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Habelrih T, Augustin TL, Mauffette-Whyte F, Ferri B, Sawaya K, Côté F, Gallant M, Olson DM, Chemtob S. Inflammatory mechanisms of preterm labor and emerging anti-inflammatory interventions. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2024:S1359-6101(24)00050-9. [PMID: 39048393 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2024.07.007] [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: 07/04/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Preterm birth is a major public health concern, requiring a deeper understanding of its underlying inflammatory mechanisms and to develop effective therapeutic strategies. This review explores the complex interaction between inflammation and preterm labor, highlighting the pivotal role of the dysregulation of inflammation in triggering premature delivery. The immunological environment of pregnancy, characterized by a fragile balance of immune tolerance and resistance, is disrupted in preterm labor, leading to a pathological inflammatory response. Feto-maternal infections, among other pro-inflammatory stimuli, trigger the activation of toll-like receptors and the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, promoting uterine contractility and cervical ripening. Emerging anti-inflammatory therapeutics offer promising approaches for the prevention of preterm birth by targeting key inflammatory pathways. From TLR-4 antagonists to chemokine and interleukin receptor antagonists, these interventions aim to modulate the inflammatory environment and prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes. In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of the inflammatory mechanisms leading to preterm labor is crucial for the development of targeted interventions in hope of reducing the incidence of preterm birth and improving neonatal health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Habelrih
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Research Center, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Thalyssa-Lyn Augustin
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Research Center, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Félix Mauffette-Whyte
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Research Center, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Béatrice Ferri
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Research Center, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kevin Sawaya
- Research Center, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC, Canada; Programmes de cycles supérieurs en sciences biomédicales, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - France Côté
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Research Center, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mathilde Gallant
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Research Center, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - David M Olson
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sylvain Chemtob
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Research Center, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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2
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Diao M, Tao Y, Liu Q, Huang L, Li H, Lin X. Rac1 promotes the lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response and contraction-associated proteins (CAPs) expression in mouse uterine smooth muscle cells. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100896. [PMID: 38833837 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100896] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Activation of the maternal immune system leads to a downstream cascade of proinflammatory events that culminate in the activation of spontaneous uterine contractions, which is associated with preterm birth. Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) is a crucial protein related to cell contraction and inflammation. The main purpose of this study was to explore the role and function of Rac1's regulation of inflammation through in- vivo and in-vitro experiments. Rac1 inhibitor was used in animal model of preterm birth and cells isolated from the uterine tissues of pregnant mice on gestational day 16 were transfected with adenovirus to knockdown or overexpress Rac1 and treated with the Calcium-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) inhibitor KN93. The expression of Rac1, uterine contraction-associated proteins (CAPs) (COX-2 and Connexin43), and inflammatory cytokines, were assessed by Western blotting and RTPCR. LPS upregulated Rac1, COX-2 and Connexin43 expression in uterine smooth muscle cells (USMCs). The expression of inflammatory cytokines, COX-2, and Connexin43 was significantly decreased in shRac1-transfected cells compared with cells stimulated with LPS only. Rac1 overexpression led to an increase in the expression of inflammatory cytokines, COX-2, and Connexin43. Furthermore, after Rac1 overexpression, KN93 reduced the expression of uterine contraction-associated proteins and inflammatory cytokines. It is thought that the effect of Rac1 on inflammatory cytokine and contraction-associated protein expression in USMCs is mediated by CaMKII. Rac1 can modulate the expression of contraction-associated proteins and inflammatory cytokines through the CaMKII pathway. Rac1 could be an effective therapeutic target for improving the outcome of preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Diao
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yunkai Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lu Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuemei Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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3
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Habelrih T, Ferri B, Côté F, Sévigny J, Augustin TL, Sawaya K, Lubell WD, Olson DM, Girard S, Chemtob S. Preventing Preterm Birth: Exploring Innovative Solutions. Clin Perinatol 2024; 51:497-510. [PMID: 38705654 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2024.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
This review examines the complexities of preterm birth (PTB), emphasizes the pivotal role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of preterm labor, and assesses current available interventions. Antibiotics, progesterone analogs, mechanical approaches, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and nutritional supplementation demonstrate a limited efficacy. Tocolytic agents, targeting uterine activity and contractility, inadequately prevent PTB by neglecting to act on uteroplacental inflammation. Emerging therapies targeting toll-like receptors, chemokines, and interleukin receptors exhibit promise in mitigating inflammation and preventing PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Habelrih
- Université de Montréal, Pavillion Roger-Gaudry, 2900 boul Edouard-Montpetit, H3T 1J4, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Centre de recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175 ch de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, H3T 1C5, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Béatrice Ferri
- Université de Montréal, Pavillion Roger-Gaudry, 2900 boul Edouard-Montpetit, H3T 1J4, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Centre de recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175 ch de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, H3T 1C5, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - France Côté
