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González-Rojas A, Valencia-Narbona M. Neurodevelopmental Disruptions in Children of Preeclamptic Mothers: Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Consequences. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3632. [PMID: 38612445 PMCID: PMC11012011 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a multisystem disorder characterized by elevated blood pressure in the mother, typically occurring after 20 weeks of gestation and posing risks to both maternal and fetal health. PE causes placental changes that can affect the fetus, particularly neurodevelopment. Its key pathophysiological mechanisms encompass hypoxia, vascular and angiogenic dysregulation, inflammation, neuronal and glial alterations, and disruptions in neuronal signaling. Animal models indicate that PE is correlated with neurodevelopmental alterations and cognitive dysfunctions in offspring and in humans, an association between PE and conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and sexual dimorphism has been observed. Considering the relevance for mothers and children, we conducted a narrative literature review to describe the relationships between the pathophysiological mechanisms behind neurodevelopmental alterations in the offspring of PE mothers, along with their potential consequences. Furthermore, we emphasize aspects pertinent to the prevention/treatment of PE in pregnant mothers and alterations observed in their offspring. The present narrative review offers a current, complete, and exhaustive analysis of (i) the pathophysiological mechanisms that can affect neurodevelopment in the children of PE mothers, (ii) the relationship between PE and neurological alterations in offspring, and (iii) the prevention/treatment of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea González-Rojas
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias Aplicadas, Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Avenida Brasil 2950, Valparaíso 2340025, Chile;
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Spinetti G, Mutoli M, Greco S, Riccio F, Ben-Aicha S, Kenneweg F, Jusic A, de Gonzalo-Calvo D, Nossent AY, Novella S, Kararigas G, Thum T, Emanueli C, Devaux Y, Martelli F. Cardiovascular complications of diabetes: role of non-coding RNAs in the crosstalk between immune and cardiovascular systems. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2023; 22:122. [PMID: 37226245 PMCID: PMC10206598 DOI: 10.1186/s12933-023-01842-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus, a group of metabolic disorders characterized by high levels of blood glucose caused by insulin defect or impairment, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and related mortality. Patients with diabetes experience a state of chronic or intermittent hyperglycemia resulting in damage to the vasculature, leading to micro- and macro-vascular diseases. These conditions are associated with low-grade chronic inflammation and accelerated atherosclerosis. Several classes of leukocytes have been implicated in diabetic cardiovascular impairment. Although the molecular pathways through which diabetes elicits an inflammatory response have attracted significant attention, how they contribute to altering cardiovascular homeostasis is still incompletely understood. In this respect, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a still largely under-investigated class of transcripts that may play a fundamental role. This review article gathers the current knowledge on the function of ncRNAs in the crosstalk between immune and cardiovascular cells in the context of diabetic complications, highlighting the influence of biological sex in such mechanisms and exploring the potential role of ncRNAs as biomarkers and targets for treatments. The discussion closes by offering an overview of the ncRNAs involved in the increased cardiovascular risk suffered by patients with diabetes facing Sars-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Spinetti
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Regenerative Medicine, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy.
| | - Martina Mutoli
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Regenerative Medicine, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Greco
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Riccio
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Regenerative Medicine, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Soumaya Ben-Aicha
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Franziska Kenneweg
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - David de Gonzalo-Calvo
- Translational Research in Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova and Santa Maria, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
- CIBER of Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Anne Yaël Nossent
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Susana Novella
- Department of Physiology, University of Valencia - INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
| | - Georgios Kararigas
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Thomas Thum
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Costanza Emanueli
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Yvan Devaux
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Fabio Martelli
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Milan, Italy.
