1
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Shimada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Alves-Silva T, Húngaro TG, Freitas-Lima LC, de Melo Arthur G, Arruda AC, Santos RB, Oyama LM, Mori MA, Bader M, Araujo RC. Kinin B1 receptor controls maternal adiponectin levels and influences offspring weight gain. iScience 2023; 26:108409. [PMID: 38058311 PMCID: PMC10696114 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the importance of the kinin B1 receptor in insulin and leptin hormonal regulation, which in turn is crucial in maternal adaptations to ensure nutrient supply to the fetus, we investigated the role of this receptor in maternal metabolism and fetoplacental development. Wild-type and kinin B1 receptor-deficient (B1KO) female mice were mated with male mice of the opposite genotype. Consequently, the entire litter was heterozygous for kinin B1 receptor, ensuring that there would be no influence of offspring genotype on the maternal phenotype. Maternal kinin B1 receptor blockade reduces adiponectin secretion by adipose tissue ex vivo, consistent with lower adiponectin levels in pregnant B1KO mice. Furthermore, fasting insulinemia also increased, which was associated with placental insulin resistance, reduced placental glycogen accumulation, and heavier offspring. Therefore, we propose the combination of chronic hyperinsulinemia and reduced adiponectin secretion in B1KO female mice create a maternal obesogenic environment that results in heavier pups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thaís Alves-Silva
- Laboratory of Genetics and Exercise Metabolism, Molecular Biology Program, Biophysics Department, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil
- Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Campus Berlin-Buch, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Talita G.R. Húngaro
- Laboratory of Genetics and Exercise Metabolism, Nephrology Program, Biophysics Department, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil
| | - Leandro C. Freitas-Lima
- Laboratory of Genetics and Exercise Metabolism, Molecular Biology Program, Biophysics Department, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil
| | - Gabriel de Melo Arthur
- Laboratory of Genetics and Exercise Metabolism, Molecular Biology Program, Biophysics Department, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil
| | - Adriano C. Arruda
- Laboratory of Genetics and Exercise Metabolism, Nephrology Program, Biophysics Department, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil
| | - Raisa B. Santos
- Laboratory of Genetics and Exercise Metabolism, Nephrology Program, Biophysics Department, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil
| | - Lila M. Oyama
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Endocrine Physiology, Physiology Department, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-901, Brazil
| | - Marcelo A.S. Mori
- Laboratory of Aging Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), São Paulo 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Michael Bader
- Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Campus Berlin-Buch, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Biology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ronaldo C. Araujo
- Laboratory of Genetics and Exercise Metabolism, Molecular Biology Program, Biophysics Department, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil
- Laboratory of Genetics and Exercise Metabolism, Nephrology Program, Biophysics Department, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Merrill AK, Sobolewski M, Susiarjo M. Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals impacts immunological and metabolic status of women during pregnancy. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 577:112031. [PMID: 37506868 PMCID: PMC10592265 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa K Merrill
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Marissa Sobolewski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Martha Susiarjo
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
McColl ER, Kwok J, Benowitz NL, Patten CA, Hughes CA, Koller KR, Flanagan CA, Thomas TK, Hiratsuka VY, Tyndale RF, Piquette-Miller M. The Effect of Tobacco Use on the Expression of Placental Transporters in Alaska Native Women. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2023; 113:634-642. [PMID: 36053152 PMCID: PMC10234256 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.2737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal tobacco use among Alaska Native (AN) women has decreased substantially over the past two decades. Previous research suggests that providing AN women with feedback regarding fetal exposure to tobacco may further promote cessation. Transporters in the placenta regulate fetal exposure to nutrients and xenobiotics, including compounds associated with tobacco use. We examined whether prenatal tobacco use impacts transporter expression in the placenta, and whether this is influenced by fetal sex, degree of tobacco exposure, or transporter genotype. At delivery, we obtained placental samples from AN research participants who smoked cigarettes, used commercial chew or iqmik (oral tobacco), or did not use tobacco during pregnancy. Transporter expression was evaluated using qRT-PCR and Western blotting and tested for correlations between transcript levels and urinary biomarkers of tobacco use. The impact of BCRP/ABCG2 and OATP2B1/SLCO2B1 genotypes on protein expression was also examined. Oral tobacco use was associated with decreased P-gp and increased MRP1, MRP3, LAT1, and PMAT mRNA expression. Transcript levels of multiple transporters significantly correlated with tobacco biomarkers in maternal and fetal urine. In women carrying male fetuses, both smoking and oral tobacco were associated with decreased P-gp. Oral tobacco was also associated with decreased LAT1 in women carrying female fetuses. BCRP and OATP2B1 genotypes did not appear to impact protein expression. In conclusion, prenatal tobacco use is associated with altered expression of multiple placental transporters which differs by fetal sex. As transcript levels of multiple transporters were significantly correlated with tobacco use biomarkers, eliminating prenatal tobacco use should alleviate these changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eliza R. McColl
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jacinda Kwok
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Neal L. Benowitz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology and Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Christi A. Patten
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology and Behavioral Health Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Christine A. Hughes
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology and Behavioral Health Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kathryn R. Koller
- Clinical and Research Services, Division of Community Health Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC), Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Christie A. Flanagan
- Clinical and Research Services, Division of Community Health Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC), Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Timothy K Thomas
- Clinical and Research Services, Division of Community Health Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC), Anchorage, AK, USA
| | | | - Rachel F. Tyndale
- Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, and Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Micheline Piquette-Miller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Swanson R, Contreras-Correa Z, Dinh T, King H, Sidelinger D, Burnett D, Lemley C. Melatonin Supplementation Alters Maternal and Fetal Amino Acid Concentrations and Placental Nutrient Transporters in a Nutrient Restriction Bovine Model. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12121208. [PMID: 36557248 PMCID: PMC9782144 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12121208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin rescues uterine blood flow and fetal body weight in a seasonal dependent manner within a nutrient restriction bovine model. We sought to identify the effects of nutrient restriction, melatonin, and sampling time on maternal and fetal amino acids, and placental nutrient transporters. Pregnant heifers received adequate or restricted nutrition, and 20 mg of melatonin or placebo from gestational days 160-240 over two seasons. On day 240 maternal and fetal blood, amnion, and placentomes were collected. Amino acid concentrations were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Caruncle and cotyledon tissues were assessed for nutrient transporter density by qPCR. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS for fixed effects. In fall, melatonin rescued effects of nutrient restriction on System N, Anion, and total maternal amino acids. Furthermore, melatonin rescued effects of nutrient restriction on Systems A, N, Br, Bo, and essential amnion amino acids. In summer, melatonin rescued effects of nutrient restriction in Systems Br and Bo maternal amino acids. Furthermore, melatonin rescued effects of nutrient restriction on caruncle SLC38A10 and SLC38A2. Melatonin rescued effects of nutrient restriction in a seasonal dependent manner. These data align with previous studies suggesting melatonin is a more effective therapeutic in summer months.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Swanson
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA
| | - Zully Contreras-Correa
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA
| | - Thu Dinh
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA
| | - Heath King
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA
| | - Darcie Sidelinger
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA
| | - Derris Burnett
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA
| | - Caleb Lemley
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-662-325-2934
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Anand ST, Ryckman KK, Baer RJ, Charlton ME, Breheny PJ, Terry WW, Kober K, Oltman S, Rogers EE, Jelliffe-Pawlowski LL, Chrischilles EA. Metabolic differences among newborns born to mothers with a history of leukemia or lymphoma. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2022; 35:6751-6758. [PMID: 33980115 PMCID: PMC8586052 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2021.1922378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leukemia and lymphoma are cancers affecting children, adolescents, and young adults and may affect reproductive outcomes and maternal metabolism. We evaluated for metabolic changes in newborns of mothers with a history of these cancers. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted on California births from 2007 to 2011 with linked maternal hospital discharge records, birth certificate, and newborn screening metabolites. History of leukemia or lymphoma was determined using ICD-9-CM codes from hospital discharge data and newborn metabolite data from the newborn screening program. RESULTS A total of 2,068,038 women without cancer history and 906 with history of leukemia or lymphoma were included. After adjusting for differences in maternal age, infant sex, age at metabolite collection, gestational age, and birthweight, among newborns born to women with history of leukemia/lymphoma, several acylcarnitines were significantly (p < .001 - based on Bonferroni correction for multiple testing) higher compared to newborns of mothers without cancer history: C3-DC (mean difference (MD) = 0.006), C5-DC (MD = 0.009), C8:1 (MD = 0.008), C14 (MD = 0.010), and C16:1 (MD = 0.011), whereas citrulline levels were significantly lower (MD = -0.581) among newborns born to mothers with history of leukemia or lymphoma compared to newborns of mothers without a history of cancer. CONCLUSION The varied metabolite levels suggest history of leukemia or lymphoma has metabolic impact on newborn offspring, which may have implications for future metabolic consequences such as necrotizing enterocolitis and urea cycle enzyme disorders in children born to mothers with a history of leukemia or lymphoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonia T. Anand
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Kelli K. Ryckman
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Rebecca J. Baer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- California Preterm Birth Initiative, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Mary E. Charlton
