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Shimada H, Powell TL, Jansson T. Regulation of placental amino acid transport in health and disease. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2024; 240:e14157. [PMID: 38711335 PMCID: PMC11162343 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Abnormal fetal growth, i.e., intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or fetal growth restriction (FGR) and fetal overgrowth, is associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality and is strongly linked to the development of metabolic and cardiovascular disease in childhood and later in life. Emerging evidence suggests that changes in placental amino acid transport may contribute to abnormal fetal growth. This review is focused on amino acid transport in the human placenta, however, relevant animal models will be discussed to add mechanistic insights. At least 25 distinct amino acid transporters with different characteristics and substrate preferences have been identified in the human placenta. Of these, System A, transporting neutral nonessential amino acids, and System L, mediating the transport of essential amino acids, have been studied in some detail. Importantly, decreased placental Systems A and L transporter activity is strongly associated with IUGR and increased placental activity of these two amino acid transporters has been linked to fetal overgrowth in human pregnancy. An array of factors in the maternal circulation, including insulin, IGF-1, and adiponectin, and placental signaling pathways such as mTOR, have been identified as key regulators of placental Systems A and L. Studies using trophoblast-specific gene targeting in mice have provided compelling evidence that changes in placental Systems A and L are mechanistically linked to altered fetal growth. It is possible that targeting specific placental amino acid transporters or their upstream regulators represents a novel intervention to alleviate the short- and long-term consequences of abnormal fetal growth in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Shimada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, US
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, US
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, US
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, US
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Rosario FJ, Barentsen K, Powell TL, Urschitz J, Brown TL, Kanai Y, Jansson T. Trophoblast-specific overexpression of the LAT1 increases transplacental transport of essential amino acids and fetal growth in mice. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae207. [PMID: 38894879 PMCID: PMC11184900 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Placental System L amino acid transporter activity is decreased in pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and increased in fetal overgrowth. However, it is unknown if changes in the expression/activity of placental Large Neutral Amino Acid Transporter Small Subunit 1 (Slc7a5/LAT1) are mechanistically linked to placental function and fetal growth. We hypothesized that trophoblast-specific Slc7a5 overexpression increases placental transport of essential amino acids, activates the placental mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, and promotes fetal growth in mice. Using lentiviral transduction of blastocysts with a Slc7a5 transgene, we achieved trophoblast-specific overexpression of Slc7a5 (Slc7a5 OX) with increased fetal (+27%) and placental weights (+10%). Trophoblast-specific Slc7a5 overexpression increased trophoblast plasma membrane (TPM) LAT1 protein abundance and TPM System L transporter (+53%) and System A transporter activity (+ 21%). Slc7a5 overexpression also increased transplacental transport of leucine (+ 85%) but not of the System A tracer, 14C-methylamino isobutyric acid, in vivo. Trophoblast-specific overexpression of Slc7a5 activated placental mTORC1, as assessed by increased (+44%) phosphorylation of S6 ribosomal protein (Ser 235/236), and mTORC2 as indicated by phosphorylation of PKCα-Tyr-657 (+47%) and Akt-Ser 473 (+96%). This is the first demonstration that placental transport of essential amino acids is mechanistically linked to fetal growth. The decreased placental System L activity in human IUGR and the increased placental activity of this transporter in some cases of fetal overgrowth may directly contribute to the development of these pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrick J Rosario
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kenneth Barentsen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Johann Urschitz
- Institue of Biogenesis, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Thomas L Brown
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
| | - Yoshikatsu Kanai
- Department of Bio-system Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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Rosario FJ, Urschitz J, Powell TL, Brown TL, Jansson T. Overexpression of the LAT1 in primary human trophoblast cells increases the uptake of essential amino acids and activates mTOR signaling. Clin Sci (Lond) 2023; 137:1651-1664. [PMID: 37861075 DOI: 10.1042/cs20230490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
The System L amino acid transporter, particularly the isoform Large Neutral Amino Acid Transporter Small Subunit 1 (LAT1) encoded by SLC7A5, is believed to mediate the transfer of essential amino acids in the human placenta. Placental System L amino acid transporter expression and activity is decreased in pregnancies complicated by IUGR and increased in fetal overgrowth. However, it remains unknown if changes in the expression of LAT1 are mechanistically linked to System L amino acid transport activity. Here, we combined overexpression approaches with protein analysis and functional studies in cultured primary human trophoblast (PHT) cells to test the hypothesis that SLC7A5 overexpression increases the uptake of essential amino acids and activates mTOR signaling in PHT cells. Overexpression of SLC7A5 resulted in a marked increase in protein expression of LAT1 in the PHT cells microvillous plasma membrane and System L amino acid transporter activity. Moreover, mTOR signaling was activated, and System A amino acid transporter activity increased following SLC7A5 overexpression, suggesting coordination of trophoblast amino transporter expression and activity to ensure balanced nutrient flux to the fetus. This is the first report showing that overexpression of LAT1 is sufficient to increase the uptake of essential amino acids in PHT cells, which activates mTOR, a master regulator of placental function. The decreased placental System L activity in human IUGR and the increased placental activity of this transporter system in some cases of fetal overgrowth may directly contribute to changes in fetal amino acid availability and altered fetal growth in these pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrick J Rosario
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, U.S.A
| | - Johann Urschitz
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, U.S.A
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, U.S.A
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, U.S.A
| | - Thomas L Brown
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, U.S.A
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH, U.S.A
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, U.S.A
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Barroso E, Díaz M, Reguera AC, Peyman M, Balsinde J, Jurado-Aguilar J, Zhang M, Rostami A, Palomer X, Ibáñez L, Vázquez-Carrera M. CHOP upregulation and dysregulation of the mature form of the SNAT2 amino acid transporter in the placentas from small for gestational age newborns. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:326. [PMID: 37957724 PMCID: PMC10644500 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01352-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placentas from newborns that are small for gestational age (SGA; birth weight < -2 SD for gestational age) may display multiple pathological characteristics. A key determinant of fetal growth and, therefore, birth weight is placental amino acid transport, which is under the control of the serine/threonine kinase mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). The effects of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress on the mTOR pathway and the levels of amino acid transporters are not well established. METHODS Placentas from SGA and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) newborns and the human placental BeWo cell line exposed to the ER stressor tunicamycin were used. RESULTS We detected a significant increase in the levels of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) in the placentas from SGA newborns compared with those from AGA newborns, while the levels of other ER stress markers were barely affected. In addition, placental mTOR Complex 1 (mTORC1) activity and the levels of the mature form of the amino acid transporter sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 2 (SNAT2) were also reduced in the SGA group. Interestingly, CHOP has been reported to upregulate growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible protein 34 (GADD34), which in turn suppresses mTORC1 activity. The GADD34 inhibitor guanabenz attenuated the increase in CHOP protein levels and the reduction in mTORC1 activity caused by the ER stressor tunicamycin in the human placental cell line BeWo, but it did not recover mature SNAT2 protein levels, which might be reduced as a result of defective glycosylation. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these data reveal that GADD34A activity and glycosylation are key factors controlling mTORC1 signaling and mature SNAT2 levels in trophoblasts, respectively, and might contribute to the SGA condition. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Barroso
- Unitat de Farmacologia, Facultat de Farmàcia I Ciències de L'Alimentació, Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Pediatric Research Institute-Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Marta Díaz
- Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Pediatric Research Institute-Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
- Endocrinology, Pediatric Research Institute, Sant Joan de Déu Children's Hospital, Barcelona, Esplugues, Spain
| | - Ana Cristina Reguera
- Unitat de Farmacologia, Facultat de Farmàcia I Ciències de L'Alimentació, Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Pediatric Research Institute-Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Mona Peyman
- Unitat de Farmacologia, Facultat de Farmàcia I Ciències de L'Alimentació, Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Pediatric Research Institute-Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Jesús Balsinde
- Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Javier Jurado-Aguilar
- Unitat de Farmacologia, Facultat de Farmàcia I Ciències de L'Alimentació, Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Pediatric Research Institute-Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Meijian Zhang
- Unitat de Farmacologia, Facultat de Farmàcia I Ciències de L'Alimentació, Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Pediatric Research Institute-Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Adel Rostami
- Unitat de Farmacologia, Facultat de Farmàcia I Ciències de L'Alimentació, Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Pediatric Research Institute-Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Xavier Palomer
- Unitat de Farmacologia, Facultat de Farmàcia I Ciències de L'Alimentació, Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Pediatric Research Institute-Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Lourdes Ibáñez
- Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Pediatric Research Institute-Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
- Endocrinology, Pediatric Research Institute, Sant Joan de Déu Children's Hospital, Barcelona, Esplugues, Spain
| | - Manuel Vázquez-Carrera
- Unitat de Farmacologia, Facultat de Farmàcia I Ciències de L'Alimentació, Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
- Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
- Pediatric Research Institute-Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain.
