneity of APOs, only few genetic associations have been identified. In this report, we conducted genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of 479 traits that are possibly related to APOs using a large and racially diverse study, Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-Be (nuMoM2b). To display extensive results, we developed a web-based tool GnuMoM2b (https://gnumom2b.cumcobgyn.org/) for searching, visualizing, and sharing results from a GWAS of 479 pregnancy traits as well as phenome-wide association studies of more than 17 million single nucleotide polymorphisms. The genetic results from 3 ancestries (Europeans, Africans, and Admixed Americans) and meta-analyses are populated in GnuMoM2b. In conclusion, GnuMoM2b is a valuable resource for extraction of pregnancy-related genetic results and shows the potential to facilitate meaningful discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Rafael F Guerrero
- Department of Computer Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Raiyan R Khan
- Department of Computer Science, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Andy A Surujnarine
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ronald J Wapner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Matthew W Hahn
- Department of Computer Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Anita Raja
- Department of Computer Science, CUNY Hunter College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | - William A Grobman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Hyagriv Simhan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Nathan R Blue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Robert Silver
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Judith H Chung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA 92697, USA
| | - Uma M Reddy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Predrag Radivojac
- Khoury College of Computer Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Itsik Pe’er
- Department of Computer Science, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - David M Haas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Zhou C, Freel C, Mills O, Yang XR, Yan Q, Zheng J. MicroRNA-29 differentially mediates preeclampsia-dysregulated cellular responses to cytokines in female and male fetal endothelial cells. J Physiol 2023; 601:3631-3645. [PMID: 37401732 PMCID: PMC10807859 DOI: 10.1113/jp284746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) differentially impairs female and male fetal endothelial cell function, which is associated with an increased risk of adult-onset cardiovascular disorders in children born to mothers with PE. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly defined. We hypothesize that dysregulation of microRNA-29a-3p and 29c-3p (miR-29a/c-3p) in PE disturbs gene expression and cellular responses to cytokines in fetal endothelial cells in a fetal sex-dependent manner. RT-qPCR analysis of miR-29a/c-3p was performed on female and male unpassaged (P0) human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) from normotensive (NT) pregnancies and PE. Bioinformatic analysis of an RNA-seq dataset was performed to identify PE-dysregulated miR-29a/c-3p target genes in female and male P0-HUVECs. Gain- and loss-of-function assays were conducted to determine the effects of miR-29a/c-3p on endothelial monolayer integrity and proliferation in response to transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα) in NT and PE HUVECs at passage 1. We observed that PE downregulated miR-29a/c-3p in male and female P0-HUVECs. PE dysregulated significantly more miR-29a/c-3p target genes in female vs. male P0-HUVECs. Many of these PE-differentially dysregulated miR-29a/c-3p target genes are associated with critical cardiovascular diseases and endothelial function. We further demonstrated that miR-29a/c-3p knockdown specifically recovered the PE-abolished TGFβ1-induced strengthening of endothelial monolayer integrity in female HUVECs, while miR-29a/c-3p overexpression specifically enhanced the TNFα-promoted cell proliferation in male PE HUVECs. In conclusion, PE downregulates miR-29a/c-3p expression and differentially dysregulates miR-29a/c-3p target genes associated with cardiovascular diseases and endothelial function in female and male fetal endothelial cells, possibly contributing to the fetal sex-specific endothelial dysfunction observed in PE. KEY POINTS: Preeclampsia differentially impairs female and male fetal endothelial cell function in responses to cytokines. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are elevated in maternal circulation during pregnancy in preeclampsia. MicroRNAs are critical regulators of endothelial cell function during pregnancy. We have previously reported that preeclampsia downregulated microRNA-29a-3p and 29c-3p (miR-29a/c-3p) in primary fetal endothelial cells. However, it is unknown if PE differentially dysregulates the expression of miR-29a/c-3p in female and male fetal endothelial cells. We show that preeclampsia downregulates miR-29a/c-3p in male and female HUVECs and preeclampsia dysregulates cardiovascular disease- and endothelial function-associated miR-29a/c-3p target genes in HUVECs in a fetal sex-specific manner. MiR-29a/c-3p differentially mediate cell responses to cytokines in female and male fetal endothelial cells from preeclampsia. We have revealed fetal sex-specific dysregulation of miR-29a/c-3p target genes in fetal endothelial cells from preeclampsia. This differential dysregulation may contribute to fetal sex-specific endothelial dysfunction in offspring born to preeclamptic mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Zhou
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, the University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Colman Freel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Current Institution: University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Olivia Mills
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, the University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Xin-Ran Yang
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, the University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Qin Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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Yan Q, Guerrero RF, Khan RR, Surujnarine AA, Wapner RJ, Hahn MW, Raja A, SallebAouissi A, Grobman WA, Simhan H, Blue NR, Silver R, Chung JH, Reddy UM, Radivojac P, Pe'er I, Haas DM. Searching and visualizing genetic associations of pregnancy traits by using GnuMoM2b. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.05.25.23290500. [PMID: 37333377 PMCID: PMC10274999 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.25.23290500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) are major risk factors for women's health during pregnancy and even in the years after pregnancy. Due to the heterogeneity of APOs, only few genetic associations have been identified. In this report, we conducted genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of 479 traits that are possibly related to APOs using a large and racially diverse study, Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-Be (nuMoM2b). To display the extensive results, we developed a web-based tool GnuMoM2b ( https://gnumom2b.cumcobgyn.org/ ) for searching, visualizing, and sharing results from GWAS of 479 pregnancy traits as well as phenome-wide association studies (PheWAS) of more than 17 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The genetic results from three ancestries (Europeans, Africans, and Admixed Americans) and meta-analyses are populated in GnuMoM2b. In conclusion, GnuMoM2b is a valuable resource for extraction of pregnancy-related genetic results and shows the potential to facilitate meaningful discoveries.
