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Dai Y, Peng Y, Lu Z, Mao T, Chen K, Lu X, Liu K, Zhou X, Hu W, Wang H. Prenatal prednisone exposure impacts liver development and function in fetal mice and its characteristics. Toxicol Sci 2024; 199:63-80. [PMID: 38439560 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae027] [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] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Prednisone, a widely used glucocorticoid drug in human and veterinary medicine, has been reported to cause developmental toxicity. However, systematic studies about the effect of prednisone on fetal liver development are still unclear. We investigated the potential effects of maternal exposure to clinically equivalent doses of prednisone during different gestational stages on cell proliferation and apoptosis, cell differentiation, glucose and lipid metabolism, and hematopoiesis in the liver of fetal mice, and explored the potential mechanisms. Results showed that prenatal prednisone exposure (PPE) could suppress cell proliferation, inhibit hepatocyte differentiation, and promote cholangiocyte differentiation in the fetal liver. Meanwhile, PPE could result in the enhancement of glyconeogenesis and bile acid synthesis and the inhibition of fatty acid β-oxidation and hematopoiesis in the fetal liver. Further analysis found that PPE-induced alterations in liver development had obvious stage and sex differences. Overall, the alteration in fetal liver development and function induced by PPE was most pronounced during the whole pregnancy (GD0-18), and the males were relatively more affected than the females. Additionally, fetal hepatic insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) signaling pathway was inhibited by PPE. In conclusion, PPE could impact fetal liver development and multiple functions, and these alterations might be partially related to the inhibition of IGF1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongguo Dai
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430071, China
| | - Yu Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430071, China
| | - Zhengjie Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430071, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430071, China
| | - Tongyun Mao
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430071, China
| | - Kaiqi Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430071, China
| | - Xiaoqian Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430071, China
| | - Kexin Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430071, China
| | - Xinli Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430071, China
| | - Wen Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430071, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430071, China
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Dai Y, Peng Y, Hu W, Liu Y, Wang H. Prenatal amoxicillin exposure induces developmental toxicity in fetal mice and its characteristics. J Environ Sci (China) 2024; 137:287-301. [PMID: 37980015 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2023.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Amoxicillin, a widely used antibiotic in human and veterinary pharmaceuticals, is now considered as an "emerging contaminant" because it exists widespreadly in the environment and brings a series of adverse outcomes. Currently, systematic studies about the developmental toxicity of amoxicillin are still lacking. We explored the potential effects of amoxicillin exposure on pregnancy outcomes, maternal/fetal serum phenotypes, and fetal multiple organ development in mice, at different doses (75, 150, 300 mg/(kg·day)) during late-pregnancy, or at a dose of 300 mg/(kg·day) during different stages (mid-/late-pregnancy) and courses (single-/multi-course). Results showed that prenatal amoxicillin exposure (PAmE) had no significant influence on the body weights of dams, but it could inhibit the physical development and reduce the survival rate of fetuses, especially during the mid-pregnancy. Meanwhile, PAmE altered multiple maternal/fetal serum phenotypes, especially in fetuses. Fetal multi-organ function results showed that PAmE inhibited testicular/adrenal steroid synthesis, long bone/cartilage and hippocampal development, and enhanced ovarian steroid synthesis and hepatic glycogenesis/lipogenesis, and the order of severity might be gonad (testis, ovary) > liver > others. Further analysis found that PAmE-induced multi-organ developmental and functional alterations had differences in stages, courses and fetal gender, and the most obvious changes might be in high-dose, late-pregnancy and multi-course, but there was no typical rule of a dose-response relationship. In conclusion, this study confirmed that PAmE could cause abnormal development and multi-organ function alterations, which deepens our understanding of the risk of PAmE and provides an experimental basis for further exploration of the long-term harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongguo Dai
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yu Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Wen Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China.
