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Fu M, Ren Z, Gao Y, Zhang H, Guo W, Zhang W. Study of iodine transport and thyroid hormone levels in the human placenta under different iodine nutritional status. Br J Nutr 2024; 131:1488-1496. [PMID: 38221821 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114524000084] [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] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Iodine and thyroid hormones (TH) transport in the placenta are essential for fetal growth and development, but there is little research focus on the human placenta. The research aimed to investigate iodine and TH transport mechanisms in the human placenta. The placenta was collected from sixty healthy pregnant women. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC), serum iodine concentration (SIC), placenta iodine storage (PIS) and the concentration of serum and placenta TH were examined. Five pregnant women were selected as insufficient intake (II), adequate intake (AI) and above requirements intake (ARI) groups. Localisation/expression of placental sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) and Pendrin were also studied. Results showed that PIS positively correlated with the UIC (R = 0·58, P < 0·001) and SIC (R = 0·55, P < 0·001), and PIS was higher in the ARI group than that in the AI group (P = 0·017). NIS in the ARI group was higher than that in the AI group on the maternal side of the placenta (P < 0·05). NIS in the II group was higher than that in the AI group on the fetal side (P < 0·05). In the II group, NIS on the fetal side was higher than on the maternal side (P < 0·05). Pendrin was higher in the II group than in the AI group on the maternal side (P < 0·05). Free triiodothyronine (r = 0·44, P = 0·0067) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (r = 0·75, P < 0·001) between maternal and fetal side is positively correlated. This study suggests that maternal iodine intake changes the expression of NIS and Pendrin, thereby affecting PIS. Serum TH levels were not correlated with placental TH levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Fu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin300070, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyuan Ren
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin300070, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanpeng Gao
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin300070, People's Republic of China
| | - Haixia Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin300070, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenxing Guo
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin300070, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanqi Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin300070, People's Republic of China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin300070, People's Republic of China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Center for International Collaborative Research on Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China
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Adibi JJ, Zhao Y, Koistinen H, Mitchell RT, Barrett ES, Miller R, O'Connor TG, Xun X, Liang HW, Birru R, Smith M, Moog NK. Molecular pathways in placental-fetal development and disruption. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 581:112075. [PMID: 37852527 PMCID: PMC10958409 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
The first trimester of pregnancy ranks high in priority when minimizing harmful exposures, given the wide-ranging types of organogenesis occurring between 4- and 12-weeks' gestation. One way to quantify potential harm to the fetus in the first trimester is to measure a corollary effect on the placenta. Placental biomarkers are widely present in maternal circulation, cord blood, and placental tissue biopsied at birth or at the time of pregnancy termination. Here we evaluate ten diverse pathways involving molecules expressed in the first trimester human placenta based on their relevance to normal fetal development and to the hypothesis of placental-fetal endocrine disruption (perturbation in development that results in abnormal endocrine function in the offspring), namely: human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), thyroid hormone regulation, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor protein gamma (PPARγ), leptin, transforming growth factor beta, epiregulin, growth differentiation factor 15, small nucleolar RNAs, serotonin, and vitamin D. Some of these are well-established as biomarkers of placental-fetal endocrine disruption, while others are not well studied and were selected based on discovery analyses of the placental transcriptome. A literature search on these biomarkers summarizes evidence of placenta-specific production and regulation of each biomarker, and their role in fetal reproductive tract, brain, and other specific domains of fetal development. In this review, we extend the theory of fetal programming to placental-fetal programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer J Adibi
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Yaqi Zhao
- St. Jude's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Hannu Koistinen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Emily S Barrett
- Environmental and Population Health Bio-Sciences, Rutgers University School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Richard Miller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Thomas G O'Connor
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Xiaoshuang Xun
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hai-Wei Liang
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rahel Birru
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Megan Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nora K Moog
