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Nagagata BA, Brito G, Ornellas F, Mandarim-de-Lacerda CA, Aguila MB. Melatonin supplementation in obese mothers reduces hypothalamic inflammation and enhances thermogenesis in mice progeny. J Nutr Biochem 2024; 128:109625. [PMID: 38521130 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2024.109625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Maternal obesity might induce obesity and metabolic alterations in the progeny. The study aimed to determine the effect of supplementing obese mothers with Mel (Mel) on thermogenesis and inflammation. C57BL/6 female mice (mothers) were fed from weaning to 12 weeks control diet (C, 17% kJ as fat) or a high-fat diet (HF, 49% kJ as fat) and then matted with male mice fed the control diet. Melatonin (10 mg/kg daily) was supplemented to mothers during gestation and lactation, forming the groups C, CMel, HF, and HFMel (n = 10/group). Twelve-week male offspring were studied (plasma biochemistry, immunohistochemistry, protein, and gene expressions at the hypothalamus - Hyp, subcutaneous white adipose tissue - sWAT, and interscapular brown adipose tissue - iBAT). Comparing HFMel vs. HF offspring, fat deposits and plasmatic proinflammatory markers decreased. Also, HFMel showed decreased Hyp proinflammatory markers and neuropeptide Y (anabolic) expression but improved proopiomelanocortin (catabolic) expression. Besides, HFMel sWAT adipocytes changed to a beige phenotype with-beta-3 adrenergic receptor and uncoupling protein-1 activation, concomitant with browning genes activation, triggering the iBAT thermogenic activity. In conclusion, compelling evidence indicated the beneficial effects of supplementing obese mothers with Mel on the health of their mature male offspring. Mel led to sWAT browning-related gene enhancement, increased iBAT thermogenis, and mitigated hypothalamic inflammation. Also, principal component analysis of the data significantly separated the untreated obese mother progeny from the progeny of treated obese mothers. If confirmed in humans, the findings encourage a future guideline recommending Mel supplementation during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda A Nagagata
- Metabolism section, Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Disease, The University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Nutrition section, Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Disease, The University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gabrielle Brito
- Metabolism section, Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Disease, The University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Carlos A Mandarim-de-Lacerda
- Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Disease, Biomedical Center, Institute of Biology, The University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Marcia Barbosa Aguila
- Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Disease, Biomedical Center, Institute of Biology, The University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Li Q, Zheng T, Chen J, Li B, Zhang Q, Yang S, Shao J, Guan W, Zhang S. Exploring melatonin's multifaceted role in female reproductive health: From follicular development to lactation and its therapeutic potential in obstetric syndromes. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00168-1. [PMID: 38692429 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.04.025] [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: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melatonin is mainly secreted by the pineal gland during darkness and regulates biological rhythms through its receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus. In addition, it also plays a role in the reproductive system by affecting the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, and by acting as a free radical scavenger thus contributing to the maintenance of the optimal physiological state of the gonads. Besides, melatonin can freely cross the placenta to influence fetal development. However, there is still a lack of overall understanding of the role of melatonin in the reproductive cycle of female mammals. AIM OF REVIEW Here we focus the role of melatonin in female reproduction from follicular development to delivery as well as the relationship between melatonin and lactation. We further summarize the potential role of melatonin in the treatment of preeclampsia, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, and ovarian aging. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW Understanding the physiological role of melatonin in female reproductive processes will contribute to the advancement of human fertility and reproductive medicine research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihui Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Tenghui Zheng
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jiaming Chen
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Baofeng Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Qianzi Zhang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Siwang Yang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jiayuan Shao
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wutai Guan
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shihai Zhang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.
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Bouroutzika E, Proikakis S, Theodosiadou EK, Vougas K, Katsafadou AI, Tsangaris GT, Valasi I. Proteomics Analysis of Pregnancy in Ewes under Heat Stress Conditions and Melatonin Administration. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:400. [PMID: 38338042 PMCID: PMC10854642 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is an indoleamine with broad spectrum properties that acts as a regulator of antioxidant and immune response in organisms. In our previous studies, melatonin improved redox status and inflammatory response in pregnant ewes under heat stress conditions. In the present study, using proteomics, the proteins regulated by melatonin during different stages of pregnancy and lambing were assessed. Twenty-two ewes equally divided into two groups, the melatonin (M) (n = 11) and control (C) group (n = 11), participated in the study and were exposed to heat stress during the first months of pregnancy. In the M group, melatonin implants were administered throughout pregnancy, every 40 days, until parturition (a total of four implants per ewe). Blood samples were collected at the beginning of the study simultaneously with the administration of the first melatonin implant (blood samples M1, C1), mating (M2, C2), second implant (M3, C3), fourth implant (M4, C4) and parturition (M5, C5), and MALDI-TOF analysis was performed. The results revealed the existence of 42 extra proteins in samples M2, M3 and M4 and 53 in M5 (sample at parturition) that are linked to melatonin. The biological processes of these proteins refer to boosted immune response, the alleviation of oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress, energy metabolism, the protection of the maternal organism and embryo development. This proteomics analysis indicates that melatonin regulates protective mechanisms and controls cell proliferation under exogenous or endogenous stressful stimuli during pregnancy and parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efterpi Bouroutzika
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43131 Karditsa, Greece; (E.B.); (E.K.T.)
| | - Stavros Proikakis
- Laboratory of Food Quality Control and Hygiene, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece;
| | | | - Konstantinos Vougas
- Proteomics Research Unit, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.V.), (G.T.T.)
| | | | - George T. Tsangaris
- Proteomics Research Unit, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.V.), (G.T.T.)
| | - Irene Valasi
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43131 Karditsa, Greece; (E.B.); (E.K.T.)
