1
|
Fu S, Li Y, Shen L, Chen Y, Lu J, Ran Y, Zhao Y, Tang H, Tan L, Lin Q, Hao Y. Cu 2WS 4-PEG Nanozyme as Multifunctional Sensitizers for Enhancing Immuno-Radiotherapy by Inducing Ferroptosis. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2309537. [PMID: 38323716 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202309537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Unavoidable damage to normal tissues and tumor microenvironment (TME) resistance make it challenging to eradicate breast carcinoma through radiotherapy. Therefore, it is urgent to develop radiotherapy sensitizers that can effectively reduce radiation doses and reverse the suppressive TME. Here, a novel biomimetic PEGylated Cu2WS4 nanozyme (CWP) with multiple enzymatic activities is synthesized by the sacrificing template method to have physical radiosensitization and biocatalyzer-responsive effects on the TME. Experiment results show that CWP can improve the damage efficiency of radiotherapy on breast cancer cell 4T1 through its large X-ray attenuation coefficient of tungsten and nucleus-penetrating capacity. CWP also exhibit strong Fenton-like reactions that produced abundant ROS and GSH oxidase-like activity decreasing GSH. This destruction of redox balance further promotes the effectiveness of radiotherapy. Transcriptome sequencing reveals that CWP induced ferroptosis by regulating the KEAP1/NRF2/HMOX1/GPX4 molecules. Therefore, owing to its multiple enzymatic activities, high-atomic W elements, nucleus-penetrating, and ferroptosis-inducing capacities, CWP effectively improves the efficiency of radiotherapy for breast carcinoma in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, CWP-mediated radiosensitization can trigger immunogenic cell death (ICD) to improve the anti-PD-L1 treatments to inhibit the growth of primary and distant tumors effectively. These results indicate that CWP is a multifunctional nano-sensitizers for radiotherapy and immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiyan Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine Institute of Combined Injury College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, P. R. China
| | - Yong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine Institute of Combined Injury College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, P. R. China
| | - Li Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine Institute of Combined Injury College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, P. R. China
| | - Yonglai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine Institute of Combined Injury College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, P. R. China
| | - Jingxuan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine Institute of Combined Injury College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, P. R. China
| | - Yonghong Ran
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine Institute of Combined Injury College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, P. R. China
| | - Yazhen Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine Institute of Combined Injury College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, P. R. China
| | - Hong Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine Institute of Combined Injury College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, P. R. China
| | - Longfei Tan
- Laboratory of Controllable Preparation and Application of Nanomaterials, Key Laboratory of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 29 Zhongguancun East Road, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Qinyang Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine Institute of Combined Injury College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, P. R. China
| | - Yuhui Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine Institute of Combined Injury College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wei J, Zhang L, Xu H, Luo Q. Preterm birth, a consequence of immune deviation mediated hyperinflammation. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28483. [PMID: 38689990 PMCID: PMC11059518 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28483] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth represents a multifaceted syndrome with intricacies still present in our comprehension of its etiology. In the context of a semi-allograft, the prosperity from implantation to pregnancy to delivery hinges on the establishment of a favorable maternal-fetal immune microenvironment and a successful trilogy of immune activation, immune tolerance and then immune activation transitions. The occurrence of spontaneous preterm birth could be related to abnormalities within the immune trilogy, stemming from deviation in maternal and fetal immunity. These immune deviations, characterized by insufficient immune tolerance and early immune activation, ultimately culminated in an unsustainable pregnancy. In this review, we accentuated the role of both innate and adaptive immune reason in promoting spontaneous preterm birth, reviewed the risk of preterm birth from vaginal microbiome mediated by immune changes and the potential of vaginal microbiomes and metabolites as a new predictive marker, and discuss the changes in the role of progesterone and its interaction with immune cells in a preterm birth population. Our objective was to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in the field, shedding light on the immunologic reason of spontaneous preterm birth and effective biomarkers for early prediction, providing a roadmap for forthcoming investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wei
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, China
| | - LiYuan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, China
| | - Heng Xu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Qiong Luo
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hoffmann JP, Liu JA, Seddu K, Klein SL. Sex hormone signaling and regulation of immune function. Immunity 2023; 56:2472-2491. [PMID: 37967530 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2023.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Immune responses to antigens, including innocuous, self, tumor, microbial, and vaccine antigens, differ between males and females. The quest to uncover the mechanisms for biological sex differences in the immune system has intensified, with considerable literature pointing toward sex hormonal influences on immune cell function. Sex steroids, including estrogens, androgens, and progestins, have profound effects on immune function. As such, drastic changes in sex steroid concentrations that occur with aging (e.g., after puberty or during the menopause transition) or pregnancy impact immune responses and the pathogenesis of immune-related diseases. The effect of sex steroids on immunity involves both the concentration of the ligand and the density and distribution of genomic and nongenomic receptors that serve as transcriptional regulators of immune cellular responses to affect autoimmunity, allergy, infectious diseases, cancers, and responses to vaccines. The next frontier will be harnessing these effects of sex steroids to improve therapeutic outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph P Hoffmann
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jennifer A Liu
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Kumba Seddu
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Sabra L Klein
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang H, Zha X, Zheng Y, Liu X, Elsabagh M, Wang H, Jiang H, Wang M. Mechanisms underlying the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in the placental injury and fetal growth restriction in an ovine gestation model. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2023; 14:117. [PMID: 37691111 PMCID: PMC10494380 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-023-00919-z] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), an environmental pollutant known for its endocrine-disrupting properties, during gestation has been reported to increase the risk of fetal growth restriction (FGR) in an ovine model of pregnancy. We hypothesized that the FGR results from the BPA-induced insufficiency and barrier dysfunction of the placenta, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). However, precise mechanisms underlying the BPA-induced placental dysfunction, and subsequently, FGR, as well as the potential involvement of placental ERS in these complications, remain to be investigated. METHODS In vivo experiment, 16 twin-pregnant (from d 40 to 130 of gestation) Hu ewes were randomly distributed into two groups (8 ewes each). One group served as a control and received corn oil once a day, whereas the other group received BPA (5 mg/kg/d as a subcutaneous injection). In vitro study, ovine trophoblast cells (OTCs) were exposed to 4 treatments, 6 replicates each. The OTCs were treated with 400 μmol/L BPA, 400 μmol/L BPA + 0.5 μg/mL tunicamycin (Tm; ERS activator), 400 μmol/L BPA + 1 μmol/L 4-phenyl butyric acid (4-PBA; ERS antagonist) and DMEM/F12 complete medium (control), for 24 h. RESULTS In vivo experiments, pregnant Hu ewes receiving the BPA from 40 to 130 days of pregnancy experienced a decrease in placental efficiency, progesterone (P4) level and fetal weight, and an increase in placental estrogen (E2) level, together with barrier dysfunctions, OS, inflammatory responses, autophagy and ERS in type A cotyledons. In vitro experiment, the OTCs exposed to BPA for 24 h showed an increase in the E2 level and related protein and gene expressions of autophagy, ERS, pro-apoptosis and inflammatory response, and a decrease in the P4 level and the related protein and gene expressions of antioxidant, anti-apoptosis and barrier function. Moreover, treating the OTCs with Tm aggravated BPA-induced dysfunction of barrier and endocrine (the increased E2 level and decreased P4 level), OS, inflammatory responses, autophagy, and ERS. However, treating the OTCs with 4-PBA reversed the counteracted effects of Tm mentioned above. CONCLUSIONS In general, the results reveal that BPA exposure can cause ERS in the ovine placenta and OTCs, and ERS induction might aggravate BPA-induced dysfunction of the placental barrier and endocrine, OS, inflammatory responses, and autophagy. These data offer novel mechanistic insights into whether ERS is involved in BPA-mediated placental dysfunction and fetal development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Laboratory of Metabolic Manipulation of Herbivorous Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, P. R. China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, P. R. China
| | - Xia Zha
- Laboratory of Metabolic Manipulation of Herbivorous Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, P. R. China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, P. R. China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Laboratory of Metabolic Manipulation of Herbivorous Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, P. R. China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyun Liu
- Laboratory of Metabolic Manipulation of Herbivorous Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, P. R. China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, P. R. China
| | - Mabrouk Elsabagh
- Department of Animal Production and Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, Nigde, 51240, Turkey
- Department of Nutrition and Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, KafrelSheikh, Egypt
| | - Hongrong Wang
- Laboratory of Metabolic Manipulation of Herbivorous Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, P. R. China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, P. R. China
| | - Honghua Jiang
- Laboratory of Metabolic Manipulation of Herbivorous Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, P. R. China.
- Department of Pediatrics, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, China.
| | - Mengzhi Wang
- Laboratory of Metabolic Manipulation of Herbivorous Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, P. R. China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, P. R. China.
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Reclamation Science, Shihezi, 832000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Taves MD, Donahue KM, Bian J, Cam MC, Ashwell JD. Aire drives steroid hormone biosynthesis by medullary thymic epithelial cells. Sci Immunol 2023; 8:eabo7975. [PMID: 37595021 PMCID: PMC10732315 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abo7975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) produce glucocorticoids, which antagonize negative selection of autoreactive thymocytes and promote a competent T cell antigen-specific repertoire. To characterize their source, we generated a knock-in reporter mouse in which endogenous Cyp11b1, the final enzyme in de novo production of active glucocorticoids, was fluorescently tagged with mScarlet. Here, we find that Cyp11b1 is expressed in medullary TECs (mTECs) but not cortical TECs or other cells in the thymus. A distinct characteristic of mTECs is the presence of Aire, a transcription factor that drives expression of tissue-restricted antigens (TRAs) important for establishing immune tolerance. Cyp11b1 expression was highest in Aire+ mTECs, lower in post-Aire mTECs, and absent in mTECs of Aire-deficient mice. Transcriptomic analyses found that multiple enzymatic biosynthetic pathways are expressed specifically in mTECs and are also Aire dependent. In particular, we found that the thymus expresses messenger RNA for enzymes that catalyze production of many bioactive steroids and that glucocorticoids and sex steroids were secreted by cultured thymi. Expression of the transcripts for these genes and production of their final steroid products were markedly reduced in the absence of Aire. Thus, in addition to its well-established role in inducing TRAs that promote negative selection, Aire has an additional and contrary function of inducing glucocorticoids that antagonize negative selection, which together may expand and enhance the TCR repertoire. Furthermore, because Aire drives expression of multiple enzymes responsible for production of other non-gene-encoded bioactive molecules, it might have yet other roles in thymus development and function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D. Taves
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kaitlynn M. Donahue
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jing Bian
- CCR Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, Center for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Margaret C. Cam
- CCR Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, Center for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jonathan D. Ashwell
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang YF, Zhu HL, Xu XF, Zhang J, Ling Q, Zhang S, Chang W, Xiong YW, Xu DX, Wang H. Activation of Atg5-dependent placental lipophagy ameliorates cadmium-induced fetal growth restriction. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 328:121602. [PMID: 37031847 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd), an environmental contaminant, can result in placental non-selective autophagy activation and fetal growth restriction (FGR). However, the role of placental lipophagy, a selective autophagy, in Cd-induced FGR is unclear. This work uses case-control study, animal experiments and cultures of primary human placental trophoblast cells to explore the role of placental lipophagy in Cd-induced FGR. We found association of placental lipophagy and all-cause FGR. Meanwhile, pregnancy Cd exposure induced FGR and placental lipophgay. Inhibition of placental lipophagy by pharmacological and genetic means (Atg5-/- mice) exacerbated Cd-caused FGR. Inversely, activating of placental lipophagy relieved Cd-stimulated FGR. Subsequently, we found that activation of Atg5-dependent lipophagy degrades lipid droplets to produce free cholesterol, and promotes placental progesterone (P4) synthesis. Gestational P4 supplementation significantly reversed Cd-induced FGR. Altogether, activation of Atg5-dependent placental lipophagy ameliorates Cd-induced FGR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Feng Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Hua-Long Zhu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Qing Ling
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Wei Chang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Yong-Wei Xiong
