1
|
Pu Y, Du Y, He J, He S, Chen Y, Cao A, Dang Y. The mediating role of steroid hormones in the relationship between bisphenol A and its alternatives bisphenol S and F exposure and preeclampsia. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 244:106591. [PMID: 39059562 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Steroid hormone imbalance is believed to increase the odds of developing PE. Bisphenol A (BPA) and its substitutes (e.g., bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF)) have estrogen-like effects, and its exposure may be related to the development of preeclampsia (PE). To explore the effects of bisphenol exposure on maternal serum steroid hormones and the potential mediating role of steroid hormones in the association between bisphenol exposure and developing PE, concentrations of bisphenols and steroid hormones in serum samples of 383 pregnant women were examined before delivery (including 160 PE cases and 223 control cases). Multivariable logistic and linear models were used to explore the associations of maternal serum bisphenols concentrations with both maternal steroid hormones and PE risk. Mediation modeling was employed to evaluate the mediating role of steroid hormones in the association between bisphenols and PE. Results showed that maternal serum BPS concentrations were positively associated with testosterone (T) concentrations. The mediation analyses suggested that approximately 10.17 % of the associations between BPS concentrations and the development of PE might be mediated by maternal T. In conclusion, maternal exposure to BPS during pregnancy is linked to higher maternal T concentrations, which might increase the odds of developing PE. T might mediate the association between BPS exposure and the development of PE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yudong Pu
- Institute of The Songshan Lake Central Hospital of Dongguan City, Dongguan 523326, China.
| | - Yue Du
- Institute of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Jie He
- Institute of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Shuzhen He
- Institute of The Songshan Lake Central Hospital of Dongguan City, Dongguan 523326, China.
| | - Ya Chen
- Institute of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Aitong Cao
- Institute of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Yuhui Dang
- Institute of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fujiki J, Maeda N, Yamaguchi K, Ohtsuki Y, Iwano H. DNA methylation of Ad4BP/SF-1 suppresses Cyp11a1 and StAR transcripts in C2C12 myoblasts. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 593:112336. [PMID: 39094930 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Steroidogenesis occurs locally in peripheral tissues and via adrenal and gonadal glands' biosynthesis. The C2C12 mouse myoblast cell line and rat skeletal muscles harbor a local steroidogenesis pathway for glucocorticoids, and corticosterone is biosynthesized from skeletal muscle cells. However, Cyp11a1 and StAR protein expressions are not observed in C2C12 cells or rat muscular tissues. In this context, this study investigated the relationship between DNA methylation and key steroidogenic genes. Bioinformatics analysis of methylated DNA immune precipitation showed that C2C12 myoblasts and myotubes did not have remarkable DNA methylated regions in the gene-body of Cyp11a1. However, a highly methylated region in the CpG island was detected in the intronic enhancer of Ad4BP/SF-1, known as the transcriptional factor for steroidogenic genes. After C2C12 myoblasts treatment with 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine, the gene expressions of Ad4BP/SF-1, Cyp11a1, and StAR were significantly time- and concentration-dependent upregulated. To clarify the contribution of Ad4BP/SF-1 on Cyp11a1 and StAR transcripts, we silenced Ad4BP/SF-1 during the 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine treatment in C2C12 myoblasts, resulting in significant suppression of both Cyp11a1 and StAR. Additionally, pregnenolone levels in the supernatants of C2C12 cells were enhanced by 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine treatment, whereas pregnenolone production by C2C12 myoblasts was significantly suppressed by Ad4BP/SF-1 knockdown. These results indicate that DNA methylation of Ad4BP/SF-1 might be involved in the downregulation of steroidogenic genes, such as Cyp11a1 and StAR in C2C12 myoblasts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jumpei Fujiki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Maeda
- Laboratory of Meat Science, Department of Food Science and Human Wellness, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido, Japan.
| | - Kosuke Yamaguchi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yuya Ohtsuki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Hidetomo Iwano
- Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Alkhatib B, Ciarelli J, Ghnenis A, Pallas B, Olivier N, Padmanabhan V, Vyas AK. Early- to mid-gestational testosterone excess leads to adverse cardiac outcomes in postpartum sheep. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 327:H315-H330. [PMID: 38819385 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00763.2023] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular dysfunctions complicate 10-20% of pregnancies, increasing the risk for postpartum mortality. Various gestational insults, including preeclampsia are reported to be associated with adverse maternal cardiovascular outcomes. One such insult, gestational hyperandrogenism increases the risk for preeclampsia and other gestational morbidities but its impact on postpartum maternal health is not well known. We hypothesize that gestational hyperandrogenism such as testosterone (T) excess will adversely impact the maternal heart in the postpartum period. Pregnant ewes were injected with T propionate from day 30 to day 90 of gestation (term 147 days). Three months postpartum, echocardiograms, plasma cytokine profiles, cardiac morphometric, and molecular analysis were conducted [control (C) n = 6, T-treated (T) n = 7 number of animals]. Data were analyzed by two-tailed Student's t test and Cohen's effect size (d) analysis. There was a nonsignificant large magnitude decrease in cardiac output (7.64 ± 1.27 L/min vs. 10.19 ± 1.40, P = 0.22, d = 0.81) and fractional shortening in the T ewes compared with C (35.83 ± 2.33% vs. 41.50 ± 2.84, P = 0.15, d = 0.89). T treatment significantly increased 1) left ventricle (LV) weight-to-body weight ratio (2.82 ± 0.14 g/kg vs. 2.46 ± 0.08) and LV thickness (14.56 ± 0.52 mm vs. 12.50 ± 0.75), 2) proinflammatory marker [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)] in LV (1.66 ± 0.35 vs. 1.06 ± 0.18), 3) LV collagen (Masson's Trichrome stain: 3.38 ± 0.35 vs. 1.49 ± 0.15 and Picrosirius red stain: 5.50 ± 0.32 vs. 3.01 ± 0.23), 4) markers of LV apoptosis, including TUNEL (8.3 ± 1.1 vs. 0.9 ± 0.18), bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax)+-to-b-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2)+ ratio (0.68 ± 0.30 vs. 0.13 ± 0.02), and cleaved caspase 3 (15.4 ± 1.7 vs. 4.4 ± 0.38). These findings suggest that gestational testosterone excess adversely programs the maternal LV, leading to adverse structural and functional consequences in the postpartum period.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Using a sheep model of human translational relevance, this study provides evidence that excess gestational testosterone exposure such as that seen in hyperandrogenic disorders adversely impacts postpartum maternal hearts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bashar Alkhatib
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Joseph Ciarelli
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Adel Ghnenis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Brooke Pallas
- Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Nicholas Olivier
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - Vasantha Padmanabhan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Arpita Kalla Vyas
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gupta A, Patel DJ, Pajai S. Exploring the Spectrum of Electrolyte Imbalances in Preeclampsia: Mechanisms, Implications, and Clinical Insights. Cureus 2024; 16:e67666. [PMID: 39314616 PMCID: PMC11418792 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.67666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia, a complex and perplexing disorder unique to pregnancy, is widely recognized as primarily originating from placental dysfunction and can only be resolved by the delivery of the fetus in severe cases. Preeclampsia is a prevalent medical issue during pregnancy and is associated with elevated rates of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. The exact cause of preeclampsia remains uncertain, although multiple factors have been implicated in its development based on current knowledge. Preeclampsia is characterized by maternal endothelial dysfunction due to the presence of fetal-derived circulatory substances from the placenta. The condition is associated with various risk factors, including maternal comorbidities such as chronic renal disease, hypertension (HTN), and obesity. Additionally, a family history of preeclampsia, nulliparity, multiple gestations, previous instances of preeclampsia, or intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGR) are considered risk factors. Electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, and chloride, play a critical role in the function of vascular smooth muscles and may potentially contribute to the pathophysiology of hypertension. In this review, we have summarized the literature on electrolytes in preeclampsia by conducting an extensive systematic search of databases such as PubMed, Excerpta Medica database (EMBASE), and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Gupta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Dharmesh J Patel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Sandhya Pajai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Parker J, Hofstee P, Brennecke S. Prevention of Pregnancy Complications Using a Multimodal Lifestyle, Screening, and Medical Model. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4344. [PMID: 39124610 PMCID: PMC11313446 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13154344] [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: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Prevention of pregnancy complications related to the "great obstetrical syndromes" (preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, spontaneous preterm labor, and stillbirth) is a global research and clinical management priority. These syndromes share many common pathophysiological mechanisms that may contribute to altered placental development and function. The resulting adverse pregnancy outcomes are associated with increased maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality and increased post-partum risk of cardiometabolic disease. Maternal nutritional and environmental factors are known to play a significant role in altering bidirectional communication between fetal-derived trophoblast cells and maternal decidual cells and contribute to abnormal placentation. As a result, lifestyle-based interventions have increasingly been recommended before, during, and after pregnancy, in order to reduce maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality and decrease long-term risk. Antenatal screening strategies have been developed following extensive studies in diverse populations. Multivariate preeclampsia screening using a combination of maternal, biophysical, and serum biochemical markers is recommended at 11-14 weeks' gestation and can be performed at the same time as the first-trimester ultrasound and blood tests. Women identified as high-risk can be offered prophylactic low dose aspirin and monitored with angiogenic factor assessment from 22 weeks' gestation, in combination with clinical assessment, serum biochemistry, and ultrasound. Lifestyle factors can be reassessed during counseling related to antenatal screening interventions. The integration of lifestyle interventions, pregnancy screening, and medical management represents a conceptual advance in pregnancy care that has the potential to significantly reduce pregnancy complications and associated later life cardiometabolic adverse outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jim Parker
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong 2522, Australia;
| | - Pierre Hofstee
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong 2522, Australia;
- Tweed Hospital, Northern New South Wales Local Health District, Tweed Heads 2485, Australia
| | - Shaun Brennecke
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne 3052, Australia;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Torres-Torres J, Espino-y-Sosa S, Martinez-Portilla R, Borboa-Olivares H, Estrada-Gutierrez G, Acevedo-Gallegos S, Ruiz-Ramirez E, Velasco-Espin M, Cerda-Flores P, Ramirez-Gonzalez A, Rojas-Zepeda L. A Narrative Review on the Pathophysiology of Preeclampsia. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7569. [PMID: 39062815 PMCID: PMC11277207 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a multifactorial pregnancy disorder characterized by hypertension and proteinuria, posing significant risks to both maternal and fetal health. Despite extensive research, its complex pathophysiology remains incompletely understood. This narrative review aims to elucidate the intricate mechanisms contributing to PE, focusing on abnormal placentation, maternal systemic response, oxidative stress, inflammation, and genetic and epigenetic factors. This review synthesizes findings from recent studies, clinical trials, and meta-analyses, highlighting key molecular and cellular pathways involved in PE. The review integrates data on oxidative stress biomarkers, angiogenic factors, immune interactions, and mitochondrial dysfunction. PE is initiated by poor placentation due to inadequate trophoblast invasion and improper spiral artery remodeling, leading to placental hypoxia. This triggers the release of anti-angiogenic factors such as soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and soluble endoglin (sEng), causing widespread endothelial dysfunction and systemic inflammation. Oxidative stress, mitochondrial abnormalities, and immune dysregulation further exacerbate the condition. Genetic and epigenetic modifications, including polymorphisms in the Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (FLT1) gene and altered microRNA (miRNA) expression, play critical roles. Emerging therapeutic strategies targeting oxidative stress, inflammation, angiogenesis, and specific molecular pathways like the heme oxygenase-1/carbon monoxide (HO-1/CO) and cystathionine gamma-lyase/hydrogen sulfide (CSE/H2S) pathways show promise in mitigating preeclampsia's effects. PE is a complex disorder with multifactorial origins involving abnormal placentation, endothelial dysfunction, systemic inflammation, and oxidative stress. Despite advances in understanding its pathophysiology, effective prevention and treatment strategies remain limited. Continued research is essential to develop targeted therapies that can improve outcomes for both mothers and their babies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johnatan Torres-Torres
- Clinical Research Branch, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City 11000, Mexico; (R.M.-P.)