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Reiter RJ, Sharma R, Romero A, Manucha W, Tan DX, Zuccari DAPDC, Chuffa LGDA. Aging-Related Ovarian Failure and Infertility: Melatonin to the Rescue. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12030695. [PMID: 36978942 PMCID: PMC10045124 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging has a major detrimental effect on the optimal function of the ovary with changes in this organ preceding the age-related deterioration in other tissues, with the middle-aged shutdown leading to infertility. Reduced fertility and consequent inability to conceive by women in present-day societies who choose to have children later in life leads to increased frustration. Melatonin is known to have anti-aging properties related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. Its higher follicular fluid levels relative to blood concentrations and its likely synthesis in the oocyte, granulosa, and luteal cells suggest that it is optimally positioned to interfere with age-associated deterioration of the ovary. Additionally, the end of the female reproductive span coincides with a significant reduction in endogenous melatonin levels. Thus, the aims are to review the literature indicating melatonin production in mitochondria of oocytes, granulosa cells, and luteal cells, identify the multiple processes underlying changes in the ovary, especially late in the cessation of the reproductive life span, summarize the physiological and molecular actions of melatonin in the maintenance of normal ovaries and in the aging ovaries, and integrate the acquired information into an explanation for considering melatonin in the treatment of age-related infertility. Use of supplemental melatonin may help preserve fertility later in life and alleviate frustration in women delaying childbearing age, reduce the necessity of in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer (IVF-ET) procedures, and help solve the progressively increasing problem of non-aging-related infertility in women throughout their reproductive life span. While additional research is needed to fully understand the effects of melatonin supplementation on potentially enhancing fertility, studies published to date suggest it may be a promising option for those struggling with infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, Joe R and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Correspondence: (R.J.R.); (A.R.); Tel.: +1-210-567-3859 (R.J.R.); +34-91-3943970 (A.R.)
| | - Ramaswamy Sharma
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, Joe R and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Alejandro Romero
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (R.J.R.); (A.R.); Tel.: +1-210-567-3859 (R.J.R.); +34-91-3943970 (A.R.)
| | - Walter Manucha
- Instituto de Medicina y Biologia Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnologicas (CONICET), Mendoza 5500, Argentina
| | - Dun-Xian Tan
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, Joe R and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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Ono M, Ando H, Daikoku T, Fujiwara T, Mieda M, Mizumoto Y, Iizuka T, Kagami K, Hosono T, Nomura S, Toyoda N, Sekizuka-Kagami N, Maida Y, Kuji N, Nishi H, Fujiwara H. The Circadian Clock, Nutritional Signals and Reproduction: A Close Relationship. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021545. [PMID: 36675058 PMCID: PMC9865912 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The circadian rhythm, which is necessary for reproduction, is controlled by clock genes. In the mouse uterus, the oscillation of the circadian clock gene has been observed. The transcription of the core clock gene period (Per) and cryptochrome (Cry) is activated by the heterodimer of the transcription factor circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (Clock) and brain and muscle Arnt-like protein-1 (Bmal1). By binding to E-box sequences in the promoters of Per1/2 and Cry1/2 genes, the CLOCK-BMAL1 heterodimer promotes the transcription of these genes. Per1/2 and Cry1/2 form a complex with the Clock/Bmal1 heterodimer and inactivate its transcriptional activities. Endometrial BMAL1 expression levels are lower in human recurrent-miscarriage sufferers. Additionally, it was shown that the presence of BMAL1-depleted decidual cells prevents trophoblast invasion, highlighting the importance of the endometrial clock throughout pregnancy. It is widely known that hormone synthesis is disturbed and sterility develops in Bmal1-deficient mice. Recently, we discovered that animals with uterus-specific Bmal1 loss also had poor placental development, and these mice also had intrauterine fetal death. Furthermore, it was shown that time-restricted feeding controlled the uterine clock's circadian rhythm. The uterine clock system may be a possibility for pregnancy complications, according to these results. We summarize the most recent research on the close connection between the circadian clock and reproduction in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Ono
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-3-3342-6111
| | - Hitoshi Ando
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Function Analysis, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Takiko Daikoku
- Institute for Experimental Animals, Advanced Science Research Center, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Tomoko Fujiwara
- Department of Social Work and Life Design, Kyoto Notre Dame University, Kyoto 606-0848, Japan
| | - Michihiro Mieda
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Yasunari Mizumoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Takashi Iizuka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Kyosuke Kagami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Takashi Hosono
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nomura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Natsumi Toyoda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
- Institute for Experimental Animals, Advanced Science Research Center, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Naomi Sekizuka-Kagami
- Department of Nursing, College of Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Maida
- Department of Nursing, College of Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Naoaki Kuji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Nishi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Fujiwara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
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The Role of Melatonin in Pregnancy and the Health Benefits for the Newborn. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123252. [PMID: 36552008 PMCID: PMC9775355 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few years, there have been significant evolutions in the understanding of the hormone melatonin in terms of its physiology, regulatory role, and potential utility in various domains of clinical medicine. Melatonin's properties include, among others, the regulation of mitochondrial function, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and neuro-protective effects, sleep promotion and immune enhancement. As it is also bioavailable and has little or no toxicity, it has been proposed as safe and effective for the treatment of numerous diseases and to preserve human health. In this manuscript, we tried to evaluate the role of melatonin at the beginning of human life, in pregnancy, in the fetus and in newborns through newly published literature studies.
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Analysis of the Acoustic Comfort in Hospital: The Case of Maternity Rooms. BUILDINGS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/buildings12081117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Hospitals include a variety of different spaces with different requirements and levels of sensitivity to noise but also different activities and equipment that can cause high noise levels. In this article, noise disturbance in hospitals is studied with reference to a case study in a maternity ward. The analysis is carried out by means of sound insulation measurements between bedrooms and between bedroom and corridor. Equivalent sound pressure level measurements were carried out continuously for two days and nights. The number of awakening events is examined for each hour of the two nights. In addition, the results of a questionnaire conducted on more than 100 patients are reported. The results of the study show that the main cause of noise disturbance is activity in the corridors and that this kind of disturbance is usually repeated throughout the night. This is made more critical by the poor acoustic performance of the doors, but also by the habit of keeping doors open or half-open to allow doctors to always control patients. The article proposes some possible solutions to reduce noise intrusion from the corridor to the rooms.