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - De-Xiang Xu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Motomura K, Miller D, Galaz J, Liu TN, Romero R, Gomez-Lopez N. The effects of progesterone on immune cellular function at the maternal-fetal interface and in maternal circulation. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 229:106254. [PMID: 36681283 PMCID: PMC10038932 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Progesterone is a sex steroid hormone that plays a critical role in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. This hormone drives numerous maternal physiological adaptations to ensure the continuation of pregnancy and to facilitate fetal growth, including broad and potent modulation of the maternal immune system to promote maternal-fetal tolerance. In this brief review, we provide an overview of the immunomodulatory functions of progesterone in the decidua, placenta, myometrium, and maternal circulation during pregnancy. Specifically, we summarize current evidence of the regulated functions of innate and adaptive immune cells induced by progesterone and its downstream effector molecules in these compartments, including observations in human pregnancy and in animal models. Our review highlights the gaps in knowledge of interactions between progesterone and maternal cellular immunity that may direct future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenichiro Motomura
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Derek Miller
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Jose Galaz
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Tzu Ning Liu
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA; Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Pregnancy Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wu HM, Chen LH, Hsu LT, Lai CH. Immune Tolerance of Embryo Implantation and Pregnancy: The Role of Human Decidual Stromal Cell- and Embryonic-Derived Extracellular Vesicles. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113382. [PMID: 36362169 PMCID: PMC9658721 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo–endometrial communication plays a critical role in embryo implantation and the establishment of a successful pregnancy. Successful pregnancy outcomes involve maternal immune modulation during embryo implantation. The endometrium is usually primed and immunomodulated by steroid hormones and embryo signals for subsequent embryo implantation and the maintenance of pregnancy. The roles of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and microRNAs for the embryo–maternal interactions have been elucidated recently. New evidence shows that endometrial EVs and trophectoderm-originated EV cargo, including microRNAs, proteins, and lipids in the physiological microenvironment, regulate maternal immunomodulation for embryo implantation and subsequent pregnancy. On the other hand, trophoblast-derived EVs also control the cross-communication between the trophoblasts and immune cells. The exploration of EV functions and mechanisms in the processes of embryo implantation and pregnancy will shed light on a practical tool for the diagnostic or therapeutic approaches to reproductive medicine and infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hsien-Ming Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Hsuan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Le-Tien Hsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chyong-Huey Lai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Gynecologic Cancer Research Center, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-3-328-1200 (ext. 8254)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Taves MD, Ashwell JD. Effects of sex steroids on thymic epithelium and thymocyte development. Front Immunol 2022; 13:975858. [PMID: 36119041 PMCID: PMC9478935 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.975858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex steroid hormones have major effects on the thymus. Age-related increases in androgens and estrogens and pregnancy-induced increases in progestins all cause dramatic thymic atrophy. Atrophy can also be induced by treatment with exogenous sex steroids and reversed by ablation of endogenous sex steroids. Although these observations are frequently touted as evidence of steroid lymphotoxicity, they are often driven by steroid signaling in thymic epithelial cells (TEC), which are highly steroid responsive. Here, we outline the effects of sex steroids on the thymus and T cell development. We focus on studies that have examined steroid signaling in vivo, aiming to emphasize the actions of endogenous steroids which, via TEC, have remarkable programming effects on the TCR repertoire. Due to the dramatic effects of steroids on TEC, especially thymic involution, the direct effects of sex steroid signaling in thymocytes are less well understood. We outline studies that could be important in addressing these possibilities, and highlight suggestive findings of sex steroid generation within the thymus itself.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D. Taves
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Jonathan D. Ashwell, ; Matthew D. Taves,
| | - Jonathan D. Ashwell
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Jonathan D. Ashwell, ; Matthew D. Taves,
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Moldenhauer LM, Jin M, Wilson JJ, Green ES, Sharkey DJ, Salkeld MD, Bristow TC, Hull ML, Dekker GA, Robertson SA. Regulatory T Cell Proportion and Phenotype Are Altered in Women Using Oral Contraception. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6628694. [PMID: 35786711 PMCID: PMC9354970 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells are a specialized CD4+ T cell subpopulation that are essential for immune homeostasis, immune tolerance, and protection against autoimmunity. There is evidence that sex-steroid hormones estrogen and progesterone modulate Treg cell abundance and phenotype in women. Since natural oscillations in these hormones are modified by hormonal contraceptives, we examined whether oral contraception (OC) use impacts Treg cells and related T cell populations. T cells were analyzed by multiparameter flow cytometry in peripheral blood collected across the menstrual cycle from healthy women either using OC or without hormonal contraception and from age-matched men. Compared to naturally cycling women, women using OC had fewer Treg cells and an altered Treg cell phenotype. Notably, Treg cells exhibiting a strongly suppressive phenotype, defined by high FOXP3, CD25, Helios, HLADR, CTLA4, and Ki67, comprised a lower proportion of total Treg cells, particularly in the early- and mid-cycle phases. The changes were moderate compared to more substantial differences in Treg cells between women and men, wherein women had fewer Treg cells-especially of the effector memory Treg cell subset-associated with more T helper type 1 (Th1) cells and CD8+ T cells and lower Treg:Th1 cell and Treg:CD8+ T cell ratios than men. These findings imply that OC can modulate the number and phenotype of peripheral blood Treg cells and raise the possibility that Treg cells contribute to the physiological changes and altered disease susceptibility linked with OC use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jasmine J Wilson
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ella S Green
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - David J Sharkey
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Mark D Salkeld
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Thomas C Bristow
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - M Louise Hull
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Gustaaf A Dekker
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Division of Women’s Health, Lyell McEwin Hospital, Elizabeth Vale, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- Correspondence: Sarah A. Robertson, PhD, Robinson Research Institute and the School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Valenzuela I, Kinoshita M, van der Merwe J, Maršál K, Deprest J. Prenatal interventions for fetal growth restriction in animal models: A systematic review. Placenta 2022; 126:90-113. [PMID: 35796064 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) in human pregnancy is associated with perinatal mortality, short- and long-term morbidities. No prenatal therapy is currently established despite decades of research. We aimed to review interventions in animal models for prenatal FGR treatment, and to seek the next steps for an effective clinical therapy. We registered our protocol and searched MEDLINE, Embase, and The Cochrane Library with no language restrictions, in accordance with the PRISMA guideline. We included all studies that reported the effects of any prenatal intervention in animal models of induced FGR. From 3257 screened studies, 202 describing 237 interventions were included for the final synthesis. Mice and rats were the most used animals (79%) followed by sheep (16%). Antioxidants (23%), followed by vasodilators (18%), nutrients (14%), and immunomodulators (12%) were the most tested therapy. Two-thirds of studies only reported delivery or immediate neonatal outcomes. Adverse effects were rarely reported (11%). Most studies (73%), independent of the intervention, showed a benefit in fetal survival or birthweight. The risk of bias was high, mostly due to the lack of randomization, allocation concealment, and blinding. Future research should aim to describe both short- and long-term outcomes across various organ systems in well-characterized models. Further efforts must be made to reduce selection, performance, and detection bias.
Collapse
|
12
|
Haliloglu Y, Ozcan A, Erdem S, Azizoglu ZB, Bicer A, Ozarslan OY, Kilic O, Okus FZ, Demir F, Canatan H, Karakukcu M, Uludag SZ, Kutuk MS, Unal E, Eken A. Characterization of cord blood CD3 + TCRVα7.2 + CD161 high T and innate lymphoid cells in the pregnancies with gestational diabetes, morbidly adherent placenta, and pregnancy hypertension diseases. Am J Reprod Immunol 2022; 88:e13555. [PMID: 35452164 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13555] [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: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Although pregnant women with gestational diabetes (GD), morbidly adherent placenta (MAP), and pregnancy hypertension (pHT) diseases lead to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), little is known about their effect on mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) and innate lymphoid cells (ILC) in the umbilical cord. This study aimed to quantify and characterize MAIT cells and ILCs in the cord blood of pregnant women with GD, MAP, and pHT diseases. METHOD OF STUDY Cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMCs) were isolated by Ficoll-Paque gradient. CD3+ TCRVα7.2+ CD161high cells and ILC subsets were quantified by flow cytometry. CBMCs were stimulated with PMA/Ionomycin and Golgi Plug for 4 h and stained for IFN-γ, TNF-α, and granzyme B. The stained cells were analyzed on FACS ARIA III. RESULTS Compared with healthy pregnancies, in the cord blood of the pHT group, elevated number of lymphocytes was observed. Moreover, the absolute number of IFN-γ producing CD4+ or CD4- subsets of CD3+ TCRVα7.2+ CD161high cells as well as those producing granzyme B were significantly elevated in the pHT group compared to healthy controls suggesting increased MAIT cell activity in the pHT cord blood. Similarly, in the MAP group, the absolute number of total CD3+ TCRVα7.2+ CD161high cells, but not individual CD4+ or negative subsets, were significantly increased compared with healthy controls' cord blood. Absolute numbers of total CD3+ TCRVα7.2+ CD161high cells and their subsets were comparable in the cord blood of the GD group compared with healthy controls. Finally, the absolute number of total ILCs and ILC3 subset were significantly elevated in only pHT cord blood compared with healthy controls. Our data also reveal that IFN-γ+ or granzyme B+ cell numbers negatively correlated with fetal birth weight. CONCLUSIONS CD3+ TCRVα7.2+ CD161high cells and ILCs show unique expansion and activity in the cord blood of pregnant women with distinct diseases causing IUGR and may play roles in fetal growth restriction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yesim Haliloglu
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey.,Betül-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Alper Ozcan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Serife Erdem
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey.,Betül-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Zehra Busra Azizoglu
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey.,Betül-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Ayten Bicer
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey.,Betül-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Ozcan Yeniay Ozarslan
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey.,Betül-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Omer Kilic
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey.,Betül-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Fatma Zehra Okus
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey.,Betül-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Fatma Demir
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey.,Betül-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Halit Canatan
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey.,Betül-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Musa Karakukcu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Semih Zeki Uludag
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - M Serdar Kutuk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Bezmi Alem University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ekrem Unal
- Betül-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), Kayseri, Turkey.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey.,Department of Blood Banking and Transfusion Medicine, Health Science Institution, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Eken
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey.,Betül-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), Kayseri, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Xiong YW, Feng YJ, Wei T, Zhang X, Tan LL, Zhang J, Dai LM, Zhu HL, Zhou GX, Liu WB, Liu ZQ, Xu XF, Gao L, Zhang C, Wang Q, Xu DX, Wang H. miR-6769b-5p targets CCND-1 to regulate proliferation in cadmium-treated placental trophoblasts: Association with the impairment of fetal growth. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 230:113109. [PMID: 34953275 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.113109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Environmental cadmium (Cd) is positively associated with placental impairment and fetal growth retardation. Nevertheless, its potential mechanisms remain unclear. microRNAs (miRNAs) are known to influence placental development and fetal growth. This work was aimed to determine which miRNAs are involved in Cd-impaired placental and fetal development based on the mRNA and miRNA expression profiles analysis. As a result, gestational Cd exposure deceased fetal and placental weight, and reduced the protein level of PCNA in human and mouse placentae. Furthermore, the results of mRNA microarray showed that Cd-downregulated mRNAs were predictively correlated with several biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation and motility. In addition, the results of miRNA microarray and qPCR assay demonstrated that Cd significantly increased the level of miR-6769b-5p, miR-146b-5p and miR-452-5p. Integrated analysis of Cd-upregulated miRNAs predicted target genes and Cd-downregulated mRNAs found that overlapping mRNAs, such as CCND1, CDK13, RINT1 and CDC26 were also significantly associated with cell proliferation. Further experiments showed that miR-6769b-5p inhibitor, but not miR-146b-5p and miR-452-5p, markedly reversed Cd-downregulated the expression of proliferation-related mRNAs, and thereby restored Cd-decreased the proteins level of CCND1 and PCNA in human placental trophoblasts. Dual luciferase reporter assay further revealed that miR-6769b-5p directly targets CCND1. Finally, the case-control study demonstrated that increased miR-6769b-5p level and impaired cell proliferation were observed in small-for-gestational-age human placentae. In conclusion, miR-6769b-5p targets CCND-1 to regulate proliferation in Cd-treated placental trophoblasts, which is associated with the impairment of fetal growth. Our findings imply that placental miR-6769b-5p may be used as an epigenetic marker for environmental pollutants-caused fetal growth restriction and its late-onset chronic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Wei Xiong
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Yu-Jie Feng
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Tian Wei
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Lu-Lu Tan
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Li-Min Dai
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Hua-Long Zhu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Guo-Xiang Zhou
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Wei-Bo Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Zi-Qi Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Lan Gao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, China.
| | - De-Xiang Xu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China.