- Department of Medical Psychology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Sun Y, Han Y, Qian M, Li Y, Ye Y, Lin L, Liu Y. Defending Effects of Iodide Transfer in Placental Barrier Against Maternal Iodine Deficiency. Thyroid 2021; 31:509-518. [PMID: 32791891 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2020.0510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Placental iodide transport is necessary for maintaining an adequate iodide supply to the developing fetus. We hypothesized that compounds from the placental barrier can compensate for decreases in maternal iodine intake and normalize fetal iodine levels. Methods: Pregnant rats administered different amounts of iodine (1.24, 2.5, 5, or 10 μg/day) were evaluated on gestational day (gd) 16 and 20. The iodine levels in maternal blood, amniotic fluid (AF), and placental tissue were estimated using As-Ce catalytic spectrophotometry. The protein and/or messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of sodium iodide symporter (NIS), pendrin, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and CD31 in the placental labyrinth, trophoblast cells isolated using laser capture microdissection (LCM), and/or fetomaternal thyroid were detected using immunoblotting, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and/or immunohistochemistry. Results: When iodine intake was reduced, iodine levels in maternal blood gradually decreased; however, placental iodine levels were not significantly different between groups on gd16 and gd20. Minimal changes were observed in AF iodine levels on gd16, and a mild decreasing trend was observed (iodine dose, 10 to 1.24 μg/day) on gd20. NIS protein, which was linearly distributed along the basolateral membrane of maternal-fetal thyroid follicles, gradually increased with decreasing iodine levels. Regarding iodine deficiency in the placental labyrinth on gd16 and gd20, pendrin and glycosylated NIS proteins were significantly upregulated in a dose-dependent manner. However, the mRNA levels were unchanged. Furthermore, the conversion of NIS protein from the nonglycosylated to the glycosylated form increased. In trophoblast cells isolated using LCM, PDS mRNA levels increased in the 1.24-μg/day group on gd16 but not NIS mRNA levels. There was a smaller α-SMA+ area in the labyrinth zone on gd16 and gd20; however, the proportional CD31+ area increased on gd16 and reduced on gd20 with decreased iodine levels. Conclusions: All mechanisms upregulating the expression of iodine transporters and changes in villous stroma and microvessel area in the placental labyrinth can promote iodide transfer from mother to fetus in iodine deficiency, especially before the onset of fetal thyroid function. Compensatory NIS protein regulation in the placenta against decreased iodine intake mainly occurs during translation and glycosylation modification after translation. Pendrin may be more important than NIS in the mediation of placental iodide transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yina Sun
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Han
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, P.R. China
- Clinical Psychology Department, Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, P.R. China
| | - Ming Qian
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, P.R. China
- Department of Medical Psychology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Yongmei Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Yan Ye
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Laixiang Lin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Yuanjun Liu
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, P.R. China
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De Vincentis S, Monzani ML, Brigante G. Crosstalk between gonadotropins and thyroid axis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 70:609-620. [PMID: 29999286 DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4784.18.04271-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropins and thyroid hormones are essential, respectively, for reproduction and metabolism. The classical endocrinological approach is based on the detection of axes that start from the hypothalamus and arrive at the final effector organ, in this case gonads and thyroid. However, several clues suggest that these axes do not work in parallel, but they dialogue with each other. In this article, we review evidences demonstrating crosstalk between gonadotropins and thyroid axis. Firstly, there is an undeniable structural similarity of both hormones and receptors, maybe due to a common ancient origin. This structural similarity leads to possible interaction at the receptor level, explaining the influence of thyroid stimulating hormone on gonadal development and vice versa. Indeed, altered levels of thyroid hormones could lead to different disorders of gonadal development and function throughout entire life, especially during puberty and fertile life. We here report the current knowledge on this item both in males and in females. In particular, we deepen the interaction between thyroid and gonads in two situations in females: polycystic ovary syndrome, the most frequent cause of menstrual alteration, and pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara De Vincentis
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, OCSAE, Modena, Italy
| | - Maria L Monzani
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, OCSAE, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Brigante
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy - .,Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, OCSAE, Modena, Italy
