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Mészáros B, Kukor Z, Valent S. Recent Advances in the Prevention and Screening of Preeclampsia. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6020. [PMID: 37762960 PMCID: PMC10532380 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12186020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Throughout the history of medicine, preeclampsia has remained an enigmatic field of obstetrics. In 2023, despite its prevalence and impact, preeclampsia's exact cause and effective treatment remain elusive; the current options are limited to delivery. The purpose of this review is to summarize the knowledge of the possible novel prophylactic therapies and screening methods for preeclampsia, thereby providing valuable insights for healthcare professionals and researchers. Aspirin and LMWH have already been widely used; meanwhile, calcium, vitamin D, and pravastatin show promise, and endothelin receptor antagonists are being explored. Stress reduction, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications are also being investigated. Another interesting and fast-growing area is AI- and software-based screening methods. It is also key to find novel biomarkers, which, in some cases, are not only able to predict the development of the disease, but some of them hold promise to be a potential therapeutic target. We conclude that, while a definitive cure for preeclampsia may not be eligible in the near future, it is likely that the assessment and enhancement of preventive methods will lead to the prevention of many cases. However, it is also important to highlight that more additional research is needed in the future to clarify the exact pathophysiology of preeclampsia and to thus identify potential therapeutic targets for more improved treatment methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balázs Mészáros
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, 1082 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Kukor
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, 1082 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sándor Valent
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, 1082 Budapest, Hungary
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Costantine MM, Clifton RG, Boekhoudt TM, Lawrence K, Gyamfi-Bannerman C, Wisner KL, Grobman W, Caritis SN, Simhan HN, Hebert MF, Longo M, Saade GR. Long-term neurodevelopmental follow-up of children exposed to pravastatin in utero. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 229:153.e1-153.e12. [PMID: 36842489 PMCID: PMC10440254 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preeclampsia, especially before term, increases the risk of child neurodevelopmental adverse outcomes. Biological plausibility, preclinical studies, and pilot clinical trials conducted by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the Obstetric-Fetal Pharmacology Research Centers Network support the safety and use of pravastatin to prevent preeclampsia. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the effect of antenatal pravastatin treatment in high-risk pregnant individuals on their child's health, growth, and neurodevelopment. STUDY DESIGN This was an ancillary follow-up cohort study of children born to mothers who participated in the Obstetric-Fetal Pharmacology Research Centers Network pilot trials of pravastatin vs placebo in individuals at high risk of preeclampsia (ClinicalTrials.gov; identifier NCT01717586). After obtaining written informed consent (and assent as appropriate), the parent was instructed to complete the Child Behavior Checklist. To assess the child's motor, cognitive, and developmental outcomes, a certified and blinded study psychologist completed child motor, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral assessments using validated tools. Given the small number of individuals in the studies, the 10- and 20-mg pravastatin groups were combined into 1 group, and the results of the pravastatin group were compared with that of the placebo group. RESULTS Of 40 children born to mothers in the original trial, 30 (15 exposed in utero to pravastatin and 15 to placebo) were enrolled in this follow-up study. The time of follow-up, which was 4.7 years (interquartile range, 2.5-6.9), was not different between children in the pravastatin group and children in the placebo group. There was no difference in the child's body mass index percentiles per sex and corrected age, the rates of extremes of body mass index percentiles, or the report of any other medical or developmental complications between the 2 groups. No child born in the pravastatin group had any limitation in motor assessment compared with 2 children (13.3%) who walked with difficulty and 4 children (26.7%) who had reduced manual abilities in the placebo group. Moreover, children born to mothers who received pravastatin had a higher general mean conceptual ability score (98.2±16.7 vs 89.7±11.0; P=.13) and a lower frequency (15.4% vs 35.7%; P=.38) of having a score of <85 (ie, 1 standard deviation lower than the mean) compared with those in the placebo group. Finally, there was no difference in the parents' report on the Child Behavior Checklist between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION This study reported on the long-term neuromotor, cognitive, and behavioral outcomes among children exposed to pravastatin in utero during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Although the data were limited by the original trial's sample size, no identifiable long-term neurodevelopmental safety signal was evident with the use of pravastatin during pregnancy. This favorable neonatal risk-benefit analysis justifies continued research using pravastatin in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maged M Costantine
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX.
| | | | | | - Kirsten Lawrence
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | | | - Katherine L Wisner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - William Grobman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Steve N Caritis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Hyagriv N Simhan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Mary F Hebert
- Department of Pharmacy and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Monica Longo
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD
| | - George R Saade
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX
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Sakowicz A, Bralewska M, Rybak-Krzyszkowska M, Grzesiak M, Pietrucha T. New Ideas for the Prevention and Treatment of Preeclampsia and Their Molecular Inspirations. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12100. [PMID: 37569476 PMCID: PMC10418829 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific disorder affecting 4-10% of all expectant women. It greatly increases the risk of maternal and foetal death. Although the main symptoms generally appear after week 20 of gestation, scientific studies indicate that the mechanism underpinning PE is initiated at the beginning of gestation. It is known that the pathomechanism of preeclampsia is strongly related to inflammation and oxidative stress, which influence placentation and provoke endothelial dysfunction in the mother. However, as of yet, no "key players" regulating all these processes have been discovered. This might be why current therapeutic strategies intended for prevention or treatment are not fully effective, and the only effective method to stop the disease is the premature induction of delivery, mostly by caesarean section. Therefore, there is a need for further research into new pharmacological strategies for the treatment and prevention of preeclampsia. This review presents new preventive methods and therapies for PE not yet recommended by obstetrical and gynaecological societies. As many of these therapies are in preclinical studies or under evaluation in clinical trials, this paper reports the molecular targets of the tested agents or methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Sakowicz
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland; (M.B.); (T.P.)
| | - Michalina Bralewska
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland; (M.B.); (T.P.)
| | - Magda Rybak-Krzyszkowska
- Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, University Hospital in Krakow, 31-501 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Mariusz Grzesiak
- Department of Perinatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital-Research Institute in Lodz, 93-338 Lodz, Poland;
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical University of Lodz, 93-338 Lodz, Poland
| | - Tadeusz Pietrucha
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland; (M.B.); (T.P.)
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Khizroeva J, Bitsadze V, Tincani A, Makatsariya A, Arslanbekova M, Babaeva N, Tsibizova V, Shkoda A, Makatsariya N, Tretyakova M, Solopova A, Gadaeva Z, Vorobev A, Khamani I, Aslanova Z, Nakaidze I, Mischenko A, Grigoreva K, Kunesko N, Egorova E, Mashkova T. Hydroxychloroquine in obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome: rationale and results of an observational study of refractory cases. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2022; 35:6157-6164. [PMID: 34044735 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2021.1908992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current recommended therapy of obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a long-term anticoagulant therapy that affects the final event, namely, when the thrombosis has already occurred. Unfortunately, this schedule is not always effective and fails despite the correct risk stratification and an adequate adjusted dose. MATERIALS AND METHODS From 2013 to 2020 we observed 217 women with antiphospholipid antibodies and obstetric morbidities who were treated with conventional treatment protocol (aspirin low doses ± LMWH). Among them 150 (69.1%) successfully completed pregnancy with delivery and live birth on the background of LMWH and aspirin therapy and in 67 (30.9%) women despite a traditional therapy regimen, obstetric complications were noted. Later, 56 of these 67 women became pregnant again and were offered traditional therapy plus hydroxychloroquine. Fifteen women refused HCQ treatment due to possible potential side effects. The final cohort consisted of 41 women with positive antiphospholipid antibodies and obstetric and thrombotic complications who received LMWH, aspirin low doses and HCQ at a dose of 200-400mg per day from the beginning of pregnancy. RESULTS Forty-one aPL women treated with HCQ after failed previous anticoagulant therapy had live births in 32 cases (78%). Adding of HCQ to the combination of LMWH and LDA showed good overall obstetric results and increased the number of live births in another 32 women. So, a total of 182 (83.8%) of initial 217 aPL-women ended their pregnancies with live birth after adding the HCQ to the traditional therapy with LMWH and low doses of aspirin. CONCLUSION In 20-30% of cases the live birth despite anticoagulation cannot be achieved. Perhaps APS is not just anticoagulation. The study of pathophysiological mechanisms suggests that some patients will benefit from other therapy (in addition to anticoagulant). Therapy that affects the early effects of aPL on target cells (monocytes, endothelial cells, etc.) or before binding to receptors-this therapy will be preferable and potentially less harmful than the officially accepted one to date. From this point of view, HCQ looks promising and can be used as an alternative candidate for women with refractory obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome. Adding HCQ should be considered in some selected patients with failed pregnancy after treatment with anticoagulants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamilya Khizroeva
- The First I.M. Sechenov Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Victoria Bitsadze
- The First I.M. Sechenov Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Angela Tincani
- The First I.M. Sechenov Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
- Unit of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, ASST Spedali Civili, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alexander Makatsariya
- The First I.M. Sechenov Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Madina Arslanbekova
- The First I.M. Sechenov Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Nigar Babaeva
- The First I.M. Sechenov Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Valentina Tsibizova
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint Petersburg, Health Ministry of Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Natalya Makatsariya
- The First I.M. Sechenov Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria Tretyakova
- The First I.M. Sechenov Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Antonina Solopova
- The First I.M. Sechenov Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Zumrad Gadaeva
- The First I.M. Sechenov Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander Vorobev
- The First I.M. Sechenov Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Inessa Khamani
- The First I.M. Sechenov Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Zamilya Aslanova
- The First I.M. Sechenov Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Inga Nakaidze
- The First I.M. Sechenov Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander Mischenko
- The First I.M. Sechenov Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Kristina Grigoreva
- The First I.M. Sechenov Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Nart Kunesko
- Moscow's Department of Health, Center for family planning and reproduction (CPSIR), Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Egorova
- The First I.M. Sechenov Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Tamara Mashkova
- The First I.M. Sechenov Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
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Richardson LS, K Kammala A, Costantine MM, Fortunato SJ, Radnaa E, Kim S, Taylor RN, Han A, Menon R. Testing of drugs using human feto-maternal interface organ-on-chips provide insights into pharmacokinetics and efficacy. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:4574-4592. [PMID: 36322152 PMCID: PMC9682442 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00691j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: To improve preclinical drug testing during pregnancy, we developed multiple microfluidic organ-on-chip (OOC) devices that represent the structure, functions, and responses of the two feto-maternal interfaces (FMis) in humans (fetal membrane [FMi-OOC] and placenta [PLA-OOC]). This study utilized feto-maternal interface OOCs to test the kinetics and efficacy of drugs during pregnancy. Study design: The FMi-OOC contained amnion epithelial, mesenchymal, chorion trophoblast, and decidual cells. The PLA-OOC contained cytotrophoblasts (BeWo), syncytiotrophoblasts (BeWo + forskolin), and human umbilical vein endothelial cell lines. Therapeutic concentrations of either pravastatin or rosuvastatin (200 ng mL-1), a model drug for these experiments, were applied to either decidua (in FMi-OOC) and syncytiotrophoblasts (in PLA-OOC) chambers under normal and oxidative stress conditions (induced by cigarette smoke extract [CSE 1 : 25]) to evaluate maternal drug exposure during normal pregnancy or oxidative stress (OS) associated pathologies, respectively. We determined statin pharmacokinetics and metabolism (LC-MS/MS), drug-induced cytotoxicity (LDH assay), and efficacy to reduce OS-induced inflammation (multiplex cytokine assay). Results: Both OOCs mimicked two distinct human feto-maternal interfaces. The drugs tested permeated the maternal-fetal cell layers of the FMi-OOC and PLA-OOC within 4 hours and generated cell and time-specific statin metabolites from various cell types without causing any cytotoxicity. OS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines were effectively reduced by statins by increasing anti-inflammatory cytokine response across the FMi-OOC and PLA-OOC. Conclusion: Two distinct feto-maternal interface OOCs were developed, tested, and validated for their utility to conduct preclinical trials during pregnancy. We demonstrated that the placenta and fetal membranes-decidual interface both are able to transport and metabolize drugs and that the safety and efficacy of a drug can be determined using the anatomical structures recreated on OOCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren S Richardson
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-1062, Texas, USA.
| | - Ananth K Kammala
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-1062, Texas, USA.
| | - Maged M Costantine
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Stephen J Fortunato
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Ochsner Medical Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Enkhtuya Radnaa
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-1062, Texas, USA.
| | - Sungjin Kim
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.
| | - Robert N Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Arum Han
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-1062, Texas, USA.
