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Zhu L, Chen S, Dai X. CTRP9 alleviates hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced human placental vascular endothelial cells impairment and mitochondrial dysfunction through activating AMPK/Nrf2 signaling. Tissue Cell 2023; 85:102217. [PMID: 37774521 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2023.102217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is associated with significant maternal and fetal mortality. The present study is aimed at exploring the molecular mechanism of C1q/TNF-related protein 9 (CTRP9) in PIH. METHODS Human placental vascular endothelial cells (HPVECs) underwent hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) to construct an in vitro PIH cellular model. Cell transfection was conducted to over-express CTRP9. The expression level of CTRP9 was determined by western blot and quantitative real-time PCR. CCK-8, flow cytometry, wound-healing and tube formation assays were conducted to assess cell viability, apoptosis, migration and angiogenesis, respectively. Mitochondrial membrane potential (∆ψm) was evaluated adopting JC-1 staining. Mitochondrial ROS and copy number (mtDNA) were examined using superoxide indicator and real-time PCR, respectively. Then, HPVECs were pre-treated with Compound C (CC), the inhibitor of AMPK, for regulatory mechanism research. RESULTS CTRP9 was downregulated in HPVECs exposed to H/R induction. CTRP9 overexpression retards H/R-mediated cell viability loss and apoptosis, impaired migration and angiogenesis of HPVECs. Meanwhile, CTRP9 overexpression alleviates H/R-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction in HPVECs by enhancing mitochondrial ∆ψm, reducing mitochondrial ROS generation and increasing mtDNA copies. In addition, CTRP9 activated AMPK/Nrf2 signaling in H/R-mediated HPVECs, and additional treatment of CC greatly weakened the functional effects of CTRP9 in H/R-mediated HPVECs. CONCLUSION Our results suggested that CTRP9 protected against H/R-mediated HPVECs injuries dependent on AMPK/Nrf2 signaling and could be applied as a potential therapy for PIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhu
- Department of Nursing, Shandong College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yantai, Shandong 264199, China
| | - Shaolei Chen
- Department of Nursing, Shandong College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yantai, Shandong 264199, China
| | - Xulei Dai
- Department of Medical Technology, Xingtai Medical College, Xingtai, Hebei 054000, China.
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Abascal-Saiz A, Duque-Alcorta M, Fioravantti V, Antolín E, Fuente-Luelmo E, Haro M, Ramos-Álvarez MP, Perdomo G, Bartha JL. The Relationship between Angiogenic Factors and Energy Metabolism in Preeclampsia. Nutrients 2022; 14:2172. [PMID: 35631313 PMCID: PMC9145768 DOI: 10.3390/nu14102172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiangiogenic factors are currently used for the prediction of preeclampsia. The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between antiangiogenic factors and lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in maternal plasma and placenta. We analyzed 56 pregnant women, 30 healthy and 26 with preeclampsia (including early and late onset). We compared antiangiogenic factors soluble Fms-like Tyrosine Kinase-1 (sfLt-1), placental growth factor (PlGF), and soluble endoglin (sEng)), lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in maternal plasma, and lipid metabolism in the placenta from assays of fatty acid oxidation, fatty acid esterification, and triglyceride levels in all groups. Antiangiogenic factors sFlt-1, sFlt-1/PlGF ratio, and sEng showed a positive correlation with triglyceride, free fatty acid, and C-peptide maternal serum levels. However, there was no relationship between angiogenic factors and placental lipid metabolism parameters. Free fatty acids were predictive of elevated sFlt-1 and sEng, while C-peptide was predictive of an elevated sFlt1/PlGF ratio. The findings in this study generate a model to predict elevated antiangiogenic factor values and the relationship between them with different products of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in maternal serum and placenta in preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Abascal-Saiz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, La Paz University Hospital, Paseo de la Castellana 261, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (A.A.-S.); (E.A.)