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Katko M, Gazso AA, Hircsu I, Bhattoa HP, Molnar Z, Kovacs B, Andrasi D, Aranyosi J, Makai R, Veress L, Torok O, Bodor M, Samson L, Nagy EV. Thyroglobulin level at week 16 of pregnancy is superior to urinary iodine concentration in revealing preconceptual and first trimester iodine supply. MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION 2017; 14. [PMID: 28593684 PMCID: PMC5763325 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Pregnant women are prone to iodine deficiency due to the increased need for iodine during gestation. Progress has recently occurred in establishing serum thyroglobulin (Tg) as an iodine status biomarker, but there is no accepted reference range for iodine sufficiency during pregnancy. An observational study was conducted in 164 pregnant women. At week 16 of gestation urinary iodine concentration (UIC), serum Tg, and thyroid functions were measured, and information on the type of iodine supplementation and smoking were recorded. The parameters of those who started iodine supplementation (≥150 μg/day) at least 4 weeks before pregnancy (n = 27), who started at the detection of pregnancy (n = 51), and who had no iodine supplementation (n = 74) were compared. Sufficient iodine supply was found in the studied population based on median UIC (162 μg/L). Iodine supplementation ≥150 μg/day resulted in higher median UIC regardless of its duration (nonusers: 130 μg/L vs. prepregnancy iodine starters: 240 μg/L, and pregnancy iodine starters: 205 μg/L, p < .001, and p = .023, respectively). Median Tg value of pregnancy starters was identical to that of nonusers (14.5 vs. 14.6 μg/L), whereas prepregnancy starters had lower median Tg (9.1 μg/L, p = .018). Serum Tg concentration at week 16 of pregnancy showed negative relationship (p = .010) with duration of iodine supplementation and positive relationship (p = .008) with smoking, a known interfering factor of iodine metabolism, by multiple regression analysis. Serum Tg at week 16 of pregnancy may be a promising biomarker of preconceptual and first trimester maternal iodine status, the critical early phase of foetal brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Katko
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Andrea Anett Gazso
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ildiko Hircsu
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Harjit Pal Bhattoa
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Molnar
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Bela Kovacs
- Institute of Food Science, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - David Andrasi
- Institute of Food Science, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | | | - Rita Makai
- Kenézy Gyula Hospital, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Lajos Veress
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Olga Torok
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Miklos Bodor
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Laszlo Samson
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Endre V Nagy
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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6
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Moog NK, Entringer S, Heim C, Wadhwa PD, Kathmann N, Buss C. Influence of maternal thyroid hormones during gestation on fetal brain development. Neuroscience 2017; 342:68-100. [PMID: 26434624 PMCID: PMC4819012 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.09.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid hormones (THs) play an obligatory role in many fundamental processes underlying brain development and maturation. The developing embryo/fetus is dependent on maternal supply of TH. The fetal thyroid gland does not commence TH synthesis until mid gestation, and the adverse consequences of severe maternal TH deficiency on offspring neurodevelopment are well established. Recent evidence suggests that even more moderate forms of maternal thyroid dysfunction, particularly during early gestation, may have a long-lasting influence on child cognitive development and risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. Moreover, these observed alterations appear to be largely irreversible after birth. It is, therefore, important to gain a better understanding of the role of maternal thyroid dysfunction on offspring neurodevelopment in terms of the nature, magnitude, time-specificity, and context-specificity of its effects. With respect to the issue of context specificity, it is possible that maternal stress and stress-related biological processes during pregnancy may modulate maternal thyroid function. The possibility of an interaction between the thyroid and stress systems in the context of fetal brain development has, however, not been addressed to date. We begin this review with a brief overview of TH biology during pregnancy and a summary of the literature on its effect on the developing brain. Next, we consider and discuss whether and how processes related to maternal stress and stress biology may interact with and modify the effects of maternal thyroid function on offspring brain development. We synthesize several research areas and identify important knowledge gaps that may warrant further study. The scientific and public health relevance of this review relates to achieving a better understanding of the timing, mechanisms and contexts of thyroid programing of brain development, with implications for early identification of risk, primary prevention and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- N K Moog
- Department of Medical Psychology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Luisenstrasse 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - S Entringer
- Department of Medical Psychology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Luisenstrasse 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany; University of California, Irvine, Development, Health, and Disease Research Program, 333 The City Drive West, Suite 1200, Orange, CA 92868, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, 505 South Main Street, Suite 525, Orange, CA 92868, USA