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Pal P, Aggarwal A, Deb R. Effects of photoperiod on reproduction of cattle: a review. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2022.2102707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Prasanna Pal
- Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Anjali Aggarwal
- Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Rajib Deb
- Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
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Windsperger K, Kiss H, Oberaigner W, Leitner H, Binder F, Muin DA, Foessleitner P, Husslein PW, Farr A. Exposure to night-time light pollution and risk of prolonged duration of labor: A nationwide cohort study. Birth 2022; 49:87-96. [PMID: 34250632 PMCID: PMC9291618 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Light pollution (LP) is a ubiquitous environmental agent that affects more than 80% of the world's population. This large nationwide cohort study evaluates whether exposure to LP can influence obstetric outcomes. METHODS We analyzed Austrian birth registry data on 717 113 cases between 2008 and 2016 and excluded cases involving day-time delivery, <23 + 0 gestational weeks, and/or birthweight <500 g, induction of labor, elective cesarean, or cases with missing data. The independent variable, that is, degree of night-time LP, was categorized as low (0.174 to <0.688 mcd/m2 ), medium (0.688 to <3 mcd/m2 ), or high (3 to <10 mcd/m2 ). Duration of labor and adverse neonatal outcomes served as outcome measures. RESULTS Cases in regions with high LP (odds ratio [OR], 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.30-1.57) and medium LP (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.14-1.31) showed increased odds of prolonged labor (P < .0001 each). Newborns born in regions with high LP (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.07-1.16) and medium LP (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04-1.10) showed increased odds of experiencing adverse outcomes (P < .0001 each). Preterm delivery <28 + 0 weeks was also associated with the degree of LP (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS Night-time LP negatively interferes with obstetric outcomes. The perceived influence of LP as an environmental agent needs to be re-evaluated to minimize associated health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Windsperger
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyDivision of Obstetrics and Feto‐Maternal MedicineMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Herbert Kiss
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyDivision of Obstetrics and Feto‐Maternal MedicineMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Wilhelm Oberaigner
- Department of Public Health, Health Services Research and Health Technology AssessmentInstitute of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and Health Technology AssessmentUMIT University for Health SciencesMedical Informatics and TechnologyHall in TirolAustria
| | - Hermann Leitner
- Department of Clinical EpidemiologyTyrolean Federal Institute for Integrated CareTirol Kliniken GmbHInnsbruckAustria
| | - Franz Binder
- Department of AstrophysicsUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Dana A. Muin
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyDivision of Obstetrics and Feto‐Maternal MedicineMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Philipp Foessleitner
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyDivision of Obstetrics and Feto‐Maternal MedicineMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Peter W. Husslein
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyDivision of Obstetrics and Feto‐Maternal MedicineMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Alex Farr
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyDivision of Obstetrics and Feto‐Maternal MedicineMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
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Li MD, Xin H, Yuan Y, Yang X, Li H, Tian D, Zhang H, Zhang Z, Han TL, Chen Q, Duan G, Ju D, Chen K, Deng F, He W. Circadian Clock-Controlled Checkpoints in the Pathogenesis of Complex Disease. Front Genet 2021; 12:721231. [PMID: 34557221 PMCID: PMC8452875 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.721231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The circadian clock coordinates physiology, metabolism, and behavior with the 24-h cycles of environmental light. Fundamental mechanisms of how the circadian clock regulates organ physiology and metabolism have been elucidated at a rapid speed in the past two decades. Here we review circadian networks in more than six organ systems associated with complex disease, which cluster around metabolic disorders, and seek to propose critical regulatory molecules controlled by the circadian clock (named clock-controlled checkpoints) in the pathogenesis of complex disease. These include clock-controlled checkpoints such as circadian nuclear receptors in liver and muscle tissues, chemokines and adhesion molecules in the vasculature. Although the progress is encouraging, many gaps in the mechanisms remain unaddressed. Future studies should focus on devising time-dependent strategies for drug delivery and engagement in well-characterized organs such as the liver, and elucidating fundamental circadian biology in so far less characterized organ systems, including the heart, blood, peripheral neurons, and reproductive systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Dian Li
- Department of Cardiology and the Center for Circadian Metabolism and Cardiovascular Disease, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Haoran Xin
- Department of Cardiology and the Center for Circadian Metabolism and Cardiovascular Disease, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yinglin Yuan
- Medical Center of Hematology, The Xinqiao Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinqing Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongli Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dingyuan Tian
- Department of Cardiology and the Center for Circadian Metabolism and Cardiovascular Disease, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhihui Zhang
- Department of Cardiology and the Center for Circadian Metabolism and Cardiovascular Disease, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Ting-Li Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Chen
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Guangyou Duan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dapeng Ju
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ka Chen
- Research Center for Nutrition and Food Safety, Institute of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fang Deng
- Key Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Ministry of Education of China, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of High Altitude Medicine, PLA, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Wenyan He
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Yurtcu N, Çalışkan C, Çelik S. Serum Melatonin as a Biomarker for Assessment of Late-term and Postterm Pregnancies in Women without Spontaneous Onset of Labor. Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol 2021; 225:499-505. [PMID: 34058776 DOI: 10.1055/a-1479-3220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
We conducted a prospective study to assess serum melatonin as a biomarker to predict the development of late-term and postterm pregnancies and spontaneous beginning of labor in women with term pregnancies. Population of this prospective study included pregnant women with late-term and postterm pregnancies and term pregnancies as controls. In these study groups, serum melatonin concentrations were measured in women with or without labor and their perinatal data were collected. In the postterm pregnancies without labor, the lowest median melatonin concentrations were measured (p<0.05). In the late-term and postterm pregnancies with and without labor, the median serum melatonin concentrations were significantly lower than term ones (p<0.05). In the term pregnancies with labor, the highest median melatonin concentration was measured (p<0.05). A serum melatonin concentration≤34 pg/mL as a cut-off value determines late-term and postterm pregnancy with a sensitivity of 80.4% and a specificity of 81.4%. A serum melatonin concentration>29.35 pg/mL as a cut-off value determines presence of labor with a sensitivity of 82.1% and a specificity of 55.0%. In women with term pregnancies, with the measurement of serum melatonin, it is possible to predict the development of late-term and postterm pregnancies and whether these pregnancies undergo spontaneous labor. With further studies, these findings need to be supported before their routine clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazan Yurtcu
- Gynecology and Obstetrics, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Canan Çalışkan
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsun Education and Research Hospital, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Samettin Çelik
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsun Education and Research Hospital, Samsun, Turkey