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11
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Viveka M, Chaturvedula L, Ram AK, Vairappan B. Placental expression of striatin & endothelial nitric oxide synthase in women with & without pre-eclampsia. Indian J Med Res 2023; 157:345-352. [PMID: 37147942 PMCID: PMC10438406 DOI: 10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_1839_20] [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: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & objectives Striatin is a multi-domain scaffolding protein essential for activating endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). However, its role in pre-eclampsia remains use explored. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the association between striatin and eNOS in regulating nitric oxide (NO) production in the placenta of women with and without pre-eclampsia. Methods Forty pregnant women each without (controls) and with pre-eclampsia (cases) were enrolled in the study. Blood striatin and NO concentrations were detected by the ELISA. Protein expression of striatin, phosphorylated eNOS (peNOS), inducible NOS (iNOS) and phosphorylated NF-κB were measured in the placental tissues by Western blot. Twenty four hour urinary protein and serum urea, uric acid and creatinine were analyzed as an autoanalyzer. Placental histology was analyzed by haematoxylin and eosin staining. Results: Compared to normotensive pregnant women, the levels of serum NO and striatin were decreased in pre-eclamptic women. The protein expression of striatin and peNOS was significantly reduced (P<0.05) while p65NF-κB and iNOS were upregulated considerably (P<0.05) in the placenta of cases compared to controls. Interpretation & conclusions Our results show for the first time that decreased striatin expression was associated with decreased peNOS protein expression in the placental tissue of pre-eclamptic women. Interestingly, no significant difference was found in blood striatin or NO levels between controls and cases. Thus, therapies that improve placental striatin expression are attractive possibilities, both for prevention as well as treatment of endothelial dysfunction in pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Viveka
- Department of Biochemistry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Latha Chaturvedula
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Amit Kumar Ram
- Department of Biochemistry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Balasubramaniyan Vairappan
- Department of Biochemistry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Puducherry, India
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12
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Zhou C, Freel C, Mills O, Yang XR, Yan Q, Zheng J. MicroRNA-29 Differentially Mediates Preeclampsia-Dysregulated Cellular Responses to Cytokines in Female and Male Fetal Endothelial Cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.17.532827. [PMID: 36993536 PMCID: PMC10055181 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.17.532827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Preeclampsia (PE) differentially impairs female and male fetal endothelial cell function which is associated with the increased risks of adult-onset cardiovascular disorders in children born to mothers with PE. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly defined. We hypothesize that dysregulation of microRNA-29a-3p and 29c-3p (miR-29a/c-3p) in PE disturbs gene expression and cellular responses to cytokines in fetal endothelial cells in a fetal sex-dependent manner. Methods RT-qPCR analysis of miR-29a/c-3p was performed on female and male unpassaged (P0) human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) from normotensive (NT) and PE pregnancies. Bioinformatic analysis of an RNAseq dataset was performed to identify PE-dysregulated miR-29a/c-3p target genes in female and male P0-HUVECs. Gain- and loss-of-function assays were conducted to determine the effects of miR-29a/c-3p on endothelial monolayer integrity and proliferation in response to TGFβ1 and TNFα in NT and PE HUVECs at passage 1. Results PE downregulated miR-29a/c-3p in male, but not female P0-HUVECs. PE dysregulated significantly more miR-29a/c-3p target genes in female vs. male P0-HUVECs. Many of these PE-differentially dysregulated miR-29a/c-3p target genes are associated with critical cardiovascular diseases and endothelial functions. We further demonstrated that miR-29a/c-3p knockdown specifically recovered the PE-abolished TGFβ1-induced strengthening of endothelial monolayer integrity in female HUVECs, while miR-29a/c-3p overexpression specifically enhanced the TNFα-promoted cell proliferation in male PE HUVECs. Conclusions PE differentially dysregulates miR-29a/c-3p and their target genes associated with cardiovascular diseases- and endothelial function in female and male fetal endothelial cells, possibly contributing to the fetal sex-specific endothelial dysfunction observed in PE.