| | - C Heim
- Department of Medical Psychology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Luisenstrasse 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany; Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, College of Health and Human Development, 219 Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - P D Wadhwa
- University of California, Irvine, Development, Health, and Disease Research Program, 333 The City Drive West, Suite 1200, Orange, CA 92868, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, 505 South Main Street, Suite 525, Orange, CA 92868, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, 3117 Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, 837 Health Sciences Drive, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, 3117 Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, 837 Health Sciences Drive, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, 3117 Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, 837 Health Sciences Drive, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - N Kathmann
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Rudower Chaussee 18, 12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - C Buss
- Department of Medical Psychology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Luisenstrasse 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany; University of California, Irvine, Development, Health, and Disease Research Program, 333 The City Drive West, Suite 1200, Orange, CA 92868, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, 505 South Main Street, Suite 525, Orange, CA 92868, USA.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Various physiological changes occur in maternal thyroid economy during pregnancy. This review focuses on the events taking place during gestation that together strongly influence maternal thyroid function. METHODS Scientific reports on maternal thyroid physiology in pregnancy. RESULTS During the 1st trimester, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) induces a transient increase in free thyroxine (FT4) levels, which is mirrored by a lowering of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations. Following this period, serum FT4 concentrations decrease of approximately 10 to 15%, and serum TSH values steadily return to normal. Also starting in early gestation, there is a marked increase in serum thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) concentrations, which peak around midgestation and are maintained thereafter. This event, in turn, is responsible for a significant rise in total T4 and triiodothyronine (T3). Finally, significant modifications in the peripheral metabolism of maternal thyroid hormones occur, due to the expression and activity of placental types 2 and 3 iodothyronine deiodinases (D2 and D3, respectively). CONCLUSION In line with these variations, both free thyroid hormone and TSH reference intervals change throughout pregnancy, and most scientific societies now recommend that method- and gestation-specific reference ranges be used for interpreting results in pregnancy.The maternal iodide pool reduces during pregnancy because of increased renal clearance of iodine and transfer of iodine to the feto-placental unit. This results in an additional requirement of iodine during pregnancy of ~100% as compared to nonpregnant adults. In accordance, the recommended iodine intake in pregnancy is 250 μg/day. A daily iodine intake below this threshold poses risks of various degrees of thyroid insufficiency for both the mother and the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariacarla Moleti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Trimarchi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Vermiglio
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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9
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Colicchia M, Campagnolo L, Baldini E, Ulisse S, Valensise H, Moretti C. Molecular basis of thyrotropin and thyroid hormone action during implantation and early development. Hum Reprod Update 2014; 20:884-904. [PMID: 24943836 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmu028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Implantation and early embryo development are finely regulated processes in which several molecules are involved. Evidence that thyroid hormones (TH: T4 and T3) might be part of this machinery is emerging. An increased demand for TH occurs during gestation, and any alteration in maternal thyroid physiology has significant implications for both maternal and fetal health. Not only overt but also subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with infertility as well as with obstetric complications, including disruptions and disorders of pregnancy, labor, delivery, and troubles in early neonatal life. METHODS We searched the PubMed and Google Scholar databases for articles related to TH action on ovary, endometrium, trophoblast maturation and embryo implantation. In addition, articles on the regulation of TH activity at cellular level have been reviewed. The findings are hereby summarized and critically discussed. RESULTS TH have been shown to influence endometrial, ovarian and placental physiology. TH receptors (TR) and thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone: TSH) receptors (TSHR) are widely expressed in the feto-maternal unit during implantation, and both the endometrium and the trophoblast might be influenced by TH either directly or through TH effects on the synthesis and activity of implantation-mediating molecules. Interestingly, due to the multiplicity of mechanisms involved