- Université de Montréal, Pavillion Roger-Gaudry, 2900 boul Edouard-Montpetit, H3T 1J4, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Centre de recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175 ch de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, H3T 1C5, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Juliane Sévigny
- Département de Biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Voie 9, J1X 2X9, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Thalyssa-Lyn Augustin
- Université de Montréal, Pavillion Roger-Gaudry, 2900 boul Edouard-Montpetit, H3T 1J4, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Centre de recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175 ch de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, H3T 1C5, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Kevin Sawaya
- Centre de recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175 ch de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, H3T 1C5, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, 3775 Rue University, Room 511, H3A 2B4, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - William D Lubell
- Département de Chimie, Université de Montréal, Complexe des Sciences, 1375 avenue Thérèse-Lavoie-Roux, Montréal, Québec, H2V 0B3, Canada
| | - David M Olson
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Physiology, University of Alberta, 220 HMRC, T6G 2S2, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sylvie Girard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Guggenheim Building 3rd floor, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Sylvain Chemtob
- Université de Montréal, Pavillion Roger-Gaudry, 2900 boul Edouard-Montpetit, H3T 1J4, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Centre de recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175 ch de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, H3T 1C5, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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Bao J, Ma X, Kent LN, Wakle-Prabagaran M, McCarthy R, England SK. BKCa channels are involved in spontaneous and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated uterine contraction in late gestation mice†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:798-807. [PMID: 38134962 PMCID: PMC11017124 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad174] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The large-conductance, voltage-gated, calcium (Ca2+)-activated potassium channel (BKCa) is one of the most abundant potassium channels in the myometrium. Previous work conducted by our group has identified a link between inflammation, BKCa channels and excitability of myometrial smooth muscle cells. Here, we investigate the role of BKCa channels in spontaneous and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated uterine contraction to gain a better understanding of the relationship between the BKCa channel and uterine contraction in basal and inflammatory states. Uteri of C57BL/6 J mice on gestational day 18.5 (GD18.5) were obtained and either fixed in formalin or used immediately for tension recording or isolation of primary myocytes for patch-clamp. Paraffin sections were used for immunofluorescenctdetection of BKCa and Toll-like receptor (TLR4). For tension recordings, LPS was administered to determine its effect on uterine contractions. Paxilline, a BKCa inhibitor, was used to dissect the role of BKCa in uterine contraction in basal and inflammatory states. Finally, patch-clamp recordings were performed to investigate the relationship between LPS, the BKCa channel and membrane currents in mouse myometrial smooth muscle cells (mMSMCs). We confirmed the expression of BKCa and TLR4 in the myometrium of GD18.5 mice and found that inhibiting BKCa channels with paxilline suppressed both spontaneous and LPS-stimulated uterine contractions. Furthermore, application of BKCa inhibitors (paxilline or iberiotoxin) after LPS inhibited BKCa channel activity in mMSMCs. Moreover, pretreatment with BKCa inhibitor or the TLR4 inhibitor suppressed LPS-activated BKCa currents. Our study demonstrates that BKCa channels are involved in both basal and LPS-stimulated uterine contraction in pregnant mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Bao
- Preterm Birth Prevention and Treatment Research Unit, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lindsey N Kent
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Monali Wakle-Prabagaran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ronald McCarthy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Sarah K England
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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5
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Qu M, Lu P, Lifshitz LM, Moore Simas TA, Delpapa E, ZhuGe R. Phenanthroline relaxes uterine contractions induced by diverse contractile agents by decreasing cytosolic calcium concentration. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 968:176343. [PMID: 38281680 PMCID: PMC10939717 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176343] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Uterine contractions during labor and preterm labor are influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including hormones and inflammatory mediators. This complexity may contribute to the limited efficacy of current tocolytics for preterm labor, a significant challenge in obstetrics with 15 million cases annually and approximately 1 million resulting deaths worldwide. We have previously shown that the myometrium expresses bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) and that their activation leads to uterine relaxation. Here, we investigated whether the selective TAS2R5 agonist phenanthroline can induce relaxation across a spectrum of human uterine contractions and whether the underlying mechanism involves changes in intracellular Ca2+ signaling. We performed experiments using samples from pregnant women undergoing scheduled cesarean delivery, assessing responses to various inflammatory mediators and oxytocin with and without phenanthroline. Our results showed that phenanthroline concentration-dependently inhibited contractions induced by PGF2α, U46619, 5-HT, endothelin-1 and oxytocin. Furthermore, in hTERT-infected human myometrial cells exposed to uterotonics, phenanthroline effectively suppressed the increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration induced by PGF2α, U46619, oxytocin, and endothelin-1. These results suggest that the selective TAS2R5 agonist may not only significantly reduce uterine contractions but also decrease intracellular Ca2+ levels. This study highlights the potential development of TAS2R5 agonists as a new class of uterine relaxants, providing a novel avenue for improving the management of preterm labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzi Qu
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, UMass Chan Medical School, 363 Plantation St., Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ping Lu
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, UMass Chan Medical School, 363 Plantation St., Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Lawrence M Lifshitz
- Program in Molecular Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, 373 Plantation St., Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Tiffany A Moore Simas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UMass Chan Medical School/UMass Memorial Health, 119 Belmont St, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ellen Delpapa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UMass Chan Medical School/UMass Memorial Health, 119 Belmont St, Worcester, MA, USA.
| | - Ronghua ZhuGe
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, UMass Chan Medical School, 363 Plantation St., Worcester, MA, USA.
