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Pilsova A, Pilsova Z, Klusackova B, Zelenkova N, Chmelikova E, Postlerova P, Sedmikova M. Hydrogen sulfide and its role in female reproduction. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1378435. [PMID: 38933705 PMCID: PMC11202402 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1378435] [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: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gaseous signaling molecule produced in the body by three enzymes: cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST). H2S is crucial in various physiological processes associated with female mammalian reproduction. These include estrus cycle, oocyte maturation, oocyte aging, ovulation, embryo transport and early embryo development, the development of the placenta and fetal membranes, pregnancy, and the initiation of labor. Despite the confirmed presence of H2S-producing enzymes in all female reproductive tissues, as described in this review, the exact mechanisms of H2S action in these tissues remain in most cases unclear. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the knowledge about the presence and effects of H2S in these tissues and outline possible signaling pathways that mediate these effects. Understanding these pathways may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies in the field of women's health and perinatal medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Pilsova
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food, and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
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Sun X, Mao C, Xie Y, Zhong Q, Zhang R, Jiang D, Song Y. Therapeutic Potential of Hydrogen Sulfide in Reproductive System Disorders. Biomolecules 2024; 14:540. [PMID: 38785947 PMCID: PMC11117696 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050540] [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: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), previously regarded as a toxic exhaust and atmospheric pollutant, has emerged as the third gaseous signaling molecule following nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). Recent research has revealed significant biological effects of H2S in a variety of systems, such as the nervous, cardiovascular, and digestive systems. Additionally, H2S has been found to impact reproductive system function and may have therapeutic implications for reproductive disorders. This paper explores the relationship between H2S and male reproductive disorders, specifically erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer, male infertility, and testicular damage. Additionally, it examines the impact of H2S regulation on the pathophysiology of the female reproductive system, including improvements in preterm birth, endometriosis, pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion, placental oxidative damage, embryo implantation, recovery of myometrium post-delivery, and ovulation. The study delves into the regulatory functions of H2S within the reproductive systems of both genders, including its impact on the NO/cGMP pathway, the activation of K+ channels, and the relaxation mechanism of the spongy smooth muscle through the ROCK pathway, aiming to broaden the scope of potential therapeutic strategies for treating reproductive system disorders in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xutao Sun
- Department of Typhoid, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 24, Heping Street, Harbin 150040, China;
| | - Caiyun Mao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 24, Heping Street, Harbin 150040, China; (C.M.); (Q.Z.); (R.Z.)
| | - Ying Xie
- Department of Synopsis of the Golden Chamber, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 24, Heping Street, Harbin 150040, China;
| | - Qing Zhong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 24, Heping Street, Harbin 150040, China; (C.M.); (Q.Z.); (R.Z.)
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 24, Heping Street, Harbin 150040, China; (C.M.); (Q.Z.); (R.Z.)
| | - Deyou Jiang
- Department of Synopsis of the Golden Chamber, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 24, Heping Street, Harbin 150040, China;
| | - Yunjia Song
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 24, Heping Street, Harbin 150040, China; (C.M.); (Q.Z.); (R.Z.)
