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Pan S, Lan Y, Chen B, Zhou Y, Ying X, Hua Y. Tanshinone IIA changed the amniotic fluid volume and regulated expression of AQP1 and AQP3 in amniotic epithelium cells: a promising drug treating abnormal amniotic fluid volume. Mol Med 2023; 29:83. [PMID: 37386378 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00687-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies have confirmed the association of aquaporins (AQPs) with abnormal amniotic fluid volume (AFV). In our previous experiments, we found that Tanshinone IIA was able to regulate the expression of AQP1 and AQP3. However, the exact mechanism by which Tanshinone IIA regulates AQPs protein expression and its effect on AFV remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Tanshinone IIA on AFV and the possible molecular mechanism of regulation of AQP1 and AQP3. METHODS The expression of AQPs protein in the amniotic membranes was compared between pregnant women with normal pregnancy and those with isolated oligohydramnios. The AQP1 knockout (AQP1-KO) mice and wild-type (WT) mice were treated with saline or Tanshinone IIA (10 mg/kg) at 13.5GD and 16.5GD. Human amniotic epithelium cells (hAECs) from pregnant women with normal AFV and isolated oligohydramnios were incubated with 35 μmmol/L Tanshinone IIA or 25 mmol/L LiCl [inhibitor of glycogen synthetic kinase 3β (GSK-3β)]. The protein expressions of AQPs, GSK-3β, phospho-GSK-3β (Ser9) in fetal membranes of mice and human amniotic epithelium cells were detected by western blotting. RESULTS The expression of AQP1 protein in the amniotic membrane of isolated oligohydramnios was increased compared with normal pregnancy. The AFV in AQP1-KO mice is higher than that in WT mice. In wild-type mice, AFV in Tanshinone IIA group was significantly higher than that in control group, and AQP1 protein expression was significantly lower than that in control group, but in AQP1 knockout mice, Tanshinone IIA reduced amniotic fluid volume and AQP3 protein expression at 16.5GD. Tanshinone IIA reduced AQP1, AQP3 and p-GSK-3β (Ser9) protein expression in normal hAECs, and this effect was inhibited by LiCl. In hAECs with oligohydramnios, the down-regulation of AQP1 and up-regulation of AQP3 by Tanshinone IIA was independent of GSK-3β signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS Tanshinone IIA may increase AFV in normal pregnancy by downregulating AQP1 protein expression in the fetal membranes, which may be associated with p-GSK-3β signaling pathway. But a larger AFV in AQP1-KO mice was significantly attenuated by Tanshinone IIA, which may be related to AQP3. Tanshinone IIA is a promising drug for the treatment of amniotic fluid abnormality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangjia Pan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Yehui Lan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Baoyi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Yujia Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Xinxin Ying
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Ying Hua
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
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Truong N, Menon R, Richardson L. The Role of Fetal Membranes during Gestation, at Term, and Preterm Labor. PLACENTA AND REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE 2023; 2:4. [PMID: 38304894 PMCID: PMC10831903 DOI: 10.54844/prm.2022.0296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
During pregnancy, the fetal membranes (i.e., amniochorionic membranes) surround the intrauterine cavity and provide mechanical, immune, and endocrine support to protect the fetus. Though they are a vital component of the intrauterine cavity, the fetal membranes are largely overlooked as an extension of the placenta, leading to a poor understanding of their role during gestation, parturition, or preterm birth. The fetal membranes are comprised of fetal cellular and stromal layers and line up with maternal decidua forming the feto-maternal interface during pregnancy. This interface plays a large role during pregnancy and the induction of term or preterm parturition (e.g., labor). Here we summarize the function of the fetal membranes focusing on their role during gestation at term, and during preterm births.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Truong
- The University of Texas Medical Branch John Sealy School of Medicine at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Lauren Richardson
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
