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Hart DA. Lithium Ions as Modulators of Complex Biological Processes: The Conundrum of Multiple Targets, Responsiveness and Non-Responsiveness, and the Potential to Prevent or Correct Dysregulation of Systems during Aging and in Disease. Biomolecules 2024; 14:905. [PMID: 39199293 PMCID: PMC11352090 DOI: 10.3390/biom14080905] [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: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Lithium is one of the lightest elements on Earth and it has been in the environment since the formation of the galaxy. While a common element, it has not been found to be an essential element in biological processes, ranging from single cell organisms to Homo sapiens. Instead, at an early stage of evolution, organisms committed to a range of elements such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron to serve essential functions. Such ions serve critical functions in ion channels, as co-factors in enzymes, as a cofactor in oxygen transport, in DNA replication, as a storage molecule in bone and liver, and in a variety of other roles in biological processes. While seemingly excluded from a major essential role in such processes, lithium ions appear to be able to modulate a variety of biological processes and "correct" deviation from normal activity, as a deficiency of lithium can have biological consequences. Lithium salts are found in low levels in many foods and water supplies, but the effectiveness of Li salts to affect biological systems came to recent prominence with the work of Cade, who reported that administrating Li salts calmed guinea pigs and was subsequently effective at relatively high doses to "normalize" a subset of patients with bipolar disorders. Because of its ability to modulate many biological pathways and processes (e.g., cyclic AMP, GSK-3beta, inositol metabolism, NaK ATPases, neuro processes and centers, immune-related events, respectively) both in vitro and in vivo and during development and adult life, Li salts have become both a useful tool to better understand the molecular regulation of such processes and to also provide insights into altered biological processes in vivo during aging and in disease states. While the range of targets for lithium action supports its possible role as a modulator of biological dysregulation, it presents a conundrum for researchers attempting to elucidate its specific primary target in different tissues in vivo. This review will discuss aspects of the state of knowledge regarding some of the systems that can be influenced, focusing on those involving neural and autoimmunity as examples, some of the mechanisms involved, examples of how Li salts can be used to study model systems, as well as suggesting areas where the use of Li salts could lead to additional insights into both disease mechanisms and natural processes at the molecular and cell levels. In addition, caveats regarding lithium doses used, the strengths and weaknesses of rodent models, the background genetics of the strain of mice or rats employed, and the sex of the animals or the cells used, are discussed. Low-dose lithium may have excellent potential, alone or in combination with other interventions to prevent or alleviate aging-associated conditions and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Hart
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Kinesiology, McCaig Institute for Bone & Joint Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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2
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Zhang Y, Xie JZ, Jiang YL, Yang SJ, Wei H, Yang Y, Wang JZ. Homocysteine-potentiated Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 promotes senescence of neuroblastoma 2a cells via inhibiting ubiquitination of β-catenin. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:2732-2747. [PMID: 38501537 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16318] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Elevated serum homocysteine (Hcy) level is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and accelerates cell aging. However, the mechanism by which Hcy induces neuronal senescence remains largely unknown. In this study, we observed that Hcy significantly promoted senescence in neuroblastoma 2a (N2a) cells with elevated β-catenin and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) levels. Intriguingly, Hcy promoted the interaction between KEAP1 and the Wilms tumor gene on the X chromosome (WTX) while hampering the β-catenin-WTX interaction. Mechanistically, Hcy attenuated the methylation level of the KEAP1 promoter CpG island and activated KEAP1 transcription. However, a slow degradation rate rather than transcriptional activation contributed to the high level of β-catenin. Hcy-upregulated KEAP1 competed with β-catenin to bind to WTX. Knockdown of both β-catenin and KEAP1 attenuated Hcy-induced senescence in N2a cells. Our data highlight a crucial role of the KEAP1-β-catenin pathway in Hcy-induced neuronal-like senescence and uncover a promising target for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Zhang
- Endocrine Department of Liyuan Hospital; Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of China for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia-Zhao Xie
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Precision Medical Center, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan-Li Jiang
- Endocrine Department of Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shao-Juan Yang
- Endocrine Department of Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Wei
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian-Zhi Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
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do Amaral Lopes SAV, Guimarães ICB, de Oliva Costa SF, Acosta AX, Abe-Sandes K, Mendes CMC. Risk factors for critical and complex congenital heart diseases: Case-control study. PROGRESS IN PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ppedcard.2022.101612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Abraham S, Lindo C, Peoples J, Cox A, Lytle E, Nguyen V, Mehta M, Alvarez JD, Yooseph S, Pacher P, Ebert SN. Maternal binge alcohol consumption leads to distinctive acute perturbations in embryonic cardiac gene expression profiles. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2022; 46:1433-1448. [PMID: 35692084 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive alcohol consumption during pregnancy is associated with high risk of congenital heart defects, but it is unclear how alcohol specifically affects heart development during the acute aftermath of a maternal binge drinking episode. We hypothesize that administration of a single maternal binge dose of alcohol to pregnant mice at embryonic day 9.5 (E9.5) causes perturbations in the expression patterns of specific genes in the developing heart in the acute period (1-3 days) following the binge episode. To test this hypothesis and identify strong candidate ethanol-sensitive target genes of interest, we adapted a mouse binge alcohol model that is associated with a high incidence of congenital heart defects as described below. METHODS/RESULTS Pregnant mice were administered a single dose of alcohol (2.5 g/kg in saline) or control (saline alone) via oral gavage. To evaluate the impact of maternal binge alcohol on cardiac gene expression profiles, we isolated embryonic hearts from both groups (n = 5/group) at 24, 48, and 72 h post-gavage for transcriptomic analyses. RNA was extracted and evaluated using quantitative RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) methods. To identify a cohort of binge-altered cardiac genes, we set the threshold for change at >2.0-fold difference with adjusted p < 0.05 versus control. RNA-Seq analysis of cardiac gene expression revealed that of the 17 genes that were altered within the first 48 h post-binge, with the largest category consisting of transcription factors (Alx1, Alx4, HoxB7, HoxD8, and Runx2), followed by signaling molecules (Adamts18, Dkk2, Rtl1, and Wnt7a). Furthermore, multiple comparative and pathway analyses suggested that several of the candidate genes identified through differential RNA-Seq analysis may interact through certain common pathways. To investigate this further, we performed gene-specific qPCR analyses for three representative candidate targets: Runx2, Wnt7a, and Mlxipl. Notably, only Wnt7a showed significantly (p < 0.05) decreased expression in response to maternal binge alcohol in the qPCR assays. CONCLUSIONS These findings identify Wnt7a and a short list of potential other candidate genes and pathways for further study, which could provide mechanistic insights into how maternal binge alcohol consumption produces congenital cardiac malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shani Abraham
- Division of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Science, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Chad Lindo
- Division of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Science, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Jessica Peoples
- Division of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Science, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Amanda Cox
- Division of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Science, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Erika Lytle
- Division of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Science, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Vu Nguyen
- Division of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Science, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Meeti Mehta
- Division of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Science, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Jose D Alvarez
- Division of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Science, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Shibu Yooseph
- Department of Computer Science, Genomics and Bioinformatics Cluster, College of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Pal Pacher
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury, National Institute of Alcohol and Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA), The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Steven N Ebert
- Division of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Science, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
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Kakhki S, Ahmadi-Soleimani SM. Experimental data on lithium salts: From neuroprotection to multi-organ complications. Life Sci 2022; 306:120811. [PMID: 35850248 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Lithium-salts stand on the first line of therapy for the management of specific psychiatric conditions, mainly bipolar mood disorder. It is also known to protect the brain against neurodegenerative processes such as Alzheimer's disease. Despite the mentioned merits, recent studies have revealed that high dose or prolonged lithium intake deteriorate the function of multiple key organs including heart, ovaries, thyroid gland and kidneys. Mechanistically, both positive and negative effects of lithium are mediated through methylation of β-catenin nuclear-binding proteins which is potentiated by lithium-induced inhibition of GSK-3 or inositol monophosphatase. The current study briefly reviews the recent experimental data on lithium therapy considering both positive (i.e., neuroprotective) and negative aspects. In this regard, the question is that whether doses of lithium administered in experimental research are comparable with the therapeutic doses, as currently prescribed in clinical practice. It should be noted that the experimental data on animal studies, as widely reviewed here, could not be directly generalized to clinic. This is mainly because lithium doses applied in animal models are usually higher than therapeutic doses, however, there are evidence indicating that even animal to human translated doses of lithium, cause serious complications and this has been reported by meta-analyses on human studies. Therefore, we suggest the clinicians to use lithium-salts with precaution particularly in pregnancy and precisely adjust lithium concentration considering the patient's general health status to avoid lithium toxicity. Indeed, alternative approaches are recommended when the subject is pregnant, prolonged therapy is required or specific organ dysfunction is diagnosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Kakhki
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Paramedical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - S Mohammad Ahmadi-Soleimani
- Department of Physiology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran; Neuroscience Research Center, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran.