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Davies KL, Miles J, Camm EJ, Smith DJ, Barker P, Taylor K, Forhead AJ, Fowden AL. Prenatal cortisol exposure impairs adrenal function but not glucose metabolism in adult sheep. J Endocrinol 2024; 260:e230326. [PMID: 38109257 PMCID: PMC10895281 DOI: 10.1530/joe-23-0326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Adverse environmental conditions before birth are known to programme adult metabolic and endocrine phenotypes in several species. However, whether increments in fetal cortisol concentrations of the magnitude commonly seen in these conditions can cause developmental programming remains unknown. Thus, this study investigated the outcome of physiological increases in fetal cortisol concentrations on glucose-insulin dynamics and pituitary-adrenal function in adult sheep. Compared with saline treatment, intravenous fetal cortisol infusion for 5 days in late gestation did not affect birthweight but increased lamb body weight at 1-2 weeks after birth. Adult glucose dynamics, insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion were unaffected by prenatal cortisol overexposure, assessed by glucose tolerance tests, hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamps and acute insulin administration. In contrast, prenatal cortisol infusion induced adrenal hypo-responsiveness in adulthood with significantly reduced cortisol responses to insulin-induced hypoglycaemia and exogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) administration relative to saline treatment. The area of adrenal cortex expressed as a percentage of the total cross-sectional area of the adult adrenal gland was also lower after prenatal cortisol than saline infusion. In adulthood, basal circulating ACTH but not cortisol concentrations were significantly higher in the cortisol than saline-treated group. The results show that cortisol overexposure before birth programmes pituitary-adrenal development with consequences for adult stress responses. Physiological variations in cortisol concentrations before birth may, therefore, have an important role in determining adult phenotypical diversity and adaptability to environmental challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- K L Davies
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, UK
| | - J Miles
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, UK
| | - E J Camm
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, UK
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Australia
| | - D J Smith
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, UK
| | - P Barker
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Mouse Biochemistry Laboratory, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - K Taylor
- Endocrine Laboratory, Blood Sciences, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - A J Forhead
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - A L Fowden
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, UK
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Nemec-Bakk AS, Bel J, Niccoli S, Boreham DR, Tai TC, Lees SJ, Khaper N. Effects of prenatal dexamethasone exposure on adult C57BL/6J mouse metabolism and oxidative stress. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2024; 102:180-195. [PMID: 38329060 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2023-0254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Prenatal glucocorticoid exposure has been shown to alter hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function resulting in altered fetal development that can persist through adulthood. Fetal exposure to excess dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid, has been shown to alter adult behaviour and metabolism. This study investigated the effects prenatal dexamethasone exposure had on adult offspring cardiac and liver metabolism and oxidative stress. Pregnant C57BL/6 mice received a dose of 0.4 mg/kg dexamethasone on gestational days 15-17. Once pups were approximately 7 months old, glucose uptake was determined using positron emission tomography and insulin resistance (IR) was determined by homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) IR calculation. Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring 4-hydroxynonenal protein adduct formation and total reactive oxygen species. Female dexamethasone group had significantly increased glucose uptake when insulin stimulated compared to vehicle-treated mice. HOMA IR revealed no evidence of IR in either male or female offspring. There was also no change in oxidative stress markers in either cardiac or liver tissues of male or female offspring. These data suggest that prenatal dexamethasone exposure in male mice does not alter oxidative stress or metabolism. However, prenatal dexamethasone exposure increased glucocorticoids, cardiac glucose uptake, and pAkt signaling in female heart tissues in adult mice, suggesting there are sex differences in prenatal dexamethasone exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Nemec-Bakk
- Department of Science and Environmental studies, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - J Bel
- Department of Science and Environmental studies, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - S Niccoli
- Medical Science Division, NOSM University, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - D R Boreham
- Medical Science Division, NOSM University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - T C Tai
- Medical Science Division, NOSM University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - S J Lees
- Medical Science Division, NOSM University, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - N Khaper
- Medical Science Division, NOSM University, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada
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Al-khayyat W, Pirkkanen J, Dougherty J, Laframboise T, Dickinson N, Khaper N, Lees SJ, Mendonca MS, Boreham DR, Tai TC, Thome C, Tharmalingam S. Overexpression of FRA1 ( FOSL1) Leads to Global Transcriptional Perturbations, Reduced Cellular Adhesion and Altered Cell Cycle Progression. Cells 2023; 12:2344. [PMID: 37830558 PMCID: PMC10571788 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
FRA1 (FOSL1) is a transcription factor and a member of the activator protein-1 superfamily. FRA1 is expressed in most tissues at low levels, and its expression is robustly induced in response to extracellular signals, leading to downstream cellular processes. However, abnormal FRA1 overexpression has been reported in various pathological states, including tumor progression and inflammation. To date, the molecular effects of FRA1 overexpression are still not understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the transcriptional and functional effects of FRA1 overexpression using the CGL1 human hybrid cell line. FRA1-overexpressing CGL1 cells were generated using stably integrated CRISPR-mediated transcriptional activation, resulting in a 2-3 fold increase in FRA1 mRNA and protein levels. RNA-sequencing identified 298 differentially expressed genes with FRA1 overexpression. Gene ontology analysis showed numerous molecular networks enriched with FRA1 overexpression, including transcription-factor binding, regulation of the extracellular matrix and adhesion, and a variety of signaling processes, including protein kinase activity and chemokine signaling. In addition, cell functional assays demonstrated reduced cell adherence to fibronectin and collagen with FRA1 overexpression and altered cell cycle progression. Taken together, this study unravels the transcriptional response mediated by FRA1 overexpression and establishes the role of FRA1 in adhesion and cell cycle progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wuroud Al-khayyat
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (W.A.-k.); (N.D.); (D.R.B.); (T.C.T.); (C.T.)