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Zhou J, Teng Y, Zhang F, Ru X, Li P, Wang J, Yan S, Zhu P, Tao F, Huang K. Sex-specific association between placental inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression and preschoolers' behavioral development: The Ma'anshan birth cohort study. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 104:110-121. [PMID: 35661681 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Placental inflammation may contribute to brain abnormalities and childhood neuropsychiatric disorders, but limited knowledge is available on the association of placental inflammatory cytokine levels and offspring's behavioral development. This study aimed to examine the sex-specific association between placental inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression and preschoolers' behavioral development. METHODS 3474 pregnant women were recruited as the initial study population in the Ma'anshan birth cohort (MABC) study. Placentas (n = 2519) were collected during childbirth, and the mRNA expression of IL-8, IL-1β, CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-4 was assessed. The Child Behavior Checklist 1.5-5 (CBCL 1.5-5) was used to assess children's behavioral development at 4 years old. A T-score ≥ 60 on summary scales or a score ≥ 65 on syndrome scales was regarded as the borderline clinical range. Multiple linear regression models and binary logistic regression models were applied to explore the sex-specific associations between placental inflammatory cytokines mRNA transcript levels and preschoolers' behavioral development. RESULTS Sex-specific associations between placental inflammatory cytokines mRNA expression and preschoolers' behavioral development were observed. There was a positive association between IL-8 and CBCL scores for boys on anxious/depressed problems, aggressive behaviors, externalizing problems and total problems. Logistic regression models showed that high levels of IL-8 were associated with a higher risk of girls' emotionally reactive problems and sleep problems compared to low/medium levels. High TNF-α was correlated with increased sleep problem scores in boys, and medium TNF-α (vs. low levels) was associated with an increased risk of girls' externalizing problems. Medium levels of CRP, IL-1β, and IL-6 were found to be associated with a decreased risk of girls' behavioral problems compared to low/high levels. For anti-inflammatory cytokines, medium IL-10 and IL-4 (vs. low levels) were observed to be associated with a lower risk of internalizing problems in boys and externalizing problems in girls, respectively. High IL-10 was correlated with decreased attention problem scores in boys. CONCLUSION This study indicates that placental inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression of IL-8, CRP, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4 and IL-10 may be associated with preschoolers' behavioral development in a sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jixing Zhou
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yuzhu Teng
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Fu Zhang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xue Ru
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Peixuan Li
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jianqing Wang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University
| | - Shuangqin Yan
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University; Maternal and Child Health Care Center of Ma'anshan, No 24 Jiashan Road, Ma'anshan 243011, Anhui, China
| | - Peng Zhu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Kun Huang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei 230032, China; Scientific Research Center in Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Province, China.
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Edelson PK, Sawyer MR, Gray KJ, Cantonwine DE, McElrath TF, Phillippe M. Increase in short telomeres during the third trimester in human placenta. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271415. [PMID: 35830448 PMCID: PMC9278733 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
An increase in telomere shortening in gestational tissues has been proposed as a mechanism involved in the timing for the initiation of parturition. An increase in very short telomeres with increasing gestational age has been observed in mice; this study sought to explore this phenomenon in human pregnancies. Specifically, this study addressed the hypothesis that prior to labor, the quantity of very short telomeres (<3 kilobase (kb) lengths) increases in human placental tissue as term gestation approaches. The primary outcome was the quantity of very short telomeres present in placental tissue. Quantitative measurements of very short telomeres were performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) adaptation of the telomere restriction fragment technique. Placental tissue from 69 pregnant individuals were included. Mean gestational age was 39.1 weeks (term) and 36.2 weeks (preterm). For term versus preterm placentas, the observed increase in very short telomeres were as follows: 500 bp telomeres increased by 1.67-fold (p < 0.03); 1 kb telomeres increased 1.67-fold (p < 0.08); and 3 kb telomeres increased 5.20-fold (p < 0.001). This study confirms a significant increase in very short telomeres in human placental tissue at term; thereby supporting the hypothesis that telomere shortening at term contributes to the mechanism that determine the length of pregnancy thereby leading to onset of parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula K. Edelson
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Michala R. Sawyer
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kathryn J. Gray