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Linglart L, Bonnet D. Epigenetics and Congenital Heart Diseases. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:185. [PMID: 35735814 PMCID: PMC9225036 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9060185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a frequent occurrence, with a prevalence rate of almost 1% in the general population. However, the pathophysiology of the anomalous heart development is still unclear in most patients screened. A definitive genetic origin, be it single-point mutation or larger chromosomal disruptions, only explains about 35% of identified cases. The precisely choreographed embryology of the heart relies on timed activation of developmental molecular cascades, spatially and temporally regulated through epigenetic regulation: chromatin conformation, DNA priming through methylation patterns, and spatial accessibility to transcription factors. This multi-level regulatory network is eminently susceptible to outside disruption, resulting in faulty cardiac development. Similarly, the heart is unique in its dynamic development: growth is intrinsically related to mechanical stimulation, and disruption of the intrauterine environment will have a direct impact on fetal embryology. These two converging axes offer new areas of research to characterize the cardiac epigenetic regulation and identify points of fragility in order to counteract its teratogenic consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Linglart
- M3C-Necker, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), 75015 Paris, France;
| | - Damien Bonnet
- M3C-Necker, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), 75015 Paris, France;
- School of Medicine, Université de Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France
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Aberrant Gcm1 expression mediates Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation in folate deficiency involved in neural tube defects. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:234. [PMID: 33664222 PMCID: PMC7933360 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03313-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Wnt signaling plays a major role in early neural development. An aberrant activation in Wnt/β-catenin pathway causes defective anteroposterior patterning, which results in neural tube closure defects (NTDs). Changes in folate metabolism may participate in early embryo fate determination. We have identified that folate deficiency activated Wnt/β-catenin pathway by upregulating a chorion-specific transcription factor Gcm1. Specifically, folate deficiency promoted formation of the Gcm1/β-catenin/T-cell factor (TCF4) complex formation to regulate the Wnt targeted gene transactivation through Wnt-responsive elements. Moreover, the transcription factor Nanog upregulated Gcm1 transcription in mESCs under folate deficiency. Lastly, in NTDs mouse models and low-folate NTDs human brain samples, Gcm1 and Wnt/β-catenin targeted genes related to neural tube closure are specifically overexpressed. These results indicated that low-folate level promoted Wnt/β-catenin signaling via activating Gcm1, and thus leaded into aberrant vertebrate neural development.
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Mei X, Qi D, Zhang T, Zhao Y, Jin L, Hou J, Wang J, Lin Y, Xue Y, Zhu P, Liu Z, Huang L, Nie J, Si W, Ma J, Ye J, Finnell RH, Saiyin H, Wang H, Zhao J, Zhao S, Xu W. Inhibiting MARSs reduces hyperhomocysteinemia-associated neural tube and congenital heart defects. EMBO Mol Med 2020; 12:e9469. [PMID: 32003121 PMCID: PMC7059139 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201809469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperhomocysteinemia is a common metabolic disorder that imposes major adverse health consequences. Reducing homocysteine levels, however, is not always effective against hyperhomocysteinemia-associated pathologies. Herein, we report the potential roles of methionyl-tRNA synthetase (MARS)-generated homocysteine signals in neural tube defects (NTDs) and congenital heart defects (CHDs). Increased copy numbers of MARS and/or MARS2 were detected in NTD and CHD patients. MARSs sense homocysteine and transmit its signal by inducing protein lysine (N)-homocysteinylation. Here, we identified hundreds of novel N-homocysteinylated proteins. N-homocysteinylation of superoxide dismutases (SOD1/2) provided new mechanistic insights for homocysteine-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis and Wnt signalling deregulation. Elevated MARS expression in developing and proliferating cells sensitizes them to the effects of homocysteine. Targeting MARSs using the homocysteine analogue acetyl homocysteine thioether (AHT) reversed MARS efficacy. AHT lowered NTD and CHD onsets in retinoic acid-induced and hyperhomocysteinemia-induced animal models without affecting homocysteine levels. We provide genetic and biochemical evidence to show that MARSs are previously overlooked genetic determinants and key pathological factors of hyperhomocysteinemia, and suggest that MARS inhibition represents an important medicinal approach for controlling hyperhomocysteinemia-associated diseases.