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13
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Gu M, Zhang F, Jiang X, Chen P, Wan S, Lv Q, Lu Y, Zhou Q, Wang Y, Li L. Influence of placental exosomes from early onset preeclampsia women umbilical cord plasma on human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:1061340. [PMID: 36620649 PMCID: PMC9816142 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1061340] [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: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Early onset preeclampsia (EOSP, PE) is characterized by hypertension, proteinuria, and endothelial dysfunction. Oxidative stress-induced trophoblast dysfunction is a major pathology in PE. Placental exosomes are extracellular vesicles that are involved in "mother-placenta-foetal communication" and can regulate the biological functions of endothelial cells. Our study was designed to evaluate placental exosomes effects on endothelial cells. Methods Umbilical cord blood from normal pregnant women and patients with PE were collected. A hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model in human first trimester extravillous trophoblast cell (HTR8/SVneo) line to simulate the PE model of oxidative stress in vitro. Then, placental exosomes (i.e., NO-exo, H/R-exo, N-exo, and PE-exo) were extracted and identified. Finally, the effects of placental exosomes on the biological functions of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were further evaluated by performing a series of experiments. Results Placental exosomes had a double-membrane cup structure with diameters of 30-150 nm, and there was no obvious difference in placental exosomes. Compared with NO-exo and N-exo, H/R-exo and PE-exo inhibited HUVECs proliferation, tube formation and migration, increased permeability and apoptosis in vitro. Conclusion We hypothesize that H/R-exo and PE-exo impair vessel development by disrupted biological functions in endothelial cells, which may result in vascular disorders in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Gu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Fengyuan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaotong Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Pengzheng Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shuting Wan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Qingfeng Lv
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yuan Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health and Family Planning Commission of China, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Shandong Province, Jinan, China
| | - Yanyun Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China,The Laboratory of Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center (Institute of Translational Medicine), Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences) of China, Jinan, China,Yanyun Wang,
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China,The Laboratory of Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center (Institute of Translational Medicine), Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences) of China, Jinan, China,*Correspondence: Lei Li,
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14
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Abdull Sukor AN, Ankasha SJ, Ugusman A, Aminuddin A, Mokhtar NM, Zainal Abidin S, Ahmad MF, Hamid A. Impact of offspring endothelial function from de novo hypertensive disorders during pregnancy: An evidence-based review. Front Surg 2022; 9:967785. [DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.967785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
De novo hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) which consist of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia affect maternal and offspring morbidity and mortality, and potentially increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in the offspring. It is well known that de novo HDP causes various maternal complications, including cardiovascular diseases, placental abruption and liver and kidney failure. However, there are studies suggesting that offspring of pregnancies complicated by de novo HDP have an increased risk of long-term cardiovascular disease. The endothelium is an important regulator of vascular function, and its dysfunction is highly associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases. Hence, this review aimed to systematically identify articles related to the effect of de novo HDP on the endothelial function of the offspring. A computerized database search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Medline from 1976 until 2022. A total of 685 articles were obtained. We identified another three additional articles through review articles and Google Scholar. Altogether, we used 13 articles for data extraction. All studies reported that endothelial function was impaired in the offspring of de novo HDP. This is most likely attributed to impaired vasodilation, subclinical atherosclerosis formation, inflammation, and dysregulated epigenetic regulation of endothelial functions.
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Cumsille P, Lara E, Verdugo-Hernández P, Acurio J, Escudero C. A robust quantitative approach for laser speckle contrast imaging perfusion analysis revealed anomalies in the brain blood flow in offspring mice of preeclampsia. Microvasc Res 2022; 144:104418. [PMID: 35931124 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2022.104418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Microcirculation analysis of the brain cortex is challenging because surface perfusion varies rapidly in small space-time regions and is bone protected. The laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) technique allows analyzing in vivo brain vascular perfusion generating a large amount of data that requires sophisticated data analytics, making researchers invest much effort in processing. Our research question was whether the reduced placental perfusion model (RUPP) of preeclampsia (PE) was associated with impaired blood perfusion in the offspring's brains. We aimed to develop a robust numerical approach that mainly consisted of applying a signal-processing tool for calculating optimal segmentation and piece-wise fits of the offspring's brain perfusion signals obtained from the LSCI technique. We combined this tool with the usual statistical analysis, implementing both in Matlab software. We performed brain perfusion measurements from offspring (five days postnatal, P5) of control pregnant dams (sham, n = 13) and of RUPP dams (RUPP, n = 7) using the Pericam® PSI-HR system at a basal condition and after thermal stimuli (warm and cold). We found that pups of RUPP mice exhibited significant differences in perfusion and vascular response to thermal stimuli compared to the sham mice. These differences were associated with high data variability in the Sham group, while in the RUPP group, perfusion looks "stiffer." Data also suggest sex-dimorphism in the vascular response since female pups in the Sham group but not male pups showed statistically significant differences in response to the warm stimulus. Again, this sex-related difference was absent in pups of RUPP mice. In conclusion, we present a robust quantitative approach for LSCI measurements that revealed anomalies in the brain blood flow in offspring of the RUPP model of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricio Cumsille
- Vascular Physiology Laboratory, Department of Basic Sciences, Universidad del Bío-Bío, Campus Fernando May, Av. Andrés Bello 720, Casilla 447, Chillán, Chile; Centre for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (CeBiB), University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Evelyn Lara
- Vascular Physiology Laboratory, Department of Basic Sciences, Universidad del Bío-Bío, Campus Fernando May, Av. Andrés Bello 720, Casilla 447, Chillán, Chile; Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health (GRIVAS Health), Chillán, Chile
| | - Paula Verdugo-Hernández
- Escuela de Pedagogía en Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación, Universidad de Talca, Chile
| | - Jesenia Acurio
- Vascular Physiology Laboratory, Department of Basic Sciences, Universidad del Bío-Bío, Campus Fernando May, Av. Andrés Bello 720, Casilla 447, Chillán, Chile; Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health (GRIVAS Health), Chillán, Chile
| | - Carlos Escudero
- Vascular Physiology Laboratory, Department of Basic Sciences, Universidad del Bío-Bío, Campus Fernando May, Av. Andrés Bello 720, Casilla 447, Chillán, Chile; Group of Research and Innovation in Vascular Health (GRIVAS Health), Chillán, Chile.
