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Granitzer S, Widhalm R, Atteneder S, Fernandez MF, Mustieles V, Zeisler H, Hengstschläger M, Gundacker C. BDNF and KISS-1 Levels in Maternal Serum, Umbilical Cord, and Placenta: The Potential Role of Maternal Levels as Effect Biomarker. EXPOSURE AND HEALTH 2023:1-17. [PMID: 37360514 PMCID: PMC10225291 DOI: 10.1007/s12403-023-00565-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and kisspeptin-1 (KISS-1) regulate placental development and fetal growth. The predictive value of maternal serum BDNF and KISS-1 concentrations for placental and umbilical cord levels has not yet been explored. The influence of prenatal lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) exposure and maternal iron status on BDNF and KISS-1 levels is also unclarified and of concern. In a pilot cross-sectional study with 65 mother-newborn pairs, we analyzed maternal and cord serum levels of pro-BDNF, mature BDNF, and KISS-1, BDNF, and KISS-1 gene expression in placenta, Pb and Cd in maternal and umbilical cord blood (erythrocytes), and placenta. We conducted a series of in vitro experiments using human primary trophoblast cells (hTCs) and BeWo cells to verify main findings of the epidemiological analysis. Strong and consistent correlations were observed between maternal serum levels of pro-BDNF, mature BDNF, and KISS-1 and corresponding levels in umbilical serum and placental tissue. Maternal red blood cell Pb levels were inversely correlated with serum and placental KISS-1 levels. Lower expression and release of KISS-1 was also observed in Pb-exposed BeWo cells. In vitro Pb exposure also reduced cellular BDNF levels. Cd-treated BeWo cells showed increased pro-BDNF levels. Low maternal iron status was positively associated with low BDNF levels. Iron-deficient hTCs and BeWo cells showed a consistent decrease in the release of mature BDNF. The correlations between maternal BDNF and KISS-1 levels, placental gene expression, and umbilical cord serum levels, respectively, indicate the strong potential of maternal serum as predictive matrix for BDNF and KISS-1 levels in placentas and fetal sera. Pb exposure and iron status modulate BDNF and KISS-1 levels, but a clear direction of modulations was not evident. The associations need to be confirmed in a larger sample and validated in terms of placental and neurodevelopmental function. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12403-023-00565-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Granitzer
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Strasse 10, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Exposome Austria, Research Infrastructure and National EIRENE Hub, Vienna, Austria
| | - Raimund Widhalm
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Strasse 10, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Exposome Austria, Research Infrastructure and National EIRENE Hub, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simon Atteneder
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Strasse 10, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Mariana F. Fernandez
- Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (Ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain
- Consortium for Research and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vicente Mustieles
- Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (Ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain
- Consortium for Research and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Harald Zeisler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Hengstschläger
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Strasse 10, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Gundacker
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Strasse 10, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Exposome Austria, Research Infrastructure and National EIRENE Hub, Vienna, Austria
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Meng F, Zhao A, Lu H, Zou D, Dong B, Wang X, Liu L, Zhou S. KISS1 Gene Variations and Susceptibility to Idiopathic Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. Reprod Sci 2023:10.1007/s43032-023-01203-1. [PMID: 36854822 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01203-1] [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: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that kisspeptin plays an integral role in the regulation of reproduction. Genetic variations in the KISS1 gene have been frequently reported to be linked to reproductive diseases, but there is still a lack of data on the association between KISS1 variations and female reproductive disorders. The present study aimed to examine the association of three missense SNPs in the KISS1 gene including rs12998, rs35431622, and rs4889 in association with idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss (iRPL). A total of 720 individuals were recruited in this study. The DNA from the blood sample was extracted and genotyped using the PCR method. Haplotype and linkage disequilibrium (LD) have also been analyzed. The results of this study suggested that rs12998 G > A and rs4889 C > G had a significant association with iRPL (p < 0.05); while rs35431622 A > G didn't indicate any association with iRPL. A significant association was also found for three haplotypes including C-A-A, G-G-G, and G-G-A in this population. The analysis also showed a significant LD between rs12998 and rs35431622 (P < 0.0005). The rs12998 G > A and rs4889 C > G variants of KISS1 are linked to unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss and may be risk factors for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanting Meng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou High Tech Zone People's Hospital, No. 95, Huashan Road, High Tech Zone, Suzhou, 215129, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Aiqin Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou High Tech Zone People's Hospital, No. 95, Huashan Road, High Tech Zone, Suzhou, 215129, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haiying Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou High Tech Zone People's Hospital, No. 95, Huashan Road, High Tech Zone, Suzhou, 215129, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Dan Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou High Tech Zone People's Hospital, No. 95, Huashan Road, High Tech Zone, Suzhou, 215129, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Bei Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou High Tech Zone People's Hospital, No. 95, Huashan Road, High Tech Zone, Suzhou, 215129, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaoqing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou High Tech Zone People's Hospital, No. 95, Huashan Road, High Tech Zone, Suzhou, 215129, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou High Tech Zone People's Hospital, No. 95, Huashan Road, High Tech Zone, Suzhou, 215129, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Sufang Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou High Tech Zone People's Hospital, No. 95, Huashan Road, High Tech Zone, Suzhou, 215129, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Wang Z, Miao M, Xu J, Chen Y, Liang H, Yang L, Liu X, Wen S, Tu X, Yuan W. Gestational exposure to bisphenol analogues and kisspeptin levels in pregnant women and their children: A pregnancy-birth cohort study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 848:157720. [PMID: 35914601 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Gestational exposure to bisphenol analogues (BPs),especially bisphenol A (BPA), has been associated with adverse pregnancy-related outcomes and altered reproductive development of offspring, but the underlying mechanisms are not well documented. Kisspeptin, a key regulator of reproductive health, could be the potential target for endocrine disrupting compounds like BPs. Among 528 mother-child pairs, we investigated the associations of gestational BPs exposure with kisspeptin levels in two critical life stages, pregnancy and pre-puberty. Maternal BPs and kisspeptin concentrations were measured in urine samples collected in the third trimester. Children's urine samples were collected at 6-year visit and analyzed for kisspeptin levels. Associations were observed between BPA and its alternatives and lower kisspeptin in pregnant women but higher kisspeptin in their children. In contrast, TCBPA was suggestively associated with higher kisspeptin in pregnant women but lower kisspeptin in children. Our study provides the first epidemiologic evidence that gestational exposure to selected BPs may be associated with altered kisspeptin system in both pregnant women and their children, sheds some light on the potential mechanisms underlying the various reproductive health outcomes following gestational BPA exposure, and suggests potential reproductive toxicities of other BPs in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziliang Wang
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, China
| | - Maohua Miao
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, China
| | - Jianhua Xu
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, China
| | - Yafei Chen
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, China
| | - Hong Liang
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, China
| | - Lan Yang
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Toxicology, National Reference Laboratory of Dioxin, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 35 North Zhuo Dao Quan Road, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Sheng Wen
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Toxicology, National Reference Laboratory of Dioxin, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 35 North Zhuo Dao Quan Road, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Xiaowen Tu
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, China.
| | - Wei Yuan
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, China.