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - David E. Cantonwine
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Thomas F. McElrath
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Mark Phillippe
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Yu P, Chen Y, Ge C, Wang H. Sexual dimorphism in placental development and its contribution to health and diseases. Crit Rev Toxicol 2021; 51:555-570. [PMID: 34666604 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2021.1977237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
According to the Developmental Origin of Health and Disease (DOHaD), intrauterine exposure to adverse environments can affect fetus and birth outcomes and lead to long-term disease susceptibility. Evidence has shown that neonatal outcomes and the timing and severity of adult diseases are sexually dimorphic. As the link between mother and fetus, the placenta is an essential regulator of fetal development programming. It is found that the physiological development trajectory of the placenta has sexual dimorphism. Furthermore, under pathological conditions, the placental function undergoes sex-specific adaptation to ensure fetal survival. Therefore, the placenta may be an important mediator of sexual dimorphism in neonatal outcomes and adult disease susceptibility. Few systematic reviews have been conducted on sexual dimorphism in placental development and its underlying mechanisms. In this review, sex chromosomes and sex hormones, as the main reasons for sexual differentiation of the placenta, will be discussed. Besides, in the etiology of fetal-originated adult diseases, overexposure to glucocorticoids is closely related to adverse neonatal outcomes and long-term disease susceptibility. Studies have found that prenatal glucocorticoid overexposure leads to sexually dimorphic expression of placental glucocorticoid receptor isoforms, resulting in different sensitivity of the placenta to glucocorticoids, and may further affect fetal development. The present review examines what is currently known about sex differences in placental development and the underlying regulatory mechanisms of this sex bias. This review highlights the importance of placental contributions to the origins of sexual dimorphism in health and diseases. It may help develop personalized diagnosis and treatment strategies for fetal development in pathological pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengxia Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yawen Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Caiyun Ge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, China
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6
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Significance of Sex Differences in ncRNAs Expression and Function in Pregnancy and Related Complications. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9111509. [PMID: 34829737 PMCID: PMC8614665 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the era of personalized medicine, fetal sex-specific research is of utmost importance for comprehending the mechanisms governing pregnancy and pregnancy-related complications. In recent times, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have gained increasing attention as critical players in gene regulation and disease pathogenesis, and as candidate biomarkers in human diseases as well. Different types of ncRNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), participate in every step of pregnancy progression, although studies taking into consideration fetal sex as a central variable are still limited. To date, most of the available data have been obtained investigating sex-specific placental miRNA expression. Several studies revealed that miRNAs regulate the (patho)-physiological processes in a sexually dimorphic manner, ensuring normal fetal development, successful pregnancy, and susceptibility to diseases. Moreover, the observation that ncRNA profiles differ according to cells, tissues, and developmental stages of pregnancy, along with the complex interactions among different types of ncRNAs in regulating gene expression, strongly indicates that more studies are needed to understand the role of sex-specific ncRNA in pregnancy and associated disorders.
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Tsamou M, Vrijens K, Wang C, Winckelmans E, Neven KY, Madhloum N, de Kok TM, Nawrot TS. Genome-wide microRNA expression analysis in human placenta reveals sex-specific patterns: an ENVIR ONAGE birth cohort study. Epigenetics 2021; 16:373-388. [PMID: 32892695 PMCID: PMC7993149 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2020.1803467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an increasing interest in microRNAs (miRNAs) as they are of utmost importance in gene regulation at the posttranscriptional level. Sex-related susceptibility for non-communicable diseases later in life could originate in early life. Until now, no data on sex-specific miRNA expression are available for the placenta. Therefore, we investigated the difference by sex of newborn's miRNA expression in human placental tissue. Within the ENVIRONAGE birth cohort, miRNA and mRNA expression profiling was performed in 60 placentae (50% boys) using Agilent (8 × 60 K) microarrays. The distribution of chromosome locations was studied and pathway analysis of the identified sex-specific miRNAs in the placenta was carried out. Of the total 2558 miRNAs on the array, 597 miRNAs were expressed in over 70% of the samples and were included for further analyses. A total of 142 miRNAs were significantly (FDR<0.05) associated with the newborn's sex. In newborn girls, 76 miRNAs had higher expression (hsa-miR-361-5p as most significant) and 66 miRNAs had lower expression (hsa-miR-4646-5p as most significant) than in newborn boys. In the same study population, placental differentially expressed genes by sex were also identified using a whole genome approach. The placental gene expression revealed 27 differentially expressed genes by comparing girls to boys. Ultimately, we studied the miRNA-RNA interactome and identified 14 miRNA-mRNA interactions as sex-specific. Sex differences in placental m(i)RNA expression may reveal sex-specific patterns already present during pregnancy, which may influence physiological conditions in early or later life. These molecular processes might play a role in sex-specific disease susceptibility in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tsamou