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (J.P.); (J.D.); (T.L.)
| | - Jake Pirkkanen
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (J.P.); (J.D.); (T.L.)
| | - Jessica Dougherty
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (J.P.); (J.D.); (T.L.)
| | - Taylor Laframboise
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (J.P.); (J.D.); (T.L.)
| | - Noah Dickinson
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (W.A.-k.); (N.D.); (D.R.B.); (T.C.T.); (C.T.)
| | - Neelam Khaper
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 955 Oliver Rd., Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada; (N.K.); (S.J.L.)
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - Simon J. Lees
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 955 Oliver Rd., Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada; (N.K.); (S.J.L.)
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - Marc S. Mendonca
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiation and Cancer Biology Laboratories, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Douglas R. Boreham
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (W.A.-k.); (N.D.); (D.R.B.); (T.C.T.); (C.T.)
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (J.P.); (J.D.); (T.L.)
| | - Tze Chun Tai
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (W.A.-k.); (N.D.); (D.R.B.); (T.C.T.); (C.T.)
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (J.P.); (J.D.); (T.L.)
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, ON P3E 2H2, Canada
| | - Christopher Thome
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (W.A.-k.); (N.D.); (D.R.B.); (T.C.T.); (C.T.)
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (J.P.); (J.D.); (T.L.)
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, ON P3E 2H2, Canada
| | - Sujeenthar Tharmalingam
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (W.A.-k.); (N.D.); (D.R.B.); (T.C.T.); (C.T.)
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (J.P.); (J.D.); (T.L.)
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, ON P3E 2H2, Canada
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Lalonde C, Sreetharan S, Murray A, Stoa L, Cybulski ME, Kennedy A, Landry N, Stillar A, Khurana S, Tharmalingam S, Wilson J, Khaper N, Lees SJ, Boreham D, Tai TC. Absence of Depressive and Anxious Behavior with Genetic Dysregulation in Adult C57Bl/6J Mice after Prenatal Exposure to Ionizing Radiation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108466. [PMID: 37239811 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The exposure of ionizing radiation during early gestation often leads to deleterious and even lethal effects; however, few extensive studies have been conducted on late gestational exposures. This research examined the behavior al effects of C57Bl/6J mouse offspring exposed to low dose ionizing gamma irradiation during the equivalent third trimester. Pregnant dams were randomly assigned to sham or exposed groups to either low dose or sublethal dose radiation (50, 300, or 1000 mGy) at gestational day 15. Adult offspring underwent a behavioral and genetic analysis after being raised under normal murine housing conditions. Our results indicate very little change in the behavioral tasks measuring general anxiety, social anxiety, and stress-management in animals exposed prenatally across the low dose radiation conditions. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions were conducted on the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum of each animal; results indicate some dysregulation in markers of DNA damage, synaptic activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulation, and methylation pathways in the offspring. Together, our results provide evidence in the C57Bl/6J strain, that exposure to sublethal dose radiation (<1000 mGy) during the last period of gestation leads to no observable changes in behaviour when assessed as adults, although some changes in gene expression were observed for specific brain regions. These results indicate that the level of oxidative stress occurring during late gestation for this mouse strain is not sufficient for a change in the assessed behavioral phenotype, but results in some modest dysregulation of the genetic profile of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Lalonde
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
| | - Shayenthiran Sreetharan
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S4L8, Canada
| | - Alyssa Murray
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
| | - Lisa Stoa
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S4L8, Canada
| | | | - Allison Kennedy
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
| | - Nicholas Landry
- Department of Psychology, Nipissing University, North Bay, ON P1B8L7, Canada
| | - Amy Stillar
- Department of Psychology, Nipissing University, North Bay, ON P1B8L7, Canada
| | - Sandhya Khurana
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
| | - Sujeenthar Tharmalingam
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
| | - Joanna Wilson
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S4L8, Canada
| | - Neelam Khaper
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
| | - Simon J Lees
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
| | - Douglas Boreham
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
| | - T C Tai
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
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Xu T, Ji B, Li L, Lei J, Zhao M, Sun M, Xu Z, Gao Q. Antenatal Dexamethasone Exposure Impairs Vascular Contractile Functions via Upregulating IP3 Receptor 1 and Cav1.2 in Adult Male Offspring. Hypertension 2022; 79:1997-2007. [PMID: 35762340 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.122.19040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Administration of antenatal glucocorticoids remains common practice for treating preterm delivery. Antenatal glucocorticoid exposure increased the risk of developing vascular diseases in later life, but the precise mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects and mechanisms of antenatal exposure to clinically relevant doses of dexamethasone (synthetic glucocorticoids) on vascular functions in adult male offspring. METHODS Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats received dexamethasone or vehicle during the last week of pregnancy. Male offspring were killed at gestational day 21 (Fetus) or postnatal day 120 (adult offspring). Mesenteric arteries were collected for vascular function, electrophysiology, target gene expression, and promotor methylation studies. RESULTS Antenatal dexamethasone exposure increased phenylephrine-mediated vascular contractility in offspring, which was resulted by the activated inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor and L-type Ca2+ channels. Specifically, increases of IP3R1 (IP3 receptor 1) and Cav1.2 (L-type Ca2+ channels subunit alpha1 C) were responsible for an activated IP3-Ca2+ pathway in the vasculature, and eventually predisposed the antenatal dexamethasone offspring to vascular hypercontractility. In addition, IP3R1 and Cav1.2 was upregulated through transcriptional mechanism; the overall changes in promotor histone modifications were consistent with the corresponding changes in transcriptional levels of the 2 genes, suggesting that antenatal dexamethasone exposure activated the transcription of IP3R1 and Cav1.2 via altering promotor histone modifications. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, this study demonstrated that antenatal dexamethasone exposure resulted in vascular adverse outcomes in male offspring that is linked to the increases of IP3R1 and Cav1.2 mediated by epigenetic modifications in the vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Xu
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China (T.X., B.J., L.L., J.L., M.Z., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.)