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Hirsch A, Rotem R, Ternovsky N, Hirsh Raccah B. Pravastatin and placental insufficiency associated disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1021548. [PMID: 36438820 PMCID: PMC9682185 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1021548] [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: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Uteroplacental insufficiency associated disorders, such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction and obstetrical antiphospholipid syndrome, share pathophysiology and risk factors with cardiovascular diseases treated with statins. Objective: To evaluate pregnancy outcomes among women with uteroplacental insufficiency disorders who were treated with statins. Search Strategy: Electronic databases were searched from inception to January 2022 Selection Criteria: Cohort studies and randomized controlled trials. Data collection and analysis: Pooled odds ratios were calculated using a random-effects model; meta-regression was utilized when applicable. Main Results: The analysis included ten studies describing 1,391 women with uteroplacental insufficiency disorders: 703 treated with pravastatin and 688 not treated with statins. Women treated with pravastatin demonstrated significant prolongation of pregnancy (mean difference 0.44 weeks, 95%CI:0.01-0.87, p = 0.04, I2 = 96%) and less neonatal intensive care unit admissions (OR = 0.42, 95%CI: 0.23-0.75, p = 0.004, I2 = 25%). In subgroup analysis, prolongation of pregnancy from study entry to delivery was statistically significant in cohort studies (mean difference 8.93 weeks, 95%CI:4.22-13.95, p = 0.00) but not in randomized control studies. Trends were observed toward a decrease in preeclampsia diagnoses (OR = 0.54, 95%CI:0.27-1.09, p = 0.09, I = 44%), perinatal death (OR = 0.32, 95%CI:0.09-1.13, p = 0.08, I2 = 54%) and an increase in birth weight (mean difference = 102 g, 95%CI: -14-212, p = 0.08, I2 = 96%). A meta-regression analysis demonstrated an association between earlier gestational age at initiation of treatment and a lower risk of preeclampsia development (R2 = 1). Conclusion: Pravastatin treatment prolonged pregnancy duration and improved associated obstetrical outcomes in pregnancies complicated with uteroplacental insufficiency disorders in cohort studies. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ identifier CRD42020165804 17/2/2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayala Hirsch
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Affiliated with the Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Reut Rotem
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Affiliated with the Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Natali Ternovsky
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Bruria Hirsh Raccah
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Cardiology, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
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Zhang X, Chen Y, Sun D, Zhu X, Ying X, Yao Y, Fei W, Zheng C. Emerging pharmacologic interventions for pre-eclampsia treatment. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:739-759. [PMID: 36223503 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2134779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pre-eclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication and a major global concern for the mortality of both mother and fetus. Existing symptomatic treatments do not delay disease progression; thus, timely delivery of the baby is the most effective measure. However, the risk of various maternal and fetal injuries remains. AREAS COVERED In this review, we summarize the potential strategies for pharmacologic interventions in pre-eclamptic therapy. Specifically, we discuss the pathophysiological process of various effective candidate therapeutics that act on potential pathways and molecular targets to inhibit key stages of the disease. We refer to this pathogenesis-focused drug discovery model as a pathogenesis-target-drug (P-T-D) strategy. Finally, we discuss the introduction of nanotechnologies to improve the safety and efficacy of therapeutics via their specific placental targeting ability and placental retention effects. EXPERT OPINION Despite the active development of novel pharmacological treatments based on our current knowledge of pre-eclamptic pathogenesis, investigations are still in the early phase. Thus, further exploration of the pathological mechanisms, integrated with the P-T-D strategy and novel nanosystems, could encourage the development of more effective and safer strategies. Such advances could lead to a shift from expectant management to mechanistic-based therapy for pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Dongli Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Xiaojun Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Xia Ying
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Yao Yao
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Weidong Fei
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Caihong Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
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SMITH DD, COSTANTINE MM. The role of statins in the prevention of preeclampsia. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 226:S1171-S1181. [PMID: 32818477 PMCID: PMC8237152 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.08.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a common hypertensive disorder of pregnancy associated with considerable neonatal and maternal morbidities and mortalities. However, the exact cause of preeclampsia remains unknown; it is generally accepted that abnormal placentation resulting in the release of soluble antiangiogenic factors, coupled with increased oxidative stress and inflammation, leads to systemic endothelial dysfunction and the clinical manifestations of the disease. Statins have been found to correct similar pathophysiological pathways that underlie the development of preeclampsia. Pravastatin, specifically, has been reported in various preclinical and clinical studies to reverse the pregnancy-specific angiogenic imbalance associated with preeclampsia, to restore global endothelial health, and to prevent oxidative and inflammatory injury. Human studies have found a favorable safety profile for pravastatin, and more recent evidence does not support the previous teratogenic concerns surrounding statins in pregnancy. With reassuring and positive findings from pilot studies and strong biological plausibility, statins should be investigated in large clinical randomized-controlled trials for the prevention of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin D. SMITH
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
| | - Maged M. COSTANTINE
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
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Fokina VM, Patrikeeva S, Wang XM, Noguchi S, Tomi M, König J, Ahmed MS, Nanovskaya T. Role of Uptake Transporters OAT4, OATP2A1, and OATP1A2 in Human Placental Bio-disposition of Pravastatin. J Pharm Sci 2022; 111:505-516. [PMID: 34597623 PMCID: PMC8792198 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2021.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Pravastatin is currently under evaluation for prevention of preeclampsia. Factors contributing to placental disposition of pravastatin are important in assessment of potential undesirable fetal effects. The purpose of this study was to identify the uptake transporters that contribute to the placental disposition of pravastatin. Our data revealed the expression of organic anion transporting polypeptide 1A2 (OATP1A2) and OATP2A1 in the apical, and OATP2B1 and OATP5A1 in the basolateral membranes of the placenta, while organic anion transporter 4 (OAT4) exhibited higher expression in basolateral membrane but was detected in both membranes. Preloading placental membrane vesicles with glutarate increased the uptake of pravastatin suggesting involvement of glutarate-dependent transporters such as OAT4. In the HEK293 cells overexpressing individual uptake transporters, OATP2A1, OATP1A2 and OAT4 were determined to accept pravastatin as a substrate at physiological pH, while the uptake of pravastatin by OATP2B1 (known to interact with pravastatin at acidic pH) and OATP5A1 was not detected at pH 7.4. These findings led us to propose that OATP1A2 and OATP2A1 are responsible for the placental uptake of pravastatin from the maternal circulation, while OAT4 mediates the passage of the drug across placental basolateral membrane in the fetal-to-maternal direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina M Fokina
- Maternal-Fetal Pharmacology and Bio-Development Laboratories, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Svetlana Patrikeeva
- Maternal-Fetal Pharmacology and Bio-Development Laboratories, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Xiao-ming Wang
- Maternal-Fetal Pharmacology and Bio-Development Laboratories, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Saki Noguchi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8512, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Tomi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8512, Japan
| | - Jörg König
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Fahrstrasse 17, 91054 Erlangen
| | - Mahmoud S Ahmed
- Maternal-Fetal Pharmacology and Bio-Development Laboratories, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Tatiana Nanovskaya
- Maternal-Fetal Pharmacology and Bio-Development Laboratories, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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10
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Murray EJ, Gumusoglu SB, Santillan DA, Santillan MK. Manipulating CD4+ T Cell Pathways to Prevent Preeclampsia. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 9:811417. [PMID: 35096797 PMCID: PMC8789650 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.811417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PreE) is a placental disorder characterized by hypertension (HTN), proteinuria, and oxidative stress. Individuals with PreE and their children are at an increased risk of serious short- and long-term complications, such as cardiovascular disease, end-organ failure, HTN, neurodevelopmental disorders, and more. Currently, delivery is the only cure for PreE, which remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among pregnant individuals and neonates. There is evidence that an imbalance favoring a pro-inflammatory CD4+ T cell milieu is associated with the inadequate spiral artery remodeling and subsequent oxidative stress that prime PreE’s clinical symptoms. Immunomodulatory therapies targeting CD4+ T cell mechanisms have been investigated for other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, and the application of these prevention tactics to PreE is promising, as we review here. These immunomodulatory therapies may, among other things, decrease tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), cytolytic natural killer cells, reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production [e.g. interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-6], stimulate regulatory T cells (Tregs), inhibit type 1 and 17 T helper cells, prevent inappropriate dendritic cell maturation, and induce anti-inflammatory cytokine action [e.g. IL-10, Interferon gamma (IFN-γ)]. We review therapies including neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against TNF-α, IL-17, IL-6, and CD28; statins; 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate, a synthetic hormone; adoptive exogenous Treg therapy; and endothelin-1 pathway inhibitors. Rebalancing the maternal inflammatory milieu may allow for proper spiral artery invasion, placentation, and maternal tolerance of foreign fetal/paternal antigens, thereby combatting early PreE pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen J. Murray
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Serena B. Gumusoglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Donna A. Santillan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Mark K. Santillan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Francois M. Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Interdisciplinary Program in Molecular Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Center for Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- *Correspondence: Mark K. Santillan,
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11
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Virtanen A, Huttala O, Tihtonen K, Toimela T, Heinonen T, Laivuori H, Uotila J. Angiogenic Effect of Pravastatin Alone and with Sera from Healthy and Complicated Pregnancies Studied by in vitro Vasculogenesis/Angiogenesis Assay. J Vasc Res 2021; 58:139-147. [PMID: 33571991 DOI: 10.1159/000512831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the direct effect of pravastatin on angiogenesis and to study the interaction between pravastatin and maternal sera from women with early- or late-onset pre-eclampsia (PE), intrauterine growth restriction, or healthy pregnancy. METHODS We collected 5 maternal serum samples from each group. The effect of pravastatin on angiogenesis was assessed with and without maternal sera by quantifying tubule formation in a human-based in vitro assay. Pravastatin was added at 20, 1,000, and 8,000 ng/mL concentrations. Concentrations of angiogenic and inflammatory biomarkers in serum and in test medium after supplementation of serum alone and with pravastatin (1,000 ng/mL) were measured. RESULTS Therapeutic concentration of pravastatin (20 ng/mL) did not have significant direct effect on angiogenesis, but the highest concentrations inhibited angiogenesis. Pravastatin did not change the levels of biomarkers in the test media. There were no changes in angiogenesis when therapeutic dose of pravastatin was added with maternal sera, but there was a trend to wide individual variation towards enhanced angiogenesis, particularly in the early-onset PE group. CONCLUSIONS At therapeutic concentration, pravastatin alone or with maternal sera has no significant effect on angiogenesis, but at high concentrations the effect seems to be anti-angiogenic estimated by in vitro assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Virtanen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland,
| | - Outi Huttala
- FICAM, Finnish Centre for Alternative Methods, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Kati Tihtonen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Tarja Toimela
- FICAM, Finnish Centre for Alternative Methods, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Tuula Heinonen
- FICAM, Finnish Centre for Alternative Methods, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Hannele Laivuori
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jukka Uotila
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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12
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Pravastatin Promotes Endothelial Colony-Forming Cell Function, Angiogenic Signaling and Protein Expression In Vitro. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10020183. [PMID: 33419165 PMCID: PMC7825508 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10020183] [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: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction is a primary feature of several cardiovascular diseases. Endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) represent a highly proliferative subtype of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which are involved in neovascularization and vascular repair. Statins are known to improve the outcome of cardiovascular diseases via pleiotropic effects. We hypothesized that treatment with the 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl–coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor pravastatin increases ECFCs’ functional capacities and regulates the expression of proteins which modulate endothelial health in a favourable manner. Umbilical cord blood derived ECFCs were incubated with different concentrations of pravastatin with or without mevalonate, a key intermediate in cholesterol synthesis. Functional capacities such as migration, proliferation and tube formation were addressed in corresponding in vitro assays. mRNA and protein levels or phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and endoglin (Eng) were analyzed by real time PCR or immunoblot, respectively. Proliferation, migration and tube formation of ECFCs were enhanced after pravastatin treatment, and AKT- and eNOS-phosphorylation were augmented. Further, expression levels of HO-1, VEGF-A and PlGF were increased, whereas expression levels of sFlt-1 and Eng were decreased. Pravastatin induced effects were reversible by the addition of mevalonate. Pravastatin induces beneficial effects on ECFC function, angiogenic signaling and protein expression. These effects may contribute to understand the pleiotropic function of statins as well as to provide a promising option to improve ECFCs’ condition in cell therapy in order to ameliorate endothelial dysfunction.