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Karen Vrijens
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Congrong Wang
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Ellen Winckelmans
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Kristof Y. Neven
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Narjes Madhloum
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Theo M. de Kok
- Department of Toxicogenomics, GROW Institute of Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Tim S. Nawrot
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Department of Public Health, Environment & Health Unit, Leuven University (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
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8
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Allegra A, Giarratana RM, Scola L, Balistreri CR. The close link between the fetal programming imprinting and neurodegeneration in adulthood: The key role of "hemogenic endothelium" programming. Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 195:111461. [PMID: 33600833 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The research on neurodegenerative diseases (NeuroDegD) has been traditionally focused on later life stages. There is now an increasing evidence, that they may be programmed during early development. Here, we propose that NeuroDegD are the result of the complex process of imprinting on fetal hemogenic endothelium, from which the microglial cells make to origin. The central role of placenta and epigenetic mechanisms (methylation of DNA, histone modifications and regulation by non-coding RNAs) in mediating the short and long-term effects has been also described. Precisely, it reports their role in impacting plasticity and memory of microglial cells. In addition, we also underline the necessity of further studies for clearing all mechanisms involved and developing epigenetic methods for identifying potential targets as biomarkers, and for developing preventive measures. Such biomarkers might be used to identify individuals at risk to NeuroDegD. Finally, the sex dependence of fetal programming process has been discussed. It might justify the sex differences in the epidemiologic, imaging, biomarkers, and pathology studies of these pathologies. The discovery of related mechanisms might have important clinical implications in both the etiology of disorders and the management of pregnant women for encouraging healthy long-term outcomes for their children, and future generations. Impending research on the mechanisms related to transgenerational transmission of prenatal stress might consent the development and application of therapies and/or intervention strategies for these disorders in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosa Maria Giarratana
- Department of BioMedicine, Neuroscience, and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Letizia Scola
- Department of BioMedicine, Neuroscience, and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Carmela Rita Balistreri
- Department of BioMedicine, Neuroscience, and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
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Bartho LA, Fisher JJ, Cuffe JSM, Perkins AV. Mitochondrial transformations in the aging human placenta. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2020; 319:E981-E994. [PMID: 32954826 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00354.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria play a key role in homeostasis and are central to one of the leading hypotheses of aging, the free radical theory. Mitochondria function as a reticulated network, constantly adapting to the cellular environment through fusion (joining), biogenesis (formation of new mitochondria), and fission (separation). This adaptive response is particularly important in response to oxidative stress, cellular damage, and aging, when mitochondria are selectively removed through mitophagy, a mitochondrial equivalent of autophagy. During this complex process, mitochondria influence surrounding cell biology and organelles through the release of signaling molecules. Given that the human placenta is a unique organ having a transient and somewhat defined life span of ∼280 days, any adaption or dysfunction associated with mitochondrial physiology as a result of aging will have a dramatic impact on the health and function of both the placenta and the fetus. Additionally, a defective placenta during gestation, resulting in reduced fetal growth, has been shown to influence the development of chronic disease in later life. In this review we focus on the mitochondrial adaptions and transformations that accompany gestational length and share similarities with age-related diseases. In addition, we discuss the role of such changes in regulating placental function throughout gestation, the etiology of gestational complications, and the development of chronic diseases later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy A Bartho
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Joshua J Fisher
- Hunter Medical Research Institute and School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - James S M Cuffe