| | - Bingyu Ji
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China (T.X., B.J., L.L., J.L., M.Z., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.)
| | - Lingjun Li
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China (T.X., B.J., L.L., J.L., M.Z., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.)
| | - Jiahui Lei
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China (T.X., B.J., L.L., J.L., M.Z., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.)
| | - Meng Zhao
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China (T.X., B.J., L.L., J.L., M.Z., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.)
| | - Miao Sun
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China (T.X., B.J., L.L., J.L., M.Z., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.)
| | - Zhice Xu
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China (T.X., B.J., L.L., J.L., M.Z., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.)
| | - Qinqin Gao
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China (T.X., B.J., L.L., J.L., M.Z., M.S., Z.X., Q.G.)
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Gene Dysregulation in the Adult Rat Paraventricular Nucleus and Amygdala by Prenatal Exposure to Dexamethasone. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12071077. [PMID: 35888164 PMCID: PMC9316520 DOI: 10.3390/life12071077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Fetal programming is the concept that maternal stressors during critical periods of fetal development can alter offspring phenotypes postnatally. Excess glucocorticoids can interact with the fetus to effect genetic and epigenetic changes implicated in adverse developmental outcomes. The present study investigates how chronic exposure to the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone during late gestation alters the expression of genes related to behavior in brain areas relevant to the regulation and function of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Pregnant Wistar Kyoto rats received subcutaneous injections of dexamethasone (100 μg/kg) daily from gestational day 15–21 or vehicle only as sham controls. The amygdala and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) were micro-punched to extract mRNA for reverse transcription and quantitative polymerase chain reaction for the analysis of the expression of specific genes. In the PVN, the expression of the glucocorticoid receptor NR3C1 was downregulated in female rats in response to programming. The expression of CACNA1C encoding the Cav1.2 pore subunit of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels was downregulated in male and female rats prenatally exposed to dexamethasone. Collectively, the results suggest that prenatal exposure to elevated levels of glucocorticoids plays a role in the dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and potentially learning and memory by altering the expression of specific genes within the amygdala and PVN.
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Dai Y, Kou H, Gui S, Guo X, Liu H, Gong Z, Sun X, Wang H, Guo Y. Prenatal dexamethasone exposure induced pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and glucose intolerance of male offspring rats: Role of the epigenetic repression of ACE2. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 826:154095. [PMID: 35219660 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of diabetes in children and adolescents has been rising gradually, which is relevant to adverse environment during development, especially prepartum. We aimed to explore the effects of prenatal dexamethasone exposure (PDE) on β-cell function and glucose homeostasis in juvenile offspring rats. Pregnant Wistar rats were subcutaneously administered with dexamethasone [0.1, 0.2, 0.4mg/(kg.d)] from gestational day 9 to 20. PDE impaired glucose tolerance in the male offspring rather than the females. In male offspring, PDE impaired the development and function of β-cells, accompanied with lower H3K9ac, H3K14ac and H3K27ac levels in the promoter region of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as well as suppressed ACE2 expression. Meanwhile, PDE increased expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) in fetal pancreas. Dexamethasone also inhibited ACE2 expression and insulin production in vitro. Recombinant expression of ACE2 restored insulin production inhibited by dexamethasone. In addition, dexamethasone activated GR and HDAC3, increased protein interaction of GR with HDAC3, and promoted the binding of GR-HDAC3 complex to ACE2 promoter region. Both RU486 and TSA abolished dexamethasone-induced decline of histone acetylation and ACE2 expression. In summary, suppression of ACE2 is involved in PDE induced β-cell dysfunction and glucose intolerance in juvenile male offspring rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongguo Dai
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hao Kou
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuxia Gui
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoling Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Heze Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng Gong
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxiang Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yu Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China.