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Marinić M, Mika K, Chigurupati S, Lynch VJ. Evolutionary transcriptomics implicates HAND2 in the origins of implantation and regulation of gestation length. eLife 2021; 10:61257. [PMID: 33522483 PMCID: PMC7943190 DOI: 10.7554/elife.61257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The developmental origins and evolutionary histories of cell types, tissues, and organs contribute to the ways in which their dysfunction produces disease. In mammals, the nature, development and evolution of maternal-fetal interactions likely influence diseases of pregnancy. Here we show genes that evolved expression at the maternal-fetal interface in Eutherian mammals play essential roles in the evolution of pregnancy and are associated with immunological disorders and preterm birth. Among these genes is HAND2, a transcription factor that suppresses estrogen signaling, a Eutherian innovation allowing blastocyst implantation. We found dynamic HAND2 expression in the decidua throughout the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, gradually decreasing to a low at term. HAND2 regulates a distinct set of genes in endometrial stromal fibroblasts including IL15, a cytokine also exhibiting dynamic expression throughout the menstrual cycle and gestation, promoting migration of natural killer cells and extravillous cytotrophoblasts. We demonstrate that HAND2 promoter loops to an enhancer containing SNPs implicated in birth weight and gestation length regulation. Collectively, these data connect HAND2 expression at the maternal-fetal interface with evolution of implantation and gestational regulation, and preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirna Marinić
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States
| | - Katelyn Mika
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States
| | | | - Vincent J Lynch
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, United States
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13
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14
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Yaw AM, McLane-Svoboda AK, Hoffmann HM. Shiftwork and Light at Night Negatively Impact Molecular and Endocrine Timekeeping in the Female Reproductive Axis in Humans and Rodents. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:E324. [PMID: 33396885 PMCID: PMC7795361 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Shiftwork, including work that takes place at night (nightshift) and/or rotates between day and nightshifts, plays an important role in our society, but is associated with decreased health, including reproductive dysfunction. One key factor in shiftwork, exposure to light at night, has been identified as a likely contributor to the underlying health risks associated with shiftwork. Light at night disrupts the behavioral and molecular circadian timekeeping system, which is important for coordinated timing of physiological processes, causing mistimed hormone release and impaired physiological functions. This review focuses on the impact of shiftwork on reproductive function and pregnancy in women and laboratory rodents and potential underlying molecular mechanisms. We summarize the negative impact of shiftwork on female fertility and compare these findings to studies in rodent models of light shifts. Light-shift rodent models recapitulate several aspects of reproductive dysfunction found in shift workers, and their comparison with human studies can enable a deeper understanding of physiological and hormonal responses to light shifts and the underlying molecular mechanisms that may lead to reproductive disruption in human shift workers. The contributions of human and rodent studies are essential to identify the origins of impaired fertility in women employed in shiftwork.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hanne M. Hoffmann
- Department of Animal Science and the Reproductive and Developmental Science Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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15
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Matsumoto SI, Shirahashi K. Novel perspectives on the influence of the lunar cycle on the timing of full-term human births. Chronobiol Int 2020; 37:1082-1089. [PMID: 32703035 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2020.1785485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
It is claimed by some that the number of births occurring at the time of the full moon is greater than other phases of the lunar cycle; however, many publications fail to substantiate the claim leading to the conclusion it is myth. We tested using a novel approach the null hypotheses: (i) human birth is not lunar cycle-dependent and (ii) the number of births occurring at or around the time of the full moon is not different from the number occurring at the time of the other phases of the lunar cycle. We reviewed the birth records from 1 January 1996 to 16 March 2007 of the obstetric department of our hospital, which was then located in a relatively undeveloped area of Fukutsu city in Fukuoka Prefecture of southern Japan. A total of 1507 births satisfied all inclusion criteria, among others, being full-term and following spontaneously initiated labor. When the birth data were analyzed as done by other investigators, i.e. total number of births per lunar day, lunar phase was not found to be influential. However, more detailed analyses on the subset of babies born specifically during the nighttime hours (N = 362) revealed the number of births varied in relation specifically to the changing amount of moonlight during the nighttime at different stages of the lunar cycle, with highest number of births at or around the time of the full moon. In contrast, analyses on the subset of babies born specifically during the daytime hours (N = 377) revealed the number of births varied in relation specifically to the changing amount moonlight during the daytime at different stages of the lunar cycle, with the highest number of births at or around the time of the new moon. The initiation and culmination of human birth are typically a nocturnal process. The findings of this investigation are consistent with the hypothesis natural nighttime parturition is influenced by lunar phase, particularly the full moon, and, thus, they are consistent with the belief the moon exerts an affect upon the timing of human birth. We speculate the long-hold belief of the association between birth and lunar phase may be based on historical observations that in the absence of artificial light at night nocturnal births occurred in elevated number when the full moon brightly illuminated the nighttime sky.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Ichiro Matsumoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Munakata Suikokai General Hospital , Fukutsu, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
| | - Kiyohiko Shirahashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Munakata Suikokai General Hospital , Fukutsu, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
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16
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Swarnamani K, Davies-Tuck M, Wallace E, Mol BW, Mockler J. A double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial of melatonin as an adjuvant agent in induction of labour (MILO): a study protocol. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e032480. [PMID: 32051303 PMCID: PMC7044825 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Induction of labour (IOL) is a common practice. In Australia, up to 40% of women undergoing labour induction will ultimately have a caesarean section. As a biological role for melatonin in the onset and progress of labour has been demonstrated, we aim to test the hypothesis that addition of melatonin will reduce the need for caesarean section. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial in women undergoing IOL at term. We plan to randomise 722 women (1:1 ratio) to receive either melatonin (four doses of 10 mg melatonin: first dose-in the evening at the time of cervical balloon or Dinoprostone PGE2 vaginal pessary insertion, second dose-at time of oxytocin infusion commencement, third dose-6 hours after the second dose, fourth dose-6 hours after the third dose) or placebo (same dosing regime). Participants who are having artificial rupture of the membranes only as the primary means of labour induction will receive up to three doses of the trial intervention. The primary outcome measure will be the requirement for a caesarean section. Secondary outcomes will include duration of each stage of labour and time from induction to birth, total dose of oxytocin administration, epidural rate, indication for caesarean section, rate of instrumental deliveries, birth within 24 hours of induction commencement, estimated blood loss, Apgar score at 5 min, neonatal intensive care unit admissions and participant satisfaction. Maternal melatonin levels will be measured immediately before commencement of the oxytocin intravenous infusion and 3 hours after and at the time of birth in order to determine any differences between the two trial arms. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study is conducted in accordance with the conditions of Monash Health HREC (RES-17-0000-168A). Findings from the trial will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. PROTOCOL VERSION V.7.0, 30 July 2019. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ACTRN12616000311459, Universal trial number: (UTN) U1111-1195-3515.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamala Swarnamani
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Miranda Davies-Tuck
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Euan Wallace