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Patrick J. Breheny
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - William W. Terry
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Kord Kober
- Department of Physiological Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Scott Oltman
- California Preterm Birth Initiative, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth E. Rogers
- California Preterm Birth Initiative, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Laura L. Jelliffe-Pawlowski
- California Preterm Birth Initiative, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Harris CP, Ramlochansingh C, Uhl O, Demmelmair H, Heinrich J, Koletzko B, Standl M, Thiering E. Association of Maternal Diet during Pregnancy and Metabolite Profile in Cord Blood. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12101333. [PMID: 36291541 PMCID: PMC9599655 DOI: 10.3390/biom12101333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cord blood metabolites can be predictive of long-term disease risk, but how levels of different metabolites might vary with respect to maternal diet is not well understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations of different dietary patterns during pregnancy with cord blood metabolites (including glycerophospholipid fatty acids, polar lipids, non-esterified fatty acids, amino acids, and the sum of hexoses). Participants from the German LISA birth cohort study, with available data on targeted cord blood metabolomics and maternal diet, were included (n = 739). Maternal diet during the last 4 weeks of pregnancy was assessed by a non-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Using factor analysis, ten dietary patterns were identified, which were used in linear regression models exploring associations with cord blood metabolites. After correction for multiple hypothesis testing and adjustment for basic covariates, “fish and shellfish” was associated with higher glycerophospholipid fatty acid C20:5 n3 and lower C22:5 n6, whereas the “meat and potato” pattern was directly associated with propionylcarnitine (C3:0). The observed associations highlight potential metabolic pathways involved in the early programming of health and disease through maternal diet, as well as the potential for establishing quantitative biomarkers for dietary patterns of pregnant women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla P. Harris
- Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München GmbH, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Carlana Ramlochansingh
- Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München GmbH, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology (IBE), LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Olaf Uhl
- Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Hans Demmelmair
- Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Joachim Heinrich
- Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München GmbH, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, LMU University Hospitals, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Berthold Koletzko
- Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Marie Standl
- Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München GmbH, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Thiering
- Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München GmbH, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Rani-AGARWAL N, Sarovar BHAVESH N, KACHHAWA G, Fatai OYEYEMI B. Metabolic profiling of Serum and urine in preeclampsia and gestational diabetes in early pregnancy. MEDICINE IN DRUG DISCOVERY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medidd.2022.100143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
|
11
|
McColl ER, Hurtarte M, Piquette-Miller M. Impact of inflammation and infection on the expression of amino acid transporters in the placenta: A minireview. Drug Metab Dispos 2022; 50:DMD-MR-2021-000703. [PMID: 35512807 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.121.000703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Amino acid transporters expressed in the placenta help to regulate the transfer of amino acids from maternal to fetal circulation. Nutritional or hormonal factors are known to potentially impact the expression of amino acid transporters in the placenta. A relatively new field of inquiry has also demonstrated that inflammation, whether associated with infection or not, also alters the expression of amino acid transporters in the placenta. Indeed, studies over the past 15 years have demonstrated that malaria, viral and bacterial models of infection, preeclampsia, and direct administration of proinflammatory cytokines can alter placental amino acid transporter expression. While such studies have largely focused on System A and System L transporters, other transporters are also affected. p38 MAPK, STAT3, mTORC1, and AMPK signaling have all been implicated in these changes, but the underlying mechanism(s) remain to be fully elucidated. Furthermore, the implications of such changes warrant further investigation. This review will summarize studies that have investigated the impact of inflammation on placental amino acid transporter expression, identify questions that remain unanswered, and propose future areas of research to advance the field. As amino acid transporters are now being considered for drug targeting and drug delivery, furthering our understanding of the regulation of these transporters during disease states will be of increasing clinical value. Significance Statement While this is a relatively new field of research, multiple studies have demonstrated that inflammation alters placental amino acid transporter expression. This review will serve to summarize, for the first time, studies in this field and identify gaps in current knowledge as research in this area moves beyond identifying changes in transporter expression to investigating the implications of such changes and the mechanisms underlying them.
Collapse
|
12
|
Ma X, Wu L, Wang Y, Han S, El-Dalatony MM, Feng F, Tao Z, Yu L, Wang Y. Diet and human reproductive system: Insight of omics approaches. Food Sci Nutr 2022; 10:1368-1384. [PMID: 35592285 PMCID: PMC9094499 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.2708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutrition and lifestyle have a great impact on reproduction and infertility in humans, as they are essential for certain processes such as implantation, placental growth, angiogenesis, and the transfer of nutrients from the mother to the fetus. The aim of this review is to provide the interconnection between nutrition and reproductive health through the insight of omics approaches (including metabolomics and nutrigenomics). The effect of various macronutrients, micronutrients, and some food‐associated components on male and female reproduction was discussed. Recent research work was collected through database search from 2010 to 2020 to identify eligible studies. Alterations of metabolic pathways in pregnant women were deliberated with an emphasis on different strategies of lifestyle and dietary interventions. Several nutritional methods, which are important for embryonic and child neurological development, nutritional supplements to lactation, and improved gestational length along with birth weight have been emphasized. Considerable advances in omics strategies show potential technological development for improving human reproductive health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Ma
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University The First School of Clinical Medicine Lanzhou University Lanzhou China.,Gansu International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Reproductive Medicine Transformation Application Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo Lanzhou China
| | - Luming Wu
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University The First School of Clinical Medicine Lanzhou University Lanzhou China
| | - Yinxue Wang
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University The First School of Clinical Medicine Lanzhou University Lanzhou China
| | - Shiqiang Han
- Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture Maternity and Childcare Hospital Linxia China
| | - Marwa M El-Dalatony
- Gansu International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Reproductive Medicine Transformation Application Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo Lanzhou China
| | - Fei Feng
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University The First School of Clinical Medicine Lanzhou University Lanzhou China
| | - Zhongbin Tao
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University The First School of Clinical Medicine Lanzhou University Lanzhou China
| | - Liulin Yu
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University The First School of Clinical Medicine Lanzhou University Lanzhou China.,Gansu International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Reproductive Medicine Transformation Application Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo Lanzhou China
| | - Yiqing Wang
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University The First School of Clinical Medicine Lanzhou University Lanzhou China.,Gansu International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Reproductive Medicine Transformation Application Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo Lanzhou China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hartvigsson O, Barman M, Savolainen O, Ross AB, Sandin A, Jacobsson B, Wold AE, Sandberg AS, Brunius C. Differences between Arterial and Venous Umbilical Cord Plasma Metabolome and Association with Parity. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12020175. [PMID: 35208249 PMCID: PMC8877791 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12020175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Umbilical cord blood is frequently used in health monitoring of the neonate. Results may be affected by the proportion of arterial and venous cord blood, the venous blood coming from the mother to supply oxygen and nutrients to the infant, and the arterial carrying waste products from the fetus. Here, we sampled arterial and venous umbilical cords separately from 48 newly delivered infants and examined plasma metabolomes using GC-MS/MS metabolomics. We investigated differences in metabolomes between arterial and venous blood and their associations with gestational length, birth weight, sex, and whether the baby was the first born or not, as well as maternal age and BMI. Using multilevel random forest analysis, a classification rate of 79% was achieved for arteriovenous differences (p = 0.004). Several monosaccharides had higher concentrations in the arterial cord plasma while amino acids were higher in venous plasma, suggesting that the main differences in the measured arterial and venous plasma metabolomes are related to amino acid and energy metabolism. Venous cord plasma metabolites related to energy metabolism were positively associated with parity (77% classification rate, p = 0.004) while arterial cord plasma metabolites were not. This underlines the importance of defining cord blood type for metabolomic studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olle Hartvigsson
- Division of Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Göteborg, Sweden; (M.B.); (A.-S.S.); (C.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Malin Barman
- Division of Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Göteborg, Sweden; (M.B.); (A.-S.S.); (C.B.)
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Otto Savolainen
- Chalmers Mass Spectrometry Infrastructure, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Göteborg, Sweden;
| | - Alastair B. Ross
- AgResearch, Proteins and Metabolites, Lincoln 7674, New Zealand;
| | - Anna Sandin
- Department of Clinical Science, Pediatrics, Sunderby Research Unit, Umeå University, 901 897 Umeå, Sweden;
| | - Bo Jacobsson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Agnes E. Wold
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden;
| | - Ann-Sofie Sandberg
- Division of Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Göteborg, Sweden; (M.B.); (A.-S.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Carl Brunius
- Division of Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Göteborg, Sweden; (M.B.); (A.-S.S.); (C.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
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.