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Kalisch-Smith JI, Ved N, Sparrow DB. Environmental Risk Factors for Congenital Heart Disease. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2020; 12:a037234. [PMID: 31548181 PMCID: PMC7050589 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a037234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) has many forms and a wide range of causes. Clinically, it is important to understand the causes. This allows estimation of recurrence rate, guides treatment options, and may also be used to formulate public health advice to reduce the population prevalence of CHD. The recent advent of sophisticated genetic and genomic methods has led to the identification of more than 100 genes associated with CHD. However, despite these great strides, to date only one-third of CHD cases have been shown to have a simple genetic cause. This is because CHD can also be caused by oligogenic factors, environmental factors, and/or gene-environment interaction. Although solid evidence for environmental causes of CHD have been available for almost 80 years, it is only very recently that the molecular mechanisms for these risk factors have begun to be investigated. In this review, we describe the most important environmental CHD risk factors, and what is known about how they cause CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nikita Ved
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
| | - Duncan Burnaby Sparrow
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
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Ramírez-Cheyne J. Caracterización de la exposición prenatal de un grupo de niños de 0 a 5 años con cardiopatía congénita atendidos en Cali, Colombia. La importancia del ácido fólico. REVISTA DE LA FACULTAD DE MEDICINA 2020. [DOI: 10.15446/revfacmed.v68n1.69885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Introducción. Con una prevalencia estimada de 4 a 9 casos por cada 1 000 nacimientos, las cardiopatías congénitas (CC) tienen gran impacto en la morbimortalidad pediátrica. La variabilidad de prevalencia se ha atribuido a diferencias regionales en cuanto a factores genéticos, ambientales, entre otros.Objetivo. Obtener datos sobre variables de exposición prenatales de pacientes con CC atendidos en Cali, Colombia.Materiales y métodos. Se aplicó una encuesta a las madres de 30 pacientes de 0 a 5 años con CC atendidos en 2 clínicas de alta complejidad (tercer y cuarto nivel) de Cali. La encuesta estaba orientada a múltiples variables de exposición y la información recolectada fue digitalizada en una base de datos en el programa Microsoft Excel para hacer un análisis estadístico descriptivo.Resultados. Se evidenciaron varias exposiciones potencialmente asociadas a CC, tales como índice de masa corporal alterado, administración inadecuada de suplementos de ácido fólico y exposición a vitamina A, rayos X, alcohol y cigarrillo.Conclusión. El consumo insuficiente o inoportuno de ácido fólico podría facilitar la generación de efectos teratogénicos de sustancias oxidantes. Por lo tanto, se debe educar a las mujeres de Cali sobre la importancia de una ingesta adecuada de ácido fólico y sobre los riesgos de la exposición a agentes teratogénicos durante el embarazo para reducir las tasas de incidencia de CC en esta ciudad.
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Jiang Y, Li J, Ren F, Ji C, Aniagu S, Chen T. PM2.5-induced extensive DNA methylation changes in the heart of zebrafish embryos and the protective effect of folic acid. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 255:113331. [PMID: 31614245 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We previously found that folic acid (FA) attenuated cardiac defects in zebrafish embryos exposed to extractable organic matter (EOM) from PM2.5, but the underlining mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Since DNA methylation is crucial to cardiac development, we hypothesized that EOM-induced aberrant DNA methylation changes could be diminished by FA supplementation. In this study, zebrafish embryos were exposed to EOM in the absence or presence of FA. Genomic-wide DNA methylation analysis identified both DNA hypo- and hyper-methylation changes in CCGG sites in zebrafish embryos exposed to EOM, which were attenuated by FA supplementation. We identified a total of 316 genes with extensive DNA methylation changes in EOM samples but little or no DNA methylation changes in EOM plus FA samples. The genes were involved in critical cellular processes and signaling pathways important for embryo development. In addition, the EOM-decreased SAM/SAH ratio was counteracted by FA supplementation. Furthermore, FA attenuated the EOM-induced changes in the expression of genes involved in the regulation of DNA methylation and in folate biosynthesis. In conclusion, our data suggest that FA supplementation protected zebrafish embryos from the cardiac developmental toxicity of PM2.5 by alleviating EOM-induced DNA methylation changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Jiang
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jianxiang Li
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Fei Ren
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Cheng Ji
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Stanley Aniagu
- Toxicology, Risk Assessment and Research Division, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, 12015 Park 35 Cir, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Tao Chen
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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Courchaine K, Rykiel G, Rugonyi S. Influence of blood flow on cardiac development. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 137:95-110. [PMID: 29772208 PMCID: PMC6109420 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2018.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The role of hemodynamics in cardiovascular development is not well understood. Indeed, it would be remarkable if it were, given the dauntingly complex array of intricately synchronized genetic, molecular, mechanical, and environmental factors at play. However, with congenital heart defects affecting around 1 in 100 human births, and numerous studies pointing to hemodynamics as a factor in cardiovascular morphogenesis, this is not an area in which we can afford to remain in the dark. This review seeks to present the case for the importance of research into the biomechanics of the developing cardiovascular system. This is accomplished by i) illustrating the basics of some of the highly complex processes involved in heart development, and discussing the known influence of hemodynamics on those processes; ii) demonstrating how altered hemodynamic environments have the potential to bring about morphological anomalies, citing studies in multiple animal models with a variety of perturbation methods; iii) providing examples of widely used technological innovations which allow for accurate measurement of hemodynamic parameters in embryos; iv) detailing the results of studies in avian embryos which point to exciting correlations between various hemodynamic manipulations in early development and phenotypic defect incidence in mature hearts; and finally, v) stressing the relevance of uncovering specific biomechanical pathways involved in cardiovascular formation and remodeling under adverse conditions, to the potential treatment of human patients. The time is ripe to unravel the contributions of hemodynamics to cardiac development, and to recognize their frequently neglected role in the occurrence of heart malformation phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Courchaine
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR, USA
| | - Graham Rykiel
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR, USA
| | - Sandra Rugonyi
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR, USA.
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Courtney JA, Cnota JF, Jones HN. The Role of Abnormal Placentation in Congenital Heart Disease; Cause, Correlate, or Consequence? Front Physiol 2018; 9:1045. [PMID: 30131711 PMCID: PMC6091057 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect, affecting ~1% of all live births (van der Linde et al., 2011). Despite improvements in clinical care, it is the leading cause of infant mortality related to birth defects (Yang et al., 2006) and burdens survivors with significant morbidity (Gilboa et al., 2016). Furthermore, CHD accounts for the largest proportion (26.7%) of birth defect-associated hospitalization costs—up to $6.1 billion in 2013 (Arth et al., 2017). Yet after decades of research with a primary focus on genetic etiology, the underlying cause of these defects remains unknown in the majority of cases (Zaidi and Brueckner, 2017). Unexplained CHD may be secondary to undiscovered roles of noncoding genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors, among others (Russell et al., 2018). Population studies have recently demonstrated that pregnancies complicated by CHD also carry a higher risk of developing pathologies associated with an abnormal placenta including growth disturbances (Puri et al., 2017), preeclampsia (Auger et al., 2015; Brodwall et al., 2016), preterm birth (Laas et al., 2012), and stillbirth (Jorgensen et al., 2014). Both the heart and placenta are vascular organs and develop concurrently; therefore, shared pathways almost certainly direct the development of both. The involvement of placental abnormalities in congenital heart disease, whether causal, commensurate or reactive, is under investigated and given the common developmental window and shared developmental pathways of the heart and placenta and concurrent vasculature development, we propose that further investigation combining clinical data, in vitro, in vivo, and computer modeling is fundamental to our understanding and the potential to develop therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Courtney