- Obstetric and Gynecology Department, Hospital General de México Dr. Eduardo Liceaga, Mexico City 06720, Mexico (P.C.-F.)
| | - Salvador Espino-y-Sosa
- Clinical Research Branch, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City 11000, Mexico; (R.M.-P.)
| | - Raigam Martinez-Portilla
- Clinical Research Branch, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City 11000, Mexico; (R.M.-P.)
| | - Hector Borboa-Olivares
- Clinical Research Branch, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City 11000, Mexico; (R.M.-P.)
| | - Guadalupe Estrada-Gutierrez
- Clinical Research Branch, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City 11000, Mexico; (R.M.-P.)
| | - Sandra Acevedo-Gallegos
- Clinical Research Branch, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City 11000, Mexico; (R.M.-P.)
| | - Erika Ruiz-Ramirez
- Obstetric and Gynecology Department, Hospital General de México Dr. Eduardo Liceaga, Mexico City 06720, Mexico (P.C.-F.)
| | - Martha Velasco-Espin
- Obstetric and Gynecology Department, Hospital General de México Dr. Eduardo Liceaga, Mexico City 06720, Mexico (P.C.-F.)
| | - Pablo Cerda-Flores
- Obstetric and Gynecology Department, Hospital General de México Dr. Eduardo Liceaga, Mexico City 06720, Mexico (P.C.-F.)
| | - Andrea Ramirez-Gonzalez
- Obstetric and Gynecology Department, Hospital General de México Dr. Eduardo Liceaga, Mexico City 06720, Mexico (P.C.-F.)
| | - Lourdes Rojas-Zepeda
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Department, Instituto Materno Infantil del Estado de Mexico, Toluca 50170, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Parker J, O’Brien CL, Yeoh C, Gersh FL, Brennecke S. Reducing the Risk of Pre-Eclampsia in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Using a Combination of Pregnancy Screening, Lifestyle, and Medical Management Strategies. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1774. [PMID: 38541997 PMCID: PMC10971491 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13061774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multisystem disorder that presents with a variety of phenotypes involving metabolic, endocrine, reproductive, and psychological symptoms and signs. Women with PCOS are at increased risk of pregnancy complications including implantation failure, miscarriage, gestational diabetes, fetal growth restriction, preterm labor, and pre-eclampsia (PE). This may be attributed to the presence of specific susceptibility features associated with PCOS before and during pregnancy, such as chronic systemic inflammation, insulin resistance (IR), and hyperandrogenism, all of which have been associated with an increased risk of pregnancy complications. Many of the features of PCOS are reversible following lifestyle interventions such as diet and exercise, and pregnant women following a healthy lifestyle have been found to have a lower risk of complications, including PE. This narrative synthesis summarizes the evidence investigating the risk of PE and the role of nutritional factors in women with PCOS. The findings suggest that the beneficial aspects of lifestyle management of PCOS, as recommended in the evidence-based international guidelines, extend to improved pregnancy outcomes. Identifying high-risk women with PCOS will allow targeted interventions, early-pregnancy screening, and increased surveillance for PE. Women with PCOS should be included in risk assessment algorithms for PE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jim Parker
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong 2522, Australia
| | - Claire Louise O’Brien
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Canberra 2617, Australia;
| | - Christabelle Yeoh
- Next Practice Genbiome, 2/2 New McLean Street, Edgecliff 2027, Australia;
| | - Felice L. Gersh
- College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85004, USA;
| | - Shaun Brennecke
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne 3052, Australia;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Quiñones-Labernik P, Blocklinger KL, Bruce MR, Ferri SL. Excess neonatal testosterone causes male-specific social and fear memory deficits in wild-type mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.10.18.562939. [PMID: 37905064 PMCID: PMC10614869 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.18.562939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (ND) disproportionately affect males compared to females, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in particular exhibits a 4:1 male bias. The biological mechanisms of this female protection or male susceptibility have not been identified. There is some evidence to suggest that fetal/neonatal gonadal hormones, which play pivotal roles in many aspects of development, may contribute. Here, we investigate the role of testosterone administration during a critical period of development, and its effects on social approach and fear learning in C57BL/6J wildtype mice. Male, but not female mice treated with testosterone on the day of birth (PN0) exhibited deficits in both social behavior and contextual fear conditioning, whereas mice treated with the same dose of testosterone on postnatal day 18 (PN18) did not display such impairments. Testosterone administration did not induce anxiogenic effects or lead to changes in body weight compared to the vehicle-treated group. These impairmeants are relevant to ND and may help identify novel treatment targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sarah L Ferri
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fernandes LM, Lorigo M, Cairrao E. Relationship between Androgens and Vascular and Placental Function during Pre-eclampsia. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:1668-1693. [PMID: 38534724 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46030108] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) represent a substantial risk to maternal and fetal health. Emerging evidence suggests an association between testosterone and pre-eclampsia (PE), potentially mediated through androgen receptors (AR). Nevertheless, the mechanism driving this association is yet to be elucidated. On the other hand, reports of transgender men's pregnancies offer a limited and insightful opportunity to understand the role of high androgen levels in the development of HDP. In this sense, a literature review was performed from a little over 2 decades (1998-2022) to address the association of testosterone levels with the development of HDP. Furthermore, this review addresses the case of transgender men for the first time. The main in vitro outcomes reveal placenta samples with greater AR mRNA expression. Moreover, ex vivo studies show that testosterone-induced vasorelaxation impairment promotes hypertension. Epidemiological data point to greater testosterone levels in blood samples during PE. Studies with transgender men allow us to infer that exogenous testosterone administration can be considered a risk factor for PE and that the administration of testosterone does not affect fetal development. Overall, all studies analyzed suggested that high testosterone levels are associated with PE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lara M Fernandes
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- FCS-UBI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Margarida Lorigo
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- FCS-UBI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Elisa Cairrao
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- FCS-UBI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yu J, Lu S, Fang L, Kakongoma N, Hu W. Pregnancy management of IVF-ET pregnancies in a patient with classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency: A case report and review of the literature. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2024; 293:50-56. [PMID: 38104394 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report a rare case of a woman with classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency who twice had singleton pregnancies with live births after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). DESIGN Case report and literature review. PATIENT A 35-year-old woman with classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency underwent external genital plastic surgery during adolescence and achieved second pregnancy after IVF-ET with long-term glucocorticoid replacement therapy. METHODS During regular antenatal testing, we focus on monitoring patients' weight gain, blood pressure, increasing trend of uterine height and abdominal circumference, and fetal growth trend. Individualized glucocorticoid therapy during pregnancy, glucocorticoid stress dose at delivery, management of systemic metabolism to prevent maternal and infant complications, and newborn screening are realized. RESULT In the second pregnancy, the glucocorticoid dosage was not increased. 17-hydroxyprogesterone and testosterone tended to increase in late pregnancy, but they were lower than in the first pregnancy. Blood pressure and blood glucose were normal, but lipids were abnormally elevated, D-dimer also showed a sharp rise under labor stress. A mature male infant was delivered by cesarean at 33+4 weeks of gestation due to placental abruption. CONCLUSION Repeated pregnancies in patients with classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency are rare, especially with Assisted Reproductive Technology. We present a case including a comparison of her two pregnancy monitoring indicators, glucocorticoid medication and delivery to achieve a successful delivery. We review the available literature to analyze pregnancies with classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junxin Yu
- Department of The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sha Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou Women's Hospital (Hangzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Hangzhou, China; The Affiliated Hangzhou Women's Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lingya Fang
- Department of The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nisile Kakongoma
- Department of The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wensheng Hu
- Department of The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China; Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mustieles V, Lascouts A, Pozo OJ, Haro N, Lyon-Caen S, Jedynak P, Bayat S, Thomsen C, Sakhi AK, Sabaredzovic A, Slama R, Ouellet-Morin I, Philippat C. Longitudinal Associations between Prenatal Exposure to Phthalates and Steroid Hormones in Maternal Hair Samples from the SEPAGES Cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:19202-19213. [PMID: 37931007 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
We assessed phthalate-hormone associations in 382 pregnant women of the new-generation SEPAGES cohort (2014-2017, France) using improved exposure and outcome assessments. Metabolites from seven phthalate compounds and the replacement di(isononyl)cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate (DINCH) were measured in within-subject pools of repeated urine samples collected at the second and third pregnancy trimesters (≈21 samples/trimester). Metabolites from five steroid hormones were measured in maternal hair samples collected at delivery, reflecting cumulative levels over the previous weeks to months. Adjusted linear regression and Bayesian weighted quantile sum (BWQS) mixture models were performed. Each doubling in third-trimester urinary mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP) concentrations was associated with an average increase of 13.3% (95% CI: 2.65, 24.9) for ∑cortisol, 10.0% (95% CI: 0.26, 20.7) for ∑cortisone, 17.3% (95% CI: 1.67, 35.4) for 11-dehydrocorticosterone, and 16.2% (95% CI: 2.20, 32.1) for testosterone, together with a suggestive 10.5% (95% CI: -1.57, 24.1) increase in progesterone levels. Each doubling in second-trimester urinary di-isononyl phthalate (DiNP) concentrations was inversely associated with testosterone levels (-11.6%; 95% CI: -21.6, -0.31). For most hormones, a nonsignificant trend toward a positive phthalate mixture effect was observed in the third but not in the second trimester. Our study showed that exposure to some phthalate metabolites, especially MBzP, may affect adrenal and reproductive hormone levels during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Mustieles
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Development and Respiratory Health (EDES), Institute for Advanced Biosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Aurélien Lascouts
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Development and Respiratory Health (EDES), Institute for Advanced Biosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Oscar J Pozo
- Applied Metabolomics Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Noemí Haro
- Applied Metabolomics Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sarah Lyon-Caen
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Development and Respiratory Health (EDES), Institute for Advanced Biosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Paulina Jedynak
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Development and Respiratory Health (EDES), Institute for Advanced Biosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Sam Bayat
- Department of Pulmonology and Physiology, CHU Grenoble Alpes, 38700 Grenoble, France
- Grenoble Alpes University - Inserm UA07, 38400 Grenoble, France
| | - Cathrine Thomsen
- Department of Food Safety, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213 Oslo, Norway
| | - Amrit K Sakhi
- Department of Food Safety, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213 Oslo, Norway
| | - Azemira Sabaredzovic
- Department of Food Safety, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213 Oslo, Norway
| | - Rémy Slama
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Development and Respiratory Health (EDES), Institute for Advanced Biosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Isabelle Ouellet-Morin
- Research Center, Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, H1N 3M5 Québec, Canada; School of Criminology, Université de Montréal, H3C 3J7 Québec, Canada
| | - Claire Philippat