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16
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Li HH, Sai LT, Liu Y, Freel CI, Wang K, Zhou C, Zheng J, Shu Q, Zhao YJ. Systemic lupus erythematosus dysregulates the expression of long noncoding RNAs in placentas. Arthritis Res Ther 2022; 24:142. [PMID: 35701843 PMCID: PMC9195362 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-022-02825-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can cause placental dysfunctions, which may result in pregnancy complications. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are actively involved in the regulation of immune responses during pregnancy. The present study aimed to determine the lncRNA expression profiles in placentas from women with SLE to gain new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms in SLE pregnancies. Methods RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis was performed to identify SLE-dysregulated lncRNAs and mRNAs in placentas from women with SLE and normal full-term (NT) pregnancies. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to predict the biological functions of these SLE-dysregulated lncRNAs and mRNAs. Results RNA-seq analysis identified 52 dysregulated lncRNAs in SLE placentas, including 37 that were upregulated and 15 downregulated. Additional 130 SLE-dysregulated mRNAs were discovered, including 122 upregulated and 8 downregulated. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that SLE-dysregulated genes were associated with biological functions and gene networks, such as regulation of type I interferon-mediated signaling pathway, response to hypoxia, regulation of MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) cascade, response to steroid hormone, complement and coagulation cascades, and Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation. Conclusions This is the first report of the lncRNA profiles in placentas from SLE pregnancies. These results suggest that the aberrant expression and the potential regulatory function of lncRNAs in placentas may play comprehensive roles in the pathogenesis of SLE pregnancies. SLE-dysregulated lncRNAs may potentially serve as biomarkers for SLE. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13075-022-02825-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Hui Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Lin-Tao Sai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Colman I Freel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA.,Scholars Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Kai Wang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chi Zhou
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85719, USA
| | - Jing Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Qiang Shu
- Department of Rheumatology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China. .,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases and Gout, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
| | - Ying-Jie Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA. .,Department of Rheumatology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China. .,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases and Gout, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
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17
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Li HH, Sai LT, Tian S, Liu Y, Freel CI, Wang K, Zhou C, Zheng J, Shu Q, Zhao YJ. Sexual Dimorphisms of Protein-Coding Gene Profiles in Placentas From Women With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:798907. [PMID: 35372436 PMCID: PMC8965019 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.798907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may cause pathogenic changes in the placentas during human pregnancy, such as decreased placental weight, intraplacental hematoma, ischemic hypoxic change, placental infarction, and decidual vasculopathy, which contribute to high maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. Sex-specific adaptations of the fetus are associated with SLE pregnancies. The present study aimed to determine the transcriptomic profiles of female and male placentas from women with SLE. Methods RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to identify differentially expressed protein-coding genes (DEGs) in placentas from women with SLE vs. normal term (NT) pregnancies with female and male fetuses (n = 3-5/sex/group). Real-time-quantitative PCR was performed (n = 4 /sex/group) to validate the RNA-seq results. Bioinformatics functional analysis was performed to predict the biological functions and pathways of SLE-dysregulated protein-coding genes. Results Compared with NT-female (NT-F) placentas, 119 DEGs were identified in SLE-female (SLE-F) placentas. Among these 119 DEGs, five and zero are located on X- and Y-chromosomes, respectively, and four are located on the mitochondrial genome. Compared with NT-male (NT-M) placentas, 458 DEGs were identified in SLE-male (SLE-M) placentas, among which 16 are located on the X-chromosome and zero on the Y-chromosome and mitochondrial genome. Twenty-four DEGs were commonly dysregulated in SLE-F and -M placentas. Functional analysis showed that SLE-dysregulated protein-coding genes were associated with diverse biological functions and pathways, including angiogenesis, cellular response to growth factor stimulus, heparin-binding, HIF (hypoxia-inducible factor)-1 signaling pathway, and Interleukin-17 (IL-17) signaling pathway in both SLE-F and -M placentas. Biological regulations were differentially enriched between SLE-F and -M placentas. Regulation of blood circulation, response to glucocorticoid, and rhythmic process were all enriched in SLE-F, but not SLE-M placentas. In contrast, tumor necrosis factor production, Th17 cell differentiation, and MDA (melanoma differentiation-associated gene)-5 signaling pathway were enriched in SLE-M but not SLE-F placentas. Conclusion This report investigated the protein-coding gene profiles of placenta tissues from SLE patients using RNA-seq. The results suggest that the SLE-dysregulated protein-coding genes in placentas may contribute to the pathophysiological progress of SLE pregnancies in a fetal sex-specific manner, leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Hui Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Lin-Tao Sai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shan Tian
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Colman I Freel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Kai Wang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chi Zhou
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Jing Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Qiang Shu
- Department of Rheumatology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases and Gout, Jinan, China
| | - Ying-Jie Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases and Gout, Jinan, China
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Lorenz M, Witt E, Völker U, Stangl K, Stangl V, Hammer E. Serum starvation induces sexual dimorphisms in secreted proteins of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) from twin pairs. Proteomics 2022; 22:e2100168. [PMID: 35357760 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202100168] [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: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