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6
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Lu P, Simas TAM, Delpapa E, ZhuGe R. Bitter taste receptors in the reproductive system: Function and therapeutic implications. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:e31179. [PMID: 38219077 PMCID: PMC10922893 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31179] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Type 2 taste receptors (TAS2Rs), traditionally known for their role in bitter taste perception, are present in diverse reproductive tissues of both sexes. This review explores our current understanding of TAS2R functions with a particular focus on reproductive health. In males, TAS2Rs are believed to play potential roles in processes such as sperm chemotaxis and male fertility. Genetic insights from mouse models and human polymorphism studies provide some evidence for their contribution to male infertility. In female reproduction, it is speculated that TAS2Rs influence the ovarian milieu, shaping the functions of granulosa and cumulus cells and their interactions with oocytes. In the uterus, TAS2Rs contribute to uterine relaxation and hold potential as therapeutic targets for preventing preterm birth. In the placenta, they are proposed to function as vigilant sentinels, responding to infection and potentially modulating mechanisms of fetal protection. In the cervix and vagina, their analogous functions to those in other extraoral tissues suggest a potential role in infection defense. In addition, TAS2Rs exhibit altered expression patterns that profoundly affect cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis in reproductive cancers. Notably, TAS2R agonists show promise in inducing apoptosis and overcoming chemoresistance in these malignancies. Despite these advances, challenges remain, including a lack of genetic and functional studies. The application of techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing and clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated endonuclease 9 gene editing could provide deeper insights into TAS2Rs in reproduction, paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies for reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Lu
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological System, UMass Chan Medical School, 363 Plantation St., Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Tiffany A. Moore Simas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UMass Chan Medical School/UMass Memorial Health, Memorial Campus 119 Belmont St., Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ellen Delpapa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UMass Chan Medical School/UMass Memorial Health, Memorial Campus 119 Belmont St., Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ronghua ZhuGe
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological System, UMass Chan Medical School, 363 Plantation St., Worcester, MA, USA
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7
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Yan S, Lyu L, Wang X, Wen H, Li Y, Li J, Yao Y, Zuo C, Xie S, Wang Z, Qi X. Pro-inflammatory cytokine IL1β1 participates in promoting parturition related pathways in the ovoviviparous teleost black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii). Biol Reprod 2023; 109:693-704. [PMID: 37593921 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad100] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Along with the evolution process, the reproductive strategies evolved including oviparity, viviparity and ovoviviparity, to fit the residential environment maximize the survival rate of the off spring. In mammals, the key to the initiation of parturition is the inflammatory response at the maternal-fetal interface. As a pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin 1 beta (IL1β) plays an important role in the process of human parturition. While less is known about IL1β1 in teleost parturition, identification of the functions of IL1β1 in inducing the parturition, black rockfish, an ovoviviparity teleost, which provides over 60% nutrition supply for over 50 000 embryos though a placenta like structure during pregnant, was employed as the research model. In the present study, based on the gene cloning, we detected the expression pattern of both Il1b1 and its receptor perinatal period, as well as the localization to the ovary by in situ hybridization. The different expression genes in transcriptomic data of perinatal primary ovarian cells treated with the recombinant IL1β1 (rIL1β1) obtained by prokaryotic expression system were analyzed. Differentially expressed genes, functional enrichment and pathway analysis mainly included immune response, signal transduction and cell death. In summary, our research provides novel insights into the potential role of IL1β1 in the parturition of ovoviviparity teleost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojing Yan
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Likang Lyu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Xiaojie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Haishen Wen
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Yun Li
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Jianshuang Li
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Yijia Yao
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Chenpeng Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Songyang Xie
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Zhijun Wang
- Weihai Taifeng Seawater Seedling Co., LTD, Weihai, PR China
| | - Xin Qi
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, PR China
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8
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Musco H, Beecher K, Chand KK, Colditz PB, Wixey JA. Blood Biomarkers in the Fetally Growth Restricted and Small for Gestational Age Neonate: Associations with Brain Injury. Dev Neurosci 2023; 46:84-97. [PMID: 37231871 DOI: 10.1159/000530492] [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: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) and small for gestational age (SGA) infants have increased risk of mortality and morbidity. Although both FGR and SGA infants have low birthweights for gestational age, a diagnosis of FGR also requires assessments of umbilical artery Doppler, physiological determinants, neonatal features of malnutrition, and in utero growth retardation. Both FGR and SGA are associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes ranging from learning and behavioral difficulties to cerebral palsy. Up to 50% of FGR, newborns are not diagnosed until around the time of birth, yet this diagnosis lacks further indication of the risk of brain injury or adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Blood biomarkers may be a promising tool. Defining blood biomarkers indicating an infant's risk of brain injury would provide the opportunity for early detection and therefore earlier support. The aim of this review was to summarize the current literature to assist in guiding the future direction for the early detection of adverse brain outcomes in FGR and SGA neonates. The studies investigated potential diagnostic blood biomarkers from cord and neonatal blood or serum from FGR and SGA human neonates. Results were often conflicting with heterogeneity common in the biomarkers examined, timepoints, gestational age, and definitions of FGR and SGA used. Due to these variations, it was difficult to draw strong conclusions from the results. The search for blood biomarkers of brain injury in FGR and SGA neonates should continue as early detection and intervention is critical to improve outcomes for these neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Musco
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kate Beecher
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kirat K Chand
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Paul B Colditz
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Perinatal Research Centre, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Julie A Wixey
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