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hardardottir L, Bazzano MV, Glau L, Gattinoni L, Köninger A, Tolosa E, Solano ME. The New Old CD8+ T Cells in the Immune Paradox of Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:765730. [PMID: 34868016 PMCID: PMC8635142 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.765730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
CD8+ T cells are the most frequent T cell population in the immune cell compartment at the feto-maternal interface. Due to their cytotoxic potential, the presence of CD8+ T cells in the immune privileged pregnant uterus has raised considerable interest. Here, we review our current understanding of CD8+ T cell biology in the uterus of pregnant women and discuss this knowledge in relation to a recently published immune cell Atlas of human decidua. We describe how the expansion of CD8+ T cells with an effector memory phenotype often presenting markers of exhaustion is critical for a successful pregnancy, and host defense towards pathogens. Moreover, we review new evidence on the presence of long-lasting immunological memory to former pregnancies and discuss its impact on prospective pregnancy outcomes. The formation of fetal-specific memory CD8+ T cell subests in the uterus, in particular of tissue resident, and stem cell memory cells requires further investigation, but promises interesting results to come. Advancing the knowledge of CD8+ T cell biology in the pregnant uterus will be pivotal for understanding not only tissue-specific immune tolerance but also the etiology of complications during pregnancy, thus enabling preventive or therapeutic interventions in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lilja Hardardottir
- Laboratory for Translational Perinatology- Focus: Immunology, University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Maria Victoria Bazzano
- Laboratory for Translational Perinatology- Focus: Immunology, University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Laura Glau
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Luca Gattinoni
- Department of Functional Immune Cell Modulation, Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology, Regensburg, Germany
- University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Angela Köninger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the University of Regensburg at the St. Hedwig Hospital of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Eva Tolosa
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maria Emilia Solano
- Laboratory for Translational Perinatology- Focus: Immunology, University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Diao L, Hierweger AM, Wieczorek A, Arck PC, Thiele K. Disruption of Glucocorticoid Action on CD11c + Dendritic Cells Favors the Generation of CD4 + Regulatory T Cells and Improves Fetal Development in Mice. Front Immunol 2021; 12:729742. [PMID: 34764952 PMCID: PMC8576435 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.729742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A wealth of innate and adaptive immune cells and hormones are involved in mounting tolerance towards the fetus, a key aspect of successful reproduction. We could recently show that the specific cross talk between the pregnancy hormone progesterone and dendritic cells (DCs) is significantly engaged in the generation of CD4+ FoxP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells while a disruption led to placental alterations and intra-uterine growth restriction. Apart from progesterone, also glucocorticoids affect immune cell functions. However, their functional relevance in the context of pregnancy still needs clarification. We developed a mouse line with a selective knockout of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) on DCs, utilizing the cre/flox system. Reproductive outcome and maternal immune and endocrine adaptation of Balb/c-mated C57Bl/6 GRflox/floxCD11ccre/wt (mutant) females was assessed on gestation days (gd) 13.5 and 18.5. Balb/c-mated C57Bl/6 GRwt/wtCD11ccre/wt (wt) females served as controls. The number of implantation and fetal loss rate did not differ between groups. However, we identified a significant increase in fetal weight in fetuses from mutant dams. While the frequencies of CD11c+ cells remained largely similar, a decreased expression of co-stimulatory molecules was observed on DCs of mutant females on gd 13.5, along with higher frequencies of CD4+ and CD8+ Treg cells. Histomorphological and gene expression analysis revealed an increased placental volume and an improved functional placental capacity in mice lacking the GR on CD11c+ DCs. In summary, we here demonstrate that the disrupted communication between GCs and DCs favors a tolerant immune microenvironment and improves placental function and fetal development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Kristin Thiele
- Division of Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Jacquier M, Arthuis C, Grévent D, Bussières L, Henry C, Millischer-Bellaiche AE, Mahallati H, Ville Y, Siauve N, Salomon LJ. Dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging: A review of its application in the assessment of placental function. Placenta 2021; 114:90-99. [PMID: 34507031 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.08.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
It is important to develop a better understanding of placental insufficiency given its role in common maternofetal complications such as preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Functional magnetic resonance imaging offers unprecedented techniques for exploring the placenta under both normal and pathological physiological conditions. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE MRI) is an established and very robust method to investigate the microcirculatory parameters of an organ and more specifically its perfusion. It is currently a gold standard in the physiological and circulatory evaluation of an organ. Its application to the human placenta could enable to access many microcirculatory parameters relevant to the placental function such as organ blood flow, fractional blood volume, and permeability surface area, by the acquisition of serial images, before, during, and after administration of an intravenous contrast agent. Widely used in animal models with gadolinium-based contrast agents, its application to the human placenta could be possible if the safety of contrast agents in pregnancy is established or they are confirmed to not cross the placenta.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Jacquier
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker - Enfants Malades, 149 Rue de Sèvres, 75015, Paris, France; EA FETUS 7328 and LUMIERE Unit, Université de Paris, France
| | - Chloé Arthuis
- EA FETUS 7328 and LUMIERE Unit, Université de Paris, France; Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, CHU Nantes, 38 Boulevard Jean Monnet, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - David Grévent
- EA FETUS 7328 and LUMIERE Unit, Université de Paris, France; Radiology Department, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker - Enfants Malades, 149 Rue de Sèvres, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Laurence Bussières
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker - Enfants Malades, 149 Rue de Sèvres, 75015, Paris, France; EA FETUS 7328 and LUMIERE Unit, Université de Paris, France
| | - Charline Henry
- EA FETUS 7328 and LUMIERE Unit, Université de Paris, France
| | - Anne-Elodie Millischer-Bellaiche
- EA FETUS 7328 and LUMIERE Unit, Université de Paris, France; Radiology Department, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker - Enfants Malades, 149 Rue de Sèvres, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Houman Mahallati
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Yves Ville
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker - Enfants Malades, 149 Rue de Sèvres, 75015, Paris, France; EA FETUS 7328 and LUMIERE Unit, Université de Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Siauve
- Radiology Department, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Louis Mourier, 178 Rue des Renouillers, 92700, Colombes, France; INSERM, U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center - PARCC, Paris, France
| | - Laurent J Salomon
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker - Enfants Malades, 149 Rue de Sèvres, 75015, Paris, France; EA FETUS 7328 and LUMIERE Unit, Université de Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Tallarek AC, Urbschat C, Fonseca Brito L, Stanelle-Bertram S, Krasemann S, Frascaroli G, Thiele K, Wieczorek A, Felber N, Lütgehetmann M, Markert UR, Hecher K, Brune W, Stahl F, Gabriel G, Diemert A, Arck PC. Inefficient Placental Virus Replication and Absence of Neonatal Cell-Specific Immunity Upon Sars-CoV-2 Infection During Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:698578. [PMID: 34149740 PMCID: PMC8211452 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.698578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnant women have been carefully observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the pregnancy-specific immune adaptation is known to increase the risk for infections. Recent evidence indicates that even though most pregnant have a mild or asymptomatic course, a severe course of COVID-19 and a higher risk of progression to diseases have also been described, along with a heightened risk for pregnancy complications. Yet, vertical transmission of the virus is rare and the possibility of placental SARS-CoV-2 infection as a prerequisite for vertical transmission requires further studies. We here assessed the severity of COVID-19 and onset of neonatal infections in an observational study of women infected with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy. Our placental analyses showed a paucity of SARS-CoV-2 viral expression ex vivo in term placentae under acute infection. No viral placental expression was detectable in convalescent pregnant women. Inoculation of placental explants generated from placentas of non-infected women at birth with SARS-CoV-2 in vitro revealed inefficient SARS-CoV-2 replication in different types of placental tissues, which provides a rationale for the low ex vivo viral expression. We further detected specific SARS-CoV-2 T cell responses in pregnant women within a few days upon infection, which was undetectable in cord blood. Our present findings confirm that vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is rare, likely due to the inefficient virus replication in placental tissues. Despite the predominantly benign course of infection in most mothers and negligible risk of vertical transmission, continuous vigilance on the consequences of COVID-19 during pregnancy is required, since the maternal immune activation in response to the SARS-CoV2 infection may have long-term consequences for children’s health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Christin Tallarek
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christopher Urbschat
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Luis Fonseca Brito
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Susanne Krasemann
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Giada Frascaroli
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kristin Thiele
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Agnes Wieczorek
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nadine Felber
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marc Lütgehetmann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Udo R Markert
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Kurt Hecher
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wolfram Brune
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Felix Stahl
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gülsah Gabriel
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anke Diemert
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Petra Clara Arck
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhu HL, Shi XT, Xu XF, Xiong YW, Yi SJ, Zhou GX, Liu WB, Huang MM, Gao L, Zhang C, Zhao LL, Xu DX, Wang H. Environmental cadmium exposure induces fetal growth restriction via triggering PERK-regulated mitophagy in placental trophoblasts. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 147:106319. [PMID: 33348103 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd), an environmental toxicant, is positively associated with fetal growth restriction (FGR). However, the mechanism by which gestational exposure to Cd induces FGR remains unclear. This study designed in vitro and in vivo experiments to explore the role of placental mitophagy in Cd-impaired fetal growth. Based on our case-control study, we also investigated the association of placental mitophagy with reduced progesterone (P4) level and all-cause FGR. We firstly found environmental Cd exposure lowered the P4 content in maternal sera, placentae and amnioticfluids of mice. The level of three mitochondrial P4 synthases, including StAR, CYP11A1 and 3β-HSD, was also reduced in Cd-treated placentae. Furthermore, Cd triggered mitophagy, as determined by the degradation of two mitochondrial proteins HSP60 and COX IV, and the accumulation of co-localizations of TOM20 with LC3B or Parkin in placental trophoblasts. Correspondingly, Cd elevated mitochondrial Parkin level in placental trophoblasts. Mdivi-1, a mitophagy inhibitor, obviously attenuated Cd-induced reduction of placental P4 and FGR in mice. Moreover, mdivi-1 and Parkin siRNA (siR) markedly reversed Cd-caused P4 synthesis inhibition in human placental trophoblasts. Interestedly, the PERK/ATF4 signaling was activated in Cd-stimulated placental trophoblasts. PERK siR inhibited mitochondrial proteins degradation in Cd-stimulated placental trophoblasts. In particularly, mitophagy activation and P4 synthesis suppression occurred in small-for-gestational-age placentae based on our case-control study. Environmental Cd exposure induced FGR via activating PERK-regulated mitophagy and inhibiting P4 synthesis in placentaltrophoblasts. Furthermore, placental mitophagy was related to the reduced progesterone level and all-cause fetal growth restriction based on our case-control study. As above, placental mitophagy maybe the common mechanism of environmental toxicants-impaired fetal growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Long Zhu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Xue-Ting Shi
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, China; NHC Key Laboratory of study on abnormal gametes and reproductive tract, Anhui, China
| | - Yong-Wei Xiong
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Song-Jia Yi
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Guo-Xiang Zhou
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Wei-Bo Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Miao-Miao Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, China; NHC Key Laboratory of study on abnormal gametes and reproductive tract, Anhui, China
| | - Lan Gao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Ling-Li Zhao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - De-Xiang Xu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China.
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Melatonin protects against environmental stress-induced fetal growth restriction via suppressing ROS-mediated GCN2/ATF4/BNIP3-dependent mitophagy in placental trophoblasts. Redox Biol 2021; 40:101854. [PMID: 33454563 PMCID: PMC7811044 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.101854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Gestational exposure to environmental stress induces fetal growth restriction (FGR), and thereby increasing the risk of infant death and chronic noncommunicable diseases in adults. However, the mechanism by which environmental stress induces FGR remains unclear. Based on case-control study, we found that the reduced level of melatonin (MT), a major secretory product from the pineal gland, was observed in placentae of FGR. This work was to investigate the protective effect of MT on environmental stress-caused FGR and its mechanisms. We used cadmium (Cd) as an environmental stressor to stimulate pregnant mice and thereby establishing a FGR model. The data showed that maternal Cd exposure lowered the P4 concentration in maternal sera, placentae and amniotic fluid, and caused FGR. Correspondingly, the expression of CYP11A1, a critical P4 synthase, was markedly downregulated in Cd-treated placentae. Simultaneously, Cd triggered BNIP3-dependent mitophagy in placental trophoblasts, as determined by the degradation of mitochondrial proteins, including HSP60 and COX IV, and the accumulation of puncta representing co-localization of TOM20 with LC3B or BNIP3 with LC3B. Based on our case-control study, we also found that activated BNIP3-dependent mitophagy and P4 synthesis inhibition occurred in SGA placentae. Most importantly, BNIP3 siRNA reversed Cd-induced P4 synthesis suppression in human placental trophoblasts. It is noteworthy that MT alleviated Cd-caused P4 synthesis suppression and FGR via antagonizing BNIP3-dependent mitophagy in placental trophoblasts. Further results confirmed that MT attenuated Cd-triggered BNIP3-dependent mitophagy via blocking GCN2/ATF4 signaling. Amusingly, Cd triggered oxidative stress and then activating GCN2/ATF4 signaling in placental trophoblasts. As expected, MT obviously suppressed Cd-caused reactive oxygen species (ROS) release. In the present study, we propose a neoteric mechanism by which MT protects against environmental stress-impaired P4 synthesis and fetal growth via suppressing ROS-mediated GCN2/ATF4/BNIP3-dependent mitophagy in placental trophoblasts. As above, MT is a potential therapeutic agent antagonizing environmental stress-induced developmental toxicity. Melatonin protects against Cd-induced fetal growth restriction. Melatonin attenuates Cd-induced placental P4 synthesis inhibition by mitophagy. Melatonin suppresses Cd-triggered placental mitophagy via blocking GCN2/ATF4. Melatonin blocks Cd-activated placental GCN2/ATF4 signaling via repressing ROS. Activated mitophagy and reduced P4 synthesis occur in SGA placentae.