Collapse
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.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
McColl ER, Piquette-Miller M. Viral model of maternal immune activation alters placental AMPK and mTORC1 signaling in rats. Placenta 2021; 112:36-44. [PMID: 34256323 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Maternal immune activation (MIA) is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring. We previously demonstrated that poly(I:C)-mediated MIA alters placental and fetal brain amino acid transporter expression in rats, which could potentially play a role in altered neurodevelopment; however, the mechanism(s) underlying these changes in amino acid transporter expression remain unknown. The objective of the current study was to investigate the mechanism(s) underlying poly(I:C)-mediated changes in the expression of the amino acid transporters in the placenta. METHODS Pregnant rats received poly(I:C) on gestational day 14 and placentas were collected 6 h later. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics of placentas was performed followed by pathway enrichment analysis. Activation of mTORC1 and its upstream regulator, AMPK, was investigated using immunoblotting. Finally, the role of mTORC1 and AMPK in regulating the expression and localization of the amino acid transporters EAAT2 and ASCT1 was investigated in the human choriocarcinoma cell line JAR. RESULTS The impact of poly(I:C) on the placental proteome was highly sexually dimorphic. While proteomics-based pathway enrichment analysis indicated enrichment of mTOR signaling in male placentas only, further investigation revealed inhibition of mTORC1 in both male and female placentas in addition to activation of AMPK. In vitro, activation of AMPK and inhibition of mTORC1 decreased membrane localization of EAAT2 and ASCT1. DISCUSSION Poly(I:C)-mediated MIA activates AMPK and inhibits mTORC1 in rat placenta, both of which decrease expression and membrane localization of EAAT2 and ASCT1 in vitro. Thus, AMPK/mTORC1 signaling could be a novel treatment target for alleviating MIA-mediated changes in placental amino acid transport.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eliza R McColl
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3M2, Canada.
| | - Micheline Piquette-Miller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3M2, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wang L, Sun X, Lu L, Marie A, Carrel D, Zhao S, Mille C, Song Q, Zhang Y, Ye S. Optoproteomics elucidates the interactome of L-type amino acid transporter 3 (LAT3). Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:4734-4737. [PMID: 33977919 DOI: 10.1039/d0cc08423a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Membrane protein interactions are crucial for diverse biological processes. We report the application of genetic code expansion in combination with photo-crosslinking chemistry, as we termed "optoproteomics", to identify proteins interacting with the human L-type membrane amino acid transporter 3 (LAT3, also known as SLC43A1). The site-specifically incorporated photo-cross-linker p-azido-L-phenylalanine (AzF), which reacts with proteins in their proximity, enabled the capture of weak and transient partners of LAT3 in living cells. We identify 11 unique interacting proteins which are light-sensitive and 19 unique proteins that are site-specific, validating the approach and providing insights into the LAT3 protein-protein interaction network currently unavailable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liquan Wang
- The Second Afiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xiwen Sun
- The Second Afiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Linjie Lu
- INSERM U1195, Kremlin-Bicêtre Hospital, 80 Rue du Gal Leclerc, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, 94276, France.
| | - Arul Marie
- Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Microorganisms (MCAM), UMR 7245 CNRS, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris cedex 05, France
| | - Damien Carrel
- Saint-Peres Paris Institute for the Neurosciences, CNRS UMR8003, Université de Paris, Paris 75006, France
| | - Shu Zhao
- INSERM U1195, Kremlin-Bicêtre Hospital, 80 Rue du Gal Leclerc, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, 94276, France.
| | - Clemence Mille
- INSERM U1195, Kremlin-Bicêtre Hospital, 80 Rue du Gal Leclerc, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, 94276, France.
| | - Qiong Song
- Department of General Practice/VIP Medical Service, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, NUmber 195, Tongbai Road, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China
| | - Shixin Ye
- INSERM U1195, Kremlin-Bicêtre Hospital, 80 Rue du Gal Leclerc, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, 94276, France.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Counter-directed leucine gradient promotes amino acid transfer across the human placenta. J Nutr Biochem 2021; 96:108760. [PMID: 33964466 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2021.108760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The developing fetus is highly vulnerable to imbalances in the supply of essential amino acids (AA). Transplacental AA transfer depends on complex interactions between accumulative transporters, exchangers and facilitators, which maintain both intra-extracellular and materno-fetal substrate gradients. We determined physiological AA gradients between maternal and fetal blood and assessed their importance by studying maternal-fetal leucine transfer in human trophoblasts. Maternal-venous and corresponding fetal-arterial/fetal-venous sera were collected from 22 healthy patients at partum. The acquisition of the full AA spectra in serum was performed by ion exchange chromatography. Physiological materno-fetal AA levels were evaluated using paired two-way ANOVA with Tukey's correction. AA concentrations and gradients were tested for associations with anthropometric data by Spearman correlation analysis. Functional effects of a physiological leucine gradient versus equimolar concentrations were tested in BeWo cells using L-[3H]-leucine in conventional and Transwell-based uptake and transfer experiments. The LAT1/SLC7A5-specific inhibitor JPH203 was used to evaluate LAT1-transporter-mediated leucine transport. Maternal AA concentrations correlated with preconceptional and maternal weights at partum. Interestingly, low materno-fetal AA gradients were associated with maternal weight, BMI and gestational weight gain. Leucine uptake was promoted by increased extracellular substrate concentrations. Materno-fetal leucine transfer was significantly increased against a 137µM leucine gradient demonstrating that transplacental leucine transport is stimulated by a counter-directed gradient. Moreover, leucine transfer was inhibited by 10µM JPH203 confirming that Leu transport across the trophoblast monolayer is LAT1-dependent. This study demonstrates a currently underestimated effect of transplacental AA gradients on efficient leucine transfer which could severely affect fetal development.
Collapse
|
18
|
Bowman CE, Arany Z, Wolfgang MJ. Regulation of maternal-fetal metabolic communication. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 78:1455-1486. [PMID: 33084944 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03674-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy may be the most nutritionally sensitive stage in the life cycle, and improved metabolic health during gestation and early postnatal life can reduce the risk of chronic disease in adulthood. Successful pregnancy requires coordinated metabolic, hormonal, and immunological communication. In this review, maternal-fetal metabolic communication is defined as the bidirectional communication of nutritional status and metabolic demand by various modes including circulating metabolites, endocrine molecules, and other secreted factors. Emphasis is placed on metabolites as a means of maternal-fetal communication by synthesizing findings from studies in humans, non-human primates, domestic animals, rabbits, and rodents. In this review, fetal, placental, and maternal metabolic adaptations are discussed in turn. (1) Fetal macronutrient needs are summarized in terms of the physiological adaptations in place to ensure their proper allocation. (2) Placental metabolite transport and maternal physiological adaptations during gestation, including changes in energy budget, are also discussed. (3) Maternal nutrient limitation and metabolic disorders of pregnancy serve as case studies of the dynamic nature of maternal-fetal metabolic communication. The review concludes with a summary of recent research efforts to identify metabolites, endocrine molecules, and other secreted factors that mediate this communication, with particular emphasis on serum/plasma metabolomics in humans, non-human primates, and rodents. A better understanding of maternal-fetal metabolic communication in health and disease may reveal novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for metabolic disorders of pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn E Bowman
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zoltan Arany
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael J Wolfgang
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zaugg J, Huang X, Ziegler F, Rubin M, Graff J, Müller J, Moser-Hässig R, Powell T, Gertsch J, Altmann KH, Albrecht C. Small molecule inhibitors provide insights into the relevance of LAT1 and LAT2 in materno-foetal amino acid transport. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:12681-12693. [PMID: 33001560 PMCID: PMC7687008 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta supplies the foetus with critical nutrients such as essential amino acids (AA, eg leucine) for development and growth. It also represents a cellular barrier which is formed by a polarized, differentiated syncytiotrophoblast (STB) monolayer. Active Na+‐independent leucine transport across the placenta is mainly attributed to the System L transporters LAT1/SLC7A5 and LAT2/SLC7A8. This study explored the influence of trophoblast differentiation on the activity of LAT1/LAT2 and the relevance of LAT1/LAT2 in leucine uptake and transfer in trophoblasts by applying specific small molecule inhibitors (JPH203/JG336/JX009). L‐leucine uptake (total dose = 167 μmol/L) was sensitive to LAT1‐specific inhibition by JPH203 (EC50 = 2.55 µmol/L). The inhibition efficiency of JPH203 was increased by an additional methoxy group in the JPH203‐derivate JG336 (EC50 = 1.99 µmol/L). Interestingly, JX009 showed efficient System L inhibition (EC50 = 2.35 µmol/L) and was the most potent inhibitor of leucine uptake in trophoblasts. The application of JPH203 and JX009 in Transwell®‐based leucine transfer revealed LAT1 as the major accumulative transporter at the apical membrane, but other System L transporters such as LAT2 as rate‐limiting for leucine efflux across the basal membrane. Therefore, differential specificity of the applied inhibitors allowed for estimation of the contribution of LAT1 and LAT2 in materno‐foetal AA transfer and their potential impact in pregnancy diseases associated with impaired foetal growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Zaugg
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Xiao Huang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Ziegler
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Rubin
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Julien Graff
- Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Müller
- Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ruedi Moser-Hässig
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Lindenhofgruppe, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Theresa Powell
- Department of Pediatrics, Neonatology Section, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Karl-Heinz Altmann
- Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christiane Albrecht
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Role of adipose tissue in regulating fetal growth in gestational diabetes mellitus. Placenta 2020; 102:39-48. [PMID: 33218577 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a global health issue with significant short and long-term complications for both mother and baby. There is a strong need to identify an effective therapeutic that can prevent the development of GDM. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of GDM and the relationship between the adipose tissue, the placenta and fetal growth is required. The placenta regulates fetal growth by modulating nutrient transfer of glucose, amino acids and fatty acids. Various factors secreted by the adipose tissue, such as adipokines, adipocytokines and more recently identified extracellular vesicles, can influence inflammation and interact with placental nutrient transport. In this review, the role of the placental nutrient transporters and the adipose-derived factors that can influence their function will be discussed. A better understanding of these factors and their relationship may make a potential target for therapeutic interventions to prevent the development of GDM and its consequences.