| | - Marta Duque-Alcorta
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, La Paz University Hospital, 28046 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Victoria Fioravantti
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesus, 28009 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Eugenia Antolín
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, La Paz University Hospital, Paseo de la Castellana 261, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (A.A.-S.); (E.A.)
| | - Eva Fuente-Luelmo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, CEU-San Pablo University, 28668 Madrid, Spain; (E.F.-L.); (M.H.); (M.P.R.-Á.)
| | - María Haro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, CEU-San Pablo University, 28668 Madrid, Spain; (E.F.-L.); (M.H.); (M.P.R.-Á.)
| | - María P. Ramos-Álvarez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, CEU-San Pablo University, 28668 Madrid, Spain; (E.F.-L.); (M.H.); (M.P.R.-Á.)
| | - Germán Perdomo
- Unidad de Excelencia Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, University of Valladolid-CSIC, 47003 Valladolid, Spain;
| | - José L. Bartha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, La Paz University Hospital, Paseo de la Castellana 261, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (A.A.-S.); (E.A.)
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3
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Hufnagel A, Fernandez-Twinn DS, Blackmore HL, Ashmore TJ, Heaton RA, Jenkins B, Koulman A, Hargreaves IP, Aiken CE, Ozanne SE. Maternal but not fetoplacental health can be improved by metformin in a murine diet-induced model of maternal obesity and glucose intolerance. J Physiol 2022; 600:903-919. [PMID: 34505282 PMCID: PMC7612651 DOI: 10.1113/jp281902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal obesity is a global problem that increases the risk of short- and long-term adverse outcomes for mother and child, many of which are linked to gestational diabetes mellitus. Effective treatments are essential to prevent the transmission of poor metabolic health from mother to child. Metformin is an effective glucose lowering drug commonly used to treat gestational diabetes mellitus; however, its wider effects on maternal and fetal health are poorly explored. In this study we used a mouse (C57Bl6/J) model of diet-induced (high sugar/high fat) maternal obesity to explore the impact of metformin on maternal and feto-placental health. Metformin (300 mg kg-1 day-1 ) was given to obese females via the diet and was shown to achieve clinically relevant concentrations in maternal serum (1669 ± 568 nM in late pregnancy). Obese dams developed glucose intolerance during pregnancy and had reduced uterine artery compliance. Metformin treatment of obese dams improved maternal glucose tolerance, reduced maternal fat mass and restored uterine artery function. Placental efficiency was reduced in obese dams, with increased calcification and reduced labyrinthine area. Consequently, fetuses from obese dams weighed less (P < 0.001) at the end of gestation. Despite normalisation of maternal parameters, metformin did not correct placental structure or fetal growth restriction. Metformin levels were substantial in the placenta and fetal circulation (109.7 ± 125.4 nmol g-1 in the placenta and 2063 ± 2327 nM in fetal plasma). These findings reveal the distinct effects of metformin administration during pregnancy on mother and fetus and highlight the complex balance of risk vs. benefits that are weighed in obstetric medical treatments. KEY POINTS: Maternal obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus have detrimental short- and long-term effects for mother and child. Metformin is commonly used to treat gestational diabetes mellitus in many populations worldwide but the effects on fetus and placenta are unknown. In a mouse model of diet-induced obesity and glucose intolerance in pregnancy we show reduced uterine artery compliance, placental structural changes and reduced fetal growth. Metformin treatment improved maternal metabolic health and uterine artery compliance but did not rescue obesity-induced changes in the fetus or placenta. Metformin crossed the placenta into the fetal circulation and entered fetal tissue. Metformin has beneficial effects on maternal health beyond glycaemic control. However, despite improvements in maternal physiology, metformin did not prevent fetal growth restriction or placental ageing. The high uptake of metformin into the placental and fetal circulation highlights the potential for direct immediate effects of metformin on the fetus with possible long-term consequences postnatally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Hufnagel
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Level 4, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom, CB22 0QQ
| | - Denise S Fernandez-Twinn