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ben W Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joanne Mockler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Sen A, Hoffmann HM. Role of core circadian clock genes in hormone release and target tissue sensitivity in the reproductive axis. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 501:110655. [PMID: 31756424 PMCID: PMC6962569 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Precise timing in hormone release from the hypothalamus, the pituitary and ovary is critical for fertility. Hormonal release patterns of the reproductive axis are regulated by a feedback loop within the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. The timing and rhythmicity of hormone release and tissue sensitivity in the HPG axis is regulated by circadian clocks located in the hypothalamus (suprachiasmatic nucleus, kisspeptin and GnRH neurons), the pituitary (gonadotrophs), the ovary (theca and granulosa cells), the testis (Leydig cells), as well as the uterus (endometrium and myometrium). The circadian clocks integrate environmental and physiological signals to produce cell endogenous rhythms generated by a transcriptional-translational feedback loop of transcription factors that are collectively called the "molecular clock". This review specifically focuses on the contribution of molecular clock transcription factors in regulating hormone release patterns in the reproductive axis, with an emphasis on the female reproductive system. Specifically, we discuss the contributions of circadian rhythms in distinct neuronal populations of the female hypothalamus, the molecular clock in the pituitary and its overall impact on female and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aritro Sen
- Department of Animal Science and the Reproductive and Developmental Science Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Hanne M Hoffmann
- Department of Animal Science and the Reproductive and Developmental Science Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
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18
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Abstract
For more than a half century the hormone melatonin has been associated with vertebrate reproduction, particularly in the context of seasonal breeding. This association is due in large measure to the fact that melatonin secretion from the pineal gland into the peripheral circulation is a nocturnal event whose duration is reflective of night length, which of course becomes progressively longer during winter months and correspondingly shorter during the summer months. The nocturnal plasma melatonin signal is conserved in essentially all vertebrates and is accessed not just for reproductive rhythms, but for seasonal cycles of metabolic activities, immune functions, and behavioral expression. A vast literature on melatonin and vertebrate biology has accrued over the past 60 years since melatonin's discovery, including the broad topic of animal reproduction, which is far beyond the scope of this human-focused review. Although modern humans in the industrialized world appear in general to have little remaining reproductive seasonality, the relationships between melatonin and human reproduction continue to attract widespread scientific attention. The purpose of this chapter is to draw attention to some newer developments in the field, especially those with relevance to human fertility and reproductive medicine. As the vast majority of studies have focused on the female reproductive system, a discussion of the potential impact of melatonin on human male fertility will be left for others.
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19
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Perinatal Use of Melatonin for Offspring Health: Focus on Cardiovascular and Neurological Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225681. [PMID: 31766163 PMCID: PMC6888176 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular and neurological diseases can originate in early life. Melatonin, a biologically active substance, acts as a pleiotropic hormone essential for pregnancy and fetal development. Maternal melatonin can easily pass the placenta and provide photoperiodic signals to the fetus. Though melatonin uses in pregnant or lactating women have not yet been recommended, there is a growing body of evidence from animal studies in support of melatonin as a reprogramming strategy to prevent the developmental programming of cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Here, we review several key themes in melatonin use in pregnancy and lactation within offspring health and disease. We have particularly focused on the following areas: the pathophysiological roles of melatonin in pregnancy, lactation, and fetal development; clinical uses of melatonin in fetal and neonatal diseases; experimental evidence supporting melatonin as a reprogramming therapy to prevent cardiovascular and neurological diseases; and reprogramming mechanisms of melatonin within developmental programming. The targeting of melatonin uses in pregnancy and lactation will be valuable in the prevention of various adult chronic diseases in later life, and especially cardiovascular and neurological diseases.
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20
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Lee JY, Li S, Shin NE, Na Q, Dong J, Jia B, Jones-Beatty K, McLane MW, Ozen M, Lei J, Burd I. Melatonin for prevention of placental malperfusion and fetal compromise associated with intrauterine inflammation-induced oxidative stress in a mouse model. J Pineal Res 2019; 67:e12591. [PMID: 31231832 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Melatonin has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and mitigate hypercoagulability. We hypothesized that maternally administered melatonin may reduce placental oxidative stress and hypercoagulability associated with exposure to intrauterine inflammation (IUI) and consequently improve fetoplacental blood flow and fetal sequelae. Mice were randomized to the following groups: control (C), melatonin (M), lipopolysaccharide (LPS; a model of IUI) (L), and LPS with melatonin (ML). The expression of antioxidant mediators in the placenta was significantly decreased, while that of pro-inflammatory mediators was significantly increased in L compared to C and ML. The systolic/diastolic ratio, resistance index, and pulsatility index in uterine artery (UtA) and umbilical artery (UA) were significantly increased in L compared with other groups when analyzed by Doppler ultrasonography. The expression of antioxidant mediators in the placenta was significantly decreased, while that of pro-inflammatory mediators was significantly increased in L compared to C and ML. Vascular endothelial damage and thrombi formation, as evidenced by fibrin deposits, were similarly increased in L compared to other groups. Maternal pretreatment with melatonin appears to modulate maternal placental malperfusion, fetal cardiovascular compromise, and fetal neuroinflammation induced by IUI through its antioxidant properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Yeon Lee
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Su Li
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Na E Shin
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Quan Na
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jie Dong
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bei Jia
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kimberly Jones-Beatty
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael W McLane
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Maide Ozen
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jun Lei
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Irina Burd
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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21
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Lee JY, Song H, Dash O, Park M, Shin NE, McLane MW, Lei J, Hwang JY, Burd I. Administration of melatonin for prevention of preterm birth and fetal brain injury associated with premature birth in a mouse model. Am J Reprod Immunol 2019; 82:e13151. [PMID: 31131935 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Maternal inflammation leads to preterm birth and perinatal brain injury. Melatonin, through its anti-inflammatory effects, has been shown to be protective against inflammation-induced perinatal adverse effects. However, the immunomodulatory effects of melatonin on preterm birth and prematurity-related morbidity remain unknown. We wanted to investigate the effects of maternally administered melatonin on preterm birth and perinatal brain injury in a mouse model of maternal inflammation. METHOD OF STUDY A model of maternal inflammation employing lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to mimic the most common clinical scenario of preterm birth, that of maternal inflammation. Mice were randomly divided into the following groups: control, LPS, and LPS with melatonin pre-treatment. Doppler ultrasonography was used to obtain fetal and maternal hemodynamic measurements in utero. Placenta and fetal brains were harvested and analyzed for proinflammatory markers and signs of perinatal brain injury, respectively. Surviving offspring were assessed for neuromotor outcomes. RESULTS Melatonin pre-treatment lowered the level of proinflammatory cytokines in the uterus and the placenta, significantly improved LPS-induced acute fetal neuroinflammation and perinatal brain injury, as well as significantly upregulated the SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway to reduce LPS-induced inflammation. Melatonin also prevented adverse neuromotor outcomes in offspring exposed to maternal inflammation. CONCLUSION Maternally administered melatonin modulated immune responses to maternal inflammation and decreased preterm birth and perinatal brain injury. These results suggest that melatonin, a safe treatment during pregnancy, may be used as an experimental therapeutic in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Yeon Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Haengseok Song
