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Prasetyorini N, Erwan NE, Sardjono TW, Nurseta T, Utomo RP, Nugraha RYB, Cahayani WA, Rukmigarsari E, Arinugraha LN, Fitri LE. HIF-1α regulated pathomechanism of low birth weight through angiogenesis factors in placental Plasmodium vivax infection. F1000Res 2024; 11:131. [PMID: 38884107 PMCID: PMC11179053 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.73820.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria in pregnancy leads to placental malaria. The primary pathogenesis of the complex fetal implications in placental malaria is tissue hypoxia due to sequestrations of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes in the placenta. However, the pathomechanism of placental Plasmodium vivax infection has not been thoroughly investigated. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is a key transcriptional mediator of the response to hypoxic conditions, which interacts with the change and imbalances of many chemical mediators, including angiogenic factors, leading to fetal growth abnormality. Methods This study was conducted cross-sectionally in Maumere, Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, previously known as one of the malaria endemic areas with a high incidence of low birth weight (LBW) cases. This study collected peripheral and umbilical blood samples and placental tissues from mothers who delivered their babies with LBW at the TC Hiller Regional Hospital. All of the blood samples were examined for parasites by microscopic and PCR techniques, while the plasma levels of VEGF, PlGF, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and HIF-1α were determined using ELISA. The sequestration of infected erythrocytes and hemozoin was determined from placental histological slides, and the expression of placenta angiogenic factors was observed using the immunofluorescent technique. Results In this study, 33 cases had complete data to be analyzed. Of them, 19 samples were diagnosed as vivax malaria and none of falciparum malaria. There were significant differences in Δ 10th percentile growth curve of baby's body weights and also all angiogenic factors in placental tissues {VEGF, PlGF, and VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and HIF-1α} between those infected and not infected cases (p<0.05), but not for VEGF and VEGFR-2 in the plasma. Conclusion This study indicated that Plasmodium vivax sequestration may promote LBW through alterations and imbalances in angiogenic factors led by HIF-1α.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nugrahanti Prasetyorini
- Doctoral Program in Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
- Malaria Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Brawijaya/dr Saiful Anwar Hospital, Malang, Indonesia
| | - Nabila Erina Erwan
- Malaria Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
- Master Program in Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
| | - Teguh Wahju Sardjono
- Malaria Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
| | - Tatit Nurseta
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Brawijaya/dr Saiful Anwar Hospital, Malang, Indonesia
| | - Rudi Priyo Utomo
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, dr T.C. Hillers Regional Hospital, Maumere, Sikka Regency, NTT, Indonesia
| | - Rivo Yudhinata Brian Nugraha
- Malaria Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
| | - Wike Astrid Cahayani
- Malaria Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
| | - Ettie Rukmigarsari
- Mathematics Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, University of Islam Malang, Malang, Indonesia
| | | | - Loeki Enggar Fitri
- Malaria Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
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Circulating Biomarkers in Patients With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated With Everolimus in the Pre-nephrectomy Setting. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2023; 35:e245-e255. [PMID: 36526521 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2022.11.012] [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: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Many drugs are available in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), yet clinicians are still looking for predictive biomarkers of disease recurrence or progression supporting more personalised treatments. An assessment of circulating biomarkers over time was carried out in this French, open-label, single-arm, multicentre trial conducted in 25 patients with either locally advanced (n = 14) or metastatic RCC (n = 11) who received everolimus (10 mg daily) for 6 weeks prior to nephrectomy (NEORAD, NCT01715935). Circulating biomarkers, including circulating tumour cells, haematopoietic and endothelial cells, plasma angiogenesis and inflammatory markers were quantified at baseline, upon everolimus and post-nephrectomy. We assessed tumour burden, objective response rate upon RECIST1.1, disease-free survival (DFS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The correlation between circulating biomarkers was evaluated with multiple factor analysis and biomarker association with DFS/PFS by Cox regression. No objective response rate was obtained before nephrectomy. Upon everolimus, neutrophils, platelets and sVEGFR2 significantly decreased. We did not find any association between circulating biomarkers and DFS/PFS, but patients with the highest tumour burden at baseline had significantly higher plasma levels of interleukin-6, an inflammatory circulating biomarker, and lower levels of sVEGFR2, related to angiogenesis. Further understanding of the link between these circulating biomarkers could help to optimise drug combinations in RCC.