Collapse
|
21
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Thayer ZM, Rutherford J, Kuzawa CW. The Maternal Nutritional Buffering Model: an evolutionary framework for pregnancy nutritional intervention. EVOLUTION MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 2020:14-27. [PMID: 32015877 PMCID: PMC6990448 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoz037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Evidence that fetal nutrition influences adult health has heightened interest in nutritional interventions targeting pregnancy. However, as is true for other placental mammals, human females have evolved mechanisms that help buffer the fetus against short-term fluctuations in maternal diet and energy status. In this review, we first discuss the evolution of increasingly elaborate vertebrate strategies of buffering offspring from environmental fluctuations during development, including the important innovation of the eutherian placenta. We then present the Maternal Nutritional Buffering Model, which argues that, in contrast to many micronutrients that must be derived from dietary sources, the effects of short-term changes in maternal macronutrient intake during pregnancy, whether due to a deficit or supplementation, will be minimized by internal buffering mechanisms that work to ensure a stable supply of essential resources. In contrast to the minimal effects of brief macronutrient supplementation, there is growing evidence that sustained improvements in early life and adult pre-pregnancy nutrition could improve birth outcomes in offspring. Building on these and other observations, we propose that strategies to improve fetal macronutrient delivery will be most effective if they modify the pregnancy metabolism of mothers by targeting nutrition prior to conception and even during early development, as a complement to the conventional focus on bolstering macronutrient intake during pregnancy itself. Our model leads to the prediction that birth weight will be more strongly influenced by the mother’s chronic pre-pregnancy nutrition than by pregnancy diet, and highlights the need for policy solutions aimed at optimizing future, intergenerational health outcomes. Lay summary: We propose that strategies to improve fetal macronutrient delivery will be most effective if they modify the pregnancy metabolism of mothers by targeting nutrition prior to conception and even during early development, as a complement to the conventional focus on bolstering macronutrient intake during pregnancy itself.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zaneta M Thayer
- Department of Anthropology, Dartmouth College, Hinman Box 6047, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Julienne Rutherford
- Department of Women, Children and Family Health Science, University of Illinois Chicago, 845 S. Damen Ave., MC 802, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Christopher W Kuzawa
- Department of Anthropology and Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, 1810 Hinman Ave, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Donnelly L, Campling G. Functions of the placenta. ANAESTHESIA AND INTENSIVE CARE MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mpaic.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
24
|
McColl ER, Piquette-Miller M. Poly(I:C) alters placental and fetal brain amino acid transport in a rat model of maternal immune activation. Am J Reprod Immunol 2019; 81:e13115. [PMID: 30924965 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Maternal immune activation (MIA) during pregnancy is associated with increased chances of neurodevelopmental disorders including schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the exact mechanism through which MIA contributes to altered neurodevelopment is unknown. Due to the important role that amino acids play in neurodevelopment, altered amino acid transport could play a role in neurodevelopmental disorders. Indeed, altered plasma concentrations of multiple amino acids have been reported in individuals with ASD or schizophrenia. Therefore, our objective was to determine whether virally mediated MIA induces changes in amino acid transporters in the placenta and fetal brain. METHOD OF STUDY Pregnant rats were administered poly(I:C) on gestational day 14, and placental and fetal tissues were collected 6, 24, and 48 hours later. Amino acid transporter expression was measured in the placenta and fetal brain using qPCR, Western blotting, and Simple Western. Free amino acid concentrations in the fetal brain were quantified using HPLC. RESULTS Poly(I:C) increased mRNA expression of several amino acid transporters in the placenta and fetal brain over these timepoints. Conversely, poly(I:C) imposed significant decreases in the protein expression of ASCT1 and EAAT2 in placenta and expression of SNAT5, EAAT1, and GLYT1 in fetal brain. Functional consequences of altered transporter expression were demonstrated through widespread changes in the concentrations of free amino acids in the fetal brains. CONCLUSION Together, these results represent novel findings with the poly(I:C) MIA model and contribute to the understanding of how MIA during pregnancy potentially leads to neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eliza R McColl
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Micheline Piquette-Miller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Mangwiro YTM, Cuffe JSM, Mahizir D, Anevska K, Gravina S, Romano T, Moritz KM, Briffa JF, Wlodek ME. Exercise initiated during pregnancy in rats born growth restricted alters placental mTOR and nutrient transporter expression. J Physiol 2019; 597:1905-1918. [PMID: 30734290 DOI: 10.1113/jp277227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Fetal growth is dependent on effective placental nutrient transportation, which is regulated by mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 modulation of nutrient transporter expression. These transporters are dysregulated in pregnancies affected by uteroplacental insufficiency and maternal obesity. Nutrient transporters and mTOR were altered in placentae of mothers born growth restricted compared to normal birth weight dams, with maternal diet- and fetal sex-specific responses. Exercise initiated during pregnancy downregulated mTOR protein expression, despite an increase in mTOR activation in male associated placentae, and reduced nutrient transporter gene abundance, which was also dependent on maternal diet and fetal sex. Limited changes were characterized with exercise initiated before and continued throughout pregnancy in nutrient transporter and mTOR expression. Maternal exercise during pregnancy differentially regulated mTOR and nutrient transporters in a diet- and sex-specific manner, which likely aimed to improve late gestational placental growth and neonatal survival. ABSTRACT Adequate transplacental nutrient delivery is essential for fetoplacental development. Intrauterine growth restriction and maternal obesity independently alter placental nutrient transporter expression. Although exercise is beneficial for maternal health, limited studies have characterized how the timing of exercise initiation influences placental nutrient transport. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of maternal exercise on placental mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and nutrient transporter expression in growth restricted mothers and whether these outcomes were dependent on maternal diet or fetal sex. Uteroplacental insufficiency or sham surgery was induced on embryonic day (E) 18 in Wistar-Kyoto rats. F1 offspring were fed a chow or high-fat diet from weaning and at 16 weeks were randomly allocated to an exercise protocol: sedentary, exercised prior to and during pregnancy, or exercised during pregnancy only. Females were mated with normal males (20 weeks) and F2 placentae collected at E20. Exercise during pregnancy only, reduced mTOR protein expression in all groups and increased mTOR activation in male associated placentae. Exercise during pregnancy only, decreased the expression of amino acid transporters in a diet- and sex-specific manner. Maternal growth restriction altered mTOR and system A amino acid transporter expression in a sex- and diet-specific manner. These data highlight that maternal exercise initiated during pregnancy alters placental mTOR expression, which may directly regulate amino acid transporter expression, to a greater extent than exercise initiated prior to and continued during pregnancy, in a diet- and fetal sex-dependent manner. These findings highlight that the timing of exercise initiation is important for optimal placental function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yeukai T M Mangwiro
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia.,Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - James S M Cuffe
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Dayana Mahizir
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Kristina Anevska
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia.,Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Sogand Gravina
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Tania Romano
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Karen M Moritz
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia.,Child Health Research Centre, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, 4101, Australia
| | - Jessica F Briffa
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Mary E Wlodek