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van Uden L, Tchirikov M. A Study of the Literature on Intrauterine Treatment Options for Chronic Placental Insufficiency with Intrauterine Growth Restriction Using Intrauterine Intravascular Amino Acid Supplementation. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1232. [PMID: 37374014 DOI: 10.3390/life13061232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is a very serious prenatal condition with 3-5% incidence of all pregnancies. It results from numerous factors, including chronic placental insufficiency. IUGR is associated with an increased risk of mortality and morbidity and is considered a major cause of fetal mortality. Currently, treatment options are significantly limited and often result in preterm delivery. Postpartum, IUGR infants also have higher risks of disease and neurological abnormalities. METHODS The PubMed database was searched using the keywords "IUGR", "fetal growth restriction", "treatment", "management" and "placental insufficiency" for the period between 1975 and 2023. These terms were also combined together. RESULTS There were 4160 papers, reviews and articles dealing with the topic of IUGR. In total, only 15 papers directly dealt with a prepartum therapy of IUGR; 10 of these were based on an animal model. Overall, the main focus was on maternal intravenous therapy with amino acids or intraamniotic infusion. Treatment methods have been tested since the 1970s to supplement the fetuses with nutrients lacking due to chronic placental insufficiency in various ways. In some studies, pregnant women were implanted with a subcutaneous intravascular perinatal port system, thus infusing the fetuses with a continuous amino acid solution. Prolongation of pregnancy was achieved, as well as improvement in fetal growth. However, insufficient benefit was observed in infusion with commercial amino acid solution in fetuses below 28 weeks' gestation. The authors attribute this primarily to the enormous variation in amino acid concentrations of the commercially available solutions compared with those observed in the plasma of preterm infants. These different concentrations are particularly important because differences in the fetal brain caused by metabolic changes have been demonstrated in the rabbit model. Several brain metabolites and amino acids were significantly decreased in IUGR brain tissue samples, resulting in abnormal neurodevelopment with decreased brain volume. DISCUSSION There are currently only a few studies and case reports with correspondingly low case numbers. Most of the studies refer to prenatal treatment by supplementation of amino acids and nutrients to prolong pregnancy and support fetal growth. However, there is no infusion solution that matches the amino acid concentrations found in fetal plasma. The commercially available solutions have mismatched amino acid concentrations and have not shown sufficient benefit in fetuses below 28 weeks' gestation. More treatment avenues need to be explored and existing ones improved to better treat multifactorial IUGR fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa van Uden
- University Clinic of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Center of Fetal Surgery, University Medical Center Halle (Saale), Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube Strasse 40, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Tchirikov
- University Clinic of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Center of Fetal Surgery, University Medical Center Halle (Saale), Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube Strasse 40, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
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Li Q, Hoppe T. Role of amino acid metabolism in mitochondrial homeostasis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1127618. [PMID: 36923249 PMCID: PMC10008872 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1127618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are central hubs for energy production, metabolism and cellular signal transduction in eukaryotic cells. Maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis is important for cellular function and survival. In particular, cellular metabolic state is in constant communication with mitochondrial homeostasis. One of the most important metabolic processes that provide energy in the cell is amino acid metabolism. Almost all of the 20 amino acids that serve as the building blocks of proteins are produced or degraded in the mitochondria. The synthesis of the amino acids aspartate and arginine depends on the activity of the respiratory chain, which is essential for cell proliferation. The degradation of branched-chain amino acids mainly occurs in the mitochondrial matrix, contributing to energy metabolism, mitochondrial biogenesis, as well as protein quality control in both mitochondria and cytosol. Dietary supplementation or restriction of amino acids in worms, flies and mice modulates lifespan and health, which has been associated with changes in mitochondrial biogenesis, antioxidant response, as well as the activity of tricarboxylic acid cycle and respiratory chain. Consequently, impaired amino acid metabolism has been associated with both primary mitochondrial diseases and diseases with mitochondrial dysfunction such as cancer. Here, we present recent observations on the crosstalk between amino acid metabolism and mitochondrial homeostasis, summarise the underlying molecular mechanisms to date, and discuss their role in cellular functions and organismal physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaochu Li
- Institute for Genetics and Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thorsten Hoppe
- Institute for Genetics and Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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7
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Baker BC, Lui S, Lorne I, Heazell AEP, Forbes K, Jones RL. Sexually dimorphic patterns in maternal circulating microRNAs in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction. Biol Sex Differ 2021; 12:61. [PMID: 34789323 PMCID: PMC8597318 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-021-00405-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Current methods fail to accurately predict women at greatest risk of developing fetal growth restriction (FGR) or related adverse outcomes, including stillbirth. Sexual dimorphism in these adverse pregnancy outcomes is well documented as are sex-specific differences in gene and protein expression in the placenta. Circulating maternal serum microRNAs (miRNAs) offer potential as biomarkers that may also be informative of underlying pathology. We hypothesised that FGR would be associated with an altered miRNA profile and would differ depending on fetal sex. Methods miRNA expression profiles were assessed in maternal serum (> 36 weeks’ gestation) from women delivering a severely FGR infant (defined as an individualised birthweight centile (IBC) < 3rd) and matched control participants (AGA; IBC = 20–80th), using miRNA arrays. qPCR was performed using specific miRNA primers in an expanded cohort of patients with IBC < 5th (n = 15 males, n = 16 females/group). Maternal serum human placental lactogen (hPL) was used as a proxy to determine if serum miRNAs were related to placental dysfunction. In silico analyses were performed to predict the potential functions of altered miRNAs. Results Initial analyses revealed 11 miRNAs were altered in maternal serum from FGR pregnancies. In silico analyses revealed all 11 altered miRNAs were located in a network of genes that regulate placental function. Subsequent analysis demonstrated four miRNAs showed sexually dimorphic patterns. miR-28-5p was reduced in FGR pregnancies (p < 0.01) only when there was a female offspring and miR-301a-3p was only reduced in FGR pregnancies with a male fetus (p < 0.05). miR-454-3p was decreased in FGR pregnancies (p < 0.05) regardless of fetal sex but was only positively correlated to hPL when the fetus was female. Conversely, miR-29c-3p was correlated to maternal hPL only when the fetus was male. Target genes for sexually dimorphic miRNAs reveal potential functional roles in the placenta including angiogenesis, placental growth, nutrient transport and apoptosis. Conclusions These studies have identified sexually dimorphic patterns for miRNAs in maternal serum in FGR. These miRNAs may have potential as non-invasive biomarkers for FGR and associated placental dysfunction. Further studies to determine if these miRNAs have potential functional roles in the placenta may provide greater understanding of the pathogenesis of placental dysfunction and the differing susceptibility of male and female fetuses to adverse in utero conditions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13293-021-00405-z. Detection and treatment of pregnancies at high risk of fetal growth restriction (FGR) and stillbirth remains a major obstetric challenge; circulating maternal serum microRNAs (miRNAs) offer potential as novel biomarkers. Unbiased analysis of serum miRNAs in women in late pregnancy identified a specific profile of circulating miRNAs in women with a growth-restricted infant. Some altered miRNAs (miR-28-5p, miR-301a-3p) showed sexually dimorphic expression in FGR pregnancies and others a fetal-sex dependent association to a hormonal marker of placental dysfunction (miR-454-3p, miR-29c-3p). miR-301a-3p and miR-28-5p could potentially be used to predict FGR specifically in pregnancies with a male or female baby, respectively, however larger cohort studies are required. Further investigations of these miRNAs and their relationship to placental dysfunction will lead to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of FGR and why there is differing susceptibility of male and female fetuses to FGR and stillbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette C Baker
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Sylvia Lui
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Division of Inflammation and Repair, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Isabel Lorne
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Alexander E P Heazell
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Karen Forbes
- Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
| | - Rebecca L Jones
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Fetal Sex Does Not Impact Placental Blood Flow or Placental Amino Acid Transfer in Late Gestation Pregnant Sheep With or Without Placental Insufficiency. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:1776-1789. [PMID: 34611848 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00750-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Pregnant sheep have been used to model complications of human pregnancies including placental insufficiency and intrauterine growth restriction. Some of the hallmarks of placental insufficiency are slower uterine and umbilical blood flow rates, impaired placental transport of oxygen and amino acids, and lower fetal arterial concentrations of anabolic growth factors. An impact of fetal sex on these outcomes has not been identified in either human or sheep pregnancies. This is likely because most studies measuring these outcomes have used small numbers of subjects or animals. We undertook a secondary analysis of previously published data generated by our laboratory in late-gestation (gestational age of 133 ± 0 days gestational age) control sheep (n = 29 male fetuses; n = 26 female fetuses; n = 3 sex not recorded) and sheep exposed to elevated ambient temperatures to cause experimental placental insufficiency (n = 23 male fetuses; n = 17 female fetuses; n = 1 sex not recorded). The primary goal was to determine how fetal sex modifies the effect of the experimental insult on outcomes related to placental blood flow, amino acid and oxygen transport, and fetal hormones. Of the 112 outcomes measured, we only found an interaction between fetal sex and experimental insult for the uterine uptake rates of isoleucine, phenylalanine, and arginine. Additionally, most outcomes measured did not show a difference based on fetal sex when adjusting for the impact of placental insufficiency. Exceptions included fetal norepinephrine and cortisol concentrations, which were higher in female compared to male fetuses. For the parameters measured in the current analysis, the impact of fetal sex was not widespread.
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9
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Murgia F, Monni G, Corda V, Hendren AJ, Paci G, Piras A, Ibba RM, Atzori L. Metabolomics Analysis of Amniotic Fluid in Euploid Foetuses with Thickened Nuchal Translucency by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:913. [PMID: 34575062 PMCID: PMC8466859 DOI: 10.3390/life11090913] [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: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistence of a fetal thickened nuchal translucency (NT), one of the most sensitive and specific individual markers of fetal disorders, is strongly correlated with the possibility of a genetic syndrome, congenital infections, or other malformations. Thickened NT can also be found in normal pregnancies. Several of its pathophysiological aspects still remain unexplained. Metabolomics could offer a fresh opportunity to explore maternal-foetal metabolism in an effort to explain its physiological and pathological mechanisms. For this prospective case-control pilot study, thirty-nine samples of amniotic fluids were collected, divisible into 12 euploid foetuses with an enlarged nuchal translucency (>NT) and 27 controls (C). Samples were analyzed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Multivariate and univariate statistical analyses were performed to find a specific metabolic pattern of >NT class. The correlation between the metabolic profile and clinical parameters was evaluated (NT showed an R2 = 0.75, foetal crown-rump length showed R2 = 0.65, pregnancy associated plasma protein-A showed R2 = 0.60). Nine metabolites significantly differing between >NT foetuses and C were detected: 2-hydroxybutyric acid, 3-hydroxybutyric, 1,5 Anydro-Sorbitol, cholesterol, erythronic acid, fructose, malic acid, threitol, and threonine, which were linked to altered pathways involved in altered energetic pathways. Through the metabolomics approach, it was possible to identify a specific metabolic fingerprint of the fetuses with >NT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Murgia
- Clinical Metabolomics Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (G.P.); (L.A.)
- Department of Prenatal and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Fetal Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico A.Cao, 09121 Cagliari, Italy; (V.C.); (A.P.); (R.M.I.)
| | - Giovanni Monni
- Department of Prenatal and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Fetal Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico A.Cao, 09121 Cagliari, Italy; (V.C.); (A.P.); (R.M.I.)
| | - Valentina Corda
- Department of Prenatal and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Fetal Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico A.Cao, 09121 Cagliari, Italy; (V.C.); (A.P.); (R.M.I.)
| | - Aran J. Hendren
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK;
| | - Giulia Paci
- Clinical Metabolomics Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (G.P.); (L.A.)
| | - Alba Piras
- Department of Prenatal and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Fetal Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico A.Cao, 09121 Cagliari, Italy; (V.C.); (A.P.); (R.M.I.)
| | - Rosa M. Ibba
- Department of Prenatal and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Fetal Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico A.Cao, 09121 Cagliari, Italy; (V.C.); (A.P.); (R.M.I.)
| | - Luigi Atzori
- Clinical Metabolomics Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (G.P.); (L.A.)
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10
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Reduction of In Vivo Placental Amino Acid Transport Precedes the Development of Intrauterine Growth Restriction in the Non-Human Primate. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13082892. [PMID: 34445051 PMCID: PMC8401823 DOI: 10.3390/nu13082892] [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: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with reduced placental amino acid transport (AAT). However, it remains to be established if changes in AAT contribute to restricted fetal growth. We hypothesized that reduced in vivo placental AAT precedes the development of IUGR in baboons with maternal nutrient restriction (MNR). Baboons were fed either a control (ad libitum) or MNR diet (70% of control diet) from gestational day (GD) 30. At GD 140, in vivo transplacental AA transport was measured by infusing nine (13)C- or (2)H-labeled essential amino acids (EAAs) as a bolus into the maternal circulation at cesarean section. A fetal vein-to-maternal artery mole percent excess ratio for each EAA was measured. Microvillous plasma membrane (MVM) system A and system L transport activity were determined. Fetal and placental weights were not significantly different between MNR and control. In vivo, the fetal vein-to-maternal artery mole percent excess ratio was significantly decreased for tryptophan in MNR. MVM system A and system L activity was markedly reduced in MNR. Reduction of in vivo placental amino acid transport precedes fetal growth restriction in the non-human primate, suggesting that reduced placental amino acid transfer may contribute to IUGR.