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Nunes FDD, Ferezin LP, Pereira SC, Figaro-Drumond FV, Pinheiro LC, Menezes IC, Baes CVW, Coeli-Lacchini FB, Tanus-Santos JE, Juruena MF, Lacchini R. The Association of Biochemical and Genetic Biomarkers in VEGF Pathway with Depression. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122757. [PMID: 36559251 PMCID: PMC9785844 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
VEGF is an important neurotrophic and vascular factor involved in mental disorders. The objective of this study was to verify the effect of genetic polymorphisms in the VEGF pathway on the risk for depression, symptom intensity, and suicide attempts. To examine the association between the VEGF pathway and depression, we genotyped polymorphisms and measured the plasma concentrations of VEGF, KDR, and FLT1 proteins. The participants were 160 patients with depression and 114 healthy controls. The questionnaires that assessed the clinical profile of the patients were the MINI-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, GRID-HAMD21, CTQ, BSI, and the number of suicide attempts. Genotyping of participants was performed using the real-time PCR and protein measurements were performed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). VEGF and its inhibitors were reduced in depression. Individuals with depression and displaying the homozygous AA of the rs699947 polymorphism had higher plasma concentrations of VEGF (p-value = 0.006) and were associated with a greater number of suicide attempts (p-value = 0.041). Individuals with depression that were homozygous for the G allele of the FLT1 polymorphism rs7993418 were associated with lower symptom severity (p-value = 0.040). Our results suggest that VEGF pathway polymorphisms are associated with the number of suicide attempts and the severity of depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Daniela Dornelas Nunes
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing and Human Sciences, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of Sao Paolo, Sao Paulo 14040-902, Brazil
| | - Letícia Perticarrara Ferezin
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing and Human Sciences, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of Sao Paolo, Sao Paulo 14040-902, Brazil
| | - Sherliane Carla Pereira
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paolo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Viana Figaro-Drumond
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing and Human Sciences, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of Sao Paolo, Sao Paulo 14040-902, Brazil
| | - Lucas Cézar Pinheiro
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing and Human Sciences, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of Sao Paolo, Sao Paulo 14040-902, Brazil
| | - Itiana Castro Menezes
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Cristiane von Werne Baes
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Borchers Coeli-Lacchini
- Blood Center Foundation, Clinics Hospital of the Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paolo 14051-060, Brazil
| | - José Eduardo Tanus-Santos
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paolo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Mário Francisco Juruena
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Monks Orchard Road, Beckenham BR3 3BX, UK
| | - Riccardo Lacchini
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing and Human Sciences, Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of Sao Paolo, Sao Paulo 14040-902, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +16-33153447
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Abel T, Moodley J, Khaliq OP, Naicker T. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2: Molecular Mechanism and Therapeutic Potential in Preeclampsia Comorbidity with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213752. [PMID: 36430232 PMCID: PMC9691176 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This review explored the role of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) in the synergy of preeclampsia (PE), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. Downregulation of VEGFR-2 in PE promotes endothelial dysfunction and prevents endothelial cell (EC) migration, proliferation, and differentiation. The HIV-1 accessory protein, tat (trans-activator of transcription), prevents VEGFR-2 signaling via the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) ligand. Combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) may cause immune reconstitution, impaired decidualization, and endothelial injury, thus may be a risk factor for PE development. The VEGF/VEGFR-2 interaction may be associated with SARS-CoV-2-related pulmonary oedema. Endothelial dysfunction and heightened inflammation are both associated with PE, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2 infection; therefore, it is plausible that both characteristics may be exacerbated in the synergy of these events. In addition, this review explored microRNAs (miR) regulating VEGFR-2. An overexpression of miR-126 is evident in PE, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2 infection; thus, modulating the expression of miR-126 may be a therapeutic strategy. However, the involvement of microRNAs in PE, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2 infection needs further investigating. Since these conditions have been evaluated independently, this review attempts to predict their clinical manifestations in their synergy, as well as independently; thereby providing a platform for early diagnosis and therapeutic potential in PE, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tashlen Abel
- Women’s Health and HIV Research Group, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Jagidesa Moodley
- Women’s Health and HIV Research Group, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Olive P. Khaliq
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
| | - Thajasvarie Naicker
- Optics and Imaging Centre, Doris Duke Medical Research Institution, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
- Correspondence:
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Najafi L, Honardoost M, Khajavi A, Cheraghi S, Kadivar M, Khamseh ME. The association of umbilical coiling and angiogenesis markers: Impact assessment of gestational diabetes. Placenta 2022; 129:70-76. [PMID: 36252320 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study was to determine the association between the postnatal umbilical coiling index (pUCI) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and its receptor (VEGFR2) in parturients with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS Within 24 h following birth, the umbilical cord and pUCI of 29 newborns with GDM and 28 neonates with non-GDM parturients were prospectively examined. Real-time PCR tests were used to determine the expression levels of the VEGFA and VEGFR2 genes, measured from the umbilical cord. The Mann-Whitney and Chi-squared tests were used to compare continuous and discrete variables with and without GDM. RESULTS The median (IQR) of maternal age was 30 (26-34) years. There were no differences in demographic features between GDM and non-GDM parturients. While there was a marginal difference in VEGFA expression levels between the GDM and non-GDM groups (P-values = 0.07), no difference was detected for VEGFR2 (P-values = 0.75). Comparing hyper- and hypocoiling cords revealed a small difference in VEGFA levels (P-values = 0.05), but no change in VEGFR2 (P-values = 0.50). Furthermore, in both GDM and non-GDM parturients, down-regulated VEGFA was the general rule among abnormal pUCIs. DISCUSSION The GDM and coiling state both are associated with the amount of VEGFA expression, but neither is related to VEGFR2. Furthermore, regardless of whether the patient has GDM or not, the abnormal coiling pattern appears to be related to the VEGFA down-regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laily Najafi
- Endocrine Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Honardoost
- Endocrine Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Alireza Khajavi
- Endocrine Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Student Research Committee, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Cheraghi
- Endocrine Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Kadivar
- Department of Pathology, Hazrat-e- Rasool Akram General Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad E Khamseh
- Endocrine Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Wu M, Zhao Y, Li L, Wang G, Xing L. Exosomal microRNA‑302a promotes trophoblast migration and proliferation, and represses angiogenesis by regulating the expression levels of VEGFA in preeclampsia. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:864. [PMID: 34676880 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The global morbidity rate of preeclampsia (PE) is 3‑7, and 10‑20% of maternal deaths are associated with PE. However, the mechanism of its pathogenesis remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between microRNA‑302a (miR‑302a) and PE. Firstly, the relative expression levels of miR‑302a in placental tissues from patients with PE and normal controls were analyzed using reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR. miR‑302a expression was upregulated in PE tissues, particularly in severe PE. Subsequently, HTR‑8/SVneo cells were transfected with miR‑302a vectors to overexpress miR‑302a. The overexpression of miR‑302a markedly promoted cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion in vitro. Subsequently, the present study examined the function of exosomes secreted by HTR‑8/SVneo cells transfected with miR‑302a vectors. Compared with the negative control vector group, miR‑302a expression was markedly increased in exosomes in the miR‑302a overexpression group. Additionally, exosomes with miR‑302a overexpression had repressed HUVEC invasion and ring formation. The luciferase reporter assay indicated that VEGFA was a direct target of miR‑302a, and miR‑302a expression was negatively correlated with VEGFA expression. In conclusion, the present results demonstrated that upregulation of miR‑302a may promote HTR‑8/SVneo cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and repress angiogenesis by targeting VEGFA, indicating that miR‑302a may be a potential target for the development of PE therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maoqin Wu
- Department of Obstetrics, Jinan City People's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 271199, P.R. China
| | - Yongqiang Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laigang Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 271126, P.R. China
| | - Lun Li
- Department of Obstetrics, Jinan City People's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 271199, P.R. China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Shandong Provincial Western Hospital, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250000, P.R. China
| | - Lin Xing
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jinan Fourth People Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250031, P.R. China
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Hu XQ, Zhang L. Hypoxia and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Pregnancy Complications. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10030405. [PMID: 33800426 PMCID: PMC7999178 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10030405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is a common and severe stress to an organism's homeostatic mechanisms, and hypoxia during gestation is associated with significantly increased incidence of maternal complications of preeclampsia, adversely impacting on the fetal development and subsequent risk for cardiovascular and metabolic disease. Human and animal studies have revealed a causative role of increased uterine vascular resistance and placental hypoxia in preeclampsia and fetal/intrauterine growth restriction (FGR/IUGR) associated with gestational hypoxia. Gestational hypoxia has a major effect on mitochondria of uteroplacental cells to overproduce reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress. Excess mitochondrial ROS in turn cause uteroplacental dysfunction by damaging cellular macromolecules, which underlies the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and FGR. In this article, we review the current understanding of hypoxia-induced mitochondrial ROS and their role in placental dysfunction and the pathogenesis of pregnancy complications. In addition, therapeutic approaches selectively targeting mitochondrial ROS in the placental cells are discussed.