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Beresford S. Response to: placenta in intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD): a comprehensive study from a tertiary care hospital. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2019; 33:3723. [PMID: 30727788 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2019.1580261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Beresford
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Audrey Emerton Building, Eastern Road, Brighton, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Hart B, Morgan E, Alejandro EU. Nutrient sensor signaling pathways and cellular stress in fetal growth restriction. J Mol Endocrinol 2019; 62:R155-R165. [PMID: 30400060 PMCID: PMC6443503 DOI: 10.1530/jme-18-0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction is one of the most common obstetrical complications resulting in significant perinatal morbidity and mortality. The most frequent etiology of human singleton fetal growth restriction is placental insufficiency, which occurs secondary to reduced utero-placental perfusion, abnormal placentation, impaired trophoblast invasion and spiral artery remodeling, resulting in altered nutrient and oxygen transport. Two nutrient-sensing proteins involved in placental development and glucose and amino acid transport are mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase (OGT), which are both regulated by availability of oxygen. Impairment in either of these pathways is associated with fetal growth restriction and accompanied by cellular stress in the forms of hypoxia, oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, metabolic dysfunction and nutrient starvation in the placenta. Recent evidence has emerged regarding the potential impact of nutrient sensors on fetal stress response, which occurs in a sexual dysmorphic manner, indicating a potential element of genetic gender susceptibility to fetal growth restriction. In this mini review, we focus on the known role of mTOR and OGT in placental development, nutrient regulation and response to cellular stress in human fetal growth restriction with supporting evidence from rodent models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Hart
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Elizabeth Morgan
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Emilyn U Alejandro
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Kaur H, Wilson RL, Care AS, Muhlhausler BS, Roberts CT, Gatford KL. Validation studies of a fluorescent method to measure placental glucose transport in mice. Placenta 2019; 76:23-29. [PMID: 30803711 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2019.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Proper placental function is essential for optimal fetal growth in utero. Placental transfer of nutrients to the fetus can be measured using radiolabelled tracers, but non-radioactive methods have potential advantages. This study aimed to develop a fluorescence-based method to measure placental glucose transport in mice. METHODS Time course and localisation of the IRDye 800CW 2-deoxyglucose were recorded (Lumina IVIS Live Imaging System) following tail vein injection into anaesthetised late pregnant mice. Fluorescent signals in placental and fetal tissues were assessed after injecting conscious dams with 10 nmol IRDye 800CW 2-deoxyglucose (3, 30, 60, 120 min) or vehicle. Specificity of dye uptake was determined by comparing uptake of IRDye 800CW conjugated to 2-deoxyglucose or carboxylate, at 2 and 24 h. Finally, we assessed relationships of fetal size and umbilical blood flow velocities with relative dye uptake. RESULTS In late pregnant mice, uterine fluorescent signal localised rapidly over placentas and remained consistent for >1 h. Signal intensity in whole and homogenised tissues increased in fetuses and decreased in placentas after 3 min and stabilised by 30 min post-injection. Relative fetal dye uptake at 2 and 24 h was greater in littermates with the highest compared to lowest placental efficiency; signals were similar for 2-deoxyglucose- or carboxylate-conjugated dyes. Relative fetal dye uptake correlated positively with fetal weight and placental efficiency and negatively with umbilical artery resistance indices. CONCLUSIONS Fetal uptake of IRDye 800CW correlates with markers of placental blood flow and fetal growth, but does not specifically measure placental glucose transport.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harleen Kaur
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Rebecca L Wilson
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Alison S Care
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Beverly S Muhlhausler
- Food and Nutrition Research Group, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia; Healthy Mothers, Babies and Children Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, South Australia, 5001, Australia
| | - Claire T Roberts
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Kathryn L Gatford
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
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 2019; 1866:165373. [PMID: 30684642 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Karlíková R, Široká J, Mech M, Friedecký D, Janečková H, Mádrová L, Hrdinová F, Drábková Z, Dobešová O, Adam T, Jahn P. Newborn foal with atypical myopathy. J Vet Intern Med 2018; 32:1768-1772. [PMID: 30216546 PMCID: PMC6189353 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The case of atypical myopathy (AM) in newborn Haflinger foal with clinical signs of depression and weakness appearing 6 hours after birth resulting in recumbency 12 hours after birth is described. The foal's dam was diagnosed with AM in the 6th month of gestation based on clinical signs of a myopathy, elevated serum activity of creatine kinase, metabolomic analysis and the presence of methylenecyclopropyl acetyl carnitine (MCPA‐carnitine) in the blood. At the time of delivery, the mare was grazing on a pasture near sycamore trees but was free of clinical signs of AM. Metabolomic analysis of the foal's blood revealed increased concentrations of acylcarnitines and MCPA‐carnitine consistent with metabolic profiles of blood from AM affected horses. Two theories could explain this observation (a) hypoglycin A or its metabolites accumulated in the mare's placenta with consequent transfer to fetus or (b) these compounds were secreted into mare's milk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Radana Karlíková
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Široká
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Olomouc, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Centre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Palacký University and Institute of Experimental Botany ASCR, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Mech
- Private Veterinary Practice, Jistebník, Czech Republic
| | - David Friedecký
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Olomouc, Czech Republic.,Laboratory for Inherited Metabolic Disorders, University Hospital, and Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Janečková
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Olomouc, Czech Republic.,Laboratory for Inherited Metabolic Disorders, University Hospital, and Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Mádrová
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Františka Hrdinová
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Equine Clinic, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Drábková
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Equine Clinic, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Olga Dobešová
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Equine Clinic, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Adam
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Olomouc, Czech Republic.,Laboratory for Inherited Metabolic Disorders, University Hospital, and Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Jahn
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Equine Clinic, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
L-tyrosine supplementation does not ameliorate skeletal muscle dysfunction in zebrafish and mouse models of dominant skeletal muscle α-actin nemaline myopathy. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11490. [PMID: 30065346 PMCID: PMC6068151 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-29437-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
L-tyrosine supplementation may provide benefit to nemaline myopathy (NM) patients, however previous studies are inconclusive, with no elevation of L-tyrosine levels in blood or tissue reported. We evaluated the ability of L-tyrosine treatments to improve skeletal muscle function in all three published animal models of NM caused by dominant skeletal muscle α-actin (ACTA1) mutations. Highest safe L-tyrosine concentrations were determined for dosing water and feed of wildtype zebrafish and mice respectively. NM TgACTA1D286G-eGFP zebrafish treated with 10 μM L-tyrosine from 24 hours to 6 days post fertilization displayed no improvement in swimming distance. NM TgACTA1D286G mice consuming 2% L-tyrosine supplemented feed from preconception had significant elevations in free L-tyrosine levels in sera (57%) and quadriceps muscle (45%) when examined at 6–7 weeks old. However indicators of skeletal muscle integrity (voluntary exercise, bodyweight, rotarod performance) were not improved. Additionally no benefit on the mechanical properties, energy metabolism, or atrophy of skeletal muscles of 6–7 month old TgACTA1D286G and KIActa1H40Y mice eventuated from consuming a 2% L-tyrosine supplemented diet for 4 weeks. Therefore this study yields important information on aspects of the clinical utility of L-tyrosine for ACTA1 NM.