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Gorkem U, Kan O, Bostanci MO, Taskiran D, Inal HA. Kisspeptin and Hematologic Parameters as Predictive Biomarkers for First-Trimester Abortions. Medeni Med J 2021; 36:98-105. [PMID: 34239761 PMCID: PMC8226412 DOI: 10.5222/mmj.2021.32549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Spontaneous abortion is the most common complication of early pregnancy, affecting up to 20% of recognized pregnancies. Kisspeptin is predominantly released by placental syncytiotrophoblasts, and regulates their placental invasion into the uterine matrices. We aimed to establish an association of serum kisspeptin levels with pregnancy outcomes during the early gestational stage of the first trimester. Method In this prospective study, 90 pregnant women in their 7 to 8 6/7 gestational weeks were classified into three groups: (i) The control group, consisting of healthy pregnant women (n=30), (ii) the threatened abortion group (n=30), and (iii) the spontaneous abortion group (n=30). The maternal serum samples were analyzed for complete blood count parameters and kisspeptin levels. Results There was no statistical difference regarding body mass index (BMI) and gestational age (p=0.370). Regarding detailed obstetric notations, including gravida, parity, abortion, and living children, socioeconomic levels, and employment rates, all study groups were comparable (p>0.05, for all). No significant association was found regarding the biochemical parameters of complete blood count, including neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet concentrations, as well as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios (PLR) (p>0.05, for all). The median serum kisspeptin levels of the study groups did not differ between the groups (p=0.153). Correlation analysis revealed no significant relationship between serum kisspeptin levels and other study parameters in any study groups (p>0.05, for all) Conclusion We found no statistically significant relationship between serum kisspeptin concentrations and pregnancy outcomes in the early gestational stage of the first trimester, and serum kisspeptin concentrations did not seem to be a reliable marker to distinguish abortion status from viable pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umit Gorkem
- Hitit University, Medical Faculty, Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Corum, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Kan
- Hitit University Medical Faculty, Departmant of Obstetric and Gynecology, Corum, Turkey
| | | | - Deniz Taskiran
- Hitit University Medical Faculty, Departmant of Obstetric and Gynecology, Corum, Turkey
| | - Hasan Ali Inal
- Konya Training and Research Hospital, Departmant of Obstetric and Gynecology, Konya, Turkey
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Salazar-Petres ER, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Pregnancy-induced changes in β-cell function: what are the key players? J Physiol 2021; 600:1089-1117. [PMID: 33704799 DOI: 10.1113/jp281082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal metabolic adaptations during pregnancy ensure appropriate nutrient supply to the developing fetus. This is facilitated by reductions in maternal peripheral insulin sensitivity, which enables glucose to be available in the maternal circulation for transfer to the fetus for growth. To balance this process and avoid excessive hyperglycaemia and glucose intolerance in the mother during pregnancy, maternal pancreatic β-cells undergo remarkable changes in their function including increasing their proliferation and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. In this review we examine how placental and maternal hormones work cooperatively to activate several signalling pathways, transcription factors and epigenetic regulators to drive adaptations in β-cell function during pregnancy. We also explore how adverse maternal environmental conditions, including malnutrition, obesity, circadian rhythm disruption and environmental pollutants, may impact the endocrine and molecular mechanisms controlling β-cell adaptations during pregnancy. The available data from human and experimental animal studies highlight the need to better understand how maternal β-cells integrate the various environmental, metabolic and endocrine cues and thereby determine appropriate β-cell adaptation during gestation. In doing so, these studies may identify targetable pathways that could be used to prevent not only the development of pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes that impact maternal and fetal wellbeing, but also more generally the pathogenesis of other metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Roberto Salazar-Petres
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Amanda Nancy Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
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D’Occhio MJ, Campanile G, Baruselli PS. Peripheral action of kisspeptin at reproductive tissues-role in ovarian function and embryo implantation and relevance to assisted reproductive technology in livestock: a review. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:1157-1170. [PMID: 32776148 PMCID: PMC7711897 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptin (KISS1) is encoded by the KISS1 gene and was initially found to be a repressor of metastasis. Natural mutations in the KISS1 receptor gene (KISS1R) were subsequently shown to be associated with idiopathic hypothalamic hypogonadism and impaired puberty. This led to interest in the role of KISS1 in reproduction. It was established that KISS1 had a fundamental role in the control of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion. KISS1 neurons have receptors for leptin and estrogen receptor α (ERα), which places KISS1 at the gateway of metabolic (leptin) and gonadal (ERα) regulation of GnRH secretion. More recently, KISS1 has been shown to act at peripheral reproductive tissues. KISS1 and KISS1R genes are expressed in follicles (granulosa, theca, oocyte), trophoblast, and uterus. KISS1 and KISS1R proteins are found in the same tissues. KISS1 appears to have autocrine and paracrine actions in follicle and oocyte maturation, trophoblast development, and implantation and placentation. In some studies, KISS1 was beneficial to in vitro oocyte maturation and blastocyst development. The next phase of KISS1 research will explore potential benefits on embryo survival and pregnancy. This will likely involve longer-term KISS1 treatments during proestrus, early embryo development, trophoblast attachment, and implantation and pregnancy. A deeper understanding of the direct action of KISS1 at reproductive tissues could help to achieve the next step change in embryo survival and improvement in the efficiency of assisted reproductive technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J D’Occhio
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Giuseppe Campanile
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Pietro S Baruselli