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Development and Respiratory Health (EDES), Institute for Advanced Biosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ujvari D, Trouva A, Hirschberg AL, Vanky E. Maternal serum levels of prokineticin-1 related to pregnancy complications and metformin use in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a post hoc analysis of two prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled trials. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073619. [PMID: 37989369 PMCID: PMC10668301 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073619] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Serum prokineticin-1 (s-PROK1) in the second and third trimester of pregnancy is positively correlated to preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preterm delivery. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are prone to these adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, the contribution of PROK1 to the development of pregnancy complications and the effect of metformin and hyperandrogenism on s-PROK1 in PCOS have not been studied previously. DESIGN This work is a post hoc analysis of two prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled trials. SETTING Pregnant women with PCOS were included from 11 study centres in Norway. PARTICIPANTS From 313 women, 264 participated in the present study after exclusions due to dropouts or insufficient serum samples. INTERVENTION Women with PCOS were randomly administered with metformin or placebo, from first trimester to delivery. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES s-PROK1 was analysed using ELISA at gestational week 19 and related to pregnancy complications, fasting insulin levels, homoeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), testosterone, or androstenedione levels, metformin use, PCOS phenotype and hyperandrogenism. RESULTS Maternal s-PROK1 in the second trimester did not predict pregnancy-induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia or late miscarriage/preterm delivery in women with PCOS. However, s-PROK1 was lower in women who used metformin before inclusion, both in those randomised to metformin and to placebo, compared with those who did not. s-PROK1 was also lower in those who used metformin both at conception and during pregnancy compared with those who used metformin from inclusion or did not use metformin at all. s-PROK1 was lower in hyperandrogenic compared with normo-androgenic women with PCOS. CONCLUSIONS Maternal s-PROK1 in the second trimester did not predict pregnancy complications in PCOS. Those who used metformin at conception and/or during pregnancy had lower s-PROK1. PCOS women with hyperandrogenism exhibited lower s-PROK1 compared with normo-adrogenic phenotypes. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03259919 and NCT00159536.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dorina Ujvari
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology; National Pandemic Centre; Centre for Translational Microbiome Research, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
| | - Anastasia Trouva
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Angelica Lindén Hirschberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eszter Vanky
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, St Olav's University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Salamon D, Ujvari D, Hellberg A, Hirschberg AL. DHT and Insulin Upregulate Secretion of the Soluble Decoy Receptor of IL-33 From Decidualized Endometrial Stromal Cells. Endocrinology 2023; 165:bqad174. [PMID: 37972259 PMCID: PMC10681354 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad174] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin 33 (IL-33) signaling regulates most of the key processes of pregnancy, including decidualization, trophoblast proliferation and invasion, vascular remodeling, and placental growth. Accordingly, dysregulation of IL-33, its membrane-bound receptor (ST2L, transducer of IL-33 signaling), and its soluble decoy receptor (sST2, inhibitor of IL-33 signaling) has been linked to a wide range of adverse pregnancy outcomes that are common in women with obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome, that is, conditions associated with hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and compensatory hyperinsulinemia. To reveal if androgens and insulin might modulate uteroplacental IL-33 signaling, we investigated the effect of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and/or insulin on the expression of ST2L and sST2 (along with the activity of their promoter regions), IL-33 and sIL1RAP (heterodimerization partner of sST2), during in vitro decidualization of endometrial stromal cells from 9 healthy women. DHT and insulin markedly upregulated sST2 secretion, in addition to the upregulation of its messenger RNA (mRNA) expression, while the proximal ST2 promoter, from which the sST2 transcript originates, was upregulated by insulin, and in a synergistic manner by DHT and insulin combination treatment. On the other hand, sIL1RAP was slightly downregulated by insulin and IL-33 mRNA expression was not affected by any of the hormones, while ST2L mRNA expression and transcription from its promoter region (distal ST2 promoter) could not be detected or showed a negligibly low level. We hypothesize that high levels of androgens and insulin might lead to subfertility and pregnancy complications, at least partially, through the sST2-dependent downregulation of uteroplacental IL-33 signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Salamon
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, SE-171 64 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dorina Ujvari
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, SE-171 64 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, National Pandemic Centre, Centre for Translational Microbiome Research, Karolinska Institute, SE-171 64 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anton Hellberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, SE-171 64 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Angelica Lindén Hirschberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, SE-171 64 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kumar S, Song R, Mishra JS. Elevated gestational testosterone impacts vascular and uteroplacental function. Placenta 2023:S0143-4004(23)00598-2. [PMID: 37977936 PMCID: PMC11087376 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Maternal vascular adaptations to establish an adequate blood supply to the uterus and placenta are essential for optimal nutrient and oxygen delivery to the developing fetus in eutherian mammals, including humans. Numerous factors contribute to maintaining appropriate hemodynamics and placental vascular development throughout pregnancy. Failure to achieve or sustain these pregnancy-associated changes in women is strongly associated with an increased risk of antenatal complications, such as preeclampsia, a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. The precise etiology of preeclampsia is unknown, but emerging evidence points to a potential role for androgens. The association between androgens and maternal cardiovascular and placental function merits particular attention due to the notable 2- to 3-fold elevated plasma testosterone (T) levels observed in preeclampsia. T levels in preeclamptic women positively correlate with vascular dysfunction, and preeclampsia is associated with increased androgen receptor (AR) levels in placental tissues. Moreover, animal studies replicating the pattern and magnitude of T increase observed in preeclamptic pregnancies have reproduced key features of preeclampsia, including gestational hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, heightened vasoconstriction to angiotensin II, impaired spiral artery remodeling, placental hypoxia, reduced nutrient transport, and fetal growth restriction. Collectively, these findings suggest that AR-mediated activity plays a significant role in the clinical presentation of preeclampsia. This review critically evaluates this hypothesis, considering both clinical and preclinical evidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sathish Kumar
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53792, USA.
| | - Ruolin Song
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Jay S Mishra
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
de Jesus Nascimento AE, Santos LC, Santos BR, Santos EO, Cunha MCDSG, Snoeck PPDN, de Lavor MSL, Silva JF. Spatial and temporal expression profile of sex steroid receptors and antioxidant enzymes in the maternal-fetal interface of domestic cats. Theriogenology 2023; 210:234-243. [PMID: 37542738 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Sex steroids and antioxidant enzymes modulate uterine and placental physiology. Failures in the expression, signaling, and/or secretion of these mediators are associated with female infertility and gestational problems. However, there is no data on the expression profile of receptors for sex steroids and antioxidant enzymes in the maternal-fetal interface of domestic cats. Uterus and placenta samples from non-pregnant diestrus cats and cats in mid- and late pregnancy were used to analyze the protein and gene expression of the receptors for estrogen alpha (ERα), progesterone (PR), and androgen (AR) and the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) by immunohistochemistry and qPCR. Higher uterine expression of ERα, Pr, and Sod1 was observed in the pregnant cats, especially in mid-pregnancy, compared to non-pregnant diestrus cats, as well as reduced endometrial catalase immunostaining. In the placenta, the mRNA expression of Erα, Pr, Ar, and Gpx1 was higher in late pregnancy in relation to mid-pregnancy. Moreover, weak or no placental expression was observed for catalase in mid- and late pregnancy, while strong immunostaining was observed for AR in trophoblasts and decidual cells in mid-pregnancy. The findings of this study demonstrated that pregnancy in female cats increases the uterine expression of sex steroid receptors and antioxidant enzymes, and that the placental expression of these mediators varies according to gestational age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Acácia Eduarda de Jesus Nascimento
- Centro de Microscopia Eletrônica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Campus Soane Nazare de Andrade, 45662-900, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Luciano Cardoso Santos
- Centro de Microscopia Eletrônica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Campus Soane Nazare de Andrade, 45662-900, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Bianca Reis Santos
- Centro de Microscopia Eletrônica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Campus Soane Nazare de Andrade, 45662-900, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Emilly Oliveira Santos
- Centro de Microscopia Eletrônica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Campus Soane Nazare de Andrade, 45662-900, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Maria Clara da Silva Galrão Cunha
- Centro de Microscopia Eletrônica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Campus Soane Nazare de Andrade, 45662-900, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Paola Pereira das Neves Snoeck
- Hospital Veterinário, Departamento de Ciências Agrarias e Ambientais, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Campus Soane Nazare de Andrade, 45662-900, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Mário Sérgio Lima de Lavor
- Hospital Veterinário, Departamento de Ciências Agrarias e Ambientais, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Campus Soane Nazare de Andrade, 45662-900, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Juneo Freitas Silva
- Centro de Microscopia Eletrônica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Campus Soane Nazare de Andrade, 45662-900, Ilhéus, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Vaccaro CJ, Karageuzian SA, McFadden E. The Importance of Safely Prescribing Hormones in the Transgender Community. Cureus 2023; 15:e44639. [PMID: 37799231 PMCID: PMC10548402 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The transgender community is rapidly growing, necessitating further education and understanding of their unique healthcare needs. Gender affirmation is a multistep process, which generally begins with transgender individuals socially transitioning by adopting a new name, pronouns, and appearance changes, such as hair and clothing, to express themselves. Additional gender affirmation treatment can be achieved through medical therapy with hormones and surgical intervention. Here, we report the case of an 18-year-old transgender man who presented to his primary care provider for a referral to initiate a medical transition with testosterone therapy. The patient practiced penetrative vaginal sex without contraception. The patient presented to the clinic eight months later with amenorrhea, thick coarse facial and body hair, oily skin, irritable moods, and a 20-lb weight gain. A pregnancy test revealed a positive result. A healthy baby girl was delivered at 40 weeks' gestation. This case demonstrates the importance of addressing contraception during the masculinization process in individuals who continue to practice vaginal intercourse. Healthcare providers should seek to establish a clinical environment free of discrimination and stigma to allow patients to feel comfortable describing potential triggers of gender dysphoria. We encourage medical practitioners to discuss all methods of birth control with transgender male patients and choose the contraceptive that best allows for a seamless medical transition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sergio A Karageuzian
- School of Osteopathic Medicine, A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, Mesa, USA
| | - Erin McFadden
- Internal Medicine, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, Scranton, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Katleba KD, Ghosh PM, Mudryj M. Beyond Prostate Cancer: An Androgen Receptor Splice Variant Expression in Multiple Malignancies, Non-Cancer Pathologies, and Development. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2215. [PMID: 37626712 PMCID: PMC10452427 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple studies have demonstrated the importance of androgen receptor (AR) splice variants (SVs) in the progression of prostate cancer to the castration-resistant phenotype and their utility as a diagnostic. However, studies on AR expression in non-prostatic malignancies uncovered that AR-SVs are expressed in glioblastoma, breast, salivary, bladder, kidney, and liver cancers, where they have diverse roles in tumorigenesis. AR-SVs also have roles in non-cancer pathologies. In granulosa cells from women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, unique AR-SVs lead to an increase in androgen production. In patients with nonobstructive azoospermia, testicular Sertoli cells exhibit differential expression of AR-SVs, which is associated with impaired spermatogenesis. Moreover, AR-SVs have been identified in normal cells, including blood mononuclear cells, neuronal lipid rafts, and the placenta. The detection and characterization of AR-SVs in mammalian and non-mammalian species argue that AR-SV expression is evolutionarily conserved and that AR-SV-dependent signaling is a fundamental regulatory feature in multiple cellular contexts. These discoveries argue that alternative splicing of the AR transcript is a commonly used mechanism that leads to an expansion in the repertoire of signaling molecules needed in certain tissues. Various malignancies appropriate this mechanism of alternative AR splicing to acquire a proliferative and survival advantage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley D. Katleba
- Veterans Affairs-Northern California Health Care System, 10535 Hospital Way, Mather, CA 95655, USA; (K.D.K.); (P.M.G.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, 1 Shields Avenue, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Paramita M. Ghosh
- Veterans Affairs-Northern California Health Care System, 10535 Hospital Way, Mather, CA 95655, USA; (K.D.K.); (P.M.G.)