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Level 4, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom, CB22 0QQ
| | - Heather L Blackmore
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Level 4, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom, CB22 0QQ
| | - Thomas J Ashmore
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Level 4, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom, CB22 0QQ
| | - Robert A Heaton
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Benjamin Jenkins
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Level 4, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom, CB22 0QQ
| | - Albert Koulman
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Level 4, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom, CB22 0QQ
| | - Iain P Hargreaves
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Catherine E Aiken
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Susan E Ozanne
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Level 4, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom, CB22 0QQ
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4
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Pascual-Morena C, Cavero-Redondo I, Álvarez-Bueno C, Lucerón-Lucas-Torres M, Sanabria-Martínez G, Poyatos-León R, Rodríguez-Martín B, Martínez-Vizcaíno V. Exercise versus Metformin to Improve Pregnancy Outcomes among Overweight Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10163490. [PMID: 34441786 PMCID: PMC8397096 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10163490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Being overweight is associated with pregnancy-related disorders such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), and excessive maternal weight gain (MWG). Exercise and metformin reduce the risk of these disorders. This network meta-analysis (NMA) aims to compare the effect of metformin and different types of exercise (aerobic, resistance and combined) on the risk of GDM, HDP, and MWG among overweight/obese pregnant women. Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to June 2021. Meta-analyses and NMAs were performed. Sixteen randomized controlled trials were included. In the NMA, aerobic exercise showed an effect on GDM (RR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.26, 0.97), and metformin a reduction in MWG (MWG = -2.93 kg, 95% CI = -4.98, -0.87). No intervention showed any effect on the reduction of HDP. Our study suggests that aerobic exercise may have the greatest effect in reducing the risk of GDM, and perhaps, the MWG. Strategies should be developed to increase adherence to this type of intervention among overweight women without contraindications. Although metformin could reduce MWG, medicalization of pregnancy in healthy women is not justified with the present results. More research is needed on the effect of the intensity and frequency of exercise sessions and the length of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Pascual-Morena
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla—La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain; (C.P.-M.); (C.Á.-B.); (M.L.-L.-T.); (G.S.-M.); (R.P.-L.); (B.R.-M.); (V.M.-V.)
| | - Iván Cavero-Redondo
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla—La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain; (C.P.-M.); (C.Á.-B.); (M.L.-L.-T.); (G.S.-M.); (R.P.-L.); (B.R.-M.); (V.M.-V.)
- Rehabilitation in Health Research Center (CIRES), Universidad de las Américas, Santiago 72819, Chile
- Correspondence:
| | - Celia Álvarez-Bueno
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla—La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain; (C.P.-M.); (C.Á.-B.); (M.L.-L.-T.); (G.S.-M.); (R.P.-L.); (B.R.-M.); (V.M.-V.)
- Universidad Politécnica y Artística del Paraguay, Asunción 001518, Paraguay
| | - Maribel Lucerón-Lucas-Torres
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla—La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain; (C.P.-M.); (C.Á.-B.); (M.L.-L.-T.); (G.S.-M.); (R.P.-L.); (B.R.-M.); (V.M.-V.)
| | - Gema Sanabria-Martínez
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla—La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain; (C.P.-M.); (C.Á.-B.); (M.L.-L.-T.); (G.S.-M.); (R.P.-L.); (B.R.-M.); (V.M.-V.)
| | - Raquel Poyatos-León
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla—La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain; (C.P.-M.); (C.Á.-B.); (M.L.-L.-T.); (G.S.-M.); (R.P.-L.); (B.R.-M.); (V.M.-V.)
| | - Beatriz Rodríguez-Martín
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla—La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain; (C.P.-M.); (C.Á.-B.); (M.L.-L.-T.); (G.S.-M.); (R.P.-L.); (B.R.-M.); (V.M.-V.)
| | - Vicente Martínez-Vizcaíno
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla—La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain; (C.P.-M.); (C.Á.-B.); (M.L.-L.-T.); (G.S.-M.); (R.P.-L.); (B.R.-M.); (V.M.-V.)