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Lan R, Yu Y, Song J, Xue M, Gong H. SFRP2 suppresses trophoblast cell migration by inhibiting the Wnt/β‑catenin pathway. Mol Med Rep 2024; 29:66. [PMID: 38426532 PMCID: PMC10926097 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2024.13190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The present study investigates the role of Secreted Frizzled‑Related Protein 2 (SFRP2) in trophoblast cells, a key factor in preeclampsia (PE) progression. Elevated levels of Secreted Frizzled‑Related Protein 1/3/4/5 (SFRP1/3/4/5) are associated with PE, but the role of SFRP2 is unclear. We analyzed SFRP2 expression in PE placental tissue using the GSE10588 dataset and overexpressed SFRP2 in JEG‑3 cells via lentiviral transfection. The viability, migration, apoptosis, and proliferation of SFRP2‑overexpressing JEG‑3 cells were assessed using Cell Counting Kit‑8, Transwell assays, flow cytometry, and EdU staining. Additionally, we evaluated the impact of SFRP2 overexpression on key proteins in the Wnt/β‑catenin pathway and apoptosis markers (Bax, cleaved‑caspase 3, BCL‑2, MMP9, E‑cadherin, Wnt3a, Axin2, CyclinD1, c‑Myc, p‑β‑catenin, β‑catenin, phosphorylated Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta (p‑GSK3β), and GSK3β) through western blotting. Results showed high SFRP2 mRNA and protein expression in PE placenta and JEG‑3 cells post‑transfection. SFRP2 overexpression significantly reduced JEG‑3 cell viability, proliferation, and migration, while increasing apoptosis. It also altered expression levels of Wnt pathway proteins, suggesting SFRP2's potential as a therapeutic target for PE by inhibiting trophoblast cell migration through the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihong Lan
- Department of Obstetrics, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570311, P.R. China
| | - Yihong Yu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 571199, P.R. China
| | - Jie Song
- Department of Obstetrics, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570311, P.R. China
| | - Mengdi Xue
- School of Clinical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 571199, P.R. China
| | - Humin Gong
- Department of Obstetrics, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570311, P.R. China
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Sun X, Zhang R, Zhong Q, Song Y, Feng X. Regulatory effects of hydrogen sulfide on the female reproductive system. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 963:176265. [PMID: 38070636 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a colorless exhaust gas, has been traditionally considered an air pollutant. However, recent studies have revealed that H2S functions as a novel gas signaling molecule, exerting diverse biological effects on various systems, including the cardiovascular, digestive, and nervous systems. Thus, H2S is involved in various pathophysiological processes. As H2S affects reproductive function, it has potential therapeutic implications in reproductive system diseases. This review examined the role of H2S in various female reproductive organs, including the ovary, fallopian tube, vagina, uterus, and placenta. Additionally, the regulatory function of H2S in the female reproductive system has been discussed to provide useful insights for developing clinical therapeutic strategies for reproductive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xutao Sun
- Department of Typhoid, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Qing Zhong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Yunjia Song
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China.
| | - Xiaoling Feng
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China.
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Lyu C, Ni T, Guo Y, Zhou T, Chen Z, Yan J, Li Y. Insufficient GDF15 expression predisposes women to unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss by impairing extravillous trophoblast invasion. Cell Prolif 2023; 56:e13514. [PMID: 37272232 PMCID: PMC10693185 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Insufficient extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invasion during early placentation has been shown to contribute to recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). However, the regulatory factors involved and their involvement in RPL pathogenesis remain unknown. Here, we found aberrantly decreased growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) levels in both first-trimester villous and serum samples of unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (URPL) patients as compared with normal pregnancies. Moreover, GDF15 knockdown significantly reduced the invasiveness of both HTR-8/SVneo cells and primary human EVT cells and suppressed the Jagged-1 (JAG1)/NOTCH3/HES1 pathway activity, and JAG1 overexpression rescued the invasion phenotype of the GDF15 knockdown cells. Induction of a lipopolysaccharide-induced abortion model in mice resulted in significantly reduced GDF15 level in the placenta and serum, as well as increased rates of embryonic resorption, and these effects were reversed by administration of recombinant GDF15. Our study thus demonstrates that insufficient GDF15 level at the first-trimester maternal-foetal interface contribute to the pathogenesis of URPL by impairing EVT invasion and suppressing JAG1/NOTCH3/HES1 pathway activity, and suggests that supplementation with GDF15 could benefit early pregnancy maintenance and reduce the risk of early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunzi Lyu