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10
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Murray A, Tharmalingam S, Khurana S, Lalonde C, Nguyen P, Tai TC. Effect of Prenatal Glucocorticoid Exposure on Circadian Rhythm Gene Expression in the Brains of Adult Rat Offspring. Cells 2022; 11:cells11101613. [PMID: 35626652 PMCID: PMC9139626 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Circadian clocks control many vital aspects of physiology from the sleep-wake cycle to metabolism. The circadian clock operates through transcriptional-translational feedback loops. The normal circadian signaling relies on a ‘master clock’, located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which synchronizes peripheral oscillators. Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling has the ability to reset the phase of peripheral clocks. It has been shown that maternal exposure to glucocorticoids (GCs) can lead to modification of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) function, impact stress-related behaviors, and result in a hypertensive state via GR activation. We previously demonstrated altered circadian rhythm signaling in the adrenal glands of offspring exposed to the synthetic GC, dexamethasone (Dex). Results from the current study show that prenatal exposure to Dex affects circadian rhythm gene expression in a brain region-specific and a sex-specific manner within molecular oscillators of the amygdala, hippocampus, paraventricular nucleus, and prefrontal cortex, as well as the main oscillator in the SCN. Results also show that spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) exhibited dysregulated circadian rhythm gene expression in these same brain regions compared with normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY), although the pattern of dysregulation was markedly different from that seen in adult offspring prenatally exposed to GCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Murray
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (A.M.); (S.T.); (S.K.); (C.L.)
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada;
| | - Sujeenthar Tharmalingam
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (A.M.); (S.T.); (S.K.); (C.L.)
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada;
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Biomolecular Sciences Program, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Sandhya Khurana
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (A.M.); (S.T.); (S.K.); (C.L.)
| | - Christine Lalonde
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (A.M.); (S.T.); (S.K.); (C.L.)
- Biomolecular Sciences Program, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Phong Nguyen
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada;
| | - T. C. Tai
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (A.M.); (S.T.); (S.K.); (C.L.)
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada;
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Biomolecular Sciences Program, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-705-662-7239
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11
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Mendes Garrido Abregú F, Caniffi C, Arranz CT, Tomat AL. Impact of Zinc Deficiency During Prenatal and/or Postnatal Life on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases: Experimental and Clinical Evidence. Adv Nutr 2022; 13:833-845. [PMID: 35167660 PMCID: PMC9156367 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmac012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes the latest findings, from animal models and clinical studies, regarding the cardiovascular and metabolic consequences in adult life of zinc deficiency (ZD) during prenatal and early postnatal life. The effect of zinc supplementation (ZS) and new insights about sex differences in the phenotype and severity of cardiovascular and metabolic alterations are also discussed. Zinc has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties and regulates the activity of enzymes involved in regulation of the metabolic, cardiovascular, and renal systems. Maternal ZD is associated with intrauterine growth restriction and low birth weight (LBW). Breast-fed preterm infants are at risk of ZD due to lower zinc uptake during fetal life and reduced gut absorption capacity. ZS is most likely to increase growth in preterm infants and survival in LBW infants in countries where ZD is prevalent. Studies performed in rats revealed that moderate ZD during prenatal and/or early postnatal growth is a risk factor for the development of hypertension, cardiovascular and renal alterations, obesity, and diabetes in adult life. An adequate zinc diet during postweaning life does not always prevent the cardiovascular and metabolic alterations induced by zinc restriction during fetal and lactation periods. Male rats are more susceptible to this injury than females, and some of the mechanisms involved include: 1) alterations in organogenesis, 2) activation of oxidative, apoptotic, and inflammatory processes, 3) dysfunction of nitric oxide and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone systems, 4) changes in glucose and lipid metabolism, and 5) adipose tissue dysfunction. Safeguarding body zinc requirements during pregnancy, lactation, and growth periods could become a new target in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Further research is needed to elucidate the efficacy of ZS during early stages of growth to prevent the development of these diseases later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Facundo Mendes Garrido Abregú
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Cátedra de Fisiología, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina,CONICET, Instituto de la Química y Metabolismo del Fármaco (IQUIMEFA), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carolina Caniffi
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Cátedra de Fisiología, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina,CONICET, Instituto de la Química y Metabolismo del Fármaco (IQUIMEFA), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cristina T Arranz
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Cátedra de Fisiología, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina,CONICET, Instituto de la Química y Metabolismo del Fármaco (IQUIMEFA), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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12
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Untargeted metabolomics reveals sex-specific differences in lipid metabolism of adult rats exposed to dexamethasone in utero. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20342. [PMID: 34645877 PMCID: PMC8514544 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99598-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal stress through glucocorticoid (GC) exposure leads to an increased risk of developing diseases such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and hypertension in adulthood. We have previously shown that administration of the synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone (Dex), to pregnant Wistar-Kyoto dams produces offspring with elevated blood pressures and disrupted circadian rhythm signaling. Given the link between stress, circadian rhythms and metabolism, we performed an untargeted metabolomic screen on the livers of offspring to assess potential changes induced by prenatal Dex exposure. This metabolomic analysis highlighted 18 significantly dysregulated metabolites in females and 12 in males. Pathway analysis using MetaboAnalyst 4.0 highlighted key pathway-level metabolic differences: glycerophospholipid metabolism, purine metabolism and glutathione metabolism. Gene expression analysis revealed significant upregulation of several lipid metabolism genes in females while males showed no dysregulation. Triglyceride concentrations were also found to be significantly elevated in female offspring exposed to Dex in utero, which may contribute to lipid metabolism activation. This study is the first to conduct an untargeted metabolic profile of liver from GC exposed offspring. Corroborating metabolic, gene expression and lipid profiling results demonstrates significant sex-specific lipid metabolic differences underlying the programming of hepatic metabolism.