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Al‐Kaabi MA, Hamdan FB, Al‐Matubsi H. Maternal plasma kisspeptin‐10 level in preeclamptic pregnant women and its relation in changing their reproductive hormones. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2020; 46:575-586. [DOI: 10.1111/jog.14208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maysoun A. Al‐Kaabi
- Um Al‐Banin Center for Infertility Treatment and IVFAl‐Imamain Al‐Kadhimyian Medical City Baghdad Iraq
| | - Farqad B. Hamdan
- Department of Physiology, College of MedicineAl‐Nahrain University Baghdad Iraq
| | - Hisham Al‐Matubsi
- Department of Pharmacology and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical ScienceUniversity of Petra Amman Jordan
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Bowe JE, Hill TG, Hunt KF, Smith LI, Simpson SJ, Amiel SA, Jones PM. A role for placental kisspeptin in β cell adaptation to pregnancy. JCI Insight 2019; 4:124540. [PMID: 31619585 PMCID: PMC6824306 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.124540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy the maternal pancreatic islets of Langerhans undergo adaptive changes to compensate for gestational insulin resistance. Kisspeptin has been shown to stimulate insulin release, through its receptor, GPR54. The placenta releases high levels of kisspeptin into the maternal circulation, suggesting a role in modulating the islet adaptation to pregnancy. In the present study we show that pharmacological blockade of endogenous kisspeptin in pregnant mice resulted in impaired glucose homeostasis. This glucose intolerance was due to a reduced insulin response to glucose as opposed to any effect on insulin sensitivity. A β cell–specific GPR54-knockdown mouse line was found to exhibit glucose intolerance during pregnancy, with no phenotype observed outside of pregnancy. Furthermore, in pregnant women circulating kisspeptin levels significantly correlated with insulin responses to oral glucose challenge and were significantly lower in women with gestational diabetes (GDM) compared with those without GDM. Thus, kisspeptin represents a placental signal that plays a physiological role in the islet adaptation to pregnancy, maintaining maternal glucose homeostasis by acting through the β cell GPR54 receptor. Our data suggest reduced placental kisspeptin production, with consequent impaired kisspeptin-dependent β cell compensation, may be a factor in the development of GDM in humans. Placental kisspeptin regulates islet adaptation to pregnancy that is necessary for preventing gestational diabetes in mice and humans.
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Bayerl DS, Klampfl SM, Bosch OJ. More than reproduction: Central gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonism decreases maternal aggression in lactating rats. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12709. [PMID: 30882966 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a major regulator and activator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Many studies have demonstrated the importance of GnRH in reproduction and sexual behaviour. However, to date, only a single study shows an involvement of GnRH in maternal behaviour where a 30% reduction of GnRH neurones abolishes a mother's motivation to retrieve pups. On this basis, we aimed to investigate the effects of acute central GnRH receptor blockade in lactating rats on maternal care under non-stress and stress conditions, maternal motivation in the pup retrieval test, maternal anxiety on the elevated plus maze, and maternal aggression in the maternal defence test. We found that acute central infusion of a GnRH antagonist ([d-Phe2,6 ,Pro3 ]-luteinising hormone-releasing hormone; 0.5 ng 5 μL-1 ) impaired a mother's attack behaviour against a female intruder rat during the maternal defence test compared to vehicle controls. However, in contrast to the previous study on reduced GnRH neurones, acute central GnRH antagonism did not affect pup retrieval, nor any other parameter of maternal behaviour or maternal anxiety. Taken together, GnRH receptor activation is mandatory for protection of the offspring. These findings shed new light on GnRH as a neuropeptide acting not exclusively on the reproductive axis but, additionally, on maternal behaviour including pup retrieval and maternal aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris S Bayerl
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie M Klampfl
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Oliver J Bosch
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Yu H, Liu J, Guo H, Chen C, Han Y, Cui Y. Prognostic value of repeated serum kisspeptin measurements in early first trimester pregnancy: a preliminary study. Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 38:465-471. [PMID: 30718048 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What is the diagnostic value of maternal kisspeptin in patients with asymptomatic first-trimester pregnancies, and what is the prognostic significance of kisspeptin versus beta-HCG in early pregnancies. DESIGN Case-control study in academic medical centres. Patients with no confounding co-morbidities who conceived by IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection were analysed. Maternal serum samples were assessed at the time of pregnancy testing. Women who achieved a positive pregnancy test were asked to take serum samples 4 days later. According to the follow-up results, patients who experienced biochemical pregnancy loss (n = 24) and early miscarriage (n = 21), and women who achieved a viable pregnancy (n = 28), were included in this study. Serum samples were collected to detect kisspeptin and beta-HCG, respectively. RESULTS Single serum determinations of kisspeptin and beta-HCG were correlated with the different pregnancy outcomes. Women who experienced biochemical pregnancy loss showed lower kisspeptin levels than those in groups B and C. No significant difference, however, was observed at the time of pregnancy testing in women who had experienced early miscarriage and those who had achieved viable pregnancy. Sequential measurements of serum kisspeptin are not as effective as beta-HCG in determining pregnancy outcome. Increased kisspeptin level was associated with reduced miscarriage risk. CONCLUSION Single serum measurement of kisspeptin is significantly altered in pregnant and non-pregnant women. However, it failed to discriminate between miscarriage and ongoing pregnancies in first-trimester pregnancy. Neither single nor sequential kisspeptin have higher diagnostic performance for miscarriage than beta-HCG in early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongling Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan Shandong 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan Shandong 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Haipeng Guo
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan Shandong 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Yilong Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan Shandong 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqian Cui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan Shandong 250012, People's Republic of China.