There is growing evidence for sex and gender differences in the clinical manifestation and outcomes of human diseases. Human primary endothelial cells represent a useful cardiovascular model to study sexual dimorphisms at the cellular level. Here, we analyzed sexual dimorphisms of the secretome after serum starvation using HUVECs from twin pairs of the opposite sex to minimize the impact of varying genetic background. HUVECs were starved for 5 and 16 h, respectively, and proteins of the cell culture supernatants were analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry. Altogether, 960 extracellular proteins were identified of which 683 were amendable to stringent quantification. Significant alterations were observed for 324 proteins between long-term and short-term starvation and the majority were similar in both sexes. Only 5 proteins showed significant sex-specific regulation between long- versus short-term starvation. Furthermore, 19 unique proteins with significant sexual dimorphisms at the same time points of serum starvation were observed. A larger number of proteins, e.g. tissue factor inhibitor 2 (TFPI2), displayed higher levels in the supernatants of females compared to male cells after long term serum starvation that might point to higher adaptation capacity of female cells. The overall results demonstrate that male and female cells differ in their secretome. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Lorenz
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Medizinische Klinik für Kardiologie und Angiologie, Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin
| | - Eric Witt
- Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Greifswald
| | - Uwe Völker
- Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Greifswald
| | - Karl Stangl
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Medizinische Klinik für Kardiologie und Angiologie, Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin
| | - Verena Stangl
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Medizinische Klinik für Kardiologie und Angiologie, Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin
| | - Elke Hammer
- Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Greifswald
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Differential Distribution of Tryptophan-Metabolites in Fetal and Maternal Circulations During Normotensive and Preeclamptic Pregnancies. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:1278-1286. [PMID: 34622427 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00759-0] [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: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive pregnancy, which is a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality during pregnancy. L-Tryptophan (Trp) is an essential amino acid, which can be metabolized into various biologically active metabolites. However, the levels of many circulating Trp-metabolites in human normotensive pregnancies (NT) and PE are undetermined. This study quantified the levels of Trp-metabolites in maternal and umbilical vein sera from women with NT and PE. Paired maternal and umbilical blood samples were collected from singleton pregnant patients. Twenty-five Trp-metabolites were measured in serum samples using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The effects of L-kynurenine (Kyn) and indole-3-lactic acid (ILA), on function of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), were also determined. Twenty Trp-metabolites were detected. The levels of 9 Trp-metabolites including Kyn and ILA were higher (P < 0.05) in umbilical vein than maternal serum, whereas 2 (5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan and serotonin) were lower (P < 0.05) in umbilical vein compared to maternal serum. PE significantly (P < 0.05) elevated ILA levels in maternal and umbilical vein sera. Kyn dose-dependently decreased (P < 0.05) cell viability. Kyn and ILA dose- and time-dependently (P < 0.05) increased monolayer integrity in HUVECs. These data suggest that these Trp-metabolites are important in regulating endothelial function during pregnancy, and the elevated ILA in PE may antagonize increased endothelial permeability occurring in PE.
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Yang D, Dai F, Yuan M, Zheng Y, Liu S, Deng Z, Tan W, Chen L, Zhang Q, Zhao X, Cheng Y. Role of Transforming Growth Factor-β1 in Regulating Fetal-Maternal Immune Tolerance in Normal and Pathological Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:689181. [PMID: 34531852 PMCID: PMC8438197 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.689181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is composed of three isoforms, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3. TGF-β1 is a cytokine with multiple biological functions that has been studied extensively. It plays an important role in regulating the differentiation of immune cells and maintaining immune cell functions and immune homeostasis. Pregnancy is a carefully regulated process. Controlled invasion of trophoblasts, precise coordination of immune cells and cytokines, and crosstalk between trophoblasts and immune cells play vital roles in the establishment and maintenance of normal pregnancy. In this systematic review, we summarize the role of TGF-β1 in regulating fetal-maternal immune tolerance in healthy and pathological pregnancies. During healthy pregnancy, TGF-β1 induces the production of regulatory T cells (Tregs), maintains the immunosuppressive function of Tregs, mediates the balance of M1/M2 macrophages, and regulates the function of NK cells, thus participating in maintaining fetal-maternal immune tolerance. In addition, some studies have shown that TGF-β1 is dysregulated in patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion or preeclampsia. TGF-β1 may play a role in the occurrence and development of these diseases and may be a potential target for the treatment of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyong Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fangfang Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengqin Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yajing Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shiyi Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhimin Deng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Liping Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qianjie Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaomiao Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanxiang Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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21
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Exposome and foetoplacental vascular dysfunction in gestational diabetes mellitus. Mol Aspects Med 2021; 87:101019. [PMID: 34483008 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2021.101019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A balanced communication between the mother, placenta and foetus is crucial to reach a successful pregnancy. Several windows of exposure to environmental toxins are present during pregnancy. When the women metabolic status is affected by a disease or environmental toxin, the foetus is impacted and may result in altered development and growth. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a disease of pregnancy characterised by abnormal glucose metabolism affecting the mother and foetus. This disease of pregnancy associates with postnatal consequences for the child and the mother. The whole endogenous and exogenous environmental factors is defined as the exposome. Endogenous insults conform to the endo-exposome, and disruptors contained in the immediate environment are the ecto-exposome. Some components of the endo-exposome, such as Selenium, vitamins D and B12, adenosine, and a high-fat diet, and ecto-exposome, such as the heavy metals Arsenic, Mercury, Lead and Copper, and per- and polyfluoroakyl substances, result in adverse pregnancies, including an elevated risk of GDM or gestational diabesity. The impact of the exposome on the human placenta's vascular physiology and function in GDM and gestational diabesity is reviewed.