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Tianxiang Ni
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Yaqiu Guo
- Department of AnesthesiologyJinan Maternal and Child Health HospitalJinanShandongChina
| | - Tingting Zhou
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Zi‐Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Junhao Yan
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Yan Li
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Medical Integration and Practice CenterShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Lead Contact
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Bai J, Jiao F, Salmeron AG, Xu S, Xian M, Huang L, Chen DB. Mapping Pregnancy-dependent Sulfhydrome Unfolds Diverse Functions of Protein Sulfhydration in Human Uterine Artery. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad107. [PMID: 37439247 PMCID: PMC10413431 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Uterine artery (UA) hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production is augmented in pregnancy and, on stimulation by systemic/local vasodilators, contributes to pregnancy-dependent uterine vasodilation; however, how H2S exploits this role is largely unknown. S-sulfhydration converts free thiols to persulfides at reactive cysteine(s) on targeted proteins to affect the entire proteome posttranslationally, representing the main route for H2S to elicit its function. Here, we used Tag-Switch to quantify changes in sulfhydrated (SSH-) proteins (ie, sulfhydrome) in H2S-treated nonpregnant and pregnant human UA. We further used the low-pH quantitative thiol reactivity profiling platform by which paired sulfhydromes were subjected to liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry-based peptide sequencing to generate site (cysteine)-specific pregnancy-dependent H2S-responsive human UA sulfhydrome. Total levels of sulfhydrated proteins were significantly greater in pregnant vs nonpregnant human UA and further stimulated by treatment with sodium hydrosulfide. We identified a total of 360 and 1671 SSH-peptides from 480 and 1186 SSH-proteins in untreated and sodium hydrosulfide-treated human UA, respectively. Bioinformatics analyses identified pregnancy-dependent H2S-responsive human UA SSH peptides/proteins, which were categorized to various molecular functions, pathways, and biological processes, especially vascular smooth muscle contraction/relaxation. Pregnancy-dependent changes in these proteins were rectified by immunoblotting of the Tag-Switch labeled SSH proteins. Low-pH quantitative thiol reactivity profiling failed to identify low abundance SSH proteins such as KATP channels in human UA; however, immunoblotting of Tag-Switch-labeled SSH proteins identified pregnancy-dependent upregulation of SSH-KATP channels without altering their total proteins. Thus, comprehensive analyses of human UA sulfhydromes influenced by endogenous and exogenous H2S inform novel roles of protein sulfhydration in uterine hemodynamics regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Bai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Fenglong Jiao
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | | | - Shi Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Ming Xian
- Department of Chemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Lan Huang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Dong-bao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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Jing MY, Xie LD, Chen X, Zhou Y, Jin MM, He WH, Wang DM, Liu AX. Circ-CCNB1 Modulates Trophoblast Proliferation and Invasion in Spontaneous Abortion by Regulating miR-223/SIAH1 axis. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6613327. [PMID: 35731831 PMCID: PMC9290912 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Spontaneous abortion (SA) is a common disorder in early pregnancy. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to exert important regulatory effects on trophoblast function and embryo development. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore whether and how circRNAs regulate trophoblast function in SA during early pregnancy. METHODS Cell proliferation, 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) staining, Transwell, immunofluorescence, Western blot, RNA pull-down, and dual luciferase reporter assays were performed to investigate the effect of circRNA cyclin B1 (circ-CCNB1) on trophoblast function in HTR-8/SVneo and JEG-3 cells. RESULTS An in vitro study demonstrated that upregulation of circ-CCNB1 significantly inhibited trophoblast proliferation and invasion compared with the controls using HTR-8/SVneo and JEG-3 cells, respectively. Moreover, miR-223 was downregulated in the villous tissues of patients with SA and was further predicted and shown to negatively interact with circ-CCNB1, which is involved in trophoblast proliferation and invasion. Using bioinformatics tools and subsequent RNA pull-down and dual luciferase assays, we found that miR-223 directly targets seven in absentia homolog-1 (SIAH1) and that upregulation of miR-223 decreased circ-CCNB1-induced SIAH1 expression levels in HTR-8/SVneo cells. Interestingly, upregulation of circ-CCNB1 suppressed trophoblast proliferation and invasion through inhibition of CCNB1 nuclear translocation induced by SIAH1. Downregulation of SIAH1 enhanced circ-CCNB1-suppressed CCNB1 nuclear protein expression in trophoblast cells. CONCLUSION Circ-CCNB1 served as a modulator of trophoblast proliferation and invasion by sponging miR-223, thus forming a regulatory network of circ-CCNB1/miR-223/SIAH1 in modulating CCNB1 nuclear translocation, which enabled us to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in normal embryo implantation or in SA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-yu Jing
