1
|
He B, Xu HM, Li SW, Zhang YF, Tian JW. Emerging regulatory roles of noncoding RNAs induced by bisphenol a (BPA) and its alternatives in human diseases. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 357:124447. [PMID: 38942269 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Bisphenols (BPs), including BPA, BPF, BPS, and BPAF, are synthetic phenolic organic compounds and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. These organics have been broadly utilized to produce epoxy resins, polycarbonate plastics, and other products. Mounting evidence has shown that BPs, especially BPA, may enter into the human body and participate in the development of human diseases mediated by nuclear hormone receptors. Moreover, BPA may negatively affect human health at the epigenetic level through processes such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation. Recent studies have demonstrated that, as part of epigenetics, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), have vital impacts on BP-related diseases, such as reproductive system diseases, nervous system diseases, digestive system diseases, endocrine system diseases, and other diseases. Moreover, based on the bioinformatic analysis, changes in ncRNAs may be relevant to normal activities and functions and BP-induced diseases. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to identify more promising ncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for BP exposure and relevant human diseases. In this review, we summarize the regulatory functions of ncRNAs induced by BPs in human diseases and latent molecular mechanisms, as well as identify prospective biomarkers and therapeutic targets for BP exposure and upper diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo He
- Department of Emergency Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China; Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Deng Zhou Road 38, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Hai-Ming Xu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Shu-Wei Li
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Huangdao District Central Hospital, Qingdao 266555, China
| | - Yin-Feng Zhang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Deng Zhou Road 38, Qingdao 266021, China.
| | - Jia-Wei Tian
- Department of Emergency Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rosenfeld CS. Placenta Extracellular Vesicles: Messengers Connecting Maternal and Fetal Systems. Biomolecules 2024; 14:995. [PMID: 39199382 PMCID: PMC11352387 DOI: 10.3390/biom14080995] [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: 07/18/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The placenta operates during gestation as the primary communication organ between the mother and fetus. It is essential for gas, nutrient exchange, and fetal waste transfer. The placenta also produces a wide range of hormones and other factors that influence maternal physiology, including survival and activity of the corpus luteum of the ovary, but the means whereby the placenta shapes fetal development remain less clear, although the fetal brain is thought to be dependent upon the placenta for factors that play roles in its early differentiation and growth, giving rise to the term "placenta-brain axis". Placental hormones transit via the maternal and fetal vasculature, but smaller placental molecules require protection from fetal and maternal metabolism. Such biomolecules include small RNA, mRNA, peptides, lipids, and catecholamines that include serotonin and dopamine. These compounds presumably shuttle to maternal and fetal systems via protective extracellular vesicles (EVs). Placental EVs (pEVs) and their components, in particular miRNA (miRs), are known to play important roles in regulating maternal systems, such as immune, cardiovascular, and reproductive functions. A scant amount is known about how pEVs affect fetal cells and tissues. The composition of pEVs can be influenced by gestational diseases. This review will provide critical insight into the roles of pEVs as the intermediary link between maternal and fetal systems, the impact of maternal pathologies on pEV cargo contents, and how an understanding of biomolecular changes within pEVs in health and disease might be utilized to design early diagnostic and mitigation strategies to prevent gestational diseases and later offspring disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl S. Rosenfeld
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
- MU Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Department of Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Department of Thompson Center for Autism and Neurobehavioral Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kinkade JA, Seetharam AS, Sachdev S, Bivens NJ, Phinney BS, Grigorean G, Roberts RM, Tuteja G, Rosenfeld CS. Extracellular vesicles from mouse trophoblast cells: Effects on neural progenitor cells and potential participants in the placenta-brain axis†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:310-328. [PMID: 37883444 PMCID: PMC10873279 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The fetal brain of the mouse is thought to be dependent upon the placenta as a source of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) and other factors. How factors reach the developing brain remains uncertain but are postulated here to be part of the cargo carried by placental extracellular vesicles (EV). We have analyzed the protein, catecholamine, and small RNA content of EV from mouse trophoblast stem cells (TSC) and TSC differentiated into parietal trophoblast giant cells (pTGC), potential primary purveyors of 5-HT. Current studies examined how exposure of mouse neural progenitor cells (NPC) to EV from either TSC or pTGC affect their