- Department of Urologic Surgery, 4860 Y Street, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA 95718, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, 1 Shields Avenue, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Maria Mudryj
- Veterans Affairs-Northern California Health Care System, 10535 Hospital Way, Mather, CA 95655, USA; (K.D.K.); (P.M.G.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, 1 Shields Avenue, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Yadav P, Mishra JS, Kumar S. Elevated Maternal Testosterone Levels Alter PFOA Elimination and Tissue Distribution in Pregnant Rats. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 7:131-139. [PMID: 37654976 PMCID: PMC10470210 DOI: 10.26502/jesph.96120193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is an enduring synthetic chemical that harms human health. Recent studies indicate heightened bioaccumulation of PFOA, particularly in pregnant women experiencing preeclampsia. Since plasma testosterone levels are elevated in pregnant women with preeclampsia, we hypothesized that hyperandrogenic conditions during pregnancy may hinder PFOA elimination and contribute to their higher body burden. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were s/c injected with vehicle or testosterone propionate from gestational day (GD) 15 to 20 to increase plasma testosterone levels by 2-fold, similar to levels in preeclampsia. On GD 16, [14C]-PFOA (9.4 pmol/kg) was given intravenously, and subsequently, 14C radioactivity was measured in maternal blood, urine, feces, and tissues. PFOA was primarily eliminated through urine; however, less PFOA was excreted in urine of pregnant rats with elevated testosterone levels than controls. Fecal excretion of PFOA was minimal and did not significantly differ between groups. The total elimination of PFOA (urine plus feces) was significantly reduced by 12% in pregnant rats with elevated testosterone levels. In controls, PFOA distribution was highest in placenta, followed by the kidneys, liver, brain, heart, lungs, and spleen. Pregnant rats with elevated testosterone levels displayed 12% higher concentrations of PFOA in these tissues than controls. Furthermore, the renal expression of Oat2 and Oat3 was significantly decreased, while Oatp1 and Oat-k expression was significantly increased in pregnant rats with elevated testosterone levels than controls. In conclusion, elevated maternal testosterone levels decrease urinary elimination of PFOA, possibly through altered expression of renal transporters leading to increased tissue concentrations of PFOA in pregnant rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Yadav
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Jay S Mishra
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Sathish Kumar
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Rivera-Núñez Z, Hansel M, Capurro C, Kozlosky D, Wang C, Doherty CL, Buckley B, Ohman-Strickland P, Miller RK, O’Connor TG, Aleksunes LM, Barrett ES. Prenatal Cadmium Exposure and Maternal Sex Steroid Hormone Concentrations across Pregnancy. TOXICS 2023; 11:589. [PMID: 37505555 PMCID: PMC10384739 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11070589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium exposure has been associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. One possible mechanism is endocrine disruption. Studies of non-pregnant adults suggest that cadmium impacts androgen production; here, we examined these associations during pregnancy. Participants in the Understanding Pregnancy Signals and Infant Development (UPSIDE) cohort provided biospecimens and questionnaire data in each trimester (n = 272). We quantified urinary cadmium, serum total testosterone (TT), estrone, estradiol, and estriol and serum free testosterone (fT). In adjusted longitudinal models, we examined sex steroid concentrations across pregnancy in relation to specific gravity-adjusted, ln-transformed cadmium concentrations. Additionally, we examined trimester-specific associations and stratified models by fetal sex. Results are presented as percent change (%∆) in hormone concentrations. In longitudinal models, higher cadmium concentrations were associated with lower fT across pregnancy (%∆ = -5.19, 95%CI: -8.33, -1.93), with no differences in other hormones observed. In trimester-specific models, higher cadmium concentrations were associated with lower TT in trimester 2 (%∆ = -15.26, 95%CI: -25.15, -4.06) and lower fT in trimester 3 (%∆ = -14.35, 95%CI: -19.75, -8.59). Associations with TT were stronger in pregnancies carrying female fetuses. Maternal cadmium exposure may be associated with reduced testosterone in pregnancy. Additional work is necessary to understand how alterations in gestational testosterone activity may impact pregnancy and child health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zorimar Rivera-Núñez
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (M.H.); (C.C.); (P.O.-S.); (E.S.B.)
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (D.K.); (C.L.D.); (B.B.); (L.M.A.)
| | - Megan Hansel
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (M.H.); (C.C.); (P.O.-S.); (E.S.B.)
| | - Camila Capurro
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (M.H.); (C.C.); (P.O.-S.); (E.S.B.)
| | - Danielle Kozlosky
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (D.K.); (C.L.D.); (B.B.); (L.M.A.)
| | - Christina Wang
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA;
| | - Cathleen L. Doherty
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (D.K.); (C.L.D.); (B.B.); (L.M.A.)
| | - Brian Buckley
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (D.K.); (C.L.D.); (B.B.); (L.M.A.)
| | - Pamela Ohman-Strickland
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (M.H.); (C.C.); (P.O.-S.); (E.S.B.)
| | - Richard K. Miller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (R.K.M.); (T.G.O.)
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Pediatrics and Pathology, University of Rochester, New York, NY 14642, USA
| | - Thomas G. O’Connor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (R.K.M.); (T.G.O.)
- Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, Neuroscience, University of Rochester, New York, NY 14620, USA
| | - Lauren M. Aleksunes
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (D.K.); (C.L.D.); (B.B.); (L.M.A.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Emily S. Barrett
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (M.H.); (C.C.); (P.O.-S.); (E.S.B.)
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (D.K.); (C.L.D.); (B.B.); (L.M.A.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (R.K.M.); (T.G.O.)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Jordao H, Herink K, Ka E, McVicker L, Kearns C, McMenamin ÚC. Pre-eclampsia during pregnancy and risk of endometrial cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:259. [PMID: 37173714 PMCID: PMC10182685 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02408-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-eclampsia may be associated with the development of endometrial cancer; however, previous findings have been conflicting. OBJECTIVES To investigate if pre-eclampsia is associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer. METHOD Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts of studies identified in MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases from inception until March 2022. Studies were included if they investigated pre-eclampsia and subsequent risk of endometrial cancer (or precursor lesions). Random-effects meta-analysis was used to calculate pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between pre-eclampsia during pregnancy and endometrial cancer risk. MAIN RESULTS There were seven articles identified which investigated endometrial cancer, of which one also investigated endometrial cancer precursors. Overall, the studies include 11,724 endometrial cancer cases. No association was observed between pre-eclampsia and risk of endometrial cancer with moderate heterogeneity observed (pooled HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.79-1.46, I2 = 34.1%). In sensitivity analysis investigating risk of endometrial neoplasia (atypical hyperplasia, carcinoma in situ, or cancer), there was some evidence that pre-eclampsia was associated with an increased risk (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.15-1.57, I2 = 29.6%). CONCLUSIONS Pre-eclampsia was not associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer. Additional large studies with information on pre-eclampsia sub-type aiming to investigate endometrial cancer precursor conditions are merited.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Jordao
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Institute of Clinical Sciences-B Building, Royal Victoria Hospital site, Grosvenor Rd, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT12 6BJ, UK.
| | - K Herink
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Institute of Clinical Sciences-B Building, Royal Victoria Hospital site, Grosvenor Rd, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT12 6BJ, UK
| | - Eastwood Ka
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Institute of Clinical Sciences-B Building, Royal Victoria Hospital site, Grosvenor Rd, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT12 6BJ, UK
- Department of St. Michael's Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | - L McVicker
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Institute of Clinical Sciences-B Building, Royal Victoria Hospital site, Grosvenor Rd, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT12 6BJ, UK
| | - C Kearns
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Institute of Clinical Sciences-B Building, Royal Victoria Hospital site, Grosvenor Rd, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT12 6BJ, UK
| | - Ú C McMenamin
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Institute of Clinical Sciences-B Building, Royal Victoria Hospital site, Grosvenor Rd, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT12 6BJ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Gomes VCL, Beckers KF, Crissman KR, Landry CA, Flanagan JP, Awad RM, Piero FD, Liu CC, Sones JL. Sexually dimorphic pubertal development and adipose tissue kisspeptin dysregulation in the obese and preeclamptic-like BPH/5 mouse model offspring. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1070426. [PMID: 37035685 PMCID: PMC10076539 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1070426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a devastating hypertensive disorder of pregnancy closely linked to obesity. Long-term adverse outcomes may occur in offspring from preeclamptic pregnancies. Accordingly, sex-specific changes in pubertal development have been described in children from preeclamptic women, but the underlying mechanisms remain vastly unexplored. Features of PE are spontaneously recapitulated by the blood pressure high subline 5 (BPH/5) mouse model, including obesity and dyslipidemia in females before and throughout pregnancy, superimposed hypertension from late gestation to parturition and fetal growth restriction. A sexually dimorphic cardiometabolic phenotype has been described in BPH/5 offspring: while females are hyperphagic, hyperleptinemic, and overweight, with increased reproductive white adipose tissue (rWAT), males have similar food intake, serum leptin concentration, body weight and rWAT mass as controls. Herein, pubertal development and adiposity were further investigated in BPH/5 progeny. Precocious onset of puberty occurs in BPH/5 females, but not in male offspring. When reaching adulthood, the obese BPH/5 females display hypoestrogenism and hyperandrogenism. Kisspeptins, a family of peptides closely linked to reproduction and metabolism, have been previously shown to induce lipolysis and inhibit adipogenesis. Interestingly, expression of kisspeptins (Kiss1) and their cognate receptor (Kiss1r) in the adipose tissue seem to be modulated by the sex steroid hormone milieu. To further understand the metabolic-reproductive crosstalk in the BPH/5 offspring, Kiss1/Kiss1r expression in male and female rWAT were investigated. Downregulation of Kiss1/Kiss1r occurs in BPH/5 females when compared to males. Interestingly, dietary weight loss attenuated circulating testosterone concentration and rWAT Kiss1 downregulation in BPH/5 females. Altogether, the studies demonstrate reproductive abnormalities in offspring gestated in a PE-like uterus, which appear to be closely associated to the sexually dimorphic metabolic phenotype of the BPH/5 mouse model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viviane C. L. Gomes
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Kalie F. Beckers
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Kassandra R. Crissman
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Camille A. Landry
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Juliet P. Flanagan
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Reham M. Awad
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Fabio Del Piero
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Chin-Chi Liu
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Jenny L. Sones
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Rivera-Núñez Z, Kinkade CW, Khoury L, Brunner J, Murphy H, Wang C, Kannan K, Miller RK, O'Connor TG, Barrett ES. Prenatal perfluoroalkyl substances exposure and maternal sex steroid hormones across pregnancy. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 220:115233. [PMID: 36621543 PMCID: PMC9977559 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous and persistent environmental contaminants that may act as endocrine disruptors in utero, but the specific endocrine pathways are unknown. OBJECTIVE We examined associations between maternal serum PFAS and sex steroid hormones at three time points during pregnancy. METHODS Pregnant women participating in the Understanding Pregnancy Signals and Infant Development (UPSIDE) study contributed biospecimens, questionnaire, and medical record data in each trimester (n = 285). PFAS (including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)) were analyzed in second-trimester serum samples by high-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Total testosterone [TT], free testosterone [fT], estrone [E1], estradiol [E2], and estriol [E3]) were measured by LC-MS/MS in serum samples from each trimester. Linear mixed models with random intercepts were used to examine associations between log-transformed PFAS concentrations and hormone levels, adjusting for covariates, and stratifying by fetal sex. Results are presented as the mean percentage difference (Δ%) in hormone levels per ln-unit increase in PFAS concentration. RESULTS In adjusted models, PFHxS was associated with higher TT (%Δ = 20.0, 95%CI: 1.7, 41.6), particularly among women carrying male fetuses (%Δ = 15.3, 95%CI: 1.2, 30.7); this association strengthened as the pregnancy progressed. PFNA (%Δ = 7.9, 95%CI: 3.4, 12.5) and PFDA (%Δ = 7.2, 95%CI: 4.9, 9.7) were associated with higher fT, with associations again observed only in women carrying male fetuses. PFHxS was associated with higher levels of E2 and E3 in women carrying female fetuses (%Δ = 13.2, 95%CI: 0.5, 29.1; %Δ = 17.9, 95%CI: 3.2, 34.8, respectively). No associations were observed for PFOS and PFOA. CONCLUSION PFHxS, PFNA, and PFDA may disrupt androgenic and estrogenic pathways in pregnancy in a sex-dependent manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zorimar Rivera-Núñez
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
| | - Carolyn W Kinkade
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Leena Khoury
- Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, Neuroscience, University of Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Jessica Brunner
- Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, Neuroscience, University of Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Hannah Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Christina Wang
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor -UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Department of Pediatrics, And Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University, Grossman School of Medicine, NY, NY, USA
| | - Richard K Miller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Thomas G O'Connor
- Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, Neuroscience, University of Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Emily S Barrett
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia is a life-threatening disease of pregnancy unique to humans and a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Women who survive pre-eclampsia have reduced life expectancy, with increased risks of stroke, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, while babies from a pre-eclamptic pregnancy have increased risks of preterm birth, perinatal death and neurodevelopmental disability and cardiovascular and metabolic disease later in life. Pre-eclampsia is a complex multisystem disease, diagnosed by sudden-onset hypertension (>20 weeks of gestation) and at least one other associated complication, including proteinuria, maternal organ dysfunction or uteroplacental dysfunction. Pre-eclampsia is found only when a placenta is or was recently present and is classified as preterm (delivery <37 weeks of gestation), term (delivery ≥37 weeks of gestation) and postpartum pre-eclampsia. The maternal syndrome of pre-eclampsia is driven by a dysfunctional placenta, which releases factors into maternal blood causing systemic inflammation and widespread maternal endothelial dysfunction. Available treatments target maternal hypertension and seizures, but the only 'cure' for pre-eclampsia is delivery of the dysfunctional placenta and baby, often prematurely. Despite decades of research, the aetiology of pre-eclampsia, particularly of term and postpartum pre-eclampsia, remains poorly defined. Significant advances have been made in the prediction and prevention of preterm pre-eclampsia, which is predicted in early pregnancy through combined screening and is prevented with daily low-dose aspirin, starting before 16 weeks of gestation. By contrast, the prediction of term and postpartum pre-eclampsia is limited and there are no preventive treatments. Future research must investigate the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia, in particular of term and postpartum pre-eclampsia, and evaluate new prognostic tests and treatments in adequately powered clinical trials.
