1
|
Lv W, Xie H, Wu S, Dong J, Jia Y, Ying H. Identification of key metabolism-related genes and pathways in spontaneous preterm birth: combining bioinformatic analysis and machine learning. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1440436. [PMID: 39229380 PMCID: PMC11368757 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1440436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) is a global disease that is a leading cause of death in neonates and children younger than 5 years of age. However, the etiology of sPTB remains poorly understood. Recent evidence has shown a strong association between metabolic disorders and sPTB. To determine the metabolic alterations in sPTB patients, we used various bioinformatics methods to analyze the abnormal changes in metabolic pathways in the preterm placenta via existing datasets. Methods In this study, we integrated two datasets (GSE203507 and GSE174415) from the NCBI GEO database for the following analysis. We utilized the "Deseq2" R package and WGCNA for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis; the identified DEGs were subsequently compared with metabolism-related genes. To identify the altered metabolism-related pathways and hub genes in sPTB patients, we performed multiple functional enrichment analysis and applied three machine learning algorithms, LASSO, SVM-RFE, and RF, with the hub genes that were verified by immunohistochemistry. Additionally, we conducted single-sample gene set enrichment analysis to assess immune infiltration in the placenta. Results We identified 228 sPTB-related DEGs that were enriched in pathways such as arachidonic acid and glutathione metabolism. A total of 3 metabolism-related hub genes, namely, ANPEP, CKMT1B, and PLA2G4A, were identified and validated in external datasets and experiments. A nomogram model was developed and evaluated with 3 hub genes; the model could reliably distinguish sPTB patients and term labor patients with an area under the curve (AUC) > 0.75 for both the training and validation sets. Immune infiltration analysis revealed immune dysregulation in sPTB patients. Conclusion Three potential hub genes that influence the occurrence of sPTB through shadow participation in placental metabolism were identified; these results provide a new perspective for the development and targeting of treatments for sPTB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenqi Lv
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Han Xie
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengyu Wu
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaqi Dong
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanhui Jia
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai, sChina
| | - Hao Ying
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai, sChina
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Marinelli S, Cucinella G, Basile G. COVID-19 and female fertility: the flaws of Italian Law 40/2004 on assisted procreation in pandemic times. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2022; 93:e2022316. [PMID: 36300206 PMCID: PMC9686175 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v93i5.13765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM SARS-CoV-2 has infected over 614 million people worldwide, killing more than 6.5 million. COVID-19 impact on fertility may have far-reaching ramifications, considering that only in Italy, over 20 million people have been infected, many more considering unconfirmed cases. METHODS The authors aimed to outline the repercussions of COVID-19 on female reproductive capabilities, through an analysis of underlying mechanisms and dynamics liable to cause long-term COVID-19 complications and sequelae, including direct virus-induced tissue damage. RESULTS The entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2, Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) can be found in several tissues and organs within the human body, including ovaries, oocytes and placenta. In order to assess the fertility-damaging potential of the disease, it is necessary to clarify highly complex mechanisms such as the ovarian renin-angiotensin system (OVRAS) affecting ovarian physiology and dysfunction. COVID-19 and its potential to undermine the fertility prospects of millions cannot be underestimated. It is therefore essential for lawmakers to solve inconsistencies such as those in Italy's Law 40/2004, which has been all but dismantled by Constitutional Court and European Court of Human Rights rulings, and cannot therefore offer a sufficient degree of certainty and reliability. CONCLUSIONS When crafting novel, updated standards, norms and regulations to govern access to medically-assisted procreation, national leaders need to take into account the grave threat to fertility in a country such as Italy, which already has one of the world's lowest birth rates, posed by COVID-19 in light of currently available research findings outlining its impact on reproductive capacity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gaspare Cucinella
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IVF UNIT Villa Sofia Cervello Hospital, University of Palermo, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a serious respiratory disease mediated by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The worldwide spread of COVID-19 has caused millions of confirmed cases and morbidity, and the crisis has greatly affected global economy and daily life and changed our attitudes towards life. The reproductive system, as a potential target, is at a high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and females are more vulnerable to viral infection compared with males. Therefore, female fertility and associated reproductive health care in the COVID-19 era need more attention. This review summarises the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the female reproductive system and discusses the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on female fertility. Studies have proven that COVID-19 might affect female fertility and interfere with assisted reproductive technology procedures. The side effects of vaccines against the virus on ovarian reserve and pregnancy have not yet been well investigated. In the future, the female fertility after SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination needs more attention because of the uncertainty of COVID-19.