- Molecular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Division of General Pediatric and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Fetal and Placental Research, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - James F Cnota
- Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Helen N Jones
- Division of General Pediatric and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Fetal and Placental Research, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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14
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Touma M, Reemtsen B, Halnon N, Alejos J, Finn JP, Nelson SF, Wang Y. A Path to Implement Precision Child Health Cardiovascular Medicine. Front Cardiovasc Med 2017; 4:36. [PMID: 28620608 PMCID: PMC5451507 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2017.00036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart defects (CHDs) affect approximately 1% of live births and are a major source of childhood morbidity and mortality even in countries with advanced healthcare systems. Along with phenotypic heterogeneity, the underlying etiology of CHDs is multifactorial, involving genetic, epigenetic, and/or environmental contributors. Clear dissection of the underlying mechanism is a powerful step to establish individualized therapies. However, the majority of CHDs are yet to be clearly diagnosed for the underlying genetic and environmental factors, and even less with effective therapies. Although the survival rate for CHDs is steadily improving, there is still a significant unmet need for refining diagnostic precision and establishing targeted therapies to optimize life quality and to minimize future complications. In particular, proper identification of disease associated genetic variants in humans has been challenging, and this greatly impedes our ability to delineate gene–environment interactions that contribute to the pathogenesis of CHDs. Implementing a systematic multileveled approach can establish a continuum from phenotypic characterization in the clinic to molecular dissection using combined next-generation sequencing platforms and validation studies in suitable models at the bench. Key elements necessary to advance the field are: first, proper delineation of the phenotypic spectrum of CHDs; second, defining the molecular genotype/phenotype by combining whole-exome sequencing and transcriptome analysis; third, integration of phenotypic, genotypic, and molecular datasets to identify molecular network contributing to CHDs; fourth, generation of relevant disease models and multileveled experimental investigations. In order to achieve all these goals, access to high-quality biological specimens from well-defined patient cohorts is a crucial step. Therefore, establishing a CHD BioCore is an essential infrastructure and a critical step on the path toward precision child health cardiovascular medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlin Touma
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Discovery and Innovation Institute, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Brian Reemtsen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Nancy Halnon
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Juan Alejos
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - J Paul Finn
- Department of Radiology, Cardiovascular Imaging, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Stanley F Nelson
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Yibin Wang
- Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Anesthesiology, Physiology and Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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15
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Chen H, Chen X, Hong X, Liu C, Huang H, Wang Q, Chen S, Chen H, Yang K, Sun Q. Maternal exposure to ambient PM 2.5 exaggerates fetal cardiovascular maldevelopment induced by homocysteine in rats. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2017; 32:877-889. [PMID: 27203204 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2015] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/30/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Maternal exposure to airborne particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <2.5 µm (PM2.5 ) during pregnancy and lactation periods is associated with filial congenital cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate the toxic effects of maternal exposure to ambient levels of PM2.5 on filial cardiovascular maldevelopment induced by homocysteine. Using a 2 × 2 factorial design, rats were randomized into four groups and were exposed to ambient PM2.5 or filtered air (FA) throughout the pregnancy and lactation periods coupled with the administration of either homocysteine (HCY) or normal saline (NS) daily from gestation days 8-10. Morphological changes in the heart, myocardial apoptosis, expressions of cardiac progenitor transcriptional factors, and levels of cytokines were investigated in the offspring. The apoptosis-like changes in the myocardium were seen in the FA plus HCY-treated group and more obviously in the PM2.5 plus HCY-treated group, which was in accordance with an increased myocardial apoptosis rate in the two groups. PM2.5 exposure resulted in significantly decreased Nkx2-5 protein level and GATA4 and Nkx2-5 mRNA expressions, and significantly increased TNF-α and IL-1β levels. There were significant interactions between PM2.5 exposure and HCY-treatment that PM2.5 exposure reduced Nkx2-5 protein levels and GATA4 and Nkx2-5 mRNA expressions in the HCY-treated groups. These results suggest that maternal exposure to PM2.5 , even at the ambient levels in urban regions in China, exaggerates filial cardiovascular maldevelopment induced by HCY in a murine model, exacerbating structural abnormalities in the filial cardiac tissue, which is possibly associated with oxidative stress and reduced GATA4 and Nkx2-5 transcription factor expressions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 877-889, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqing Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaoqiu Chen
- Central Station of Environmental Monitoring of Fujian Province, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Xinru Hong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Dongfang Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- China International Science & Technology Cooperation Base for Environmental Factors on Early Development, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Chaobin Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fujian Maternity and Children Health Hospital, Teaching Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Huijuan Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Dongfang Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Fuzhou Institute of Product Quality Inspection, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Suqing Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fujian Maternity and Children Health Hospital, Teaching Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Hanqiang Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fujian Maternity and Children Health Hospital, Teaching Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Kai Yang
- Dongfang Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Qinghua Sun
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, 43210-1240, USA
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16
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Linask KK, Han M. Acute alcohol exposure during mouse gastrulation alters lipid metabolism in placental and heart development: Folate prevention. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 106:749-60. [PMID: 27296863 PMCID: PMC5094567 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Embryonic acute exposure to ethanol (EtOH), lithium, and homocysteine (HCy) induces cardiac defects at the time of exposure; folic acid (FA) supplementation protects normal cardiogenesis (Han et al., 2009, 2012; Serrano et al., 2010). Our hypothesis is that EtOH exposure and FA protection relate to lipid and FA metabolism during mouse cardiogenesis and placentation. Methods On the morning of conception, pregnant C57BL/6J mice were placed on either of two FA‐containing diets: a 3.3 mg health maintenance diet or a high FA diet of 10.5 mg/kg. Mice were injected a binge level of EtOH, HCy, or saline on embryonic day (E) 6.75, targeting gastrulation. On E15.5, cardiac and umbilical blood flow were examined by ultrasound. Embryonic cardiac tissues were processed for gene expression of lipid and FA metabolism; the placenta and heart tissues for neutral lipid droplets, or for medium chain acyl‐dehydrogenase (MCAD) protein. Results EtOH exposure altered lipid‐related gene expression on E7.5 in comparison to control or FA‐supplemented groups and remained altered on E15.5 similarly to changes with HCy, signifying FA deficiency. In comparison to control tissues, the lipid‐related acyl CoA dehydrogenase medium length chain gene and its protein MCAD were altered with EtOH exposure, as were neutral lipid droplet localization in the heart and placenta. Conclusion EtOH altered gene expression associated with lipid and folate metabolism, as well as neutral lipids, in the E15.5 abnormally functioning heart and placenta. In comparison to controls, the high FA diet protected the embryo and placenta from these effects allowing normal development. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:749–760, 2016. © 2016 The Authors Birth Defects Research Part A: Clinical and Molecular Teratology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kersti K Linask
- Department of Pediatrics, USF Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa and St. Petersburg, Florida.