Collapse
|
24
|
Yazawa T, Islam MS, Imamichi Y, Watanabe H, Yaegashi K, Ida T, Sato T, Kitano T, Matsuzaki S, Umezawa A, Muranishi Y. Comparison of Placental HSD17B1 Expression and Its Regulation in Various Mammalian Species. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040622. [PMID: 36830409 PMCID: PMC9951672 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
During mammalian gestation, large amounts of progesterone are produced by the placenta and circulate for the maintenance of pregnancy. In contrast, primary plasma estrogens are different between species. To account for this difference, we compared the expression of ovarian and placental steroidogenic genes in various mammalian species (mouse, guinea pig, porcine, ovine, bovine, and human). Consistent with the ability to synthesize progesterone, CYP11A1/Cyp11a1, and bi-functional HSD3B/Hsd3b genes were expressed in all species. CYP17A1/Cyp17a1 was expressed in the placenta of all species, excluding humans. CYP19A/Cyp19a1 was expressed in all placental estrogen-producing species, whereas estradiol-producing HSD17B1 was only strongly expressed in the human placenta. The promoter region of HSD17B1 in various species possesses a well-conserved SP1 site that was activated in human placental cell line JEG-3 cells. However, DNA methylation analyses in the ovine placenta showed that the SP1-site in the promoter region of HSD17B1 was completely methylated. These results indicate that epigenetic regulation of HSD17B1 expression is important for species-specific placental sex steroid production. Because human HSD17B1 showed strong activity for the conversion of androstenedione into testosterone, similar to HSD17B1/Hsd17b1 in other species, we also discuss the biological significance of human placental HSD17B1 based on the symptoms of aromatase-deficient patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yazawa
- Department of Biochemistry, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Hokkaido, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-166-68-2342
| | - Mohammad Sayful Islam
- Department of Biochemistry, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Imamichi
- Department of Marine Bioscience, Fukui Prefectural University, Obama 917-0003, Fukui, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Watanabe
- Department of Life and Food Science, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| | | | - Takanori Ida
- Center for Animal Disease Control, Frontiers Science Research Center, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-1692, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Takahiro Sato
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Life Sciences, Kurume University, Kurume 830-0011, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kitano
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8555, Kumamoto, Japan
| | | | - Akihiro Umezawa
- Department of Reproduction, National Center for Child Health and Development Research Institute, Setagaya 157-8535, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Muranishi
- Department of Life and Food Science, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Dela Justina V, Dos Passos Júnior RR, Lima VV, Giachini FR. Evidence of Nitric Oxide Impairment During Hypertensive Pregnancies. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1428:99-125. [PMID: 37466771 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-32554-0_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy complicate up to 10% of pregnancies worldwide, and they can be classified into (1) gestational hypertension, (2) preeclampsia, (3) chronic hypertension and (4) chronic hypertension with preeclampsia. Nitric oxide (NO) plays an essential role in the haemodynamic adaptations observed during pregnancy. It has been shown that the nitric oxide pathway's dysfunction during pregnancy is associated with placental- and vascular-related diseases such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. This review aims to present a brief definition of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and physiological maternal cardiovascular adaptations during pregnancy. We also detail how NO signalling is altered in the (a) systemic vasculature, (b) uterine artery/spiral arteries, (c) implantation and (d) placenta of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. We conclude by summarizing the anti-hypertensive therapy of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy as a specific management strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Dela Justina
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Rinaldo Rodrigues Dos Passos Júnior
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
- Institute of Health Sciences and Health, Universidad Federal De Mato Grosso, Barra do Garcas, Brazil
| | - Victor Vitorino Lima
- Institute of Health Sciences and Health, Universidad Federal De Mato Grosso, Barra do Garcas, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Regina Giachini
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
- Institute of Health Sciences and Health, Universidad Federal De Mato Grosso, Barra do Garcas, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Lucas-Herald AK, Touyz RM. Androgens and Androgen Receptors as Determinants of Vascular Sex Differences Across the Lifespan. Can J Cardiol 2022; 38:1854-1864. [PMID: 36156286 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2022.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgens, including testosterone and its more potent metabolite dihydrotestosterone, exert multiple actions in the body. Physiologically, they play a critical role in male sex development. In addition, they influence vascular function, including arterial vasodilation and mediation of myogenic tone. Androgens are produced from 9 weeks' gestation in the human fetal testis, as well as in small amounts by the adrenal glands. Serum concentrations vary according to age and sex. The vasculature is a target for direct actions of androgens, which bind to various sex hormone receptors expressed in endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells. Androgens exert both vasoprotective and vasoinjurious effects, depending on multiple factors including sex-specific effects of androgens, heterogeneity of the vascular endothelium, differential expression of androgen and sex hormone receptors in endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells, and the chronicity of androgen administration. Long-term administration of androgens induces vasoconstriction and influences endothelial permeability, whereas acute administration may have opposite effects. At the cellular level, androgens stimulate endothelial cell production of nitric oxide and inhibit proinflammatory signalling pathways, inducing vasorelaxation and vasoprotection. However, androgens also activate endothelial production of vasoconstrictors and stimulate recruitment of endothelial progenitor cells. In humans, both androgen deficiency and androgen excess are associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This review discusses how androgens modulate vascular sex differences across the lifespan by considering the actions and production of androgens in both sexes and describes how cardiovascular risk is altered as levels of androgens change with aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela K Lucas-Herald
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
| | - Rhian M Touyz
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Feng Y, Lian X, Guo K, Zhang G, Huang X. A comprehensive analysis of metabolomics and transcriptomics to reveal major metabolic pathways and potential biomarkers of human preeclampsia placenta. Front Genet 2022; 13:1010657. [PMID: 36263435 PMCID: PMC9574103 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1010657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The etiology of preeclampsia (PE) remains unclear. With the utilization of metabolomics, dysregulated production of several metabolic components in human plasma, such as lipids, amino acids, androgens and estrogens, was found to be important in the pathogenesis of PE. Transcriptomics adds more in-depth information, and the integration of transcriptomics and metabolomics may yield further insight into PE pathogenesis than either one alone.Objectives: We investigated the placental metabolomics and transcriptomics of PE patients to identify affected metabolic pathways and potential biological targets for exploring the disease pathogenesis.Methods: Integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics were used to analyze five paired human placentas from patients with severe PE and normal pregnancies. This was followed by further validation of our findings in a publicly available dataset of 173 PE vs. 157 control placentas. In addition, weighted gene coexpression network construction was performed to assess the correlation between genetic alterations and diseases.Results: We identified 66 and 41 differentially altered metabolites in negative and positive ion modes, respectively, in the PE group compared to the control group, and found 2,560 differentially expressed genes. Several pathways were aberrantly altered in the PE placenta at both the metabolic and transcriptional levels, including steroid hormone biosynthesis, the cAMP signaling pathway, neuroactive ligand–receptor interactions, taste transduction and prion diseases. Additionally, we found 11 differential metabolites and 11 differentially expressed genes involved in the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway, indicating impaired metabolism of steroid hormones in the PE placenta. Furthermore, we found that CYP11A1, HSD3B2, and HSD17B6 are highly correlated with diseases.Conclusion: Our findings provide a profile of the dysregulated steroid hormone biosynthesis in PE placenta, we observed a dysregulated cortisol-to-cortisone ratio, testosterone accumulation, decreased testosterone downstream metabolites, impaired production of estrone and estriol, and aberrant hydroxylation and methylation of estradiol. Disorders of placental steroid hormone metabolism might be a consequence or a compensatory change in pathological placentation in PE, which underscores the need to investigate the physiology of steroid hormone metabolites in the etiology of PE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Feng
- Fetal Care Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinlei Lian
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kaimin Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guanglan Zhang
- Fetal Care Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Huang
- Fetal Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xuan Huang,
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Planinić A, Marić T, Bojanac AK, Ježek D. Reinke crystals: Hallmarks of adult Leydig cells in humans. Andrology 2022; 10:1107-1120. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.13201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Planinić
- Department of Histology and Embryology University of Zagreb School of Medicine
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine University of Zagreb School of Medicine
| | - Tihana Marić
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine University of Zagreb School of Medicine
- Department of Medical Biology University of Zagreb School of Medicine
| | - Ana Katušić Bojanac
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine University of Zagreb School of Medicine
- Department of Medical Biology University of Zagreb School of Medicine
| | - Davor Ježek
- Department of Histology and Embryology University of Zagreb School of Medicine
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine University of Zagreb School of Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Preeclampsia complicates 5-10% of all pregnancies and is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. The placenta plays a pivotal role in determining pregnancy outcome by supplying the fetus with oxygen and nutrients and by synthesizing hormones. Placental function is highly dependent on energy supplied by mitochondria. It is well-known that preeclampsia is originated from placental dysfunction, although the etiology of it remains elusive. RECENT FINDINGS During the last three decades, substantial evidence suggests that mitochondrial abnormality is a major contributor to placental dysfunction. In addition, mitochondrial damage caused by circulating bioactive factors released from the placenta may cause endothelial dysfunction and subsequent elevation in maternal blood pressure. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of mitochondrial abnormality in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and discuss therapeutic approaches targeting mitochondria for treatment of preeclampsia.
