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Shynlova O, Nadeem L, Lye S. Progesterone control of myometrial contractility. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 234:106397. [PMID: 37683774 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106397] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
During pregnancy, the primary function of the uterus is to be quiescent and not contract, which allows the growing fetus to develop and mature. A uterine muscle layer, myometrium, is composed of smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Before the onset of labor contractions, the uterine SMCs experience a complex biochemical and molecular transformation involving the expression of contraction-associated proteins. Labor is initiated when genes in SMCs are activated in response to a combination of hormonal, inflammatory and mechanical signals. In this review, we provide an overview of molecular mechanisms regulating the process of parturition in humans, focusing on the hormonal control of the myometrium, particularly the steroid hormone progesterone. The primary reason for discussing the regulation of myometrial contractility by progesterone is the importance of the clinical problem of preterm birth. It is thought that the hormonal mechanisms regulating premature uterine contractions represent an untimely triggering of the normal events occurring during term parturition. Yet, our knowledge of the complex and redundant hormonal pathways controlling uterine contractile activity leading to delivery of the neonate remains incomplete. Finally, we introduce recent animal studies using a novel class of drugs, Selective Progesterone Receptor Modulators, targeting progesterone signaling to prevent premature myometrial contractions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oksana Shynlova
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto M5G 1X5, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, M5S 1A1, Canada; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Toronto, M5S 1A1, Canada.
| | - Lubna Nadeem
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Stephen Lye
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto M5G 1X5, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, M5S 1A1, Canada; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Toronto, M5S 1A1, Canada
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17-α Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate Immunology, a Special Focus on Preterm Labor, Preeclampsia, and COVID-19. REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/reprodmed3030019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
17-α hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC) could alter the immune response and inflammation, specifically affecting the risk of preterm labor and preeclampsia. However, the exact immune and inflammatory effects of 17-OHPC remain hard to be identified. The current literature on 17-OHPC immune effects is limited and more research is needed to identify these mechanistic pathways. Further, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in pregnancy involves heightened immune response, widespread inflammation and high rates of preterm labor and preeclampsia. Since the pathogenesis of preterm labor, preeclampsia and COVID-19 involves inflammation and altered immune response, it is important to explore the possible immune effects of 17-OHPC in pregnant women with COVID-19. This commentary article will explain the immune effects of 17-OHPC and their implications in preterm labor, preeclampsia and COVID-19.
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Alizadeh F, Mahmoudinia M, Mirteimoori M, Pourali L, Niroumand S. Comparison of oral Dydrogesterone and 17-α hydroxyprogesterone caprate in the prevention of preterm birth. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:167. [PMID: 35232423 PMCID: PMC8886932 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04509-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Preterm birth (PTB) remains a significant problem in obstetric care. Progesterone supplements are believed to reduce the rate of preterm labor, but formulation, type of administration, and dosage varies in different studies. This study was performed to compare oral Dydrogesterone with intramuscular 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17α-OHPC) administration in prevention of PTB. Methods In this randomized clinical trial, we studied 150 women with singleton pregnancy in 28Th-34Th Gestational week, who had received tocolytic treatment for preterm labor. Participants were divided to receive 30 mg oral Dydrogesterone daily, 250 mg intramuscular 17α-OHPC weekly, or no intervention (control group). All treatments were continued until 37Th Week or delivery, whichever occurred earlier. Obstetric outcomes, including latency period, gestational age at delivery, birth weight, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, and neonatal mortality were recorded. All patients were monitored biweekly until delivery. Results Baseline gestational age was not significantly different between groups. Latency period was significantly longer in the progesterone group compared with Dydrogesterone and control groups (41.06 ± 17.29 vs. 29.44 ± 15.6 and 22.20 ± 4.51 days, respectively; P < 0.001). The progesterone group showed significantly better results compared with the other two groups, in terms of gestational age at delivery, birth weight, and Apgar score (P < 0.001). None of the participants showed severe complications, stillbirth, or gestational diabetes. Conclusion Progesterone caproate can strongly prolong the latency period and improve neonatal outcomes and therefore, is superior to oral Dydrogesterone in the prevention of PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahimeh Alizadeh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicines, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Malihe Mahmoudinia
- Department of Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicines, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Lila Pourali
- Department of Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicines, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Shabnam Niroumand