transcriptome profiles. The EV from trophoblast cells contained relatively high amounts of 5-HT, as well as dopamine and norepinephrine, but there were no significant differences between EV derived from pTGC and from TSC. Content of miRNA and small nucleolar (sno)RNA, however, did differ according to EV source, and snoRNA were upregulated in EV from pTGC. The primary inferred targets of the microRNA (miRNA) from both pTGC and TSC were mRNA enriched in the fetal brain. NPC readily internalized EV, leading to changes in their transcriptome profiles. Transcripts regulated were mainly ones enriched in neural tissues. The transcripts in EV-treated NPC that demonstrated a likely complementarity with miRNA in EV were mainly up- rather than downregulated, with functions linked to neuronal processes. Our results are consistent with placenta-derived EV providing direct support for fetal brain development and being an integral part of the placenta-brain axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Kinkade
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Arun S Seetharam
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Shrikesh Sachdev
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Nathan J Bivens
- Genomics Technology Core Facility, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Brett S Phinney
- Proteomics Core UC Davis Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Gabriela Grigorean
- Proteomics Core UC Davis Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - R Michael Roberts
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Geetu Tuteja
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Cheryl S Rosenfeld
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- MU Institute of Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Thompson Center for Autism and Neurobehavioral Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Costa HE, Cairrao E. Effect of bisphenol A on the neurological system: a review update. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:1-73. [PMID: 37855918 PMCID: PMC10761478 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03614-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) and one of the most produced synthetic compounds worldwide. BPA can be found in epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics, which are frequently used in food storage and baby bottles. However, BPA can bind mainly to estrogen receptors, interfering with various neurologic functions, its use is a topic of significant concern. Nonetheless, the neurotoxicity of BPA has not been fully understood despite numerous investigations on its disruptive effects. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the most recent studies on the implications of BPA on the neurologic system. Our findings suggest that BPA exposure impairs various structural and molecular brain changes, promoting oxidative stress, changing expression levels of several crucial genes and proteins, destructive effects on neurotransmitters, excitotoxicity and neuroinflammation, damaged blood-brain barrier function, neuronal damage, apoptosis effects, disruption of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis, increase in reactive oxygen species, promoted apoptosis and intracellular lactate dehydrogenase release, a decrease of axon length, microglial DNA damage, astrogliosis, and significantly reduced myelination. Moreover, BPA exposure increases the risk of developing neurologic diseases, including neurovascular (e.g. stroke) and neurodegenerative (e.g. Alzheimer's and Parkinson's) diseases. Furthermore, epidemiological studies showed that the adverse effects of BPA on neurodevelopment in children contributed to the emergence of serious neurological diseases like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), depression, emotional problems, anxiety, and cognitive disorders. In summary, BPA exposure compromises human health, promoting the development and progression of neurologic disorders. More research is required to fully understand how BPA-induced neurotoxicity affects human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henrique Eloi Costa
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 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, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal.
- FCS-UBI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li D, Huang C, Liu Z, Ai S, Wang HL. Decreased expression of Chrna4 by METTL3-mediated m6A modification participates in BPA-induced spatial memory deficit. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 236:116717. [PMID: 37495067 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA), a widely used endocrine disruptor, has been implicated in cognitive impairment via epigenetic machinery. N6-methyl adenosine (m6A) has recently emerged as a new epigenetic factor that influences cognition, but the role of m6A in BPA induced cognitive deficits has not been explored yet. In this study, we found increased global m6A abundance accompanied with elevated expression of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) in hippocampal neurons following BPA exposure. Inhibition of METTL3 activity by selective METTL3 inhibitor 2457 (STM) in cultured neurons abolished BPA induced m6A upregulation and abnormal synaptic transmission. Additionally, knockdown of METTL3 in hippocampus abrogated BPA induced learning and memory deficit in rats. Further study showed that m6A modification was enriched in mRNA of cholinergic receptor nicotinic alpha 4 subunit (Chrna4). Inhibition of METTL3 either by STM or shRNA restored BPA induced downregulation of Chrna4, suggesting that Chrna4 may be a potential target involved in BPA induced neurotoxicity that modified by m6A. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that METTL3 mediated m6A modification was involved in BPA induced cognitive deficit with Chrna4 as a potential target, which enriched our understanding of the role of epigenetics (RNA modifications) in BPA induced neurotoxicity and provided new insights into BPA or its substitutes induced damages in other organs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danyang Li