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Hitzerd E, Broekhuizen M, Neuman RI, Colafella KMM, Merkus D, Schoenmakers S, Simons SHP, Reiss IKM, Danser AHJ. Human Placental Vascular Reactivity in Health and Disease: Implications for the Treatment of Pre-eclampsia. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:505-527. [PMID: 30950346 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190405145228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Adequate development of the placenta is essential for optimal pregnancy outcome. Pre-eclampsia (PE) is increasingly recognized to be a consequence of placental dysfunction and can cause serious maternal and fetal complications during pregnancy. Furthermore, PE increases the risk of neonatal problems and has been shown to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease of the mother later in life. Currently, there is no adequate treatment for PE, mainly because its multifactorial pathophysiology remains incompletely understood. It originates in early pregnancy with abnormal placentation and involves a cascade of dysregulated systems in the placental vasculature. To investigate therapeutic strategies it is essential to understand the regulation of vascular reactivity and remodeling of blood vessels in the placenta. Techniques using human tissue such as the ex vivo placental perfusion model provide insight in the vasoactive profile of the placenta, and are essential to study the effects of drugs on the fetal vasculature. This approach highlights the different pathways that are involved in the vascular regulation of the human placenta, changes that occur during PE and the importance of focusing on restoring these dysfunctional systems when studying treatment strategies for PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Hitzerd
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Michelle Broekhuizen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology; Division of Experimental Cardiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rugina I Neuman
- Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Katrina M Mirabito Colafella
- Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Cardiovascular Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Daphne Merkus
- Department of Cardiology; Division of Experimental Cardiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sam Schoenmakers
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sinno H P Simons
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Irwin K M Reiss
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - A H Jan Danser
- Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Abstract
Complications of pregnancy remain key drivers of morbidity and mortality, affecting the health of both the mother and her offspring in the short and long term. There is lack of detailed understanding of the pathways involved in the pathology and pathogenesis of compromised pregnancy, as well as a shortfall of effective prognostic, diagnostic and treatment options. In many complications of pregnancy, such as in preeclampsia, there is an increase in uteroplacental vascular resistance. However, the cause and effect relationship between placental dysfunction and adverse outcomes in the mother and her offspring remains uncertain. In this review, we aim to highlight the value of gestational hypoxia-induced complications of pregnancy in elucidating underlying molecular pathways and in assessing candidate therapeutic options for these complex disorders. Chronic maternal hypoxia not only mimics the placental pathology associated with obstetric syndromes like gestational hypertension at morphological, molecular and functional levels, but also recapitulates key symptoms that occur as maternal and fetal clinical manifestations of these pregnancy disorders. We propose that gestational hypoxia provides a useful model to study the inter-relationship between placental dysfunction and adverse outcomes in the mother and her offspring in a wide array of examples of complicated pregnancy, such as in preeclampsia.
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Cox AG, Gurusinghe S, Abd Rahman R, Leaw B, Chan ST, Mockler JC, Murthi P, Marshall SA, Lim R, Wallace EM. Sulforaphane improves endothelial function and reduces placental oxidative stress in vitro. Pregnancy Hypertens 2019; 16:1-10. [PMID: 31056142 DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The maternal endothelial dysfunction characteristic of preeclampsia arises, in part, from excessive placental production of anti-angiogenic factors, including soluble Flt-1, soluble endoglin and activin A, inducing oxidative stress. We assessed whether the antioxidant and NRF2-activator sulforaphane could mitigate endothelial and trophoblast dysfunction in vitro. METHODS We induced dysfunction in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with TNF-α, assessing endothelial activation and dysfunction (endothelin-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule; VCAM1, intracellular adhesion molecule; ICAM1, e-selectin and endothelial permeability) in the presence or absence of sulforaphane. We also assessed the effects of sulforaphane in mitigating hypoxic and hyperoxic injury in term placental explants by measuring secretion of anti-angiogenic factors. To assess the role of NRF2 we silenced NRF2 in HUVECs and primary trophoblast cells. RESULTS Sulforaphane reduced TNF-α mediated HUVEC secretion of endothelin-1, VCAM1, ICAM1 and E-selectin, and prevented increased endothelial permeability. In placental explants, sulforaphane reduced the secretion of soluble Flt-1, soluble endoglin and activin A. Sulforaphane induced activation and nuclear translocation of NRF2 in HUVECs, inducing heme oxygenase 1. NRF2 silencing blocked some but not all of sulforaphane's effects in HUVECs. NRF2 silencing did not prevent sulforaphane's inhibition of trophobast secretion of soluble Flt-1 or activin A. CONCLUSION In reducing placental and endothelial oxidative stress, sulforaphane may offer a new adjuvant therapeutic approach for the treatment of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie G Cox
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Seshini Gurusinghe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rahana Abd Rahman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Bryan Leaw
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Siow T Chan
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Joanne C Mockler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Padma Murthi
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Sarah A Marshall
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Rebecca Lim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Euan M Wallace
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
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Angiogenic Factors produced by Hypoxic Cells are a leading driver of Anastomoses in Sprouting Angiogenesis-a computational study. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8726. [PMID: 29880828 PMCID: PMC5992150 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27034-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis - the growth of new blood vessels from a pre-existing vasculature - is key in both physiological processes and on several pathological scenarios such as cancer progression or diabetic retinopathy. For the new vascular networks to be functional, it is required that the growing sprouts merge either with an existing functional mature vessel or with another growing sprout. This process is called anastomosis. We present a systematic 2D and 3D computational study of vessel growth in a tissue to address the capability of angiogenic factor gradients to drive anastomosis formation. We consider that these growth factors are produced only by tissue cells in hypoxia, i.e. until nearby vessels merge and become capable of carrying blood and irrigating their vicinity. We demonstrate that this increased production of angiogenic factors by hypoxic cells is able to promote vessel anastomoses events in both 2D and 3D. The simulations also verify that the morphology of these networks has an increased resilience toward variations in the endothelial cell's proliferation and chemotactic response. The distribution of tissue cells and the concentration of the growth factors they produce are the major factors in determining the final morphology of the network.