- Faculty of Medicines, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Murray EJ, Gumusoglu SB, Santillan DA, Santillan MK. Manipulating CD4+ T Cell Pathways to Prevent Preeclampsia. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 9:811417. [PMID: 35096797 PMCID: PMC8789650 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.811417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PreE) is a placental disorder characterized by hypertension (HTN), proteinuria, and oxidative stress. Individuals with PreE and their children are at an increased risk of serious short- and long-term complications, such as cardiovascular disease, end-organ failure, HTN, neurodevelopmental disorders, and more. Currently, delivery is the only cure for PreE, which remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among pregnant individuals and neonates. There is evidence that an imbalance favoring a pro-inflammatory CD4+ T cell milieu is associated with the inadequate spiral artery remodeling and subsequent oxidative stress that prime PreE’s clinical symptoms. Immunomodulatory therapies targeting CD4+ T cell mechanisms have been investigated for other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, and the application of these prevention tactics to PreE is promising, as we review here. These immunomodulatory therapies may, among other things, decrease tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), cytolytic natural killer cells, reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production [e.g. interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-6], stimulate regulatory T cells (Tregs), inhibit type 1 and 17 T helper cells, prevent inappropriate dendritic cell maturation, and induce anti-inflammatory cytokine action [e.g. IL-10, Interferon gamma (IFN-γ)]. We review therapies including neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against TNF-α, IL-17, IL-6, and CD28; statins; 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate, a synthetic hormone; adoptive exogenous Treg therapy; and endothelin-1 pathway inhibitors. Rebalancing the maternal inflammatory milieu may allow for proper spiral artery invasion, placentation, and maternal tolerance of foreign fetal/paternal antigens, thereby combatting early PreE pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen J. Murray
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Serena B. Gumusoglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Donna A. Santillan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Mark K. Santillan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Francois M. Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Interdisciplinary Program in Molecular Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Center for Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- *Correspondence: Mark K. Santillan,
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Eke AC, Sheffield J, Graham EM. Adjuvant 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate in women with history-indicated cerclage: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2018; 98:139-153. [PMID: 30339274 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.13488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether there are additional benefits of 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC) supplementation in preventing recurrent spontaneous preterm birth in women with a prophylactic cerclage. MATERIAL AND METHODS Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, PROSPERO, EMBASE, Scielo and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched for studies published before June 2018. Keywords included "preterm birth", "prophylactic cerclage", "history-indicated cerclage", "pregnancy" and "17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate". Studies comparing history-indicated cerclage alone with cerclage+17-OHPC were included. The primary outcome measure was preterm birth at <24 weeks of gestation. Secondary outcome measures include preterm birth at <28 weeks, <32 weeks and <37 weeks of gestation, respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, fetal birthweight, neonatal intensive care unit stay, mean gestational age at delivery, fetal/neonatal death, neurological morbidity (intraventricular hemorrhage plus periventricular leukomalacia), neonatal sepsis and a composite of severe neonatal morbidity. Severe neonatal morbidity was defined as a composite measure of periventricular leukomalacia, intraventricular hemorrhage (grades III and IV), necrotizing enterocolitis or respiratory distress syndrome. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model of DerSimonian and Laird. Risk of bias and quality assessment were performed using the ROBINS-I and GRADE tools, respectively. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42018094559. RESULTS Five studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. Of the 546 women, 357 (75%) received history-indicated cerclage alone and 189 (35%) received adjuvant 17-OHPC. The composite endpoint, severe neonatal morbidity, was present in 84 of 1515 neonates. Though there was a trend toward a reduced risk of preterm birth, the summary estimate of effect was not statistically significant when comparing cerclage alone with cerclage+17-OHPC at <24 weeks (relative risk [RR] .86, 95% confidence interval [CI] .45-1.65). Similarly, we found no differences in preterm birth at <37 weeks (RR .90, 95% CI .70-1.17) and <28 weeks (RR .85, 95% CI .54-1.32) when comparing cerclage alone with cerclage+17-OHPC. There were no differences in fetal birthweight, respiratory distress syndrome or necrotizing enterocolitis comparing cerclage alone with cerclage+17-OHPC. CONCLUSIONS Intramuscular 17-OHPC in combination with prophylactic cerclage in women with prior preterm birth had no synergistic effect in reducing spontaneous recurrent preterm birth or improving perinatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahizechukwu C Eke
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine & Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Graduate Training Program in Clinical Investigation (GTPCI), Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeanne Sheffield
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine & Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ernest M Graham