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13
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Bhunu B, Riccio I, Intapad S. Insights into the Mechanisms of Fetal Growth Restriction-Induced Programming of Hypertension. Integr Blood Press Control 2021; 14:141-152. [PMID: 34675650 PMCID: PMC8517636 DOI: 10.2147/ibpc.s312868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, both clinical and animal studies have shown that fetal growth restriction (FGR), caused by exposure to adverse uterine environments, is a risk factor for hypertension as well as for a variety of adult diseases. This observation has shaped and informed the now widely accepted theory of developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD). There is a plethora of evidence supporting the association of FGR with increased risk of adult hypertension; however, the underlying mechanisms responsible for this correlation remain unclear. This review aims to explain the current advances in the field of fetal programming of hypertension and a brief narration of the underlying mechanisms that may link FGR to increased risk of adult hypertension. We explain the theory of DOHaD and then provide evidence from both clinical and basic science research which support the theory of fetal programming of adult hypertension. In addition, we have explored the underlying mechanisms that may link FGR to an increased risk of adult hypertension. These mechanisms include epigenetic changes, metabolic disorders, vascular dysfunction, neurohormonal impairment, and alterations in renal physiology and function. We further describe sex differences seen in the developmental origins of hypertension and provide insights into the opportunities and challenges present in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Bhunu
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Isabel Riccio
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Suttira Intapad
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
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14
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Liu S, Sun Y, Luo N. Doppler Ultrasound Imaging Combined with Fetal Heart Detection in Predicting Fetal Distress in Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension under the Guidance of Artificial Intelligence Algorithm. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2021; 2021:4405189. [PMID: 34659686 PMCID: PMC8519722 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4405189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study was to improve the feasibility and economic benefits of intelligent medical system Doppler ultrasound (DUS) imaging technology combined with fetal heart detection to predict the fetal distress in pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), so as to reduce the risk of deterioration of the patient's condition. The characteristics of DUS images were analyzed, and a diffusion filter reducing the specificity was adopted to improve the smooth speckle noise of DUS images. 120 pregnant women in hospital were the subjects of the study, all of whom received ultrasound cord blood flow testing and fetal heart monitoring. 88 PIH patients with fetal distress were diagnosed and included in the observation group, and 32 healthy pregnant women tested during the same period were identified as the control group. Clinical data were reviewed and analyzed. The diagnostic rates of fetal distress by simple fetal heart monitoring and DUS detection combined with fetal heart monitoring were compared. The results showed that 26.7% of fetal distress were diagnosed by fetal heart monitoring alone, and 73.3% of fetal distress were diagnosed by combined testing, so the diagnostic accuracy of the combined detection method was greatly higher than the single fetal heart detection (P < 0.05). The Pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), and S/D values detected by the umbilical artery in the observation group were 1.48, 0.85, and 4.31, respectively. The PI, RI, and S/D values detected by the umbilical artery in the control group were 0.96, 0.64, and 3.59, respectively. The results of arterial detection were significantly higher than those of the control group, and the difference was of significant scientific significance (P < 0.05). In summary, the PI and RI values of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) detected by DUS diagnosis can effectively reflect the current status of the fetus in the uterus and reduce the mortality of the fetus. The images guided by DUS imaging technology can clearly show the current status of the fetus in the uterus, effectively improve the medical diagnostic efficiency, and have important reference value for the development of intelligent medical equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical College, Qiqihar 161000, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yue Sun
- Department of Ultrasound, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical College, Qiqihar 161000, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Na Luo
- Department of Ultrasound, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical College, Qiqihar 161000, Heilongjiang, China
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15
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Lalonde C, Grandbois J, Khurana S, Murray A, Tharmalingam S, Tai TC. Late gestational exposure to dexamethasone and fetal programming of abnormal behavior in Wistar Kyoto rats. Brain Behav 2021; 11:e02049. [PMID: 33528889 PMCID: PMC8035474 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fetal programming was characterized a few decades ago, explaining the correlation of physiological phenotypes of offspring exposed to early-life stress. High acute or chronic prenatal stress can overwhelm the enzymatic placental barrier, inducing transcriptional changes in the fetus that can result in different adverse behavioral and physiological phenotypes. The current study investigates the impact of exposure to the synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone, during late gestation on behavioral outcomes. METHODS Pregnant Wistar Kyoto rats were given daily subcutaneous injections