| | - Mingda Han
- Department of Pediatrics, USF Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa and St. Petersburg, Florida
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17
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Han M, Evsikov AV, Zhang L, Lastra-Vicente R, Linask KK. Embryonic exposures of lithium and homocysteine and folate protection affect lipid metabolism during mouse cardiogenesis and placentation. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 61:82-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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18
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Denny KJ, Kelly CF, Kumar V, Witham KL, Cabrera RM, Finnell RH, Taylor SM, Jeanes A, Woodruff TM. Autoantibodies against homocysteinylated protein in a mouse model of folate deficiency-induced neural tube defects. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 106:201-7. [PMID: 26900104 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Periconceptional supplementation with folic acid results in a significant reduction in the incidence of neural tube defects (NTDs). Nonetheless, NTDs remain a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the mechanism(s) by which folate exerts its protective effects are unknown. Homocysteine is an amino acid that accumulates under conditions of folate-deficiency, and is suggested as a risk factor for NTDs. One proposed mechanism of homocysteine toxicity is its accumulation into proteins in a process termed homocysteinylation. METHODS & RESULTS Herein, we used a folate-deficient diet in pregnant mice to demonstrate that there is: (i) a significant inverse correlation between maternal serum folate levels and serum homocysteine; (ii) a significant positive correlation between serum homocysteine levels and titers of autoantibodies against homocysteinylated protein; and (iii) a significant increase in congenital malformations and NTDs in mice deficient in serum folate. Furthermore, in mice administered the folate-deplete diet before conception, supplementation with folic acid during the gestational period completely rescued the embryos from congenital defects, and resulted in homocysteinylated protein titers at term that are comparable to that of mice administered a folate-replete diet throughout both the pre- and postconception period. These results demonstrate that a low-folate diet that induces NTDs also increases protein homocysteinylation and the subsequent generation of autoantibodies against homocysteinylated proteins. CONCLUSION These data support the hypotheses that homocysteinylation results in neo-self antigen formation under conditions of maternal folate deficiency, and that this process is reversible with folic acid supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerina J Denny
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Christina F Kelly
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Vinod Kumar
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Katey L Witham
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Robert M Cabrera
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Texas, Austin, Texas
| | - Richard H Finnell
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Texas, Austin, Texas
| | - Stephen M Taylor
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Angela Jeanes
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Trent M Woodruff
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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19
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Ma Y, Zhang C, Gao XB, Luo HY, Chen Y, Li HH, Ma X, Lu CL. Folic acid protects against arsenic-mediated embryo toxicity by up-regulating the expression of Dvr1. Sci Rep 2015; 5:16093. [PMID: 26537450 PMCID: PMC4633590 DOI: 10.1038/srep16093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
As a nutritional factor, folic acid can prevent cardiac and neural defects during embryo development. Our previous study showed that arsenic impairs embryo development by down-regulating Dvr1/GDF1 expression in zebrafish. Here, we investigated whether folic acid could protect against arsenic-mediated embryo toxicity. We found that folic acid supplementation increases hatching and survival rates, decreases malformation rate and ameliorates abnormal cardiac and neural development of zebrafish embryos exposed to arsenite. Both real-time PCR analysis and whole in-mount hybridization showed that folic acid significantly rescued the decrease in Dvr1 expression caused by arsenite. Subsequently, our data demonstrated that arsenite significantly decreased cell viability and GDF1 mRNA and protein levels in HEK293ET cells, while folic acid reversed these effects. Folic acid attenuated the increase in subcellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and oxidative adaptor p66Shc protein expression in parallel with the changes in GDF1 expression and cell viability. P66Shc knockdown significantly inhibited the production of ROS and the down-regulation of GDF1 induced by arsenite. Our data demonstrated that folic acid supplementation protected against arsenic-mediated embryo toxicity by up-regulating the expression of Dvr1/GDF1, and folic acid enhanced the expression of GDF1 by decreasing p66Shc expression and subcellular ROS levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Ma
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Department of Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Department of Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Bo Gao
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Department of Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Hai-Yan Luo
- Department of Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, TNLIST Bioinformatics Division &Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui-hua Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Department of Cardiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xu Ma
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Department of Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Cai-Ling Lu
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Department of Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
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20
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Bahado-Singh RO, Zaffra R, Albayarak S, Chelliah A, Bolinjkar R, Turkoglu O, Radhakrishna U. Epigenetic markers for newborn congenital heart defect (CHD). J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2015; 29:1881-7. [PMID: 26429603 DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2015.1069811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our objective was to determine whether there were significant differences in genome-wide DNA methylation in newborns with major congenital heart defect (CHD) compared to controls. We also evaluated methylation of cytosines in CpG motifs for the detection of these CHDs. METHODS Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis was performed on DNA from 60 newborns with various CHDs, including hypoplastic left heart syndrome, ventricular septal deficit, atrial septal defect, pulmonary stenosis, coarctation of the aorta and Tetralogy of Fallot, and 32 controls. RESULTS Highly significant differences in cytosine methylation were seen in a large number of genes throughout the genome for all CHD categories. Gene ontology analysis of CHD overall indicated over-represented biological processes involving cell development and differentiation, and anatomical structure morphogenesis. Methylation of individual cytosines in CpG motifs had high diagnostic accuracy for the detection of CHD. For example, for coarctation one predictive model based on levels of particular cytosine nucleotides achieved a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 93.8% (AUC = 0.974, p < 0.00001). CONCLUSION Profound differences in cytosine methylation were observed in hundreds of genes in newborns with different types of CHD. There appears to be the potential for development of accurate genetic biomarkers for CHD detection in newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ray O Bahado-Singh
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , William Beaumont School of Medicine, Oakland University , Royal Oak , MI , USA and
| | - Rita Zaffra
- b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , MI , USA
| | - Samet Albayarak
- b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , MI , USA
| | - Anushka Chelliah
- b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , MI , USA
| | - Rashmi Bolinjkar
- b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , MI , USA
| | - Onur Turkoglu
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , William Beaumont School of Medicine, Oakland University , Royal Oak , MI , USA and
| | - Uppala Radhakrishna
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , William Beaumont School of Medicine, Oakland University , Royal Oak , MI , USA and
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21
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Lee JA, Shinn P, Jaken S, Oliver S, Willard FS, Heidler S, Peery RB, Oler J, Chu S, Southall N, Dexheimer TS, Smallwood J, Huang R, Guha R, Jadhav A, Cox K, Austin CP, Simeonov A, Sittampalam GS, Husain S, Franklin N, Wild DJ, Yang JJ, Sutherland JJ, Thomas CJ. Novel Phenotypic Outcomes Identified for a Public Collection of Approved Drugs from a Publicly Accessible Panel of Assays. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0130796. [PMID: 26177200 PMCID: PMC4503722 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic assays have a proven track record for generating leads that become first-in-class therapies. Whole cell assays that inform on a phenotype or mechanism also possess great potential in drug repositioning studies by illuminating new activities for the existing pharmacopeia. The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) pharmaceutical collection (NPC) is the largest reported collection of approved small molecule therapeutics that is available for screening in a high-throughput setting. Via a wide-ranging collaborative effort, this library was analyzed in the Open Innovation Drug Discovery (OIDD) phenotypic assay modules publicly offered by Lilly. The results of these tests are publically available online at www.ncats.nih.gov/expertise/preclinical/pd2 and via the PubChem Database (https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) (AID 1117321). Phenotypic outcomes for numerous drugs were confirmed, including sulfonylureas as insulin secretagogues and the anti-angiogenesis actions of multikinase inhibitors sorafenib, axitinib and pazopanib. Several novel outcomes were also noted including the Wnt potentiating activities of rotenone and the antifolate class of drugs, and the anti-angiogenic activity of cetaben.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan A. Lee