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13
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Jena MK, Sharma NR, Petitt M, Maulik D, Nayak NR. Pathogenesis of Preeclampsia and Therapeutic Approaches Targeting the Placenta. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10060953. [PMID: 32599856 PMCID: PMC7357118 DOI: 10.3390/biom10060953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious pregnancy complication, affecting about 5–7% of pregnancies worldwide and is characterized by hypertension and damage to multiple maternal organs, primarily the liver and kidneys. PE usually begins after 20 weeks’ gestation and, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications and lifelong disabilities—even death—in both the mother and the infant. As delivery is the only cure for the disease, treatment is primarily focused on the management of blood pressure and other clinical symptoms. The pathogenesis of PE is still not clear. Abnormal spiral artery remodeling, placental ischemia and a resulting increase in the circulating levels of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1), also called soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), are believed to be among the primary pathologies associated with PE. sFlt-1 is produced mainly in the placenta during pregnancy and acts as a decoy receptor, binding to free VEGF (VEGF-A) and placental growth factor (PlGF), resulting in the decreased bioavailability of each to target cells. Despite the pathogenic effects of increased sFlt-1 on the maternal vasculature, recent studies from our laboratory and others have strongly indicated that the increase in sFlt-1 in PE may fulfill critical protective functions in preeclamptic pregnancies. Thus, further studies on the roles of sFlt-1 in normal and preeclamptic pregnancies are warranted for the development of therapeutic strategies targeting VEGF signaling for the treatment of PE. Another impediment to the treatment of PE is the lack of suitable methods for delivery of cargo to placental cells, as PE is believed to be of placental origin and most available therapies for PE adversely impact both the mother and the fetus. The present review discusses the pathogenesis of PE, the complex role of sFlt-1 in maternal disease and fetal protection, and the recently developed placenta-targeted drug delivery system for the potential treatment of PE with candidate therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Kumar Jena
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India;
- Correspondence:
| | - Neeta Raj Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India;
| | - Matthew Petitt
- Redwood Biomedical Editing, Redwood City, CA 94061, USA;
| | - Devika Maulik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UMKC School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA; (D.M.); (N.R.N.)
| | - Nihar Ranjan Nayak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UMKC School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA; (D.M.); (N.R.N.)
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14
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Gatford KL, Andraweera PH, Roberts CT, Care AS. Animal Models of Preeclampsia: Causes, Consequences, and Interventions. Hypertension 2020; 75:1363-1381. [PMID: 32248704 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.119.14598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a common pregnancy complication, affecting 2% to 8% of pregnancies worldwide, and is an important cause of both maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Importantly, although aspirin and calcium are able to prevent preeclampsia in some women, there is no cure apart from delivery of the placenta and fetus, often necessitating iatrogenic preterm birth. Preclinical models of preeclampsia are widely used to investigate the causes and consequences of preeclampsia and to evaluate safety and efficacy of potential preventative and therapeutic interventions. In this review, we provide a summary of the published preclinical models of preeclampsia that meet human diagnostic criteria, including the development of maternal hypertension, together with new-onset proteinuria, maternal organ dysfunction, and uteroplacental dysfunction. We then discuss evidence from preclinical models for multiple causal factors of preeclampsia, including those implicated in early-onset and late-onset preeclampsia. Next, we discuss the impact of exposure to a preeclampsia-like environment for later maternal and progeny health. The presence of long-term impairment, particularly cardiovascular outcomes, in mothers and progeny after an experimentally induced preeclampsia-like pregnancy, implies that later onset or reduced severity of preeclampsia will improve later maternal and progeny health. Finally, we summarize published intervention studies in preclinical models and identify gaps in knowledge that we consider should be targets for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn L Gatford
- From the Adelaide Medical School and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Prabha H Andraweera
- From the Adelaide Medical School and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Claire T Roberts
- From the Adelaide Medical School and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Alison S Care
- From the Adelaide Medical School and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Australia
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15
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the rationale and biological plausibility and discuss the current research on novel interventions for the prevention of preeclampsia. RECENT FINDINGS Preeclampsia affects up to 8% of pregnancies worldwide and remains a major cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Multiple medications have been investigated or repurposed as potential effective interventions for preeclampsia prevention. Aspirin is currently the only drug for which there is some evidence of benefit for preeclampsia prevention, and its use is recommended by professional societies for pregnancies at risk. Statins have shown promise for prevention of preeclampsia in animal models and human pilot studies, without any trend or concerns for safety signals or teratogenicity. The use of metformin has also gained popularity in experimental studies, but observations from randomized clinical trials were not consistent on its utility as a possible intervention for preeclampsia prevention. While initial studies evaluating esomeprazole were promising, randomized trials failed to show benefit. Contemporary research shows exciting new opportunities for prophylactic treatment for preeclampsia, to prevent this debilitating and life-threatening disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwan Ma'ayeh
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 395 W 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA. Marwan.Ma'
| | - Kara M Rood
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 395 W 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Douglas Kniss
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 395 W 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Maged M Costantine
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 395 W 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
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16
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Addis DR, Lambert JA, Ren C, Doran S, Aggarwal S, Jilling T, Matalon S. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-121 Administration Mitigates Halogen Inhalation-Induced Pulmonary Injury and Fetal Growth Restriction in Pregnant Mice. J Am Heart Assoc 2020; 9:e013238. [PMID: 32009528 PMCID: PMC7033856 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.119.013238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Circulating levels of sFLT-1 (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1), the extracellular domain of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor 1, and its ratio to levels of placental growth factor are markers of the occurrence and severity of preeclampsia. Methods and Results C57BL/6 pregnant mice on embryonic day 14.5 (E14.5), male, and non-pregnant female mice were exposed to air or to Br2 at 600 ppm for 30 minutes and were treated with vehicle or with VEGF-121 (100 μg/kg, subcutaneously) daily, starting 48 hours post-exposure. Plasma, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, lungs, fetuses, and placentas were collected 120 hours post-exposure. In Br2-exposed pregnant mice, there was a time-dependent and significant increase in plasma levels of sFLT-1 which correlated with increases in mouse lung wet/dry weights and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid protein content. Supplementation of exogenous VEGF-121 improved survival and weight gain, reduced lung wet/dry weights, decreased bronchoalveolar lavage fluid protein levels, enhanced placental development, and improved fetal growth in pregnant mice exposed to Br2. Exogenous VEGF-121 administration had no effect in non-pregnant mice. Conclusions These results implicate inhibition of VEGF signaling driven by sFLT-1 overexpression as a mechanism of pregnancy-specific injury leading to lung edema, maternal mortality, and fetal growth restriction after bromine gas exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan R. Addis
- Division of Cardiothoracic AnesthesiologyDepartment of Anesthesiology and Perioperative MedicineUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamALUSA
- Division of Molecular and Translational BiomedicineDepartment of Anesthesiology and Perioperative MedicineUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamALUSA
- UAB Comprehensive Cardiovascular CenterUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamALUSA
- University of Alabama School of MedicineBirminghamALUSA
| | - James A. Lambert
- Division of Molecular and Translational BiomedicineDepartment of Anesthesiology and Perioperative MedicineUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamALUSA
- Graduate Biomedical SciencesBiochemistry, Structural and Stem Cell Biology ThemeUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamALUSA
- University of Alabama School of MedicineBirminghamALUSA
| | - Changchun Ren
- Department of PediatricsDivision of NeonatologyUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamALUSA
- University of Alabama School of MedicineBirminghamALUSA
| | - Stephen Doran
- Division of Molecular and Translational BiomedicineDepartment of Anesthesiology and Perioperative MedicineUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamALUSA
- University of Alabama School of MedicineBirminghamALUSA
| | - Saurabh Aggarwal
- Division of Molecular and Translational BiomedicineDepartment of Anesthesiology and Perioperative MedicineUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamALUSA
- University of Alabama School of MedicineBirminghamALUSA
| | - Tamas Jilling
- Department of PediatricsDivision of NeonatologyUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamALUSA
- University of Alabama School of MedicineBirminghamALUSA
| | - Sadis Matalon
- Division of Molecular and Translational BiomedicineDepartment of Anesthesiology and Perioperative MedicineUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamALUSA
- UAB Comprehensive Cardiovascular CenterUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamALUSA
- University of Alabama School of MedicineBirminghamALUSA
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17
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Phipps EA, Thadhani R, Benzing T, Karumanchi SA. Pre-eclampsia: pathogenesis, novel diagnostics and therapies. Nat Rev Nephrol 2019; 15:275-289. [PMID: 30792480 PMCID: PMC6472952 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-019-0119-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 543] [Impact Index Per Article: 108.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia is a complication of pregnancy that is associated with substantial maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The disease presents with new-onset hypertension and often proteinuria in the mother, which can progress to multi-organ dysfunction, including hepatic, renal and cerebral disease, if the fetus and placenta are not delivered. Maternal endothelial dysfunction due to circulating factors of fetal origin from the placenta is a hallmark of pre-eclampsia. Risk factors for the disease include maternal comorbidities, such as chronic kidney disease, hypertension and obesity; a family history of pre-eclampsia, nulliparity or multiple pregnancies; and previous pre-eclampsia or intrauterine fetal growth restriction. In the past decade, the discovery and characterization of novel antiangiogenic pathways have been particularly impactful both in increasing understanding of the disease pathophysiology and in directing predictive and therapeutic efforts. In this Review, we discuss the pathogenic role of antiangiogenic proteins released by the placenta in the development of pre-eclampsia and review novel therapeutic strategies directed at restoring the angiogenic imbalance observed during pre-eclampsia. We also highlight other notable advances in the field, including the identification of long-term maternal and fetal risks conferred by pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Phipps
- Nephrology Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ravi Thadhani
- Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Departments of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Thomas Benzing
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - S Ananth Karumanchi
- Departments of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Nephrology Division, Departments of Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
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18
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Reijnders D, Olson KN, Liu CC, Beckers KF, Ghosh S, Redman LM, Sones JL. Dyslipidemia and the role of adipose tissue in early pregnancy in the BPH/5 mouse model for preeclampsia. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2019; 317:R49-R58. [PMID: 30995083 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00334.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The hypertensive pregnancy disorder preeclampsia (PE) is a leading cause of fetal and maternal morbidity/mortality. Obesity increases the risk to develop PE, presumably via the release of inflammatory mediators from the adipose tissue, but the exact etiology remains largely unknown. Using obese PE-like blood pressure high subline 5 (BPH/5) and lean gestational age-matched C57Bl6 mice, we aimed to obtain insight into differential reproductive white adipose tissue (rWAT) gene expression, circulating lipids and inflammation at the maternal-fetal interface during early pregnancy. In addition, we investigated the effect of 7 days 25% calorie restriction (CR) in early pregnancy on gene expression in rWAT and implantation sites. Compared with C57Bl6, female BPH/5 are dyslipidemic before pregnancy and show an amplification of rWAT mass, circulating cholesterol, free fatty acids, and triacylglycerol levels throughout pregnancy. RNA sequencing showed that pregnant BPH/5 mice have elevated gene enrichment in pathways related to inflammation and cholesterol biosynthesis at embryonic day (e) 7.5. Expression of cholesterol-related HMGCS1, MVD, Cyp51a1, and DHCR was validated by quantitative reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction. CR during the first 7 days of pregnancy restored the relative mRNA expression of these genes to a level comparable to C57Bl6 pregnant females and reduced the expression of circulating leptin and proinflammatory prostaglandin synthase 2 in both rWAT and implantation sites in BPH/5 mice at e7.5. Our data suggest a possible role for rWAT in the dyslipidemic state and inflammatory uterine milieu that might underlie the pathogenesis of PE. Future studies should further address the physiological functioning of the adipose tissue in relation to PE-related pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorien Reijnders