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Martínez N, Damiano AE. Aquaporins in Fetal Development. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1398:251-266. [PMID: 36717499 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-19-7415-1_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Water homeostasis is essential for fetal growth, and it depends on the successful development of the placenta. Many aquaporins (AQPs) were identified from blastocyst stages to term placenta. In the last years, cytokines, hormones, second messengers, intracellular pH, and membrane proteins were found to regulate their expression and function in the human placenta and fetal membranes. Accumulated data suggest that these proteins may be involved not only in the maintenance of the amniotic fluid volume homeostasis but also in the development of the placenta and fetal organs. In this sense, dysregulation of placental AQPs is associated with gestational disorders. Thus, current evidence shows that AQPs may collaborate in cellular events including trophoblast migration and apoptosis. In addition, aquaglyceroporins are involved in energy metabolism as well as urea elimination across the placenta. In the last year, the presence of AQP9 in trophoblast mitochondria opened new hypotheses about its role in pregnancy. However, much further work is needed to understand the importance of these proteins in human pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Martínez
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)-CONICET-Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alicia E Damiano
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)-CONICET-Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Cátedra de Biología Celulary Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Translational Comparison of the Human and Mouse Yolk Sac Development and Function. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:41-53. [PMID: 35137348 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00872-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The yolk sac (YS) is the oldest of the extraembryonic membranes in vertebrates. Considered a transitory structure in the human species, the importance of the YS for a successful pregnancy is often overlooked. Due to the general inaccessibility of healthy human YS tissue for research, the use of experimental animal models is of great value. In order to better understand whether the mouse could be used as a translational model for the study of the human YS under normal and pathological conditions, this review comprehensively describes key developmental aspects of the human and mouse YS, detailing their development and function. YS major similarities in both species comprise the following: (1) histological composition (both being composed of endoderm, mesoderm, and mesothelium layers); (2) endoderm endocytosis, synthesis, secretion, and transport capabilities; and (3) mesoderm onset of haematopoiesis and angiogenesis. Examples of main dissimilarities include (1) persistence across pregnancy (i.e. early pregnancy in humans vs term pregnancy in mice); (2) the existence of a secondary YS in humans; (3) the presence of proliferative primordial germ cells (PGCs) in the human versus their absence in mice; and (4) eversion of histological layers in the mouse. Although these differences should be considered when interpreting data from mouse-based studies, the overall morphofunctional similarities in the YS between these species indicate that the mouse can be potentially used as a translational model for the study of the human YS.
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dos Passos Junior RR, de Freitas RA, Dela Justina V, San Martín S, Lima VV, Giachini FR. Protein O-GlcNAcylation as a nutrient sensor signaling placental dysfunction in hypertensive pregnancy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1032499. [PMID: 36531508 PMCID: PMC9754152 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1032499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During pregnancy, arterial hypertension may impair placental function, which is critical for a healthy baby's growth. Important proteins during placentation are known to be targets for O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine modification (O-GlcNAcylation), and abnormal protein O-GlcNAcylation has been linked to pathological conditions such as hypertension. However, it is unclear how protein O-GlcNAcylation affects placental function and fetal growth throughout pregnancy during hypertension. METHODS To investigate this question, female Wistar and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were mated with male Wistar rats, and after pregnancy confirmation by vaginal smear, rats were divided into groups of 14, 17, and 20 days of pregnancy (DOPs). On the 14th, 17th, and 20th DOP, rats were euthanized, fetal parameters were measured, and placentas were collected for western blot, immunohistochemical, and morphological analyses. RESULTS SHR presented a higher blood pressure than the Wistar rats (p=0.001). Across all DOPs, SHR showed reduced fetal weight and an increase in small-for-gestational-age fetuses. While near-term placentas were heavier in SHR (p=0.006), placental efficiency decreased at 17 (p=0.01) and 20 DOPs (p<0.0001) in this group. Morphological analysis revealed reduced junctional zone area and labyrinth vasculature changes on SHR placentas in all DOPs. O-GlcNAc protein expression was lower in placentas from SHR compared with Wistar at 14, 17, and 20 DOPs. Decreased expression of O-GlcNAc transferase (p=0.01) and O-GlcNAcase (p=0.002) enzymes was found at 14 DOPs in SHR. Immunohistochemistry showed reduced placental O-GlcNAc content in both the junctional zone and labyrinth of the placentas from SHR. Periodic acid-Schiff analysis showed decreased glycogen cell content in the placentas from SHR at 14, 17, and 20 DOPs. Moreover, glucose transporter 1 expression was decreased in placentas from SHR in all DOPs. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that decreased protein O-GlcNAcylation caused by insufficient placental nutritional apport contributes to placental dysfunction during hypertensive pregnancy, impairing fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vanessa Dela Justina
- Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, Brazil
| | - Sebastián San Martín
- Biomedical Research Center, School of Medicine, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Victor Vitorino Lima
- Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Regina Giachini
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
- Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, Brazil
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Di Paola M, Sierra MN, Fernández N, Ibarra C, Damiano AE. Contribution of aquaporins in the transamniotic water flux. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 590:63-67. [PMID: 34971959 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.12.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
We explored the contribution of each aquaporin (AQP) expressed in human amnion in the transcellular water flux across the human amnion. Human amnion was placed between two lucite chambers and net water transport (Jw) was recorded by applying a hydrostatic (7 cm H2O) and an osmotic (40 mOsm PEG 8000) pressure gradients. The hydrostatic (Phydr) and osmotic (POsm) permeabilities were calculated before and after the blocking of AQPs. Phdr showed no significant difference after the blocking of AQPs, while POsm was dramatically reduced. Interestingly, we also found that the blocking of AQP1 produced the highest decrease of POsm (80 ± 1%). Our results strongly suggested that AQP1 seems to contribute more to the maintenance of AF volume homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Di Paola
- Cátedra de Biología Celular y Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)- CONICET- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Matías N Sierra
- Cátedra de Biología Celular y Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nazarena Fernández
- Cátedra de Biología Celular y Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cristina Ibarra
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatogenia, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)- CONICET- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alicia E Damiano
- Cátedra de Biología Celular y Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)- CONICET- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Nutritional and Physiological Regulation of Water Transport in the Conceptus. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1354:109-125. [PMID: 34807439 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-85686-1_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Water transport during pregnancy is essential for maintaining normal growth and development of conceptuses (embryo/fetus and associated membranes). Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of small integral plasma membrane proteins that primarily transport water across the plasma membrane. At least 11 isoforms of AQPs (AQPs 1-9, 11, and 12) are differentially expressed in the mammalian placenta (amnion, allantois, and chorion), and organs (kidney, lung, brain, heart, and skin) of embryos/fetuses during prenatal development. Available evidence suggests that the presence of AQPs in the conceptus mediates water movement across the placenta to support the placentation, the homeostasis of amniotic and allantoic fluid volumes, as well as embryonic and fetal survival, growth and development. Abundances of AQPs in the conceptus can be modulated by nutritional status and physiological factors affecting the pregnant female. Here, we summarize the effects of maternal dietary factors (such as intakes of protein, arginine, lipids, all-trans retinoic acid, copper, zinc, and mercury) on the expression of AQPs in the conceptus. We also discuss the physiological changes in hormones (e.g., progesterone and estrogen), oxygen supply, nitric oxide, pH, and osmotic pressure associated with the regulation of fluid exchange between mother and fetus. These findings may help to improve the survival, growth, and development of embryo/fetus in livestock species and other mammals (including humans).