Collapse
|
30
|
Abruzzese GA, Silva AF, Velazquez ME, Ferrer MJ, Motta AB. Hyperandrogenism and Polycystic ovary syndrome: Effects in pregnancy and offspring development. WIREs Mech Dis 2022; 14:e1558. [PMID: 35475329 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the major endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age. Its etiology remains unclear. It is suggested that environmental factors, and particularly the intrauterine environment, play key roles in PCOS development. Besides the role of androgens in PCOS pathogenesis, exposure to endocrine disruptors, as is Bisphenol A, could also contribute to its development. Although PCOS is considered one of the leading causes of ovarian infertility, many PCOS patients can get pregnant. Some of them by natural conception and others by assisted reproductive technique treatments. As hyperandrogenism (one of PCOS main features) affects ovarian and uterine functions, PCOS women, despite reaching pregnancy, could present high-risk pregnancies, including implantation failure, an increased risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm birth. Moreover, hyperandrogenism may also be maintained in these women during pregnancy. Therefore, as an altered uterine milieu, including hormonal imbalance, could affect the developing organisms, monitoring these patients throughout pregnancy and their offspring development is highly relevant. The present review focuses on the impact of androgenism and PCOS on fertility issues and pregnancy-related outcomes and offspring development. The evidence suggests that the increased risk of pregnancy complications and adverse offspring outcomes of PCOS women would be due to the factors involved in the syndrome pathogenesis and the related co-morbidities. A better understanding of the involved mechanisms is still needed and could contribute to a better management of these women and their offspring. This article is categorized under: Reproductive System Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology Reproductive System Diseases > Environmental Factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giselle A Abruzzese
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Aimé F Silva
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariela E Velazquez
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria-José Ferrer
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alicia B Motta
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Rivera-Núñez Z, Ashrap P, Barrett ES, Llanos AAM, Watkins DJ, Cathey AL, Vélez-Vega CM, Rosario Z, Cordero JF, Alshawabkeh A, Meeker JD. Personal care products: Demographic characteristics and maternal hormones in pregnant women from Puerto Rico. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 206:112376. [PMID: 34798118 PMCID: PMC8810700 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Personal care products (PCPs) refer to a wide variety of items commonly characterized as health or beauty products. PCPs contain a number of ingredients, often including a wide range of endocrine disrupting chemicals such as phthalates and parabens. The present study examines the association between self-reported PCP use and prenatal sex-steroids and thyroid hormones levels in women from Puerto Rico. We recruited pregnant women (n = 1070) through the Puerto Rico PROTECT Cohort and collected blood, demographic and pregnancy-related data at recruitment and subsequent visits. PCP use in the 48-h preceding the blood sample was collected through self-reported questionnaires. Nine hormones (corticotropin-releasing hormone [CRH], sex-hormone binding globulin [SHBG], estriol [E3], progesterone, testosterone, thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH], total triiodothyronine [T3], total thyroxine [T4], and free thyroxine [fT4]) were measured in maternal serum samples at two points during pregnancy. Linear mixed models with random intercepts were used to examine associations between PCP use and serum hormone levels. Use of cosmetics significantly increased with age, household income and education level (p < 0.01). Use of hair products, such as hair dyes and bleach, relaxers, and mousse, was associated with lower levels of all sex steroid hormones compared to non-use: SHBG (%Δ = -7.1, 95%CI: -12.4,-1.8), E3 (%Δ = -23.2, 95%CI: -32.2,-13.0), progesterone (%Δ = -21.5, 95%CI: -29.4,-12.9) and testosterone (%Δ = -21.5, 95%CI: -33.1,-7.8) adjusted for maternal age, education and pre-pregnancy body mass index. Our findings suggest that household income and education level influence PCP use among pregnant women in this study. Use of certain hair products was associated with lower concentrations of sex steroid hormones. Although there are limitations to questionnaire data, characterizing PCP use is inexpensive and may represent exposure from multiple classes of chemicals, including chemicals that may not specifically appear on product labels and/or have not been tested for endocrine disrupting potential, making it a useful complement to chemical biomarker data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zorimar Rivera-Núñez
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
| | - Pahriya Ashrap
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Emily S Barrett
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Adana A M Llanos
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Deborah J Watkins
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Amber L Cathey
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Carmen M Vélez-Vega
- Graduate Program of Public Health, University of Puerto Rico, UPR Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR, USA
| | - Zaira Rosario
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - José F Cordero
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | - John D Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Gopalakrishnan K, Mishra JS, Ross JR, Abbott DH, Kumar S. Hyperandrogenism diminishes maternal-fetal fatty acid transport by increasing FABP 4-mediated placental lipid accumulation. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:514-528. [PMID: 35357467 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) are critical for fetal brain development. Infants born to preeclamptic mothers or those born growth restricted due to placental insufficiency have reduced LCPUFA, and are at higher risk for developing neurodevelopmental disorders. Since plasma levels of testosterone (T) and fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) are elevated in preeclampsia, we hypothesized that elevated T induces the expression of FABP4 in the placenta leading to compromised transplacental transport of LCPUFAs. Increased maternal T in pregnant rats significantly decreased n-3 and n-6 LCPUFA levels in maternal and fetal circulation, but increased their placental accumulation. Dietary LCPUFAs supplementation in T dams increased LCPUFA levels in the maternal circulation and further augmented placental storage, while failing to increase fetal levels. The placenta in T dams exhibited increased FABP4 mRNA and protein levels. In vitro, T dose-dependently upregulated FABP4 transcription in trophoblasts. T stimulated androgen receptor (AR) recruitment to the androgen response element and trans-activated FABP4 promoter activity, both of which were abolished by AR antagonist. T in pregnant rats and cultured trophoblasts significantly reduced transplacental transport of C14-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and increased C14-DHA accumulation in the placenta. Importantly, FABP4-overexpression by itself in pregnant rats and trophoblasts increased transplacental transport of C14-DHA with no significant placental accumulation. T exposure, in contrast, inhibited this FABP4-mediated effect by promoting C14-DHA placental accumulation. In summary, our studies show that maternal hyperandrogenism increases placental FABP4 expression via transcriptional upregulation and preferentially routes LCPUFAs toward cellular storage in the placenta leading to offspring lipid deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathirvel Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jay S Mishra
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jordan R Ross
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - David H Abbott
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792, USA.,Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53715, USA.,Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Sathish Kumar
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792, USA.,Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Lee JC, Badell ML, Kawwass JF. The impact of endometrial preparation for frozen embryo transfer on maternal and neonatal outcomes: a review. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:40. [PMID: 35227270 PMCID: PMC8883648 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00869-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of frozen embryo transfer in assisted reproductive technology (ART) has steadily increased since development in the early 1980's. While there are many benefits to delayed frozen embryo transfer, certain adverse perinatal outcomes are noted to be more common in these transfers when compared to fresh transfers, specifically hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Frozen embryo transfers require coordination between the embryo's developmental stage and the endometrial environment and can occur in either ovulatory or programmed cycles. Though there is no consensus on the ideal method of endometrial preparation prior to frozen embryo transfer, emerging data suggests differences in maternal and neonatal outcomes, specifically increased rates of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in programmed cycles. Other reported differences include an increased risk of cesarean delivery, placenta accreta, postpartum hemorrhage, low birthweight, preterm birth, post term delivery, macrosomia, large for gestational age, and premature rupture of membranes in programmed cycles. The mechanism by which these differences exist could reflect inherent differences in groups selected for each type of endometrial preparation, the role of super physiologic hormone environments in programmed cycles, or the unique contributions of the corpus luteum in ovulatory cycles that are not present in programmed cycles. Given that existing studies are largely retrospective and have several key limitations, further investigation is needed. Confirmation of these findings has implications for current practice patterns and could enhance understanding of the mechanisms behind important adverse perinatal outcomes in those pursuing assisted reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline C Lee
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory Reproductive Center, 550 Peachtree Street, 18th Floor, Atlanta, GA, 30308, USA.
| | - Martina L Badell
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory Perinatal Center, 550 Peachtree Street, 15th floor, Atlanta, GA, 30308, USA
| | - Jennifer F Kawwass
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory Reproductive Center, 550 Peachtree Street, 18th Floor, Atlanta, GA, 30308, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Yu B, Guo F, Yang Y, Long W, Zhou J. Steroidomics of Pregnant Women at Advanced Age. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:796909. [PMID: 35282454 PMCID: PMC8905515 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.796909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To discover the profiles of different steroid hormones at the maternal-fetal interface and reveal the change characteristics in pregnant women at advanced maternal age (AMA). METHODS Forty pregnant women were recruited in the study, including 20 AMA women (age ≥ 35) and 20 normal controls (age < 35 and without pregnancy complications). Among AMA women, 6 (AMA2) had pregnancy complications, and 14 (AMA1) had no complications. Their maternal blood (MB), placental tissue (P), and fetal cord blood (CB) were collected, and 18 different steroid hormone metabolites were analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). RESULTS The estradiol (E2) levels in MB were higher than those in P and CB. In contrast, the estrone (E1) and estriol (E3) levels were higher in P and CB. Compared with the progesterone levels (P4) in MB, those in P and CB were higher; however, cortisol (F) levels were deficient. In contrast, F in MB was maintained at an elevated level. Further, cortisone (E) levels in CB were higher than those in MB and P. Except for the decline of testosterone (T), androstenedione (A2) and Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), there were no significant differences in the other 15 steroid hormones in MB between the AMA1 and the control group (p>0.05). Compared with the AMA1 group, androgen levels were significantly higher in AMA2, especially in T (1.55 vs. 0.68 ng/ml, p=0.023), A2 (2.27 vs. 0.92 ng/ml, p=0.011) and Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) (2.39 vs. 1.50 ng/ml, p=0.028). However, there were no significant changes in P and CB between two groups. CONCLUSION There are distribution rules and cascade changes of steroid profiles in maternal-fetal compartments. Significantly high androgen levels in AMA women have a positive relationship with adverse pregnancy complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Yu
- *Correspondence: Bin Yu, ; Jun Zhou,
| | | | | | | | - Jun Zhou
- *Correspondence: Bin Yu, ; Jun Zhou,
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Chang CJ, Barr DB, Ryan PB, Panuwet P, Smarr MM, Liu K, Kannan K, Yakimavets V, Tan Y, Ly V, Marsit CJ, Jones DP, Corwin EJ, Dunlop AL, Liang D. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) exposure, maternal metabolomic perturbation, and fetal growth in African American women: A meet-in-the-middle approach. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 158:106964. [PMID: 34735953 PMCID: PMC8688254 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposures to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been linked to reduced fetal growth. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. This study aims to investigate biological pathways and intermediate biomarkers underlying the association between serum PFAS and fetal growth using high-resolution metabolomics in a cohort of pregnant African American women in the Atlanta area, Georgia. METHODS Serum perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) measurements and untargeted serum metabolomics profiling were conducted in 313 pregnant African American women at 8-14 weeks gestation. Multiple linear regression models were applied to assess the associations of PFAS with birth weight and small-for-gestational age (SGA) birth. A high-resolution metabolomics workflow including metabolome-wide association study, pathway enrichment analysis, and chemical annotation and confirmation with a meet-in-the-middle approach was performed to characterize the biological pathways and intermediate biomarkers of the PFAS-fetal growth relationship. RESULTS Each log2-unit increase in serum PFNA concentration was significantly associated with higher odds of SGA birth (OR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.07, 1.63); similar but borderline significant associations were found in PFOA (OR = 1.20, 95% CI 0.94, 1.49) with SGA. Among 25,516 metabolic features extracted from the serum samples, we successfully annotated and confirmed 10 overlapping metabolites associated with both PFAS and fetal growth endpoints, including glycine, taurine, uric acid, ferulic acid, 2-hexyl-3-phenyl-2-propenal, unsaturated fatty acid C18:1, androgenic hormone conjugate, parent bile acid, and bile acid-glycine conjugate. Also, we identified 21 overlapping metabolic pathways from pathway enrichment analyses. These overlapping metabolites and pathways were closely related to amino acid, lipid and fatty acid, bile acid, and androgenic hormone metabolism perturbations. CONCLUSION In this cohort of pregnant African American women, higher serum concentrations of PFOA and PFNA were associated with reduced fetal growth. Perturbations of biological pathways involved in amino acid, lipid and fatty acid, bile acid, and androgenic hormone metabolism were associated with PFAS exposures and reduced fetal growth, and uric acid was shown to be a potential intermediate biomarker. Our results provide opportunities for future studies to develop early detection and intervention for PFAS-induced fetal growth restriction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Che-Jung Chang
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dana Boyd Barr
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - P Barry Ryan
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Parinya Panuwet
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Melissa M Smarr
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ken Liu
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Volha Yakimavets
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Youran Tan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - ViLinh Ly
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Carmen J Marsit
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dean P Jones
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Anne L Dunlop
- Woodruff Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine and Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Donghai Liang
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Furukawa S, Tsuji N, Hayashi S, Kuroda Y, Kimura M, Hayakawa C, Takeuchi K, Sugiyama A. Effects of testosterone on rat placental development. J Toxicol Pathol 2022; 35:37-44. [PMID: 35221494 PMCID: PMC8828613 DOI: 10.1293/tox.2021-0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the morphological effects of testosterone on placental development in a
rat model of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Testosterone propionate (TP), which was
subcutaneously administered to pregnant rats with 5 mg/animal from gestation day (GD) 14
to GD 18, induced a maternal weight reduction without mortality or clinical signs from GD
19 onwards. A decrease in fetal and placental weight, an increase in intrauterine growth
retardation (IUGR) rates, and histological changes in the placenta were observed on GD 21
but not on GD15 or 17. Histopathologically, on GD 21, the trophoblast septa thickened, and
the maternal sinusoids were narrowed in the labyrinth zone, resulting in a small placenta.