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Zeydabadi Nejad S, Ramezani Tehrani F, Zadeh-Vakili A. The Role of Kisspeptin in Female Reproduction. Int J Endocrinol Metab 2017; 15:e44337. [PMID: 29201072 PMCID: PMC5702467 DOI: 10.5812/ijem.44337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2016] [Revised: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Kisspeptin (KISS1), a recently discovered neuropeptide that acts upstream of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, is critical for maturation and function of the reproductive axis. This review aimed at providing comprehensive and up-to-date information on Kisspeptin and its role in female reproduction. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A literature review was performed using PubMed for all English language articles published between 1999 and 2016. RESULTS The kisspeptin system (KISS1/G protein-coupled receptor-54,GPR54) has recently been addressed as an essential gatekeeper of puberty onset and gonadotropin secretion. Compelling evidence has documented that hypothalamic Kisspeptin mediates steroid feedback and metabolic cues at different developmental stages throughout lifespan. Furthermore, in pre/postnatally androgenized animal models, which exhibit many of the characteristics of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), the hypothalamic expression of KISS1 and GnRH is abnormal, which might lead to multiple tissue abnormalities observed in this disorder. CONCLUSIONS Kisspeptin, a principal activator of GnRH neurons and the target of endocrine and metabolic cues, is a prerequisite for the onset of puberty and maintenance of normal reproductive function, as abnormal KISS1/GPR54 system has been reported in both animal models and patients with certain forms of infertility, e.g. Idiopathic Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) and PCOS. The information suggests that kisspeptin or its receptor represents a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of patients with fertility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sareh Zeydabadi Nejad
- Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Fahimeh Ramezani Tehrani
- Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Azita Zadeh-Vakili
- Cellular and Molecular Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding author: Azita Zadeh-Vakili, PhD, Cellular and Molecular Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel: +98-2122432513, Fax: +98-2122402463, E-mail:
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Mumtaz A, Khalid A, Jamil Z, Fatima SS, Arif S, Rehman R. Kisspeptin: A Potential Factor for Unexplained Infertility and Impaired Embryo Implantation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2017; 11:99-104. [PMID: 28670427 PMCID: PMC5347457 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2017.4957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Kisspeptin (KP) is a neuropeptide that causes the release of the gonadotropin releasing hormone, which controls hypothalamo pituitary ovarian axis and exerts
a number of peripheral effects on reproductive organs. The primary objective of this
study was to compare baseline KP levels in females with different types of infertility and
identify possible correlations with risk of failure to conceive, preclinical abortion and
pregnancy after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Materials and Methods A longitudinal cohort study was carried out from August 2014
until May 2015 by recruiting 124 female patients undergoing ICSI, after obtaining ethical
approval from the Australian Concept Infertility Medical Center. Cause of infertility due
to male, female and unexplained factors was at a frequency of 32 (24%), 33 (31%) and 59
(45%) among the individuals respectively. KP levels were measured by ELISA assay before the initiation of the ICSI treatment protocol. Outcome of ICSI was categorized into
three groups of non-pregnant with beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG)<5-25
mIU/ml, preclinical abortion with β-hCG>25 mIU/ml and no cardiac activity, and clinical pregnancy declared upon confirmation of cardiac activity. Results based on cause of
infertility and outcome groups were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Results Females with unexplained infertility had significantly lower levels of KP
when compared with those with male factor infertility (176.69 ± 5.03 vs. 397.6 ± 58.2,
P=0.001). Clinical pregnancy was observed in 28 (23%) females of which 17 (71%) had
a female cause of infertility. In the non-pregnant group of 66 (53%) females, common
cause of infertility was unexplained 56(85%). A weak positive correlation of KP levels
with fertilized oocytes and endometrial thickness was observed (P=0.04 and 0.01 respectively). Conclusion Deficiency of KP in females with unexplained infertility was associated with
reduced chances of implantation after ICSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaida Mumtaz
- Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Aqsa Khalid
- Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Zehra Jamil
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Syeda Sadia Fatima
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Rehana Rehman
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
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Ziyaraa MA, Hamdan FB, Mousa LR. Correlation of Kisspeptin-10 level and fetal well-being in preeclamptic patients. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2016; 55:840-846. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2015.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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Oride A, Kanasaki H, Mijiddorj T, Sukhbaatar U, Ishihara T, Kyo S. Regulation of kisspeptin and gonadotropin-releasing hormone expression in rat placenta: study using primary cultures of rat placental cells. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2015; 13:90. [PMID: 26268437 PMCID: PMC4533763 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-015-0083-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and kisspeptin in the hypothalamus are thought to be crucial components of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and maintain reproductive function. These neuropeptides are also expressed in the placenta, where they may contribute to placental physiology. In this study, we examined how these peptides are regulated within the placenta. METHODS We used primary cultures of placental tissue from rats of 16-18 days gestation. After stimulation with estradiol, GnRH, kisspeptin, and neurokinin B (NKB), changes in placental GnRH, kisspeptin, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) mRNA expression were evaluated by real-time quantitative RT-PCR analysis. RESULTS Immunocytochemical analysis showed that rat placental cells contained cells expressing kisspeptin or GnRH. GnRH and kisspeptin mRNA expression was significantly increased in placental cells in the presence of estradiol; NKB mRNA expression was also stimulated by estradiol. Stimulation of the cells with kisspeptin failed to stimulate GnRH mRNA expression. Conversely, both GnRH itself and NKB increased GnRH mRNA expression. Kisspeptin mRNA expression was not increased by kisspeptin itself; however, GnRH and NKB significantly increased kisspeptin mRNA expression. hCG expression was increased in the presence of estradiol. In addition, kisspeptin, GnRH, and NKB could stimulate the expression of hCG mRNA in placental cells. CONCLUSIONS Our experiments using primary cultures of rat placental cells showed that GnRH, kisspeptin, and NKB expression was enhanced by estradiol, and unlike in the hypothalamus, kisspeptin did not control the expression of GnRH in placental cells. NKB might be located upstream of kisspeptin and GnRH, and these neuropeptides might be involved in the induction of hCG expression in placental cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aki Oride
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shimane University School of Medicine, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo, Shimane, 693-8501, Japan.
| | - Haruhiko Kanasaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shimane University School of Medicine, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo, Shimane, 693-8501, Japan.
| | - Tselmeg Mijiddorj
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shimane University School of Medicine, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo, Shimane, 693-8501, Japan.
| | - Unurjargal Sukhbaatar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shimane University School of Medicine, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo, Shimane, 693-8501, Japan.
| | - Tomoko Ishihara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shimane University School of Medicine, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo, Shimane, 693-8501, Japan.
| | - Satoru Kyo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shimane University School of Medicine, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo, Shimane, 693-8501, Japan.