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9
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Saurabh K, Mbadhi MN, Prifti KK, Martin KT, Frolova AI. Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Activates S1PR3 to Induce a Proinflammatory Phenotype in Human Myometrial Cells. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad066. [PMID: 37120767 PMCID: PMC10201982 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad066] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
One of the common mechanisms responsible for obstetric complications, affecting millions of women every year, is abnormal uterine contractility. Despite the critical importance of this process for women's health, the mechanisms of uterine contraction regulation remain poorly understood. The initiation of uterine smooth muscle (myometrial) contraction is an inflammatory process, accompanied by upregulation of proinflammatory genes and cytokine release. In this study, we show that sphingolipid metabolism is activated during human labor and that sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), the main bioactive sphingolipid, may modify the myometrial proinflammatory phenotype. Our data in both primary and immortalized human myometrial cells show that exogenous S1P induces a proinflammatory gene signature and upregulates the expression of known inflammatory markers of parturition, such as IL8 and COX2. Using expression of IL8 as a readout for S1P activity in myometrial cells, we established that these S1P effects are mediated through the activation of S1P receptor 3 (S1PR3) and downstream activation of ERK1/2 pathways. Inhibition of S1PR3 in human myometrial cells attenuates upregulation of IL8, COX2, and JUNB both at the mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, activation of S1PR3 with a receptor-specific agonist recapitulated the effects seen after treatment with exogenous S1P. Collectively, these results suggest a signaling pathway activated by S1P in human myometrium during parturition and propose new targets for development of novel therapeutics to alter uterine contractility during management of preterm labor or labor dystocia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumar Saurabh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Magdaleena Naemi Mbadhi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kevin K Prifti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kaci T Martin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Antonina I Frolova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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10
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Vikberg S, Lindau R, Solders M, Raffetseder J, Budhwar S, Ernerudh J, Tiblad E, Kaipe H. Labour promotes systemic mobilisation of monocytes, T cell activation and local secretion of chemotactic factors in the intervillous space of the placenta. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1129261. [PMID: 36969250 PMCID: PMC10030611 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1129261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, maternal blood circulates through the intervillous space of the placenta and the reciprocal interactions between foetal tissues and maternal immune cells makes the intervillous space a unique immunological niche. Labour is characterised by a proinflammatory response in the myometrium, but the relationship between local and systemic changes during the onset of labour remains elusive. We here aimed to investigate how the systemic and intervillous circulatory systems are affected during labour from an immunological point of view. We report that the proportion of monocytes is dramatically higher in peripheral (PB), intervillous blood (IVB) and decidua in labouring (n = 14) compared to non-labouring women (n = 15), suggesting that labour leads to both a systemic and local mobilisation of monocytes. Labour was associated with a relative increase of effector memory T cells in the intervillous space compared to the periphery, and MAIT cells and T cells showed an elevated expression of activation markers both in PB and IVB. Intervillous monocytes consisted to a higher degree of CD14+CD16+ intermediate monocytes compared to peripheral monocytes, independently of mode of delivery, and displayed an altered phenotypic expression pattern. A proximity extension assay analysis of 168 proteins revealed that several proteins associated to myeloid cell migration and function, including CCL2 and M-CSF, were upregulated in IVB plasma in labouring women. Thus, the intervillous space could be a bridging site for the communication between the placenta and the periphery, which contribute to monocyte mobilisation and generation of inflammatory reactions during spontaneous labour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Vikberg
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Robert Lindau
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Solders
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johanna Raffetseder
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Snehil Budhwar
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Jan Ernerudh
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Eleonor Tiblad
- Center for Fetal Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helen Kaipe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Helen Kaipe,
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11
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Lopes NA, Ambeskovic M, King SE, Faraji J, Soltanpour N, Falkenberg EA, Scheidl T, Patel M, Fang X, Metz GAS, Olson DM. Environmental Enrichment Promotes Transgenerational Programming of Uterine Inflammatory and Stress Markers Comparable to Gestational Chronic Variable Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043734. [PMID: 36835144 PMCID: PMC9962069 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal maternal stress is linked to adverse pregnancy and infant outcomes, including shortened gestation lengths, low birth weights, cardio-metabolic dysfunction, and cognitive and behavioural problems. Stress disrupts the homeostatic milieu of pregnancy by altering inflammatory and neuroendocrine mediators. These stress-induced phenotypic changes can be passed on to the offspring epigenetically. We investigated the effects of gestational chronic variable stress (CVS) in rats using restraint and social isolation stress in the parental F0 generation and its transgenerational transmission across three generations of female offspring (F1-F3). A subset of F1 rats was housed in an enriched environment (EE) to mitigate the adverse effects of CVS. We found that CVS is transmitted across generations and induces inflammatory changes in the uterus. CVS did not alter any gestational lengths or birth weights. However, inflammatory and endocrine markers changed in the uterine tissues of stressed mothers and their offspring, suggesting that stress is transgenerationally transmitted. The F2 offspring reared in EE had increased birth weights, but their uterine gene expression patterns remained comparable to those of stressed animals. Thus, ancestral CVS induced changes transgenerationally in fetal programming of uterine stress markers over three generations of offspring, and EE housing did not mitigate these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayara A. Lopes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Mirela Ambeskovic
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Stephanie E. King
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Jamshid Faraji
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Nasrin Soltanpour
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Erin A. Falkenberg
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Taylor Scheidl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Mansi Patel
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Xin Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Gerlinde A. S. Metz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
- Correspondence: (G.A.S.M.); (D.M.O.); Tel.: +1-403-394-3992 (G.A.S.M.); +1-780-492-8559 (D.M.O.)