Collapse
|
20
|
Xiong YW, Xu XF, Zhu HL, Cao XL, Yi SJ, Shi XT, Zhu KH, Nan Y, Zhao LL, Zhang C, Gao L, Chen YH, Xu DX, Wang H. Environmental exposure to cadmium impairs fetal growth and placental angiogenesis via GCN-2-mediated mitochondrial stress. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 401:123438. [PMID: 32763717 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd), a well-known environmental pollutant, can lead to placental insufficiency and fetal growth restriction. However, the underlying mechanism is unknown. The purpose of our study is to explore the effect of Cd on placental angiogenesis and its mechanism using in vitro and in vivo models. Results found that gestational Cd exposure obviously decreased placental weight and impaired placental vascular development in mice. Correspondingly, Cd exposure evidently downregulated the expression of VEGF-A protein (a key indicator of angiogenesis) and progesterone receptor (PR) in placental trophoblasts. Further experiment showed that lentivirus PR overexpression reversed Cd-caused the reduction of VEGF-A level in human placental trophoblasts. In addition, Cd significantly reduced progesterone level, down-regulated the expression of key progesterone synthase (StAR, CYP11A1), and activated mitochondrial stress response and GCN-2/p-eIF2α signaling in placental trophoblasts. Additional experiment showed that GCN-2 siRNA pretreatment markedly alleviated Cd-activated mitochondrial stress response, restored Cd-downregulated the expression of CYP11A1, reversed Cd-reduced the level of progesterone and VEGF-A in human placental trophoblasts. Finally, our case-control study confirmed that impaired placental angiogenesis and reduced progesterone level occurred in all-cause small for gestational age placenta. Taken together, environmental exposure to Cd impairs fetal growth and placental angiogenesis via GCN-2-mediated mitochondrial stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Wei Xiong
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, China; NHC Key Laboratory of study on abnormal gametes and reproductive tract,Anhui, China
| | - Hua-Long Zhu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Xue-Lin Cao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Song-Jia Yi
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Xue-Ting Shi
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Kai-Heng Zhu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Yuan Nan
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Ling-Li Zhao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Lan Gao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Yuan-Hua Chen
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - De-Xiang Xu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China.
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Peoc'h K, Puy V, Fournier T. Haem oxygenases play a pivotal role in placental physiology and pathology. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 26:634-649. [PMID: 32347305 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Haem oxygenases (HO) catabolise haem, which is the prosthetic group of numerous haemoproteins. Thus, multiple primary cellular pathways and functions rely on haem availability. HO exists in two isoforms, both expressed in the placenta, namely HO-1 and HO-2, the first being inducible. Haem oxygenases, particularly HO-1, have garnered specific interest in the field of physiological and pathological placental function. These enzymes mediate haem degradation by cleaving the alpha methene bridge to produce biliverdin, which is subsequently converted to bilirubin, carbon monoxide and iron. HO-1 has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. SEARCH METHODS An initial literature analysis was performed using PubMed on 3 October 2018 using key terms such as 'haem oxygenase and pregnancy', 'haem oxygenase and placenta', 'HO-1 and pregnancy', 'HO-1 and placenta', 'HO and placenta', 'HO and pregnancy', 'genetic variant and HO', 'CO and pregnancy', 'CO and placenta', 'Bilirubin and pregnancy', 'Iron and pregnancy' and 'PPAR and Haem', selecting consensus conferences, recommendations, meta-analyses, practical recommendations and reviews. A second literature analysis was performed, including notable miscarriages, foetal loss and diabetes mellitus, on 20 December 2019. The three authors studied the publications independently to decipher whether they should be included in the manuscript. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aimed to summarise current pieces of knowledge of haem oxygenase location, function and regulation in the placenta, either in healthy pregnancies or those associated with miscarriages and foetal loss, pre-eclampsia, foetal growth restriction and diabetes mellitus. OUTCOMES HO-1 exerts some protective effects on the placentation, probably by a combination of factors, including its interrelation with the PGC-1α/PPAR pathway and the sFlt1/PlGF balance, and through its primary metabolites, notably carbon monoxide and bilirubin. Its protective role has been highlighted in numerous pregnancy conditions, including pre-eclampsia, foetal growth restriction, gestational diabetes mellitus and miscarriages. WIDER IMPLICATIONS HO-1 is a crucial enzyme in physiological and pathological placentation. This protective enzyme is currently considered a potential therapeutic target in various pregnancy diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katell Peoc'h
- Université de Paris, Laboratory of Excellence GR-Ex, Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation, INSERM U1149, UFR de Médecine Bichat, 75018 Paris, France
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, APHP Nord, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Puy
- Reproductive Biology Unit CECOS, Paris-Saclay University, Antoine Béclère Hospital, APHP, Clamart 92140, France
- Laboratoire de Développement des Gonades, UMRE008 Stabilité Génétique Cellules Souches et Radiations, Université de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, F-92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Thierry Fournier
- Université de Paris, INSERM, UMR-S 1139, 3PHM, F-75006, Paris, France
- Fondation PremUp, F-75014, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Lan C, Cao N, Chen C, Qu S, Fan C, Luo H, Zeng A, Yu C, Xue Y, Ren H, Li L, Wang H, Jose PA, Xu Z, Zeng C. Progesterone, via yes-associated protein, promotes cardiomyocyte proliferation and cardiac repair. Cell Prolif 2020; 53:e12910. [PMID: 33047378 PMCID: PMC7653240 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The mechanisms responsible for the postnatal loss of mammalian cardiac regenerative capacity are not fully elucidated. The aim of the present study is to investigate the role of progesterone in cardiac regeneration and explore underlying mechanism. Materials and Methods Effect of progesterone on cardiomyocyte proliferation was analysed by immunofluorescent staining. RNA sequencing was performed to screen key target genes of progesterone, and yes‐associated protein (YAP) was knocked down to demonstrate its role in pro‐proliferative effect of progesterone. Effect of progesterone on activity of YAP promoter was measured by luciferase assay and interaction between progesterone receptor and YAP promoter by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Adult mice were subjected to myocardial infarction, and then, effects of progesterone on adult cardiac regeneration were analysed. Results Progesterone supplementation enhanced cardiomyocyte proliferation in a progesterone receptor‐dependent manner. Progesterone up‐regulated YAP expression and knockdown of YAP by small interfering RNA reduced progesterone‐mediated cardiomyocyte proliferative effect. Progesterone receptor interacted with the YAP promoter, determined by ChIP and EMSA; progesterone increased luciferase activity of YAP promoter and up‐regulated YAP target genes. Progesterone administration also promoted adult cardiomyocyte proliferation and improved cardiac function in myocardial infarction. Conclusion Our data uncover a role of circulating progesterone withdrawal as a novel mechanism for the postnatal loss of mammalian cardiac regenerative potential. Progesterone promotes both neonatal and adult cardiomyocyte proliferation by up‐regulating YAP expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cong Lan
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, China
| | - Nian Cao
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, China
| | - Caiyu Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuang Qu
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, China
| | - Chao Fan
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Luo
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, China
| | - Andi Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, China
| | - Cheng Yu
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuanzheng Xue
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongmei Ren
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, China
| | - Liangpeng Li
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongyong Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, China
| | - Pedro A Jose
- Division of Renal Diseases & Hypertension, Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology/Physiology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Zaicheng Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, China
| | - Chunyu Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, China.,Cardiovascular Research Center, Chongqing College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Inoue R, Irie Y, Akagi R. Role of heme oxygenase-1 in human placenta on iron supply to fetus. Placenta 2020; 103:53-58. [PMID: 33075721 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.09.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To date, details on how iron is supplied from the mother to the fetus through the placenta have remained unclear. Recently, increasing evidence has shown that heme oxygenase (HO)-1, which is an inducible isoform of the rate-limiting enzyme in the heme degradation pathway, may be involved in the effective reutilization of iron. In this study, we examined the distribution and gene expression of HO-1 in the villous tissue of human placenta at various periods of pregnancy. METHODS Using the placenta of 38 samples for which consent was obtained, chronological changes in the localization of HO-1 protein were examined by histological examination. RT-PCR was also performed to examine the expression of HO-1, transferrin receptor-1, and ferroportin 1. Ferric iron in the tissues was analyzed by Prussian blue staining. RESULTS Immunohistochemical studies showed that HO-1 protein was exclusively expressed in trophoblastic cells throughout gestation. In the miscarriage placenta in the first trimester, ho-1 mRNA levels were significantly higher than normal. Placenta with fetal death (miscarriage) in the first and second trimester indicate significantly higher ratio of ho-1 gene for iron production to the fpn-1 gene for iron excretion than normal. These suggest that the role of HO-1 with various physiological functions is changing throughout pregnancy. DISCUSSION These findings suggest that HO-1 in placenta plays an important role in iron supplying system in the second trimester to support fetal development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rikako Inoue
- Department of Nutritional Science, Faculty of Health and Welfare Science, Okayama Prefectural University, 111 Kuboki, Soja-shi, Okayama, 719-1197, Japan.
| | - Yasuyuki Irie
- Department of Nutritional Science, Faculty of Health and Welfare Science, Okayama Prefectural University, 111 Kuboki, Soja-shi, Okayama, 719-1197, Japan.
| | - Reiko Akagi
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yasuda Women's University, 6-13-1 Yasuhigashi, Asaminami-ku, Hiroshima-city, 731-0153, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Bozward AG, Wootton GE, Podstawka O, Oo YH. Autoimmune Hepatitis: Tolerogenic Immunological State During Pregnancy and Immune Escape in Post-partum. Front Immunol 2020; 11:591380. [PMID: 33072138 PMCID: PMC7541906 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.591380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The maternal immune system engages in a fine balancing act during pregnancy by simultaneously maintaining immune tolerance to the fetus and immune responses to protect against invading organisms. Pregnancy is an intricately orchestrated process where effector immune cells with fetal specificity are selectively silenced. This requires a sustained immune suppressive state not only by expansion of maternal Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) but also by leaning the immune clock toward a Th2 dominant arm. The fetus, known as a semi-allograft or temporary-self, leads to remission of autoimmune hepatitis during pregnancy. However, this tolerogenic immune state reverts back to a Th1 dominant arm, resulting in post-partum flare of AIH. Various hormones play a significant role in endocrine-immune axis during pregnancy. The placenta functions as a barrier between the maternal immune system and the fetus also plays a pivotal role in creating a tolerogenic environment during pregnancy. We review the evidence of immune tolerance during pregnancy and immune escape at post-partum period, focusing on patients with autoimmune hepatitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amber G Bozward
- Centre for Liver and Gastroenterology Research, NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,Centre for Rare Diseases, European Reference Network ERN Rare-Liver, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Grace E Wootton
- Centre for Liver and Gastroenterology Research, NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,Centre for Rare Diseases, European Reference Network ERN Rare-Liver, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Oskar Podstawka
- Centre for Liver and Gastroenterology Research, NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ye H Oo
- Centre for Liver and Gastroenterology Research, NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,Centre for Rare Diseases, European Reference Network ERN Rare-Liver, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,Liver Transplant and Hepatology Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ruiz D, Padmanabhan V, Sargis RM. Stress, Sex, and Sugar: Glucocorticoids and Sex-Steroid Crosstalk in the Sex-Specific Misprogramming of Metabolism. J Endocr Soc 2020; 4:bvaa087. [PMID: 32734132 PMCID: PMC7382384 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvaa087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Early-life exposures to environmental insults can misprogram development and increase metabolic disease risk in a sex-dependent manner by mechanisms that remain poorly characterized. Modifiable factors of increasing public health relevance, such as diet, psychological stress, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, can affect glucocorticoid receptor signaling during gestation and lead to sex-specific postnatal metabolic derangements. Evidence from humans and animal studies indicate that glucocorticoids crosstalk with sex steroids by several mechanisms in multiple tissues and can affect sex-steroid-dependent developmental processes. Nonetheless, glucocorticoid sex-steroid crosstalk has not been considered in the glucocorticoid-induced misprogramming of metabolism. Herein we review what is known about the mechanisms by which glucocorticoids crosstalk with estrogen, androgen, and progestogen action. We propose that glucocorticoid sex-steroid crosstalk is an understudied mechanism of action that requires consideration when examining the developmental misprogramming of metabolism, especially when assessing sex-specific outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ruiz
- Committee on Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Robert M Sargis
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism; Department of Medicine; University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.,Chicago Center for Health and Environment, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zazara DE, Wegmann M, Giannou AD, Hierweger AM, Alawi M, Thiele K, Huber S, Pincus M, Muntau AC, Solano ME, Arck PC. A prenatally disrupted airway epithelium orchestrates the fetal origin of asthma in mice. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2020; 145:1641-1654. [PMID: 32305348 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2020.01.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal challenges such as maternal stress perception increase the risk and severity of asthma during childhood. However, insights into the trajectories and targets underlying the pathogenesis of prenatally triggered asthma are largely unknown. The developing lung and immune system may constitute such targets. OBJECTIVE Here we have aimed to identify the differential sex-specific effects of prenatal challenges on lung function, immune response, and asthma severity in mice. METHODS We generated bone marrow chimeric (BMC) mice harboring either prenatally stress-exposed lungs or a prenatally stress-exposed immune (hematopoietic) system and induced allergic asthma via ovalbumin. Next-generation sequencing (RNA sequencing) of lungs and assessment of airway epithelial barrier function in ovalbumin-sensitized control and prenatally stressed offspring was also performed. RESULTS Profoundly enhanced airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, and fibrosis were exclusively present in female BMC mice with prenatally stress-exposed lungs. These effects were significantly perpetuated if both the lungs and the immune system had been exposed to prenatal stress. A prenatally stress-exposed immune system alone did not suffice to increase the severity of these asthma features. RNA sequencing analysis of lungs from prenatally stressed, non-BMC, ovalbumin-sensitized females unveiled a deregulated expression of genes involved in asthma pathogenesis, tissue remodeling, and tight junction formation. It was also possible to independently confirm a tight junction disruption. In line with this, we identified an altered perinatal and/or postnatal expression of genes involved in lung development along with an impaired alveolarization in female prenatally stressed mice. CONCLUSION Here we have shown that the fetal origin of asthma is orchestrated by a disrupted airway epithelium and further perpetuated by a predisposed immune system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra E Zazara
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Wegmann
- Division of Asthma Exacerbation & Regulation, Priority Area Asthma and Allergy, Leibniz Lung Center Borstel, Airway Research Center North, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Borstel, Germany
| | - Anastasios D Giannou
- I. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Maximiliane Hierweger
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Institute for Immunology, Center for Diagnostics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Malik Alawi
- Bioinformatics Core, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kristin Thiele
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Samuel Huber
- I. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maike Pincus
- Pediatrics and Pediatric Pneumology Practice, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ania C Muntau
- University Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maria Emilia Solano
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Petra C Arck
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Meister S, Kolben T, Beyer S, Hutter S, Hofmann S, Kuhn C, Messner J, Mayr D, Solano ME, Jegen M, Obermeier V, Mahner S, Arck P, Jeschke U. Sex-specific epigenetic gene activation profiles are differentially modulated in human placentas affected by intrauterine growth restriction. J Reprod Immunol 2020; 139:103124. [PMID: 32289580 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2020.103124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to investigate the sex specific expression of histone protein modifications responsible for rapid gene expression in IUGR placentas. PATIENTS AND METHODS We screened for fetal sex-specific expression of the histone proteins H3K4me3 and H3K9ac in 23 IUGR and 40 control placentas via immunohistochemistry. The trophoblast-like cell line BeWo was used in order to analyze a potential effect of stimulation with prednisolone on H3K4me3 and H3K9ac in vitro. Calculating regression models with additional adjustment for potential confounders were used. RESULTS A significantly decreased level of H3K4me3 was detectable in female syncytiotrophoblasts, whereas H3K9ac was reduced predominantly in male extravillous throphoblast (EVT). No association to the gestational age existed. CONCLUSION Our data showed a reduced expression of the histone proteins H3K4me3 (female) and H3K9ac (male) in IUGR, furthermore elevated cortisol levels may lead to a sex-specific down-regulation of histone proteins in IUGR placentas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Meister
- LMU Munich, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maistrasse 11, 80337, Munich, Germany.