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University , Baton Rouge, Louisiana.,Reproductive Endocrinology & Women's Health Lab, Pennington Biomedical Research Center , Baton Rouge, Louisiana
| | - Kelsey N Olson
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University , Baton Rouge, Louisiana.,Reproductive Endocrinology & Women's Health Lab, Pennington Biomedical Research Center , Baton Rouge, Louisiana
| | - Chin-Chi Liu
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University , Baton Rouge, Louisiana
| | - Kalie F Beckers
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University , Baton Rouge, Louisiana
| | - Sujoy Ghosh
- Center for Computational Biology, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore.,Nutrient Sensing and Adipocyte Signaling Laboratory, Pennington Biomedical Research Center , Baton Rouge, Louisiana
| | - Leanne M Redman
- Reproductive Endocrinology & Women's Health Lab, Pennington Biomedical Research Center , Baton Rouge, Louisiana
| | - Jenny L Sones
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University , Baton Rouge, Louisiana
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19
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Hürter H, Vontelin van Breda S, Vokalova L, Brandl M, Baumann M, Hösli I, Huhn EA, De Geyter C, Rossi SW, Lapaire O. Prevention of pre-eclampsia after infertility treatment: Preconceptional minimalisation of risk factors. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 33:127-132. [PMID: 31130446 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Although an increased risk of pre-eclampsia in pregnancies conceived after infertility treatment has been reported, it remains unknown whether preconceptional minimalisation of known risk factors would help in preventing pre-eclamsia. Obesity and preconceptional blood pressure are discussed as major risks for the development of pre-eclampsia and low doses of aspirins, folic acid, statins and metformin are discussed as potential preventive treatments to decrease the risk of pre-eclampsia. In the present review we discuss whether present-day reproductive medicine could progress towards complication-free pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Hürter
- Department of Obstetrics, University Women's Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Lenka Vokalova
- Department of Biomedicine (DBM), University Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marlene Brandl
- Department of Obstetrics, University Women's Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marc Baumann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Irene Hösli
- Department of Obstetrics, University Women's Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Biomedicine (DBM), University Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Evelin Annegret Huhn
- Department of Obstetrics, University Women's Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Biomedicine (DBM), University Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christian De Geyter
- Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrinology (RME), University Hospital, University of Basel, Vogesenstrasse 124, 4031, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Biomedicine (DBM), University Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Simona W Rossi
- Department of Biomedicine (DBM), University Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Olav Lapaire
- Department of Obstetrics, University Women's Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Biomedicine (DBM), University Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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20
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Marshall SA, Cox AG, Parry LJ, Wallace EM. Targeting the vascular dysfunction: Potential treatments for preeclampsia. Microcirculation 2018; 26:e12522. [PMID: 30556222 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific disorder, primarily characterized by new-onset hypertension in combination with a variety of other maternal or fetal signs. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the disease are still not entirely clear. Systemic maternal vascular dysfunction underlies the clinical features of preeclampsia. It is a result of oxidative stress and the actions of excessive anti-angiogenic factors, such as soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase, soluble endoglin, and activin A, released by a dysfunctional placenta. The vascular dysfunction then leads to impaired regulation and secretion of relaxation factors and an increase in sensitivity/production of constrictors. This results in a more constricted vasculature rather than the relaxed vasodilated state associated with normal pregnancy. Currently, the only effective "treatment" for preeclampsia is delivery of the placenta and therefore the baby. Often, this means a preterm delivery to save the life of the mother, with all the attendant risks and burdens associated with fetal prematurity. To lessen this burden, there is a pressing need for more effective treatments that target the maternal vascular dysfunction that underlies the hypertension. This review details the vascular effects of key drugs undergoing clinical assessment as potential treatments for women with preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Marshall
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, The Ritchie Centre, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Annie G Cox
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, The Ritchie Centre, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Laura J Parry
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Euan M Wallace
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, The Ritchie Centre, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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21
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Gajzlerska-Majewska W, Bomba-Opon DA, Wielgos M. Is pravastatin a milestone in the prevention and treatment of preeclampsia? J Perinat Med 2018; 46:825-831. [PMID: 29570452 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2017-0109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wanda Gajzlerska-Majewska
- Medical University of Warsaw, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Warsaw, Poland.,Medical University of Warsaw, Department of Drug Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dorota A Bomba-Opon
- Medical University of Warsaw, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Miroslaw Wielgos
- Medical University of Warsaw, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Warsaw, Poland
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22
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Afrouzian M, Al-Lahham R, Patrikeeva S, Xu M, Fokina V, Fischer WG, Abdel-Rahman SZ, Costantine M, Ahmed MS, Nanovskaya T. Role of the efflux transporters BCRP and MRP1 in human placental bio-disposition of pravastatin. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 156:467-478. [PMID: 30217571 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The expression and activity of human placental transporters during pregnancy could be altered by several factors including pathological changes associated with preeclampsia. The aims of this study were to identify the placental efflux transporters involved in the bio-disposition of pravastatin, determine the protein expression of these transporters and their encoding genes as well as the activity of pravastatin uptake in placentas obtained from patients with preeclampsia. ATP-dependent uptake of [3H]-pravastatin by trophoblast tissue apical and basal membrane vesicles exhibited sigmoidal kinetics. The curved shapes of Eadie-Hofstee plots indicate that more than one placental transporter are involved in the uptake of pravastatin. ATP-dependent uptake of [3H]-pravastatin into vesicles expressing MRP1-5, BCRP, and P-gp, as well as the results of inhibition studies suggest that BCRP and MRP1 are the major placental efflux transporters responsible for the in vitro uptake of pravastatin. Compared to placentas from healthy pregnancies, preeclamptic placentas had increased number of syncytial knots with increased expression of BCRP in their apical membrane and increased expression of MRP1 in the cytoplasm of the syncytiotrophoblast and in cytoplasm of syncytial knots. There was a concomitant increase in ABCC1 but not in ABCG2 gene expressions in preeclamptic placentas. ATP-dependent uptake of [3H]-pravastatin by vesicles prepared from apical membranes of preeclamptic placentas was similar to the uptake by vesicles prepared from placentas obtained after uncomplicated pregnancies (13.9 ± 6.5 vs 14.1 ± 5.8 pmol·mg protein-1 min-1). The transporter-specific changes in the expression of BCRP and MRP1 in preeclamptic placentas did not affect the efflux activity of transporters localized on the apical membrane of the syncytiotrophoblast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Afrouzian
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Rabab Al-Lahham
- Maternal-Fetal Pharmacology and Bio-Development Laboratories, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Svetlana Patrikeeva
- Maternal-Fetal Pharmacology and Bio-Development Laboratories, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Meixiang Xu
- Maternal-Fetal Pharmacology and Bio-Development Laboratories, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Valentina Fokina
- Maternal-Fetal Pharmacology and Bio-Development Laboratories, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Wayne G Fischer
- Department of Qulity Management & Patient Safety, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Sherif Z Abdel-Rahman
- Maternal-Fetal Pharmacology and Bio-Development Laboratories, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Maged Costantine
- Maternal-Fetal Pharmacology and Bio-Development Laboratories, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Mahmoud S Ahmed
- Maternal-Fetal Pharmacology and Bio-Development Laboratories, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Tatiana Nanovskaya
- Maternal-Fetal Pharmacology and Bio-Development Laboratories, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
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23
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Stanhewicz AE. Residual vascular dysfunction in women with a history of preeclampsia. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2018; 315:R1062-R1071. [PMID: 30133302 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00204.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy characterized by new-onset hypertension, proteinuria, and edema occurring after 20 wk of gestation, with a prevalence of ~7-10% of pregnancies in the United States and ~8 million pregnancies worldwide. Despite the postpartum remission of preeclamptic symptoms, women who have had preeclampsia are two to four times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) and are significantly more likely to die of CVD compared with women with a history of normal pregnancy. Although the relation between history of preeclampsia and elevated CVD risk is well documented, the mechanism(s) underlying this association remains unclear. One hypothesis explaining this association is that the initial vascular damage and dysfunction sustained during the preeclamptic pregnancy persist chronically. Indeed, even in the absence of, or in advance of, overt CVD women who have had preeclampsia have compromised vascular endothelial function. Emerging mechanistic studies in these women have provided some insight into the underlying mechanisms of this persistent vascular dysfunction and have begun to identify potential therapeutic targets for the prevention or mitigation of CVD progression in this vulnerable population. This review summarizes the existing literature examining vascular function and dysfunction in women with a history of preeclampsia and highlights future directions for mechanistic investigations and development of novel intervention strategies aimed at halting or slowing the progression of CVD in these women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Stanhewicz
- Department of Kinesiology, Pennsylvania State University , University Park, Pennsylvania
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Abstract
Importance We have performed a systematic search to summarize the role of statins for preventing and treating severe preeclampsia. Objective The aim of this study was to examine whether pravastatin is a useful and safe alternative for treating preeclampsia during pregnancy. Evidence Acquisition A systematic MEDLINE (PubMed) search was performed (1979 to June 2017), which was restricted to articles published in English, using the relevant key words of "statins," "pregnancy," "preeclampsia," "obstetrical antiphospholipid syndrome," and "teratogenicity." Results The initial search provided 296 articles. Finally, 146 articles were related to the use of statins during pregnancy, regarding their effect on the fetus and the treatment of preeclampsia. Ten studies were related to in vitro studies, 25 in animals, and 24 in humans (13 case report series and 11 cohort studies). We found 84 studies on reviews of such guidelines on cardiovascular disease (35 studies), use of statins in the antiphospholipid syndrome (25 studies), statin's specific use during pregnancy (13 studies), or preeclampsia treatment (11 studies). Conclusions Although the studies are of poor quality, the rate of major congenital abnormalities in the newborn exposed to statins during pregnancy is no higher than the expected when compared with overall risk population. The review shows a potential beneficial role of statins in preventing and treating severe preeclampsia that needs to be evaluated through well-designed clinical trials. Relevance This update could influence positively the clinical practice, giving an alternative therapy for clinicians who treat preeclampsia, particularly in severe cases.