in TH action (e.g. differential expression of TR isoforms, heterodimeric receptor partners, interacting cellular proteins, and regulating enzymes), the TH concentration in blood is not always predictive of their cellular availability and activity at both genomic and nongenomic level. CONCLUSIONS In addition to the known role of TH on the hormonal milieu of the ovarian follicle cycle, which is essential for a woman's fertility, evidence is emerging on the importance of TH signaling during implantation and early pregnancy. Based on recent observations, a local action of TH on female reproductive organs and the embryo during implantation appears to be crucial for a successful pregnancy. Furthermore, an imbalance in the spatio-temporal expression of factors involved in TH activity might induce early arrest of pregnancy in women considered as euthyroid, based on their hormonal blood concentration. In conclusion, alterations of the highly regulated local activity of TH may play a crucial, previously underestimated, role in early pregnancy and pregnancy loss. Further studies elucidating this topic should be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Colicchia
- Department of Systems' Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, UOC of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Section of Reproductive Endocrinology Fatebenefratelli Hospital, 'Isola Tiberina' 00187, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Campagnolo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Enke Baldini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, 'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Ulisse
- Department of Experimental Medicine, 'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Herbert Valensise
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Fatebenefratelli Hospital 'Isola Tiberina', 00187 Rome, Italy
| | - Costanzo Moretti
- Department of Systems' Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, UOC of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Section of Reproductive Endocrinology Fatebenefratelli Hospital, 'Isola Tiberina' 00187, Rome, Italy
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10
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Burns R, O'Herlihy C, Smyth PPA. Regulation of iodide uptake in placental primary cultures. Eur Thyroid J 2013; 2:243-51. [PMID: 24783055 PMCID: PMC3923602 DOI: 10.1159/000356847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2013] [Revised: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maintenance of adequate iodide supply to the developing fetus is dependent not only on maternal dietary iodine intake but also on placental iodide transport. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of different pregnancy-associated hormones on the uptake of radioiodide by the placenta and to determine if iodide transporter expression is affected by hormone incubation. METHODS Primary cultures of placental trophoblast cells were established from placentas obtained at term from pre-labor caesarean sections. They were pre-incubated with 17β-estradiol, prolactin, oxytocin, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and progesterone either singly or in combination over 12 h with (125)I uptake being measured after 6 h. RNA was isolated from placental trophoblasts and real-time RT-PCR performed using sodium iodide symporter (NIS) and pendrin (PDS) probes. RESULTS Significant dose response increments in (125)I uptake by trophoblast cells (p < 0.01) were observed following incubation with hCG (60% increase), oxytocin (45% increase) and prolactin (32% increase). Although progesterone (50-200 ng/ml) and 17β-estradiol (1,000-15,000 pg/ml) alone produced no significant differences in uptake, they facilitated increased uptake when combined with prolactin or oxytocin, with a combination of all four hormones producing the greatest increase (82%). Increased (125)I uptake was accompanied by corresponding increments in NIS mRNA (ratio 1.52) compared to untreated control cells. No significantly increased expression levels of PDS were observed. CONCLUSIONS Pregnancy-associated hormones, particularly oxytocin and hCG, have a role in promoting placental iodide uptake which may protect the fetus against iodine deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Burns
- UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - C O'Herlihy
- UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland ; National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - P P A Smyth
- UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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11
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Li H, Landers K, Patel J, Richard K, Mortimer RH. Effect of oxygen concentrations on sodium iodide symporter expression and iodide uptake and hCG expression in human choriocarcinoma BeWo cells. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2011; 300:E1085-91. [PMID: 21406611 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00679.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Normal human fetal development requires an adequate supply of thyroid hormone from conception. Until about 16 wk gestation this is supplied entirely by placental transfer of maternal hormone. Subsequently, the fetal thyroid synthesizes thyroid hormones, requiring a supply of maternal iodide. Trophoblast iodide transfer is mediated by the apical sodium iodide symporter (NIS). Placental oxygen levels are low in early pregnancy (~1%), rising with placental vascularisation to a plateau of ~8% at about 16 wk. Although the impact of these changing oxygen levels on placental implantation is well recognized, effects on trophoblast materno-fetal exchange are less understood. We investigated expression of the NIS regulator hCG, NIS mRNA expression, and I(125) uptake in choriocarcinoma BeWo cells (a model of the trophoblast) cultured in 1 and 8% oxygen and in room air (21% oxygen). Expression of NIS and hCG mRNA and protein was low at 1% oxygen but rose significantly at 8 and at 21%. This was reflected in significant increases in I(125) uptake. Desferrioxamine, an iron chelator and hypoxia mimic, decreased NIS and hCG expression and I(125) uptake in BeWo cells. NIS expression and I(125) uptake in cells grown at 1% oxygen were not increased by addition of hCG (2,500 IU/l). We infer that placental NIS mRNA and protein expression are regulated by oxygen, rising with vascularization of the placenta in the late first trimester, a time when fetal iodide requirements are increasing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huika Li