from gestational days 15-21 of either dexamethasone (0.9% NaCl, 4% EtOH, 100 µg kg-1 day-1 ) or were physically manipulated as naïve controls. Pups were raised normally until 17 weeks of age and underwent the Porsolt swim task and elevated plus maze for depressive and anxiety-like behaviors, respectively. Neural tissue was preserved for genetic analysis using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Statistical analyses show significant disruption of behavior and genetic profiles of offspring exposed to dexamethasone in-utero. Exposed animals spent more time immobile on the swim task and entered open arms of the elevated plus maze more often than their naïve counterparts. In the prefrontal cortex, there was a sex by treatment interaction on gene expression relevant to neural transmission in ryanodine receptor 2, as well as increased gene expression in SNAP25, COMT, and LSAMP in males prenatally exposed to dexamethasone compared with controls. Both dysregulated genes and behavior are linked to decreased anxiety and fear inhibition. CONCLUSION Our results indicate adult offspring exposed to dexamethasone in-utero have a tendency toward passive stress-coping strategies and an inhibition of anxiety on behavioral tasks. Methyltransferase activity, synaptic activity, and cellular processes were disrupted in the prefrontal cortices of these animals. Specifically, genes involved in emotional response pathways were overexpressed, supporting the link between the behavioral and genetic profiles. Combined, we determine that dexamethasone offspring have adaptive predispositions when faced with novel situations, with increased immobility in the swim task and increased exploration on the elevated plus maze.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Lalonde
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada
| | - Julie Grandbois
- Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada
| | - Sandhya Khurana
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada
| | - Alyssa Murray
- Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada
| | - Sujeenthar Tharmalingam
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Department of Chem/Biochem, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada
| | - T C Tai
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Department of Chem/Biochem, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada
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16
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Lamothe J, Khurana S, Tharmalingam S, Williamson C, Byrne CJ, Lees SJ, Khaper N, Kumar A, Tai T. Oxidative Stress Mediates the Fetal Programming of Hypertension by Glucocorticoids. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10040531. [PMID: 33805403 PMCID: PMC8066984 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10040531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of cardiovascular fetal programming has emphasized the importance of the uterine environment on postnatal cardiovascular health. Studies have linked increased fetal glucocorticoid exposure, either from exogenous sources (such as dexamethasone (Dex) injections), or from maternal stress, to the development of adult cardiovascular pathologies. Although the mechanisms are not fully understood, alterations in gene expression driven by altered oxidative stress and epigenetic pathways are implicated in glucocorticoid-mediated cardiovascular programming. Antioxidants, such as the naturally occurring polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), or the superoxide dismutase (SOD) 4-hydroxy-TEMPO (TEMPOL), have shown promise in the prevention of cardiovascular dysfunction and programming. This study investigated maternal antioxidant administration with EGCG or TEMPOL and their ability to attenuate the fetal programming of hypertension via Dex injections in WKY rats. Results from this study indicate that, while Dex-programming increased blood pressure in male and female adult offspring, administration of EGCG or TEMPOL via maternal drinking water attenuated Dex-programmed increases in blood pressure, as well as changes in adrenal mRNA and protein levels of catecholamine biosynthetic enzymes phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine beta hydroxylase (DBH), and phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT), in a sex-specific manner. Furthermore, programmed male offspring displayed reduced antioxidant glutathione peroxidase 1 (Gpx1) expression, increased superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and catalase (CAT) expression, and increased pro-oxidant NADPH oxidase activator 1 (Noxa1) expression in the adrenal glands. In addition, prenatal Dex exposure alters expression of epigenetic regulators histone deacetylase (HDAC) 1, 5, 6, 7, 11, in male and HDAC7 in female offspring. These results suggest that glucocorticoids may mediate the fetal programming of hypertension via alteration of epigenetic machinery and oxidative stress pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Lamothe
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (J.L.); (S.T.); (N.K.); (A.K.)
| | - Sandhya Khurana
- Medical Science Division, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada;
| | - Sujeenthar Tharmalingam
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (J.L.); (S.T.); (N.K.); (A.K.)
- Medical Science Division, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada;
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (C.W.); (C.J.B.)
| | - Chad Williamson
- Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (C.W.); (C.J.B.)
| | - Collin J. Byrne
- Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (C.W.); (C.J.B.)
| | - Simon J. Lees
- Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON P3E 2C6, Canada;
- Medical Science Division, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - Neelam Khaper
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (J.L.); (S.T.); (N.K.); (A.K.)
- Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON P3E 2C6, Canada;
- Medical Science Division, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - Aseem Kumar
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (J.L.); (S.T.); (N.K.); (A.K.)