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25
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Yang MY, Diao ZY, Wang ZY, Yan GJ, Zhao GF, Zheng MM, Dai AY, Dai YM, Hu YL. Pravastatin alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced placental TLR4 over-activation and promotes uterine arteriole remodeling without impairing rat fetal development. J Biomed Res 2018; 32:288-297. [PMID: 30008464 PMCID: PMC6117606 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.32.20180039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is associated with over-activation of the innate immune system in the placenta, in which toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) plays an essential part. With their potent anti-inflammatory effects, statins have been suggested as potential prevention or treatment of preeclampsia, although evidence remains inadequate. Herewith, we investigated whether pravastatin could ameliorate preeclampsia-like phenotypes in a previously established lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced rat preeclampsia model, through targeting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. The results showed that pravastatin reduced the blood pressure [maximum decline on gestational day (GD) 12, (101.33±2.49) mmHg vs. (118.3±1.37) mmHg, P<0.05] and urine protein level [maximum decline on GD9, (3,726.23±1,572.86)μg vs. (1,991.03±609.37)μg, P<0.05], which were elevated following LPS administration. Pravastatin also significantly reduced the rate of fetal growth restriction in LPS-treated rats (34.10% vs. 8.99%, P<0.05). Further pathological analyses suggested a restoration of normal spiral artery remodeling in preeclampsia rats by pravastatin treatment. These effects of pravastatin were associated with decreased TLR4/NF-κB protein levels in the placenta and IL-6/MCP-1 levels in serum. Additionally, no obvious abnormalities in fetal liver, brain, and kidney were found after administration of pravastatin. These results provide supportive evidence for use of pravastatin in preventing preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu-Yi Yang
- Drum Tower Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
| | - Zhen-Yu Diao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
| | - Zhi-Yin Wang
- Drum Tower Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
| | - Gui-Jun Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
| | - Guang-Feng Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
| | - Ming-Ming Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
| | - An-Yi Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
| | - Yi-Min Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
| | - Ya-Li Hu
- Drum Tower Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
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26
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Cournot M, Lairez O, Medzech B. [Preeclampsia: A challenge also for cardiologists]. Ann Cardiol Angeiol (Paris) 2018; 67:280-287. [PMID: 29786511 DOI: 10.1016/j.ancard.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Due to its short-term consequences on perinatal outcome, preeclampsia has been long regarded as an obstetrical disease, strictly confined to a management by OB/GYNs. It has been now widely accepted that preeclampsia is most a systemic inflammatory and systemic vascular disease during pregnancy and then a lifelong risk factor for subsequent cardiovascular event in women's life. The aim of this review is to propose an overview in the current state-of-art in definition, early identification and management of preeclampsia. We will also discuss the growing evidence that support that cardiologists must be fully involved in screening and prevention of preeclampsia during pregnancy and beyond in the subsequent medical follow-up of women who have experienced a preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cournot
- Services de cardiologie et de gynécologie-obstétrique, centre hospitalier Gabriel Martin, Saint-Paul, France; Inserm, UMR 1188 Diabète athérothrombose thérapies Réunion Océan Indien (DéTROI), université de La Réunion, Saint-Denis de La Réunion, France.
| | - O Lairez
- Department of cardiology, Rangueil university hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - B Medzech
- Services de cardiologie et de gynécologie-obstétrique, centre hospitalier Gabriel Martin, Saint-Paul, France
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27
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Carson RA, Rudine AC, Tally SJ, Franks AL, Frahm KA, Waldman JK, Silswal N, Burale S, Phan JV, Chandran UR, Monaghan AP, DeFranco DB. Statins impact primary embryonic mouse neural stem cell survival, cell death, and fate through distinct mechanisms. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0196387. [PMID: 29738536 PMCID: PMC5940229 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Statins inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway (CBP), and are used for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. The anti-inflammatory effects of statins may also provide therapeutic benefits and have led to their use in clinical trials for preeclampsia, a pregnancy-associated inflammatory condition, despite their current classification as category X (i.e. contraindicated during pregnancy). In the developing neocortex, products of the CBP play essential roles in proliferation and differentiation of neural stem-progenitor cells (NSPCs). To understand how statins could impact the developing brain, we studied effects of pravastatin and simvastatin on primary embryonic NSPC survival, proliferation, global transcription, and cell fate in vitro. We found that statins dose dependently decrease NSPC expansion by promoting cell death and autophagy of NSPCs progressing through the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Genome-wide transcriptome analysis demonstrates an increase in expression of CBP genes following pravastatin treatment, through activation of the SREBP2 transcription factor. Co-treatment with farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP), a CBP metabolite downstream of HMG-CoA reductase, reduces SREBP2 activation and pravastatin-induced PARP cleavage. Finally, pravastatin and simvastatin differentially alter NSPC cell fate and mRNA expression during differentiation, through a non-CBP dependent pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross A. Carson
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Anthony C. Rudine
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Newborn Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Serena J. Tally
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Alexis L. Franks
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Krystle A. Frahm
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jacob K. Waldman
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Neerupma Silswal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Suban Burale
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America
| | - James V. Phan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Uma R. Chandran
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - A. Paula Monaghan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Donald B. DeFranco
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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28
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Zeybek B, Costantine M, Kilic GS, Borahay MA. Therapeutic Roles of Statins in Gynecology and Obstetrics: The Current Evidence. Reprod Sci 2018; 25:802-817. [PMID: 29320955 DOI: 10.1177/1933719117750751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Statins are a class of drugs, which act by inhibiting the rate-limiting enzyme of cholesterol biosynthesis (3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase). The inhibition of mevalonate synthesis leads to subsequent inhibition of downstream products of this pathway, which explains the pleiotropic effects of these agents in addition to their well-known lipid-lowering effects. Accumulating evidence suggests that statins might be beneficial in various obstetric and gynecologic conditions. METHODS Literature searches were performed in PubMed and EMBASE for articles with content related to statins in obstetrics and gynecology. The findings are hereby reviewed and discussed. RESULTS Inhibition of mevalonate pathway leads to subsequent inhibition of downstream products such as geranyl pyrophosphate, farnesyl pyrophosphate, and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate. These products are required for proper intracellular localization of several proteins, which play important roles in signaling pathways by regulating membrane trafficking, motility, proliferation, differentiation, and cytoskeletal organization. The pleiotropic effects of statins can be summarized in 4 categories: antiproliferative, anti-invasive, anti-inflammatory, and antiangiogenic. The growing body of evidence is promising for these agents to be beneficial in endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, adhesion prevention, ovarian cancer, preeclampsia, and antiphospholipid syndrome. Although in vivo studies showed varying degrees of benefit on fibroids and preterm birth, appropriately designed clinical trials are needed to make definitive conclusions. CONCLUSION Statins might play a role in the treatment of endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, adhesion prevention, ovarian cancer, preeclampsia, and antiphospholipid syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burak Zeybek
- 1 Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Maged Costantine
- 1 Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Gokhan S Kilic
- 1 Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Mostafa A Borahay
- 2 Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Logue OC, Mahdi F, Chapman H, George EM, Bidwell GL. A Maternally Sequestered, Biopolymer-Stabilized Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Chimera for Treatment of Preeclampsia. J Am Heart Assoc 2017; 6:e007216. [PMID: 29629873 PMCID: PMC5779036 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.117.007216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preeclampsia is a hypertensive syndrome that complicates 3% to 5% of pregnancies in the United States. Preeclampsia originates from an improperly vascularized and ischemic placenta that releases factors that drive systemic pathophysiology. One of these factors, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1, is believed to sequester vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), leading to systemic endothelial dysfunction and hypertension. With the goal of targeting soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 while simultaneously preventing fetal exposure to VEGF, we fused VEGF to elastin-like polypeptide, a biopolymer carrier that does not cross the placental barrier (ELP-VEGF). METHODS AND RESULTS ELP-VEGF restored in vitro endothelial cell tube formation in the presence of plasma from placental ischemic rats. Long-term administered ELP-VEGF in pregnant rats accumulated in maternal kidneys, aorta, liver, and placenta, but the protein was undetectable in the pups when administered at therapeutic doses in dams. Long-term administration of ELP-VEGF in a placental ischemia rat model achieved dose-dependent attenuation of hypertension, with blood pressure equal to sham controls at a dose of 5 mg/kg per day. ELP-VEGF infusion increased total plasma soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 levels but dramatically reduced free plasma soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and induced urinary excretion of nitrate/nitrite, indicating enhanced renal nitric oxide signaling. ELP-VEGF at up to 5 mg/kg per day had no deleterious effect on maternal or fetal body weight. However, dose-dependent adverse events were observed, including ascites production and neovascular tissue encapsulation around the minipump. CONCLUSIONS ELP-VEGF has the potential to treat the preeclampsia maternal syndrome, but careful dosing and optimization of the delivery route are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar C Logue
- Department of Neurology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Fakhri Mahdi
- Department of Neurology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Heather Chapman
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Eric M George
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
| | - Gene L Bidwell
- Department of Neurology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
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30
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Abstract
Placental dysfunction underlies major obstetric diseases such as pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction (FGR). Whilst there has been a little progress in prophylaxis, there are still no treatments for placental dysfunction in normal obstetric practice. However, a combination of increasingly well-described in vitro systems for studying the human placenta, together with the availability of more appropriate animal models of pre-eclampsia and FGR, has facilitated a recent surge in work aimed at repurposing drugs and therapies, developed for other conditions, as treatments for placental dysfunction. This review: (1) highlights potential candidate drug targets in the placenta - effectors of improved uteroplacental blood flow, anti-oxidants, heme oxygenase induction, inhibition of HIF, induction of cholesterol synthesis pathways, increasing insulin-like growth factor II availability; (2) proposes an experimental pathway for taking a potential drug or treatment for placental dysfunction from concept through to early phase clinical trials, utilizing techniques for studying the human placenta in vitro and small animal models, particularly the mouse, for in vivo studies; (3) describes the data underpinning sildenafil citrate and adenovirus expressing vascular endothelial growth as potential treatments for placental dysfunction and summarizes recent research on other potential treatments. The importance of sharing information from such studies even when no effect is found, or there is an adverse outcome, is highlighted. Finally, the use of adenoviral vectors or nanoparticle carriers coated with homing peptides to selectively target drugs to the placenta is highlighted: such delivery systems could improve efficacy and reduce the side effects of treating the dysfunctional placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin P Sibley
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research CentreDivision of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- St Mary's HospitalCentral Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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31
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Katsi V, Georgountzos G, Kallistratos MS, Zerdes I, Makris T, Manolis AJ, Nihoyannopoulos P, Tousoulis D. The Role of Statins in Prevention of Preeclampsia: A Promise for the Future? Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:247. [PMID: 28529486 PMCID: PMC5418337 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia has been linked to high morbidity and mortality during pregnancy. However, no efficient pharmacological options for the prevention of this condition are currently available. Preeclampsia is thought to share several pathophysiologic mechanisms with cardiovascular disease, which has led to investigations for the potential role of statins (HMG CoA reductase inhibitors) in its prevention and early management. Pravastatin seems to have a safer pharmacokinetic profile compared to other statins, however, the existing preclinical evidence for its effectiveness in preeclampsia treatment has been mostly restricted to animal models. This review aims to summarize the current data and delineate the potential future role of statins in the prevention and management of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Katsi
- Department of Cardiology, Hippokration HospitalAthens, Greece
| | | | | | - Ioannis Zerdes
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of IoanninaIoannina, Greece
| | - Thomas Makris
- Department of Cardiology, Elena Venizelou HospitalAthens, Greece
| | | | - Petros Nihoyannopoulos
- First University Department of Cardiology, Hippokration Hospital, University of AthensAthens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- First University Department of Cardiology, Hippokration Hospital, University of AthensAthens, Greece
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32
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Marrs CC, Costantine MM. Should We Add Pravastatin to Aspirin for Preeclampsia Prevention in High-risk Women? Clin Obstet Gynecol 2017; 60:161-168. [PMID: 27906745 PMCID: PMC5250542 DOI: 10.1097/grf.0000000000000248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a multisystem disorder that affects 3% to 5% of pregnant women and remains a significant source of short-term and long-term maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. Many professional societies recommend the use of low-dose aspirin to prevent preeclampsia in high-risk women. Owing to the similarities in pathophysiology between preeclampsia and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and the encouraging data from preclinical and pilot clinical studies, pravastatin has been proposed for preventing preeclampsia. However, before statin administration becomes part of routine clinical practice, a large, well-designed, and adequately powered randomized-controlled trial is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline C. Marrs
- Fellow, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston Texas
| | - Maged M. Costantine
- Associate Professor, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston Texas
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34
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Balan A, Szaingurten-Solodkin I, Swissa SS, Feinshtein V, Huleihel M, Holcberg G, Dukler D, Beharier O. The effects of pravastatin on the normal human placenta: Lessons from ex-vivo models. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172174. [PMID: 28199380 PMCID: PMC5310776 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Research in animal models and preliminary clinical studies in humans support the use of pravastatin for the prevention of preeclampsia. However, its use during pregnancy is still controversial due to limited data about its effect on the human placenta and fetus. Methods In the present study, human placental cotyledons were perfused in the absence or presence of pravastatin in the maternal reservoir (PraM). In addition, placental explants were treated with pravastatin for 5, 24 and 72 h under normoxia and hypoxia. We monitored the secretion of placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), soluble endoglin (sEng), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression and activation and the fetal vasoconstriction response to angiotensin-II. Results The concentrations of PlGF, sFlt-1 and sEng were not significantly altered by pravastatin in PraM cotyledons and in placental explants compared to control. Under hypoxic conditions, pravastatin decreased sFlt-1 concentrations. eNOS expression was significantly increased in PraM cotyledons but not in pravastatin-treated placental explants cultured under normoxia or hypoxia. eNOS phosphorylation was not significantly affected by pravastatin. The feto-placental vascular tone and the fetal vasoconstriction response to angiotensin-II, did not change following exposure of the maternal circulation to pravastatin. Conclusion We found that pravastatin does not alter the essential physiological functions of the placenta investigated in the study. The relevance of the study lays in the fact that it expands the current knowledge obtained thus far regarding the effect of the drug on the normal human placenta. This data is reassuring and important for clinicians that consider the treatment of high-risk patients with pravastatin, a treatment that exposes some normal pregnancies to the drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelina Balan
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Irit Szaingurten-Solodkin
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Shani S. Swissa
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Valeria Feinshtein
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Mahmoud Huleihel
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Gershon Holcberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Doron Dukler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Ofer Beharier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- * E-mail:
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Saad AF, Diken ZM, Kechichian TB, Clark SM, Olson GL, Saade GR, Costantine MM. Pravastatin Effects on Placental Prosurvival Molecular Pathways in a Mouse Model of Preeclampsia. Reprod Sci 2016; 23:1593-1599. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719116648218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio F. Saad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Zaid M. Diken
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Talar B. Kechichian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Shannon M. Clark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Gayle L. Olson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - George R. Saade
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Maged M. Costantine
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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Costantine MM. Pravastatin to prevent obstetrical complications in women with antiphospholipid syndrome. J Clin Invest 2016; 126:2792-4. [PMID: 27454294 DOI: 10.1172/jci89137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnant women with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) are at a high risk of obstetrical complications. The current standard of care, including the use of low-dose aspirin and heparin, has not been shown to prevent preeclampsia or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Due to the similarities in pathophysiology among preeclampsia, IUGR, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, statins have been proposed for treating and/or preventing these obstetrical complications. In this issue of the JCI, Lefkou et al. report on a small, observational trial that showed a dramatic improvement in both maternal and fetal/neonatal outcomes in women with APS given pravastatin after the onset of preeclampsia and/or IUGR compared with women in the control group. These results, along with other recent clinical studies, support further evaluation of statins for prevention of preeclampsia in a large-scale randomized clinical trial.