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Elevated MicroRNA 183 Impairs Trophoblast Migration and Invasiveness by Downregulating FOXP1 Expression and Elevating GNG7 Expression during Preeclampsia. Mol Cell Biol 2020; 41:MCB.00236-20. [PMID: 33139493 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00236-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive disorder of uncertain etiology that is the leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity or mortality. The dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been highlighted as a potential factor involved in the development of PE. Therefore, our study investigated a novel miRNA, miRNA 183 (miR-183), and its underlying association with PE. Expression of miR-183, forkhead box P1 (FOXP1), and G protein subunit gamma 7 (GNG7) in placental tissues of patients with PE was determined. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments were conducted to explore modulatory effects of miR-183, FOXP1, and GNG7 on the viability, invasion, and angiogenesis of trophoblast cells in PE. Finally, we undertook in vivo studies to explore effects of FOXP1 in the PE model. The results revealed suppressed expression of FOXP1 and significant elevations in miR-183 and GNG7 expression in placental tissues of PE patients. FOXP1 was observed to promote proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis in human chorionic trophoblastic cells. miR-183 resulted in depletion of FOXP1 expression, while FOXP1 was capable of restraining GNG7 expression and promoting the mTOR pathway. The findings confirmed the effects of FOXP1 on PE. In conclusion, miR-183 exhibits an inhibitory role in PE through suppression of FOXP1 and upregulation of GNG7.
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Jiang Y, Yang Y, Zhang C, Huang W, Wu L, Wang J, Su M, Sun D, Gao Y. Upregulation of miR-200c-3p induced by NaF promotes endothelial apoptosis by activating Fas pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 266:115089. [PMID: 32629210 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fluoride has been considered as a risk factor of cardiovascular disease due to its endothelial toxicology. However, the mechanism underlying the endothelial toxicity of fluoride has not been clearly illustrated. MiR-200c-3p was strongly linked with endothelial function and its level is increased in serum of fluorosis patients, but it is unclear the role of miR-200c-3p in the fluoride induced endothelial dysfunction. In this study, we confirmed that fluoride exposure induced the apoptosis of endothelial cells both in established rats model and cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). And miR-200c-3p was found to be upregulated in NaF treated HUVECs. Fluoride stimulation increased caspase-dependent apoptosis through miR-200c-3p upregulation, with repressing expression of its target gene Fas-associated phosphatase 1 (Fap-1), which functioned as Fas inhibitor. This resulted in activation of Fas-associated extrinsic apoptosis via interaction with increased Fas, Fadd, Cleaved Caspase-8 and Cleaved Caspase-3. The activation of Fas-associated extrinsic apoptosis was abrogated by miR-200c-3p inhibitor. Furthermore, the antiapoptotic effect of downregulated miR-200c-3p was restored by Fap-1 siRNA. These results suggested a determinant role of the miR-200c-3p/Fap-1 axis in fluoride induced endothelial apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Jiang
- Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China; Key Lab of Etiology and Epidemiology, Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province & Ministry of Health (23618504), Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Yanmei Yang
- Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China; Key Lab of Etiology and Epidemiology, Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province & Ministry of Health (23618504), Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Chengzhi Zhang
- Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China; Key Lab of Etiology and Epidemiology, Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province & Ministry of Health (23618504), Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China; Key Lab of Etiology and Epidemiology, Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province & Ministry of Health (23618504), Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Liaowei Wu
- Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China; Key Lab of Etiology and Epidemiology, Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province & Ministry of Health (23618504), Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China; Key Lab of Etiology and Epidemiology, Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province & Ministry of Health (23618504), Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Mengyao Su
- Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China; Key Lab of Etiology and Epidemiology, Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province & Ministry of Health (23618504), Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Dianjun Sun
- Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China; Key Lab of Etiology and Epidemiology, Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province & Ministry of Health (23618504), Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Yanhui Gao
- Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China; Key Lab of Etiology and Epidemiology, Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province & Ministry of Health (23618504), Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China; Institution of Environmentally Related Diseases, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.