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Dos Passos Junior RR, de Freitas RA, Reppetti J, Medina Y, Dela Justina V, Bach CW, Bomfim GF, Lima VV, Damiano AE, Giachini FR. High Levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Reduce Placental Aquaporin 3 Expression and Impair in vitro Trophoblastic Cell Migration. Front Physiol 2021; 12:696495. [PMID: 34267676 PMCID: PMC8276056 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.696495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Placentas from preeclamptic women display augmented tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels with reduced expression of aquaporin 3 (AQP3). However, whether TNF-α modulates AQP3 expression remains to be elucidated. We hypothesize that elevated levels of TNF-α reduce AQP3 expression and negatively impact trophoblastic cell migration. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and Wistar rats (14-16 weeks) were divided into hypertensive and normotensive groups, respectively. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured, and animals mated. In a third group, pregnant SHRs were treated with a TNF-α antagonist, etanercept (0.8 mg/kg, subcutaneously) on days 0, 6, 12, and 18 of pregnancy. Placentas were collected on the 20th day of pregnancy. Human placental explants, from normotensive pregnancies, were incubated with TNF-α (5, 10, and 20 ng/ml) and/or etanercept (1 μg/ml). Swan 71 cells were incubated with TNF-α (10 ng/ml) and/or etanercept (1 μg/ml) and subjected to the wound healing assay. AQP3 expression was assessed by Western blot and TNF-α levels by ELISA. SBP (mmHg) was elevated in the hypertensive group, and etanercept treatment reduced this parameter. Placental TNF-α levels (pg/ml) were higher in the hypertensive group. AQP3 expression was reduced in the hypertensive group, and etanercept treatment reversed this parameter. Explants submitted to TNF-α exposition displayed reduced expression of AQP3, and etanercept incubation reversed it. Trophoblastic cells incubated with TNF-α showed decreased cell migration and reduced AQP3 expression, and etanercept incubation ameliorated it. Altogether, these data demonstrate that high TNF-α levels negatively modulate AQP3 in placental tissue, impairing cell migration, and its relationship in a pregnancy affected by hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Julieta Reppetti
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Physiology and Biophysics Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)-CONICET, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Yollyseth Medina
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Physiology and Biophysics Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)-CONICET, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Camila Werle Bach
- Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, Brazil
| | | | - Victor Vitorino Lima
- Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, Brazil
| | - Alicia E Damiano
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Physiology and Biophysics Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)-CONICET, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernanda R Giachini
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goias, Goiânia, Brazil.,Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, Brazil
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Fernández-Santos B, Caro-Vega JM, Sola-Idígora N, Lazarini-Suárez C, Mañas-García L, Duarte P, Fuerte-Hortigón A, Ybot-González P. Molecular similarity between the mechanisms of epithelial fusion and fetal wound healing during the closure of the caudal neural tube in mouse embryos. Dev Dyn 2021; 250:955-973. [PMID: 33501723 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neural tube (NT) closure is a complex developmental process that takes place in the early stages of embryogenesis and that is a key step in neurulation. In mammals, the process by which the neural plate generates the NT requires organized cell movements and tissue folding, and it terminates with the fusion of the apposed ends of the neural folds. RESULTS Here we describe how almost identical cellular and molecular machinery is used to fuse the spinal neural folds as that involved in the repair of epithelial injury in the same area of the embryo. For both natural and wound activated closure of caudal neural tissue, hyaluronic acid and platelet-derived growth factor signaling appear to be crucial for the final fusion step. CONCLUSIONS There seems to be no general wound healing machinery for all tissues but rather, a tissue-specific epithelial fusion machinery that embryos activate when necessary after abnormal epithelial opening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Fernández-Santos
- Neurodevelopment Research Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/Hospital Virgen del Rocio/US/CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | - José Manuel Caro-Vega
- Neurodevelopment Research Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/Hospital Virgen del Rocio/US/CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Noelia Sola-Idígora
- Neurodevelopment Research Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/Hospital Virgen del Rocio/US/CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Cecilia Lazarini-Suárez
- Neurodevelopment Research Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/Hospital Virgen del Rocio/US/CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Laura Mañas-García
- Neurodevelopment Research Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/Hospital Virgen del Rocio/US/CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Patrícia Duarte
- Neurodevelopment Research Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/Hospital Virgen del Rocio/US/CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - Patricia Ybot-González