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Wahab F, Shahab M, Behr R. The involvement of gonadotropin inhibitory hormone and kisspeptin in the metabolic regulation of reproduction. J Endocrinol 2015; 225:R49-66. [PMID: 25957191 DOI: 10.1530/joe-14-0688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recently, kisspeptin (KP) and gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH), two counteracting neuropeptides, have been acknowledged as significant regulators of reproductive function. KP stimulates reproduction while GnIH inhibits it. These two neuropeptides seem to be pivotal for the modulation of reproductive activity in response to internal and external cues. It is well-documented that the current metabolic status of the body is closely linked to its reproductive output. However, how reproductive function is regulated by the body's energy status is less clear. Recent studies have suggested an active participation of hypothalamic KP and GnIH in the modulation of reproductive function according to available metabolic cues. Expression of KISS1, the KP encoding gene, is decreased while expression of RFRP (NPVF), the gene encoding GnIH, is increased in metabolic deficiency conditions. The lower levels of KP, as suggested by a decrease in KISS1 gene mRNA expression, during metabolic deficiency can be corrected by administration of exogenous KP, which leads to an increase in reproductive hormone levels. Likewise, administration of RF9, a GnIH receptor antagonist, can reverse the inhibitory effect of fasting on testosterone in monkeys. Together, it is likely that the integrated function of both these hypothalamic neuropeptides works as a reproductive output regulator in response to a change in metabolic status. In this review, we have summarized literature from nonprimate and primate studies that demonstrate the involvement of KP and GnIH in the metabolic regulation of reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Wahab
- Stem Cell Biology Unit Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany Laboratory of Reproductive Neuroendocrinology Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quiad-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - M Shahab
- Stem Cell Biology Unit Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany Laboratory of Reproductive Neuroendocrinology Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quiad-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - R Behr
- Stem Cell Biology Unit Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany Laboratory of Reproductive Neuroendocrinology Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quiad-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Effects of kisspeptin-10 on in vitro proliferation and kisspeptin receptor expression in primary epithelial cell cultures isolated from bovine placental cotyledons of fetuses at the first trimester of pregnancy. Theriogenology 2015; 83:978-987.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2013] [Revised: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Jayasena CN, Comninos AN, Narayanaswamy S, Abbara A, Nijher GMK, Cheema M, Malik Z, Ghatei MA, Bloom SR, Dhillo WS. The identification of elevated urinary kisspeptin-immunoreactivity during pregnancy. Ann Clin Biochem 2014; 52:395-8. [PMID: 25167862 DOI: 10.1177/0004563214551612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kisspeptin is an arginine-phenylalanine amide peptide hormone critical for reproductive function. Kisspeptin is also abundantly expressed in the placenta, where it has an important physiological role in regulating placental invasion. Accordingly, plasma kisspeptin concentrations rise dramatically during normal pregnancy. However, lower plasma concentrations of kisspeptin are associated with obstetric complications such as pre-eclampsia. It is not currently known whether kisspeptin-immunoreactivity (IR) can be detected in bodily fluids not requiring invasive collection such as saliva or urine. AIM To determine the clinical utility of urinary and salivary kisspeptin measurement in healthy pregnant women. METHODS Forty-nine healthy third trimester pregnant women (gestational age 34 ± 0.6 w) from a single maternity unit and 50 healthy non-pregnant women were recruited. Urine, saliva and blood were simultaneously collected from all volunteers. Kisspeptin concentrations were determined by in-house manual radioimmunoassay. RESULTS Mean concentrations of plasma kisspeptin-IR were over 200-fold greater in third trimester pregnant women compared with non-pregnant women (13,783 ± 864 pmol/L, pregnant; 65 ± 13 pmol/L, non-pregnant; p < 0.0001). The urine kisspeptin:creatinine ratio was greater in pregnant women when compared with non-pregnant women (urine kisspeptin:creatinine: 37 ± 6 pmol/µmol, pregnant; 7 ± 1 pmol/µmol, non-pregnant; p < 0.0001). Mean concentrations of salivary kisspeptin-IR were not statistically different between pregnant and non-pregnant women (123 ± 34 pmol/L, pregnant; 83 ± 33 pmol/L, non-pregnant; p = 0.2). CONCLUSION We demonstrate for the first time that kisspeptin-IR is elevated in urine during pregnancy. Urinary measurement of kisspeptin-IR may, therefore, offer a non-invasive and simple method of screening for pregnancy and obstetric complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Channa N Jayasena
- Department of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Alexander N Comninos
- Department of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | | | - Ali Abbara
- Department of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Gurjinder M K Nijher
- Department of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Mansimran Cheema
- Department of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Zainab Malik
- Department of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Mohammad A Ghatei
- Department of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Stephen R Bloom
- Department of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Department of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
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Zhang P, Tang M, Zhong T, Lin Y, Zong T, Zhong C, Zhang B, Ren M, Kuang H. Expression and function of kisspeptin during mouse decidualization. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97647. [PMID: 24830702 PMCID: PMC4022638 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasma kisspeptin levels dramatically increased during the first trimester of human pregnancy, which is similar to pregnancy specific glycoprotein-human chorionic gonadotropin. However, its particular role in the implantation and decidualization has not been fully unraveled. Here, the study was conducted to investigate the expression and function of kisspeptin in mouse uterus during early pregnancy and decidualization. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Quantitative PCR results demonstrated that Kiss1 and GPR54 mRNA levels showed dynamic increase in the mouse uterus during early pregnancy and artificially induced decidualization in vivo. KISS-1 and GPR54 proteins were spatiotemporally expressed in decidualizing stromal cells in intact pregnant females, as well as in pseudopregnant mice undergoing artificially induced decidualization. In the ovariectomized mouse uterus, the expression of Kiss1 mRNA was upregulated after progesterone or/and estradiol treatment. Moreover, in a stromal cell culture model, the expression of Kiss1 and GPR54 mRNA gradually rise with the progression of stromal cell decidualization, whereas the attenuated expression of Kiss1 using small interfering RNA approaches significantly blocked the progression of stromal cell decidualization. CONCLUSION our results demonstrated that Kiss1/GPR54 system was involved in promoting uterine decidualization during early pregnancy in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Min Tang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ting Zhong
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yan Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Jixi Province People, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Teng Zong
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Chengxue Zhong
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - BaoPing Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Min Ren
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - HaiBin Kuang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- * E-mail:
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Qureshi IZ, Abbas Q. Modulation of testicular and whole blood trace element concentrations in conjunction with testosterone release following kisspeptin administration in male rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Biol Trace Elem Res 2013; 154:210-6. [PMID: 23812650 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-013-9720-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated the role of kisspeptin-10 on reproductively significant trace elements in relation to testosterone release in male rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus. Groups of rabbits were exposed to single 1 μg kisspeptin dose (i.v., saphenous vein), while simultaneous groups were pretreated with a kisspeptin antagonist, peptide-234 (50 μg) 20 min before administering kisspeptin. Sequential blood sampling was done through marginal ear vein puncture at staggered time intervals: 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 24 h to determine serum testosterone. Testes and whole blood were collected at 4 and 24 h post dosage to determine trace element concentrations through atomic absorption spectrophotometry. In testes, zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and Fe concentrations showed significant increases at 24 h, while copper (Cu) concentration was found elevated at 4 and 24 h both (P < 0.001). In whole blood, Zn and Cu concentrations were significantly elevated at 4 and 24 h, while Mn and cobalt (Co) concentrations showed increases only at 24 h (P < 0.001). Blood iron concentration was not altered in the blood. In contrast, no change occurred in testicular Co, and chromium or nickel concentrations in either testes or blood. Compared to control and predose groups, serum testosterone levels increased gradually and peaked at 2 h (P < 0.001) post kisspeptin treatment but declined thereafter. Pretreatment with antagonist abolished all increases in trace elements and testosterone concentrations. The present study provides first evidence that reproduction- and fertility-related peptide "kisspeptin" modulates testicular and blood trace elements and that this action is likely GPR54-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irfan Zia Qureshi
- Laboratory of Animal and Human Physiology, Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, 45320 Islamabad, Pakistan.
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Mark P, Jones M, Lewis J, Waddell B, Smith J. Kiss1 and Kiss1r mRNA expression in the rat placenta: Changes with gestational age and regulation by glucocorticoids. Placenta 2013; 34:657-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2013.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Revised: 04/17/2013] [Accepted: 04/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Mechaly AS, Viñas J, Piferrer F. The kisspeptin system genes in teleost fish, their structure and regulation, with particular attention to the situation in Pleuronectiformes. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 188:258-68. [PMID: 23624122 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that Kisspeptin regulates the onset of puberty in vertebrates through stimulation of the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormones. However, the function of kisspeptin in peripheral tissues and in other functions is still poorly understood. Recently, the evolution and distribution of kisspeptin genes in vertebrates has been clarified. In contrast to placental mammals, which have a single gene for the ligand (Kiss) and for the receptor (Kissr), fish may have up to three Kiss genes and up to four Kissr genes because of genome duplications. However, information on the genomic structure of the piscine kiss and kissr genes is still scarce. Furthermore, when data from several species is taken together, interspecific differences in the expression of kiss and kissr during the reproductive cycle are found. Here, we discuss data gathered from several fish species, but mainly from two flatfishes, the Senegalese sole and the Atlantic halibut, to address general questions on kiss gene structure, regulation and function. Flatfish are among the most derived fish species and the two species referred to above have only one ligand and one receptor, probably because of the genome reduction observed in Pleuronectiformes. However, gene analysis shows that both species have an alternative splicing mechanism based on intron retention, but the functions of the alternative isoforms are unclear. In the Senegalese sole, sex-related differences in the temporal and spatial expression of kiss and kissr were observed during a whole reproductive cycle. In addition, recent studies suggested that kisspeptin system gene expression is correlated to energy balance and reproduction. This suggests that kisspeptin signaling may involve different sources of information to synchronize important biological functions in vertebrates, including reproduction. We propose a set of criteria to facilitate the comparison of kiss and kissr gene expression data across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro S Mechaly
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain.
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Wahab F, Atika B, Shahab M. Kisspeptin as a link between metabolism and reproduction: evidences from rodent and primate studies. Metabolism 2013; 62:898-910. [PMID: 23414722 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2013.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2012] [Revised: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Changes in metabolic status gate reproductive activity by still incompletely deciphered mechanisms. Many neuropeptides have been shown to be involved in restraining hypothalamic gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) release under conditions of negative energy balance. Broadly, on the basis of their effect on feeding, these can be grouped as orexigenic and anorexigenic neuropeptides. Reciprocally correlated, in response to changes in systemic concentrations of metabolic hormones, the secretion of orexigenic neuropeptides increases while that of anorexigenic neuropeptides decreases during conditions of food restriction. Recently, kisspeptin signaling in hypothalamus has appeared as a pivotal regulator of the GnRH pulse generator. Kisspeptin apparently does not affect feeding, but in light of accumulating data, it has emerged as one of the major conduits in relaying body metabolic status information to GnRH neurons. The present review examines such data obtained from rodent and primate models, which suggest kisspeptin-Kiss1r signaling as a possible pathway providing a link between metabolism and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazal Wahab
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neuroendocrinology, Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, 45320 Islamabad, Pakistan
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Peng J, Tang M, Zhang BP, Zhang P, Zhong T, Zong T, Yang B, Kuang HB. Kisspeptin stimulates progesterone secretion via the Erk1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway in rat luteal cells. Fertil Steril 2013; 99:1436-1443.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2012] [Revised: 12/03/2012] [Accepted: 12/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Beyond the GnRH axis: kisspeptin regulation of the oxytocin system in pregnancy and lactation. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2013; 784:201-18. [PMID: 23550008 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-6199-9_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Circulating oxytocin is critical for normal birth and lactation. Oxytocin is synthesised by hypothalamic supraoptic and paraventricular neurons and is released from the posterior pituitary gland into the circulation. Oxytocin secretion depends on action potentials initiated at the cell body, and we have shown that intravenous (IV) administration of kisspeptin-10 transiently increases the firing rate of supraoptic nucleus oxytocin neurons in anaesthetised, non-pregnant, pregnant and lactating rats. This peripheral effect is likely via vagal afferent input, because disruption of vagal afferents prevented the excitation. In our initial studies, intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of kisspeptin-10 did not alter the firing rate of oxytocin neurons in non-pregnant rats. Remarkably, we have now gathered unpublished observations showing that icv kisspeptin-10 transiently excites oxytocin neurons in late pregnancy and during lactation, suggesting that a central kisspeptin excitation of oxytocin neurons emerges at the end of pregnancy, when increased oxytocin secretion is required for delivery of the fetus and for milk let-down after delivery.