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Costantine MM, Cleary K, Hebert MF, Ahmed MS, Brown LM, Ren Z, Easterling TR, Haas DM, Haneline LS, Caritis SN, Venkataramanan R, West H, D'Alton M, Hankins G. Safety and pharmacokinetics of pravastatin used for the prevention of preeclampsia in high-risk pregnant women: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2016; 214:720.e1-720.e17. [PMID: 26723196 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.12.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preeclampsia complicates approximately 3-5% of pregnancies and remains a major cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. It shares pathogenic similarities with adult cardiovascular disease as well as many risk factors. Pravastatin, a hydrophilic, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, has been shown in preclinical studies to reverse various pathophysiological pathways associated with preeclampsia, providing biological plausibility for its use for preeclampsia prevention. However, human trials are lacking. OBJECTIVE As an initial step in evaluating the utility of pravastatin in preventing preeclampsia and after consultation with the US Food and Drug Administration, we undertook a pilot randomized controlled trial with the objective to determine pravastatin safety and pharmacokinetic parameters when used in pregnant women at high risk of preeclampsia. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a pilot, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of women with singleton, nonanomalous pregnancies at high risk for preeclampsia. Women between 12(0/7) and 16(6/7) weeks' gestation were assigned to daily pravastatin 10 mg or placebo orally until delivery. Primary outcomes were maternal-fetal safety and pharmacokinetic parameters of pravastatin during pregnancy. Secondary outcomes included rates of preeclampsia and preterm delivery, gestational age at delivery, birthweight, and maternal and cord blood lipid profile (clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01717586). RESULTS Ten women assigned to pravastatin and 10 to placebo completed the trial. There were no differences between the 2 groups in rates of study drug side effects, congenital anomalies, or other adverse or serious adverse events. There was no maternal, fetal, or neonatal death. Pravastatin renal clearance was significantly higher in pregnancy compared with postpartum. Four subjects in the placebo group developed preeclampsia compared with none in the pravastatin group. Although pravastatin reduced maternal cholesterol concentrations, umbilical cord cholesterol concentrations and infant birthweight were not different between the groups. The majority of umbilical cord and maternal pravastatin plasma concentrations at the time of delivery were below the lower limit of quantification of the assay. Pravastatin use was associated with a more favorable pregnancy angiogenic profile. CONCLUSION This study provides preliminary safety and pharmacokinetic data regarding the use of pravastatin for preventing preeclampsia in high-risk pregnant women. Although the data are preliminary, no identifiable safety risks were associated with pravastatin use in this cohort. This favorable risk-benefit analysis justifies using pravastatin in a larger clinical trial with dose escalation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maged M Costantine
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX.
| | | | - Mary F Hebert
- Department of Pharmacy and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Mahmoud S Ahmed
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
| | - Linda M Brown
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, RTI International, Rockville, MD
| | - Zhaoxia Ren
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
| | - Thomas R Easterling
- Department of Pharmacy and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - David M Haas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Laura S Haneline
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Steve N Caritis
- Department of Pharmacy and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Raman Venkataramanan
- Department of Pharmacy and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Holly West
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
| | | | - Gary Hankins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
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Pravastatin ameliorates placental vascular defects, fetal growth, and cardiac function in a model of glucocorticoid excess. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:6265-70. [PMID: 27185937 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1520356113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetoplacental glucocorticoid overexposure is a significant mechanism underlying fetal growth restriction and the programming of adverse health outcomes in the adult. Placental glucocorticoid inactivation by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2) plays a key role. We previously discovered that Hsd11b2(-/-) mice, lacking 11β-HSD2, show marked underdevelopment of the placental vasculature. We now explore the consequences for fetal cardiovascular development and whether this is reversible. We studied Hsd11b2(+/+), Hsd11b2(+/-), and Hsd11b2(-/-) littermates from heterozygous (Hsd11b(+/-)) matings at embryonic day (E)14.5 and E17.5, where all three genotypes were present to control for maternal effects. Using high-resolution ultrasound, we found that umbilical vein blood velocity in Hsd11b2(-/-) fetuses did not undergo the normal gestational increase seen in Hsd11b2(+/+) littermates. Similarly, the resistance index in the umbilical artery did not show the normal gestational decline. Surprisingly, given that 11β-HSD2 absence is predicted to initiate early maturation, the E/A wave ratio was reduced at E17.5 in Hsd11b2(-/-) fetuses, suggesting impaired cardiac function. Pravastatin administration from E6.5, which increases placental vascular endothelial growth factor A and, thus, vascularization, increased placental fetal capillary volume, ameliorated the aberrant umbilical cord velocity, normalized fetal weight, and improved the cardiac function of Hsd11b2(-/-) fetuses. This improved cardiac function occurred despite persisting indications of increased glucocorticoid exposure in the Hsd11b2(-/-) fetal heart. Thus, the pravastatin-induced enhancement of fetal capillaries within the placenta and the resultant hemodynamic changes correspond with restored fetal cardiac function. Statins may represent a useful therapeutic approach to intrauterine growth retardation due to placental vascular hypofunction.
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Makris A, Yeung KR, Lim SM, Sunderland N, Heffernan S, Thompson JF, Iliopoulos J, Killingsworth MC, Yong J, Xu B, Ogle RF, Thadhani R, Karumanchi SA, Hennessy A. Placental Growth Factor Reduces Blood Pressure in a Uteroplacental Ischemia Model of Preeclampsia in Nonhuman Primates. Hypertension 2016; 67:1263-72. [PMID: 27091894 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.116.07286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
An imbalance in the angiogenesis axis during pregnancy manifests as clinical preeclampsia because of endothelial dysfunction. Circulating soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFLT-1) increases and placental growth factor (PlGF) reduces before and during disease. We investigated the clinical and biochemical effects of replenishing the reduced circulating PlGF with recombinant human PlGF (rhPlGF) and thus restoring the angiogenic balance. Hypertensive proteinuria was induced in a nonhuman primate (Papio hamadryas) by uterine artery ligation at 136 days gestation (of a 182-day pregnancy). Two weeks after uteroplacental ischemia, rhPlGF (rhPlGF, n=3) or normal saline (control, n=4) was administered by subcutaneous injection (100 μg/kg per day) for 5 days. Blood pressure was monitored by intra-arterial radiotelemetry and sFLT-1 and PlGF by ELISA. Uteroplacental ischemia resulted in experimental preeclampsia evidenced by increased blood pressure, proteinuria, and endotheliosis on renal biopsy and elevated sFLT-1. PlGF significantly reduced after uteroplacental ischemia. rhPlGF reduced systolic blood pressure in the treated group (-5.2±0.8 mm Hg; from 132.6±6.6 mm Hg to 124.1±7.6 mm Hg) compared with an increase in systolic blood pressure in controls (6.5±3 mm Hg; from 131.3±1.5 mm Hg to 138.6±1.5 mm Hg). Proteinuria reduced in the treated group (-72.7±55.7 mg/mmol) but increased in the control group. Circulating levels of total sFLT-1 were not affected by the administration of PlGF; however, a reduction in placental sFLT-1 mRNA expression was demonstrated. There was no significant difference between the weights or lengths of the neonates in the rhPlGF or control group; however, this study was not designed to assess fetal safety or outcomes. Increasing circulating PlGF by the administration of rhPlGF improves clinical parameters in a primate animal model of experimental preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Makris
- From the Medicine Faculty, Western Sydney University and Ingham Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., K.R.Y., S.M.L., J.I., M.C.K., B.X., A.H.); Medicine Faculty, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., M.C.K., J.Y.); Nephrology Department, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia (A.M., J.I.); Vascular Immunology Group, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., K.R.Y., S.M.L., B.X., A.H.); Nephrology Department (N.S., S.H.), Melanoma Unit (J.F.T.), and Obstetrics Department (R.F.O.), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Surgery, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia (J.F.T.); Anatomical Pathology Department (M.C.K., J.Y.) and Vascular Surgery Department (J.I.), Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia; Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (R.T.); and Centre for Vascular Biology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre, Boston, MA (S.A.K.).
| | - Kristen R Yeung
- From the Medicine Faculty, Western Sydney University and Ingham Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., K.R.Y., S.M.L., J.I., M.C.K., B.X., A.H.); Medicine Faculty, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., M.C.K., J.Y.); Nephrology Department, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia (A.M., J.I.); Vascular Immunology Group, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., K.R.Y., S.M.L., B.X., A.H.); Nephrology Department (N.S., S.H.), Melanoma Unit (J.F.T.), and Obstetrics Department (R.F.O.), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Surgery, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia (J.F.T.); Anatomical Pathology Department (M.C.K., J.Y.) and Vascular Surgery Department (J.I.), Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia; Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (R.T.); and Centre for Vascular Biology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre, Boston, MA (S.A.K.)
| | - Shirlene M Lim
- From the Medicine Faculty, Western Sydney University and Ingham Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., K.R.Y., S.M.L., J.I., M.C.K., B.X., A.H.); Medicine Faculty, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., M.C.K., J.Y.); Nephrology Department, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia (A.M., J.I.); Vascular Immunology Group, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., K.R.Y., S.M.L., B.X., A.H.); Nephrology Department (N.S., S.H.), Melanoma Unit (J.F.T.), and Obstetrics Department (R.F.O.), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Surgery, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia (J.F.T.); Anatomical Pathology Department (M.C.K., J.Y.) and Vascular Surgery Department (J.I.), Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia; Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (R.T.); and Centre for Vascular Biology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre, Boston, MA (S.A.K.)