- Conjoint Endocrine Laboratory, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston, Australia
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The production of iodine-containing thyroid hormones necessary for brain development in the fetus depends not only on maternal dietary intake but also on placental iodine transport. The optimum level of iodine nutrition during pregnancy and the proportion of the pregnant population reaching this level have previously been evaluated. Little information exists on the ability of the placenta to either accumulate or store iodine. This study aims to investigate iodine uptake and tissue iodine content within placental tissue obtained from women delivering at term. METHODS Samples (∼1 cm(3)) obtained from placental cotyledons (n = 19), thyroid (n = 4), and uterine myometrial (n = 4) tissue were incubated for 6 hours with (125)I in the presence and absence of potassium perchlorate. To account for variation in tissue composition, results were expressed in cpm (125)I/μg DNA. RESULTS Placental uptake of (125)I (375 cpm/μg DNA) was significantly higher than that of control myometrial tissue (226 cpm/μg DNA) (p < 0.05) and was ∼25% that of thyroid tissue (1702 cpm/μg DNA). Uptake of (125)I could be partially blocked in the thyroid and placenta, respectively, by potassium perchlorate (100 μM), which had no effect on uptake by myometrial tissue. Iodine content of tissue samples measured using an alkaline ashing technique with Sandell-Kolthoff colorimetry gave a mean value for total iodine of 30.4 ng/g placental tissue (range 21-50 ng/g), 1.74 ng/g myometrial tissue, and 1037 ng/g thyroid tissue. CONCLUSIONS Placental iodine content was only ∼3% that of the thyroid, but on the basis that neonatal iodine stores are very low and highly sensitive to fluctuations in maternal iodine supply, we postulate that placental iodine bioavailability makes a significant contribution to protection against neonatal hypothyroidism. These findings suggest that the placenta has a role not only in uptake but also in storing iodine as a possible means of protecting the fetus from inadequacies in maternal dietary iodine intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Burns
- UCD Health Sciences Centre, School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Li H, Richard K, McKinnon B, Mortimer RH. Effect of Iodide on Human Choriogonadotropin, Sodium-Iodide Symporter Expression, and Iodide Uptake in BeWo Choriocarcinoma Cells. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2007; 92:4046-51. [PMID: 17726079 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2006-2358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Active placental transport of maternal iodide by the thyroidal sodium iodide symporter (NIS) provides an essential substrate for fetal thyroid hormone synthesis. NIS is expressed in trophoblast and is regulated by human choriogonadotropin (hCG). In thyroid, iodide down-regulates expression of several genes including NIS. Placentas of iodine-deficient rats demonstrate up-regulation of NIS mRNA, suggesting a role for iodide in regulating placental NIS. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS The objectives were to examine effects of iodide on expression of NIS and hCG in BeWo choriocarcinoma cells. Gene expression was studied by quantitative real-time PCR. Effects on NIS protein expression were assessed by Western blotting. Functional activity of NIS was measured by (125)I uptake. Expression of hCG protein was assessed by immunoassay of secreted hormone. RESULTS Iodide inhibited NIS mRNA and membrane protein expression as well as (125)I uptake, which were paralleled by decreased betahCG mRNA expression and protein secretion. Iodide had no effects on pendrin expression. Addition of hCG increased NIS mRNA expression. This effect was partially inhibited by addition of iodide. The inhibitory effects of iodide on NIS mRNA expression were abolished by propylthiouracil and dithiothreitol. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that expression of placental NIS is modulated by maternal iodide. This may occur through modulation of hCG effects on NIS and hCG gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huika Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Conjoint Endocrine Laboratory, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital and Queensland Health Pathology Services, Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia
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Ferretti E, Arturi F, Mattei T, Scipioni A, Tell G, Tosi E, Presta I, Morisi R, Lacroix L, Gulino A, Russo D, Damante G, Filetti S. Expression, regulation, and function of paired-box gene 8 in the human placenta and placental cancer cell lines. Endocrinology 2005; 146:4009-15. [PMID: 15961562 DOI: 10.1210/en.2005-0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Pax proteins are transcriptional regulators that control a variety of developmental decisions in vertebrates. During development, the paired-box gene 8 (PAX8) is expressed in the thyroid, kidney, and several areas of the central nervous system. It is also expressed in the adult thyroid gland, in which it mediates TSH-induced modulation of the expression of important genes, such as those encoding thyroglobulin, thyroperoxidase, and the sodium/iodide symporter (NIS). Thus far, placental expression of PAX8 has been described only in mice. In the present study, we show that PAX8 is also expressed in the human placenta at term. In an in vitro model of placental cancer, the JAR choriocarcinoma cell line, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) increased levels of PAX8 mRNA and protein, and gel retardation assays indicated that the up-regulation of PAX8 protein expression is associated with an increase in its DNA-binding activity. The effects of hCG were mimicked by forskolin, indicating that they are cAMP dependent. Levels of mRNA for the Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) and NIS genes were increased in JAR cells by hCG treatment, whereas overexpression of PAX8 increased only levels of WT1 mRNA. In cells transfected with PAX8-specific small interfering RNA, the stimulatory effects of hCG on WT1 mRNA levels were abolished, but hormonal enhancement of NIS mRNA levels was unchanged. These findings indicate that, in JAR cells, hCG activates a cAMP-dependent pathway that can up-regulate WT1 expression through PAX8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Ferretti
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Rome, La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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Presta I, Arturi F, Ferretti E, Mattei T, Scarpelli D, Tosi E, Scipioni A, Celano M, Gulino A, Filetti S, Russo D. Recovery of NIS expression in thyroid cancer cells by overexpression of Pax8 gene. BMC Cancer 2005; 5:80. [PMID: 16029487 PMCID: PMC1180821 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-5-80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2005] [Accepted: 07/19/2005] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recovery of iodide uptake in thyroid cancer cells by means of obtaining the functional expression of the sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) represents an innovative strategy for the treatment of poorly differentiated thyroid cancer. However, the NIS gene expression alone is not always sufficient to restore radioiodine concentration ability in these tumour cells. METHODS In this study, the anaplastic thyroid carcinoma ARO cells were stably transfected with a Pax8 gene expression vector. A quantitative RT-PCR was performed to assess the thyroid specific gene expression in selected clones. The presence of NIS protein was detected by Western blot and localized by immunofluorescence. A iodide uptake assay was also performed to verify the functional effect of NIS induction and differentiation switch. RESULTS The clones overexpressing Pax8 showed the re-activation of several thyroid specific genes including NIS, Pendrin, Thyroglobulin, TPO and TTF1. In ARO-Pax8 clones NIS protein was also localized both in cell cytoplasm and membrane. Thus, the ability to uptake the radioiodine was partially restored, associated to a high rate of efflux. In addition, ARO cells expressing Pax8 presented a lower rate of cell growth. CONCLUSION These finding demonstrate that induction of Pax8 expression may determine a re-differentiation of thyroid cancer cells, including a partial recovery of iodide uptake, fundamental requisite for a radioiodine-based therapeutic approach for thyroid tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Presta
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica "G. Salvatore" and Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacobiologiche, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Franco Arturi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica "G. Salvatore" and Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacobiologiche, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ferretti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche and Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Patologia, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Mattei
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche and Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Patologia, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Scarpelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica "G. Salvatore" and Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacobiologiche, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Emanuele Tosi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche and Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Patologia, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Scipioni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche and Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Patologia, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Marilena Celano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica "G. Salvatore" and Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacobiologiche, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alberto Gulino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche and Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Patologia, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
- Neuromed Institute, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Filetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche and Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Patologia, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Russo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica "G. Salvatore" and Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacobiologiche, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
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