- Neurodevelopment Research Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/Hospital Virgen del Rocio/US/CSIC, Sevilla, Spain.,Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Hospital Virgen de Macarena, Sevilla, Spain
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Shao H, Gao S, Ying X, Zhu X, Hua Y. Expression and Regulation of Aquaporins in Pregnancy Complications and Reproductive Dysfunctions. DNA Cell Biol 2020; 40:116-125. [PMID: 33226842 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2020.5983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs), small hydrophobic integral membrane proteins, mediate rapid transport of water and small solutes. The abnormal expressions of AQPs are associated with pregnancy complications and reproductive dysfunctions, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, tubal ectopic pregnancy, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, preterm birth, chorioamnionitis, polyhydramnios, and oligohydramnios, thus resulting in adverse pregnancy outcomes. This review explains the alterations of AQPs in pregnancy complications and reproductive dysfunctions and summarizes the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulations of AQPs by drugs such as oxytocin, polychlorinated biphenyls, all-trans-retinoic acid, salvia miltiorrhiza, and insulin, or other factors such as oxygen and osmotic pressure. All the research provides evidence that AQPs could be the new therapeutic targets of pregnancy-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailing Shao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shichu Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xinxin Ying
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xueqiong Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ying Hua
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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11
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Im JW, Lee CY, Kim DH, Bae HR. Differential Expressions of Aquaporin Subtypes in Female Reproductive Tract of Mice. Dev Reprod 2020; 24:177-185. [PMID: 33110949 PMCID: PMC7576970 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2020.24.3.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Although many aquaporin (AQP) transcripts have been demonstrated to express in
the female reproductive tract, the defined localizations and functions of AQP
subtype proteins remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the expression
of AQP1, AQP3, AQP5, AQP6, and AQP9 proteins in female reproductive tract of
mouse and characterized their precise localizations at the cellular and
subcellular levels. Immunofluorescence analyses for AQP1, AQP3, AQP6, and AQP9
showed that these proteins were abundantly expressed in female reproductive
tract and that intense immunoreactivities were observed in mucosa epithelial
cells with a subtype-specific pattern. The most abundant aquaporin in both
vagina and uterine cervix was AQP3. Each of AQP1, AQP3, AQP6, and AQP9 exhibited
its distinct distribution in stratified squamous or columnar epithelial cells.
AQP9 expression was predominant in oviduct and ovary. AQP1, AQP3, AQP6, and AQP9
proteins were mostly seen in apical membrane of ciliated epithelial cells of the
oviduct as well as in both granulosa and theca cells of ovarian follicles. Most
of AQP subtypes were also expressed in surface epithelial cells and glandular
cells of endometrium in the uterus, but their expression levels were relatively
lower than those observed in the vagina, uterine cervix, oviduct and ovary. This
is the first study to investigate the expression and localization of 5 AQP
subtype proteins simultaneously in female reproductive tract of mouse. Our
results suggest that AQP subtypes work together to transport water and glycerol
efficiently across the mucosa epithelia for lubrication, proliferation, energy
metabolism and pH regulation in female reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Woo Im
- Dept. of Physiology, College of Medicine, Dong-A University, Busan 49201, Korea
| | - Chae Young Lee
- Dept. of Physiology, College of Medicine, Dong-A University, Busan 49201, Korea
| | - Dong-Hwan Kim
- Human Life Research Center, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Korea
| | - Hae-Rahn Bae
- Dept. of Physiology, College of Medicine, Dong-A University, Busan 49201, Korea.,Human Life Research Center, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Korea
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Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are water channels proteins that facilitate water flux across cell membranes in response to osmotic gradients. Despite of the differences in the mammalian placentas, the conserved combination of AQPs expressed in placental and fetal membranes throughout gestation suggests that these proteins may be important in the regulation of fetal water homeostasis. Thus, AQPs may regulate the amniotic fluid volume and participate in the trans-placental transfer of water. Apart from their classical roles, recent studies have revealed that placental AQPs may also cooperate in cellular processes such as the migration and the apoptosis of the trophoblasts. Aquaglyceroporins can also participate in the energy metabolism and in the urea elimination across the placenta. Many factors including oxygen, hormones, acid-basis homeostasis, maternal dietary status, interaction with other transport proteins and osmotic stress are proposed to regulate their expression and function during gestation and alterations result in pathological pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia E Damiano
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO)-CONICET-Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Cátedra de Biología Celular y Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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