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anthony V Perkins
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland, Australia
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10
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Zhu YD, Liang CM, Hu YB, Li ZJ, Wang SF, Xiang HY, Huang K, Yan SQ, Zhu P, Liu P, Tao FB. Repeated measures of prenatal thallium exposure and placental inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression: The Ma'anshan birth cohort (MABC) study. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 246:125721. [PMID: 31911326 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Thallium (Tl), a ubiquitous environmental toxicant, can cross the placental barrier during pregnancy. However, the effects of prenatal Tl exposure on placental function are currently unclear. Based on the Ma'anshan Birth Cohort study, we examined whether long-term prenatal Tl exposure was associated with placental inflammation. Tl concentrations were quantified in serum samples (n = 7050) from 2515 pregnancy during each trimester, placental inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression was assessed in 2519 placenta tissues. Geometric mean values of serum Tl concentrations were 63.57, 63.63 and 48.71 ng/L for the first, second and third trimesters, respectively. After adjustment for potential confounders, serum Tl concentration was positively associated with CD68 (β: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.56) in the first trimester and TNF-α (β: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.23), IL-6 (β: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.25) and CD68 (β: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.39) in the third trimester, however was negatively associated with IL-4 (β: -0.21; 95% CI: -0.41, -0.01) and CD206 (β: -0.23; 95% CI: -0.45, -0.02) in the first trimester. Repeated measures analysis showed that TNF-α, IL-6 and CD68 increased by 0.11 (95% CI: 0.01, 0.21), 0.12 (0.15, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.25), 0.22 (95% CI: 0.10, 0.39), respectively, with each 1ln-transformed Tl increase in total samples. Gender-specific analyses revealed that these associations were largely driven by male offspring. In addition, immunohistochemistry revealed that nuclear NF-κB p65 expression increased in placenta tissue. The results of this prospective cohort study provide longitudinal evidence that prenatal Tl exposure induces a placental inflammatory response in the Chinese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Duo Zhu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Chun-Mei Liang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Ya-Bin Hu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Zhi-Juan Li
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Su-Fang Wang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Hai-Yun Xiang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Kun Huang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health & Aristogenics, Hefei, China.
| | - Shuang-Qin Yan
- Ma'anshan Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Clinic, Ma'anshan, China.
| | - Peng Zhu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health & Aristogenics, Hefei, China.
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| | - Fang-Biao Tao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health & Aristogenics, Hefei, China.
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11
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Tamayev L, Schreiber L, Marciano A, Bar J, Kovo M. Are there gender-specific differences in pregnancy outcome and placental abnormalities of pregnancies complicated with small for gestational age? Arch Gynecol Obstet 2020; 301:1147-1151. [PMID: 32239281 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-020-05514-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adaptations to pathological intrauterine environment might differ in relation to fetal gender. We aimed to study sex-specific differences in placental pathology of pregnancies complicated by small for gestational age (SGA). METHODS The medical records and placental histology reports of all neonates with a birth-weight ≤ 10th percentile, born between 24 and 42 weeks of gestation, during 2010-2018, were reviewed. Composite neonatal outcome was defined as one or more of early following complications: neonatal sepsis, blood transfusion, phototherapy, respiratory morbidity, cerebral morbidity, necrotizing enterocolitis, or death. Results were compared between the male and female groups of neonates. Placental lesions were classified into maternal and fetal vascular malperfusion (MVM and FVM) lesions, maternal and fetal inflammatory responses (MIR and FIR), and villitis of unknown etiology (VUE). RESULTS The male SGA group (n = 380) and the female SGA group (n = 363) did not differ in regard to maternal age, BMI, smoking, associated pregnancy complications, gestational age, and mode of delivery. Neonates in the SGA male group had increased birth-weight and increased respiratory morbidity as compared to the female SGA group (p = 0.007, p = 0.005, respectively). There was no between-group differences in the rate of placental lesions. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, male gender (aOR 1.55, 95% CI 1.05-2.30, p = 0.025), FIR (aOR 4.83, 95% CI 1.07-13.66, p = 0.003), and VUE (aOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.03-3.47, p = 0.04), were found to be independently associated with adverse composite neonatal outcome. DISCUSSION Male gender as well as placental FIR and VUE are independently associated with adverse neonatal outcome in SGA neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliya Tamayev
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 5, 58100, Holon, Israel.