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11
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Abstract
Almost 2 billion adults in the world are overweight, and more than half of them are classified as obese, while nearly one-third of children globally experience poor growth and development. Given the vast amount of knowledge that has been gleaned from decades of research on growth and development, a number of questions remain as to why the world is now in the midst of a global epidemic of obesity accompanied by the "double burden of malnutrition," where overweight coexists with underweight and micronutrient deficiencies. This challenge to the human condition can be attributed to nutritional and environmental exposures during pregnancy that may program a fetus to have a higher risk of chronic diseases in adulthood. To explore this concept, frequently called the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD), this review considers a host of factors and physiological mechanisms that drive a fetus or child toward a higher risk of obesity, fatty liver disease, hypertension, and/or type 2 diabetes (T2D). To that end, this review explores the epidemiology of DOHaD with discussions focused on adaptations to human energetics, placental development, dysmetabolism, and key environmental exposures that act to promote chronic diseases in adulthood. These areas are complementary and additive in understanding how providing the best conditions for optimal growth can create the best possible conditions for lifelong health. Moreover, understanding both physiological as well as epigenetic and molecular mechanisms for DOHaD is vital to most fully address the global issues of obesity and other chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Hoffman
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Program in International Nutrition, and Center for Childhood Nutrition Research, New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Emily S Barrett
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Division of Exposure Science and Epidemiology, Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Daniel B Hardy
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Division of Exposure Science and Epidemiology, Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
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12
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Pendleton AL, Wesolowski SR, Regnault TRH, Lynch RM, Limesand SW. Dimming the Powerhouse: Mitochondrial Dysfunction in the Liver and Skeletal Muscle of Intrauterine Growth Restricted Fetuses. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:612888. [PMID: 34079518 PMCID: PMC8165279 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.612888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) of the fetus, resulting from placental insufficiency (PI), is characterized by low fetal oxygen and nutrient concentrations that stunt growth rates of metabolic organs. Numerous animal models of IUGR recapitulate pathophysiological conditions found in human fetuses with IUGR. These models provide insight into metabolic dysfunction in skeletal muscle and liver. For example, cellular energy production and metabolic rate are decreased in the skeletal muscle and liver of IUGR fetuses. These metabolic adaptations demonstrate that fundamental processes in mitochondria, such as substrate utilization and oxidative phosphorylation, are tempered in response to low oxygen and nutrient availability. As a central metabolic organelle, mitochondria coordinate cellular metabolism by coupling oxygen consumption to substrate utilization in concert with tissue energy demand and accretion. In IUGR fetuses, reducing mitochondrial metabolic capacity in response to nutrient restriction is advantageous to ensure fetal survival. If permanent, however, these adaptations may predispose IUGR fetuses toward metabolic diseases throughout life. Furthermore, these mitochondrial defects may underscore developmental programming that results in the sequela of metabolic pathologies. In this review, we examine how reduced nutrient availability in IUGR fetuses impacts skeletal muscle and liver substrate catabolism, and discuss how enzymatic processes governing mitochondrial function, such as the tricarboxylic acid cycle and electron transport chain, are regulated. Understanding how deficiencies in oxygen and substrate metabolism in response to placental restriction regulate skeletal muscle and liver metabolism is essential given the importance of these tissues in the development of later lifer metabolic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander L. Pendleton
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Stephanie R. Wesolowski
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | | | - Ronald M. Lynch
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Sean W. Limesand
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
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13
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Tetro N, Hamed R, Berman E, Eyal S. Effects of antiseizure medications on placental cells: Focus on heterodimeric placental carriers. Epilepsy Res 2021; 174:106664. [PMID: 34022522 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2021.106664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Appropriate placental nutrient transfer is essential for optimal fetal development. We have previously shown that antiseizure medications (ASMs) can alter the expression of placental carriers for folate and thyroid hormones. Here we extended our analysis to heterodimeric carriers that mediate the placental uptake of amino acids and antioxidant precursors. We focused on the L-type amino acid transporter (LAT)2/SLC7A8, the cystine/glutamate antiporter xCT/SLC7A11, and their chaperone 4F2hc/SLC3A2. METHODS BeWo cells were exposed for two or five days to therapeutic concentrations of valproate, levetiracetam, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, or lacosamide. Transcript levels were measured by quantitative PCR. Levetiracetam effects on placental carriers were further explored using a tailored gene array. RESULTS At five days, 30 μg/mL levetiracetam (high therapeutic concentrations) significantly reduced the expression of all studied genes (p < 0.05). Carbamazepine treatment was associated with lower SLC7A8 (LAT2) expression (p < 0.05), whereas valproate increased the transcript levels of this transporter by up to 2.0-fold (p < 0.01). Some of these effects were already observed after two incubation days. Lamotrigine did not alter gene expression, and lacosamide slightly elevated SLC3A2 levels (p < 0.05). The array analysis confirmed the trends observed for levetiracetam and identified additional affected genes. SIGNIFICANCE Altered expression of placental heterodimeric transporters may represent a mechanism by which ASM affect fetal development. The placental effects are differential, with valproate, carbamazepine and levetiracetam as the more active compounds. The concentration-dependence of those ASM effects are in line with established dose-dependent teratogenicity implying that ASM doses should be adjusted during pregnancy with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nino Tetro
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Roua Hamed
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Erez Berman
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sara Eyal
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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14
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Owaydhah WH, Ashton N, Verrey F, Glazier JD. Differential expression of system L amino acid transporter subtypes in rat placenta and yolk sac. Placenta 2020; 103:188-198. [PMID: 33160252 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amino acid transport across the placenta is crucial for fetal growth. In rodent models, the visceral yolk sac (referred to as yolk sac hereafter) is also likely to contribute to fetal amino acid provision. System L amino acid transporters mediate the transport of essential amino acids. System L activity is mediated by light chains LAT1 (Slc7a5) and LAT2 (Slc7a8) which form functional complexes by heterodimeric linkage to CD98 (Slc3a2). LAT4 (Slc43a2) is monomeric, possessing overlapping amino acid substrate specificity with LAT1 and LAT2. METHODS This study investigates the expression of these LAT subtypes in fetus-matched rat placenta and yolk sac. RESULTS Slc7a5, Slc7a8 and Slc43a2 transcripts were expressed in placenta and yolk sac with similar expression patterns between sexes. LAT1 expression was significantly higher in placenta than yolk sac. Conversely, LAT2 and LAT4 expression was significantly higher in yolk sac than placenta; CD98 expression was comparable. LAT1, LAT2, LAT4 and CD98 were distributed to rat placental labyrinth zone (LZ) and junctional zone (JZ). LAT1 and LAT4 demonstrated higher expression in LZ, whilst LAT2 was more intensely distributed to JZ. LAT1, LAT2, LAT4 and CD98 were expressed in yolk sac, with punctate LAT1 staining to endodermal cell cytoplasm, contrasting with the intense LAT2, LAT4 and CD98 endodermal cell basolateral distribution, accounting for greater LAT2 and LAT4 expression in yolk sac compared to placenta. CONCLUSION LAT1, LAT2 and LAT4 are expressed in rat placenta and yolk sac implicating a combined role for these LAT subtypes in supporting fetal growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wejdan H Owaydhah
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Nick Ashton
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
| | - François Verrey
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Jocelyn D Glazier
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
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15
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McIntyre KR, Vincent KMM, Hayward CE, Li X, Sibley CP, Desforges M, Greenwood SL, Dilworth MR. Human placental uptake of glutamine and glutamate is reduced in fetal growth restriction. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16197. [PMID: 33004923 PMCID: PMC7530652 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72930-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a significant risk factor for stillbirth, neonatal complications and adulthood morbidity. Compared with those of appropriate weight for gestational age (AGA), FGR babies have smaller placentas with reduced activity of amino acid transporter systems A and L, thought to contribute to poor fetal growth. The amino acids glutamine and glutamate are essential for normal placental function and fetal development; whether transport of these is altered in FGR is unknown. We hypothesised that FGR is associated with reduced placental glutamine and glutamate transporter activity and expression, and propose the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway as a candidate mechanism. FGR infants [individualised birth weight ratio (IBR) < 5th centile] had lighter placentas, reduced initial rate uptake of 14C-glutamine and 14C-glutamate (per mg placental protein) but higher expression of key transporter proteins (glutamine: LAT1, LAT2, SNAT5, glutamate: EAAT1) versus AGA [IBR 20th-80th]. In further experiments, in vitro exposure to rapamycin inhibited placental glutamine and glutamate uptake (24 h, uncomplicated pregnancies) indicating a role of mTOR in regulating placental transport of these amino acids. These data support our hypothesis and suggest that abnormal glutamine and glutamate transporter activity is part of the spectrum of placental dysfunction in FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty R McIntyre
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. .,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK. .,School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Wolfson Medical School Building, University Avenue, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
| | - Kirsty M M Vincent
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Christina E Hayward
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Xiaojia Li
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Colin P Sibley
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Michelle Desforges
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Susan L Greenwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Mark R Dilworth
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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16
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Porter AC, Gumina DL, Armstrong M, Maclean KN, Reisdorph N, Galan HL, Stabler SP, Bailey BA, Hobbins JC, Hurt KJ. Maternal Amino Acid Profiles to Distinguish Constitutionally Small versus Growth-Restricted Fetuses Defined by Doppler Ultrasound: A Pilot Study. Am J Perinatol 2020; 37:1084-1093. [PMID: 32120425 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1701504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fetuses measuring below the 10th percentile for gestational age may be either constitutionally small for gestational age (SGA) or have pathologic fetal growth restriction (FGR). FGR is associated with adverse outcomes; however, identification of low-risk SGA cases is difficult. We performed a pilot study evaluating maternal markers of pathologic FGR, hypothesizing there are distinct amino acid signatures that might be used for diagnosis and development of new interventions. STUDY DESIGN This was a cohort study of healthy women with sonographic fetal estimated fetal weight <5th percentile divided into two groups based upon umbilical artery (UmA) Doppler studies or uterine artery (UtA) Doppler studies. We collected maternal blood samples prior to delivery and used ion pair reverse phase liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to assess 44 amino acids. RESULTS Among 14 women included, five had abnormal UmA, and three had abnormal UtA Doppler results. Those with abnormal UmA showed elevated ornithine. Those with abnormal UtA had lower dimethylglycine, isoleucine, methionine, phenylalanine, and 1-methylhistidine. CONCLUSION We found several amino acids that might identify pregnancies affected by pathologic FGR. These findings support the feasibility of future larger studies to identify maternal metabolic approaches to accurately stratify risk for small fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne C Porter
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Diane L Gumina
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.,Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Michael Armstrong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Kenneth N Maclean
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Nichole Reisdorph
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Henry L Galan
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Sally P Stabler
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Beth A Bailey
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - John C Hobbins
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - K Joseph Hurt
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.,Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
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17
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Down-regulation of placental Cdc42 and Rac1 links mTORC2 inhibition to decreased trophoblast amino acid transport in human intrauterine growth restriction. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020; 134:53-70. [PMID: 31825077 DOI: 10.1042/cs20190794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) increases the risk for perinatal complications and metabolic and cardiovascular disease later in life. The syncytiotrophoblast (ST) is the transporting epithelium of the human placenta, and decreased expression of amino acid transporter isoforms in the ST plasma membranes is believed to contribute to IUGR. Placental mechanistic target of rapamycin Complex 2 (mTORC2) signaling is inhibited in IUGR and regulates the trafficking of key amino acid transporter (AAT) isoforms to the ST plasma membrane; however, the molecular mechanisms are unknown. Cdc42 and Rac1 are Rho-GTPases that regulate actin-binding proteins, thereby modulating the structure and dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton. We hypothesized that inhibition of mTORC2 decreases AAT expression in the plasma membrane and amino acid uptake in primary human trophoblast (PHT) cells mediated by down-regulation of Cdc42 and Rac1. mTORC2, but not mTORC1, inhibition decreased the Cdc42 and Rac1 expression. Silencing of Cdc42 and Rac1 inhibited the activity of the System L and A transporters and markedly decreased the trafficking of LAT1 (System L isoform) and SNAT2 (System A isoform) to the plasma membrane. mTORC2 inhibition by silencing of rictor failed to decrease AAT following activation of Cdc42/Rac1. Placental Cdc42 and Rac1 protein expression was down-regulated in human IUGR and was positively correlated with placental mTORC2 signaling. In conclusion, mTORC2 regulates AAT trafficking in PHT cells by modulating Cdc42 and Rac1. Placental mTORC2 inhibition in human IUGR may contribute to decreased placental amino acid transfer and reduced fetal growth mediated by down-regulation of Cdc42 and Rac1.