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca 3460000, Chile
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Poniedziałek-Czajkowska E, Mierzyński R, Dłuski D, Leszczyńska-Gorzelak B. Prevention of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy-Is There a Place for Metformin? J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10132805. [PMID: 34202343 PMCID: PMC8268471 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10132805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The possibility of prophylaxis of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) such as preeclampsia (PE) and pregnancy-induced hypertension is of interest due to the unpredictable course of these diseases and the risks they carry for both mother and fetus. It has been proven that their development is associated with the presence of the placenta, and the processes that initiate it begin at the time of the abnormal invasion of the trophoblast in early pregnancy. The ideal HDP prophylaxis should alleviate the influence of risk factors and, at the same time, promote physiological trophoblast invasion and maintain the physiologic endothelium function without any harm to both mother and fetus. So far, aspirin is the only effective and recommended pharmacological agent for the prevention of HDPs in high-risk groups. Metformin is a hypoglycemic drug with a proven protective effect on the cardiovascular system. Respecting the anti-inflammatory properties of metformin and its favorable impact on the endothelium, it seems to be an interesting option for HDP prophylaxis. The results of previous studies on such use of metformin are ambiguous, although they indicate that in a certain group of pregnant women, it might be effective in preventing hypertensive complications. The aim of this study is to present the possibility of metformin in the prevention of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy with respect to its impact on the pathogenic elements of development
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6
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Administration of recombinant human placental growth factor decreases blood pressure in obese hypertensive pregnant rats. J Hypertens 2021; 38:2295-2304. [PMID: 32618892 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000002528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although epidemiological studies have shown that obesity is associated with increased incidence of hypertension during pregnancy, the mechanisms linking these two comorbidities are not as well studied. Previous investigations detected lower levels of the anti-hypertensive and pregnancy-related factor, placental growth factor (PlGF), in obese hypertensive pregnancies. Therefore, we examined whether obese hypertensive pregnant rats have reduced PlGF and whether increasing its levels by administering recombinant human (rh)PlGF reduces their blood pressure. METHODS We utilized a genetic model of obesity characterized to be heavier, hypertensive and fertile, namely rats having heterozygous deficiency of the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R-def). RESULTS MC4R-def obese rats had lower circulating levels of PlGF than wild-type lean controls at gestational day 19. Also, assessment of the PlGF receptor, Flt-1, in the vasculature showed that its levels were reduced in aorta and kidney glomeruli but increased in small mesenteric arteries. Chronic intraperitoneal administration of rhPlGF from gestational day 13-19 significantly increased circulating PlGF levels in both obese and lean rats, but reduced blood pressure only in the obese pregnant group. The rhPlGF treatment did not alter maternal body and fat masses or circulating levels of the adipokines, leptin and adiponectin. In addition, this treatment did not impact average foetal weights but increased placental weights regardless of obese or lean pregnancy. CONCLUSION PlGF is reduced in MC4R-def obese hypertensive pregnant rats, which is similar to findings in obese hypertensive pregnant women, while increasing its levels with exogenous rhPlGF reduces their blood pressure.
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Ren Y, Luo H. Metformin: The next angiogenesis panacea? SAGE Open Med 2021; 9:20503121211001641. [PMID: 33796300 PMCID: PMC7970164 DOI: 10.1177/20503121211001641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis, the development of new blood vessels from existing ones, is
a critical process in wound healing and skeletal muscle hypertrophy.