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Oyunbileg Dash
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Mira Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Na E Shin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Michael W McLane
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jun Lei
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jong Yun Hwang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Irina Burd
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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22
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Marco-Gracia FJ. The influence of the lunar cycle on spontaneous deliveries in historical rural environments. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2019; 236:22-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2019.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Rahman SA, Bibbo C, Olcese J, Czeisler CA, Robinson JN, Klerman EB. Relationship between endogenous melatonin concentrations and uterine contractions in late third trimester of human pregnancy. J Pineal Res 2019; 66:e12566. [PMID: 30739346 PMCID: PMC6453747 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In humans, circulating levels of the hormone melatonin and the initiation of spontaneous labor are both higher at night than during the day. Since activation of uterine melatonin receptors can stimulate human in vitro uterine contractions and these receptors are only expressed on the uterine tissue of women in labor, we hypothesized that circulating melatonin concentrations would affect uterine contractions in vivo. We evaluated the impact of light-induced modulation of melatonin secretion on uterine contractions in women during late third trimester (~36-39 weeks) of pregnancy in two inpatient protocols. We found a significant (P < 0.05) positive linear association between circulating melatonin concentrations and the number of uterine contractions under both protocols. On average, uterine contractions increased between 1.4 and 2.1 contractions per 30 minutes for every 10 pg/mL*h increase in melatonin concentration. These findings have both basic science and clinical implications for pregnant women, since endogenous melatonin levels and melatonin receptor activity can be altered by light and/or pharmaceutical agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadab A Rahman
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston MA
| | - Carolina Bibbo
- Department of Obstetrics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston MA
| | - James Olcese
- Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee FL
| | - Charles A Czeisler
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston MA
| | | | - Elizabeth B Klerman
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston MA
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24
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Wrønding T, Argyraki A, Petersen JF, Topsøe MF, Petersen PM, Løkkegaard ECL. The aesthetic nature of the birthing room environment may alter the need for obstetrical interventions - an observational retrospective cohort study. Sci Rep 2019; 9:303. [PMID: 30670709 PMCID: PMC6342941 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36416-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept of sensory delivery rooms was introduced in 2013. These rooms offer programmable calming lights, restful blurred pictures displayed on a wall-sized big screen, and sound effects. The primary aim of this observational study was to analyse the risk of obstetrical interventions among women giving birth for the first-time in a sensory delivery room vs. a standard delivery room. We included nulliparous, term pregnant women having a single baby with a cephalic presentation who were in spontaneous labour and gave birth between March 1st 2014 and July 1st 2015 in North Zealand Hospital, Hillerød. A total of 789 women were included in the study, 313 gave birth in a sensory room and 476 in a standard delivery room. The risk of a caesarean delivery was significantly decreased when giving birth in a sensory room compared with a standard delivery room (OR, multiple adjusted: 0.44; 95% CI 0.22-0.87); furthermore, the use of oxytocin infusion was also reduced (OR, multiple adjusted: 0.71; 95% CI 0.50-1.03). This observational cohort study suggests that giving birth in a sensory delivery room could lower the risk of caesarean delivery, potentially reducing the number of such deliveries by one for every 23 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tine Wrønding
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, North Zealand Hospital, Hillerød, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Aikaterini Argyraki
- Department of Photonics Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Frederiksborgvej 399, DK, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jesper Friis Petersen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, North Zealand Hospital, Hillerød, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Märta Fink Topsøe
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, North Zealand Hospital, Hillerød, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paul Michael Petersen
- Department of Photonics Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Frederiksborgvej 399, DK, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Ellen C L Løkkegaard
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, North Zealand Hospital, Hillerød, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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McCarthy R, Jungheim ES, Fay JC, Bates K, Herzog ED, England SK. Riding the Rhythm of Melatonin Through Pregnancy to Deliver on Time. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:616. [PMID: 31572299 PMCID: PMC6753220 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is influenced by the circadian ("circa" or approximately; diēm or day) system, which coordinates physiology and behavior with predictable daily changes in the environment such as light/dark cycles. For example, most species deliver around a particular time of day. In mammals, circadian rhythms are controlled by the master circadian pacemaker, the suprachiasmatic nucleus. One key way that the suprachiasmatic nucleus coordinates circadian rhythms throughout the body is by regulating production of the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin. Serum melatonin concentration, which peaks at night and is suppressed during the day, is one of the best biological indicators of circadian timing. Circadian misalignment causes maternal disturbances in the temporal organization of many physiological processes including melatonin synthesis, and these disturbances of the circadian system have been linked to an increased risk for pregnancy complications. Here, we review evidence that melatonin helps regulate the maternal and fetal circadian systems and the timing of birth. Finally, we discuss the potential for melatonin-based therapeutic strategies to alleviate poor pregnancy outcomes such as preeclampsia and preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald McCarthy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Emily S. Jungheim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Justin C. Fay
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Keenan Bates
- Department of Biology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Erik D. Herzog
- Department of Biology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Sarah K. England
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Sarah K. England
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Abstract
Last year melatonin was 60 years old, or at least its discovery was 60 years ago. The molecule itself may well be almost as old as life itself. So it is time to take yet another perspective on our understanding of its functions, effects and clinical uses. This is not a formal review-there is already a multitude of systematic reviews, narrative reviews, meta-analyses and even reviews of reviews. In view of the extraordinary variety of effects attributed to melatonin in the last 25 years, it is more of an attempt to sort out some areas where a consensus opinion exists, and where placebo controlled, randomized, clinical trials have confirmed early observations on therapeutic uses. The current upsurge of concern about the multiple health problems associated with disturbed circadian rhythms has generated interest in related therapeutic interventions, of which melatonin is one. The present text will consider the physiological role of endogenous melatonin, and the mostly pharmacological effects of exogenous treatment, on the assumption that normal circulating concentrations represent endogenous pineal production. It will concentrate mainly on the most researched, and accepted area of therapeutic use and potential use of melatonin-its undoubted ability to realign circadian rhythms and sleep-since this is the author's bias. It will touch briefly upon some other systems with prominent rhythmic attributes including certain cancers, the cardiovascular system, the entero-insular axis and metabolism together with the use of melatonin to assess circadian status. Many of the ills of the developed world relate to deranged rhythms-and everything is rhythmic unless proved otherwise.