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Chengqing Huang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Zhihua Liu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Shu Ai
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Hui-Li Wang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Molina-López AM, Bujalance-Reyes F, Ayala-Soldado N, Mora-Medina R, Lora-Benítez A, Moyano-Salvago R. An Overview of the Health Effects of Bisphenol A from a One Health Perspective. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2439. [PMID: 37570248 PMCID: PMC10417040 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical compound, considered as an "emerging pollutant", that appears ubiquitously, contaminating the environment and food. It is an endocrine disruptor, found in a multitude of consumer products, as it is a constituent of polycarbonate used in the manufacture of plastics and epoxy resins. Many studies have evaluated the effects of BPA, using a wide range of doses and animal models. In this work, we carried out a review of relevant research related to the effects of BPA on health, through studies performed at different doses, in different animal models, and in human monitoring studies. Numerous effects of BPA on health have been described; in different animal species, it has been reported that it interferes with fertility in both females and males and causes alterations in their offspring, as well as being associated with an increase in hormone-dependent pathologies. Similarly, exposure to BPA has been related to other diseases of great relevance in public health such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, or neurodevelopmental disorders. Its ubiquity and nonmonotonic behavior, triggering effects at exposure levels considered "safe", make it especially relevant when both animal and human populations are constantly and inadvertently exposed to this compound. Its effects at low exposure levels make it essential to establish safe exposure levels, and research into the effects of BPA must continue and be focused from a "One Health" perspective to take into account all the factors that could intervene in the development of a disease in any exposed organism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana M. Molina-López
- Departamento Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología, Unidad de Investigación Competitiva Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes desde la Perspectiva de Una Salud ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Edificio Darwin, E-14071 Córdoba, Spain;
| | - Francisca Bujalance-Reyes
- Departamento Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Edificio Darwin, E-14071 Córdoba, Spain; (F.B.-R.); (R.M.-M.); (A.L.-B.)
| | - Nahúm Ayala-Soldado
- Departamento Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Edificio Darwin, E-14071 Córdoba, Spain; (F.B.-R.); (R.M.-M.); (A.L.-B.)
| | - Rafael Mora-Medina
- Departamento Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Edificio Darwin, E-14071 Córdoba, Spain; (F.B.-R.); (R.M.-M.); (A.L.-B.)
| | - Antonio Lora-Benítez
- Departamento Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Edificio Darwin, E-14071 Córdoba, Spain; (F.B.-R.); (R.M.-M.); (A.L.-B.)
| | - Rosario Moyano-Salvago
- Departamento Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología, Unidad de Investigación Competitiva Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes desde la Perspectiva de Una Salud ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Edificio Darwin, E-14071 Córdoba, Spain;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Comparative Analysis of Transcriptomic Changes including mRNA and microRNA Expression Induced by the Xenoestrogens Zearalenone and Bisphenol A in Human Ovarian Cells. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15020140. [PMID: 36828454 PMCID: PMC9967916 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15020140] [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: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Xenoestrogens are natural or synthetic compounds that mimic the effect of endogenous estrogens and might cause cancer. We aimed to compare the global transcriptomic response to zearalenone (ZEA; mycotoxin) and bisphenol A (BPA; plastic additive) with the effect of physiological estradiol (E2) in the PEO1 human ovarian cell line by mRNA and microRNA sequencing. Estrogen exposure induced remarkable transcriptomic changes: 308, 288 and 63 genes were upregulated (log2FC > 1); 292, 260 and 45 genes were downregulated (log2FC < -1) in response to E2 (10 nM), ZEA (10 nM) and BPA (100 nM), respectively. Furthermore, the expression of 13, 11 and 10 miRNAs changed significantly (log2FC > 1, or log2FC < -1) after exposure to E2, ZEA and BPA, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis of the significantly differentially expressed genes and miRNAs revealed several pathways related to the regulation of cell proliferation and migration. The effect of E2 and ZEA was highly comparable: 407 genes were coregulated by these molecules. We could identify 83 genes that were regulated by all three treatments that might have a significant role in the estrogen response of ovarian cells. Furthermore, the downregulation of several miRNAs (miR-501-5p, let-7a-2-3p, miR-26a-2-3p, miR-197-5p and miR-582-3p) was confirmed by qPCR, which might support the proliferative effect of estrogens in ovarian cells.