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18
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Chassen SS, Ferchaud-Roucher V, Palmer C, Li C, Jansson T, Nathanielsz PW, Powell TL. Placental fatty acid transport across late gestation in a baboon model of intrauterine growth restriction. J Physiol 2020; 598:2469-2489. [PMID: 32338384 PMCID: PMC7384518 DOI: 10.1113/jp279398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with perinatal morbidity and increased risk of lifelong disease, including neurodevelopmental impairment. Fatty acids (FA) are critical for normal brain development, although their transport across the placenta in IUGR pregnancies is poorly understood. The present study used a baboon model of IUGR (maternal nutrient restriction, MNR) to investigate placental expression of FA transport and binding proteins, and to determine gestational age-related changes in maternal and fetal plasma FA concentrations. We found MNR to be associated with increased placental expression of FA binding and transport proteins in late gestation, with fetal plasma FA concentrations that were similar to those of control animals. The present study is the first to report a profile of fetal and maternal plasma FA concentrations in a baboon model of growth restriction with data that suggest adaptation of placental transport to maintain delivery of critically needed FA. ABSTRACT Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with specific changes in placental transport of amino acids, folate and ions. However, little is known about placental fatty acid (FA) transport in IUGR. We hypothesized that placental FA transport proteins (FATP) and FA binding proteins (FABP) are up-regulated and fetal plasma FA concentrations are decreased at term in a baboon model of IUGR. Pregnant baboons were fed control or maternal nutrient restricted (MNR) diet (70% of control calories) from gestation day (GD) 30 (term 184 days). Plasma and placental samples were collected at GD120 (control n = 8, MNR n = 9), GD140 (control n = 6, MNR n = 7) and GD170 (control n = 6, MNR n = 6). Placentas were homogenized, and syncytiotrophoblast microvillous plasma membrane (MVM) and basal plasma membranes (BM) were isolated. Protein expression of FABP1, 3, 4 and 5 (homogenate) and FATP2, 4, and 6 (MVM, BM) was determined by Western blotting. FA content in maternal and umbilical vein plasma was measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Placental FABP1 and FABP5 expression was increased in MNR compared to controls at GD170, as was MVM FATP2 and FATP6 expression at GD140 and FATP2 expression at GD170. BM FATP4 and FATP6 expression was increased in MNR at GD140. Fetal plasma FA concentrations were similar in controls and MNR. These data suggest the adaptation of placental transport when aiming to maintain delivery of critically needed FAs for fetal growth and brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie S Chassen
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Veronique Ferchaud-Roucher
- University of Nantes, CHU Nantes, INRA, UMR 1280 Physiology of Nutritional Adaptations, Nantes, France
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Claire Palmer
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Cun Li
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Peter W Nathanielsz
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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19
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Bourdon A, Hannigsberg J, Misbert E, Tran TN, Amarger V, Ferchaud-Roucher V, Winer N, Darmaun D. Maternal supplementation with citrulline or arginine during gestation impacts fetal amino acid availability in a model of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Clin Nutr 2020; 39:3736-3743. [PMID: 32336525 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2020.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Supplementing maternal diet with citrulline or arginine during gestation was shown to enhance fetal growth in a model of IUGR induced by maternal dietary protein restriction in the rat. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to determine in the same model whether maternal supplementation with citrulline or arginine would increase 1) citrulline and arginine concentration in fetal circulation; 2) the expression of placental amino acid transporters, and 3) the fetal availability of essential amino acids. METHODS Pregnant rats (n = 8 per group) were fed either an isocaloric control (20% protein, NP) or a low protein (LP, 4% protein) diet, either alone or supplemented with 2 g/kg/d of l-citrulline (LP + CIT) or isonitrogenous Arginine (LP + ARG) in drinking water throughout gestation. Fetuses were extracted by C-section on the 21st day of gestation. The gene expression of system A (Slc38a1, Slc38a2, and Slc38a4) and L (Slc7a2, Slc7a5, Slc7a8) amino acid transporters was measured in placenta and amino acid concentrations determined in maternal and fetal plasma. RESULTS Maternal LP diet decreased fetal (4.01 ± 0.03 vs. 5.45 ± 0.07 g, p < 0.0001) and placental weight (0.617 ± 0.01 vs. 0.392 ± 0.04 g, p < 0.001), by 26 and 36% respectively, compared with NP diet. Supplementation with either CIT or ARG increased fetal birth weight by ≈ 5 or 11%, respectively (4.21 ± 0.05 and 4.48 ± 0.05 g vs. 4.01 ± 0.03 g, p < 0.05). CIT supplementation produced a 5- and 2-fold increase in fetal plasma citrulline and arginine, respectively, whereas ARG supplementation only increased fetal arginine concentration. LP diet led to lower placental SNAT 4 mRNA, and higher LAT2 and SNAT1 expression, compared with NP. SNAT4, 4hFC, LAT2 mRNA were up-regulated in LP + CIT and LP + ARG group compared with the un-supplemented LP group. Higher level of LAT1 mRNA was also observed in the LP + CIT group than in the LP group (p < 0.01). SNAT2 expression was unchanged in response to CIT or ARG supplementation. Fetal amino acid concentrations were decreased by LP diet, and were not restored by CIT or ARG supplementation. CONCLUSIONS The current findings confirm supplementation with citrulline or arginine enhances fetal growth in a rat model of IUGR. They further suggest that: 1) citrulline and arginine administered orally to the pregnant mother may reach fetal circulation; 2) citrulline effectively raises fetal arginine availability; and 3) although it failed to increase the concentrations of essential amino acids in fetal plasma, citrulline or arginine supplementation upregulates the gene expression of several placental amino acid transporters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Bourdon
- INRAE, UMR 1280, Physiology of Nutritional Adaptations, University of Nantes, IMAD, CRNH-Ouest, Nantes, France
| | - Jacob Hannigsberg
- INRAE, UMR 1280, Physiology of Nutritional Adaptations, University of Nantes, IMAD, CRNH-Ouest, Nantes, France
| | - Emilie Misbert
- INRAE, UMR 1280, Physiology of Nutritional Adaptations, University of Nantes, IMAD, CRNH-Ouest, Nantes, France; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Hotel-Dieu, Nantes, France
| | - Thang Nhat Tran
- INRAE, UMR 1280, Physiology of Nutritional Adaptations, University of Nantes, IMAD, CRNH-Ouest, Nantes, France
| | - Valérie Amarger
- INRAE, UMR 1280, Physiology of Nutritional Adaptations, University of Nantes, IMAD, CRNH-Ouest, Nantes, France
| | - Véronique Ferchaud-Roucher
- INRAE, UMR 1280, Physiology of Nutritional Adaptations, University of Nantes, IMAD, CRNH-Ouest, Nantes, France
| | - Norbert Winer
- INRAE, UMR 1280, Physiology of Nutritional Adaptations, University of Nantes, IMAD, CRNH-Ouest, Nantes, France; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Hotel-Dieu, Nantes, France
| | - Dominique Darmaun
- INRAE, UMR 1280, Physiology of Nutritional Adaptations, University of Nantes, IMAD, CRNH-Ouest, Nantes, France; Nutrition Support Team, IMAD, University Medical Center of Nantes, France.
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Chassen S, Jansson T. Complex, coordinated and highly regulated changes in placental signaling and nutrient transport capacity in IUGR. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165373. [PMID: 30684642 PMCID: PMC6650384 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The most common cause of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in the developed world is placental insufficiency, a concept often used synonymously with reduced utero-placental and umbilical blood flows. However, placental insufficiency and IUGR are associated with complex, coordinated and highly regulated changes in placental signaling and nutrient transport including inhibition of insulin and mTOR signaling and down-regulation of specific amino acid transporters, Na+/K+-ATPase, the Na+/H+-exchanger, folate and lactate transporters. In contrast, placental glucose transport capacity is unaltered and Ca2+-ATPase activity and the expression of proteins involved in placental lipid transport are increased in IUGR. These findings are not entirely consistent with the traditional view that the placenta is dysfunctional in IUGR, but rather suggest that the placenta adapts to reduce fetal growth in response to an inability of the mother to allocate resources to the fetus. This new model has implications for the understanding of the mechanisms underpinning IUGR and for the development of intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Chassen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA.
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Vaughan OR, Thompson F, Lorca RA, Julian CG, Powell TL, Moore LG, Jansson T. Effect of high altitude on human placental amino acid transport. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2019; 128:127-133. [PMID: 31804891 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00691.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Women residing at high altitudes deliver infants of lower birth weight than at sea level. Birth weight correlates with placental system A-mediated amino acid transport capacity, and severe environmental hypoxia reduces system A activity in isolated trophoblast and the mouse placenta. However, the effect of high altitude on human placental amino acid transport remains unknown. We hypothesized that microvillous membrane (MVM) system A and system L amino acid transporter activity is lower in placentas of women living at high altitude compared with low-altitude controls. Placentas were collected at term from healthy pregnant women residing at high altitude (HA; >2,500 m; n = 14) or low altitude (LA; <1,700 m; n = 14) following planned, unlabored cesarean section. Birth weight, but not placenta weight, was 13% lower in HA pregnancies (2.88 ± 0.11 kg) compared with LA (3.30 ± 0.07 kg, P < 0.01). MVM erythropoietin receptor abundance, determined by immunoblot, was greater in HA than in LA placentas, consistent with lower placental oxygen levels at HA. However, there was no effect of altitude on MVM system A or L activity, determined by Na+-dependent [14C]methylaminoisobutyric acid uptake and [3H]leucine uptake, respectively. MVM abundance of glucose transporters (GLUTs) 1 and 4 and basal membrane GLUT4 were also similar in LA and HA placentas. Low birth weights in the neonates of women residing at high altitude are not a consequence of reduced placental amino acid transport capacity. These observations are in general agreement with studies of IUGR babies at low altitude, in which MVM system A activity is downregulated only in growth-restricted babies with significant compromise.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Babies born at high altitude are smaller than at sea level. Birth weight is dependent on growth in utero and, in turn, placental nutrient transport. We determined amino acid transport capacity in placentas collected from women resident at low and high altitude. Altitude did not affect system A amino acid transport across the syncytiotrophoblast microvillous membrane, suggesting that impaired placental amino acid transport does not contribute to reduced birth weight in this high-altitude population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen R Vaughan
- Department of Ob/Gyn, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Fredrick Thompson
- Department of Ob/Gyn, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Ramón A Lorca
- Department of Ob/Gyn, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Colleen G Julian
- Department of Medicine University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Department of Ob/Gyn, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Lorna G Moore
- Department of Ob/Gyn, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Department of Ob/Gyn, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
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22
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Umapathy A, Chamley LW, James JL. Reconciling the distinct roles of angiogenic/anti-angiogenic factors in the placenta and maternal circulation of normal and pathological pregnancies. Angiogenesis 2019; 23:105-117. [DOI: 10.1007/s10456-019-09694-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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23
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McIntyre KR, Hayward CE, Sibley CP, Greenwood SL, Dilworth MR. Evidence of adaptation of maternofetal transport of glutamine relative to placental size in normal mice, and in those with fetal growth restriction. J Physiol 2019; 597:4975-4990. [PMID: 31400764 PMCID: PMC6790568 DOI: 10.1113/jp278226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Key points Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major risk factor for stillbirth and has significant impact upon lifelong health. A small, poorly functioning placenta, as evidenced by reduced transport of nutrients to the baby, underpins FGR. It remains unclear how a small but normal placenta differs from the small FGR placenta in terms of ability to transfer nutrients to the fetus. Placental transport of glutamine and glutamate, key amino acids for fetal growth, was assessed in normal mice and those with FGR. Glutamine and glutamate transport was greater in the lightest versus heaviest placenta in a litter of normally grown mice. Placentas of mice with FGR had increased transport capacity in mid‐pregnancy, but this adaptation was insufficient in late pregnancy. Placental adaptations, in terms of increased nutrient transport (per gram) to compensate for small size, appear to achieve appropriate fetal growth in normal pregnancy. Failure of this adaptation might contribute to FGR.