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Li Y, Zhou C, Lei W, Wang K, Zheng J. Roles of aryl hydrocarbon receptor in endothelial angiogenic responses†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:927-937. [PMID: 32716482 PMCID: PMC7731988 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor, which can be activated by a plethora of structure-diverse ligands. Historically, AhR is known for its involvements in regulation of metabolism of xenobiotics. However, normal physiological roles of AhR have been defined in other essential biological processes, including vascular growth and function, reproduction, and immunoresponses. In contrast, aberrant expression and activation of the AhR signaling pathway occur in a variety of human diseases, many of which (e.g., preeclampsia, atherosclerosis, and hypertension) could be associated with endothelial dysfunction. Indeed, emerging evidence has shown that either exogenous or endogenous AhR ligands can induce endothelial dysfunction in either an AhR-dependent or AhR-independent manner, possibly reliant on the blood vessel origin (artery and vein) of endothelial cells. Given that the AhR signaling pathway has broad impacts on endothelial and cardiovascular function, AhR ligands, AhR, and their downstream genes could be considered novel therapeutic targets for those endothelial-related diseases. This review will discuss the current knowledge of AhR's mediation on endothelial function and potential mechanisms underlying these actions with a focus on placental endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Chi Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Wei Lei
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
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25
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Salsoso R, Mate A, Toledo F, Vázquez CM, Sobrevia L. Insulin requires A 2B adenosine receptors to modulate the L-arginine/nitric oxide signalling in the human fetoplacental vascular endothelium from late-onset preeclampsia. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1867:165993. [PMID: 33096224 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Late-onset preeclampsia (LOPE) associates with reduced umbilical vein reactivity and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity but increased human cationic amino acid (hCAT-1)-mediated L-arginine transport involving A2A adenosine receptor in the fetoplacental unit. This study addresses the A2B adenosine receptor (A2BAR)-mediated response to insulin in the fetoplacental vasculature from LOPE. Umbilical veins and HUVECs were obtained from women with normal (n = 37) or LOPE (n = 35) pregnancies. Umbilical vein rings reactivity to insulin was assayed in the absence or presence of adenosine and MRS-1754 (A2BAR antagonist) in a wire myograph. HUVECs were exposed to insulin, MRS-1754, BAY60-6583 (A2BAR agonist), NECA (general adenosine receptors agonist) or NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (NOS inhibitor). A2BAR, hCAT-1, total and phosphorylated eNOS, Akt and p44/42mapk protein abundance were determined by Western blotting. Insulin receptors A (IR-A) and B (IR-B), eNOS and hCAT-1 mRNA were determined by qPCR. Firefly/Renilla luciferase assay was used to determine -1606 bp SLC7A1 (hCAT-1) promoter activity. L-Citrulline content was measured by HPLC, L-[3H]citrulline formation from L-[3H]arginine by the Citrulline assay, and intracellular cGMP by radioimmunoassay. LOPE-reduced dilation of vein rings to insulin was restored by MRS-1754. HUVECs from LOPE showed higher A2BAR, hCAT-1, and IR-A expression, Akt and p44/42mapk activation, and lower NOS activity. MRS-1754 reversed the LOPE effect on A2BAR, hCAT-1, Akt, and eNOS inhibitory phosphorylation. Insulin reversed the LOPE effect on A2BAR, IR-A and eNOS, but increased hCAT-1-mediated transport. Thus, LOPE alters endothelial function, causing an imbalance in the L-arginine/NO signalling pathway to reduce the umbilical vein dilation to insulin requiring A2BAR activation in HUVECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Salsoso
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; Instituto do Coracao (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville E-41012, Spain
| | - Alfonso Mate
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville E-41012, Spain
| | - Fernando Toledo
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad del Bío-Bío, Chillán 3780000, Chile
| | - Carmen M Vázquez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville E-41012, Spain.
| | - Luis Sobrevia
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville E-41012, Spain; Medical School (Faculty of Medicine), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Brazil; University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Herston, QLD, 4029, Australia.
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Umbilical cord plasma-derived exosomes from preeclamptic women induce vascular dysfunction by targeting HMGCS1 in endothelial cells. Placenta 2020; 103:86-93. [PMID: 33120050 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hypertension is one of the major clinical manifestations of preeclampsia. Vascular dysfunction is crucial for the occurrence and progression of hypertension. Exosomes are emerging as mediators of intercellular communication and can participate in angiogenesis. In this study, we hypothesize that umbilical cord plasma-derived exosomes from preeclamptic women (PE-uexo) impair vascular development by regulating endothelial cells. Here, umbilical cord plasma samples from women with normal pregnancies and matched preeclamptic patients were used to isolate circulating exosomes. Proliferation, Transwell and tube formation assays indicated that PE-uexo impaired the angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). On the basis of microarray analysis of HUVECs treated with PE-uexo or exosomes from women with normal pregnancies, we showed that the expression of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 1 (HMGCS1) was decreased in the PE-uexo-treated HUVECs. Furthermore, downregulation of HMGCS1 in HUVECs attenuated the proliferation and migration of these cells. Interestingly, HMGCS1 was decreased in P0 HUVECs from preeclamptic pregnancies compared with normotensive pregnancies. Together, these observations suggest that PE-uexo disrupts normal function in vascular endothelial cells by targeting HMGCS1, which may result in vascular disorders in the offspring.
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Markers of Endothelial Injury and Dysfunction in Early- and Late-Onset Preeclampsia. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:life10100239. [PMID: 33066445 PMCID: PMC7602169 DOI: 10.3390/life10100239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
With regard to differences in the clinical symptoms of preeclampsia (PE), the degree of endothelial dysfunction may differ between early and late-onset preeclampsia (EOP and LOP). The authors of this study examined it by assessing the endothelial injury level in women with EOP (20 patients) and LOP (20 patients) and in normotensive pregnant women (20 patients) in their late second and third trimesters of pregnancy, using the two markers-the serum concentration of hyaluronan (HA) and the serum level of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1). The serum concentrations of HA and sVCAM-1 did not differ significantly between the EOP and LOP patients. However, these were statistically higher than that of the control group participants (p < 0.05; p < 0.001). A significant correlation between the levels of HA and sVCAM-1 was found both in the entire group of patients with preeclampsia (p = 0.0277) and in women with late-onset disease (p = 0.0364), but not in the patients with early-onset preeclampsia (p = 0.331). The obtained results indicated a comparable level of endothelial injury in the two types of PE. The presence of a similar degree of endothelial injury in patients with EOP and LOP should create awareness among all clinicians about the possible fatal complications in both groups of patients with PE.