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Chronodisruption: An untimely cause of preterm birth? Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2018; 52:60-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Caba M, González-Mariscal G, Meza E. Circadian Rhythms and Clock Genes in Reproduction: Insights From Behavior and the Female Rabbit's Brain. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:106. [PMID: 29599751 PMCID: PMC5862793 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Clock gene oscillations are necessary for a successful pregnancy and parturition, but little is known about their function during lactation, a period demanding from the mother multiple physiological and behavioral adaptations to fulfill the requirements of the offspring. First, we will focus on circadian rhythms and clock genes in reproductive tissues mainly in rodents. Disruption of circadian rhythms or proper rhythmic oscillations of clock genes provoke reproductive problems, as found in clock gene knockout mice. Then, we will focus mainly on the rabbit doe as this mammal nurses the young just once a day with circadian periodicity. This daily event synchronizes the behavior and the activity of specific brain regions critical for reproductive neuroendocrinology and maternal behavior, like the preoptic area. This region shows strong rhythms of the PER1 protein (product of the Per1 clock gene) associated with circadian nursing. Additionally, neuroendocrine cells related to milk production and ejections are also synchronized to daily nursing. A threshold of suckling is necessary to entrain once a day nursing; this process is independent of milk output as even virgin does (behaving maternally following anosmia) can display circadian nursing behavior. A timing motivational mechanism may regulate such behavior as mesolimbic dopaminergic cells are entrained by daily nursing. Finally, we will explore about the clinical importance of circadian rhythms. Indeed, women in chronic shift-work schedules show problems in their menstrual cycles and pregnancies and also have a high risk of preterm delivery, making this an important field of translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Caba
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Mario Caba,
| | - Gabriela González-Mariscal
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, CINVESTAV-Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - Enrique Meza
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico
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Yonezawa T, Uchida M, Tomioka M, Matsuki N. Lunar Cycle Influences Spontaneous Delivery in Cows. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0161735. [PMID: 27580019 PMCID: PMC5006988 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a popular belief that the lunar cycle influences spontaneous delivery in both humans and cattle. To assess this relationship, we investigated the synodic distribution of spontaneous deliveries in domestic Holstein cows. We used retrospective data from 428 spontaneous, full-term deliveries within a three-year period derived from the calving records of a private farm in Hokkaido, Japan. Spontaneous birth frequency increased uniformly from the new moon to the full moon phase and decreased until the waning crescent phase. There was a statistically significant peak between the waxing gibbous and full moon phases compared with those between the last quarter and the waning crescent. These changes were clearly observed in deliveries among multiparous cows, whereas they were not evident in deliveries among nulliparous cows. These data suggest the utility of dairy cows as models for bio-meteorological studies, and indicate that monitoring lunar phases may facilitate comprehensive understanding of parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Yonezawa
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Mona Uchida
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michiko Tomioka
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Japan
| | - Naoaki Matsuki
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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de Pedro M, Morán J, Díaz I, Murias L, Fernández- Plaza C, González C, Díaz E. Circadian Kisspeptin expression in human term placenta. Placenta 2015; 36:1337-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2015.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Revised: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Beesley S, Lee J, Olcese J. Circadian clock regulation of melatonin MTNR1B receptor expression in human myometrial smooth muscle cells. Mol Hum Reprod 2015; 21:662-71. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gav023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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Lacoste B, Angeloni D, Dominguez-Lopez S, Calderoni S, Mauro A, Fraschini F, Descarries L, Gobbi G. Anatomical and cellular localization of melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors in the adult rat brain. J Pineal Res 2015; 58:397-417. [PMID: 25726952 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The involvement of melatonin in mammalian brain pathophysiology has received growing interest, but information about the anatomical distribution of its two G-protein-coupled receptors, MT1 and MT2 , remains elusive. In this study, using specific antibodies, we examined the precise distribution of both melatonin receptors immunoreactivity across the adult rat brain using light, confocal, and electron microscopy. Our results demonstrate a selective MT1 and MT2 localization on neuronal cell bodies and dendrites in numerous regions of the rat telencephalon, diencephalon, and mesencephalon. Confocal and ultrastructural examination confirmed the somatodendritic nature of MT1 and MT2 receptors, both being localized on neuronal membranes. Overall, striking differences were observed in the anatomical distribution pattern of MT1 and MT2 proteins, and the labeling often appeared complementary in regions displaying both receptors. Somadendrites labeled for MT1 were observed for instance in the retrosplenial cortex, the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, the islands of Calleja, the medial habenula, the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the superior colliculus, the substantia nigra pars compacta, the dorsal raphe nucleus, and the pars tuberalis of the pituitary gland. Somadendrites endowed with MT2 receptors were mostly observed in the CA3 field of the hippocampus, the reticular thalamic nucleus, the supraoptic nucleus, the inferior colliculus, the substantia nigra pars reticulata, and the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray. Together, these data provide the first detailed neurocytological mapping of melatonin receptors in the adult rat brain, an essential prerequisite for a better understanding of melatonin distinct receptor function and neurophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baptiste Lacoste
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Olcese J, Beesley S. Clinical significance of melatonin receptors in the human myometrium. Fertil Steril 2014; 102:329-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Revised: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Lorca RA, Prabagaran M, England SK. Functional insights into modulation of BKCa channel activity to alter myometrial contractility. Front Physiol 2014; 5:289. [PMID: 25132821 PMCID: PMC4116789 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The large-conductance voltage- and Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel (BKCa) is an important regulator of membrane excitability in a wide variety of cells and tissues. In myometrial smooth muscle, activation of BKCa plays essential roles in buffering contractility to maintain uterine quiescence during pregnancy and in the transition to a more contractile state at the onset of labor. Multiple mechanisms of modulation have been described to alter BKCa channel activity, expression, and cellular localization. In the myometrium, BKCa is regulated by alternative splicing, protein targeting to the plasma membrane, compartmentation in membrane microdomains, and posttranslational modifications. In addition, interaction with auxiliary proteins (i.e., β1- and β2-subunits), association with G-protein coupled receptor signaling pathways, such as those activated by adrenergic and oxytocin receptors, and hormonal regulation provide further mechanisms of variable modulation of BKCa channel function in myometrial smooth muscle. Here, we provide an overview of these mechanisms of BKCa channel modulation and provide a context for them in relation to myometrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramón A Lorca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Monali Prabagaran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Sarah K England