Abstract Fetal growth restriction (FGR), a major risk factor for stillbirth, and neonatal and adulthood morbidity, is associated with reduced placental size and decreased placental nutrient transport. In mice, a small, normal placenta increases its nutrient transport, thus compensating for its reduced size and maintaining normal fetal growth. Whether this adaptation occurs for glutamine and glutamate, two key amino acids for placental metabolism and fetal growth, is unknown. Additionally, an assessment of placental transport of glutamine and glutamate between FGR and normal pregnancy is currently lacking. We thus tested the hypothesis that the transport of glutamine and glutamate would be increased (per gram of tissue) in a small normal placenta [C57BL6/J (wild‐type, WT) mice], but that this adaptation fails in the small dysfunctional placenta in FGR [insulin‐like growth factor 2 knockout (P0) mouse model of FGR]. In WT mice, comparing the lightest versus heaviest placenta in a litter, unidirectional maternofetal clearance (Kmf) of 14C‐glutamine and 14C‐glutamate (glutamineKmf and glutamateKmf) was significantly higher at embryonic day (E) 18.5, in line with increased expression of LAT1, a glutamine transporter protein. In P0 mice, glutamineKmf and glutamateKmf were higher (P0 versus wild‐type littermates, WTL) at E15.5. At E18.5, glutamineKmf remained elevated whereas glutamateKmf was similar between groups. In summary, we provide evidence that glutamineKmf and glutamateKmf adapt according to placental size in WT mice. The placenta of the growth‐restricted P0 fetus also elevates transport capacity to compensate for size at E15.5, but this adaptation is insufficient at E18.5; this may contribute to decreased fetal growth. Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major risk factor for stillbirth and has significant impact upon lifelong health. A small, poorly functioning placenta, as evidenced by reduced transport of nutrients to the baby, underpins FGR. It remains unclear how a small but normal placenta differs from the small FGR placenta in terms of ability to transfer nutrients to the fetus. Placental transport of glutamine and glutamate, key amino acids for fetal growth, was assessed in normal mice and those with FGR. Glutamine and glutamate transport was greater in the lightest versus heaviest placenta in a litter of normally grown mice. Placentas of mice with FGR had increased transport capacity in mid‐pregnancy, but this adaptation was insufficient in late pregnancy. Placental adaptations, in terms of increased nutrient transport (per gram) to compensate for small size, appear to achieve appropriate fetal growth in normal pregnancy. Failure of this adaptation might contribute to FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty R McIntyre
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.,School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Christina E Hayward
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Colin P Sibley
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Susan L Greenwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Mark R Dilworth
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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Bahado-Singh RO, Yilmaz A, Bisgin H, Turkoglu O, Kumar P, Sherman E, Mrazik A, Odibo A, Graham SF. Artificial intelligence and the analysis of multi-platform metabolomics data for the detection of intrauterine growth restriction. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0214121. [PMID: 30998683 PMCID: PMC6472728 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To interrogate the pathogenesis of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques to multi-platform i.e. nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MS) based metabolomic analysis for the prediction of IUGR. MATERIALS AND METHODS MS and NMR based metabolomic analysis were performed on cord blood serum from 40 IUGR (birth weight < 10th percentile) cases and 40 controls. Three variable selection algorithms namely: Correlation-based feature selection (CFS), Partial least squares regression (PLS) and Learning Vector Quantization (LVQ) were tested for their diagnostic performance. For each selected set of metabolites and the panel consists of metabolites common in three selection algorithms so-called overlapping set (OL), support vector machine (SVM) models were developed for which parameter selection was performed busing 10-fold cross validations. Area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity values were calculated for IUGR diagnosis. Metabolite set enrichment analysis (MSEA) was performed to identify which metabolic pathways were perturbed as a direct result of IUGR in cord blood serum. RESULTS All selected metabolites and their overlapping set achieved statistically significant accuracies in the range of 0.78-0.82 for their optimized SVM models. The model utilizing all metabolites in the dataset had an AUC = 0.91 with a sensitivity of 0.83 and specificity equal to 0.80. CFS and OL (Creatinine, C2, C4, lysoPC.a.C16.1, lysoPC.a.C20.3, lysoPC.a.C28.1, PC.aa.C24.0) showed the highest performance with sensitivity (0.87) and specificity (0.87), respectively. MSEA revealed significantly altered metabolic pathways in IUGR cases. Dysregulated pathways include: beta oxidation of very long fatty acids, oxidation of branched chain fatty acids, phospholipid biosynthesis, lysine degradation, urea cycle and fatty acid metabolism. CONCLUSION A systematically selected panel of metabolites was shown to accurately detect IUGR in newborn cord blood serum. Significant disturbance of hepatic function and energy generating pathways were found in IUGR cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ray Oliver Bahado-Singh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, William Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, MI, United States of America
- Oakland University-William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Ali Yilmaz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, William Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, MI, United States of America
| | - Halil Bisgin
- Department of Computer Science, Engineering and Physics, University of Michigan-Flint, Flint, MI, United States of America
| | - Onur Turkoglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, William Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, MI, United States of America
| | - Praveen Kumar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, William Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, MI, United States of America
| | - Eric Sherman
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Andrew Mrazik
- Department of Computer Science, Engineering and Physics, University of Michigan-Flint, Flint, MI, United States of America
| | - Anthony Odibo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States of America
| | - Stewart F. Graham
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, William Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, MI, United States of America
- Oakland University-William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, United States of America
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25
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Gupta MB, Jansson T. Novel roles of mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling in regulating fetal growth†. Biol Reprod 2019; 100:872-884. [PMID: 30476008 PMCID: PMC6698747 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling functions as a central regulator of cellular metabolism, growth, and survival in response to hormones, growth factors, nutrients, energy, and stress signals. Mechanistic TOR is therefore critical for the growth of most fetal organs, and global mTOR deletion is embryonic lethal. This review discusses emerging evidence suggesting that mTOR signaling also has a role as a critical hub in the overall homeostatic control of fetal growth, adjusting the fetal growth trajectory according to the ability of the maternal supply line to support fetal growth. In the fetus, liver mTOR governs the secretion and phosphorylation of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1) thereby controlling the bioavailability of insulin-like growth factors (IGF-I and IGF-II), which function as important growth hormones during fetal life. In the placenta, mTOR responds to a large number of growth-related signals, including amino acids, glucose, oxygen, folate, and growth factors, to regulate trophoblast mitochondrial respiration, nutrient transport, and protein synthesis, thereby influencing fetal growth. In the maternal compartment, mTOR is an integral part of a decidual nutrient sensor which links oxygen and nutrient availability to the phosphorylation of IGFBP-1 with preferential effects on the bioavailability of IGF-I in the maternal-fetal interface and in the maternal circulation. These new roles of mTOR signaling in the regulation fetal growth will help us better understand the molecular underpinnings of abnormal fetal growth, such as intrauterine growth restriction and fetal overgrowth, and may represent novel avenues for diagnostics and intervention in important pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhulika B Gupta
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado | Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Brien ME, Baker B, Duval C, Gaudreault V, Jones RL, Girard S. Alarmins at the maternal-fetal interface: involvement of inflammation in placental dysfunction and pregnancy complications 1. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2018; 97:206-212. [PMID: 30485131 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2018-0363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation is known to be associated with placental dysfunction and pregnancy complications. Infections are well known to be a cause of inflammation but they are frequently undetectable in pregnancy complications. More recently, the focus has been extended to inflammation of noninfectious origin, namely caused by endogenous mediators known as "damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs)" or alarmins. In this manuscript, we review the mechanism by which inflammation, sterile or infectious, can alter the placenta and its function. We discuss some classical DAMPs, such as uric acid, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), cell-free fetal deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) (cffDNA), S100 proteins, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and their impact on the placenta. We focus on the main placental cells (i.e., trophoblast and Hofbauer cells) and describe the placental response to, and release of, DAMPs. We also covered the current state of knowledge about the role of DAMPs in pregnancy complications including preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and stillbirth and possible therapeutic strategies to preserve placental function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Eve Brien
- a Ste-Justine Hospital Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.,b Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Bernadette Baker
- c Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom.,d St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
| | - Cyntia Duval
- a Ste-Justine Hospital Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.,e Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Virginie Gaudreault
- a Ste-Justine Hospital Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.,e Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Rebecca L Jones
- c Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom.,d St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
| | - Sylvie Girard
- a Ste-Justine Hospital Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.,b Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.,e Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
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Chen YY, Gupta MB, Grattton R, Powell TL, Jansson T. Down-regulation of placental folate transporters in intrauterine growth restriction. J Nutr Biochem 2018; 59:136-141. [PMID: 29986308 PMCID: PMC6129407 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2018.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Folate deficiency in pregnancy is associated with neural tube defects, restricted fetal growth and fetal programming of diseases later in life. Fetal folate availability is dependent on maternal folate levels and placental folate transport capacity, mediated by two key transporters, Folate Receptor-α and Reduced Folate Carrier (RFC). We tested the hypothesis that intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with decreased folate transporter expression and activity in isolated syncytiotrophoblast microvillous plasma membranes (MVM). Women with pregnancies complicated by IUGR (birth weight <3rd percentile, mean birth weight 1804±110 g, gestational age 35.7±0.61 weeks, n=25) and women delivering an appropriately-for gestational age infant (control group, birth weight 25th-75th centile, mean birth weight 2493±216 g, gestational age 33.9±0.95 weeks, n=19) were recruited and placentas were collected at delivery. MVM was isolated and folate transporter protein expression was measured using Western blot and transporter activity was determined using radiolabelled methyltetrahydrofolic acid and rapid filtration. Whereas the expression of FR-α was unaffected, MVM RFC protein expression was significantly decreased in the IUGR group (-34%, P<.05). IUGR MVM had a significantly lower folate uptake compared to the control group (-38%, P<.05). In conclusion, placental folate transport capacity is decreased in IUGR, which may contribute to the restricted fetal growth and intrauterine programming of childhood and adult disease. These findings suggest that continuation of folate supplementation in the second and third trimester is of particular importance in pregnancies complicated by IUGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Yung Chen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, CO, USA; Division of High-risk Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Madhulika B Gupta
- Children's Health Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada; Department of Pediatrics and Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Rob Grattton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, CO, USA.