Collapse
|
32
|
Manta-Vogli PD, Schulpis KH, Dotsikas Y, Loukas YL. The significant role of amino acids during pregnancy: nutritional support. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2018; 33:334-340. [PMID: 29909700 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2018.1489795] [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: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Background: Pregnancy is characterized by a complexity of metabolic processes that may impact fetal development and infant health outcome. Normal fetal growth and development depend on a continuous supply of nutrients via the placenta. The placenta transports, utilizes, produces, and interconverts amino acids (AAs).Findings: Concentrations of both nonessential and essential AAs in maternal plasma decrease in early pregnancy and persist at low concentrations throughout. The decline is greatest for the glucogenic AAs and AAs of the urea cycle. Additionally, there is a large placental utilization of the branched-chain AAs, some of which are transaminated to alpha ketoacids and contribute to placental ammonia production. Both nonessential and essential AAs regulate key metabolic pathways to improve health, survival, growth, development, lactation, and reproduction of organisms. Some of the nonessential AAs (e.g. glutamine, glutamate, and arginine) play also important roles in regulating gene expression, cell signaling, antioxidant responses, immunity, and neurological function.Conclusions: Nutritional support during pregnancy is of great interest focusing not only to common pregnancies but also to those with low socioeconomic status, vegan-vegetarian groups, and pregnant women with metabolic disorders, the most known maternal phenylketonuria. The latter is of great interest because phenylalanine must be within the recommended range throughout pregnancy in addition to other nutrients such as vitamin B12, folate, etc. Loss of the adherence to this specific diet results in congenital malformations of the fetus. In addition to the routine laboratory test, quantitation of plasma AAs may be necessary throughout pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Penelope D Manta-Vogli
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Agia Sofia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Yannis Dotsikas
- Laboratory of Pharm. Analysis, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodestrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Yannis L Loukas
- Laboratory of Pharm. Analysis, Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodestrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Rocca M, Morford LL, Blanset DL, Halpern WG, Cavagnaro J, Bowman CJ. Applying a weight of evidence approach to the evaluation of developmental toxicity of biopharmaceuticals. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2018; 98:69-79. [PMID: 30009863 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Toxicity studies in pregnant animals are not always necessary for assessing the human risk of developmental toxicity of biopharmaceuticals. The growing experience and information on target biology and molecule-specific pharmacokinetics present a powerful approach to accurately anticipate effects of target engagement by biopharmaceuticals using a weight of evidence approach. The weight of evidence assessment should include all available data including target biology, pharmacokinetics, class effects, genetically modified animals, human mutations, and a thorough literature review. When assimilated, this weight of evidence evaluation may be sufficient to inform risk for specific clinical indications and patient populations. While under current guidance this approach is only applicable for drugs and biologics for oncology, the authors would like to suggest that this approach may also be appropriate for other disease indications. When there is an unacceptable level of uncertainty and a toxicity study in pregnant animals could impact human risk assessment, then such studies should be considered. Determination of appropriate nonclinical species for developmental toxicity studies to inform human risk should consider species-specific limitations, reproductive physiology, and pharmacology of the biopharmaceutical. This paper will provide considerations and examples of the weight of evidence approach to evaluating the human risk of developmental toxicity of biopharmaceuticals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Wendy G Halpern
- Genentech, A Member of the Roche Group, South San Francisco, CA, United States.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Huang X, Anderle P, Hostettler L, Baumann MU, Surbek DV, Ontsouka EC, Albrecht C. Identification of placental nutrient transporters associated with intrauterine growth restriction and pre-eclampsia. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:173. [PMID: 29499643 PMCID: PMC5833046 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-4518-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gestational disorders such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and pre-eclampsia (PE) are main causes of poor perinatal outcomes worldwide. Both diseases are related with impaired materno-fetal nutrient transfer, but the crucial transport mechanisms underlying IUGR and PE are not fully elucidated. In this study, we aimed to identify membrane transporters highly associated with transplacental nutrient deficiencies in IUGR/PE. Results In silico analyses on the identification of differentially expressed nutrient transporters were conducted using seven eligible microarray datasets (from Gene Expression Omnibus), encompassing control and IUGR/PE placental samples. Thereby 46 out of 434 genes were identified as potentially interesting targets. They are involved in the fetal provision with amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins and microelements. Targets of interest were clustered into a substrate-specific interaction network by using Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes. The subsequent wet-lab validation was performed using quantitative RT-PCR on placentas from clinically well-characterized IUGR/PE patients (IUGR, n = 8; PE, n = 5; PE+IUGR, n = 10) and controls (term, n = 13; preterm, n = 7), followed by 2D-hierarchical heatmap generation. Statistical evaluation using Kruskal-Wallis tests was then applied to detect significantly different expression patterns, while scatter plot analysis indicated which transporters were predominantly influenced by IUGR or PE, or equally affected by both diseases. Identified by both methods, three overlapping targets, SLC7A7, SLC38A5 (amino acid transporters), and ABCA1 (cholesterol transporter), were further investigated at the protein level by western blotting. Protein analyses in total placental tissue lysates and membrane fractions isolated from disease and control placentas indicated an altered functional activity of those three nutrient transporters in IUGR/PE. Conclusions Combining bioinformatic analysis, molecular biological experiments and mathematical diagramming, this study has demonstrated systematic alterations of nutrient transporter expressions in IUGR/PE. Among 46 initially targeted transporters, three significantly regulated genes were further investigated based on the severity and the disease specificity for IUGR and PE. Confirmed by mRNA and protein expression, the amino acid transporters SLC7A7 and SLC38A5 showed marked differences between controls and IUGR/PE and were regulated by both diseases. In contrast, ABCA1 may play an exclusive role in the development of PE. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-4518-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Huang
- Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pascale Anderle
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics and HSeT Foundation, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Sitem-insel AG, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lu Hostettler
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marc U Baumann
- Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Daniel V Surbek
- Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Edgar C Ontsouka
- Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christiane Albrecht
- Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland. .,Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Abstract
Once based mainly in paediatrics, inborn errors of metabolism (IEM), or inherited metabolic disorders (IMD) represent a growing adult medicine specialty. Individually rare these conditions have currently, a collective estimated prevalence of >1:800. Diagnosis has improved through expanded newborn screening programs, identification of potentially affected family members and greater awareness of symptomatic presentations in adolescence and in adulthood. Better survival and reduced mortality from previously lethal and debilitating conditions means greater numbers transition to adulthood. Pregnancy, once contraindicated for many, may represent a challenging but successful outcome. Successful pregnancies are now reported in a wide range of IEM. Significant challenges remain, given the biological stresses of pregnancy, parturition and the puerperium. Known diagnoses allow preventive and pre-emptive management. Unrecognized metabolic disorders especially, remain a preventable cause of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. Increased awareness of these conditions amongst all clinicians is essential to expedite diagnosis and manage appropriately. This review aims to describe normal adaptations to pregnancy and discuss how various types of IEM may be affected. Relevant translational research and clinical experience will be reviewed with practical management aspects cited. Based on current literature, the impact of maternal IEM on mother and/or foetus, as well as how foetal IEM may affect the mother, will be considered. Insights gained from these rare disorders to more common conditions will be explored. Gaps in the literature, unanswered questions and steps to enhance further knowledge and systematically capture experience, such as establishment of an IEM-pregnancy registry, will be summarized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Wilcox
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- The Mark Holland Metabolic Unit, Salford Royal Foundation NHS Trust, Salford, Greater Manchester, M6 8HD, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Fattuoni C, Mandò C, Palmas F, Anelli GM, Novielli C, Parejo Laudicina E, Savasi VM, Barberini L, Dessì A, Pintus R, Fanos V, Noto A, Cetin I. Preliminary metabolomics analysis of placenta in maternal obesity. Placenta 2017; 61:89-95. [PMID: 29277276 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2017.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Metabolomics identifies phenotypical groups with specific metabolic profiles, being increasingly applied to several pregnancy conditions. This is the first preliminary study analyzing placental metabolomics in normal weight (NW) and obese (OB) pregnancies. METHODS Twenty NW (18.5 ≤ BMI< 25 kg/m2) and eighteen OB (BMI≥ 30 kg/m2) pregnancies were studied. Placental biopsies were collected at elective caesarean section. Metabolites extraction method was optimized for hydrophilic and lipophilic phases, then analyzed with GC-MS. Univariate and PLS-DA multivariate analysis were applied. RESULTS Univariate analysis showed increased uracil levels while multivariate PLS-DA analysis revealed lower levels of LC-PUFA derivatives in the lipophilic phase and several metabolites with significantly different levels in the hydrophilic phase of OB vs NW. DISCUSSION Placental metabolome analysis of obese pregnancies showed differences in metabolites involved in antioxidant defenses, nucleotide production, as well as lipid synthesis and energy production, supporting a shift towards higher placental metabolism. OB placentas also showed a specific fatty acids profile suggesting a disruption of LC-PUFA biomagnification. This study can lay the foundation to further metabolomic placental characterization in maternal obesity. Metabolic signatures in obese placentas may reflect changes occurring in the intrauterine metabolic environment, which may affect the development of adult diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Fattuoni
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Chiara Mandò
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital "L. Sacco" and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Palmas
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gaia Maria Anelli
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital "L. Sacco" and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Novielli
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital "L. Sacco" and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Estefanìa Parejo Laudicina