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Jinjun W, Zhaowei W, Qiang L, Zhijun X, Juanzi Z, Lin L, Guixi J. sFLT-1 inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion of colorectal cancer SW480 cells through vascular mimicry formation suppression. Tumour Biol 2017; 39:1010428317698339. [PMID: 28468595 DOI: 10.1177/1010428317698339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate the effects of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 on the vascular mimicry formation, proliferation, migration, and invasion of colorectal cancer SW480 cells. The recombinant plasmid pBLAST49-sFLT-1 or pBLAST49 control plasmid was transfected into SW480 cells to obtain hsFLT-1-SW480 or Ctrl-SW480 cells. The three-dimensional model culture, sulforhodamine B assay, scratch assay, and Transwell assay were performed to detect the vascular mimicry formation, proliferation, migration, and invasion of colorectal cancer SW480 cells, respectively. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of vascular endothelial–cadherin protein. Compared with Ctrl-SW480 cells, vascular mimicry formation ((0.85 ± 0.04) vs (7.40 ± 0.69), p < 0.05) and vascular endothelial–cadherin expression ((1.25 ± 0.08) vs (1.89 ± 0.03), p < 0.05) were significantly decreased, and the growth rate was also significantly decreased in hsFLT-1-SW480 cells ((32.54 ± 5.12) vs (88.13 ± 11.52), p < 0.05). Moreover, the migration ((0.46 ± 0.08) vs (0.94 ± 0.03), p < 0.05) and invasion capacity ((59.14 ± 3.64) vs (134.85 ± 10.16), p < 0.05) of SW480 cells were significantly inhibited upon soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 transfection. soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of colorectal cancer SW480 cells through suppression of vascular mimicry formation, which provides a good basis for the development of new drugs for the treatment of colorectal cancer by targeting both angiogenesis and vascular mimicry formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Jinjun
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Affiliated Qingdao Hiser hospital of Qingdao University (Qingdao Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wang Zhaowei
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Affiliated Qingdao Hiser hospital of Qingdao University (Qingdao Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Li Qiang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Affiliated Qingdao Hiser hospital of Qingdao University (Qingdao Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xue Zhijun
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Affiliated Qingdao Hiser hospital of Qingdao University (Qingdao Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhang Juanzi
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Affiliated Qingdao Hiser hospital of Qingdao University (Qingdao Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Li Lin
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Affiliated Qingdao Hiser hospital of Qingdao University (Qingdao Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jiang Guixi
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Affiliated Qingdao Hiser hospital of Qingdao University (Qingdao Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
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Mei Z, Huang B, Mo Y, Fan J. An exploratory study into the role of miR-204-5p in pregnancy-induced hypertension. Exp Ther Med 2017; 13:1711-1718. [PMID: 28565757 PMCID: PMC5443271 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.4212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanism that leads to pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), a pregnancy-specific syndrome, remains poorly understood. It has been suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs) may be potentially useful biomarkers for severe preeclampsia (PE), which is an important condition associated with PIH. The aim of the present study was to identify miR-204 by verifying differentially expressed serum miRNAs in patients with PIH during pregnancy compared with normal controls. Subsequently, the effects of miR-204 on proliferation and apoptosis of human choriocarcinoma (JAR) cells in hypoxic microenvironment were investigated. Previous studies indicated a number of miRNA candidates and the present study validated the expression of eight miRNAs in serum samples using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). A higher expression of miR-204 was identified in patients with PIH. To assess the impact of miR-204 inhibition on hypoxic JAR cells function in vitro, cell proliferation was detected using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. The rate of apoptosis and cell cycle progression was then examined by flow cytometry. RT-qPCR confirmed that serum miR-204-5p is more highly expressed in patients with PIH. Further statistical analysis indicated that the survival ratio of JAR cells in hypoxic microenvironments was increased in the miR-204-5p inhibitor group. However, the miR-204-5p inhibitor protected hypoxic JAR cells from apoptosis. The analysis of cell-cycle status demonstrated that the percentage of cells in the G2/G1 phase was larger compared with the control group. The results of the present study suggest that low levels of miR-204-5p may increase cell proliferation and reduce cell apoptosis with cell cycle changes in vitro. Therefore, serum miR-204-5p may be used as a notable biomarker for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of PIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiong Mei