It also leads to pathological conditions such as retinopathy and tumor
genesis. Metformin, the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetic
mellitus, has a specific regulatory effect on the process of
angiogenesis. Anti-angiogenesis can inhibit the occurrence and
metastasis of tumors and alleviate patients’ symptoms with polycystic
ovary syndrome. Moreover, promoting angiogenesis effect can accelerate
wound healing and promote stroke recovery and limb ischemia
reconstruction. This review reorganizes metformin in angiogenesis, and
the underlying mechanism in alleviating disease to bring some
inspiration to relevant researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ren
- Department of Pharmacy, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Hua Luo
- Department of Orthopaedics, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, China
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Anness AR, Baldo A, Webb DR, Khalil A, Robinson TG, Mousa HA. Effect of metformin on biomarkers of placental- mediated disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Placenta 2021; 107:51-58. [PMID: 33798839 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Metformin reduces the incidence of placental-mediated disease (PMD) in pregnancies with and without diabetes, but the mechanism through which it exerts these effects is not yet fully understood. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the effect of metformin on biomarkers implicated in the pathogenesis of PMD. We searched Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library for studies of metformin and biomarkers of PMD in pregnancy. Meta-analysis was undertaken where comparable data were obtained from two or more studies. 12 studies were included in the final review. Meta-analysis of 2 studies including 323 pregnant women showed significantly reduced CRP levels following treatment with metformin compared to placebo [mean difference = -1.72, 95% CI (-2.97; -0.48); p = 0.007]. Metformin exposure was also associated with decreased levels of the inflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL-1a, IL-1b and IL-6 in serum, placenta and omental tissue taken from pregnant women. Metformin significantly decreased the release of anti-angiogenic factors sFlt-1 and sEng from ex-vivo placental and umbilical vein tissue, and increased maternal serum levels of non-phosphorylated IGFBP-1. Overall, our findings show that metformin mediates several molecular pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth retardation. Metformin therefore has exciting potential as a therapeutic, as well as preventative, agent in the treatment of PMD, which warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David R Webb
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, UK
| | - Asma Khalil
- St. George's University Hospital (University of London), UK
| | | | - Hatem A Mousa
- University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
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9
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Tejera E, Pérez-Castillo Y, Chamorro A, Cabrera-Andrade A, Sanchez ME. A Multi-Objective Approach for Drug Repurposing in Preeclampsia. Molecules 2021; 26:777. [PMID: 33546161 PMCID: PMC7913128 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26040777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder that occurs during pregnancy. It is a complex disease with unknown pathogenesis and the leading cause of fetal and maternal mortality during pregnancy. Using all drugs currently under clinical trial for preeclampsia, we extracted all their possible targets from the DrugBank and ChEMBL databases and labeled them as "targets". The proteins labeled as "off-targets" were extracted in the same way but while taking all antihypertensive drugs which are inhibitors of ACE and/or angiotensin receptor antagonist as query molecules. Classification models were obtained for each of the 55 total proteins (45 targets and 10 off-targets) using the TPOT pipeline optimization tool. The average accuracy of the models in predicting the external dataset for targets and off-targets was 0.830 and 0.850, respectively. The combinations of models maximizing their virtual screening performance were explored by combining the desirability function and genetic algorithms. The virtual screening performance metrics for the best model were: the Boltzmann-Enhanced Discrimination of ROC (BEDROC)α=160.9 = 0.258, the Enrichment Factor (EF)1% = 31.55 and the Area Under the Accumulation Curve (AUAC) = 0.831. The most relevant targets for preeclampsia were: AR, VDR, SLC6A2, NOS3 and CHRM4, while ABCG2, ERBB2, CES1 and REN led to the most relevant off-targets. A virtual screening of the DrugBank database identified estradiol, estriol, vitamins E and D, lynestrenol, mifrepristone, simvastatin, ambroxol, and some antibiotics and antiparasitics as drugs with potential application in the treatment of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Tejera
- Grupo de Bio-Quimioinformática, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170513, Ecuador;
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170513, Ecuador; (A.C.); (M.E.S.)
| | - Yunierkis Pérez-Castillo
- Grupo de Bio-Quimioinformática, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170513, Ecuador;
- Escuela de Ciencias Físicas y Matemáticas, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170513, Ecuador
| | - Andrea Chamorro
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170513, Ecuador; (A.C.); (M.E.S.)
| | - Alejandro Cabrera-Andrade
- Grupo de Bio-Quimioinformática, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170513, Ecuador;
- Carrera de Enfermería, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170513, Ecuador
| | - Maria Eugenia Sanchez
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170513, Ecuador; (A.C.); (M.E.S.)