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Mohan R, Baumann D, Alejandro EU. Fetal undernutrition, placental insufficiency, and pancreatic β-cell development programming in utero. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2018; 315:R867-R878. [PMID: 30110175 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00072.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity and type 2 (T2D) diabetes is a major health concern in the United States and around the world. T2D is a complex disease characterized by pancreatic β-cell failure in association with obesity and insulin resistance in peripheral tissues. Although several genes associated with T2D have been identified, it is speculated that genetic variants account for only <10% of the risk for this disease. A strong body of data from both human epidemiological and animal studies shows that fetal nutrient factors in utero confer significant susceptibility to T2D. Numerous studies done in animals have shown that suboptimal maternal environment or placental insufficiency causes intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in the fetus, a critical factor known to predispose offspring to obesity and T2D, in part by causing permanent consequences in total functional β-cell mass. This review will focus on the potential contribution of the placenta in fetal programming of obesity and TD and its likely impact on pancreatic β-cell development and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramkumar Mohan
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Daniel Baumann
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Emilyn Uy Alejandro
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Brunst KJ, Tignor N, Just A, Liu Z, Lin X, Hacker MR, Bosquet Enlow M, Wright RO, Wang P, Baccarelli AA, Wright RJ. Cumulative lifetime maternal stress and epigenome-wide placental DNA methylation in the PRISM cohort. Epigenetics 2018; 13:665-681. [PMID: 30001177 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2018.1497387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Evolving evidence links maternal stress exposure to changes in placental DNA methylation of specific genes regulating placental function that may have implications for the programming of a host of chronic disorders. Few studies have implemented an epigenome-wide approach. Using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip (450K), we investigated epigenome-wide placental DNA methylation in relation to maternal experiences of traumatic and non-traumatic stressors over her lifetime assessed using the Life Stressor Checklist-Revised (LSC-R) survey (n = 207). We found differential DNA methylation at epigenome-wide statistical significance (FDR = 0.05) for 112 CpGs. Additionally, we observed three clusters that exhibited differential methylation in response to high maternal lifetime stress. Enrichment analyses, conducted at an FDR = 0.20, revealed lysine degradation to be the most significant pathway associated with maternal lifetimes stress exposure. Targeted enrichment analyses of the three largest clusters of probes, identified using the gap statistic, were enriched for genes associated with endocytosis (i.e., SMAP1, ANKFY1), tight junctions (i.e., EPB41L4B), and metabolic pathways (i.e., INPP5E, EEF1B2). These pathways, also identified in the top 10 KEGG pathways associated with maternal lifetime stress exposure, play important roles in multiple physiological functions necessary for proper fetal development. Further, two genes were identified to exhibit multiple probes associated with maternal lifetime stress (i.e., ANKFY1, TM6SF1). The methylation status of the probes belonging to each cluster and/or genes exhibiting multiple hits, may play a role in the pathogenesis of adverse health outcomes in children born to mothers with increased lifetime stress exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J Brunst
- a Department of Environmental Health , University of Cincinnati College of Medicine , Cincinnati , OH , USA
| | - Nicole Tignor
- b Icahn Institute for Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai One Gustave L. Levy Place , New York , NY , USA
| | - Allan Just
- c Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , NY , USA
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- d Department of Biostatistics , Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Xihong Lin
- d Department of Biostatistics , Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Michele R Hacker
- e Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center , Boston , MA , USA.,f Department of Obstetrics , Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Michelle Bosquet Enlow
- g Department of Psychiatry, Program for Behavioral Science, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Psychiatry , Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Robert O Wright
- c Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , NY , USA
| | - Pei Wang
- b Icahn Institute for Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai One Gustave L. Levy Place , New York , NY , USA
| | - Andrea A Baccarelli
- h Department of Environmental Health Sciences , Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University , New York , NY , USA
| | - Rosalind J Wright
- c Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , NY , USA.,i Department of Pediatrics , Kravis Children's Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , NY , USA
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Zhu Q, Xie P, Li H, Ma C, Zhang W, Yin Y, Kong X. Fetal Huanjiang mini-pigs exhibit differences in nutrient composition according to body weight and gestational period. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199939. [PMID: 30005070 PMCID: PMC6044520 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Low birth weight may negatively affect energy storage and nutrient metabolism, and impair fetal growth and development. We analyzed effects of body weight (BW) and gestational period on nutrient composition in fetal Huanjiang mini-pigs. Fetuses with the lowest BW (LBW), middle BW (MBW), and highest BW (HBW) were collected at days 45, 75, and 110 of gestation. Crude protein (CP), crude fat, amino acid (AA), and fatty acid (FA) concentrations were determined. The BW gain, carcass weight, fat percentage, and uterus weight of sows increased as gestation progressed, as did litter weight, average individual fetal weight, fetal body weight, and dry matter (DM). The concentrations of Ala, Arg, crude fat, Gly, Pro, Tyr, C14:0, C16:0, C16:1, C18:1n9c, C18:2n6c, C18:3n3, C18:3n6, C20:0, C20:3n6, saturated FA (SFA), and monounsaturated FA (MUFA) increased significantly as gestation progressed. The percentage of skeleton, and the ratio of the liver, lung, and stomach to BW decreased as gestation progressed. There were also significant reductions in the concentrations of CP, Asp, Glu, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Phe, Ser, Thr, essential AA (EAA), acidic AA, C17:0, C20:4n6, C22:6n3, unsaturated FA (UFA), polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), n-3PUFA, n-6PUFA as gestation progressed, and reductions in EAA/total AA (TAA), PUFA/SFA, and n-3/n-6 PUFA. The LBW fetuses exhibited the lowest BW and crude fat, C14:0, C16:1, C17:0, C18:2n6c, and MUFA concentrations at days 75 and 110 of gestation. They also exhibited lower Tyr concentration at day 45 of gestation and lower Glu concentration at day 75 of gestation than HBW fetuses. These findings suggest that LBW fetuses exhibit lower amounts of crude fat and several FAs during mid-gestation and late-gestation, which may in turn affect adaptability, growth, and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peifeng Xie
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Huawei Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Cui Ma
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wanghong Zhang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yulong Yin
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Xiangfeng Kong
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, China
- Research Center of Mini-Pig, Huanjiang Observation and Research Station for Karst Ecosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huanjiang, China
- * E-mail:
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Hayward CE, McIntyre KR, Sibley CP, Greenwood SL, Dilworth MR. Mechanisms Underpinning Adaptations in Placental Calcium Transport in Normal Mice and Those With Fetal Growth Restriction. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:671. [PMID: 30515131 PMCID: PMC6255882 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal delivery of calcium, via the placenta, is crucial for appropriate skeletal mineralization. We have previously demonstrated that maternofetal calcium transport, per gram placenta, is increased in the placental specific insulin-like growth factor 2 knockout mouse (P0) model of fetal growth restriction (FGR) compared to wild type littermates (WTL). This effect was mirrored in wild-type (WT) mice comparing lightest vs. heaviest (LvH) placentas in a litter. In both models increased placental calcium transport was associated with normalization of fetal calcium content. Despite this adaptation being observed in small normal (WT), and small dysfunctional (P0) placentas, mechanisms underpinning these changes remain unknown. Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), elevated in cord blood in FGR and known to stimulate plasma membrane calcium ATPase, might be important. We hypothesized that PTHrP expression would be increased in LvH WT placentas, and in P0 vs. WTL. We used calcium pathway-focused PCR arrays to assess whether mechanisms underpinning these adaptations in LvH WT placentas, and in P0 vs. WTL, were similar. PTHrP protein expression was not different between LvH WT placentas at E18.5 but trended toward increased expression (139%; P = 0.06) in P0 vs. WTL. PCR arrays demonstrated that four genes were differentially expressed in LvH WT placentas including increased expression of the calcium-binding protein calmodulin 1 (1.6-fold; P < 0.05). Twenty-four genes were differentially expressed in placentas of P0 vs. WTL; significant reductions were observed in expression of S100 calcium binding protein G (2-fold; P < 0.01), parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (1.7-fold; P < 0.01) and PTHrP (2-fold; P < 0.05), whilst serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1), a regulator of nutrient transporters, was increased (1.4 fold; P < 0.05). Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase 5 (TRAP5 encoded by Acp5) was reduced in placentas of both LvH WT and P0 vs. WTL (1.6- and 1.7-fold, respectively; P < 0.05). Signaling events underpinning adaptations in calcium transport are distinct between LvH placentas of WT mice and those in P0 vs. WTL. Calcium binding proteins appear important in functional adaptations in the former whilst PTHrP and SGK1 are also implicated in the latter. These data facilitate understanding of mechanisms underpinning placental calcium transport adaptation in normal and growth restricted fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina E. Hayward
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Kirsty R. McIntyre
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Colin P. Sibley
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Susan L. Greenwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mark R. Dilworth
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Mark R. Dilworth
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Hayward CE, Renshall LJ, Sibley CP, Greenwood SL, Dilworth MR. Adaptations in Maternofetal Calcium Transport in Relation to Placental Size and Fetal Sex in Mice. Front Physiol 2017; 8:1050. [PMID: 29311979 PMCID: PMC5732954 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.01050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Appropriate placental transport of calcium is essential for normal fetal skeletal mineralization. In fetal growth restriction (FGR), the failure of a fetus to achieve its growth potential, a number of placental nutrient transport systems show reduced activity but, in the case of calcium, placental transport is increased. In a genetic mouse model of FGR this increase, or adaptation, maintains appropriate fetal calcium content, relative to the size of the fetus, despite a small, dysfunctional placenta. It is unknown whether such an adaptation is also apparent in small, but normally functioning placentas. We tested the hypothesis that calcium transfer would be up-regulated in the lightest vs. heaviest placentas in the same C57Bl/6J wild-type (WT) mouse litter. Since lightest placentas are often from females, we also assessed whether fetal sex influenced placental calcium transfer. Placentas and fetuses were collected at embryonic day (E)16.5 and 18.5; the lightest and heaviest placentas, and female and male fetuses, were identified. Unidirectional maternofetal calcium clearance (CaKmf) was assessed following 45Ca administration to the dam and subsequent radiolabel counts within the fetuses. Placental expression of calcium pathway components was measured by Western blot. Data (median) are lightest placenta expressed as percentage of the heaviest within a litter and analyzed by Wilcoxon signed-rank test. In WT mice having normally grown fetuses, CaKmf, per gram placenta near term, in the lightest placentas was increased (126%; P < 0.05) in association with reduced fetal calcium accretion earlier in gestation (92%; P < 0.05), that was subsequently normalized near term. Increased placental expression of calbindin-D9K, an important calcium binding protein, was observed in the lightest placentas near term (122%; P < 0.01). There was no difference in fetal calcium accretion between male and female littermates but a trend toward higher CaKmf in females (P = 0.055). These data suggest a small, normal placenta adapts calcium transfer according to its size, as previously demonstrated in a mouse model of FGR. Fetal sex had limited influence on this adaptive increase. These adaptations are potentially driven by fetal nutrient demand, as evidenced by the normalization of fetal calcium content. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms involved may provide novel avenues for treating placental dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina E Hayward
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Lewis J Renshall
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Colin P Sibley
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Susan L Greenwood
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mark R Dilworth
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Boehmer BH, Limesand SW, Rozance PJ. The impact of IUGR on pancreatic islet development and β-cell function. J Endocrinol 2017; 235:R63-R76. [PMID: 28808079 PMCID: PMC5808569 DOI: 10.1530/joe-17-0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Placental insufficiency is a primary cause of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). IUGR increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) throughout life, which indicates that insults from placental insufficiency impair β-cell development during the perinatal period because β-cells have a central role in the regulation of glucose tolerance. The severely IUGR fetal pancreas is characterized by smaller islets, less β-cells, and lower insulin secretion. Because of the important associations among impaired islet growth, β-cell dysfunction, impaired fetal growth, and the propensity for T2DM, significant progress has been made in understanding the pathophysiology of IUGR and programing events in the fetal endocrine pancreas. Animal models of IUGR replicate many of the observations in severe cases of human IUGR and allow us to refine our understanding of the pathophysiology of developmental and functional defects in islet from IUGR fetuses. Almost all models demonstrate a phenotype of progressive loss of β-cell mass and impaired β-cell function. This review will first provide evidence of impaired human islet development and β-cell function associated with IUGR and the impact on glucose homeostasis including the development of glucose intolerance and diabetes in adulthood. We then discuss evidence for the mechanisms regulating β-cell mass and insulin secretion in the IUGR fetus, including the role of hypoxia, catecholamines, nutrients, growth factors, and pancreatic vascularity. We focus on recent evidence from experimental interventions in established models of IUGR to understand better the pathophysiological mechanisms linking placental insufficiency with impaired islet development and β-cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brit H Boehmer
- Department of PediatricsPerinatal Research Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Sean W Limesand
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical SciencesUniversity of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Paul J Rozance
- Department of PediatricsPerinatal Research Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Abd El-Wahed M, El-Farghali O, ElAbd H, El-Desouky E, Hassan S. Metabolic derangements in IUGR neonates detected at birth using UPLC-MS. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmhg.2016.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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Essential Roles of L-Type Amino Acid Transporter 1 in Syncytiotrophoblast Development by Presenting Fusogenic 4F2hc. Mol Cell Biol 2017; 37:MCB.00427-16. [PMID: 28320871 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00427-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The layers of the epithelial syncytium, i.e., syncytiotrophoblasts, differentiate from chorionic trophoblasts via cell fusion and separate maternal and fetal circulations in hemochorial placentas. L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) and its covalently linked ancillary subunit 4F2hc are colocalized on both maternal and fetal surfaces of syncytiotrophoblasts, implying their roles in amino acid transfer through the placental barrier. In this study, LAT1 knockout, in addition, revealed a novel role of LAT1 in syncytiotrophoblast development. LAT1 at midgestation was selectively expressed in trophoblastic lineages in the placenta, exclusively as a LAT1-4F2hc heterodimer. In LAT1 homozygous knockout mice, chorionic trophoblasts remained largely mononucleated, and the layers of syncytiotrophoblasts were almost completely absent. The amount of 4F2hc protein, which possesses a fusogenic function in trophoblastic cells, as well as in virus-infected cells, was drastically reduced by LAT1 knockout, with less affecting the mRNA level. Knockdown of LAT1 in trophoblastic BeWo cells also reduced 4F2hc protein and suppressed forskolin-induced cell fusion. These results demonstrate a novel fundamental role of LAT1 to support the protein expression of 4F2hc via a chaperone-like function in chorionic trophoblasts and to promote syncytiotrophoblast formation by contributing to cell fusion in the developing placenta.