- Centre of Excellence for Pediatric Research EURISTIKOS and Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Valeria Maria Savasi
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital "L. Sacco" and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Luigi Barberini
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Angelica Dessì
- Maternal-Neonatal Department, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Puericulture Institute and Neonatal Section, AOUCA University Hospital of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberta Pintus
- Maternal-Neonatal Department, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Puericulture Institute and Neonatal Section, AOUCA University Hospital of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Vassilios Fanos
- Maternal-Neonatal Department, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Puericulture Institute and Neonatal Section, AOUCA University Hospital of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonio Noto
- Maternal-Neonatal Department, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Puericulture Institute and Neonatal Section, AOUCA University Hospital of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Irene Cetin
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital "L. Sacco" and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Ye K, Li L, Zhang D, Li Y, Wang HQ, Lai HL, Hu CL. Effect of Maternal Obesity on Fetal Growth and Expression of Placental Fatty Acid Transporters. J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol 2017; 9:300-307. [PMID: 28588000 PMCID: PMC5785635 DOI: 10.4274/jcrpe.4510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of maternal high-fat (HF) diet-induced obesity on fetal growth and the expression of placental nutrient transporters. METHODS Maternal obesity was established in rats by 8 weeks of pre-pregnancy fed HF diet, while rats in the control group were fed normal (CON) diet. Diet-induced obesity (DIO) rats and diet-induced obesity-resistant (DIR) rats were selected according to body weight gain over this period. After copulation, the CON rats were divided into two groups: switched to HF diet (CON-HF group) or maintained on the CON diet (CON-CON group). The DIO rats and DIR rats were maintained on the HF diet throughout pregnancy. Pregnant rats were euthanized at day 21 gestation, fetal and placental weights were recorded, and placental tissue was collected. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to determine mRNA expression of placental nutrient transporters. Protein expression was determined by Western blot. RESULTS Average fetal weight of DIO dams was reduced by 6.9%, and the placentas of CON-HF and DIO dams were significantly heavier than the placentas of CON-CON and DIR dams at day 21 of gestation (p<0.05). The fetal/placental weight ratio of DIO dams was significantly reduced compared with the fetal/placental weight ratio of CON-CON dams (p<0.05). The mRNA expression of GLUT-1 and SNAT-2 were not significantly different between groups. The mRNA and protein expression levels of CD36, FATP-1, and FATP-4 in DIO dams were decreased significantly (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Maternal obesity induced by a HF diet led to intrauterine growth retardation and down-regulated the expression of placental fatty acid transporters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kui Ye
- Anhui Medical University School of Public Health, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Anhui, China
| | - Li Li
- Anhui Medical University School of Public Health, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Anhui, China
,* Address for Correspondence: Anhui Medical University School of Public Health, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Anhui, China Phone: +86 551 63869176 E-mail:
| | - Dan Zhang
- Lujiang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Public Health, Anhui, China
| | - Yi Li
- Anhui Provincial Hospital, Clinic of Clinical Nutrition, Anhui, China
| | - Hai-Qing Wang
- Anhui Medical University School of Public Health, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Anhui, China
| | - Han-Lin Lai
- Anhui Medical University School of Public Health, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Anhui, China
| | - Chuan-Lai Hu
- Anhui Medical University School of Public Health, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Anhui, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Winterhager E, Gellhaus A. Transplacental Nutrient Transport Mechanisms of Intrauterine Growth Restriction in Rodent Models and Humans. Front Physiol 2017; 8:951. [PMID: 29230179 PMCID: PMC5711821 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the causes of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) have been intensively investigated, important information is still lacking about the role of the placenta as a link from adverse maternal environment to adverse pregnancy outcomes of IUGR and preterm birth. IUGR is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurological diseases later in life. Determination of the most important pathways that regulate transplacental transport systems is necessary for identifying marker genes as diagnostic tools and for developing drugs that target the molecular pathways. Besides oxygen, the main nutrients required for appropriate fetal development and growth are glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids. Dysfunction in transplacental transport is caused by impairments in both placental morphology and blood flow, as well as by factors such as alterations in the expression of insulin-like growth factors and changes in the mTOR signaling pathway leading to a change in nutrient transport. Animal models are important tools for systematically studying such complex events. Debate centers on whether the rodent placenta is an appropriate tool for investigating the alterations in the human placenta that result in IUGR. This review provides an overview of the alterations in expression and activity of nutrient transporters and alterations in signaling associated with IUGR and compares these findings in rodents and humans. In general, the data obtained by studies of the various types of rodent and human nutrient transporters are similar. However, direct comparison is complicated by the fact that the results of such studies are controversial even within the same species, making the interpretation of the results challenging. This difficulty could be due to the absence of guidelines of the experimental design and, especially in humans, the use of trophoblast cell culture studies instead of clinical trials. Nonetheless, developing new therapy concepts for IUGR will require the use of animal models for gathering robust data about mechanisms leading to IUGR and for testing the effectiveness and safety of the intervention among pregnant women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elke Winterhager
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Imaging Center Essen, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alexandra Gellhaus
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Teymoori F, Asghari G, Mirmiran P, Azizi F. High dietary intake of aromatic amino acids increases risk of hypertension. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 12:25-33. [PMID: 29208471 DOI: 10.1016/j.jash.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies investigated the relation between amino acids and blood pressure. Our aim was to examine the association between intake of aromatic amino acids (AAAs) and risk of hypertension. A total of 4288 individuals, aged 20-70 years, participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, who were free of hypertension at baseline (2008-2011), were followed for 3 years (2011-2014). Average intakes of AAAs including phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan were collected using a valid and reliable food frequency questionnaire at baseline. Adjusted logistic regression models were used to report odds ratio (OR) of hypertension across quartiles of AAAs. At the end of follow-up, 429 (10%) hypertension cases were ascertained. The adjusted OR of hypertension for percentage of AAAs from total protein intakes was 1.63 (95% confidence interval, 1.06-2.50; P for trend: .03) when comparing the highest quartile to the lowest. Furthermore, in the adjusted analyses, a statistically significant positive relationship was observed between the highest versus the lowest quartile intake of phenylalanine (OR = 1.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-2.47; P for trend: .03). However, there was no significant association of tyrosine and tryptophan intakes with hypertension risk. Our data suggest that AAAs may increase the risk of incident hypertension.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farshad Teymoori
- Students Research Committee, Nutrition and Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Golaleh Asghari
- Nutrition and Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parvin Mirmiran
- Nutrition and Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Fereidoun Azizi
- Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Batistel F, Alharthi AS, Wang L, Parys C, Pan YX, Cardoso FC, Loor JJ. Placentome Nutrient Transporters and Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signaling Proteins Are Altered by the Methionine Supply during Late Gestation in Dairy Cows and Are Associated with Newborn Birth Weight. J Nutr 2017; 147:1640-1647. [PMID: 28768834 DOI: 10.3945/jn.117.251876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: To our knowledge, most research demonstrating a link between maternal nutrition and both fetal growth and offspring development after birth has been performed with nonruminants. Whether such relationships exist in large ruminants is largely unknown.Objective: We aimed to investigate whether increasing the methionine supply during late pregnancy would alter uteroplacental tissue nutrient transporters and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and their relation with newborn body weight.Methods: Multiparous Holstein cows were used in a randomized complete block design experiment. During the last 28 d of pregnancy, cows were fed a control diet or the control diet plus ethylcellulose rumen-protected methionine (0.9 g/kg dry matter intake) (Mepron; Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH) to achieve a 2.8:1 ratio of lysine to methionine in the metabolizable protein reaching the small intestine. We collected placentome samples at parturition and used them to assess mRNA and protein expression and the phosphorylation status of mTOR pathway proteins.Results: Newborn body weight was greater in the methionine group than in the control group (44.1 kg and 41.8 kg, respectively; P ≤ 0.05). Increasing the methionine supply also resulted in greater feed intake (15.8 kg/d and 14.6 kg/d), plasma methionine (11.9 μM and 15.3 μM), and plasma insulin (1.16 μg/L and 0.81 μg/L) in cows during late pregnancy. As a result, mRNA expression of genes involved in neutral amino acid transport [solute carrier (SLC) family members SLC3A2, SLC7A5, SLC38A1, and SLC38A10], glucose transport [SLC2A1, SLC2A3, and SLC2A4], and the mTOR pathway [mechanistic target of rapamycin and ribosomal protein S6 kinase B1] were upregulated (P ≤ 0.07) in methionine-supplemented cows. Among 6 proteins in the mTOR pathway, increasing the methionine supply led to greater (P ≤ 0.09) protein expression of α serine-threonine kinase (AKT), phosphorylated (p)-AKT, p-eukaryotic elongation factor 2, and the p-mTOR:mTOR ratio.Conclusion: Supplemental methionine during late gestation increases feed intake and newborn body weight in dairy cows, and this effect may be mediated by alterations in the uteroplacental transport of nondispensable and dispensable amino acids and glucose at least in part through changes in gene transcription and mTOR signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Batistel
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Departments of Animal Sciences and
| | | | - Ling Wang
- Department of Animal Science, Southwest University, Rongchang, China; and
| | - Claudia Parys
- Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH, Hanau-Wolfgang, Germany
| | - Yuan-Xiang Pan
- Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL
| | - Felipe C Cardoso
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Departments of Animal Sciences and
| | - Juan J Loor
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Departments of Animal Sciences and