| | - Thomas Kolben
- LMU Munich, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maistrasse 11, 80337, Munich, Germany.
| | - Susanne Beyer
- LMU Munich, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maistrasse 11, 80337, Munich, Germany.
| | - Stefan Hutter
- LMU Munich, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maistrasse 11, 80337, Munich, Germany.
| | - Simone Hofmann
- LMU Munich, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maistrasse 11, 80337, Munich, Germany.
| | - Christina Kuhn
- LMU Munich, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maistrasse 11, 80337, Munich, Germany.
| | - Julia Messner
- LMU Munich, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maistrasse 11, 80337, Munich, Germany.
| | - Doris Mayr
- LMU Munich, Department of Pathology, Thalkirchner Str. 36, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Maria Emilia Solano
- University of Hamburg, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Magdalena Jegen
- LMU Munich, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maistrasse 11, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Viola Obermeier
- LMU Munich, Institute of Social Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Haydnstr. 5, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Sven Mahner
- LMU Munich, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maistrasse 11, 80337, Munich, Germany.
| | - Petra Arck
- University of Hamburg, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Udo Jeschke
- LMU Munich, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maistrasse 11, 80337, Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ali S, Majid S, Niamat Ali M, Taing S. Evaluation of T cell cytokines and their role in recurrent miscarriage. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 82:106347. [PMID: 32143004 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent miscarriage (RM) is defined as two or more consecutive pregnancy losses that affect approximately 5% of conceived women worldwide. RM is a multi-factorial reproductive problem and has been associated with parental chromosomal abnormalities, embryonic chromosomal rearrangements, uterine anomalies, autoimmune disorders, endocrine dysfunction, thrombophilia, life style factors, and maternal infections. However, the exact cause is still undecided in remaining 50% of cases. Immunological rejection of the embryo due to exacerbated maternal immune reaction against paternal embryonic antigens has been set forth as one of the significant reason for RM. The accurate means that shield the embryo during normal pregnancy from the attack of maternal immune network and dismissal are inadequately implicit. However, it is suggested that the genetically irreconcilable embryo escapes maternal immune rejection due to communication among many vital cytokines exuded at maternal-embryonic interface both by maternal and embryonic cells. Previous investigations suggested the Th1/Th2 dominance in altered immunity of RM patients, according to which the allogenic embryo flees maternal T cell reaction by inclining the Th0 differentiation toward Th2 pathway resulting into diminished pro-inflammatory Th1 immunity. However, recently pro-inflammatory Th17 cells and immunoregulatory Treg cells have been discovered as essential immune players in RM besides Th1/Th2 components. Cytokines are believed to develop a complicated regulatory network so as to establish a state of homeostasis between the semi-allogenic embryo and the maternal immune system. However, an adverse imbalance among cytokines at maternal-embryonic interface perhaps due to their gene polymorphisms may render immunoregulatory means not enough to re-establish homeostasis and thus may collapse pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shafat Ali
- Cytogenetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Centre of Research for Development, University of Kashmir, 190006 Srinagar, J&K, India
| | - Sabhiya Majid
- Department of Biochemistry, Government Medical College, Srinagar, J&K, India
| | - Md Niamat Ali
- Cytogenetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Centre of Research for Development, University of Kashmir, 190006 Srinagar, J&K, India.
| | - Shahnaz Taing
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Government Medical College Associated Lalla Ded Hospital, Srinagar, J&K, India
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Seniuk A, Thiele JL, Stubbe A, Oser P, Rosendahl A, Bode M, Meyer-Schwesinger C, Wenzel UO, Ehmke H. B6.Rag1 Knockout Mice Generated at the Jackson Laboratory in 2009 Show a Robust Wild-Type Hypertensive Phenotype in Response to Ang II (Angiotensin II). Hypertension 2020; 75:1110-1116. [PMID: 32078412 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.119.13773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
A key finding supporting a causal role of the immune system in the pathogenesis of hypertension is the observation that RAG1 knockout mice on a C57Bl/6J background (B6.Rag1-/-), which lack functional B and T cells, develop a much milder hypertensive response to Ang II (angiotensin II) than control C57Bl/6J mice. Here, we report that we never observed any Ang II resistance of B6.Rag1-/- mice purchased directly from the Jackson Laboratory as early as 2009. B6.Rag1-/- mice displayed nearly identical blood pressure increases monitored via radiotelemetry and hypertensive end-organ damage in response to different doses of Ang II and different levels of salt intake (0.02%, 0.3%, and 3% NaCl diet). Similarly, restoration of T-cell immunity by adoptive cell transfer did not affect the blood pressure response to Ang II in B6.Rag1-/- mice. Full development of the hypertension-resistant phenotype in B6.Rag1-/- mice appears to depend on the action of yet unidentified nongenetic modifiers in addition to the absence of functional T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anika Seniuk
- From the Institute of Cellular and Integrative Physiology (A. Seniuk, J.L.T., A. Stubbe, P.O., C.M.-S., H.E.), University Medical Center Hamburg, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck (A. Seniuk, A.R., U.O.W., H.E.)
| | - Jonas L Thiele
- From the Institute of Cellular and Integrative Physiology (A. Seniuk, J.L.T., A. Stubbe, P.O., C.M.-S., H.E.), University Medical Center Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andra Stubbe
- From the Institute of Cellular and Integrative Physiology (A. Seniuk, J.L.T., A. Stubbe, P.O., C.M.-S., H.E.), University Medical Center Hamburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Oser
- From the Institute of Cellular and Integrative Physiology (A. Seniuk, J.L.T., A. Stubbe, P.O., C.M.-S., H.E.), University Medical Center Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alva Rosendahl
- Third Department of Medicine (A.R., M.B., U.O.W.), University Medical Center Hamburg, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck (A. Seniuk, A.R., U.O.W., H.E.)
| | - Marlies Bode
- Third Department of Medicine (A.R., M.B., U.O.W.), University Medical Center Hamburg, Germany
| | - Catherine Meyer-Schwesinger
- From the Institute of Cellular and Integrative Physiology (A. Seniuk, J.L.T., A. Stubbe, P.O., C.M.-S., H.E.), University Medical Center Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich O Wenzel
- Third Department of Medicine (A.R., M.B., U.O.W.), University Medical Center Hamburg, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck (A. Seniuk, A.R., U.O.W., H.E.)
| | - Heimo Ehmke
- From the Institute of Cellular and Integrative Physiology (A. Seniuk, J.L.T., A. Stubbe, P.O., C.M.-S., H.E.), University Medical Center Hamburg, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck (A. Seniuk, A.R., U.O.W., H.E.)
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Solano ME, Arck PC. Steroids, Pregnancy and Fetal Development. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3017. [PMID: 32038609 PMCID: PMC6987319 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal glucocorticoids critically rise during pregnancy reaching up to a 20-fold increase of mid-pregnancy concentrations. Concurrently, another steroid hormone, progesterone, increases. Progesterone, which shows structural similarities to glucocorticoids, can bind the intracellular glucocorticoid receptor, although with lower affinity. Progesterone is essential for the establishment and continuation of pregnancy and it is generally acknowledged to promote maternal immune tolerance to fetal alloantigens through a wealth of immunomodulatory mechanisms. Despite the potent immunomodulatory capacity of glucocorticoids, little is known about their role during pregnancy. Here we aim to compare general aspects of glucocorticoids and progesterone during pregnancy, including shared common steroidogenic pathways, plasma transporters, regulatory pathways, expression of receptors, and mechanisms of action in immune cells. It was recently acknowledged that progesterone receptors are not ubiquitously expressed on immune cells and that pivotal features of progesterone induced- maternal immune adaptations to pregnancy are mediated via the glucocorticoid receptor, including e.g., T regulatory cells expansion. We hypothesize that a tight equilibrium between progesterone and glucocorticoids is critically required and recapitulate evidence supporting that their disequilibrium underlie pregnancy complications. Such a disequilibrium can occur, e.g., after maternal stress perception, which triggers the release of glucocorticoids and impair progesterone secretion, resulting in intrauterine inflammation. These endocrine misbalance might be interconnected, as increase in glucocorticoid synthesis, e.g., upon stress, may occur in detriment of progesterone steroidogenesis, by depleting the common precursor pregnenolone. Abundant literature supports that progesterone deficiency underlies pregnancy complications in which immune tolerance is challenged. In these settings, it is largely yet undefined if and how glucocorticoids are affected. However, although progesterone immunomodulation during pregnancy appear to be chiefly mediated glucocorticoid receptors, excess glucocorticoids cannot compensate by progesterone deficiency, indicating that additional und still undercover mechanisms are at play.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Emilia Solano
- Department for Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Petra Clara Arck
- Department for Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Xiong YW, Zhu HL, Nan Y, Cao XL, Shi XT, Yi SJ, Feng YJ, Zhang C, Gao L, Chen YH, Xu DX, Wang H. Maternal cadmium exposure during late pregnancy causes fetal growth restriction via inhibiting placental progesterone synthesis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 187:109879. [PMID: 31677567 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.109879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a major environmental pollutant. Maternal Cd exposure throughout pregnancy caused fetal growth restriction (FGR). However, the pivotal time window of Cd-evoked FGR and its mechanism are unknown. Here, we will establish a murine model to explore the effects of maternal Cd exposure at different stages of gestation on fetal growth and placental progesterone biosynthesis. Pregnant mice were randomly divided into four groups. For Cd groups, mice were given with CdCl2 (150 mg/L) through drinking water at early (GD0-GD6), middle (GD7-GD12) and late (GD13-GD17) gestation, respectively. The controls received reverses osmosis (RO) water. Results showed that maternal cadmium exposure only in late gestation lowered fetal weight and length. Correspondingly, placental Cd level in late gestational Cd exposure is the highest among three different gestational stages. Although gestational Cd exposure had few adverse effects in the weight and diameter of mouse placenta, placental vascular development, as determined by H&E staining and cluster of differentiation-34 (CD-34) immunostaining, was impaired in mice exposed to Cd during late pregnancy. Additionally, late gestational exposure to cadmium markedly reduced progesterone level in maternal serum and placenta. In line, the expression of key progesterone synthetases, including steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and 3β-hydroxyl steroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), was obviously downregulated in placenta from mice was exposed Cd during late pregnancy. These data suggest that maternal Cd exposure during late pregnancy, but not early and middle pregnancy, induces fetal growth restriction partially via inhibiting placental progesterone synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Wei Xiong
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Hua-Long Zhu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Yuan Nan
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Xue-Lin Cao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Xue-Ting Shi
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Song-Jia Yi
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Yu-Jie Feng
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Lan Gao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Yuan-Hua Chen
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - De-Xiang Xu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China.