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Chen YY, Powell TL, Jansson T. 1,25-Dihydroxy vitamin D 3 stimulates system A amino acid transport in primary human trophoblast cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 442:90-97. [PMID: 27956114 PMCID: PMC5673492 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is linked to adverse perinatal outcomes such as small for gestational age infants. Recent evidence suggests that changes in placental amino acid transport contribute to altered fetal growth. We tested the hypothesis that 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 increases the gene expression of System A and L amino acid transporter isoforms and stimulates placental amino acid transport activity in cultured primary human trophoblast cells mediated by mTOR signaling. Treatment with 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 significantly increased mRNA expression of the System A isoform SNAT2 and System A activity, but had no effect on System L and did not affect mTOR signaling. siRNA silencing of the vitamin D receptor prevented 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3-stimulated System A transport. In conclusion, 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 regulates System A activity through increased mRNA expression of SNAT2 transporters. Effects on placental amino acid transport may be the mechanism underlying the association between maternal vitamin D status and fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Yung Chen
- Division of Reproductive Science, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Division of High-risk Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Division of Reproductive Science, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Division of Reproductive Science, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Vaughan O, Rosario F, Powell T, Jansson T. Regulation of Placental Amino Acid Transport and Fetal Growth. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2017; 145:217-251. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2016.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Positive Regulation of Decidualization by l-Type Amino Acid Transporter 1 (lat1) in Pregnant Mice. Nutrients 2016; 8:nu8110704. [PMID: 27827961 PMCID: PMC5133091 DOI: 10.3390/nu8110704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Amino acids have an important role in the pre and post implantation of placenta and embryo development. l-type amino-acid transporter 1 (lat1) is responsible for the transportation of large neutral amino acids and is mainly expressed in human fetal liver, placenta, brain, etc. This study is the first to investigate the expression of lat1 in the early pregnancy of mouse uteri and its role in the process of decidualization. Endometrial stromal cells of a mouse model were used to evaluate decidualization from Day 4–8 of pregnancy in vitro followed by lat1 knock down by small interfering RNA and by a competitive inhibitor of Leucine transport 2-aminobicyclo-(2,2,1)-heptane-2-carboxylic acid (BCH). The effects of lat1 on decidualization in vivo were assessed by injecting BCH into the uterine horns. The mRNA and protein expressions of lat1 in the implantation sites were higher than that in the inter-implantation sites and were localized in the luminal and gland epithelium, stromal and decidual cells. Its increased expression (p < 0.05) was associated with artificial decidualization as well as activation of prl expression. Down-regulation of lat1 expression in these cells by siRNA and BCH inhibited the decidual progression in vitro. Inhibition of lat1 transportation by BCH controlled decidual progression in vivo also accompanied the down-regulation of prl, lat1 expression in the decidual area and embryo size on Day 8 of pregnancy. In conclusion, these results revealed that lat1 might play an important role in the decidual progression both in vitro and in vivo.
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Rozance PJ, Hay WW. Pancreatic islet hepatocyte growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor A signaling in growth restricted fetuses. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 435:78-84. [PMID: 26820125 PMCID: PMC4959995 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Revised: 01/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Placental insufficiency leads to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and a lifelong risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Impaired islet development in the growth restricted fetus, including decreased β-cell replication, mass, and insulin secretion, is strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of later life type 2 diabetes. Currently, standard medical management of a woman with a pregnancy complicated by placental insufficiency and fetal IUGR is increased fetal surveillance and indicated preterm delivery. This leads to the dual complications of IUGR and preterm birth - both of which may increase the lifelong risk for type 2 diabetes. In order to develop therapeutic interventions in IUGR pregnancies complicated by placental insufficiency and decrease the risk of later development of type 2 diabetes in the offspring, the mechanisms responsible for impaired islet development in these cases must be determined. This review focuses on current investigations testing the hypothesis that decreased nutrient supply to the IUGR fetus inhibits an intra-islet hepatocyte growth factor - vascular endothelial growth factor A (HGF - VEGFA) feed forward signaling pathway and that this is responsible for developmental islet defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Rozance
- Perinatal Research Center, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, USA.
| | - William W Hay
- Perinatal Research Center, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, USA
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Brown LD, Davis M, Wai S, Wesolowski SR, Hay WW, Limesand SW, Rozance PJ. Chronically Increased Amino Acids Improve Insulin Secretion, Pancreatic Vascularity, and Islet Size in Growth-Restricted Fetal Sheep. Endocrinology 2016; 157:3788-3799. [PMID: 27501184 PMCID: PMC5045508 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Placental insufficiency is associated with reduced supply of amino acids to the fetus and leads to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). IUGR fetuses are characterized by lower glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, smaller pancreatic islets with less β-cells, and impaired pancreatic vascularity. To test whether supplemental amino acids infused into the IUGR fetus could improve these complications of IUGR we used acute (hours) and chronic (11 d) direct fetal amino acid infusions into a sheep model of placental insufficiency and IUGR near the end of gestation. IUGR fetuses had attenuated acute amino acid-stimulated insulin secretion compared with control fetuses. These results were confirmed in isolated IUGR pancreatic islets. After the chronic fetal amino acid infusion, fetal glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and islet size were restored to control values. These changes were associated with normalization of fetal pancreatic vascularity and higher fetal pancreatic vascular endothelial growth factor A protein concentrations. These results demonstrate that decreased fetal amino acid supply contributes to the pathogenesis of pancreatic islet defects in IUGR. Moreover, the results show that pancreatic islets in IUGR fetuses retain their ability to respond to increased amino acids near the end of gestation after chronic fetal growth restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura D Brown
- Perinatal Research Center (L.D.B., S.W., W.W.H., P.J.R.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045; School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences (M.D., S.W.L.), University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719; and Center for Women's Health Research (L.D.B., S.R.W., P.J.R.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Melissa Davis
- Perinatal Research Center (L.D.B., S.W., W.W.H., P.J.R.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045; School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences (M.D., S.W.L.), University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719; and Center for Women's Health Research (L.D.B., S.R.W., P.J.R.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Sandra Wai
- Perinatal Research Center (L.D.B., S.W., W.W.H., P.J.R.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045; School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences (M.D., S.W.L.), University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719; and Center for Women's Health Research (L.D.B., S.R.W., P.J.R.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Stephanie R Wesolowski
- Perinatal Research Center (L.D.B., S.W., W.W.H., P.J.R.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045; School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences (M.D., S.W.L.), University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719; and Center for Women's Health Research (L.D.B., S.R.W., P.J.R.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - William W Hay
- Perinatal Research Center (L.D.B., S.W., W.W.H., P.J.R.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045; School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences (M.D., S.W.L.), University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719; and Center for Women's Health Research (L.D.B., S.R.W., P.J.R.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Sean W Limesand
- Perinatal Research Center (L.D.B., S.W., W.W.H., P.J.R.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045; School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences (M.D., S.W.L.), University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719; and Center for Women's Health Research (L.D.B., S.R.W., P.J.R.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Paul J Rozance
- Perinatal Research Center (L.D.B., S.W., W.W.H., P.J.R.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045; School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences (M.D., S.W.L.), University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85719; and Center for Women's Health Research (L.D.B., S.R.W., P.J.R.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045
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Pantham P, Rosario FJ, Weintraub ST, Nathanielsz PW, Powell TL, Li C, Jansson T. Down-Regulation of Placental Transport of Amino Acids Precedes the Development of Intrauterine Growth Restriction in Maternal Nutrient Restricted Baboons. Biol Reprod 2016; 95:98. [PMID: 27605346 PMCID: PMC5178152 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.116.141085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is an important risk factor for perinatal complications and adult disease. IUGR is associated with down-regulation of placental amino acid transporter expression and activity at birth. It is unknown whether these changes are a cause or a consequence of human IUGR. We hypothesized that placental amino acid transport capacity is reduced prior to onset of reduced fetal growth in baboons with maternal nutrient restriction (MNR). Pregnant baboons were fed either a control (n = 8) or MNR diet (70% of control diet, n = 9) from Gestational Day 30. At Gestational Day 120 (0.65 of gestation), fetuses and placentas were collected. Microvillous (MVM) and basal (BM) plasma membrane vesicles were isolated. System A and system L transport activity was determined in MVM, and leucine transporter activity was assessed in BM using radiolabeled substrates. MVM amino acid transporter isoform expression (SNAT1, SNAT2, and SNAT4 and LAT1 and LAT2) was measured using Western blots. LAT1 and LAT2 expression were also determined in BM. Maternal and fetal plasma amino acids concentrations were determined using mass spectrometry. Fetal and placental weights were unaffected by MNR. MVM system A activity was decreased by 37% in MNR baboon placentas (P = 0.03); however MVM system A amino acid transporter protein expression was unchanged. MVM system L activity and BM leucine transporter activity were not altered by MNR. Fetal plasma concentrations of essential amino acids isoleucine and leucine were reduced, while citrulline increased (P < 0.05) in MNR fetuses compared to controls. In this primate model of IUGR, placental MVM system A amino acid transporter activity is decreased prior to the onset of reduction in the fetal growth trajectory. The reduction in plasma leucine and isoleucine in MNR fetuses may be caused by reduced activity of MVM system A, which is strongly coupled with system L essential amino acid uptake. Our findings indicate that reduced placental amino acid transport may be a cause rather than a consequence of IUGR due to inadequate maternal nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyadarshini Pantham
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Fredrick J Rosario
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Susan T Weintraub
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Peter W Nathanielsz
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming.,Southwest National Primate Research Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Cun Li
- Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming.,Southwest National Primate Research Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
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Speake PF, Zipitis CS, Houston A, D'Souza S. Taurine Transport Into Fetal Cord Blood Cells: Inhibition by Cyclosporine A. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 11:472-7. [PMID: 15458744 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsgi.2004.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pregnant women undergoing long-term organ transplant treatment have an increased incidence of delivering infants with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Cyclosporine A is used as an immunosuppressant in such women and indirect evidence suggests that IUGR might result from an effect of cyclosporine A on amino acid transport by the placenta. In this study we tested the hypothesis that the transport of an essential amino acid, taurine, by fetal tissue other than the placenta is modulated by cyclosporine A. METHODS Cord blood cells (CBCs) were used to test this hypothesis as an easily obtainable fetal tissue. Transport of taurine into CBCs was measured using standard tracer flux assays. RESULTS Uptake of [(3)H] taurine by CBCs was linear over 15 minutes (76.2 +/- 16.6 fmol/10(6) cells/min, mean +/- SEM, n = 6) and inhibitable by 10 mM beta-alanine, a substrate of the system-beta taurine transport protein (6.7 +/- 1.0 fmol/10(6) cells/min, n = 6, P <.05, paired Student t test). Pre-incubation with cyclosporine A (5 microM) inhibited [(3)H] taurine uptake by 29.3%-5.3% (n = 8, P <.05, paired Student t test). CONCLUSIONS These data show that amino acid transport via system-beta can be measured in CBCs and may be a useful model for amino acid transport studies in fetal cells. We also show that system-beta was inhibited by the immunosuppressant, cyclosporine A. This suggests that the increased incidence of IUGR reported in mothers treated with cyclosporine A may be due partially to effects on taurine uptake into fetal cells outside the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul F Speake
- Human Development and Reproductive Health Academic Group, Academic Unit of Child Health, University of Manchester, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom.