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine St. Louis, MO, USA
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Varea C, Fernández-Cerezo S. Revisiting the daily human birth pattern: time of delivery at Casa de Maternidad in Madrid (1887-1892). Am J Hum Biol 2014; 26:707-9. [PMID: 24789752 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.22557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Revised: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Among the ancestral characteristics of the primate group to which Homo sapiens belongs we find a pattern of daytime physical activity, but one notable exception is birthing which usually begins with night-time labor. In populations with a moderate or high level of medicalized labor, there is evidence that the medical preferences interfere with the underlying biological mechanism for the circadian pattern of human birth. METHODS This study analyses the hourly patterns of 4,599 single live births in the House of Maternity in Madrid between 1887 and 1892, a period of very limited obstetric intervention and without the influence of artificial lighting. In order to determine the influence of natural light on labor, two periods of maximum and minimum light have been established around the summer and winter solstices of the years in question. RESULTS A clear circadian pattern of births emerges, with very early morning and early morning births dominating, and a sharp drop from midday until nightfall. The hourly distribution on both solstices follows this pattern, but with a clear peak shift: in winter, there is a greater concentration of deliveries in the early morning, whereas in the summer, the highest concentration is between 8 and 12 in the morning. CONCLUSIONS The results confirm that non-intervened human birth has a clear diurnal cycle, with a higher incidence of deliveries in the early morning or morning. The shift in distribution during the winter and summer solstices seems to confirm the effect of light on the labor process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Varea
- Department of Biology, Madrid Autonomous University, Madrid, 28049, Spain
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Reiter RJ, Tan DX, Korkmaz A, Rosales-Corral SA. Melatonin and stable circadian rhythms optimize maternal, placental and fetal physiology. Hum Reprod Update 2013; 20:293-307. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmt054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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Reiter RJ, Rosales-Corral SA, Manchester LC, Tan DX. Peripheral reproductive organ health and melatonin: ready for prime time. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:7231-72. [PMID: 23549263 PMCID: PMC3645684 DOI: 10.3390/ijms14047231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin has a wide variety of beneficial actions at the level of the gonads and their adnexa. Some actions are mediated via its classic membrane melatonin receptors while others seem to be receptor-independent. This review summarizes many of the published reports which confirm that melatonin, which is produced in the ovary, aids in advancing follicular maturation and preserving the integrity of the ovum prior to and at the time of ovulation. Likewise, when ova are collected for in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer, treating them with melatonin improves implantation and pregnancy rates. Melatonin synthesis as well as its receptors have also been identified in the placenta. In this organ, melatonin seems to be of particular importance for the maintenance of the optimal turnover of cells in the villous trophoblast via its ability to regulate apoptosis. For male gametes, melatonin has also proven useful in protecting them from oxidative damage and preserving their viability. Incubation of ejaculated animal sperm improves their motility and prolongs their viability. For human sperm as well, melatonin is also a valuable agent for protecting them from free radical damage. In general, the direct actions of melatonin on the gonads and adnexa of mammals indicate it is an important agent for maintaining optimal reproductive physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; E-Mails: (S.A.R.-C.); (L.C.M.); (D.-X.T.)
| | - Sergio A. Rosales-Corral
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; E-Mails: (S.A.R.-C.); (L.C.M.); (D.-X.T.)
| | - Lucien C. Manchester
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; E-Mails: (S.A.R.-C.); (L.C.M.); (D.-X.T.)
| | - Dun-Xian Tan
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; E-Mails: (S.A.R.-C.); (L.C.M.); (D.-X.T.)
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Gamble KL, Resuehr D, Johnson CH. Shift work and circadian dysregulation of reproduction. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2013; 4:92. [PMID: 23966978 PMCID: PMC3736045 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2013.00092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Health impairments, including reproductive issues, are associated with working nights or rotating shifts. For example, shift work has been associated with an increased risk of irregular menstrual cycles, endometriosis, infertility, miscarriage, low birth weight or pre-term delivery, and reduced incidence of breastfeeding. Based on what is known about circadian regulation of endocrine rhythms in rodents (and much less in humans), the circadian clock is an integral regulatory part of the reproductive system. When this 24-h program is disordered by environmental perturbation (such as shift work) or genetic alterations, the endocrine system can be impaired. The purpose of this review is to explore the hypothesis that misalignment of reproductive hormones with the environmental light-dark cycle and/or sleep-wake rhythms can disrupt menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and parturition. We highlight the role of the circadian clock in regulating human reproductive physiology and shift work-induced pathology within each step of the reproductive axis while exploring potential mechanisms from the animal model literature. In addition to documenting the reproductive hazards of shift work, we also point out important gaps in our knowledge as critical areas for future investigation. For example, future studies should examine whether forced desynchronization disrupts gonadotropin secretion rhythms and whether there are sleep/wake schedules that are better or worse for the adaptation of the reproductive system to shift work. These studies are necessary in order to define not only whether or not shift work-induced circadian misalignment impairs reproductive capacity, but also to identify strategies for the future that can minimize this desynchronization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L. Gamble
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - David Resuehr
- Department of Cell and Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Carl Hirschie Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- *Correspondence: Carl Hirschie Johnson, Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37235, USA e-mail:
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