- Medical Science Division, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada;
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (C.W.); (C.J.B.)
| | - T.C. Tai
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (J.L.); (S.T.); (N.K.); (A.K.)
- Medical Science Division, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada;
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (C.W.); (C.J.B.)
- Correspondence:
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17
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Xu T, Zhao M, Li H, Zhou X, Liu B, Sun M, Xu Z, Gao Q. Antenatal Dexamethasone Exposure Impairs the High-Conductance Ca 2+-Activated K + Channels via Epigenetic Alteration at Gene Promoter in Male Offspring. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2020; 40:e284-e295. [PMID: 32967457 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.120.314905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Antenatal exposure to glucocorticoids increases cardiovascular risks related to vascular dysfunctions in offspring, although underlying mechanisms are still unknown. As an important vascular mediator, high-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (BK) plays an essential role in determining vascular tone. Long-term effects of antenatal glucocorticoids on BK in offspring are largely unknown. This study examined the effects and mechanisms of antenatal exposure to clinically relevant doses of glucocorticoids on vascular BK in offspring. Approach and Results: Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats received synthetic glucocorticoids dexamethasone or vehicle during the last week of pregnancy. Vascular functions, cellular electrophysiology, target gene expression, and promoter methylation were examined in mesenteric arteries of male offspring (gestational day 21 [fetus] and postnatal day 120 [adult offspring]). Antenatal dexamethasone exposure impaired BK activators-mediated relaxation and reduced whole-cell BK currents in mesenteric arteries. Antenatal dexamethasone exposure did not alter Ca2+/voltage-sensitivity of BK but downregulated the expressions of BK α and β1 subunits in both fetal and adult mesenteric arteries. In addition, increased promoter methylations within BKα and BKβ1 were compatible with reduced expressions of the 2 genes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings showed a profound and long-term impact of antenatal dexamethasone exposure on vascular BK via an altered epigenetic pattern from fetal stage to adulthood, advancing understanding of prolonged adverse effects and mechanisms of antenatal glucocorticoids exposure on vascular health in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Xu
- First Hospital of Soochow University, Institute for Fetology, Suzhou, China
| | - Meng Zhao
- First Hospital of Soochow University, Institute for Fetology, Suzhou, China
| | - Huan Li
- First Hospital of Soochow University, Institute for Fetology, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiuwen Zhou
- First Hospital of Soochow University, Institute for Fetology, Suzhou, China
| | - Bailin Liu
- First Hospital of Soochow University, Institute for Fetology, Suzhou, China
| | - Miao Sun
- First Hospital of Soochow University, Institute for Fetology, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhice Xu
- First Hospital of Soochow University, Institute for Fetology, Suzhou, China
| | - Qinqin Gao
- First Hospital of Soochow University, Institute for Fetology, Suzhou, China
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18
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Tharmalingam S, Khurana S, Murray A, Lamothe J, Tai TC. Whole transcriptome analysis of adrenal glands from prenatal glucocorticoid programmed hypertensive rodents. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18755. [PMID: 33127986 PMCID: PMC7603342 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75652-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal glucocorticoid exposure is associated with the development of hypertension in adults. We have previously demonstrated that antenatal dexamethosone (DEX) administration in Wistar-Kyoto dams results in offspring with increased blood pressure coupled with elevated plasma epinephrine levels. In order to elucidate the molecular mechanisms responsible for prenatal DEX-mediated programming of hypertension, a whole-transcriptome analysis was performed on DEX programmed WKY male adrenal glands using the Rat Gene 2.0 microarray. Differential gene expression (DEG) analysis of DEX-exposed offspring compared with saline-treated controls revealed 142 significant DEGs (109 upregulated and 33 downregulated genes). DEG pathway enrichment analysis demonstrated that genes involved in circadian rhythm signaling were most robustly dysregulated. RT-qPCR analysis confirmed the increased expression of circadian genes Bmal1 and Npas2, while Per2, Per3, Cry2 and Bhlhe41 were significantly downregulated. In contrast, gene expression profiling of Spontaneously Hypertensive (SHR) rats, a genetic model of hypertension, demonstrated decreased expression of Bmal1 and Npas2, while Per1, Per2, Per3, Cry1, Cry2, Bhlhe41 and Csnk1D were all upregulated compared to naïve WKY controls. Taken together, this study establishes that glucocorticoid programmed adrenals have impaired circadian signaling and that changes in adrenal circadian rhythm may be an underlying molecular mechanism responsible for the development of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujeenthar Tharmalingam
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd, Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada.,Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada.,Biomolecular Sciences Program, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada.,Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, ON, P3E 2H2, Canada
| | - Sandhya Khurana
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd, Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Alyssa Murray
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd, Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada.,Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Jeremy Lamothe
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd, Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada.,Biomolecular Sciences Program, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - T C Tai
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd, Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada. .,Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada. .,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada. .,Biomolecular Sciences Program, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada.
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