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine & Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Zheng K, Lu P, Delpapa E, Bellve K, Deng R, Condon JC, Fogarty K, Lifshitz LM, Simas TAM, Shi F, ZhuGe R. Bitter taste receptors as targets for tocolytics in preterm labor therapy. FASEB J 2017; 31:4037-4052. [PMID: 28559440 PMCID: PMC5572693 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201601323rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity, with few prevention and treatment options. Uterine contraction is a central feature of PTB, so gaining new insights into the mechanisms of this contraction and consequently identifying novel targets for tocolytics are essential for more successful management of PTB. Here we report that myometrial cells from human and mouse express bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) and their canonical signaling components (i.e., G-protein gustducin and phospholipase C β2). Bitter tastants can completely relax myometrium precontracted by different uterotonics. In isolated single mouse myometrial cells, a phenotypical bitter tastant (chloroquine, ChQ) reverses the rise in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and cell shortening induced by uterotonics, and this reversal effect is inhibited by pertussis toxin and by genetic deletion of α-gustducin. In human myometrial cells, knockdown of TAS2R14 but not TAS2R10 inhibits ChQ's reversal effect on an oxytocin-induced rise in [Ca2+]i Finally, ChQ prevents mouse PTBs induced by bacterial endotoxin LPS or progesterone receptor antagonist mifepristone more often than current commonly used tocolytics, and this prevention is largely lost in α-gustducin-knockout mice. Collectively, our results reveal that activation of the canonical TAS2R signaling system in myometrial cells produces profound relaxation of myometrium precontracted by a broad spectrum of contractile agonists, and that targeting TAS2Rs is an attractive approach to developing effective tocolytics for PTB management.-Zheng, K., Lu, P., Delpapa, E., Bellve, K., Deng, R., Condon, J. C., Fogarty, K., Lifshitz, L. M., Simas, T. A. M., Shi, F., ZhuGe, R. Bitter taste receptors as targets for tocolytics in preterm labor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaizhi Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ping Lu
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ellen Delpapa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Karl Bellve
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ruitang Deng
- College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingstown, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Jennifer C Condon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Kevin Fogarty
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lawrence M Lifshitz
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tiffany A Moore Simas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Fangxiong Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China;
| | - Ronghua ZhuGe
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA;
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The Impact of Special Health Care Needs on Academic Achievement in Children Born Prematurely. Acad Pediatr 2016; 16:350-7. [PMID: 26724181 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2015.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm, low-birth-weight (LBW) children are at increased risk for poor academic achievement and special health care needs (SHCN) compared to term-born peers. It is not known how having SHCN during childhood modifies the relationship between LBW and achievement over time. METHODS We used data from the Infant Health and Development Program, a multisite randomized trial of an intervention for preterm, LBW infants with longitudinal follow-up. Primary outcome measures were Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Academic Achievement math and reading scores at age 8 and 18 years. Primary predictor was having a SHCN, defined by prescription medication and medical services use, receipt of special therapies, or any functional limitation. We used repeated measures multivariate analysis of covariance to test the effect of SHCN on achievement at 8 and 18 years and effect modification by IQ. RESULTS The 576 participants had a mean body weight of 1798.1 ± 455.0 g and a median gestational age of 33 weeks (range, 26-37 weeks). Mean achievement scores were as follows: math (age 8) 97.5 ± 21.6, math (age 18) 90.1 ± 18.3, reading (age 8) 99.0 ± 20.1, and reading (age 18) 96.8 ± 23.5. Mean full scale IQ at age 8 was 92.3 ± 18.2. Eighty percent had a SHCN. Mean achievement scores were significantly different between those with and without SHCN in both math and reading. There was no evidence of effect modification by IQ. CONCLUSIONS SHCNs are associated with poor academic achievement. Targeted interventions for improving performance outcomes by reducing the burden of chronic health problems may be accomplished through prevention strategies or efforts to limit the frequency and severity of symptoms.
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Wada Y, Ozaki H, Abe N, Mori A, Sakamoto K, Nagamitsu T, Nakahara T, Ishii K. Role of vascular endothelial growth factor in maintenance of pregnancy in mice. Endocrinology 2013; 154:900-10. [PMID: 23307787 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-1967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that withdrawal of progesterone from the maternal circulation is a critical stimulus to parturition in rodents, such as rats and mice. However, mechanisms that determine the timing of progesterone withdrawal are not completely understood. In the present study, we examined whether the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) system in the corpus luteum (CL) contributes to the regulation of circulating progesterone levels and acts as a determinant of the timing of parturition in mice. We found that reduction in the expression levels of VEGF and VEGF receptor-2 in the CL precedes the impairment of luteal circulation and a series of events leading to parturition (i.e., reduction of plasma progesterone, enhancement of myometrium contractility, and onset of parturition). Blocking of VEGF signaling by using the inhibitor of VEGFR tyrosine kinase KRN633 at mid-pregnancy caused a similar sequence of events and induced preterm birth. These results suggest that the VEGF system in the CL plays a critical role in maintaining a high level of circulating progesterone, and determining the timing of parturition in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiko Wada
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Kitasato University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
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