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43
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Settle P, Sibley CP, Doughty IM, Johnston T, Glazier JD, Powell TL, Jansson T, D'Souza SW. Placental Lactate Transporter Activity and Expression in Intrauterine Growth Restriction. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 13:357-63. [PMID: 16814165 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsgi.2006.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare lactate uptake in the microvillous plasma membrane (maternal facing [MVM]) in term and preterm placentas in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and appropriate weight for gestational age (AGA) controls, and in the basal plasma membrane (fetal facing [BM]) at term. In addition, we examine the expression of monocarboxylate transporters (MCT1 and MCT4). METHODS We measured [14C] L-lactate uptakes into vesicles prepared from MVM and BM, stimulated by an inwardly directed H+ gradient. MCT expression was examined by Western blotting. RESULTS In term placentas, mean (+/- SE) [14C] L-lactate uptake into MVM vesicles of the IUGR (n = 6) and AGA (n = 11) groups at initial rate was similar (15.4 +/- 2.3 versus 15.0 +/- 1.1 pmol/mg protein/20 s). In preterm placentas, in IUGR (n = 3) and AGA (n = 3) groups, [14C] l-lactate uptake into MVM was also not significantly different. In BM vesicles from term placentas, [14C] L-lactate uptake was significantly lower in IUGR (n = 5) than in AGA (n = 6) controls (3.6 +/- 0.4 versus 5.6 +/- 0.6 pmol/mg protein/20 s, P <.05). MCT1 and MCT4 were expressed in BM vesicles, but there was no difference in expression between the IUGR and AGA groups. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that in IUGR placental lactate transport capacity in the BM is reduced, which may adversely affect placental lactate clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Settle
- Division of Human Development, University of Manchester, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
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44
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Abstract
In 2012 there were 135,943 infants of multiple pregnancies born in the United States, nearly a 2-fold increase since 1980, with twins accounting for 96% of all multiple births. To date, most perinatal morbidities associated with multiple births have proven resistant to technological or pharmaceutical interventions. Maternal nutrition can have a profound effect on the course and outcome of multiple pregnancy, with the goal of achieving optimal intrauterine growth and birthweights, and minimizing prenatal and perinatal complications for the mother and her children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Luke
- Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, East Lansing, Michigan
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45
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Yao Q, Chen L, Liang Y, Sui L, Guo L, Zhou J, Fan K, Jing J, Zhang Y, Yao B. Blastomere removal from cleavage-stage mouse embryos alters placental function, which is associated with placental oxidative stress and inflammation. Sci Rep 2016; 6:25023. [PMID: 27109212 PMCID: PMC4842963 DOI: 10.1038/srep25023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastomere biopsy is an essential technique in preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), a screening test that can detect genetic abnormalities of embryos before their transfer into uterus. Our results showed that the weights of fetuses derived from biopsied embryos were lower than that of non-biopsied counterparts at E12.5, E15.5, and E18.5. The ratio of fetal/placental (F/P) weights in the biopsied group was significantly lower than that in the non-biopsied group at E18.5. At E18.5, the mRNAs for selected glucose transporters, system A amino acid transporters, system L amino acid transporters, and imprinted genes were downregulated in the placentae of biopsied group, and the GLUT1 and CAT3 protein levels were decreased too. More apoptotic cells were detected by TUNEL in the placentae of biopsied group. Placentae from biopsied embryos exhibited lower levels of SOD and GSH. Furthermore, the concentration of MDA increased in the placentae from biopsied group. The levels of IL1B, IL6, and TNFA also significantly increased in the placentae of biopsied group. This study suggested that placental function may be sensitive to blastomere biopsy procedures, and placental oxidative stress and inflammation associated with blastomere biopsy may be critical factors of abnormal placental function and further influence the fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Yao
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210002, PR China
| | - Li Chen
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210002, PR China
| | - Yuanjiao Liang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210002, PR China
| | - Liucai Sui
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210002, PR China
| | - Li Guo
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210002, PR China
| | - Jingwei Zhou
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210002, PR China
| | - Kai Fan
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210002, PR China
| | - Jun Jing
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210002, PR China
| | - Yunhai Zhang
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory for Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetic Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei 230036, PR China
| | - Bing Yao
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210002, PR China
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Malkani N, Biggar K, Shehab MA, Li SSC, Jansson T, Gupta MB. Increased IGFBP-1 phosphorylation in response to leucine deprivation is mediated by CK2 and PKC. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 425:48-60. [PMID: 26733150 PMCID: PMC4811673 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Revised: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1), secreted by fetal liver, is a key regulator of IGF-I bioavailability and fetal growth. IGFBP-1 phosphorylation decreases IGF-I bioavailability and diminishes its growth-promoting effects. Growth-restricted fetuses have decreased levels of circulating essential amino acids. We recently showed that IGFBP-1 hyperphosphorylation (pSer101/119/169) in response to leucine deprivation is regulated via activation of the amino acid response (AAR) in HepG2 cells. Here we investigated nutrient-sensitive protein kinases CK2/PKC/PKA in mediating IGFBP-1 phosphorylation in leucine deprivation. We demonstrated that leucine deprivation stimulated CK2 activity (enzymatic assay) and induced IGFBP-1 phosphorylation (immunoblotting/MRM-MS). Inhibition (pharmacological/siRNA) of CK2/PKC, but not PKA, prevented IGFBP-1 hyperphosphorylation in leucine deprivation. PKC inhibition also prevented leucine deprivation-stimulated CK2 activity. Functionally, leucine deprivation decreased IGF-I-induced-IGF-1R autophosphorylation when CK2/PKC were not inhibited. Our data strongly support that PKC promotes leucine deprivation-induced IGFBP-1 hyperphosphorylation via CK2 activation, mechanistically linking decreased amino acid availability and reduced fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niyati Malkani
- Dept of Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Kyle Biggar
- Dept of Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Majida Abu Shehab
- Children's Health Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Shawn Shun-Cheng Li
- Dept of Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Dept of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Madhulika B Gupta
- Dept of Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada; Dept of Pediatrics, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
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47
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Placental Expression Patterns of Galectin-1, Galectin-2, Galectin-3 and Galectin-13 in Cases of Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR). Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:523. [PMID: 27070577 PMCID: PMC4848979 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17040523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Revised: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Galectins (gal) are members of the mammalian β-galactoside-binding proteins and recognize Galβ1-4GlcNAc and Galβ1-4GalNac (Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen (TF)) sequences of several cell surface oligosaccharides. In this study, gal-1, -2, -3 and -13 were investigated systematically in the trophoblast and decidua compartment of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) placentas and normal third trimester control placentas and stratified by fetal gender and gestational age. Within this study, 29 third trimester placentas after delivery were analyzed. Fetal gender was equally divided within both groups, and immunohistochemical staining was analyzed according to fetal gender and gestational age. Double immune-fluorescence with trophoblast-specific markers was used to identify galectin-expressing cells at the feto-maternal interface in the decidua. Gal-3 was significantly downregulated only in the extravillous trophoblast of IUGR placentas. In contrast, expressions of gal-2 and gal-13 were downregulated in both villous and extravillous trophoblast cells of IUGR placentas. In addition, gal-2 and gal-13 showed a highly correlated expression scheme in the placenta. There are significant gender-specific expression patterns for single prototype galectins with downregulation of gal-2 and gal-13 of male gender placentas in cases of IUGR. Gal-3 as the chimera type galectin shows only little gender-specific differences in expression, which disappear in IUGR cases.
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48
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Hayward CE, Lean S, Sibley CP, Jones RL, Wareing M, Greenwood SL, Dilworth MR. Placental Adaptation: What Can We Learn from Birthweight:Placental Weight Ratio? Front Physiol 2016; 7:28. [PMID: 26903878 PMCID: PMC4742558 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2016.00028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Appropriate fetal growth relies upon adequate placental nutrient transfer. Birthweight:placental weight ratio (BW:PW ratio) is often used as a proxy for placental efficiency, defined as the grams of fetus produced per gram placenta. An elevated BW:PW ratio in an appropriately grown fetus (small placenta) is assumed to be due to up-regulated placental nutrient transfer capacity i.e., a higher nutrient net flux per gram placenta. In fetal growth restriction (FGR), where a fetus fails to achieve its genetically pre-determined growth potential, placental weight and BW:PW ratio are often reduced which may indicate a placenta that fails to adapt its nutrient transfer capacity to compensate for its small size. This review considers the literature on BW:PW ratio in both large cohort studies of normal pregnancies and those studies offering insight into the relationship between BW:PW ratio and outcome measures including stillbirth, FGR, and subsequent postnatal consequences. The core of this review is the question of whether BW:PW ratio is truly indicative of altered placental efficiency, and whether changes in BW:PW ratio reflect those placentas which adapt their nutrient transfer according to their size. We consider this question using data from mice and humans, focusing upon studies that have measured the activity of the well characterized placental system A amino acid transporter, both in uncomplicated pregnancies and in FGR. Evidence suggests that BW:PW ratio is reduced both in FGR and in pregnancies resulting in a small for gestational age (SGA, birthweight < 10th centile) infant but this effect is more pronounced earlier in gestation (<28 weeks). In mice, there is a clear association between increased BW:PW ratio and increased placental system A activity. Additionally, there is good evidence in wild-type mice that small placentas upregulate placental nutrient transfer to prevent fetal undergrowth. In humans, this association between BW:PW ratio and placental system A activity is less clear and is worthy of further consideration, both in terms of system A and other placental nutrient transfer processes. This knowledge would help decide the value of measuring BW:PW ratio in terms of determining the risk of poor health outcomes, both in the neonatal period and long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina E Hayward
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of ManchesterManchester, UK; Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustManchester, UK
| | - Samantha Lean
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of ManchesterManchester, UK; Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustManchester, UK
| | - Colin P Sibley
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of ManchesterManchester, UK; Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustManchester, UK
| | - Rebecca L Jones
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of ManchesterManchester, UK; Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustManchester, UK
| | - Mark Wareing
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of ManchesterManchester, UK; Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustManchester, UK
| | - Susan L Greenwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of ManchesterManchester, UK; Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustManchester, UK
| | - Mark R Dilworth
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of ManchesterManchester, UK; Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustManchester, UK
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49
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Dimasuay KG, Boeuf P, Powell TL, Jansson T. Placental Responses to Changes in the Maternal Environment Determine Fetal Growth. Front Physiol 2016; 7:12. [PMID: 26858656 PMCID: PMC4731498 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2016.00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Placental responses to maternal perturbations are complex and remain poorly understood. Altered maternal environment during pregnancy such as hypoxia, stress, obesity, diabetes, toxins, altered nutrition, inflammation, and reduced utero-placental blood flow may influence fetal development, which can predispose to diseases later in life. The placenta being a metabolically active tissue responds to these perturbations by regulating the fetal supply of nutrients and oxygen and secretion of hormones into the maternal and fetal circulation. We have proposed that placental nutrient sensing integrates maternal and fetal nutritional cues with information from intrinsic nutrient sensing signaling pathways to balance fetal demand with the ability of the mother to support pregnancy by regulating maternal physiology, placental growth, and placental nutrient transport. Emerging evidence suggests that the nutrient-sensing signaling pathway mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays a central role in this process. Thus, placental nutrient sensing plays a critical role in modulating maternal-fetal resource allocation, thereby affecting fetal growth and the life-long health of the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kris Genelyn Dimasuay
- Department of Medicine, The University of MelbourneMelbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet InstituteMelbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAurora, CO, USA
| | - Philippe Boeuf
- Department of Medicine, The University of MelbourneMelbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet InstituteMelbourne, VIC, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne HospitalMelbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Theresa L. Powell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAurora, CO, USA
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAurora, CO, USA
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50
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Rodríguez-Rodríguez P, de Pablo ALL, Condezo-Hoyos L, Martín-Cabrejas MA, Aguilera Y, Ruiz-Hurtado G, Gutierrez-Arzapalo PY, Ramiro-Cortijo D, Fernández-Alfonso MS, González MDC, Arribas SM. Fetal undernutrition is associated with perinatal sex-dependent alterations in oxidative status. J Nutr Biochem 2015; 26:1650-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2015.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2015] [Revised: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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