| | - David M. Olson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Correspondence: (G.A.S.M.); (D.M.O.); Tel.: +1-403-394-3992 (G.A.S.M.); +1-780-492-8559 (D.M.O.)
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12
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Fasoulakis Z, Koutras A, Ntounis T, Antsaklis P, Theodora M, Valsamaki A, Daskalakis G, Kontomanolis EN. Inflammatory Molecules Responsible for Length Shortening and Preterm Birth. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020209. [PMID: 36672145 PMCID: PMC9856720 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020209] [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: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
It is estimated that inflammation at the placental-maternal interface is directly responsible for or contributes to the development of 50% of all premature deliveries. Chorioamnionitis, also known as the premature rupture of the amniotic membrane in the mother, is the root cause of persistent inflammation that preterm newborns experience. Beyond contributing to the onset of early labor, inflammation is a critical element in advancing several conditions in neonates, including necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity and periventricular leukomalacia. Notably, the immune systems of preterm infants are not fully developed; immune defense mechanisms and immunosuppression (tolerance) have a delicate balance that is easily upset in this patient category. As a result, premature infants are exposed to different antigens from elements such as hospital-specific microbes, artificial devices, medications, food antigens and hypoxia/hyperoxia. This has detrimental implications for preterm deliveries of less than 28 weeks because they have not yet evolved the mechanisms to tolerate maternal and self-antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zacharias Fasoulakis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital Alexandra, 11528 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence:
| | - Antonios Koutras
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital Alexandra, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas Ntounis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital Alexandra, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Panos Antsaklis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital Alexandra, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Marianna Theodora
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital Alexandra, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Asimina Valsamaki
- Department of Internal Medicine, Koutlimbaneio and Triantafylleio General Hospital of Larissa, 41221 Larissa, Greece
| | - George Daskalakis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital Alexandra, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Emmanuel N. Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
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13
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Herrock O, Deer E, LaMarca B. Setting a stage: Inflammation during preeclampsia and postpartum. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1130116. [PMID: 36909242 PMCID: PMC9995795 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1130116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a leading cause of maternal and fetal mortality worldwide. The immune system plays a critical role in normal pregnancy progression; however, inappropriate inflammatory responses have been consistently linked with PE pathophysiology. This inflammatory phenotype consists of activation of the innate immune system, adaptive immune system, and increased inflammatory mediators in circulation. Moreover, recent studies have shown that the inflammatory profile seen in PE persists into the postpartum period. This manuscript aims to highlight recent advances in research relating to inflammation in PE as well as the inflammation that persists postpartum in women after a PE pregnancy. With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in obstetric disorders associated with COVID-19 infection during pregnancy. This manuscript also aims to shed light on the relationship between COVID-19 infection during pregnancy and the increased incidence of PE in these women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen Herrock
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Evangeline Deer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Babbette LaMarca
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
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14
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Vilotić A, Nacka-Aleksić M, Pirković A, Bojić-Trbojević Ž, Dekanski D, Jovanović Krivokuća M. IL-6 and IL-8: An Overview of Their Roles in Healthy and Pathological Pregnancies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314574. [PMID: 36498901 PMCID: PMC9738067 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is an acknowledged inflammatory cytokine with a pleiotropic action, mediating innate and adaptive immunity and multiple physiological processes, including protective and regenerative ones. IL-8 is a pro-inflammatory CXC chemokine with a primary function in attracting and activating neutrophils, but also implicated in a variety of other cellular processes. These two ILs are abundantly expressed at the feto-maternal interface over the course of a pregnancy and have been shown to participate in numerous pregnancy-related events. In this review, we summarize the literature data regarding their role in healthy and pathological pregnancies. The general information related to IL-6 and IL-8 functions is followed by an overview of their overall expression in cycling endometrium and at the feto-maternal interface. Further, we provide an overview of their involvement in pregnancy establishment and parturition. Finally, the implication of IL-6 and IL-8 in pregnancy-associated pathological conditions, such as pregnancy loss, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus and infection/inflammation is discussed.