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Paul Shinn
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Susan Jaken
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Sarah Oliver
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Francis S. Willard
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Steven Heidler
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Robert B. Peery
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Oler
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Shaoyou Chu
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Noel Southall
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Thomas S. Dexheimer
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey Smallwood
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Ruili Huang
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Rajarshi Guha
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ajit Jadhav
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Karen Cox
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Christopher P. Austin
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Anton Simeonov
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - G. Sitta Sittampalam
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Saba Husain
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Natalie Franklin
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - David J. Wild
- Indiana University School of Informatics and Computing, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Jeremy J. Yang
- Indiana University School of Informatics and Computing, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey J. Sutherland
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JJS); (CJT)
| | - Craig J. Thomas
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JJS); (CJT)
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22
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Hansen MF, Greibe E, Skovbjerg S, Rohde S, Kristensen ACM, Jensen TR, Stentoft C, Kjær KH, Kronborg CS, Martensen PM. Folic acid mediates activation of the pro-oncogene STAT3 via the Folate Receptor alpha. Cell Signal 2015; 27:1356-68. [PMID: 25841994 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2015.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Revised: 03/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a well-described pro-oncogene found constitutively activated in several cancer types. Folates are B vitamins that, when taken up by cells through the Reduced Folate Carrier (RFC), are essential for normal cell growth and replication. Many cancer cells overexpress a glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored Folate Receptor α (FRα). The function of FRα in cancer cells is still poorly described, and it has been suggested that transport of folate is not its primary function in these cells. We show here that folic acid and folinic acid can activate STAT3 through FRα in a Janus Kinase (JAK)-dependent manner, and we demonstrate that gp130 functions as a transducing receptor for this signalling. Moreover, folic acid can promote dose dependent cell proliferation in FRα-positive HeLa cells, but not in FRα-negative HEK293 cells. After folic acid treatment of HeLa cells, up-regulation of the STAT3 responsive genes Cyclin A2 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) were verified by qRT-PCR. The identification of this FRα-STAT3 signal transduction pathway activated by folic and folinic acid contributes to the understanding of the involvement of folic acid in preventing neural tube defects as well as in tumour growth. Previously, the role of folates in these diseases has been attributed to their roles as one-carbon unit donors following endocytosis into the cell. Our finding that folic acid can activate STAT3 via FRα adds complexity to the established roles of B9 vitamins in cancer and neural tube defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariann F Hansen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Eva Greibe
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Signe Skovbjerg
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Sarah Rohde
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Anders C M Kristensen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Trine R Jensen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Stentoft
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Karina H Kjær
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Camilla S Kronborg
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Pia M Martensen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
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24
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Linask KK, Han M, Bravo-Valenzuela NJM. Changes in vitelline and utero-placental hemodynamics: implications for cardiovascular development. Front Physiol 2014; 5:390. [PMID: 25426076 PMCID: PMC4227466 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Analyses of cardiovascular development have shown an important interplay between heart function, blood flow, and morphogenesis of heart structure during the formation of a four-chambered heart. It is known that changes in vitelline and placental blood flow seemingly contribute substantially to early cardiac hemodynamics. This suggests that in order to understand mammalian cardiac structure-hemodynamic functional relationships, blood flow from the extra-embryonic circulation needs to be taken into account and its possible impact on cardiogenesis defined. Previously published Doppler ultrasound analyses and data of utero-placental blood flow from human studies and those using the mouse model are compared to changes observed with environmental exposures that lead to cardiovascular anomalies. Use of current concepts and models related to mechanotransduction of blood flow and fluid forces may help in the future to better define the characteristics of normal and abnormal utero-placental blood flow and the changes in the biophysical parameters that may contribute to congenital heart defects. Evidence from multiple studies is discussed to provide a framework for future modeling of the impact of experimental changes in blood flow on the mouse heart during normal and abnormal cardiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kersti K Linask
- Department of Pediatrics, Morsani College of Medicine, Children's Research Institute, University of South Florida Health St. Petersburg, FL, USA
| | - Mingda Han
- Department of Pediatrics, Morsani College of Medicine, Children's Research Institute, University of South Florida Health St. Petersburg, FL, USA
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Karunamuni GH, Ma P, Gu S, Rollins AM, Jenkins MW, Watanabe M. Connecting teratogen-induced congenital heart defects to neural crest cells and their effect on cardiac function. BIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH. PART C, EMBRYO TODAY : REVIEWS 2014; 102:227-50. [PMID: 25220155 PMCID: PMC4238913 DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.21082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Neural crest cells play many key roles in embryonic development, as demonstrated by the abnormalities that result from their specific absence or dysfunction. Unfortunately, these key cells are particularly sensitive to abnormalities in various intrinsic and extrinsic factors, such as genetic deletions or ethanol-exposure that lead to morbidity and mortality for organisms. This review discusses the role identified for a segment of neural crest in regulating the morphogenesis of the heart and associated great vessels. The paradox is that their derivatives constitute a small proportion of cells to the cardiovascular system. Findings supporting that these cells impact early cardiac function raises the interesting possibility that they indirectly control cardiovascular development at least partially through regulating function. Making connections between insults to the neural crest, cardiac function, and morphogenesis is more approachable with technological advances. Expanding our understanding of early functional consequences could be useful in improving diagnosis and testing therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganga H. Karunamuni
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Case Medical Center Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Cleveland OH 44106
| | - Pei Ma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University School of Engineering, Cleveland OH 44106
| | - Shi Gu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University School of Engineering, Cleveland OH 44106
| | - Andrew M. Rollins
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University School of Engineering, Cleveland OH 44106
| | - Michael W. Jenkins
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Case Medical Center Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Cleveland OH 44106
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University School of Engineering, Cleveland OH 44106
| | - Michiko Watanabe
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Case Medical Center Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Cleveland OH 44106
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Huhta J, Linask KK. Environmental origins of congenital heart disease: the heart-placenta connection. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2013; 18:245-50. [PMID: 23751925 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2013.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Although the mammalian embryo is well protected in the uterus, environmental chemicals, drugs, and maternal nutritional imbalances can interfere with regulatory pathways directing placental and embryonic development early in gestation. Embryonic cells are most susceptible to environmental influences during cellular specification and differentiation stages. Because biochemical differentiation precedes morphological outcome often by days, the period of susceptibility to environmental chemicals expectedly precedes visible morphogenic effects. The cellular mechanisms by which drugs and other environmental factors disrupt embryonic development and induce cardiac abnormalities have remained undefined.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Huhta
- All Children's Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine, St Petersburg, FL, USA.