Collapse
|
4
|
Kreis NN, Ritter A, Louwen F, Yuan J. A Message from the Human Placenta: Structural and Immunomodulatory Defense against SARS-CoV-2. Cells 2020; 9:E1777. [PMID: 32722449 PMCID: PMC7465902 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a global public health crisis. Viral infections may predispose pregnant women to a higher rate of pregnancy complications, including preterm births, miscarriage, and stillbirth. Despite reports of neonatal COVID-19, definitive proof of vertical transmission is still lacking. In this review, we summarize studies regarding the potential evidence for transplacental transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), characterize the expression of its receptors and proteases, describe the placental pathology and analyze virus-host interactions at the maternal-fetal interface. We focus on the syncytium, the barrier between mother and fetus, and describe in detail its physical and structural defense against viral infections. We further discuss the potential molecular mechanisms, whereby the placenta serves as a defense front against pathogens by regulating the interferon type III signaling, microRNA-triggered autophagy and the nuclear factor-κB pathway. Based on these data, we conclude that vertical transmission may occur but rare, ascribed to the potent physical barrier, the fine-regulated placental immune defense and modulation strategies. Particularly, immunomodulatory mechanisms employed by the placenta may mitigate violent immune response, maybe soften cytokine storm tightly associated with severely ill COVID-19 patients, possibly minimizing cell and tissue damages, and potentially reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina-Naomi Kreis
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (A.R.); (F.L.)
| | | | | | - Juping Yuan
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (A.R.); (F.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jing Y, Run-Qian L, Hao-Ran W, Hao-Ran C, Ya-Bin L, Yang G, Fei C. Potential influence of COVID-19/ACE2 on the female reproductive system. Mol Hum Reprod 2020; 26:367-373. [PMID: 32365180 PMCID: PMC7239105 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) appeared in December 2019 and then spread throughout the world rapidly. The virus invades the target cell by binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 2 and modulates the expression of ACE2 in host cells. ACE2, a pivotal component of the renin-angiotensin system, exerts its physiological functions by modulating the levels of angiotensin II (Ang II) and Ang-(1-7). We reviewed the literature that reported the distribution and function of ACE2 in the female reproductive system, hoping to clarify the potential harm of 2019-nCoV to female fertility. The available evidence suggests that ACE2 is widely expressed in the ovary, uterus, vagina and placenta. Therefore, we believe that apart from droplets and contact transmission, the possibility of mother-to-child and sexual transmission also exists. Ang II, ACE2 and Ang-(1-7) regulate follicle development and ovulation, modulate luteal angiogenesis and degeneration, and also influence the regular changes in endometrial tissue and embryo development. Taking these functions into account, 2019-nCoV may disturb the female reproductive functions through regulating ACE2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Jing
- Department of Physiology, Jining Medical University, 272067 Jining, China
| | - Li Run-Qian
- Department of Physiology, Jining Medical University, 272067 Jining, China
| | - Wang Hao-Ran
- Department of Physiology, Jining Medical University, 272067 Jining, China
| | - Chen Hao-Ran
- Department of Physiology, Jining Medical University, 272067 Jining, China
| | - Liu Ya-Bin
- Department of Physiology, Jining Medical University, 272067 Jining, China
| | - Gao Yang
- Department of Physiology, Jining Medical University, 272067 Jining, China
| | - Chen Fei
- Department of Physiology, Jining Medical University, 272067 Jining, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mata-Greenwood E, Blood AB, Sands LD, Bragg SL, Xiao D, Zhang L. A novel rodent model of pregnancy complications associated with genetically determined angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2018; 315:E52-E62. [PMID: 29360395 PMCID: PMC6087725 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00289.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Brown Norway (BN) and Lewis (LW) inbred rat strains harbor different angiotensin-converting enzyme ( Ace) polymorphisms that result in higher ACE activity in BN than LW rats. Thus we hypothesized that pregnant BN rats would show pregnancy complications linked to angiotensin II (AII) activity. We performed longitudinal and cross-sectional studies in pregnant LW and BN rats. We found that BN rats have significantly higher ACE activity and AII levels at prepregnancy and throughout pregnancy compared with LW rats, except at midgestation. BN placentas and maternal kidneys had significantly higher expression of AII receptor 1 (AGTR1) and lower expression of AGTR2 than the respective LW placentas and maternal kidneys. Renin-angiotensin system activation in BN rats correlated with hypertension and proteinuria at gestational days 17-21, which were resolved after delivery. In addition, BN rat pregnancies were characterized by significant fetal loss, restricted growth in surviving fetuses, decreased uteroplacental blood flows, and decreased trophoblast remodeling of uterine arteries compared with LW pregnancies. Short-term losartan treatment significantly increased uteroplacental blood flow and fetal weight and decreased maternal blood pressure (BP) and proteinuria in BN pregnancies. In contrast, losartan treatment significantly decreased uteroplacental blood flow and fetal weight but had no significant effect on maternal BP in LW pregnancies. We conclude that Ace polymorphisms play an important role in the reproductive phenotype of BN and LW rats and that BN rats are a novel model of pregnancy complications in association with genetically controlled, increased ACE activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Mata-Greenwood