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15
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The Expression of IL-1β Correlates with the Expression of Galectin-3 in the Tissue at the Maternal-Fetal Interface during the Term and Preterm Labor. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11216521. [PMID: 36362749 PMCID: PMC9656499 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11216521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The inflammatory processes that occur at the maternal−fetal interface are considered one of the factors that are responsible for preterm birth. The pro-inflammatory roles of the Gal-3-induced activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and the consecutive production of IL-1β have been described in several acute and chronic inflammatory diseases, but the role of this inflammatory axis in parturition has not been studied. The aim of this study was to analyze the protein expression of Gal-3, NLRP3, and IL-1β in the decidua, villi, and fetal membranes, and to analyze their mutual correlation and correlation with the clinical parameters of inflammation in preterm birth (PTB) and term birth (TB). The study included 40 women that underwent a preterm birth (gestational age of 25.0−36.6) and histological chorioamnionitis (PTB) and control subjects, 22 women that underwent a term birth (gestational age of 37.0−41.6) without histological chorioamnionitis (TB). An analysis of the tissue sections that were stained with anti- Gal-3, -NLRP3, and -IL-1β antibodies was assessed by three independent investigators. The expression levels of Gal-3 and IL-1β were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the decidua, villi, and fetal membranes in the PTB group when they compared to those of the TB group, while there was no difference in the expression of NLRP3. A further analysis revealed that there was no correlation between the protein expression of NLRP3 and the expression of Gal-3 and IL-1β, but there was a correlation between the expression of Gal-3 and IL-1β in decidua (R = 0.401; p = 0.008), villi (R = 0.301; p = 0.042) and the fetal membranes (R = 0.428; p = 0.002) in both of the groups, PTB and TB. In addition, the expression of Gal-3 and IL-1β in decidua and the fetal membranes was in correlation with the parameters of inflammation in the maternal and fetal blood (C-reactive protein, leukocyte number, and fibrinogen). The strong correlation between the expression of Gal-3 and IL-1β in the placental and fetal tissues during labor indicates that Gal-3 may participate in the regulation of the inflammatory processes in the placenta, leading to increased production of IL-1β, a cytokine that plays the main role in both term and preterm birth.
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16
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Reinl EL, Blanchard AC, Graham EL, Edwards SW, Dionisos CV, McCarthy MM. The immune cell profile of the developing rat brain. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 106:198-226. [PMID: 36049705 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the peripheral immune cell (PIC) profile of the developing brain despite growing appreciation for these cells in the mature nervous system. To address this gap, the PIC profile, defined as which cells are present, where they are located, and for how long, was examined in the developing rat using spectral flow cytometry. Select regions of the rat brain (cerebellum, hippocampus, and hypothalamus) were examined at embryonic day 20, and postnatal days 0, 7 and 16. At their peak (E20), PICs were most abundant in the cerebellum, then the hippocampus and hypothalamus. Within the PIC pool, monocytes were most prevalent in all regions and time points, and shifted from being majority classical at E20 to non-classical by PN7. T cells increased over time, and shifted from majority cytotoxic to T-helper cells by PN7. This suggests the PIC profile transitions from reactive to adaptive and surveilling in the second postnatal week. NK cells and mast cells increased temporarily, and mast cells were restricted to the hippocampus and hypothalamus, suggesting they may play a specific role in the development of those regions. Mimicking a viral infection by administration of Poly I:C increased the influx of PICs into the neonatal brain, particularly of NK cells and in the case of males only, non-classical monocytes. This work provides a map for researchers as they study immune cell contributions to healthy and pathological brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin L Reinl
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, United States
| | - Alexa C Blanchard
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Program in Molecular Medicine and Medical Scientist Training Program, United States
| | - Emily L Graham
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, United States
| | - Serena W Edwards
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, United States
| | - Christie V Dionisos
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Program in Neuroscience, United States
| | - Margaret M McCarthy
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, United States; University of Maryland School of Medicine, Program in Neuroscience, United States
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17
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Vidal MS, Lintao RCV, Severino MEL, Tantengco OAG, Menon R. Spontaneous preterm birth: Involvement of multiple feto-maternal tissues and organ systems, differing mechanisms, and pathways. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1015622. [PMID: 36313741 PMCID: PMC9606232 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1015622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Survivors of preterm birth struggle with multitudes of disabilities due to improper in utero programming of various tissues and organ systems contributing to adult-onset diseases at a very early stage of their lives. Therefore, the persistent rates of low birth weight (birth weight < 2,500 grams), as well as rates of neonatal and maternal morbidities and mortalities, need to be addressed. Active research throughout the years has provided us with multiple theories regarding the risk factors, initiators, biomarkers, and clinical manifestations of spontaneous preterm birth. Fetal organs, like the placenta and fetal membranes, and maternal tissues and organs, like the decidua, myometrium, and cervix, have all been shown to uniquely respond to specific exogenous or endogenous risk factors. These uniquely contribute to dynamic changes at the molecular and cellular levels to effect preterm labor pathways leading to delivery. Multiple intervention targets in these different tissues and organs have been successfully tested in preclinical trials to reduce the individual impacts on promoting preterm birth. However, these preclinical trial data have not been effectively translated into developing biomarkers of high-risk individuals for an early diagnosis of the disease. This becomes more evident when examining the current global rate of preterm birth, which remains staggeringly high despite years of research. We postulate that studying each tissue and organ in silos, as how the majority of research has been conducted in the past years, is unlikely to address the network interaction between various systems leading to a synchronized activity during either term or preterm labor and delivery. To address current limitations, this review proposes an integrated approach to studying various tissues and organs involved in the maintenance of normal pregnancy, promotion of normal parturition, and more importantly, contributions towards preterm birth. We also stress the need for biological models that allows for concomitant observation and analysis of interactions, rather than focusing on these tissues and organ in silos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel S. Vidal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Ryan C. V. Lintao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Mary Elise L. Severino
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Ourlad Alzeus G. Tantengco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
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18
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Maternal blood metal concentrations are associated with C-reactive protein and cell adhesion molecules among pregnant women in Puerto Rico. Environ Epidemiol 2022; 6:e214. [PMID: 35975168 PMCID: PMC9374188 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000214] [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: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies have revealed a link between aberrant levels of maternal C-reactive protein (CRP) and cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) with adverse birth outcomes. Some epidemiologic studies have indicated that long-term metal exposures can modulate the levels of CRP and CAMs, but the associations between prenatal metal exposures and the levels of CRP and CAMs have yet to be studied more extensively. In this study, we assessed associations between maternal blood metal levels and CRP/CAMs among 617 pregnant women in the Puerto Rico PROTECT birth cohort.