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Engler JB, Heckmann NF, Jäger J, Gold SM, Friese MA. Pregnancy Enables Expansion of Disease-Specific Regulatory T Cells in an Animal Model of Multiple Sclerosis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 203:1743-1752. [PMID: 31444265 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1900611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Disease activity of autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis and its mouse model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is temporarily suppressed by pregnancy. However, whether disease amelioration is due to nonspecific immunomodulation or mediated by Ag-specific regulation of disease-causing conventional T cells (Tcon) and immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs) remains elusive. In the current study, we systematically analyzed changes of the TCRβ repertoire driven by EAE and pregnancy using TCR sequencing. We demonstrate that EAE, but not pregnancy, robustly increased TCR repertoire clonality in both peripheral Tcon and Treg. Notably, pregnancy was required for the expansion of Treg harboring the dominant EAE-associated TRBV13-2 chain and increased the frequency of EAE-associated clonotypes within the Treg compartment. Our findings indicate that pregnancy supports the expansion of Treg clonotypes that are equipped to recognize EAE-associated Ags. These Treg are thereby particularly suited to control corresponding encephalitogenic Tcon responses and likely contribute to pregnancy-associated protection in autoimmunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Broder Engler
- Institut für Neuroimmunologie und Multiple Sklerose, Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie Hamburg, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nina F Heckmann
- Institut für Neuroimmunologie und Multiple Sklerose, Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie Hamburg, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Jäger
- Institut für Neuroimmunologie und Multiple Sklerose, Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie Hamburg, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan M Gold
- Institut für Neuroimmunologie und Multiple Sklerose, Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie Hamburg, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany.,Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12203 Berlin, Germany; and.,Medizinische Klinik mit Schwerpunkt Psychosomatik, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Manuel A Friese
- Institut für Neuroimmunologie und Multiple Sklerose, Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie Hamburg, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Wieczorek A, Perani CV, Nixon M, Constancia M, Sandovici I, Zazara DE, Leone G, Zhang MZ, Arck PC, Solano ME. Sex-specific regulation of stress-induced fetal glucocorticoid surge by the mouse placenta. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2019; 317:E109-E120. [PMID: 30990748 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00551.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Antenatal stress increases the prevalence of diseases in later life, which shows a strong sex-specific effect. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Maternal glucocorticoids can be elevated by stress and are potential candidates to mediate the effects of stress on the offspring sex-specifically. A comprehensive evaluation of dynamic maternal and placental mechanisms modulating fetal glucocorticoid exposure upon maternal stress was long overdue. Here, we addressed this gap in knowledge by investigating sex-specific responses to midgestational stress in mice. We observed increased levels of maternal corticosterone, the main glucocorticoid in rodents, along with higher corticosteroid-binding globulin levels at midgestation in C57Bl/6 dams exposed to sound stress. This resulted in elevated corticosterone in female fetuses, whereas male offspring were unaffected. We identified that increased placental expression of the glucocorticoid-inactivating enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2; Hsd11b2 gene) and ATP-binding cassette transporters, which mediate glucocorticoid efflux toward maternal circulation, protect male offspring from maternal glucocorticoid surges. We generated mice with an Hsd11b2 placental-specific disruption (Hsd11b2PKO) and observed moderately elevated corticosterone levels in offspring, along with increased body weight. Subsequently, we assessed downstream glucocorticoid receptors and observed a sex-specific differential modulation of placental Tsc22d3 expression, which encodes the glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper protein in response to stress. Taken together, our observations highlight the existence of unique and well-orchestrated mechanisms that control glucocorticoid transfer, exposure, and metabolism in the mouse placenta, pinpointing toward the existence of sex-specific fetal glucocorticoid exposure windows during gestation in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Wieczorek
- Department for Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Clara V Perani
- Department for Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mark Nixon
- University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute , Edinburgh , United Kingdom
| | - Miguel Constancia
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrookes Hospital , Cambridge , United Kingdom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research, Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre , Cambridge , United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge , Cambridge , United Kingdom
| | - Ionel Sandovici
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrookes Hospital , Cambridge , United Kingdom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research, Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre , Cambridge , United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge , Cambridge , United Kingdom
| | - Dimitra E Zazara
- Department for Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gustavo Leone
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Ming-Zhi Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center , Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Petra C Arck
- Department for Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - María Emilia Solano
- Department for Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Solano ME. Decidual immune cells: Guardians of human pregnancies. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2019; 60:3-16. [PMID: 31285174 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2019.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
During human pregnancy, trophoblast cells, the main cellular component of the placenta, invade deeply into uterine blood vessels and the modified endometrium (decidua). Hence, the maternal immune system must adapt to it. A successful pregnancy requires the tolerance of genetically different (allogenic) cells while the mother's immune competence is maintained. This tolerance is ensured through multiple overlapping and occasionally redundant innate and adaptive immune mechanisms. The present article aims to provide a broad overview on uterine immune cell components and the phenotypical and functional changes that they experience during pregnancy. Particularly, we seek to highlight very recent findings in functional adaptations to pregnancy in immune cell populations encountered in the decidua. These adaptations not only ensure tolerance to allogenic trophoblast cells but also promote optimal placental and fetal growth, simultaneously endeavoring to maintain immune surveillance to provide defense against infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Emilia Solano
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Arenas-Hernandez M, Romero R, Xu Y, Panaitescu B, Garcia-Flores V, Miller D, Ahn H, Done B, Hassan SS, Hsu CD, Tarca AL, Sanchez-Torres C, Gomez-Lopez N. Effector and Activated T Cells Induce Preterm Labor and Birth That Is Prevented by Treatment with Progesterone. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 202:2585-2608. [PMID: 30918041 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1801350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Preterm labor commonly precedes preterm birth, the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Most research has focused on establishing a causal link between innate immune activation and pathological inflammation leading to preterm labor and birth. However, the role of maternal effector/activated T cells in the pathogenesis of preterm labor/birth is poorly understood. In this study, we first demonstrated that effector memory and activated maternal T cells expressing granzyme B and perforin are enriched at the maternal-fetal interface (decidua) of women with spontaneous preterm labor. Next, using a murine model, we reported that prior to inducing preterm birth, in vivo T cell activation caused maternal hypothermia, bradycardia, systemic inflammation, cervical dilation, intra-amniotic inflammation, and fetal growth restriction, all of which are clinical signs associated with preterm labor. In vivo T cell activation also induced B cell cytokine responses, a proinflammatory macrophage polarization, and other inflammatory responses at the maternal-fetal interface and myometrium in the absence of an increased influx of neutrophils. Finally, we showed that treatment with progesterone can serve as a strategy to prevent preterm labor/birth and adverse neonatal outcomes by attenuating the proinflammatory responses at the maternal-fetal interface and cervix induced by T cell activation. Collectively, these findings provide mechanistic evidence showing that effector and activated T cells cause pathological inflammation at the maternal-fetal interface, in the mother, and in the fetus, inducing preterm labor and birth and adverse neonatal outcomes. Such adverse effects can be prevented by treatment with progesterone, a clinically approved strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcia Arenas-Hernandez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI 48201.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201.,Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI 48201.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824.,Center for Molecular Obstetrics and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201
| | - Yi Xu
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI 48201.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201
| | - Bogdan Panaitescu
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI 48201.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201
| | - Valeria Garcia-Flores
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI 48201.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201
| | - Derek Miller
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI 48201.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201
| | - Hyunyoung Ahn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201
| | - Bogdan Done
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI 48201.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201
| | - Sonia S Hassan
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI 48201.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201
| | - Chaur-Dong Hsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201
| | - Adi L Tarca
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI 48201.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201.,Department of Computer Science, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, MI 48202; and
| | - Carmen Sanchez-Torres
- Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI 48201; .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Hierweger AM, Engler JB, Friese MA, Reichardt HM, Lydon J, DeMayo F, Mittrücker HW, Arck PC. Progesterone modulates the T-cell response via glucocorticoid receptor-dependent pathways. Am J Reprod Immunol 2019; 81:e13084. [PMID: 30604567 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Steroid hormones such as progesterone and glucocorticoids rise during pregnancy and are accountable for the adaptation of the maternal immune system to pregnancy. How steroid hormones induce fetal tolerance is not fully understood. We hypothesized that steroid hormones selectively regulate the T-cell response by promoting T-cell death. METHOD OF STUDY We incubated murine spleen cells isolated from non-pregnant and pregnant mice with physiological concentrations of steroid hormones in vitro and analyzed T-cell subsets after 48 h of incubation. Results We found that progesterone and the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone induce T-cell death. CD4+ regulatory T (Treg ) cells were refractory toward progesterone-induced cell death, in contrast to conventional CD4+ T cells, which resulted in a preferential enrichment of CD4+ Treg cells in culture. T cells isolated from pregnant mice at early and late gestation showed comparable sensitivity to steroid-induced cell death. The target receptor for progesterone in immune cells is controversially discussed. We provide here support of progesterone binding to the glucocorticoid receptor as only T cells lacking the glucocorticoid but not the progesterone receptor showed resistance against progesterone-induced death. Conclusions Our results indicate that high levels of progesterone during pregnancy can induce selective T-cell death by binding the glucocorticoid receptor. Although physiological hormone concentrations were used, due to different bioavailability of steroid hormones in vivo these results have to be validated in an in vivo model. This mechanism might ensure immunological tolerance at the feto-maternal interface at gestation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Maximiliane Hierweger
- Institute for Immunology, Center for Diagnostics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental, Feto-Maternal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Broder Engler
- Institute for Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Manuel A Friese
- Institute for Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Holger M Reichardt
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - John Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Francesco DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Hans-Willi Mittrücker
- Institute for Immunology, Center for Diagnostics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Petra Clara Arck
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental, Feto-Maternal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Dunk C, Kwan M, Hazan A, Walker S, Wright JK, Harris LK, Jones RL, Keating S, Kingdom JCP, Whittle W, Maxwell C, Lye SJ. Failure of Decidualization and Maternal Immune Tolerance Underlies Uterovascular Resistance in Intra Uterine Growth Restriction. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:160. [PMID: 30949130 PMCID: PMC6436182 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Failure of uterine vascular transformation is associated with pregnancy complications including Intra Uterine Growth Restriction (IUGR). The decidua and its immune cell populations play a key role in the earliest stages of this process. Here we investigate the hypothesis that abnormal decidualization and failure of maternal immune tolerance in the second trimester may underlie the uteroplacental pathology of IUGR. Placental bed biopsies were obtained from women undergoing elective caesarian delivery of a healthy term pregnancy, an IUGR pregnancy or a pregnancy complicated by both IUGR and preeclampsia. Decidual tissues were also collected from second trimester terminations from women with either normal or high uterine artery Doppler pulsatile index (PI). Immunohistochemical image analysis and flow cytometry were used to quantify vascular remodeling, decidual leukocytes and decidual status in cases vs. controls. Biopsies from pregnancies complicated by severe IUGR with a high uterine artery pulsatile index (PI) displayed a lack of: myometrial vascular transformation, interstitial, and endovascular extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invasion, and a lower number of maternal leukocytes. Apoptotic mural EVT were observed in association with mature dendritic cells and T cells in the IUGR samples. Second trimester pregnancies with high uterine artery PI displayed a higher incidence of small for gestational age fetuses; a skewed decidual immunology with higher numbers of; CD8 T cells, mature CD83 dendritic cells and lymphatic vessels that were packed with decidual leukocytes. The decidual stromal cells (DSCs) failed to differentiate into the large secretory DSC in these cases, remaining small and cuboidal and expressing lower levels of the nuclear progesterone receptor isoform B, and DSC markers Insulin Growth Factor Binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) and CD10 as compared to controls. This study shows that defective progesterone mediated decidualization and a hostile maternal immune response against the invading endovascular EVT contribute to the failure of uterovascular remodeling in IUGR pregnancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Dunk
- Research Centre for Women's and Infants' Health, Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Caroline Dunk
| | - Melissa Kwan
- Research Centre for Women's and Infants' Health, Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Aleah Hazan
- Research Centre for Women's and Infants' Health, Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sierra Walker
- Research Centre for Women's and Infants' Health, Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Julie K. Wright
- Research Centre for Women's and Infants' Health, Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lynda K. Harris
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Academic Health Science Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Lee Jones
- Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Academic Health Science Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Keating
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - John C. P. Kingdom
- Research Centre for Women's and Infants' Health, Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Wendy Whittle
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cynthia Maxwell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen J. Lye
- Research Centre for Women's and Infants' Health, Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Thiele K, Hierweger AM, Riquelme JIA, Solano ME, Lydon JP, Arck PC. Impaired Progesterone-Responsiveness of CD11c + Dendritic Cells Affects the Generation of CD4 + Regulatory T Cells and Is Associated With Intrauterine Growth Restriction in Mice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:96. [PMID: 30858825 PMCID: PMC6397849 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Up to 10% of pregnancies in Western societies are affected by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). IUGR reduces short-term neonatal survival and impairs long-term health of the children. To date, the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of IUGR are largely unknown, but the failure to mount an adequate endocrine and immune response during pregnancy has been proposed to facilitate the occurrence of IUGR. A cross talk between the pregnancy hormone progesterone and innate immune cell subsets such as dendritic cells (DCs) is vital to ensure adequate placentation and fetal growth. However, experimental strategies to pinpoint distinct immune cell subsets interacting with progesterone in vivo have long been limited. In the present study, we have overcome this limitation by generating a mouse line with a specific deletion of the progesterone receptor (PR) on CD11c+ DCs. We took advantage of the cre/loxP system and assessed reproductive outcome in Balb/c-mated C57Bl/6 PRflox/floxCD11ccre/wt females. Balb/c-mated C57Bl/6 PRwt/wtCD11ccre/wt females served as controls. In all dams, fetal growth and development, placental function and maternal immune and endocrine adaptation were evaluated at different gestational time points. We observed a significantly reduced fetal weight on gestational day 13.5 and 18.5 in PRflox/floxCD11ccre/wt females. While frequencies of uterine CD11c+ cells were similar in both groups, an increased frequency of co-stimulatory molecules was observed on DCs in PRflox/floxCD11ccre/wt mice, along with reduced frequencies of CD4+ FoxP3+ and CD8+ CD122+ regulatory T (Treg) cells. Placental histomorphology revealed a skew toward increased junctional zone at the expense of the labyrinth in implantations of PRflox/floxCD11ccre/wt females, accompanied by increased plasma progesterone concentrations. Our results support that DCs are highly responsive to progesterone, subsequently adapting to a tolerogenic phenotype. If such cross talk between progesterone and DCs is impaired, the generation of pregnancy-protective immune cells subsets such as CD4+ and CD8+ Treg cells is reduced, which is associated with poor placentation and IUGR in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Thiele
- Division of Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Kristin Thiele
| | - Alexandra Maximiliane Hierweger
- Division of Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julia Isabel Amambay Riquelme
- Division of Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - María Emilia Solano
- Division of Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - John P. Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Petra Clara Arck
- Division of Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Petra Clara Arck
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Zazara DE, Arck PC. Developmental origin and sex-specific risk for infections and immune diseases later in life. Semin Immunopathol 2018; 41:137-151. [DOI: 10.1007/s00281-018-0713-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
|
40
|
Schepanski S, Buss C, Hanganu-Opatz IL, Arck PC. Prenatal Immune and Endocrine Modulators of Offspring's Brain Development and Cognitive Functions Later in Life. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2186. [PMID: 30319639 PMCID: PMC6168638 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Milestones of brain development in mammals are completed before birth, which provide the prerequisite for cognitive and intellectual performances of the offspring. Prenatal challenges, such as maternal stress experience or infections, have been linked to impaired cognitive development, poor intellectual performances as well as neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders in the offspring later in life. Fetal microglial cells may be the target of such challenges and could be functionally modified by maternal markers. Maternal markers can cross the placenta and reach the fetus, a phenomenon commonly referred to as “vertical transfer.” These maternal markers include hormones, such as glucocorticoids, and also maternal immune cells and cytokines, all of which can be altered in response to prenatal challenges. Whilst it is difficult to discriminate between the maternal or fetal origin of glucocorticoids and cytokines in the offspring, immune cells of maternal origin—although low in frequency—can be clearly set apart from offspring's cells in the fetal and adult brain. To date, insights into the functional role of these cells are limited, but it is emergingly recognized that these maternal microchimeric cells may affect fetal brain development, as well as post-natal cognitive performances and behavior. Moreover, the inheritance of vertically transferred cells across generations has been proposed, yielding to the presence of a microchiome in individuals. Hence, it will be one of the scientific challenges in the field of neuroimmunology to identify the functional role of maternal microchimeric cells as well as the brain microchiome. Maternal microchimeric cells, along with hormones and cytokines, may induce epigenetic changes in the fetal brain. Recent data underpin that brain development in response to prenatal stress challenges can be altered across several generations, independent of a genetic predisposition, supporting an epigenetic inheritance. We here discuss how fetal brain development and offspring's cognitive functions later in life is modulated in the turnstile of prenatal challenges by introducing novel and recently emerging pathway, involving maternal hormones and immune markers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven Schepanski
- Laboratory of Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Developmental Neurophysiology, Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Buss
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Development, Health, and Disease Research Program, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA, United States
| | - Ileana L Hanganu-Opatz
- Developmental Neurophysiology, Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Petra C Arck
- Laboratory of Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Rogers TJ, Christenson JL, Greene LI, O'Neill KI, Williams MM, Gordon MA, Nemkov T, D'Alessandro A, Degala GD, Shin J, Tan AC, Cittelly DM, Lambert JR, Richer JK. Reversal of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer EMT by miR-200c Decreases Tryptophan Catabolism and a Program of Immunosuppression. Mol Cancer Res 2018; 17:30-41. [PMID: 30213797 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-18-0246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO2), a rate-limiting enzyme in the tryptophan catabolism pathway, is induced in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) by inflammatory signals and anchorage-independent conditions. TNBCs express extremely low levels of the miR-200 family compared with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. In normal epithelial cells and ER+ breast cancers and cell lines, high levels of the family member miR-200c serve to target and repress genes involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). To identify mechanism(s) that permit TNBC to express TDO2 and other proteins not expressed in the more well-differentiated ER+ breast cancers, miRNA-200c was restored in TNBC cell lines. The data demonstrate that miR-200c targeted TDO2 directly resulting in reduced production of the immunosuppressive metabolite kynurenine. Furthermore, in addition to reversing a classic EMT signature, miR-200c repressed many genes encoding immunosuppressive factors including CD274/CD273, HMOX-1, and GDF15. Restoration of miR-200c revealed a mechanism, whereby TNBC hijacks a gene expression program reminiscent of that used by trophoblasts to suppress the maternal immune system to ensure fetal tolerance during pregnancy. IMPLICATIONS: Knowledge of the regulation of tumor-derived immunosuppressive factors will facilitate development of novel therapeutic strategies that complement current immunotherapy to reduce mortality for patients with TNBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Rogers
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Jessica L Christenson
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Lisa I Greene
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Kathleen I O'Neill
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Michelle M Williams
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Michael A Gordon
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Travis Nemkov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Angelo D'Alessandro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Greg D Degala
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Jimin Shin
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Aik-Choon Tan
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Diana M Cittelly
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - James R Lambert
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Jennifer K Richer
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Remus CC, Kording F, Arck P, Solano E, Sedlacik J, Adam G, Hecher K, Forkert ND. DCE MRI reveals early decreased and later increased placenta perfusion after a stress challenge during pregnancy in a mouse model. Placenta 2018; 65:15-19. [PMID: 29908637 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2018.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Stress during pregnancy is known to have negative effects on fetal outcome. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine placental perfusion alterations after stress challenge during pregnancy in a mouse model. MATERIAL AND METHODS Seven Tesla MRI was performed on pregnant mice at embrionic day (ED) 14.5 and 16.5. Twenty dams were exposed to an established acoustic stress challenge model while twenty non-exposed dams served as controls. Placental perfusion was analyzed in dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI using the steepest slope model. The two functional placental compartments, the highly vascularized labyrinth and the endocrine junctional zone, were assessed separately. RESULTS Statistical analysis revealed decreased perfusion levels in the stress group at ED 14.5 compared to controls in both placenta compartments. On ED 16.5, the perfusion level increased significantly in the stress group while placenta perfusion in controls remained similar or even slightly decreased leading to an overall increased perfusion in the stress group on ED 16.5 compared to controls. CONCLUSION MR imaging allows noninvasive placenta perfusion assessment in this fetal stress mimicking animal model. In this exploratory study, we demonstrated that stress challenge during pregnancy leads to an initial reduction followed by an increase of placenta perfusion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chressen Catharina Remus
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Centre for Radiology and Endoscopy, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Fabian Kording
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Centre for Radiology and Endoscopy, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Petra Arck
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Center for Obstetrics and Paediatrics, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Emilia Solano
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Center for Obstetrics and Paediatrics, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Sedlacik
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Centre for Radiology and Endoscopy, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Adam
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Centre for Radiology and Endoscopy, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kurt Hecher
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Center for Obstetrics and Paediatrics, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nils Daniel Forkert
- Department of Radiology and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Rezaei M, Eskandari F, Mohammadpour-Gharehbagh A, Harati-Sadegh M, Teimoori B, Salimi S. Hypomethylation of the miRNA-34a gene promoter is associated with Severe Preeclampsia. Clin Exp Hypertens 2018; 41:1-5. [PMID: 29557690 DOI: 10.1080/10641963.2018.1451534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE PE is a pregnancy-specific complication, which genetic and epigenetic factors play key roles in its pathogenesis. DNA methylation is a main epigenetic alteration with important roles in gene regulation. Micro RNAs (miRNAs) as another member of epigenetic machinery regulate the gene expression and involve in different biological pathways including apoptosis and placental development. Therefore, the present study performed to assess the association between miRNA-34a promoter methylation and PE susceptibility. METHODS The placenta of 104 PE pregnant women and 119 normotensive pregnant women were collected after delivery. The methylation status of the miRNA-34a promoter was assessed using Methylation Specific PCR (MSP). RESULTS The frequency of the hemi-methylated (MU) miR-34a promoter was significantly lower in PE women compared to the controls (17.3 vs. 29.4%) (OR, 0.45 [95% CI, 0.2-0.9], P = 0.016). The overall methylation rate was 23.1% in PE women and 41.2% in the control group and was significantly lower in PE women (OR, 0.4 [95% CI, 0.2-0.8], P = 0.004). The frequency of hemi-methylated (MU) and overall methylated (MU+MM) promoter of miR-34a gene was significantly lower in severe PE but not in mild PE women compared to the controls [(OR, 0.3 [95% CI, 0.1-0.8], P = 0.02) and (OR, 0.3 [95% CI, 0.1-0.7], P = 0.009), respectively]. There was an association between hemi-methylated (MU) and overall methylated (MU+MM) promoter and late onset PE [(OR, 0.4 [95% CI, 0.2-0.9], P = 0.03) and (OR, 0.4 [95% CI, 0.2-0.8], P = 0.01), respectively]. CONCLUSIONS An association was found between hypo-methylation of the miR-34a promoter and PE and PE severity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahnaz Rezaei
- a Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine , Zahedan University of Medical Sciences , Zahedan , Iran
- b Cellular and Molecular Research Center , Zahedan University of Medical Sciences , Zahedan , Iran
| | - Fatemeh Eskandari
- a Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine , Zahedan University of Medical Sciences , Zahedan , Iran
- b Cellular and Molecular Research Center , Zahedan University of Medical Sciences , Zahedan , Iran
| | - Abbas Mohammadpour-Gharehbagh
- a Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine , Zahedan University of Medical Sciences , Zahedan , Iran
- b Cellular and Molecular Research Center , Zahedan University of Medical Sciences , Zahedan , Iran
| | - Mahdiyeh Harati-Sadegh
- c Department of Genetics, Fars Science and Research Branch , Islamic Azad University , Marvdasht , Iran
- d Department of Genetics, Marvdasht Branch , Islamic Azad University , Marvdasht , Iran
| | - Batool Teimoori
- e Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine , Zahedan University of Medical Sciences , Zahedan , Iran
| | - Saeedeh Salimi
- a Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine , Zahedan University of Medical Sciences , Zahedan , Iran
- b Cellular and Molecular Research Center , Zahedan University of Medical Sciences , Zahedan , Iran
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Korzeniewski SJ, Allred EN, Joseph RM, Heeren T, Kuban KC, O’Shea TM, Leviton A. Neurodevelopment at Age 10 Years of Children Born <28 Weeks With Fetal Growth Restriction. Pediatrics 2017; 140:peds.2017-0697. [PMID: 29030525 PMCID: PMC5654396 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2017-0697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We sought to evaluate the relationships between fetal growth restriction (FGR) (both severe and less severe) and assessments of cognitive, academic, and adaptive behavior brain function at age 10 years. METHODS At age 10 years, the Extremely Low Gestational Age Newborns Cohort Study assessed the cognitive function, academic achievement, social-communicative function, psychiatric symptoms, and overall quality of life of 889 children born before 28 weeks' gestation. A pediatric epileptologist also interviewed parents as part of a seizure evaluation. The 52 children whose birth weight z scores were <-2 were classified as having severe FGR, and the 113 whose birth weight z scores were between -2 and -1 were considered to have less severe FGR. RESULTS The more severe the growth restriction in utero, the lower the level of function on multiple cognitive and academic achievement assessments performed at age 10 years. Growth-restricted children were also more likely than their extremely preterm peers to have social awareness impairments, autistic mannerisms, autism spectrum diagnoses, difficulty with semantics and speech coherence, and diminished social and psychosocial functioning. They also more frequently had phobias, obsessions, and compulsions (according to teacher, but not parent, report). CONCLUSIONS Among children born extremely preterm, those with severe FGR appear to be at increased risk of multiple cognitive and behavioral dysfunctions at age 10 years, raising the possibility that whatever adversely affected their intrauterine growth also adversely affected multiple domains of cognitive and neurobehavioral development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven J. Korzeniewski