Collapse
|
8
|
Fetal Myocardial Expression of GLUT1: Roles of BPA Exposure and Cord Blood Exosomes in a Rat Model. Cells 2022; 11:cells11203195. [PMID: 36291063 PMCID: PMC9601122 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203195] [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: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dietary exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA), an industrial chemical present in food containers, affects nutrient metabolism in the myocardium of offspring during intrauterine life. Using a murine model, we observed that fetal hearts from mothers exposed to BPA (2.5 μg/kg/day) for 20 days before mating and for all of the gestation had decreased expression of glucose transporter-1 (GLUT1), the principal sugar transporter in the fetal heart, and increased expression of fatty acid cluster of differentiation 36 transporter (CD36), compared to control fetuses from vehicle-treated mothers. We confirmed the suppression of GLUT1 by exposing fetal heart organotypic cultures to BPA (1 nM) for 48 h but did not detect changes in CD36 compared to controls. During pregnancy, the placenta continuously releases extracellular vesicles such as exosomes into fetal circulation. These vesicles influence the growth and development of fetal organs. When fetal heart cultures were treated with cord blood-derived exosomes isolated from BPA-fed animals, GLUT1 expression was increased by approximately 40%. Based on our results, we speculate that exosomes from cord blood, in particular placenta-derived nanovesicles, could contribute to the stabilization of the fetal heart metabolism by ameliorating the harmful effects of BPA on GLUT1 expression.
Collapse
|
9
|
Sabry R, Williams M, Werry N, LaMarre J, Favetta LA. BPA Decreases PDCD4 in Bovine Granulosa Cells Independently of miR-21 Inhibition. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158276. [PMID: 35955412 PMCID: PMC9368835 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are susceptible to environmental factors that might affect cellular function and impose negative effects on female reproduction. miR-21 is the most abundant miRNA in bovine granulosa cells and is widely reported as affected by Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure, yet the cause and consequences are not entirely elucidated. BPA is a synthetic endocrine disruptor associated with poor fertility. miR-21 function in bovine granulosa cells is investigated utilizing locked nucleic acid (LNA) oligonucleotides to suppress miR-21. Before measuring apoptosis and quantifying miR-21 apoptotic targets PDCD4 and PTEN, transfection was optimized and validated. BPA was introduced to see how it affects miR-21 regulation and which BPA-mediated effects are influenced by miR-21. miR-21 knockdown and specificity against additional miRNAs were confirmed. miR-21 was found to have antiapoptotic effects, which could be explained by its effect on the proapoptotic target PDCD4, but not PTEN. Previous findings of miR-21 overexpression were validated using BPA treatments, and the temporal influence of BPA on miR-21 levels was addressed. Finally, BPA effects on upstream regulators, such as VMP1 and STAT3, explain the BPA-dependent upregulation of miR-21 expression. Overall, this research enhances our understanding of miR-21 function in granulosa cells and the mechanisms of BPA-induced reproductive impairment.
Collapse
|
10
|
Rosenfeld CS. The placenta as a target of opioid drugs†. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:676-686. [PMID: 35024817 PMCID: PMC9040663 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioid drugs are analgesics increasingly being prescribed to control pain associated with a wide range of causes. Usage of pregnant women has dramatically increased in the past decades. Neonates born to these women are at risk for neonatal abstinence syndrome (also referred to as neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome). Negative birth outcomes linked with maternal opioid use disorder include compromised fetal growth, premature birth, reduced birthweight, and congenital defects. Such infants require lengthier hospital stays necessitating rising health care costs, and they are at greater risk for neurobehavioral and other diseases. Thus, it is essential to understand the genesis of such disorders. As the primary communication organ between mother and conceptus, the placenta itself is susceptible to opioid effects but may be key to understanding how these drugs affect long-term offspring health and potential avenue to prevent later diseases. In this review, we will consider the evidence that placental responses are regulated through an endogenous opioid system. However, maternal consumption of opioid drugs can also bind and act through opioid receptors express by trophoblast cells of the placenta. Thus, we will also discuss the current human and rodent studies that have examined the effects of opioids on the placenta. These drugs might affect placental hormones associated with maternal recognition of pregnancy, including placental lactogens and human chorionic gonadotropin in rodents and humans, respectively. A further understanding of how such drugs affect the placenta may open up new avenues for early diagnostic and remediation approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl S Rosenfeld
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- MU Institute of Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Thompson Center for Autism and Neurobehavioral Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|