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Xue D, Sun JL, Yang J. Early L-T4 intervention improves fetal heart development in pregnant rats with subclinical hypothyroidism rats by activating BMP4/Smad4 signaling pathway. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2020; 20:369. [PMID: 32795258 PMCID: PMC7427857 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-020-01646-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unclear whether the offspring of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) pregnant rats still have abnormal cardiac development, and whether early intervention with L-T4 can improve the abnormality of these offspring. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of early L-T4 intervention on the heart development of offspring of SCH pregnant rats and its possible molecular mechanism. METHODS Eighty female Wistar rats were randomly divided into Sham group (placebo control), SCH group, LT4-E10 group (L-T4 treatment started on the 10th day of gestation), and LT4-E13 group (L-T4 treatment started on the 13th day of gestation). Each group was further divided into E16 (16th day of gestation), E18 (18th day of gestation), P5 (5th day postnatal day), and P10 (10th day postnatal day) subgroups. The levels of serum TT4 and TSH, the ratio of heart weight to body weight of offspring rats, the expression of metabolic enzymes, and the histopathology of cardiomyocytes were determined. To elucidate the effects of L-T4 on cardiac development of offspring of SCH pregnant rats, the expression levels of GATA4, Nkx2-5 and proteins involved in BMP4/Smad4 signaling pathway were detected by immunohistochemistry, real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting to elucidate the molecular mechanism of L-T4 regulating the heart development of the offspring of SCH pregnant rats. RESULTS Compared with Sham group, serum TSH was significantly increased in SCH pregnant rats. Moreover, early L-T4 intervention significantly reduced the levels of serum TSH. Compared with the offspring in the SCH group, early L-T4 intervention significantly increased the heart weight, heart weight to body weight ratio, the activities of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), Na+/K+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase, but reduced myocardial cell shrinkage and nuclear staining, hyperemia/congestion and vacuolar degeneration. In addition, early L-T4 intervention not only significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression of Gata4 and Nkx2-5, but also increased the protein expression involved in BMP4/Smad4 signal pathway in myocardium of the offspring of SCH pregnant rats. CONCLUSIONS Early L-T4 intervention can regulate the cardiac development of the offspring of SCH pregnant rats by activating BMP4/Smad4 signaling pathway and increasing the expression of Gata4 and Nkx2-5 proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Xue
- Department of Cardiovascular Ultrasound, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No.115, Nanjing Road, HePing District, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Department of Cardiovascular Ultrasound, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - J L Sun
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - J Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Ultrasound, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No.115, Nanjing Road, HePing District, Shenyang, 110001, China.
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Zhou C, Zou QY, Jiang YZ, Zheng J. Role of oxygen in fetoplacental endothelial responses: hypoxia, physiological normoxia, or hyperoxia? Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2020; 318:C943-C953. [PMID: 32267717 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00528.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
During pregnancy, placental vascular growth, which is essential for supporting the rapidly growing fetus, is associated with marked elevations in blood flow. These vascular changes take place under chronic physiological low O2 (less than 2-8% O2 in human; chronic physiological normoxia, CPN) throughout pregnancy. O2 level below CPN pertinent to the placenta results in placental hypoxia. Such hypoxia can cause severe endothelial dysfunction, which is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes (e.g., preeclampsia) and high risk of adult-onset cardiovascular diseases in children born to these pregnancy complications. However, our current knowledge about the mechanisms underlying fetoplacental endothelial function is derived primarily from cell models established under atmospheric O2 (~21% O2 at sea level, hyperoxia). Recent evidence has shown that fetoplacental endothelial cells cultured under CPN have distinct gene expression profiles and cellular responses compared with cells cultured under chronic hyperoxia. These data indicate the critical roles of CPN in programming fetal endothelial function and prompt us to re-examine the mechanisms governing fetoplacental endothelial function under CPN. Better understanding these mechanisms will facilitate us to develop preventive and therapeutic strategies for endothelial dysfunction-associated diseases (e.g., preeclampsia). This review will provide a brief summary on the impacts of CPN on endothelial function and its underlying mechanisms with a focus on fetoplacental endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Zhou
- Perinatal Research Laboratories, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Qing-Yun Zou
- Department of Vascular Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yi-Zhou Jiang
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Zheng
- Perinatal Research Laboratories, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.,Cardiovascular Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
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Reckelhoff JF, LaMarca B, Garovic VD, Alexander BT. Human Umbilical Venous Endothelial Cells: Early Predictors of Cardiovascular Risk in Offspring? Hypertension 2019; 74:32-34. [PMID: 31154902 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.119.12652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jane F Reckelhoff
- From the Departments of Cell and Molecular Biology (J.F.R.), University of Mississippi Medical Center Jackson, MS.,Mississippi Center of Excellence in Perinatal Research (J.F.R., B.L., V.G., B.T.A.)
| | - Babbette LaMarca
- Pharmacology and Toxicology (B.L.), University of Mississippi Medical Center Jackson, MS.,Mississippi Center of Excellence in Perinatal Research (J.F.R., B.L., V.G., B.T.A.)
| | - Vesna D Garovic
- Mississippi Center of Excellence in Perinatal Research (J.F.R., B.L., V.G., B.T.A.).,Departments of Internal Medicine (V.G.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.,Hypertension and Nephrology (V.G.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Barbara T Alexander
- Physiology and Biophysics (B.T.A.), University of Mississippi Medical Center Jackson, MS.,Mississippi Center of Excellence in Perinatal Research (J.F.R., B.L., V.G., B.T.A.)
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