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan;,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Elizabeth N. Allred
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts;,Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Tim Heeren
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health
| | - Karl C.K. Kuban
- Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts;,Departments of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - T. Michael O’Shea
- Department of Pediatrics, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Alan Leviton
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts;,Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Li Y, Zhang J, Zhang D, Hong X, Tao Y, Wang S, Xu Y, Piao H, Yin W, Yu M, Zhang Y, Fu Q, Li D, Chang X, Du M. Tim-3 signaling in peripheral NK cells promotes maternal-fetal immune tolerance and alleviates pregnancy loss. Sci Signal 2017; 10:10/498/eaah4323. [PMID: 28951537 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aah4323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy loss occurs in about 15% of clinically recognized pregnancies, and defective maternal-fetal immune tolerance contributes to more than 50% of these events. We found that signaling by the type I membrane protein T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-containing protein 3 (Tim-3) in natural killer (NK) cells had an essential protective role during early pregnancy. Tim-3 on peripheral NK (pNK) cells was transiently increased in abundance during the first trimester of pregnancy, which depended on interleukin-4 (IL-4)-signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) and progesterone signaling. Tim-3+ pNK cells displayed immunosuppressive activities, including the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and the induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in a transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-dependent manner. Tim-3 on pNK cells was stimulated by its ligand galectin-9 (Gal-9), leading to signaling by the kinases c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and AKT. In recurrent miscarriage (RM) patients, Tim-3 abundance on pNK cells was reduced and the immunosuppressive activity of Tim-3+ pNK cells was impaired. Compared to Tim-3+ pNK cells from donors with normal pregnancies, RM patient Tim-3+ pNK cells exhibited changes in DNA accessibility in certain genetic loci, which were reversed by inhibiting accessible chromatin reader proteins. Furthermore, Tim-3+ pNK cells, but not Tim-3- pNK cells, reduced fetal loss in abortion-prone and NK cell-deficient mice. Together, our findings reveal a critical role for Tim-3-Gal-9 signaling-mediated immunoregulation by pNK cells in maternal-fetal immune tolerance and suggest that Tim-3 abundance on pNK cells is a potential biomarker for RM diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Population and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Jiayuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Di Zhang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Population and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xiaowu Hong
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yu Tao
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Songcun Wang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Population and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Yuanyuan Xu
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Hailan Piao
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Weijie Yin
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Min Yu
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, China.,In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer Center, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Yin Zhang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, China.,Department of Obstetrics, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Dajin Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Population and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xing Chang
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Meirong Du
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200011, China. .,Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Population and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Engels G, Hierweger AM, Hoffmann J, Thieme R, Thiele S, Bertram S, Dreier C, Resa-Infante P, Jacobsen H, Thiele K, Alawi M, Indenbirken D, Grundhoff A, Siebels S, Fischer N, Stojanovska V, Muzzio D, Jensen F, Karimi K, Mittrücker HW, Arck PC, Gabriel G. Pregnancy-Related Immune Adaptation Promotes the Emergence of Highly Virulent H1N1 Influenza Virus Strains in Allogenically Pregnant Mice. Cell Host Microbe 2017; 21:321-333. [PMID: 28279344 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2017.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Pregnant women are at high risk for severe influenza disease outcomes, yet insights into the underlying mechanisms are limited. Here, we present models of H1N1 infection in syngenic and allogenic pregnant mice; infection in the latter mirrors the severe course of 2009 pandemic influenza in pregnant women. We found that the anti-viral immune response in the pregnant host was significantly restricted as compared to the non-pregnant host. This included a reduced type I interferon response as well as impaired migration of CD8+ T cells into the lung. The multi-faceted failure to mount an anti-viral response in allogenic pregnant mice resulted in a less stringent selective environment that promoted the emergence of 2009 H1N1 virus variants that specifically counteract type I interferon response and mediate increased viral pathogenicity. These insights underscore the importance of influenza vaccination compliance in pregnant women and may open novel therapeutic avenues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Géraldine Engels
- Research Group Viral Zoonosis and Adaptation, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Maximiliane Hierweger
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julia Hoffmann
- Research Group Viral Zoonosis and Adaptation, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - René Thieme
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Swantje Thiele
- Research Group Viral Zoonosis and Adaptation, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Bertram
- Research Group Viral Zoonosis and Adaptation, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carola Dreier
- Research Group Viral Zoonosis and Adaptation, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Patricia Resa-Infante
- Research Group Viral Zoonosis and Adaptation, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Henning Jacobsen
- Research Group Viral Zoonosis and Adaptation, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kristin Thiele
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Malik Alawi
- Research Group Viral Genomics, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Indenbirken
- Research Group Viral Genomics, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Adam Grundhoff
- Research Group Viral Genomics, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Svenja Siebels
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Fischer
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Violeta Stojanovska
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Center, 9713 Groningen, NL
| | - Damián Muzzio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Federico Jensen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; Laboratory for Immunology of Pregnancy, Center for Pharmacological and Botanical Studies (CEFYBO-CONICET), School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, 1053 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Khalil Karimi
- Institute for Hepatology and Experimental Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Willi Mittrücker
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Petra Clara Arck
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Gülsah Gabriel
- Research Group Viral Zoonosis and Adaptation, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; Centre for Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Zazara DE, Perani CV, Solano ME, Arck PC. Prenatal stress challenge impairs fetal lung development and asthma severity sex-specifically in mice. J Reprod Immunol 2017; 125:100-105. [PMID: 29241813 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Allergic asthma is an increasing health problem worldwide. Interestingly, prenatal challenges such as stress have been associated with an increased risk for asthma during childhood. The underlying pathogenesis of how prenatal stress increases the risk for asthma still remains unclear. Potential targets could be that the fetal immune ontogeny or fetal lung development are compromised by prenatal challenges. Here, we aimed to identify whether prenatal stress challenge affects fetal lung development in mice. C57BL/6 pregnant mice were challenged with sound stress and fetal lung development was assessed histologically. Whilst prenatal stress challenge did not profoundly affect lung development in male fetuses, it resulted in less extensive terminal sacs, surrounded by thicker mesenchymal tissue in female fetuses. Thus, prenatal stress disrupted fetal lung development sex-specifically. Interestingly, upon prenatal stress challenge, the airway hyperresponsiveness and eosinophilic inflammation- two hallmarks of asthma - were significantly increased in adult female offspring, whilst regulatory CD4+ T cells were reduced. These findings strongly underpin the sex-specific association between s challenged fetal development and a sex-specific altered severity of asthma in adult offspring. Our model now allows to identify maternal markers through which the risk for asthma and possible other diseases is vertically transferred before birth in response to challenges. Such identification then opens avenues for primary disease prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra E Zazara
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Clara V Perani
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - María E Solano
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Petra C Arck
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Diemert A, Goletzke J, Barkmann C, Jung R, Hecher K, Arck P. Maternal progesterone levels are modulated by maternal BMI and predict birth weight sex-specifically in human pregnancies. J Reprod Immunol 2017. [PMID: 28641119 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2017.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Successful pregnancy outcome is the result of a tailored adaptation of the maternal endocrine and immune system throughout gestation. We aimed to investigate if maternal endocrine, anthropometric and life style factors assessed longitudinally throughout pregnancy allow prediction of birth weight. STUDY DESIGN Data on maternal factors and obstetrical characteristics from 220 pregnancies from a German prospective pregnancy cohort were analyzed using univariate and multivariate regression models. The association between maternal progesterone levels at the end of the 1st (gw 12-14), the 2nd (gw 22-24) and the 3rd trimester (gw 34-36) and birth weight of children born at term was examined. Interaction terms were included to identify possible sex-specific associations. Furthermore, associations between maternal and obstetric characteristics and progesterone levels were tested. RESULTS After controlling for possible confounders, progesterone in the 2nd trimester emerged as an independent predictor for birth weight in pregnancies with female (p=0.01), but not male fetuses (p=0.6). In female fetuses each increase of progesterone by 1ng/ml in the 2nd trimester was associated with an increase of birth weight by 6.8g (95%-CI=1.44-12.24). Maternal 1st trimester BMI showed a significant inverse correlation to progesterone levels throughout gestation (p<0.0001 in the 1st and 2nd, p=0.01 in the 3rd trimester). This inverse association between maternal BMI and progesterone levels was confined to overweight women. CONCLUSION Our data support that maternal progesterone levels have the potential to serve as early biomarker for reduced birth weight and underpins the importance of normal weight when entering the reproductive phase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anke Diemert
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Janina Goletzke
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Claus Barkmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Robert Jung
- Center for Diagnostics, Department of Clinical Chemistry/Central Laboratories, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kurt Hecher
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Petra Arck
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Wu J, He Z, Gao Y, Zhang G, Huang X, Fang Q. Placental NFE2L2 is discordantly activated in monochorionic twins with selective intrauterine growth restriction and possibly regulated by hypoxia. Free Radic Res 2017; 51:351-359. [PMID: 28441900 DOI: 10.1080/10715762.2017.1315113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nuclear factor, erythroid 2 like 2 (NFE2L2) is an important transcription factor that protects cells from oxidative stress (OS). NFE2L2 deficiency in placentas is associated with pregnancy complications. We have demonstrated that elevated OS existed in placental shares of the smaller fetus in selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR); however, the role of NFE2L2 in the development of sIUGR remains unknown. In this study, we examined the levels of NFE2L2 and heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1), a major antioxidant regulated by NFE2L2, in sIUGR placentas. We also investigated the relationship between hypoxia and NFE2L2 activation, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of sIUGR. METHODS Real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the levels of NFE2L2 and HMOX1 in placentas from 30 monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies. The trophoblast cell line HTR-8/SVneo was cultured under severe (3%) or mild (10%) hypoxia. RESULTS NFE2L2 and HMOX1 were both up-regulated in placental shares of the smaller fetus in the sIUGR group. No significant inter-twin differences in NFE2L2 and HMOX1 were detected in the normal group. In vitro, NFE2L2 was suppressed under severe hypoxia (3% O2) but was clearly up-regulated under mild hypoxia (10% O2). DISCUSSION Compared with the suppression of NFE2L2 in placentas of fetal growth restriction (FGR) in singleton pregnancies, NFE2L2 was up-regulated in placental shares of the smaller fetus in sIUGR pregnancies. The asymmetrical activation of NFE2L2 in placental shares of sIUGR twins may be a compensation for hypoxia that protects the smaller fetus from OS damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fetal Medicine Center , The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University , Yuexiu District , Guangzhou City , Guangdong Province , China
| | - Zhiming He
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fetal Medicine Center , The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University , Yuexiu District , Guangzhou City , Guangdong Province , China
| | - Yu Gao
- b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Guanglan Zhang
- c Department of Obstetrics , Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Xuan Huang
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fetal Medicine Center , The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University , Yuexiu District , Guangzhou City , Guangdong Province , China
| | - Qun Fang
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fetal Medicine Center , The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University , Yuexiu District , Guangzhou City , Guangdong Province , China
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Němeček D, Dvořáková M, Sedmíková M. Heme oxygenase/carbon monoxide in the female reproductive system: an overlooked signalling pathway. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 8:1-12. [PMID: 28123837 PMCID: PMC5259583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
For a long time, carbon monoxide (CO) was known for its toxic effect on organisms. But there are still many things left to discover on that molecule. CO is formed directly in the body by the enzymatic activity of heme oxygenase (HO). CO plays an important role in many physiological processes, such as cell protections (against various stress factors), and the regulation of metabolic processes. Recent research proves that CO also operates in the female reproductive system. At the centre of interest is the importance of CO for gestation. During the gestation period, CO is an important element affecting the proper function of the feto-placental unit and generally affects fetal survivability rates. Gestation is one of the most important processes of successful reproduction, although there are more relevant processes that need to be researched. While already proven that CO influences steroidogenesis and the corpus luteum survivability rate, our knowledge concerning the function and importance of CO in the reproductive system is still relatively limited. As an example, our knowledge of CO function in an oocyte, the most important cell for reproduction, is almost non-existent. The aim of this review is to summarize our current knowledge concerning the function of CO in the female reproductive system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Němeček
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Dvořáková
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Sedmíková
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|