- Department of Obstetrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Baoqin Huang
- Department of Obstetrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Ying Mo
- Department of Obstetrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Jianhui Fan
- Department of Obstetrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
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Tang P, Xu J, Xie BJ, Wang QM. Use of serum and urinary soluble sFlt-1 and PLGF in the diagnosis of preeclampsia. Hypertens Pregnancy 2016; 36:48-52. [PMID: 27834501 DOI: 10.1080/10641955.2016.1237642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Preeclampsia (PE) is a disorder of pregnancy marked by hypertension and proteinuria with no known treatment aside from pregnancy termination. The pathogenesis of PE is poorly understood, but is thought to originate in the placenta. We assessed the value of measuring serum and urinary soluble deformylase-like tyrosine kinase receptor 1 (sFlt-1), a known target of placental factors, and placental growth factor (PLGF), a key placental signaling molecule, in the diagnosis of PE. METHODS Eighty patients with PE were classified as either exhibiting mild (44 cases) or severe (36 cases) symptoms of PE. Forty normal pregnant women were selected as controls. Serum and urinary PLGF and sFlt-1 levels, along with the ratio of sFlt-1 to PLGF, were compared across groups. RESULTS Serum and urinary sFlt-1 and sFlt-1/PLGF ratios in severe PE patients were significantly higher than those in the mild PE group, and measurements from mild PE patients were significantly higher than controls (all P values <0.01). The serum and urinary PLGF levels in severe PE patients were significantly lower than mild PE patients, and mild PE patients had significantly lower PLGF levels than controls (all P values <0.01). As expected, serum sFlt-1 and PLGF levels and ratios were highly correlated with urinary sFlt-1 and PLGF levels and ratios. CONCLUSIONS The severity of PE was closely correlated with these measurements, suggesting that they may be useful tools in the diagnosis and evaluation of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Tang
- a Obstetrics Department , The Second People's Hospital of Liaocheng City , Liaocheng, Shandong Province, P. R . China
| | - Jing Xu
- b Department of Clinical Laboratory , The Second People's Hospital of Liaocheng City , Liaocheng, Shandong Province, P. R . China
| | - Bao-Jun Xie
- b Department of Clinical Laboratory , The Second People's Hospital of Liaocheng City , Liaocheng, Shandong Province, P. R . China
| | - Qi-Mei Wang
- a Obstetrics Department , The Second People's Hospital of Liaocheng City , Liaocheng, Shandong Province, P. R . China
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Kanki K, Ii M, Terai Y, Ohmichi M, Asahi M. Bone Marrow-Derived Endothelial Progenitor Cells Reduce Recurrent Miscarriage in Gestation. Cell Transplant 2016; 25:2187-2197. [PMID: 27513361 DOI: 10.3727/096368916x692753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been shown to contribute to not only angiogenesis in ischemic tissue but also neovascularization in uterine endometrium formation. Reduced neovascularization and elevation of serum soluble Flt1, a functional blockage of VEGF, in the development of placenta is thought to be one of the major causes of repeated miscarriages in gestation. We then examined whether transfusion of VEGF-expressing extrinsic EPCs prevented frequent miscarriage via its promotional effect on neovascularization with a VEGFeNOS signaling pathway in a mouse miscarriage model. The results showed that systemic EPC transfusion significantly reduced the rate of miscarriage, and EPCs were frequently observed in the miscarriage placenta. In contrast, only a few EPCs were detected in the placenta of normal gestation. The vascular pattern was irregular, and vessel size was small in the miscarriage placenta compared with that of normal gestation. The placental vascular pattern in miscarriage tended to be normalized with increased vessel size up to a similar level as normal gestation by EPC recruitment. For the mechanistic insight, since soluble Flt1 inhibits EPC functions, it was suggested that the increased soluble Flt1 could suppress the recruited EPC functional activity in the miscarriage placenta. In vitro experiments by soluble Flt1 treatment in cultured EPCs suggested that the vascular abnormality could be partly due to the inhibition of eNOS expression by the increased amounts of soluble Flt1. These findings from animal experiments indicated that autologous EPC therapy may be a novel therapy to prevent miscarriage in high-risk pregnancies, such as preeclampsia.