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Zhao JY, Qiao B, Duan WY, Gong XH, Peng QQ, Jiang SS, Lu CQ, Chen YJ, Shen HB, Huang GY, Jin L, Wang HY. Genetic variants reducing MTR gene expression increase the risk of congenital heart disease in Han Chinese populations. Eur Heart J 2013; 35:733-42. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/eht221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Kobus K, Ammar D, Nazari EM, Müller YMR. Homocysteine causes disruptions in spinal cord morphology and changes the expression of Pax 1/9 and Sox 9 gene products in the axial mesenchyme. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 97:386-97. [PMID: 23716459 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Revised: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 02/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neural tube defects (NTD) involve disruptions in the axial mesenchyme, and are related to an imbalance between folic acid (FA) and homocysteine (Hcy). This study evaluated the effects of FA/Hcy imbalance on cell proliferation and expression of the Pax 1/9 and Sox 9 gene products in the axial mesenchyme of chickens. METHODS Embryos were incubated (38°C) and pretreated at 24 h and treated at 46 h of incubation. The experimental groups were: FA-pretreated with saline and treated with 0.5 μg FA/saline; Hcy-pretreated with 50 μl saline and treated with 20 μmol D,L-Hcy/50 μl saline; FA+Hcy-pretreated with 0.5 μg FA/50 μl saline and treated with 20 μmol D,L-Hcy/50 μl saline; and the control embryos were pretreated and treated with saline. Embryos were analyzed at E4 and E6. Immunohistochemistry was performed to identify proliferating cells and the expression of the gene products of Pax 1/9 and Sox 9. Total RNA of the E4 embryos was extracted and a RT-qPCR assay was performed to quantify Pax 1/9 mRNA expression. RESULTS Hcy treatment caused spinal NTD and abnormalities in axial mesenchyme development, affecting the distribution of sclerotomal cells and chondrification. Hcy also reduced cell proliferation and changed the expression of Pax 1/9 and Sox 9 in the mesenchyme. CONCLUSIONS Our data clarified the relationship between spinal NTD genesis and disruptions of Pax 1/9 and Sox 9 gene products in the axial mesenchyme caused by the FA/Hcy imbalance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karoline Kobus
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Embriologia e Genética, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil
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The heart-placenta axis in the first month of pregnancy: induction and prevention of cardiovascular birth defects. J Pregnancy 2013; 2013:320413. [PMID: 23691322 PMCID: PMC3652177 DOI: 10.1155/2013/320413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2012] [Revised: 03/04/2013] [Accepted: 03/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Extrapolating from animal studies to human pregnancy, our studies showed that folate (FA) deficiency as well as one-time exposure to environmental factors in the first two to three weeks of human gestation can result in severe congenital heart defects (CHDs). Considering that approximately 49% of pregnancies are unplanned, this period of pregnancy can be considered high-risk for cardiac, as well as for neural, birth defects, as the woman usually is not aware of her pregnancy and may not yet be taking precautionary actions to protect the developing embryo. Using avian and mouse vertebrate models, we demonstrated that FA supplementation prevents CHD induced by alcohol, lithium, or elevation of the metabolite homocysteine, a marker for FA deficiency. All three factors affected the important Wnt signaling pathway by suppressing Wnt-mediated gene expression in the heart fields, resulting in a delay of cardiomyocyte migration, cardiomyogenesis, and CHD. Optimal protection of cardiogenesis was observed to occur with FA supplementation provided upon morning after conception and at higher doses than the presently available in prenatal vitamin supplementation. Our studies demonstrate pathways and cell processes that are involved with protection of one-carbon metabolism during heart development.
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31
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Rosenquist TH. Folate, Homocysteine and the Cardiac Neural Crest. Dev Dyn 2013; 242:201-18. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.23922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2012] [Revised: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 12/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas H. Rosenquist
- Department of Genetics; Cell Biology and Anatomy; University of Nebraska Medical Center; Omaha; Nebraska
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Mikael LG, Deng L, Paul L, Selhub J, Rozen R. Moderately high intake of folic acid has a negative impact on mouse embryonic development. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 97:47-52. [PMID: 23125102 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2012] [Revised: 09/25/2012] [Accepted: 09/25/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of neural tube defects has diminished considerably since the implementation of food fortification with folic acid (FA). However, the impact of excess FA intake, particularly during pregnancy, requires investigation. In a recent study, we reported that a diet supplemented with 20-fold higher FA than the recommended intake for rodents had adverse effects on embryonic mouse development at embryonic days (E)10.5 and 14.5. In this report, we examined developmental outcomes in E14.5 embryos after administering a diet supplemented with 10-fold higher FA than recommended to pregnant mice with and without a mild deficiency of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). METHODS Pregnant mice with or without a deficiency in MTHFR were fed a control diet (recommended FA intake of 2 mg/kg diet for rodents) or an FA-supplemented diet (FASD; 10-fold higher than the recommended intake [20 mg/kg diet]). At E14.5, mice were examined for embryonic loss and growth retardation, and hearts were assessed for defects and for ventricular wall thickness. RESULTS Maternal FA supplementation was associated with embryonic loss, embryonic delays, a higher incidence of ventricular septal defects, and thinner left and right ventricular walls, compared to mothers fed control diet. CONCLUSIONS Our work suggests that even moderately high levels of FA supplementation may adversely affect fetal mouse development. Additional studies are warranted to evaluate the impact of high folate intake in pregnant women. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie G Mikael
- Departments of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal Children's Hospital Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Ma Y, Wu M, Li D, Li XQ, Li P, Zhao J, Luo MN, Guo CL, Gao XB, Lu CL, Ma X. Embryonic developmental toxicity of selenite in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and prevention with folic acid. Food Chem Toxicol 2012; 50:2854-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2012.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2012] [Revised: 04/06/2012] [Accepted: 04/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Han M, Neves AL, Serrano M, Brinez P, Huhta JC, Acharya G, Linask KK. Effects of alcohol, lithium, and homocysteine on nonmuscle myosin-II in the mouse placenta and human trophoblasts. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2012; 207:140.e7-19. [PMID: 22704764 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2012.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2012] [Revised: 05/02/2012] [Accepted: 05/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mouse embryonic exposure to alcohol, lithium, and homocysteine results in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and cardiac defects. Our present study focused on the placental effects. We analyzed the hypothesis that expression of nonmuscle myosin (NMM)-II isoforms involved in cell motility, mechanosensing, and extracellular matrix assembly are altered by the 3 factors in human trophoblast (HTR8/SVneo) cells in vitro and in the mouse placenta in vivo. STUDY DESIGN After exposure during gastrulation to alcohol, homocysteine, or lithium, ultrasonography defined embryos exhibiting abnormal placental blood flow. RESULTS NMM-IIA/NMM-IIB are differentially expressed in trophoblasts and in mouse placental vascular endothelial cells under pathological conditions. Misexpression of NMM-IIA/NMM-IIB in the affected placentas continued stably to midgestation but can be prevented by folate and myoinositol supplementation. CONCLUSION It is concluded that folate and myoinositol initiated early in mouse pregnancy can restore NMM-II expression, permit normal placentation/embryogenesis, and prevent IUGR induced by alcohol, lithium, and homocysteine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingda Han
- Department of Pediatrics, University of South Florida/All Children's Hospital Children's Research Institute, St. Petersburg, FL, USA