Additionally, the placental weight, thickness, and histological morphology in the
labyrinth zone on GD 21 in the TP-treated group were nearly identical to those on GD 17 in
the control and TP-treated groups. Therefore, it was assumed that the testosterone-induced
small placenta was induced in association with the developmental inhibition of the fetal
part of the placentas from GD 17 onwards.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Furukawa
- Biological Research Laboratories, Nissan Chemical Corporation, 1470 Shiraoka, Shiraoka-shi, Saitama 349-0294, Japan
| | - Naho Tsuji
- Biological Research Laboratories, Nissan Chemical Corporation, 1470 Shiraoka, Shiraoka-shi, Saitama 349-0294, Japan
| | - Seigo Hayashi
- Biological Research Laboratories, Nissan Chemical Corporation, 1470 Shiraoka, Shiraoka-shi, Saitama 349-0294, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kuroda
- Biological Research Laboratories, Nissan Chemical Corporation, 1470 Shiraoka, Shiraoka-shi, Saitama 349-0294, Japan
| | - Masayuki Kimura
- Biological Research Laboratories, Nissan Chemical Corporation, 1470 Shiraoka, Shiraoka-shi, Saitama 349-0294, Japan
| | - Chisato Hayakawa
- Biological Research Laboratories, Nissan Chemical Corporation, 1470 Shiraoka, Shiraoka-shi, Saitama 349-0294, Japan
| | - Kazuya Takeuchi
- Biological Research Laboratories, Nissan Chemical Corporation, 1470 Shiraoka, Shiraoka-shi, Saitama 349-0294, Japan
| | - Akihiko Sugiyama
- Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, 1-3 Ikoinooka, Imabari-shi, Ehime 794-8555, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Aguilera N, Salas-Pérez F, Ortíz M, Álvarez D, Echiburú B, Maliqueo M. Rodent models in placental research. Implications for fetal origins of adult disease. Anim Reprod 2022; 19:e20210134. [PMID: 35493783 PMCID: PMC9037606 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2021-0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
|
38
|
Firestein MR, Romeo RD, Winstead H, Goldman DA, Grobman WA, Haas DM, Parry S, Reddy UM, Silver RM, Wapner RJ, Champagne FA. Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and polycystic ovary syndrome are associated with child communication and social skills in a sex-specific and androgen-dependent manner. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1000732. [PMID: 36246897 PMCID: PMC9559211 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1000732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to testosterone is implicated in the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and polycystic ovary syndrome are associated with both hyperandrogenism and increased risk for ASD. We examined whether increased maternal testosterone mediates the relationship between these hyperandrogenic disorders (HDs) during pregnancy and child communication and social skills. Maternal plasma was collected during the second trimester and parent-report measures of child communication and social skills were obtained at 4.5-6.5 years of age from 270 participants enrolled in the Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-be (nuMoM2b). Our retrospective frequency-matched cohort study design identified 58 mothers with one or both of the HDs and 58 matched controls. Women diagnosed with an HD who carried a female had higher testosterone levels compared to those carrying a male (t(56) = -2.70, p = 0.01). Compared to females controls, females born to women with an HD had significantly higher scores on the Social Communication Questionnaire (t(114) = -2.82, p =0.01). Maternal testosterone partially mediated the relationship between a diagnosis of an HD and SCQ scores among females. These findings point to sex-specific associations of two HDs - hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and polycystic ovary syndrome - on child communication and social skills and a mediating effect of maternal testosterone during pregnancy. Further research is needed to understand placental-mediated effects of maternal testosterone on child brain development and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morgan R. Firestein
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Morgan R. Firestein,
| | - Russell D. Romeo
- Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience and Behavior, Barnard College of Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Hailey Winstead
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Danielle A. Goldman
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - William A. Grobman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - David M. Haas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Samuel Parry
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Uma M. Reddy
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Robert M. Silver
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Ronald J. Wapner
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Frances A. Champagne
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Zhao L, Shi J, Yang H. Plasma SerpinA5 in conjunction with uterine artery pulsatility index and clinical risk factor for the early prediction of preeclampsia. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258541. [PMID: 34648566 PMCID: PMC8516267 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Object This study aimed to combine plasma protein SerpinA5 with uterine artery doppler ultrasound and clinical risk factor during the first trimester for prediction of preeclampsia. Methods and materials This study was a nested cohort study and was divided into the screening set and developing set. The plasma was collected during the first trimester (11+0–13+6 weeks), at the same time, UtA-PI was detected and recorded with four-dimensional color Doppler ultrasound. These pregnancies were followed up until after delivery. The plasma proteins were examined using ultra-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Placental samples preserved after delivery were analysed by immunohistochemistry. Clinical risk factors were obtained from medical records or antenatal questionnaires. Upregulation or downregulation of SerpinA5 expression in TEV-1 cells was performed to investigate the role of SerpinA5 in trophoblasts invasion. Results We demonstrated that SerpinA5 levels were greater not only in preeclampsia placental tissue but also in plasma (both p<0.05), and we found that SerpinA5 may interfere with trophoblastic cell invasion by inhibiting MSP. SerpinA5 may be a potential predictor of preeclampsia. What is more, the sensitivity and specificity of predictive power were strengthened when plasma SerpinA5 was combined with UtA-PI and pre-pregnancy BMI & family history of PE for prediction of preeclampsia. Conclusion These findings showed that placenta-derived plasma SerpinA5 may be a novel biomarker for preeclampsia, which together with uterine artery Doppler ultrasound and clinical risk factor can more effectively predict preeclampsia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yonggang Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Yipeng Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Limin Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Junzhu Shi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongling Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Parker J, O'Brien C, Gersh FL. Developmental origins and transgenerational inheritance of polycystic ovary syndrome. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2021; 61:922-926. [PMID: 34403138 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been increasing awareness that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) phenotypes may represent a mismatch between ancient genetically programmed metabolic and reproductive survival mechanisms and modern lifestyle practices. In-utero developmental programming of metabolic and endocrine pathways may play an important role in activating gene variants that predispose the offspring to develop PCOS when exposed to specific postnatal conditions. Postnatal exposure to lifestyle factors such as poor-quality diet and endocrine disrupting chemicals may modulate epigenetically programmed pathways that result in the observed pathophysiological changes and clinical features seen in women with PCOS. AIM To review the developmental origins and transgenerational transmission of PCOS and the impact of lifestyle, androgens and endocrine disrupting chemicals on fetal epigenetic programming. MATERIALS AND METHODS The literature was reviewed using Google, Google Scholar, Medline and PubMed databases. The results are presented as a narrative review. RESULTS Human observational and animal experimental data support the hypothesis that PCOS is an inherited condition that arises as a result of developmental programming of normal gene variants. It is likely that these genes can be amplified by in-utero androgen exposure and activated by a range of postnatal lifestyle and environmental factors. Endocrine disrupting chemicals have the potential to influence developmental programming of PCOS susceptibility genes. CONCLUSIONS The current evidence suggests that developmental epigenetic programming following exposure to an adverse maternal metabolic and endocrine environment contributes to the pathogenesis of PCOS. Lifestyle interventions, as recommended by the International Guidelines, have the potential to reduce both symptoms and transgenerational transmission of PCOS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jim Parker
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Claire O'Brien
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Felice L Gersh
- Internal Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Sola IM, Serman A, Karin-Kujundzic V, Paic F, Skrtic A, Slatina P, Kakarigi L, Vranic S, Serman L. Dishevelled family proteins (DVL1-3) expression in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) placentas. Bosn J Basic Med Sci 2021; 21:447-453. [PMID: 33485290 PMCID: PMC8292871 DOI: 10.17305/bjbms.2020.5422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Dishevelled family proteins (DVL1, DVL2, and DVL3) are cytoplasmic proteins that are involved in canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway during embryonic development. The role of DVL proteins in the placental tissue remains mostly unknown. In the current study, we explored the role of Dishevelled proteins in naturally invasive tissue, trophoblast. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples of 15 term placentas from physiologic term pregnancies and 15 term placentas from pregnancies complicated with intrauterine growth restrictions (IUGR) were used for the study. Expression levels of mRNA for DVL1, DVL2, and DVL3 in placentas were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). DVL1, DVL2, and DVL3 protein expression were semi-quantitatively analyzed using immunohistochemistry. The expression of DVL3 protein was significantly higher in trophoblasts and endothelial cells in placental villi from IUGR pregnancies compared with the control group of term placentas, while DVL2 protein expression was significantly higher in trophoblasts in placental villi from IUGR pregnancies compared with normal term placentas. The observed differences at protein levels between normal and IUGR placentas were not confirmed at the mRNA levels of DVL genes. Our data indicate the active involvement of DVL proteins in IUGR-related placentas. No significant changes were observed in DVL mRNA levels between the two groups of placentas. Further studies are required to explore the clinical relevance of these observations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ida Marija Sola
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital "Sestre Milosrdnice", Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Alan Serman
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Hospital "Sveti Duh", Zagreb, Croatia; Centre of Excellence in Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Valentina Karin-Kujundzic
- Centre of Excellence in Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia; Department of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Frane Paic
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Anita Skrtic
- Centre of Excellence in Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia; Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; Department of Pathology, University Hospital "Merkur", Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Paula Slatina
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Luka Kakarigi
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Semir Vranic
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ljiljana Serman
- Centre of Excellence in Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia; Department of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Jie Q, Sun F, Li Q, Zhu J, Wei Y, Yang H, Long P, Wang Z, Yang X, Li D, Huang L, Ma Y. Downregulated ribosomal protein L39 inhibits trophoblast cell migration and invasion by targeting E-cadherin in the placenta of patients with preeclampsia. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21322. [PMID: 33710681 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002061r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Early-onset preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy complication that can lead to severe adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. However, the mechanisms underlying the development of early-onset PE are not fully understood. Ribosomal protein L39 (RPL39) is a member of the S39E family of ribosomal proteins that plays an important role in stem cell self-renewal, cancer metastasis, and chemoresistance. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential function of RPL39 in placental trophoblast cells. We analyzed the expression of RPL39 in early-onset PE and normal placental tissues using real-time PCR, western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry. The results showed that RPL39 was markedly downregulated in early-onset PE placental tissues. RPL39 knockdown inhibited trophoblast cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, as well as placental explant outgrowth. Flow cytometry analysis suggested that knockdown of RPL39 resulted in cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, but had no significant effect on cell apoptosis. We also found that RPL39 knockdown could alter cell morphology. We then measured the expression of the epithelial cell marker E-cadherin following knockdown of RPL39 in Bewo and HTR8/SVneo cells. RPL39 knockdown increased the expression of E-cadherin. Furthermore, E-cadherin expression was upregulated in placental explant outgrowth tissues transfected with RPL39 small interfering RNA. In conclusion, RPL39 plays an essential role in proliferation, invasion, and migration of trophoblast cells by targeting E-cadherin. Our findings provide novel insight into the mechanisms underlying the occurrence of early-onset PE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiuling Jie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for human reproductive medicine and Genetic Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for human reproductive medicine and Genetic Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for human reproductive medicine and Genetic Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Juan Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for human reproductive medicine and Genetic Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Yunjian Wei
- Department of Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for human reproductive medicine and Genetic Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Huamei Yang
- Department of Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for human reproductive medicine and Genetic Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Ping Long
- Department of Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for human reproductive medicine and Genetic Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for human reproductive medicine and Genetic Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Xiaohui Yang
- Department of Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for human reproductive medicine and Genetic Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for human reproductive medicine and Genetic Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Liping Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanlin Ma
- Department of Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for human reproductive medicine and Genetic Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
A Potential Role and Contribution of Androgens in Placental Development and Pregnancy. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11070644. [PMID: 34357016 PMCID: PMC8305703 DOI: 10.3390/life11070644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful pregnancy requires the establishment of a highly regulated maternal-fetal environment. This is achieved through the harmonious regulation of steroid hormones, which modulate both maternal and fetal physiology, and are critical for pregnancy maintenance. Defects in steroidogenesis and steroid signaling can lead to pregnancy disorders or even fetal loss. The placenta is a multifunctional, transitory organ which develops at the maternal-fetal interface, and supports fetal development through endocrine signaling, the transport of nutrients and gas exchange. The placenta has the ability to adapt to adverse environments, including hormonal variations, trying to support fetal development. However, if placental function is impaired, or its capacity to adapt is exceeded, fetal development will be compromised. The goal of this review is to explore the relevance of androgens and androgen signaling during pregnancy, specifically in placental development and function. Often considered a mere precursor to placental estrogen synthesis, the placenta in fact secretes androgens throughout pregnancy, and not only contains the androgen steroid nuclear receptor, but also non-genomic membrane receptors for androgens, suggesting a role of androgen signaling in placental function. Moreover, a number of pregnancy disorders, including pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, intrauterine growth restriction, and polycystic ovarian syndrome, are associated with abnormal androgen levels and androgen signaling. Understanding the role of androgens in the placenta will provide a greater understanding of the pathophysiology of pregnancy disorders associated with androgen elevation and its consequences.