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Sonigo C, Binart N. Overview of the impact of kisspeptin on reproductive function. ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2012; 73:448-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2012.07.680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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KISS1 expression in human female adipose tissue. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2012; 287:143-7. [PMID: 22899305 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-012-2514-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2012] [Accepted: 07/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The current focus of kisspeptin research is an exploration of its key role in the hypothalamic control of human and animal fertility. Notwithstanding the importance of these studies, strong evidence exists that the gene encoding human kisspeptin, KISS1, is present in several peripheral sites, including the placenta. We also provided evidence that kiss1 is also expressed and regulated in rodent adipose tissue. This study describes a pilot investigation into the possibility that human female adipose tissue might also express the KISS1 gene. METHODS Samples of fat were taken from women undergoing open abdominal surgery, for example, during caesarian section. Two small samples of fat were obtained, one from subcutaneous tissue (n = 35) and one from the omentum (n = 32). RNA was isolated from all fat samples and KISS1 mRNA was detected by realtime RT-PCR. RESULTS KISS1 gene expression was detected at varying levels in all samples of fat tissue but levels were significantly higher in subcutaneous fat. There was no significant correlation between KISS1 gene expression and body mass index (BMI) in subcutaneous fat (P = 0.43), but there was a significant positive correlation (P = 0.01) between KISS1 mRNA levels and BMI in omental adipose tissue. CONCLUSION We have shown for the first time that human female adipose tissue may be a source of kisspeptins. Further studies are required to establish whether kisspeptins of adipose tissue origin might be correlated with some aspects of infertility.
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Adali E, Kurdoglu Z, Kurdoglu M, Kamaci M, Kolusari A, Yildizhan R. Metastin levels in pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia and their relation with disease severity. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2012; 25:2671-5. [DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2012.708369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Logie JJ, Denison FC, Riley SC, Ramaesh T, Forbes S, Norman JE, Reynolds RM. Evaluation of kisspeptin levels in obese pregnancy as a biomarker for pre-eclampsia. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2012; 76:887-93. [PMID: 22168508 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2011.04317.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Circulating concentrations of the peptide kisspeptin have been proposed as a novel biomarker for early detection of pre-eclampsia. Our aims were to assess analytical and clinical performance characteristics of a commercial kisspeptin assay and to determine sensitivity and specificity of the test for pre-eclampsia. DESIGN Prospective, longitudinal study in a United Kingdom tertiary referral Antenatal Metabolic Clinic. PATIENTS Severely obese (body mass index, BMI > 40 kg/m(2), n = 194) and lean (BMI < 25 kg/m(2), n = 78) pregnant women. MEASUREMENTS A commercial kisspeptin ELISA (Phoenix Pharmaceuticals) was assessed for analytical sensitivity, specificity, precision, linearity, recovery and stability in maternal plasma samples at 16, 28 and 36 weeks gestation. Pre-eclampsia, defined using International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy guidelines; blood pressure; delivery gestation; birthweight. RESULTS Kisspeptin concentrations were lower in early pregnancy in obese women (P < 0.001), and in women who later developed pre-eclampsia (P < 0.05), compared with women with uncomplicated pregnancies. For 16-week plasma kisspeptin in prediction of pre-eclampsia, area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve was 0.80 (P < 0.01), positive and negative likelihood ratios were 3.0 and 0.2, and test sensitivity and specificity were 85.7 and 71.4%, respectively. In regression analyses, kisspeptin (16 weeks) associated positively with delivery gestation (P < 0.05) and birthweight (P < 0.0001), and negatively with 28- and 36-week blood pressure (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Kisspeptin concentration in early pregnancy is a promising biomarker for pre-eclampsia and low birthweight but cannot be recommended, in isolation, for universal screening because of inadequate test sensitivity and specificity. Large-scale studies are required to assess its potential in a panel of biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Logie
- Clinical Biochemistry, Wishaw General Hospital, Wishaw, Lanarkshire, UK
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Abstract
Oxytocin and vasopressin are synthesized by magnocellular neurosecretory cells in the hypothalamic supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei and are released from the posterior pituitary gland into the circulation. Intravenous administration of the ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor 54 receptor, kisspeptin-10, increases plasma oxytocin levels and intracerebroventricular kisspeptin-10 increases vasopressin levels, indicating that kisspeptin might play a role in various physiological functions via stimulation of oxytocin and vasopressin secretion. Because posterior pituitary hormone secretion is dependent on action potential (spike) discharge, we used in vivo extracellular single unit recording to determine the effects of kisspeptin-10 on supraoptic nucleus neurons in urethane-anaesthetized female rats. Intravenous kisspeptin-10 (100 μg) increased the firing rate of oxytocin neurons from 3.7 ± 0.8 to 4.7 ± 0.8 spikes/sec (P = 0.0004), but only a quarter of vasopressin neurons responded to iv kisspeptin-10, showing a short (<3 sec) high-frequency (>15 spikes/sec) burst of firing. By contrast, intracerebroventricular kisspeptin-10 (2 and 40 μg) did not alter oxytocin or vasopressin neuron firing rate. To investigate the pathway involved in the peripheral action of kisspeptin-10, we used i.p. capsaicin to desensitize vagal afferents, which prevented the i.v. kisspeptin-10-induced increase of oxytocin neuron firing rate. This is the first report to show that peripheral, but not central, kisspeptin-10 increases the activity of oxytocin neurons and a proportion of vasopressin neurons and that endogenous kisspeptin regulation of supraoptic nucleus neurons is likely via vagal afferent input, with kisspeptin acting as a hormone rather than as a neuropeptide in this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Scott
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, Otago School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.