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Oosterbaan AM, Bon E, Steegers-Theunissen RPM, Van Der Steen AFW, Ursem NTC. Homocysteine exposure affects early hemodynamic parameters of embryonic chicken heart function. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2012; 295:961-7. [PMID: 22528512 DOI: 10.1002/ar.22477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2011] [Accepted: 03/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Maternal hyperhomocysteinemia has been associated with an increased risk of newborns with a congenital heart defect. This has been substantiated in the chicken embryo, as congenital heart defects have been induced after homocysteine treatment. Comparable heart defects are observed in venous clipping studies, a model of altered embryonic blood flow. Because of this overlap in heart defects, our aim was to test the hypothesis that homocysteine would cause alterations in embryonic heart function that precede the structural malformations previously described. Therefore, Doppler flow velocity waveforms were recorded in both primitive ventricles and the outflow tract of the embryonic heart of homocysteine treated and control chicken embryos at embryonic day 3.5. Homocysteine treatment consisted of 50 μL 0.05 M L-homocysteine thiolactone at 24, 48, and 72 hr. Homocysteine-treated embryos displayed significantly lower mean heart rates of 134 (SD 22) bpm, compared to 150 (14) bpm in control embryos. Homocysteine treatment caused an inhibiting effect on hemodynamic parameters, and altered heart function was presented by a shift in the proportions of the different wave times in percentage of total cycle time. Homocysteine induces changes in hemodynamic parameters of early embryonic chicken heart function. These changes may precede morphological changes and contribute to the development of CHD defects through alterations in shear stress and shear stress related genes, as seen before in venous clipping studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelien M Oosterbaan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Kwon S, Lazo-Escalante M, Villaran MV, Li CI. Relationship between interpregnancy interval and birth defects in Washington State. J Perinatol 2012; 32:45-50. [PMID: 21546941 DOI: 10.1038/jp.2011.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Interpregnancy interval (IPI) influences numerous adverse perinatal outcomes. IPI's impact on birth defects is unclear. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a population-based case-control study, using 1998 to 2008 administrative data from Washington State. A total of 10, 772 cases, women whose second of two births resulted in an infant with a birth defect, were compared with 32 ,310 controls, women whose second of two births did not result in an infant with a birth defect. RESULT Compared with mothers with an IPI between 18 to 23 months, those with an IPI <6 months or ≥60 months had elevated risks of delivering an infant with a birth defect (odds ratio=1.15, 95% confidence interval: 1.03 to 1.28, and odds ratio=1.15, 95% confidence interval: 1.04 to 1.26, respectively). CONCLUSION We observed a J-shaped relationship between IPI and risk of having an infant with a birth defect. As this is one of the first studies to evaluate this association, confirmatory studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kwon
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Zhao JY, Yang XY, Gong XH, Gu ZY, Duan WY, Wang J, Ye ZZ, Shen HB, Shi KH, Hou J, Huang GY, Jin L, Qiao B, Wang HY. Functional variant in methionine synthase reductase intron-1 significantly increases the risk of congenital heart disease in the Han Chinese population. Circulation 2011; 125:482-90. [PMID: 22179537 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.111.050245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Homocysteine is known to be an independent risk factor for congenital heart disease (CHD). Methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) is essential for the adequate remethylation of homocysteine, which is the dominant pathway for homocysteine removal during early embryonic development. METHODS AND RESULTS Here, we report that the c.56+781 A>C (rs326119) variant of intron-1 of MTRR significantly increases the risk of CHD in the Han Chinese population. In 3 independent case-control studies involving a total of 2340 CHD patients and 2270 healthy control participants from different geographic areas, we observed that patients carrying the heterozygous AC and homozygous CC genotype had a 1.40-fold (odds ratio=1.40; P=2.32×10(-7)) and 1.84-fold (odds ratio=1.84; P=2.3×10(-11)) increased risk, respectively, of developing CHD than those carrying the wild-type AA genotype. Both in vivo quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis of MTRR mRNA in cardiac tissue samples from CHD patients and in vitro luciferase assays in transfected cells demonstrated that the c.56+781 C allele profoundly decreased MTRR transcription. Further analysis demonstrated that the c.56+781 C allele manifested reduced CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-α binding affinity. In addition, healthy individuals with the homozygous CC genotype had significantly elevated levels of plasma homocysteine compared with the wild-type AA carriers. CONCLUSIONS We have demonstrated that the MTRR c.56+781 A>C variant is an important genetic marker for increased CHD risk because this variant results in functionally reduced MTRR expression at the transcriptional level. Our results accentuate the significance of functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms in noncoding regions of the homocysteine/folate metabolism pathway core genes for their potential contributions to the origin of CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Yuan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Mayanil CS, Ichi S, Farnell BM, Boshnjaku V, Tomita T, McLone DG. Maternal intake of folic acid and neural crest stem cells. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2011; 87:143-73. [PMID: 22127242 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-386015-6.00028-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Maternal folic acid (FA) intake has beneficial effects in preventing neural tube defects and may also play a role in the prevention of adult onset diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, dementia, neuropsychiatric disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cerebral ischemia. This review will focus on the effects of maternal FA intake on neural crest stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Although FA is generally considered beneficial, it has the potential of promoting cell proliferation at the expense of differentiation. In some situations, this may lead to miscarriage or postnatal developmental abnormalities. Therefore, a blind approach such as "FA for everyone" is not necessarily the best course of action. Ultimately, the best approach for FA supplementation, and potentially other nutritional supplements, will include customized patient genomic profiles for determining dose and duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra S Mayanil
- Developmental Biology Program, Children's Memorial Research Center, Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Memorial Medical Center and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Environmental factors, such as drugs, chemicals, or abnormal concentrations of natural metabolites, induce birth defects. Environmental effects on cardiogenesis have been little studied in contrast to neurogenesis. This review presents evidence on three environmental factors: alcohol, the drug lithium, and the metabolite homocysteine, impacting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway during cardiac development and folate protection. RECENT FINDINGS Animal and epidemiological studies have shown that folate protects the embryo from birth defects. New animal studies demonstrate that folate prevents cardiovascular defects induced by the drug lithium, homocysteine, or alcohol, but protection occurs at a higher concentration than currently used in vitamin supplements. The data indicate that folate in combination with myo-inositol may further reduce the risk of birth defects. Discussion is presented of the cell specification stages that are impacted resulting in cardiac defects, how Wnt/β-catenin signaling is involved, and how folate and myo-inositol additively may protect embryonic pathways. The possible epigenetic role of folate in Wnt/β-catenin signaling is described. SUMMARY This review will enable better counseling of women by defining, during early pregnancy, a susceptible window of embryonic exposure leading to a high risk of cardiac defects, and provides a therapeutic means and the necessary timing for prevention of environmentally induced birth defects.
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Fetal alcohol syndrome: cardiac birth defects in mice and prevention with folate. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2010; 203:75.e7-75.e15. [PMID: 20451895 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2010.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2010] [Revised: 02/24/2010] [Accepted: 03/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alcohol (ethanol) consumption during pregnancy is linked to congenital heart defects that are associated with fetal alcohol syndrome. Recent reports have associated ethanol exposure with the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. Therefore, we defined whether ethanol affects Wnt/beta-catenin signaling during cardiac cell specification. STUDY DESIGN Pregnant mice on embryonic day 6.75 during gastrulation were exposed by an intraperitoneal injection to a binge-drinking dose of ethanol. Folic acid supplementation of mouse diet was tested for the prevention of ethanol-induced cardiac birth defects. RESULTS Acute ethanol exposure induced myocardial wall changes and atrioventricular and semilunar valve defects, which was determined by echocardiography on embryonic day 15.5. A high folate diet prevented the ethanol-induced cardiac defects. Ethanol exposure in avian embryos suppressed 2 key Wnt-modulated genes that are involved in cardiac induction; folic acid rescued normal gene expression. CONCLUSION Folic acid supplementation alone or with myoinositol prevented alcohol potentiation of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling that allowed normal gene activation and cardiogenesis.
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