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, PR China
| | - Lai-di Xie
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, PR China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, PR China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, PR China
| | - Meng-meng Jin
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, PR China
| | - Wei-hua He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University College of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, PR China
| | - Di-min Wang
- Correspondence: Di-min Wang, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xue-shi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
| | - Ai-xia Liu
- Correspondence: Ai-xia Liu, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 1 Xue-shi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
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Cirino G, Szabo C, Papapetropoulos A. Physiological roles of hydrogen sulfide in mammalian cells, tissues and organs. Physiol Rev 2022; 103:31-276. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00028.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
H2S belongs to the class of molecules known as gasotransmitters, which also includes nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). Three enzymes are recognized as endogenous sources of H2S in various cells and tissues: cystathionine g-lyase (CSE), cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST). The current article reviews the regulation of these enzymes as well as the pathways of their enzymatic and non-enzymatic degradation and elimination. The multiple interactions of H2S with other labile endogenous molecules (e.g. NO) and reactive oxygen species are also outlined. The various biological targets and signaling pathways are discussed, with special reference to H2S and oxidative posttranscriptional modification of proteins, the effect of H2S on channels and intracellular second messenger pathways, the regulation of gene transcription and translation and the regulation of cellular bioenergetics and metabolism. The pharmacological and molecular tools currently available to study H2S physiology are also reviewed, including their utility and limitations. In subsequent sections, the role of H2S in the regulation of various physiological and cellular functions is reviewed. The physiological role of H2S in various cell types and organ systems are overviewed. Finally, the role of H2S in the regulation of various organ functions is discussed as well as the characteristic bell-shaped biphasic effects of H2S. In addition, key pathophysiological aspects, debated areas, and future research and translational areas are identified A wide array of significant roles of H2S in the physiological regulation of all organ functions emerges from this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Cirino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Csaba Szabo
- Chair of Pharmacology, Section of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Papapetropoulos
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece & Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research Center, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Greece
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Estrogen-Induced Uterine Vasodilation in Pregnancy and Preeclampsia. MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE 2022; 4:52-60. [PMID: 35072088 PMCID: PMC8772435 DOI: 10.1097/fm9.0000000000000132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal pregnancy is associated with dramatically increased estrogen biosynthesis whose role is believed to raise uterine blood flow to facilitate the bi-directional maternal-fetal exchanges of gases (O2 and CO2), to deliver nutrients, and exhaust wastes to support fetal development and survival. Constrained uterine blood flow in pregnancy is a leading cause of preeclampsia with fetal growth restriction, rendering investigations of uterine hemodynamics to hold a high promise to inform pathways as targets for therapeutic interventions for preeclampsia. The mechanisms of estrogen-induced uterine vasodilation in pregnancy have long been attributed to enhanced endothelium production of nitric oxide, but clinical trials targeting this pathway that dominates uterine hemodynamics have achieved no to little success. Emerging evidence has recently shown a novel proangiogenic vasodilatory role of hydrogen sulfide in regulating uterine hemodynamics in pregnancy and preeclampsia, provoking a new field of perinatal research in searching for alternative pathways for pregnancy disorders especially preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. This minireview is intended to summarize the nitric oxide pathway and to discuss the emerging hydrogen sulfide pathway in modulating estrogen-induced uterine vasodilation in pregnancy and preeclampsia.