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Lee DK, Nevo O. Microvascular endothelial cells from preeclamptic women exhibit altered expression of angiogenic and vasopressor factors. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2016; 310:H1834-41. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00083.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a severe complication of pregnancy associated with maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The underlying pathophysiology involves maternal systemic vascular and endothelial dysfunction associated with circulating antiangiogenic factors, although the specific etiology of the disease remains elusive. Our aim was to investigate the maternal endothelium in PE by exploring the expression of genes involved with endothelial function in a novel platform of maternal primary endothelial cells. Adipose tissue was sampled at the time of caesarean section from both normal and preeclamptic patients. Maternal microvascular endothelial cells were isolated by tissue digestion and CD31 magnetic Dynabeads. Cell purity was confirmed by immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Western analyses revealed VEGF activation of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and ERK in primary cells. Quantitative PCR analyses revealed significantly altered mRNA levels of various genes involved with angiogenesis and blood pressure control in preeclamptic cells, including soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1, endoglin, VEGFR2, angiotensin receptor 1, and endothelin compared with cells isolated from normal pregnancies. Overall, maternal endothelial cells from preeclamptic patients exhibit extensive alteration of expression of factors associated with antiangiogenic and vasoconstrictive phenotypes, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms associated with the vascular dysfunction characteristic of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis K. Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ori Nevo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Kroener L, Wang ET, Pisarska MD. Predisposing Factors to Abnormal First Trimester Placentation and the Impact on Fetal Outcomes. Semin Reprod Med 2015; 34:27-35. [PMID: 26696276 DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1570029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Normal placentation during the first trimester sets the stage for the rest of pregnancy and involves a finely orchestrated cellular and molecular interplay of maternal and fetal tissues. The resulting intrauterine environment plays an important role in fetal programming and the future health of the fetus, and is impacted by multiple genetic and epigenetic factors. Abnormalities in placentation and spiral artery invasion can lead to ischemia, placental disease, and adverse obstetrical outcomes including preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, and placental abruption. Although first trimester placentation is affected by multiple factors, preconception environmental influences such as mode of conception, including assisted reproductive technologies which result in fertilization in vitro and intrauterine influences due to sex differences, are emerging as potential significant factors impacting first trimester placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Kroener
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Erica T Wang
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Margareta D Pisarska
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
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Mukhopadhyay A, Ravikumar G, Dwarkanath P, Meraaj H, Thomas A, Crasta J, Thomas T, Kurpad A, Sridhar T. Placental expression of the insulin receptor binding protein GRB10: Relation to human fetoplacental growth and fetal gender. Placenta 2015; 36:1225-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2015.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Lloyd-Griffith C, McFadden TM, Duffy GP, Unger RE, Kirkpatrick CJ, O’Brien FJ. The pre-vascularisation of a collagen-chondroitin sulphate scaffold using human amniotic fluid-derived stem cells to enhance and stabilise endothelial cell-mediated vessel formation. Acta Biomater 2015; 26:263-73. [PMID: 26300337 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2015.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A major problem in tissue engineering (TE) is graft failure in vivo due to core degradation in in vitro engineered constructs designed to regenerate thick tissues such as bone. The integration of constructs post-implantation relies on the rapid formation of functional vasculature. A recent approach to overcome core degradation focuses on the creation of cell-based, pre-engineered vasculature formed within the TE construct in vitro, prior to implantation in vivo. The primary objective of this study was to investigate whether an amniotic fluid-derived stem cell (AFSC)-human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) co-culture could be used to engineer in vitro vasculature in a collagen chondroitin sulphate (CCS) scaffold. The secondary objective was to investigate whether hypoxic conditions (2% O2) could enhance microcapillary-like structure formation by this co-culture. The results of this study demonstrate, for the first time, that the AFSC-HUVEC co-culture was capable of pre-vascularising CCS scaffolds within 7 days and that the AFSCs are capable of behaving as pericytes while interacting with HUVECS to form microcapillary-like structures. However, this microcapillary-like structure formation was reduced in hypoxic conditions. qRT-PCR analysis indicated that an upregulation of VEGFR1 and accompanying decrease of VEGFR2 gene expression may be responsible for the poor response of these microcapillary-like structures to hypoxic conditions. Overall, however, these results demonstrate the potential of this newly developed co-culture system for the formation of pre-engineered vasculature within TE constructs. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE This article describes the development of an amniotic fluid-derived stem cell (AFSC)-human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) co-culture for use in engineering in vitro vasculature in a collagen chondroitin sulphate (CCS) scaffold. The article also describes the effect of hypoxic conditions on the networks of microcapillary-like structures formed by this co-culture. The AFSC-HUVEC co-culture was capable of pre-vascularising CCS scaffolds within 7 days. However, microcapillary-like structure formation was reduced in hypoxic conditions. Overall, these results demonstrate the potential of this newly developed co-culture system for the formation of pre-engineered vasculature within TE constructs. The proangiogenic nature of this co-culture has the potential to both enhance bone regeneration while also overcoming the problem of inadequate vascularisation of grafts commonly seen in the field of tissue engineering.