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Geyer J, Bakhaus K, Bernhardt R, Blaschka C, Dezhkam Y, Fietz D, Grosser G, Hartmann K, Hartmann MF, Neunzig J, Papadopoulos D, Sánchez-Guijo A, Scheiner-Bobis G, Schuler G, Shihan M, Wrenzycki C, Wudy SA, Bergmann M. The role of sulfated steroid hormones in reproductive processes. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 172:207-221. [PMID: 27392637 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Sulfated steroid hormones, such as dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate or estrone-3-sulfate, have long been regarded as inactive metabolites as they cannot activate classical steroid receptors. Some of them are present in the blood circulation at quite high concentrations, but generally sulfated steroids exhibit low membrane permeation due to their hydrophilic properties. However, sulfated steroid hormones can actively be imported into specific target cells via uptake carriers, such as the sodium-dependent organic anion transporter SOAT, and, after hydrolysis by the steroid sulfatase (so-called sulfatase pathway), contribute to the overall regulation of steroid responsive organs. To investigate the biological significance of sulfated steroid hormones for reproductive processes in humans and animals, the research group "Sulfated Steroids in Reproduction" was established by the German Research Foundation DFG (FOR1369). Projects of this group deal with transport of sulfated steroids, sulfation of free steroids, desulfation by the steroid sulfatase, effects of sulfated steroids on steroid biosynthesis and membrane receptors as well as MS-based profiling of sulfated steroids in biological samples. This review and concept paper presents key findings from all these projects and provides a broad overview over the current research on sulfated steroid hormones in the field of reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Geyer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Katharina Bakhaus
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Rita Bernhardt
- Institute of Biochemistry, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Carina Blaschka
- Veterinary Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Yaser Dezhkam
- Veterinary Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Daniela Fietz
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Gary Grosser
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Katja Hartmann
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Michaela F Hartmann
- Steroid Research & Mass Spectrometry Unit, Laboratory for Translational Hormone Analytics, Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetology, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jens Neunzig
- Institute of Biochemistry, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Dimitrios Papadopoulos
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Alberto Sánchez-Guijo
- Steroid Research & Mass Spectrometry Unit, Laboratory for Translational Hormone Analytics, Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetology, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Georgios Scheiner-Bobis
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Gerhard Schuler
- Veterinary Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Mazen Shihan
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christine Wrenzycki
- Veterinary Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefan A Wudy
- Steroid Research & Mass Spectrometry Unit, Laboratory for Translational Hormone Analytics, Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetology, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Martin Bergmann
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Methylmercury Uptake into BeWo Cells Depends on LAT2-4F2hc, a System L Amino Acid Transporter. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18081730. [PMID: 28786956 PMCID: PMC5578120 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18081730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The organic mercury compound methylmercury (MeHg) is able to target the fetal brain. However, the uptake of the toxicant into placental cells is incompletely understood. MeHg strongly binds to thiol-S containing molecules such as cysteine. This MeHg-l-cysteine exhibits some structural similarity to methionine. System L plays a crucial role in placental transport of essential amino acids such as leucine and methionine and thus has been assumed to also transport MeHg-l-cysteine across the placenta. The uptake of methylmercury and tritiated leucine and methionine into the choriocarcinoma cell line BeWo was examined using transwell assay and small interfering (si)RNA mediated gene knockdown. Upon the downregulation of large neutral amino acids transporter (LAT)2 and 4F2 cell-surface antigen heavy chain (4F2hc), respectively, the levels of [3H]leucine in BeWo cells are significantly reduced compared to controls treated with non-targeting siRNA (p < 0.05). The uptake of [3H]methionine was reduced upon LAT2 down-regulation as well as methylmercury uptake after 4F2hc silencing (p < 0.05, respectively). These findings suggest an important role of system L in the placental uptake of the metal. Comparing the cellular accumulation of mercury, leucine, and methionine, it can be assumed that (1) MeHg is transported through system L amino acid transporters and (2) system L is responsible for the uptake of amino acids and MeHg primarily at the apical membrane of the trophoblast. The findings together can explain why mercury in contrast to other heavy metals such as lead or cadmium is efficiently transported to fetal blood.
Collapse
|
43
|
Gallo L, Barrett H, Dekker Nitert M. Review: Placental transport and metabolism of energy substrates in maternal obesity and diabetes. Placenta 2017; 54:59-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Revised: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
44
|
Williams M, Zhang Z, Nance E, Drewes JL, Lesniak WG, Singh S, Chugani DC, Rangaramanujam K, Graham DR, Kannan S. Maternal Inflammation Results in Altered Tryptophan Metabolism in Rabbit Placenta and Fetal Brain. Dev Neurosci 2017; 39:399-412. [PMID: 28490020 DOI: 10.1159/000471509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal inflammation has been linked to neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders such as cerebral palsy, schizophrenia, and autism. We had previously shown that intrauterine inflammation resulted in a decrease in serotonin, one of the tryptophan metabolites, and a decrease in serotonin fibers in the sensory cortex of newborns in a rabbit model of cerebral palsy. In this study, we hypothesized that maternal inflammation results in alterations in tryptophan pathway enzymes and metabolites in the placenta and fetal brain. We found that intrauterine endotoxin administration at gestational day 28 (G28) resulted in a significant upregulation of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in both the placenta and fetal brain at G29 (24 h after treatment). This endotoxin-mediated IDO induction was also associated with intense microglial activation, an increase in interferon gamma expression, and increases in kynurenine and the kynurenine pathway metabolites kynurenine acid and quinolinic acid, as well as a significant decrease in 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (a precursor of serotonin) levels in the periventricular region of the fetal brain. These results indicate that maternal inflammation shunts tryptophan metabolism away from the serotonin to the kynurenine pathway, which may lead to excitotoxic injury along with impaired development of serotonin-mediated thalamocortical fibers in the newborn brain. These findings provide new targets for prevention and treatment of maternal inflammation-induced fetal and neonatal brain injury leading to neurodevelopmental disorders such as cerebral palsy and autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Williams
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University SOM, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Zeng Z, Liu F, Li S. Metabolic Adaptations in Pregnancy: A Review. ANNALS OF NUTRITION AND METABOLISM 2017; 70:59-65. [PMID: 28297696 DOI: 10.1159/000459633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy is a dynamic state involving multiple adaptations that are necessary in order to ensure a continuous supply of essential metabolites to support the growth and the development of the fetus. OBJECTIVES This review article is aimed to discuss important adaptations in metabolism that take place during non-complicated pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS We searched the electronic database PubMed for pre-clinical as well as clinical controlled trials reporting the importance of metabolic adaptations during a non-complicated pregnancy. The preferred language was English and the most recent reports were selected to get an updated review. RESULTS It was observed clearly in the searched literature that metabolic adaptations are a crucial part of pregnancy, as they provide the mother with sufficient energy stores to meet the demands of pregnancy. These adaptions also help in preparing the mother for lactation and also help in providing proper environment for the proper growth of fetus in the womb. Moreover, multiple biomolecules including glucose, fatty acids, ketone bodies, hormones collectively contribute toward these metabolic adaptations. CONCLUSIONS This review article concludes that metabolic adaptations are crucial for proper fetus development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhandong Zeng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Xuzhou Children's Hospital, Xuzhou, PR China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Chen Z, Huang W, Srinivas SR, Jones CR, Ganapathy V, Prasad PD. Serine Racemase and D-Serine Transport in Human Placenta and Evidence for a Transplacental Gradient for D-Serine in Humans. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 11:294-303. [PMID: 15219883 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsgi.2004.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the possible role of human placenta in providing D-serine to the developing fetus. METHODS Expression of serine racemase in placenta was determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and northern analysis and confirmed by subsequent cloning. The transport of D-serine by human ATB(0) was characterized by expressing the cloned cDNA transiently in mammalian cells using the vaccinia virus expression system. D-serine levels in maternal and fetal blood were measured by fluorescence high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) after derivatization of the amino acids with o-phthaldialdehyde and N-tertiary-butyloxycarbonyl-L-cysteine. RESULTS mRNA for serine racemase was detected in placenta. ATB(0) was capable of d-serine transport, and the transport process is obligatorily dependent on sodium (Na+) with a Na(+):substrate stoichiometry of 1:1 and saturable with a Michaelis-Menten constant of 310 +/- 30 microM. Furthermore, studies have shown that ATB(0) is not expressed in the maternal-facing brush border membrane of human placental syncytiotrophoblast. The circulating concentration of D-serine in maternal serum is 5.8 +/- 0.5 microM, and the corresponding value in the fetal serum is 14.6 +/- 1.2 microM, indicating a two- to three-fold higher concentration of D-serine in the fetus than in the mother. CONCLUSION We speculate that D-serine is synthesized in human placenta by the racemization of L-serine and that ATB(0), expressed on the basal membrane of the syncytiotrophoblast, mediates the efflux of D-serine into the fetal circulation in exchange for other amino acids in fetal blood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, 1120 Laney Walker Boulevard, Augusta, GA 30912-2100, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Mechanisms involved in the transport of mercuric ions in target tissues. Arch Toxicol 2016; 91:63-81. [PMID: 27422290 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1803-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Mercury exists in the environment in various forms, all of which pose a risk to human health. Despite guidelines regulating the industrial release of mercury into the environment, humans continue to be exposed regularly to various forms of this metal via inhalation or ingestion. Following exposure, mercuric ions are taken up by and accumulate in numerous organs, including brain, intestine, kidney, liver, and placenta. In order to understand the toxicological effects of exposure to mercury, a thorough understanding of the mechanisms that facilitate entry of mercuric ions into target cells must first be obtained. A number of mechanisms for the transport of mercuric ions into target cells and organs have been proposed in recent years. However, the ability of these mechanisms to transport mercuric ions and the regulatory features of these carriers have not been characterized completely. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current findings related to the mechanisms that may be involved in the transport of inorganic and organic forms of mercury in target tissues and organs. This review will describe mechanisms known to be involved in the transport of mercury and will also propose additional mechanisms that may potentially be involved in the transport of mercuric ions into target cells.
Collapse
|