| | - Letizia Schreiber
- Departments of Pathology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Adi Marciano
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 5, 58100, Holon, Israel
| | - Jacob Bar
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 5, 58100, Holon, Israel
| | - Michal Kovo
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 5, 58100, Holon, Israel
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12
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Rosenfeld CS. The placenta-brain-axis. J Neurosci Res 2020; 99:271-283. [PMID: 32108381 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
All mammalian species depend on the placenta, a transient organ, for exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste between the mother and conceptus. Besides serving as a conduit for such exchanges, the placenta produces hormones and other factors that influence maternal physiology and fetal development. To meet all of these adaptations, the placenta has evolved to become the most structurally diverse organ within all mammalian taxa. However, commonalities exist as to how placental responses promote survival against in utero threats and can alter the trajectory of fetal development, in particular the brain. Increasing evidence suggests that reactions of the placenta to various in utero stressors may lead to long-standing health outcomes, otherwise considered developmental origin of health and disease effects. Besides transferring nutrients and gases, the placenta produces neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine/epinephrine, that may circulate and influence brain development. Neurobehavioral disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders, likely trace their origins back to placental disturbances. This intimate relationship between the placenta and brain has led to coinage of the term, the placenta-brain-axis. This axis will be the focus herein, including how conceptus sex might influence it, and technologies employed to parse out the effects of placental-specific transcript expression changes on later neurobehavioral disorders. Ultimately, the placenta might provide a historical record of in utero threats the fetus confronted and a roadmap to understand how placenta responses to such encounters impacts the placental-brain-axis. Improved early diagnostic and preventative approaches may thereby be designed to mitigate such placental disruptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl S Rosenfeld
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,MU Informatics Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Thompson Center for Autism and Neurobehavioral Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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13
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Weinheimer C, Wang H, Comstock JM, Singh P, Wang Z, Locklear BA, Goodwin KL, Maschek JA, Cox JE, Baack ML, Joss-Moore LA. Maternal Tobacco Smoke Exposure Causes Sex-Divergent Changes in Placental Lipid Metabolism in the Rat. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:631-643. [PMID: 32046449 PMCID: PMC7539808 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-019-00065-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Maternal tobacco smoke exposure (MTS) affects fetal acquisition of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) and increases the risk of obesity and cardio-metabolic disease in the offspring. Alterations in fetal LCPUFA acquisition in maternal smoking are mediated by the placenta. The handling of LCPUFA by the placenta involves protein-mediated transfer and storage. Molecular mediators of placental LCPUFA handling include PPARγ and the fatty acid transport proteins. We previously demonstrated, in a rat model, that MTS results in programming of adult-onset obesity and metabolic disease in male, but not female, offspring. In this study, we test the hypothesis that in utero MTS exposure alters placental structure, placental LCPUFA handling, and fetal fatty acid levels, in a sex-divergent manner. We exposed pregnant rats to tobacco smoke from embryonic day 11 to term gestation. We measured placental and fetal fatty acid profiles, the systolic/diastolic ratio (SD ratio), placental histology, and expression of molecular mediators in the placenta. Our primary finding is that MTS alters fatty acid profiles in male, but not female fetuses and placenta, including increasing the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. MTS also increased SD ratio in male, but not female placenta. In contrast, the expression of PPARγ and FATPs was upregulated in female, but not male placenta. We conclude that MTS causes sex-divergent changes in placental handling of LCPUFA in the rat. We speculate that our results demonstrate an adaptive response to MTS by the female placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Weinheimer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA
| | - Haimei Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA
| | | | - Purneet Singh
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA
| | - Zhengming Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA
| | - Brent A Locklear
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA
| | - Kasi L Goodwin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA
| | - J Alan Maschek
- Health Science Center Cores, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - James E Cox
- Health Science Center Cores, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Lisa A Joss-Moore
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA.