- Lawrence D. Longo MD Center for Perinatal Biology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University , Loma Linda, California
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University , Loma Linda, California
| | - Arlin B Blood
- Lawrence D. Longo MD Center for Perinatal Biology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University , Loma Linda, California
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University , Loma Linda, California
| | - LeeAnna D Sands
- Lawrence D. Longo MD Center for Perinatal Biology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University , Loma Linda, California
| | - Shannon L Bragg
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University , Loma Linda, California
| | - Daliao Xiao
- Lawrence D. Longo MD Center for Perinatal Biology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University , Loma Linda, California
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University , Loma Linda, California
| | - Lubo Zhang
- Lawrence D. Longo MD Center for Perinatal Biology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University , Loma Linda, California
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University , Loma Linda, California
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Morgan HL, Butler E, Ritchie S, Herse F, Dechend R, Beattie E, McBride MW, Graham D. Modeling Superimposed Preeclampsia Using Ang II (Angiotensin II) Infusion in Pregnant Stroke-Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats. Hypertension 2018; 72:208-218. [PMID: 29844145 PMCID: PMC6012051 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.118.10935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are the second leading cause of maternal deaths worldwide. Superimposed preeclampsia is an increasingly common problem and often associated with impaired placental perfusion. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and developing treatment options are crucial. The pregnant stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat has impaired uteroplacental blood flow and abnormal uterine artery remodeling. We used Ang II (angiotensin II) infusion in pregnant stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats to mimic the increased cardiovascular stress associated with superimposed preeclampsia and examine the impact on the maternal cardiovascular system and fetal development. Continuous infusion of Ang II at 500 or 1000 ng/kg per minute was administered from gestational day 10.5 until term. Radiotelemetry and echocardiography were used to monitor hemodynamic and cardiovascular changes, and urine was collected prepregnancy and throughout gestation. Uterine artery myography assessed uteroplacental vascular function and structure. Fetal measurements were made at gestational day 18.5, and placentas were collected for histological and gene expression analyses. The 1000 ng/kg per minute Ang II treatment significantly increased blood pressure (P<0.01), reduced cardiac output (P<0.05), and reduced diameter and increased stiffness of the uterine arteries (P<0.01) during pregnancy. The albumin:creatinine ratio was increased in both Ang II treatment groups (P<0.05; P<0.0001). The 1000 ng/kg per minute-treated fetuses were significantly smaller than vehicle treatment (P<0.001). Placental expression of Ang II receptors was increased in the junctional zone in 1000 ng/kg per minute Ang II-treated groups (P<0.05), with this zone showing depletion of glycogen content and structural abnormalities. Ang II infusion in pregnant stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats mirrors hemodynamic, cardiac, and urinary profiles observed in preeclamptic women, with evidence of impaired fetal growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L Morgan
- From the BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom (H.L.M., E. Butler, S.R., E. Beattie, M.W.M., D.G.)
| | - Elaine Butler
- From the BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom (H.L.M., E. Butler, S.R., E. Beattie, M.W.M., D.G.)
| | - Shona Ritchie
- From the BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom (H.L.M., E. Butler, S.R., E. Beattie, M.W.M., D.G.)
| | - Florian Herse
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a Joint Cooperation Between the Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and the Charité Medical Faculty, Berlin, Germany (F.H., R.D.).,HELIOS Clinic Berlin-Buch, Germany (F.H., R.D.)
| | - Ralf Dechend
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a Joint Cooperation Between the Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and the Charité Medical Faculty, Berlin, Germany (F.H., R.D.).,HELIOS Clinic Berlin-Buch, Germany (F.H., R.D.)
| | - Elisabeth Beattie
- From the BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom (H.L.M., E. Butler, S.R., E. Beattie, M.W.M., D.G.)
| | - Martin W McBride
- From the BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom (H.L.M., E. Butler, S.R., E. Beattie, M.W.M., D.G.)