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19
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Social Isolation Stress Modulates Pregnancy Outcomes and the Inflammatory Profile of Rat Uterus. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116169. [PMID: 35682846 PMCID: PMC9181517 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116169] [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: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal stressors have been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes; including preterm birth (PTB). Recent work demonstrates that social isolation in mothers represents a silent stressor contributing to PTB risk. Here; we investigate the association of inflammatory and stress markers with PTB risk in Long–Evans rats exposed to social isolation stress (SIS) during preconception and pregnancy across four generations (F0-F3). Gestational length; blood glucose; corticosterone levels; and maternal and offspring weights were assessed in two SIS paradigms: transgenerational (TG) and multigenerational (MG) exposure. Maternal uterine tissues were collected 21 days after the dams gave birth. Exposure to SIS reduced pregnancy lengths in the parental generation and neonatal birth weights in the F1 and F2 generations. Interleukin (IL)-1β (Il1b) mRNA levels increased in F0 animals but decreased in the offspring of both stress lineages. Protein levels of IL-1β decreased in the TG lineage. Corticotrophin-releasing hormone receptor 1 (Crhr1) expression decreased in SIS-exposed F0 animals and increased in the TG-F2 and MG-F1 offspring. Expression of enzyme 11-β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-2 (11bHSD2) was enhanced in F1 animals. These findings suggest SIS has adverse consequences on the F0 mothers; but their F1–F3 progeny may adapt to this chronic stress; thus supporting the fetal programming hypothesis.
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20
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Lee H, Patel V, Onushko M, Fang X, Chemtob S, Olson D. A Leukocyte Migration Assay Assists Understanding of Interleukin-1β-Induced Leukocyte Migration Into Preterm Mouse Uterus. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:898008. [PMID: 35694257 PMCID: PMC9174527 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.898008] [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: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils and other leukocytes invade the mouse uterus at term birth, which is normal for activating the uterus for labor. To better understand the regulation of this migration at term and interleukin (IL)-1β—induced preterm birth, we developed a mouse leukocyte migration assay (mLMA) and used it with rytvela, an IL-1 receptor allosteric antagonist. The mLMA uses term peripheral blood leukocytes that migrate in a Boyden chamber in response to a chemoattractant. We tested several mouse uterine tissues after homogenization and sedimentation of debris for chemoattractant activity. The most active chemoattractant homogenate came from the mouse lower uterus on gestational day (GD) 18.5. Using flow cytometry, we demonstrated that 99% of the cells that migrate are neutrophils. IL-1β administered on GD 16 stimulated neutrophil migration and invasion into the uterus and the fetal brain along with preterm birth on GD 17. Preterm birth and the increased leukocyte invasion of the maternal uterus and fetal brain were all blocked by the co-administration of rytvela. To test where the site of IL-1β action might be, we examined the potency of lower uterine chemoattractant and the activation of leukocytes following IL-1β +/- rytvela administration. IL-1β did not increase lower uterus homogenate chemoattractant activity, but it significantly (p < 0.05) increased leukocyte activation as defined by cytokine and chemokine expression. Rytvela blocked this activation of leukocytes by IL-1β. We conclude that IL-1β stimulates preterm birth in mice by increasing leukocyte activation leading to increased uterine and fetal brain leukocyte invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Lee
- Olson Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Vaishvi Patel
- Olson Laboratory, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Meghan Onushko
- Olson Laboratory, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Xin Fang
- Olson Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sylvain Chemtob
- Chemtob Laboratory, Departments of Pediatrics and Ophthalmology/Pharmacology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - David Olson
- Olson Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Olson Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Olson Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: David Olson,
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21
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Pisacreta E, Mannella P. Molecular and endocrine mechanisms involved in preterm birth. Gynecol Endocrinol 2022; 38:368-378. [PMID: 35319334 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2022.2053519] [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] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth is a worldwide social problem. Incidence rates may vary from 5 to 18% of all deliveries, with important differences observed between developed and developing countries. Preterm birth has a negative impact on newborns and neonatal mortality and morbidity are high. Despite improvements in modern neonatal care, we know little of the mechanisms that determine the onset and development of preterm birth. Infections seem to be one the most important triggers, determining the activation of protective mechanisms aimed at ending the pregnancy and safeguarding the health of the woman. However, threatened preterm birth often occurs even in women who do not have any ongoing infectious process. Of these, which are the majority, the causes and the activation mechanisms remain unknown or unclear; however, there are several molecular and endocrine mechanisms that finally lead to preterm birth. In this review, we seek to shed light and summarize the molecular and endocrine mechanisms underlying the development of preterm birth. Their understanding could help us to understand the dynamics of premature birth but, above all, to allow an early diagnosis and primary prevention of the problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Pisacreta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Mannella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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22