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Vazquez-Alaniz F, Galaviz-Hernandez C, Marchat LA, Salas-Pacheco JM, Chairez-Hernandez I, Guijarro-Bustillos JJ, Mireles-Ordaz A. Comparative expression profiles for KiSS-1 and REN genes in preeclamptic and healthy placental tissues. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2011; 159:67-71. [PMID: 21831501 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2011.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2011] [Revised: 07/04/2011] [Accepted: 07/11/2011] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the present work was to look at differences in the placental tissue expression of KiSS-1 and REN genes from preeclamptic and healthy pregnant women, that could account for a possible synergistic function for both genes in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. STUDY DESIGN This case-control study involved 27 preeclamptic women and 27 normoevolutive pregnant women. cDNA was obtained from placental tissue to carry out qPCR for both KiSS-1 and REN genes in order to compare mRNA expression levels in the studied groups. Statistical analysis showed expression differences that correlate with clinical and/or biochemical variables. RESULTS Higher expression for KiSS-1 in PEE vs. control woman (p=0.001) was observed, whereas no difference was observed for REN expression (p=0.300) when all the subjects were included. However, REN expression was significant higher when the samples were stratified according to preeclampsia severity. For 18 mild preeclamptic patients the p-value was p=0.001 compared to their controls, while for the remaining nine with severe preeclampsia the expression became significant (p=0.001). CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the high KiSS-1 expression seen in preeclamptic patients is in accordance with its role as an inhibitor of trophoblast invasiveness and maintained until the end of gestation. On the other hand, aggressive therapeutic management and/or severity status of patients have a direct effect on placental REN expression levels, masking the natural high expression of this gene on preeclamptic placental tissue. Therefore it was not possible to establish a real concordant expression profile for KiSS-1 and REN genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Vazquez-Alaniz
- Academia de Genómica, Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integral Regional, IPN Unidad Dgo., Durango, Zip Code 34220, Mexico
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Kirby HR, Maguire JJ, Colledge WH, Davenport AP. International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. LXXVII. Kisspeptin receptor nomenclature, distribution, and function. Pharmacol Rev 2011; 62:565-78. [PMID: 21079036 DOI: 10.1124/pr.110.002774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptins are members of the Arg-Phe amide family of peptides, which have been identified as endogenous ligands for a G-protein-coupled receptor encoded by a gene originally called GPR54 (also known as AXOR12 or hOT7T175). After this pairing, the gene has been renamed KISS1R. The International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology Committee on Receptor Nomenclature and Drug Classification recommends that the official name for the receptor is the kisspeptin receptor to follow the convention of naming the receptor protein after the endogenous ligand. The endogenous ligand was initially called metastin, after its role as a metastasis suppressor, and is now referred to as kisspeptin-54 (KP-54), a C-terminally amidated 54-amino acid peptide cleaved from the 145-amino acid gene product. Shorter C-terminal cleavage fragments [KP-14, KP-13 and KP-10 (the smallest active fragment)] are also biologically active. Both receptor and peptide are widely expressed in human, rat, and mouse; the receptor sequence shares more than 80% homology in these species. Activation of the kisspeptin receptor by kisspeptin is via coupling to G(q/11) and the phospholipase C pathway, causing Ca(2+) mobilization. Mutations in the KISS1R gene result in hypogonadotropic hypogonadotropism, and targeted disruption of Kiss1r in mice reproduces this phenotype, which led to the discovery of the remarkable ability of the kisspeptin receptor to act as a molecular switch for puberty. In addition to regulating the reproductive axis, the kisspeptin receptor is also implicated in cancer, placentation, diabetes, and the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen R Kirby
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, University of Cambridge, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Endocrine induced changes in brain function during pregnancy. Brain Res 2010; 1364:198-215. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.09.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2010] [Revised: 09/10/2010] [Accepted: 09/16/2010] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Ramaesh T, Logie JJ, Roseweir AK, Millar RP, Walker BR, Hadoke PWF, Reynolds RM. Kisspeptin-10 inhibits angiogenesis in human placental vessels ex vivo and endothelial cells in vitro. Endocrinology 2010; 151:5927-34. [PMID: 20926586 DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-0565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that kisspeptin (a neuropeptide central to the regulation of gonadotrophin secretion) has diverse roles in human physiology, including a putative role in implantation and placental function. Kisspeptin and its receptor are present in human blood vessels, where they mediate vasoconstriction, and kisspeptin is known to inhibit tumor metastasis and trophoblast invasion, both processes involving angiogenesis. We hypothesized that kisspeptin contributes to the regulation of angiogenesis in the reproductive system. The presence of the kisspeptin receptor was confirmed in human placental blood vessels and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) using immunochemistry. The ability of kisspeptin-10 (KP-10) (a shorter biologically active processed peptide) to inhibit angiogenesis was tested in explanted human placental arteries and HUVEC using complementary ex vivo and in vitro assays. KP-10 inhibited new vessel sprouting from placental arteries embedded in Matrigel and tube-like structure formation by HUVEC, in a concentration-dependent manner. KP-10 had no effect on HUVEC viability or apoptosis but induced concentration-dependent inhibition of proliferation and migration. In conclusion, KP-10 has antiangiogenic effects and, given its high expression in the placenta, may contribute to the regulation of angiogenesis in this tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thayalini Ramaesh
- Jennifer Brown Research Laboratory, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
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Shi Y, Zhang Y, Li S, Liu Q, Lu D, Liu M, Meng Z, Cheng CH, Liu X, Lin H. Molecular Identification of the Kiss2/Kiss1ra System and Its Potential Function During 17Alpha-Methyltestosterone-Induced Sex Reversal in the Orange-Spotted Grouper, Epinephelus coioides1. Biol Reprod 2010; 83:63-74. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.080044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Nijher GMK, Baxter JE, Chaudhri OB, Murphy KG, Ramachandran R, Fowler A, Chinthapalli K, Patterson M, Jayasena CN, Williamson C, Kumar S, Ghatei MA, Bloom SR, Dhillo WS. Identification of the hormone kisspeptin in amniotic fluid. Clin Chem 2010; 56:1029-31. [PMID: 20348399 DOI: 10.1373/clinchem.2009.141879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Armstrong RA, Reynolds RM, Leask R, Shearing CH, Calder AA, Riley SC. Decreased serum levels of kisspeptin in early pregnancy are associated with intra-uterine growth restriction and pre-eclampsia. Prenat Diagn 2009; 29:982-5. [DOI: 10.1002/pd.2328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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