| | - Delyth Graham
- From the BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom (H.L.M., E. Butler, S.R., E. Beattie, M.W.M., D.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ghadhanfar E, Alsalem A, Al-Kandari S, Naser J, Babiker F, Al-Bader M. The role of ACE2, angiotensin-(1-7) and Mas1 receptor axis in glucocorticoid-induced intrauterine growth restriction. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2017; 15:97. [PMID: 29321064 PMCID: PMC6389120 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-017-0316-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasma and urine levels of the potent vasodilator Ang-(1-7) are elevated in mid and late pregnancy and are correlated with elevated placental angiogenesis, fetal blood flow, and rapid fetal growth. We hypothesized that Ang-(1-7), its receptor (Mas1) and the enzymes involved in Ang-(1-7) production (ACE2 and Membrane metallo-endopeptidase; MME) are down regulated in response to glucocorticoid administration contributing to IUGR. METHODS Pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with dexamethasone (DEX; 0.4 mg/kg/day) starting from 14 day gestation (dg) till sacrifice at 19 or 21 dg while control groups were injected with saline (n = 6/group). The gene and protein expression of ACE2, MME, Ang-(1-7) and Mas1 receptor in the placental labyrinth (LZ) and basal zones (BZ) were studied. RESULTS DEX administration caused a reduction in LZ weight at 19 and 21 dg (p < 0.001). IUGR, as shown by decreased fetal weights, was evident in DEX treated rats at 21 dg (p < 0.01). ACE2 gene expression was elevated in the LZ of control placentas at 21 dg (p < 0.01) compared to 19 dg and DEX prevented this rise at both gene (p < 0.01) and protein levels (p < 0.05). In addition, Ang-(1-7) protein expression in LZ was significantly reduced in DEX treated rats at 21 dg (p < 0.05). On the other hand, Mas1 and MME were upregulated in LZ at 21 dg in both groups (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION The results of this study indicate that a reduced expression of ACE2 and Ang-(1-7) in the placenta by DEX treatment may be responsible for IUGR and consequent disease programming later in life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elham Ghadhanfar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Aseel Alsalem
- Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | | | - Jumana Naser
- Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Fawzi Babiker
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Maie Al-Bader
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Vaswani K, Dekker Nitert M, Chan HW, B. Almughlliq F, Peiris HN, Wood-Bradley RJ, Armitage JA, Rice GE, Mitchell MD. Mid-to-Late Gestational Changes in Inflammatory Gene Expression in the Rat Placenta. Reprod Sci 2017; 25:222-229. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719117741375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kanchan Vaswani
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Marloes Dekker Nitert
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hsiu-Wen Chan
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Fatema B. Almughlliq
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hassendrini N. Peiris
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ryan J. Wood-Bradley
- Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - James A. Armitage
- Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Anatomy & Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gregory E. Rice
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Murray D. Mitchell
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Asada K, Aihara Y, Takaya H, Noguchi R, Namisaki T, Moriya K, Uejima M, Kitade M, Mashitani T, Takeda K, Kawaratani H, Okura Y, Kaji K, Douhara A, Sawada Y, Nishimura N, Seki K, Mitoro A, Yamao J, Yoshiji H. DNA methylation of angiotensin II receptor gene in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-related liver fibrosis. World J Hepatol 2016; 8:1194-1199. [PMID: 27729955 PMCID: PMC5055588 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v8.i28.1194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To clarify whether Agtr1a methylation is involved in the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-related liver fibrosis in adult rats.
METHODS A choline-deficient amino acid (CDAA) diet model was employed for methylation analysis of NASH-related liver fibrosis. Agtr1a methylation levels were measured in the livers of CDAA- and control choline-sufficient amino acid (CSAA)-fed rats for 8 and 12 wk using quantitative methylation-specific PCR. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were isolated by collagenase digestion of the liver, followed by centrifugation of the crude cell suspension through a density gradient. Agtr1a methylation and its gene expression were also analyzed during the activation of HSCs.
RESULTS The mean levels of Agtr1a methylation in the livers of CDAA-fed rats (11.5% and 18.6% at 8 and 12 wk, respectively) tended to be higher (P = 0.06 and 0.09, respectively) than those in the livers of CSAA-fed rats (2.1% and 5.3% at 8 and 12 wk, respectively). Agtr1a was not methylated at all in quiescent HSCs, but was clearly methylated in activated HSCs (13.8%, P < 0.01). Interestingly, although Agtr1a was hypermethylated, the Agtr1a mRNA level increased up to 2.2-fold (P < 0.05) in activated HSCs compared with that in quiescent HSCs, suggesting that Agtr1a methylation did not silence its expression but instead had the potential to upregulate its expression. These findings indicate that Agtr1a methylation and its upregulation of gene expression are associated with the development of NASH-related liver fibrosis.
CONCLUSION This is the first study to show that DNA methylation is potentially involved in the regulation of a renin-angiotensin system-related gene expression during liver fibrosis.
Collapse
|