Collapse
|
44
|
Abaffy T, Matsunami H. 19-hydroxy Steroids in the Aromatase Reaction: Review on Expression and Potential Functions. J Endocr Soc 2021; 5:bvab050. [PMID: 34095690 PMCID: PMC8169043 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvab050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Scientific evidence related to the aromatase reaction in various biological processes spanning from mid-1960 to today is abundant; however, as our analytical sensitivity increases, a new look at the old chemical reaction is necessary. Here, we review an irreversible aromatase reaction from the substrate androstenedione. It proceeds in 3 consecutive steps. In the first 2 steps, 19-hydroxy steroids are produced. In the third step, estrone is produced. They can dissociate from the enzyme complex and either accumulate in tissues or enter the blood. In this review, we want to highlight the potential importance of these 19-hydroxy steroids in various physiological and pathological conditions. We focus primarily on 19-hydroxy steroids, and in particular on the 19-hydroxyandrostenedione produced by the incomplete aromatase reaction. Using a PubMed database and the search term “aromatase reaction,” 19-hydroxylation of androgens and steroid measurements, we detail the chemistry of the aromatase reaction and list previous and current methods used to measure 19-hydroxy steroids. We present evidence of the existence of 19-hydroxy steroids in brain tissue, ovaries, testes, adrenal glands, prostate cancer, as well as during pregnancy and parturition and in Cushing’s disease. Based on the available literature, a potential involvement of 19-hydroxy steroids in the brain differentiation process, sperm motility, ovarian function, and hypertension is suggested and warrants future research. We hope that with the advancement of highly specific and sensitive analytical methods, future research into 19-hydroxy steroids will be encouraged, as much remains to be learned and discovered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Abaffy
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Hiroaki Matsunami
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Zhang FF, Zhang Q, Wang YL, Wang FF, Hardiman PJ, Qu F. Intergenerational Influences between Maternal Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Offspring: An Updated Overview. J Pediatr 2021; 232:272-281. [PMID: 33482217 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Fang Zhang
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuan-Lin Wang
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fang-Fang Wang
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Paul J Hardiman
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fan Qu
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Le-Ha C, Beilin LJ, Burrows S, Keelan JA, Hickey M, Mori TA. Prenatal Testosterone Associates With Blood Pressure in Young Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study. Hypertension 2021; 77:1756-1764. [PMID: 33775121 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.120.16256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chi Le-Ha
- From the Medical School, Royal Perth Hospital Campus (C.L-H, L.J.B., S.B., T.A.M.), the University of Western Australia, Perth
| | - Lawrence J Beilin
- From the Medical School, Royal Perth Hospital Campus (C.L-H, L.J.B., S.B., T.A.M.), the University of Western Australia, Perth
| | - Sally Burrows
- From the Medical School, Royal Perth Hospital Campus (C.L-H, L.J.B., S.B., T.A.M.), the University of Western Australia, Perth
| | - Jeffrey A Keelan
- the School of Biomedical Sciences (J.A.K.), the University of Western Australia, Perth
| | - Martha Hickey
- the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.H.)
| | - Trevor A Mori
- From the Medical School, Royal Perth Hospital Campus (C.L-H, L.J.B., S.B., T.A.M.), the University of Western Australia, Perth
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Hypoxia-Induced Alpha-Globin Expression in Syncytiotrophoblasts Mimics the Pattern Observed in Preeclamptic Placentas. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073357. [PMID: 33806017 PMCID: PMC8036899 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy disorder associated with placental dysfunction and elevated fetal hemoglobin (HbF). Early in pregnancy the placenta harbors hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and is an extramedullary source of erythropoiesis. However, globin expression is not unique to erythroid cells and can be triggered by hypoxia. To investigate the role of the placenta in increasing globin levels previously reported in PE, flow cytometry, histological and immunostaining and in situ analyses were used on placenta samples and ex vivo explant cultures. Our results indicated that in PE pregnancies, placental HSPC homing and erythropoiesis were not affected. Non-erythroid alpha-globin mRNA and protein, but not gamma-globin, were detected in syncytiotrophoblasts and stroma of PE placenta samples. Similarly, alpha-globin protein and mRNA were upregulated in normal placenta explants cultured in hypoxia. The upregulation was independent of HIF1 and NRF2, the two main candidates of globin transcription in non-erythroid cells. Our study is the first to demonstrate alpha-globin mRNA expression in syncytiotrophoblasts in PE, induced by hypoxia. However, gamma-globin was only expressed in erythrocytes. We conclude that alpha-globin, but not HbF, is expressed in placental syncytiotrophoblasts in PE and may contribute to the pathology of the disease.
Collapse
|
48
|
Mvunta DH, Amiji F, Suleiman M, Baraka F, Abdallah I, Kazabula M, Wangwe PJT, August F. Hirsutism Caused by Pregnancy Luteoma in a Low-Resource Setting: A Case Report and Literature Review. Case Rep Obstet Gynecol 2021; 2021:6695117. [PMID: 33833884 PMCID: PMC8016591 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6695117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy luteomas are rare, benign, ovarian neoplasms resulting from increased androgenic activity during pregnancy. Often, they occur asymptomatically and are only diagnosed incidentally during imaging or surgery: cesarean section or postpartum tubal ligation. Most common symptoms associated with pregnancy luteoma include acne, deepening of voice, hirsutism, and clitoromegaly. Most pregnancy luteomas regress spontaneously postpartum. Thus, the management of pregnancy luteomas depends on the clinical situation. CASE We report a case of 28-year-old gravida 2, para 1 who presented at 39 + 1 weeks of gestation with prolonged labor and delivered by emergency cesarean. Intraoperatively, a huge left ovarian mass was identified and resected, and tissue was sent for histopathology and a diagnosis of pregnancy luteoma was made after the pathological report. CONCLUSION The present report emphasizes that pregnancy luteoma is a benign neoplasm and imprudent surgical intervention should be reserved. Proper imaging techniques, preferably MRI or ultrasonography that visualize the size of the ovary and reproductive hormonal profiles, would suffice for the diagnosis and management of pregnancy luteoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Hamisi Mvunta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West, P.O. Box 65017, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mawenzi Regional Referral Hospital, P.O. Box 3054, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Fatemazahra Amiji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West, P.O. Box 65017, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Mubina Suleiman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West, P.O. Box 65017, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, P.O. Box 236, Zanzibar, Tanzania
| | - Francisco Baraka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West, P.O. Box 65017, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maweni Regional Referral Hospital, P.O. Box 16, Kigoma, Tanzania
| | - Ikrah Abdallah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West, P.O. Box 65017, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kondoa District Hospital, P.O. Box 40, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Mabula Kazabula
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lugalo Military Hospital, P.O. Box 60126, Mwenge, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Peter J. T. Wangwe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West, P.O. Box 65017, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Furaha August
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West, P.O. Box 65017, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Roberts VHJ, Streblow AD, Gaffney JE, Rettke SP, Frias AE, Slayden OD. Placental Glucose Uptake in a Nonhuman Primate Model of Western-Style Diet Consumption and Chronic Hyperandrogenemia Exposure. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:2574-2581. [PMID: 33721298 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00526-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
We reported that consumption of a western-style diet (WSD) with and without hyperandrogenemia perturbed placental perfusion and altered levels of glucose transporter proteins in rhesus macaques. Based on that result, we hypothesized that placental glucose uptake would be dysregulated in this model. In this study, female rhesus macaques were assigned at puberty to one of four groups: subcutaneous cholesterol implants + standard chow diet (controls, C); testosterone implants + chow (T); cholesterol implants + a high-fat, WSD; and T+WSD. After ~6 years of treatment, animals were mated, and pregnancies were delivered by cesarean section at gestational day (G) 130 (the term is G168). Placental villous explants were immediately prepared for radiolabeled glucose assay. Linear glucose uptake was observed between 0 and 30 s. At 20 s, glucose uptake in placental villous explants did not differ across the four treatment groups with values as follows: C: 25.5 ± 6.33, T: 22.9 ± 0.404, WSD: 26.9.0 ± 3.71, and T+WSD: 33.0 ± 3.12 (mean ± SD expressed in pmol/mg). Unlike our prior experiment, glucose transporter expression was reduced in WSD placentas, and our in vitro functional assay did not demonstrate a difference in glucose uptake across the transporting epithelium of the placenta. Notably, maternal blood glucose levels were significantly elevated in animals chronically fed a WSD. This disparity may indicate differences in glucose utilization and metabolism by the placenta itself, as glucose transporter expression and circulating fetal glucose concentrations were comparable across all four groups in this pregnancy cohort.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria H J Roberts
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Beaverton, OR, USA.
| | - Aaron D Streblow
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Jessica E Gaffney
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Samantha P Rettke
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Antonio E Frias
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Beaverton, OR, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, OHSU, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Ov D Slayden
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Beaverton, OR, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Harville EW, Li YY, Pan K, McRitchie S, Pathmasiri W, Sumner S. Untargeted analysis of first trimester serum to reveal biomarkers of pregnancy complications: a case-control discovery phase study. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3468. [PMID: 33568690 PMCID: PMC7876105 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82804-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding of causal biology and predictive biomarkers are lacking for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and preterm birth (PTB). First-trimester serum specimens from 51 cases of HDP, including 18 cases of pre-eclampsia (PE) and 33 cases of gestational hypertension (GH); 53 cases of PTB; and 109 controls were obtained from the Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth repository. Metabotyping was conducted using liquid chromatography high resolution mass spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify signals that differed between groups after controlling for confounders. Signals important to predicting HDP and PTB were matched to an in-house physical standards library and public databases. Pathway analysis was conducted using GeneGo MetaCore. Over 400 signals for endogenous and exogenous metabolites that differentiated cases and controls were identified or annotated, and models that included these signals produced substantial improvements in predictive power beyond models that only included known risk factors. Perturbations of the aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, L-threonine, and renal secretion of organic electrolytes pathways were associated with both HDP and PTB, while pathways related to cholesterol transport and metabolism were associated with HDP. This untargeted metabolomics analysis identified signals and common pathways associated with pregnancy complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E W Harville
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Epidemiology #8318, 1440 Canal St. Ste. 2001, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
| | - Y-Y Li
- Department of Nutrition, Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health, CB#74612, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7461, USA
| | - K Pan
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Epidemiology #8318, 1440 Canal St. Ste. 2001, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - S McRitchie
- Department of Nutrition, Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health, CB#74612, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7461, USA
| | - W Pathmasiri
- Department of Nutrition, Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health, CB#74612, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7461, USA
| | - S Sumner
- Department of Nutrition, Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health, CB#74612, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7461, USA.
| |
Collapse
|