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Zhang Y, Liu X, Yang L, Zou L. Current Researches, Rationale, Plausibility, and Evidence Gaps on Metformin for the Management of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:596145. [PMID: 33381040 PMCID: PMC7768035 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.596145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are a group of morbid pregnancy complications, with preeclampsia (PE) being the most common subclassification among them. PE affects 2%–8% of pregnancies globally and threatens maternal and fetal health seriously. However, the only effective treatment of PE to date is the timely termination of pregnancy, albeit with increased perinatal risks. Hence, more emerging therapies for PE management are in urgent need. Originally introduced as the first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus, metformin (MET) has now been found in clinical trials to significantly reduce the incidence of gestational hypertension and PE in pregnant women with PE-related risks, including but not limited to pregestational diabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes mellitus, polycystic ovary syndrome, or obesity. Additionally, existing clinical data have preliminarily ensured the safety of taking MET during human pregnancies. Relevant lab studies have indicated that the underlying mechanism includes angiogenesis promotion, endothelial protection, anti-inflammatory effects, and particularly protective effects on trophoblast cells against the risk factors, which are beneficial to placental development. Together with its global availability, easy administration, and low cost, MET is expected to be a promising option for the prevention and treatment of PE. Nevertheless, there are still some limitations in current studies, and the design of the relevant research scheme is supposed to be further improved in the future. Herein, we summarize the relevant clinical and experimental researches to discuss the rationale, safety, and feasibility of MET for the management of HDP. At the end of the article, gaps in current researches are proposed. Concretely, experimental MET concentration and PE models should be chosen cautiously. Besides, the clinical trial protocol should be further optimized to evaluate the reduction in the prevalence of PE as a primary endpoint. All of those evidence gaps may be of guiding significance to improve the design of relevant experiments and clinical trials in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoxia Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Virtanen A, Huttala O, Tihtonen K, Toimela T, Heinonen T, Laivuori H, Uotila J. Therapeutic doses of metformin do not have impact on angiogenesis in presence of sera from pre-eclamptic, IUGR and healthy pregnancies. Pregnancy Hypertens 2020; 22:7-13. [PMID: 32682321 DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2020.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that metformin may prevent pre-eclampsia by reverting the angiogenic imbalance in maternal sera. In this study, we investigated effect of metformin on angiogenesis by quantifying tubule formation in a human-based in vitro test with co-culture of human adipose stromal cell (hASC) and human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC). A total of 20 pregnant women were recruited in the study. Serum samples were obtained from women with early- and late-onset pre-eclampsia and from women with pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) without pre-eclampsia (N = 5 in each of the three groups). Serum samples from women with healthy pregnancies served as controls (N = 5). The direct effect of metformin on angiogenesis was first assessed without maternal sera. Secondly, we investigated the impact of metformin on angiogenesis in the present of maternal sera. Metformin was used at 5, 50 and 600 µg/ml concentrations. Angiogenic and inflammatory biomarkers in maternal sera were analyzed by immunoassays. When the direct effect of metformin was studied, the two lowest concentrations of metformin did not affect tubule formation (angiogenesis), but the highest concentration inhibited angiogenesis. When metformin was supplemented at therapeutic concentrations of 5 and 50 µg/ml along with serum samples, there was no change in tubule formation in comparison to maternal sera alone. However, strong inhibitory effect on tubule formation was observed in all groups with the highest, non-therapeutic (600 µg/ml), concentration of metformin.
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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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