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Bai J, Chen DB. Enhanced Sp1/YY1 Expression Directs CBS Transcription to Mediate VEGF-Stimulated Pregnancy-Dependent H 2S Production in Human Uterine Artery Endothelial Cells. Hypertension 2021; 78:1902-1913. [PMID: 34657441 PMCID: PMC8585697 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.121.18190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Bai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Irvine
| | - Dong-Bao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Irvine
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Bhattacharjee J, Mohammad S, Goudreau AD, Adamo KB. Physical activity differentially regulates VEGF, PlGF, and their receptors in the human placenta. Physiol Rep 2021; 9:e14710. [PMID: 33463910 PMCID: PMC7814495 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical activity (PA) has beneficial effects on the function of many organs by modulating their vascular development. Regular PA during pregnancy is associated with favorable short‐ and long‐term outcomes for both mother and fetus. During pregnancy, appropriate vascularization of the placenta is crucial for adequate maternal–fetal nutrient and gas exchange. How PA modulates angiogenic factors, VEGF, and its receptors in the human placenta, is as of yet, unknown. We objectively measured the PA of women at 24–28 and 34–38 weeks of gestation. Participants were considered “active” if they had met or exceeded 150 min of moderate‐intensity PA per week during their 2nd trimester. Term placenta tissues were collected from active (n = 23) or inactive (n = 22) women immediately after delivery. We examined the expression of the angiogenic factors VEGF, PlGF, VEGFR‐1, and VEGFR‐2 in the placenta. Western blot analysis showed VEGF and its receptor, VEGFR‐1 was significantly (p < 0.05) higher both at the protein and mRNA levels in placenta from physically active compared to inactive women. No difference in VEGFR‐2 was observed. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry showed differential staining patterns of VEGF and its receptors in placental endothelial, stromal, and trophoblast cells and in the syncytial brush border. In comparison, PlGF expression did not differ either at the protein or mRNA level in the placenta from physically active or inactive women. The expression and localization pattern of VEGF and its receptors suggest that PA during pregnancy may support a pro‐angiogenic milieu to the placental vascular network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayonta Bhattacharjee
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Shuhiba Mohammad
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Alexandra D Goudreau
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Kristi B Adamo
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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12
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Wang B, Xu T, Li Y, Wang W, Lyu C, Luo D, Yang Q, Ning N, Chen ZJ, Yan J, Chen DB, Li J. Trophoblast H2S Maintains Early Pregnancy via Regulating Maternal-Fetal Interface Immune Hemostasis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5854355. [PMID: 32506120 PMCID: PMC7526739 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Dysregulated immune hemostasis occurs in unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA). Synthesized by cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), hydrogen sulfide (H2S) promotes regulatory T-cell differentiation and regulates immune hemostasis; yet, its role in URSA is elusive. OBJECTIVE To determine if H2S plays a role in early pregnancy and if dysregulated H2S signaling results in recurrent spontaneous abortion. DESIGN First trimester placenta villi and decidua were collected from normal and URSA pregnancies. Protein expression was examined by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. Human trophoblast HTR8/SVneo and JEG3 cells were treated with H2S donors; HTR8/SVneo cells were transfected with CBS ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) or complementary deoxyribonucleic acid. Cell migration and invasion were determined by transwell assays; trophoblast transcriptomes were determined by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Wild-type, CBS-deficient, and CBA/J × DBA/2 mice were treated with CBS and CSE inhibitors or H2S donors to determine the role of H2S in early pregnancy in vivo. RESULTS CBS and CSE proteins showed cell-specific expressions, but only CBS decreased in the villous cytotrophoblast in URSA versus normal participants. H2S donors promoted migration and invasion and MMP-2 and VEGF expression in human placenta trophoblast cells that contain SV40 viral deoxyribonucleic acid sequences (HTR8/SVneo) and human placenta trophoblast cells (JEG3 cells), similar to forced CBS expression in HTR8/SVneo cells. The CBS-responsive transcriptomes in HTR8/SVneo cells contained differentially regulated genes (ie, interleukin-1 receptor and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2) that are associated with nuclear factor-κB-mediated inflammatory response. In vivo, dysregulated CBS/H2S signaling significantly increased embryonic resorption and decidual T-helper 1/T-helper 2 imbalance in mice, which was partially rescued by H2S donors. CONCLUSION CBS/H2S signaling maintains early pregnancy, possibly via regulating maternal-fetal interface immune hemostasis, offering opportunities for H2S-based immunotherapies for URSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banqin Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tonghui Xu
- Key Laboratory of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yan Li
- Medical Research Center, Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenfu Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chunzi Lyu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qiuhong Yang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jinan Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Nannan Ning
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Junhao Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Jingxin Li, MD, PhD, Department of Physiology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China. E-mail: . Junhao Yan, MD, PhD, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, China. ; Dongbao Chen, Ph.D., Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, 92697, USA.