| | - Neroli Sunderland
- From the Medicine Faculty, Western Sydney University and Ingham Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., K.R.Y., S.M.L., J.I., M.C.K., B.X., A.H.); Medicine Faculty, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., M.C.K., J.Y.); Nephrology Department, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia (A.M., J.I.); Vascular Immunology Group, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., K.R.Y., S.M.L., B.X., A.H.); Nephrology Department (N.S., S.H.), Melanoma Unit (J.F.T.), and Obstetrics Department (R.F.O.), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Surgery, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia (J.F.T.); Anatomical Pathology Department (M.C.K., J.Y.) and Vascular Surgery Department (J.I.), Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia; Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (R.T.); and Centre for Vascular Biology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre, Boston, MA (S.A.K.)
| | - Scott Heffernan
- From the Medicine Faculty, Western Sydney University and Ingham Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., K.R.Y., S.M.L., J.I., M.C.K., B.X., A.H.); Medicine Faculty, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., M.C.K., J.Y.); Nephrology Department, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia (A.M., J.I.); Vascular Immunology Group, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., K.R.Y., S.M.L., B.X., A.H.); Nephrology Department (N.S., S.H.), Melanoma Unit (J.F.T.), and Obstetrics Department (R.F.O.), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Surgery, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia (J.F.T.); Anatomical Pathology Department (M.C.K., J.Y.) and Vascular Surgery Department (J.I.), Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia; Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (R.T.); and Centre for Vascular Biology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre, Boston, MA (S.A.K.)
| | - John F Thompson
- From the Medicine Faculty, Western Sydney University and Ingham Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., K.R.Y., S.M.L., J.I., M.C.K., B.X., A.H.); Medicine Faculty, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., M.C.K., J.Y.); Nephrology Department, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia (A.M., J.I.); Vascular Immunology Group, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., K.R.Y., S.M.L., B.X., A.H.); Nephrology Department (N.S., S.H.), Melanoma Unit (J.F.T.), and Obstetrics Department (R.F.O.), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Surgery, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia (J.F.T.); Anatomical Pathology Department (M.C.K., J.Y.) and Vascular Surgery Department (J.I.), Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia; Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (R.T.); and Centre for Vascular Biology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre, Boston, MA (S.A.K.)
| | - Jim Iliopoulos
- From the Medicine Faculty, Western Sydney University and Ingham Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., K.R.Y., S.M.L., J.I., M.C.K., B.X., A.H.); Medicine Faculty, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., M.C.K., J.Y.); Nephrology Department, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia (A.M., J.I.); Vascular Immunology Group, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., K.R.Y., S.M.L., B.X., A.H.); Nephrology Department (N.S., S.H.), Melanoma Unit (J.F.T.), and Obstetrics Department (R.F.O.), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Surgery, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia (J.F.T.); Anatomical Pathology Department (M.C.K., J.Y.) and Vascular Surgery Department (J.I.), Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia; Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (R.T.); and Centre for Vascular Biology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre, Boston, MA (S.A.K.)
| | - Murray C Killingsworth
- From the Medicine Faculty, Western Sydney University and Ingham Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., K.R.Y., S.M.L., J.I., M.C.K., B.X., A.H.); Medicine Faculty, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., M.C.K., J.Y.); Nephrology Department, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia (A.M., J.I.); Vascular Immunology Group, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., K.R.Y., S.M.L., B.X., A.H.); Nephrology Department (N.S., S.H.), Melanoma Unit (J.F.T.), and Obstetrics Department (R.F.O.), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Surgery, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia (J.F.T.); Anatomical Pathology Department (M.C.K., J.Y.) and Vascular Surgery Department (J.I.), Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia; Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (R.T.); and Centre for Vascular Biology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre, Boston, MA (S.A.K.)
| | - Jim Yong
- From the Medicine Faculty, Western Sydney University and Ingham Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., K.R.Y., S.M.L., J.I., M.C.K., B.X., A.H.); Medicine Faculty, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., M.C.K., J.Y.); Nephrology Department, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia (A.M., J.I.); Vascular Immunology Group, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., K.R.Y., S.M.L., B.X., A.H.); Nephrology Department (N.S., S.H.), Melanoma Unit (J.F.T.), and Obstetrics Department (R.F.O.), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Surgery, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia (J.F.T.); Anatomical Pathology Department (M.C.K., J.Y.) and Vascular Surgery Department (J.I.), Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia; Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (R.T.); and Centre for Vascular Biology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre, Boston, MA (S.A.K.)
| | - Bei Xu
- From the Medicine Faculty, Western Sydney University and Ingham Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., K.R.Y., S.M.L., J.I., M.C.K., B.X., A.H.); Medicine Faculty, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., M.C.K., J.Y.); Nephrology Department, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia (A.M., J.I.); Vascular Immunology Group, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., K.R.Y., S.M.L., B.X., A.H.); Nephrology Department (N.S., S.H.), Melanoma Unit (J.F.T.), and Obstetrics Department (R.F.O.), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Surgery, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia (J.F.T.); Anatomical Pathology Department (M.C.K., J.Y.) and Vascular Surgery Department (J.I.), Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia; Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (R.T.); and Centre for Vascular Biology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre, Boston, MA (S.A.K.)
| | - Robert F Ogle
- From the Medicine Faculty, Western Sydney University and Ingham Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., K.R.Y., S.M.L., J.I., M.C.K., B.X., A.H.); Medicine Faculty, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., M.C.K., J.Y.); Nephrology Department, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia (A.M., J.I.); Vascular Immunology Group, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., K.R.Y., S.M.L., B.X., A.H.); Nephrology Department (N.S., S.H.), Melanoma Unit (J.F.T.), and Obstetrics Department (R.F.O.), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Surgery, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia (J.F.T.); Anatomical Pathology Department (M.C.K., J.Y.) and Vascular Surgery Department (J.I.), Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia; Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (R.T.); and Centre for Vascular Biology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre, Boston, MA (S.A.K.)
| | - Ravi Thadhani
- From the Medicine Faculty, Western Sydney University and Ingham Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., K.R.Y., S.M.L., J.I., M.C.K., B.X., A.H.); Medicine Faculty, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., M.C.K., J.Y.); Nephrology Department, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia (A.M., J.I.); Vascular Immunology Group, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., K.R.Y., S.M.L., B.X., A.H.); Nephrology Department (N.S., S.H.), Melanoma Unit (J.F.T.), and Obstetrics Department (R.F.O.), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Surgery, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia (J.F.T.); Anatomical Pathology Department (M.C.K., J.Y.) and Vascular Surgery Department (J.I.), Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia; Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (R.T.); and Centre for Vascular Biology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre, Boston, MA (S.A.K.)
| | - S Ananth Karumanchi
- From the Medicine Faculty, Western Sydney University and Ingham Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., K.R.Y., S.M.L., J.I., M.C.K., B.X., A.H.); Medicine Faculty, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., M.C.K., J.Y.); Nephrology Department, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia (A.M., J.I.); Vascular Immunology Group, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., K.R.Y., S.M.L., B.X., A.H.); Nephrology Department (N.S., S.H.), Melanoma Unit (J.F.T.), and Obstetrics Department (R.F.O.), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Surgery, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia (J.F.T.); Anatomical Pathology Department (M.C.K., J.Y.) and Vascular Surgery Department (J.I.), Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia; Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (R.T.); and Centre for Vascular Biology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre, Boston, MA (S.A.K.)
| | - Annemarie Hennessy
- From the Medicine Faculty, Western Sydney University and Ingham Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., K.R.Y., S.M.L., J.I., M.C.K., B.X., A.H.); Medicine Faculty, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., M.C.K., J.Y.); Nephrology Department, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia (A.M., J.I.); Vascular Immunology Group, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia (A.M., K.R.Y., S.M.L., B.X., A.H.); Nephrology Department (N.S., S.H.), Melanoma Unit (J.F.T.), and Obstetrics Department (R.F.O.), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Surgery, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia (J.F.T.); Anatomical Pathology Department (M.C.K., J.Y.) and Vascular Surgery Department (J.I.), Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia; Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (R.T.); and Centre for Vascular Biology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre, Boston, MA (S.A.K.)
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Khalil A, Maiz N, Garcia-Mandujano R, Penco JM, Nicolaides KH. Longitudinal changes in maternal serum placental growth factor and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 in women at increased risk of pre-eclampsia. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2016; 47:324-331. [PMID: 26387758 DOI: 10.1002/uog.15750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Revised: 09/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate longitudinal changes in maternal serum levels of placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) in pregnant women who develop pre-eclampsia (PE) or gestational hypertension (GH). METHODS This was a prospective longitudinal study in women with singleton pregnancies identified by screening at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation as being at high-risk of PE. Blood samples were taken every 4 weeks until delivery. Values were compared in women who developed preterm PE (requiring delivery before 37 weeks' gestation), term PE or GH and those who remained normotensive. RESULTS A total of 1069 samples were analyzed in 234 women, including 172 who remained normotensive, 18 who developed GH, 22 who developed preterm PE and 22 who developed term PE. In the preterm PE group, compared to the normotensive group, sFlt-1 levels were significantly higher from 15 weeks' gestation onward and the difference increased with gestational age (P < 0.001). In the preterm PE group, compared to the normotensive group, PlGF levels were significantly lower from 11 weeks' gestation onward and the difference increased significantly with gestational age (P < 0.001). Similarly, in the term PE and GH groups, PlGF levels were lower from 13 and 27 weeks onward, respectively, and the differences increased significantly with gestational age (P < 0.001 for both groups). In the preterm PE group, compared to the normotensive group, the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was significantly higher from 11 weeks onward and the difference increased significantly with gestational age (P < 0.001). A random slope model provided a significantly better fit to the data than did a single-level model for sFlt-1 (likelihood ratio (LR) = 516; degrees of freedom (df) = 3; P < 0.001), PlGF (LR = 542; df = 3; P < 0.001) and the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio (LR = 468; df = 3; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Repeat measurements of the biochemical markers used in this study are likely to be better predictors of PE than are measurements at a single time point during pregnancy, as the differences between normotensive and hypertensive pregnancies increase with gestational age. In screening for preterm PE, maternal serum level of PlGF is a useful marker from the first trimester onward, while the level of sFlt-1 is likely to have a predictive value from the second trimester onward. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Khalil
- Department of Fetal Medicine, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - N Maiz
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, BioCruces Health Research Institute, Hospital Universitario Cruces, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barakaldo, Spain
| | - R Garcia-Mandujano
- Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - J M Penco
- Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - K H Nicolaides
- Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, UK
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Kell DB, Kenny LC. A Dormant Microbial Component in the Development of Preeclampsia. Front Med (Lausanne) 2016; 3:60. [PMID: 27965958 PMCID: PMC5126693 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2016.00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a complex, multisystem disorder that remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in pregnancy. Four main classes of dysregulation accompany PE and are widely considered to contribute to its severity. These are abnormal trophoblast invasion of the placenta, anti-angiogenic responses, oxidative stress, and inflammation. What is lacking, however, is an explanation of how these themselves are caused. We here develop the unifying idea, and the considerable evidence for it, that the originating cause of PE (and of the four classes of dysregulation) is, in fact, microbial infection, that most such microbes are dormant and hence resist detection by conventional (replication-dependent) microbiology, and that by occasional resuscitation and growth it is they that are responsible for all the observable sequelae, including the continuing, chronic inflammation. In particular, bacterial products such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), also known as endotoxin, are well known as highly inflammagenic and stimulate an innate (and possibly trained) immune response that exacerbates the inflammation further. The known need of microbes for free iron can explain the iron dysregulation that accompanies PE. We describe the main routes of infection (gut, oral, and urinary tract infection) and the regularly observed presence of microbes in placental and other tissues in PE. Every known proteomic biomarker of "preeclampsia" that we assessed has, in fact, also been shown to be raised in response to infection. An infectious component to PE fulfills the Bradford Hill criteria for ascribing a disease to an environmental cause and suggests a number of treatments, some of which have, in fact, been shown to be successful. PE was classically referred to as endotoxemia or toxemia of pregnancy, and it is ironic that it seems that LPS and other microbial endotoxins really are involved. Overall, the recognition of an infectious component in the etiology of PE mirrors that for ulcers and other diseases that were previously considered to lack one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas B. Kell
- School of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- The Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Centre for Synthetic Biology of Fine and Speciality Chemicals, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- *Correspondence: Douglas B. Kell,
| | - Louise C. Kenny
- The Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research (INFANT), University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Abstract
Our understanding of hypertension during pregnancy and, in particular, preeclampsia has changed dramatically over the last decade. During the last year (2014–2015), several articles published in Hypertension have provided important insights into the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and its related complications.1–38 In addition, Hypertension also published some key research communications that translated important basic science observations into the clinic. Some of these articles are briefly discussed, highlighting their significance to our understanding of the mechanism of the disease, to predict the disease and to treat or prevent hypertension during pregnancy and other preeclampsia-related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ananth Karumanchi
- From the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA (S.A.K.); and Department of Physiology and Biophysics and the Cardiovascular-Renal Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS (J.P.G.)
| | - Joey P Granger
- From the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA (S.A.K.); and Department of Physiology and Biophysics and the Cardiovascular-Renal Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS (J.P.G.).