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14
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Alrefaei GI, Alkarim SA, Abduljabbar HS. Impact of Mothers' Age on Telomere Length and Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Expression in Human Fetal Membrane-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Stem Cells Dev 2019; 28:1632-1645. [PMID: 31650883 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2019.0144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related cellular changes and limited replicative capacity of adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are few of the challenges confronting stem cell research. MSCs from human fetal membranes (hFM-MSCs), including placental, umbilical cord, and amniotic membrane, are considered an alternative to adult MSCs. However, the effect of mothers' age on hFM-MSC cellular properties is still not clearly established. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of mothers' age on hFM-MSC telomere length, telomerase activity, and proliferation ability in three different age groups: GI (20-29 years), GII (30-39 years), and GIII (≥40 years). hFM samples were collected from pregnant women ≤37 weeks after obtaining consent. hFM-MSCs were isolated and cultured to characterize them by flow cytometry and assess proliferation by MTT assay and doubling time. Telomere length and expression levels of human telomerase reverse transcriptase were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-RCR). hFM-MSCs in the three age groups were spindle-shaped, plastic-adherent, and exhibited high proliferation rates and strong expression of hMSC markers. GI showed the longest telomere length in hMSCs in various FM regions, whereas GIII showed the highest level of telomerase expression. There was no difference in telomere length between GII and GIII, and both groups showed the same hMSC characteristics. In conclusion, although the hFM-MSCs derived from different fetal membranes maintained the MSC characteristics in all study groups, the hFM-MSCs of older mothers had shorter telomeres and higher telomerase activity and proliferation rate than did those derived from younger mothers. Thus, the hFM-MSCs of older mothers could be unsuitable for expansion in vitro or stem cell therapy. Determination of telomere length and telomerase expression level of hFM might help characterizing and understanding the biological differences of hFM-MSCs in different age groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghadeer I Alrefaei
- Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Alkarim
- Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Embryonic and Cancer Stem Cell Research Group, King Fahad Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan S Abduljabbar
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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15
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Recent research on childhood trauma has focused on the effects of in-utero and early life stress (ELS) as well as improving access to care. This review includes the previous year's clinically relevant research with attention to gaps that require further research that should improve patient care. RECENT FINDINGS The current article focuses on the latest understanding of ELS effects on the neuroendocrine, inflammatory, immune, and neurologic systems, as well as epigenetic effects with a focus on research examining sex-specific differences. Resilience and innovative treatment delivery models are reviewed with emphasis on integrated care models and technology-based treatments. SUMMARY The findings reviewed point toward clinically relevant research avenues. The call for more and better treatment options can only be realized with a better understanding of ELS effects. There is a specific need for more in depth exploration and application of sex-specific differences as well as an examination of the effects of age of onset and chronicity of stressors. New developments in the delivery of interventions and treatment allow the potential to provide broader early access to care.
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16
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Saenen ND, Martens DS, Neven KY, Alfano R, Bové H, Janssen BG, Roels HA, Plusquin M, Vrijens K, Nawrot TS. Air pollution-induced placental alterations: an interplay of oxidative stress, epigenetics, and the aging phenotype? Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:124. [PMID: 31530287 PMCID: PMC6749657 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0688-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the "Developmental Origins of Health and Disease" (DOHaD) concept, the early-life environment is a critical period for fetal programming. Given the epidemiological evidence that air pollution exposure during pregnancy adversely affects newborn outcomes such as birth weight and preterm birth, there is a need to pay attention to underlying modes of action to better understand not only these air pollution-induced early health effects but also its later-life consequences. In this review, we give an overview of air pollution-induced placental molecular alterations observed in the ENVIRONAGE birth cohort and evaluate the existing evidence. In general, we showed that prenatal exposure to air pollution is associated with nitrosative stress and epigenetic alterations in the placenta. Adversely affected CpG targets were involved in cellular processes including DNA repair, circadian rhythm, and energy metabolism. For miRNA expression, specific air pollution exposure windows were associated with altered miR-20a, miR-21, miR-146a, and miR-222 expression. Early-life aging markers including telomere length and mitochondrial DNA content are associated with air pollution exposure during pregnancy. Previously, we proposed the air pollution-induced telomere-mitochondrial aging hypothesis with a direct link between telomeres and mitochondria. Here, we extend this view with a potential co-interaction of different biological mechanisms on the level of placental oxidative stress, epigenetics, aging, and energy metabolism. Investigating the placenta is an opportunity for future research as it may help to understand the fundamental biology underpinning the DOHaD concept through the interactions between the underlying modes of action, prenatal environment, and disease risk in later life. To prevent lasting consequences from early-life exposures of air pollution, policy makers should get a basic understanding of biomolecular consequences and transgenerational risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. D. Saenen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - D. S. Martens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - K. Y. Neven
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - R. Alfano
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - H. Bové
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - B. G. Janssen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - H. A. Roels
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - M. Plusquin
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - K. Vrijens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - T. S. Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
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