| | - Dong-bao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California, Irvine
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Jingxin Li, MD, PhD, Department of Physiology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China. E-mail: . Junhao Yan, MD, PhD, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, China. ; Dongbao Chen, Ph.D., Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, 92697, USA.
| | - Jingxin Li
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Jingxin Li, MD, PhD, Department of Physiology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China. E-mail: . Junhao Yan, MD, PhD, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, China. ; Dongbao Chen, Ph.D., Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, 92697, USA.
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Qi QR, Lechuga TJ, Patel B, Nguyen NA, Yang YH, Li Y, Sarnthiyakul S, Zhang QW, Bai J, Makhoul J, Chen DB. Enhanced Stromal Cell CBS-H2S Production Promotes Estrogen-Stimulated Human Endometrial Angiogenesis. Endocrinology 2020; 161:bqaa176. [PMID: 32987401 PMCID: PMC7575054 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a physiological process for endometrial regeneration in the menstrual cycle and remodeling during pregnancy. Endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S), produced by cystathionine-β synthase (CBS) and cystathionine-γ lyase (CSE), is a potent proangiogenic factor; yet, whether the H2S system is expressed in the endometrium and whether H2S plays a role in endometrial angiogenesis are unknown. This study was to test whether estrogens stimulate endometrial H2S biosynthesis to promote endometrial microvascular endothelial cell (EMEC) angiogenesis. CBS messenger RNA/protein and H2S production significantly differed among endometria from postmenopausal (POM), premenopausal secretory (sPRM), and proliferative (pPRM) nonpregnant (NP) and pregnant (Preg) women (P < .05) in a rank order of POM approximately equal to sPRM is less than pPRM is less than Preg, positively correlating with angiogenesis indices and endogenous estrogens and with no difference in CSE expression. CBS and CSE proteins were localized to stroma, glands, and vessels in endometrium, and greater stromal CBS protein was observed in the pPRM and Preg states. Estradiol-17β (E2) (but not progesterone) stimulated CBS (but not CSE) expression and H2S production in pPRM endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) in vitro, which were attenuated by ICI 182 780. The H2S donor sodium hydrosulfide promoted in vitro EMEC angiogenesis. Co-culture with sPRM, pPRM, and Preg ESCs all stimulated EMEC migration with a rank order of sPRM less than pPRM approximately equal to Preg. CBS (but not CSE) inhibition attenuated ESC-stimulated EMEC migration. E2 did not affect EMEC migration but potentiated ESC-stimulated EMEC migration. Altogether, estrogens stimulate specific receptor-dependent stromal CBS-H2S production to promote endometrial EMEC angiogenesis in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Rong Qi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Thomas J Lechuga
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Basari Patel
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Nicole A Nguyen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Yi-Hua Yang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Sassi Sarnthiyakul
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Quan-Wei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Jin Bai
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Josh Makhoul
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Dong-Bao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
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