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Zozzaro-Smith PE, Bushway ME, Gerber SA, Hebert D, Pressman EK, Lord EM, Miller RK, Murphy SP. Whole mount immunofluorescence analysis of placentas from normotensive versus preeclamptic pregnancies. Placenta 2015; 36:1310-7. [PMID: 26386651 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Defects in placental angiogenesis and spiral artery remodeling have been proposed to play essential roles in the development of preeclampsia. However, the specific molecular mechanism(s) responsible for aberrant placental angiogenesis in preeclampsia are incompletely understood. The vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR1, R2, R3) and STAT3 have critical functions in normal blood vessel development, but their potential roles in preeclampsia are currently unclear. In this study, we utilized a novel whole mount immunofluorescence (WMIF) method to compare expression of VEGFR1, R2, R3 and activated, phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3) in placentas of preeclamptic (PE) versus normotensive (NT) pregnancies. METHODS Placental biopsies collected from NT and PE pregnant women were fixed and stained with fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies to identify specific cell populations as follows: CD31 for blood vessel endothelial cells, cytokeratin-7 for trophoblast cells, and CD45 for immune cells. Expression of the VEGFRs and pSTAT3 were subsequently characterized by WMIF in conjunction with confocal microscopy. RESULTS A total of 18 PE and 18 NT placentas were evaluated. No significant differences in the cell type-specific expression patterns or expression levels of VEGFR1, VEGFR2 or VEGFR3 were detected between NT and PE placentas. In contrast, statistically significant increases in pSTAT3 staining were detected in endothelial cells of PE placentas versus NT controls. DISCUSSION Our study demonstrates that increased pSTAT3 expression in placental endothelial cells is associated with PE. We speculate that elevated pSTAT3 expression in the blood vessels of PE placentas may be due to aberrant angiogenesis, increased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, and/or placental stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- P E Zozzaro-Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - M E Bushway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - S A Gerber
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - D Hebert
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - E K Pressman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - E M Lord
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - R K Miller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - S P Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
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Nikuei P, Malekzadeh K, Rajaei M, Nejatizadeh A, Ghasemi N. The imbalance in expression of angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors as candidate predictive biomarker in preeclampsia. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE 2015; 13:251-62. [PMID: 26221124 PMCID: PMC4515231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is an important pregnancy disorder with serious maternal and fetal complications which its etiology has not been completely understood yet. Early diagnosis and management of disease could reduce its potential side effects. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family including VEGF-A is the most potent endothelial growth factor which induces angiogenesis and endothelial cell proliferation and has basic role in vasculogenesis. VEGF and its tyrosine kinase receptors (Flt1 and KDR) are major factors for fetal and placental angiogenic development. Finding mechanisms involved in expression of angiogenic factors may lead to new prognostic and therapeutic points in management of preeclampsia. Recent researches, has shown capability of some anti-angiogenic factors as potential candidate to be used as early predictors for preeclampsia. Soluble fms-like tyrosin kinase-1 (sFlt1) is a truncated splice variant of the membrane-bound VEGF receptor Flt1, that is produced by the placenta and it can bind to angiogenic growth factors and neutraliz, their effects. It is also observed that the ratio of sFlt1 to placental growth factor is valuable as prognostic marker. In this review, VEGF family member's role in angiogenesis is evaluated as biomarkers to be used for prediction of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooneh Nikuei
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
| | - Kianoosh Malekzadeh
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
| | - Minoo Rajaei
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
| | - Azim Nejatizadeh
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
| | - Nasrin Ghasemi
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
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Lee D, Nevo O. 2-Methoxyestradiol regulates VEGFR-2 and sFlt-1 expression in human placenta. Placenta 2015; 36:125-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2014.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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