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Gabbay-Benziv R, Oliveira N, Baschat AA. Optimal first trimester preeclampsia prediction: a comparison of multimarker algorithm, risk profiles and their sequential application. Prenat Diagn 2015; 36:34-9. [DOI: 10.1002/pd.4707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 10/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Gabbay-Benziv
- Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, PetachTikva; Sackler Faculty of Medicine; Tel Aviv University; Tel Aviv Israel
| | - N. Oliveira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Maternidade Dr. Alfredo da Costa; Lisbon Portugal
| | - A. A. Baschat
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics; Johns Hopkins School of Medicine; Baltimore MD United States
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Ornaghi S, Mueller M, Barnea ER, Paidas MJ. Thrombosis during pregnancy: Risks, prevention, and treatment for mother and fetus-harvesting the power of omic technology, biomarkers and in vitro or in vivo models to facilitate the treatment of thrombosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 105:209-25. [DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.21103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ornaghi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; University of Milan-Bicocca; Monza Italy
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences; Yale Women and Children's Center for Blood Disorders and Preeclampsia Advancement, Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven Connecticut
| | - Martin Mueller
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences; Yale Women and Children's Center for Blood Disorders and Preeclampsia Advancement, Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven Connecticut
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; University Hospital Bern; Bern Switzerland
| | - Eytan R. Barnea
- Society for the Investigation of Early Pregnancy; Cherry Hill New Jersey
- BioIncept LLC; Cherry Hill New Jersey
| | - Michael J. Paidas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences; Yale Women and Children's Center for Blood Disorders and Preeclampsia Advancement, Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven Connecticut
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45
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Shi X, Chen P, Liu H, Qiao F, Liu H, Gong X, Li Y, Du H, Liu W, Tang G, Cao J, Wu Y. Decitabine Improves the Clinical Manifestations of Rats With l-NAME-Induced Pre-eclampsia: A Potential Approach to Studying Pre-eclampsia. Hypertens Pregnancy 2015; 34:464-473. [PMID: 26389732 DOI: 10.3109/10641955.2015.1074245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pre-eclampsia is a major cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. Conditions with low oxygen tension are regarded as a key factor. Decitabine can partly attenuate the effects of hypoxia. This research was designed to investigate the effects of decitabine in rats with NG-Nitro-L-arginine Methyl Eater (L-NAME) induced pre-eclampsia and to explore the molecular mechanisms. METHODS A Wistar rat model of pre-eclampsia was established by intraperitoneal injection of L-NAME, and the intervention reagent was decitabine. Blood pressure (BP) and 24-h urinary protein were monitored. The expression of Mammary Serine Protease Inhibitor (SERPINB5, maspin) in the placenta was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting. RESULTS Systolic BP in the tail artery of pregnant rats was increased by more than 30 mm Hg, and 24-h urinary protein was significantly increased after L-NAME was added. After decitabine treatment, blood pressure and 24-h urinary protein were significantly decreased. The expression of SERPINB5 in the placenta significantly increased after L-NAME was added. Decitabine significantly elevated the expression of SERPINB5 in the placenta of rats with L-NAME-induced preeclampsia. CONCLUSION Decitabine reduced 24-h urinary protein and partly decreased blood pressure of pre-eclampsia in late pregnancy in rats with L-NAME-induced pre-eclampsia and increased the expression of SERPINB5, but the molecular mechanism of decitabine's effect remains unknown. This research provided a potential approach to studying the pathogenesis, treatment and prevention of pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinwei Shi
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan , China
| | - Ping Chen
- b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Shenzhen Baoan Maternal and Child Health Hospital , Shenzhen , China
| | - Hao Liu
- c Department of Urology , Wuhan Third Hospital , Guanggu Campus , Wuhan , China
| | - Fuyuan Qiao
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan , China
| | - Haiyi Liu
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan , China
| | - Xun Gong
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan , China
| | - Yuqi Li
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan , China
| | - Hui Du
- d Department of Obstetrics , Hubei Women and Children Hospital , Wuhan , China , and
| | - Wanlu Liu
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan , China
| | - Guiju Tang
- e Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Wuhan Women and Children Medical Care Center , Wuhan , China
| | - Jing Cao
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan , China
| | - Yuanyuan Wu
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan , China
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Oyston CJ, Stanley JL, Baker PN. Potential targets for the treatment of preeclampsia. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2015; 19:1517-30. [DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2015.1088004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Hod T, Cerdeira AS, Karumanchi SA. Molecular Mechanisms of Preeclampsia. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2015; 5:cshperspect.a023473. [PMID: 26292986 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a023473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific disease characterized by new onset hypertension and proteinuria after 20 wk of gestation. It is a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Exciting discoveries in the last decade have contributed to a better understanding of the molecular basis of this disease. Epidemiological, experimental, and therapeutic studies from several laboratories have provided compelling evidence that an antiangiogenic state owing to alterations in circulating angiogenic factors leads to preeclampsia. In this review, we highlight the role of key circulating antiangiogenic factors as pathogenic biomarkers and in the development of novel therapies for preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tammy Hod
- Department of Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02214
| | - Ana Sofia Cerdeira
- Department of Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02214 Gulbenkian Program for Advanced Medical Education, 1067-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - S Ananth Karumanchi
- Department of Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02214 Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815
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From Pre-Clinical Studies to Clinical Trials: Generation of Novel Therapies for Pregnancy Complications. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:12907-24. [PMID: 26062129 PMCID: PMC4490478 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160612907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Revised: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Complications of pregnancy represent a significant disease burden, with both immediate and lasting consequences for mother and baby. Two key pregnancy complications, fetal growth restriction (FGR) and preeclampsia (PE), together affect around 10%–15% of all pregnancies worldwide. Despite this high incidence, there are currently no therapies available to treat these pregnancy disorders. Early delivery remains the only intervention to reduce the risk of severe maternal complications and/or stillbirth of the baby; however early delivery itself is associated with increased risk of neonatal mortality and morbidity. As such, there is a pressing need to develop new and effective treatments that can prevent or treat FGR and PE. Animal models have been essential in identifying and screening potential new therapies in this field. In this review, we address recent progress that has been made in developing therapeutic strategies for pregnancy disorders, some of which are now entering clinical trials.
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49
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Shah DA, Khalil RA. Bioactive factors in uteroplacental and systemic circulation link placental ischemia to generalized vascular dysfunction in hypertensive pregnancy and preeclampsia. Biochem Pharmacol 2015; 95:211-26. [PMID: 25916268 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2015.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-associated disorder characterized by hypertension, and could lead to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality; however, the pathophysiological mechanisms involved are unclear. Predisposing demographic, genetic and environmental risk factors could cause localized abnormalities in uteroplacental cytoactive factors such as integrins, matrix metalloproteinases, cytokines and major histocompatibility complex molecules leading to decreased vascular remodeling, uteroplacental vasoconstriction, trophoblast cells apoptosis, and abnormal development of the placenta. Defective placentation and decreased trophoblast invasion of the myometrium cause reduction in uteroplacental perfusion pressure (RUPP) and placental ischemia/hypoxia, an important event in preeclampsia. RUPP could stimulate the release of circulating bioactive factors such as the anti-angiogenic factors soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and soluble endoglin that cause imbalance with the pro-angiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor and placental growth factor, or cause the release of inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species, hypoxia-induced factor-1 and AT1 angiotensin receptor agonistic autoantibodies. The circulating bioactive factors target endothelial cells causing generalized endotheliosis, endothelial dysfunction, decreased vasodilators such as nitric oxide and prostacyclin and increased vasoconstrictors such as endothelin-1 and thromboxane A2, leading to increased vasoconstriction. The bioactive factors also stimulate the mechanisms of VSM contraction including Ca(2+), protein kinase C, and Rho-kinase and induce extracellular matrix remodeling leading to further vasoconstriction and hypertension. While therapeutic options are currently limited, understanding the underlying mechanisms could help design new interventions for management of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dania A Shah
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratory, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Raouf A Khalil
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratory, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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50
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Chaiworapongsa T, Romero R, Korzeniewski SJ, Chaemsaithong P, Hernandez-Andrade E, Segars JH, DeCherney AH, McCoy MC, Kim CJ, Yeo L, Hassan SS. Pravastatin to prevent recurrent fetal death in massive perivillous fibrin deposition of the placenta (MPFD). J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2015; 29:855-62. [PMID: 25893545 DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2015.1022864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Massive perivillous fibrin deposition of the placenta (MPFD) or maternal floor infarction (MFI) is a serious condition associated with recurrent complications including fetal death and severe fetal growth restriction. There is no method to evaluate the risk of adverse outcome in subsequent pregnancies, or effective prevention. Recent observations suggest that MFI is characterized by an imbalance in angiogenic/anti-angiogenic factors in early pregnancy; therefore, determination of these biomarkers may identify the patient at risk for recurrence. We report the case of a pregnant woman with a history of four consecutive pregnancy losses, the last of which was affected by MFI. Abnormalities of the anti-angiogenic factor, sVEGFR-1, and soluble endoglin (sEng) were detected early in the index pregnancy, and treatment with pravastatin corrected the abnormalities. Treatment resulted in a live birth infant at 34 weeks of gestation who had normal biometric parameters and developmental milestones at the age of 2. This is the first reported successful use of pravastatin to reverse an angiogenic/anti-angiogenic imbalance and prevent fetal death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinnakorn Chaiworapongsa
- a Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD and Detroit , MI , USA .,b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Wayne State University , Detroit , MI , USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- a Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD and Detroit , MI , USA .,c Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA .,d Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics , Michigan State University , East Lansing , MI , USA .,e Department of Molecular Obstetrics and Genetics , Wayne State University , Detroit , MI , USA
| | - Steven J Korzeniewski
- a Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD and Detroit , MI , USA .,b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Wayne State University , Detroit , MI , USA .,d Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics , Michigan State University , East Lansing , MI , USA
| | - Piya Chaemsaithong
- a Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD and Detroit , MI , USA .,b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Wayne State University , Detroit , MI , USA
| | - Edgar Hernandez-Andrade
- a Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD and Detroit , MI , USA .,b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Wayne State University , Detroit , MI , USA
| | - James H Segars
- f Program in Reproductive and Adult Endocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Alan H DeCherney
- f Program in Reproductive and Adult Endocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - M Cathleen McCoy
- g Perinatal Unit , Winchester Obstetrics and Gynecology, Winchester Medical Center , Winchester , VA , USA , and
| | - Chong Jai Kim
- a Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD and Detroit , MI , USA .,h Department of Pathology , University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center , Seoul , Korea
| | - Lami Yeo
- a Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD and Detroit , MI , USA .,b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Wayne State University , Detroit , MI , USA
| | - Sonia S Hassan
- a Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD and Detroit , MI , USA .,b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Wayne State University , Detroit , MI , USA
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