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Abstract
Inflammatory mechanisms have a critical role in parturition, which results from a gathering of different stimuli that collectively initiate labour. In fact, a sophisticated interaction occurs between contractile and immuno-inflammatory pathways, whereby proinflammatory amplification is intensified by collaborative connections between cells, ligands, and tissues. Preterm birth (PTB) is one of the major challenges of modern obstetrics and still lacks an efficient treatment. Therefore, the scientific research of modern therapies is warranted. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of recent research into inflammation and PTB. The main inclusion criterion was articles concerning birth and inflammation, and searches were performed in the electronic databases MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library, from 2017 to 2021. A literature search from all databases yielded 1989 results which, applying the specified eligibility criteria, resulted in the 16 articles included in this review. Delivery is the consequence of an inequity between maternal inflammation and hormonal-driven uterine quiescence. Studies show that the distinction between term and preterm labour could consist of a pre-existing disproportion of decidual inflammatory signalling, or an unusual stimulus eliciting inflammatory pathways, comparable to both. Thus, controlling inflammation could be hopeful for detaining PTB.
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Ikumi NM, Matjila M. Preterm Birth in Women With HIV: The Role of the Placenta. Front Glob Womens Health 2022; 3:820759. [PMID: 35392117 PMCID: PMC8982913 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.820759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal HIV infection is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth (PTB). However, the mechanisms underlying this increased risk in women with HIV remain poorly understood. In this regard, it is well-established that labor is an inflammatory process and premature activation of the pro-inflammatory signals (associated with labor) can result in preterm labor which can subsequently lead to PTB. HIV infection is known to cause severe immune dysregulation within its host characterized by altered immune profiles, chronic inflammation and eventually, the progressive failure of the immune system. The human placenta comprises different immune cell subsets, some of which play an important role during pregnancy including participating in the inflammatory processes that accompany labor. It is therefore plausible that HIV/antiretroviral therapy (ART)-associated immune dysregulation within the placental microenvironment may underlie the increased risk of PTB reported in women with HIV. Here, we review evidence from studies that point toward the placental origin of spontaneous PTB and discuss possible ways maternal HIV infection and/or ART could increase this risk. We focus on key cellular players in the maternal decidua including natural killer cells, CD4+ T cells including CD4+ regulatory T cells, CD8+ T cells as well as macrophages.
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Barger MK. Systematic Reviews to Inform Practice, January/February 2022. J Midwifery Womens Health 2022; 67:126-132. [DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.13334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mary K. Barger
- Midwifery researcher and consultant San Diego California
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Higher-Dose DHA Supplementation Modulates Immune Responses in Pregnancy and Is Associated with Decreased Preterm Birth. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13124248. [PMID: 34959801 PMCID: PMC8703393 DOI: 10.3390/nu13124248] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy and parturition involve extensive changes in the maternal immune system. In our randomized, multi-site, double-blind superiority trial using a Bayesian adaptive design, we demonstrated that 1000 mg/day of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was superior to 200 mg/day in preventing both early preterm birth (less than 34 weeks' gestation) and preterm birth (less than 37 weeks' gestation). The goal of this secondary study is to compare the effects of 1000 mg/day versus 200 mg/day on maternal inflammation, a possible mechanism by which DHA may prevent preterm birth. Maternal blood samples were collected at enrollment (12-20 weeks' gestation) and at delivery. Red blood cell DHA levels were measured by gas chromatography, and plasma concentrations of sRAGE, IL-6, IL-1β, TNFα, and INFγ were measured by ELISA. Data were analyzed for associations with the DHA dose, gestational age at birth, and preterm birth (<37 weeks). Higher baseline and lower delivery levels of maternal sRAGE were associated with a greater probability of longer gestation and delivery at term gestation. Higher-dose DHA supplementation increased the probability of a smaller decrease in delivery sRAGE levels. Higher IL-6 concentrations at delivery were associated with the probability of delivering after 37 weeks, and higher-dose DHA supplementation increased the probability of greater increases in IL-6 concentrations between enrollment and delivery. These data provide a proposed mechanistic explanation of how a higher dose of DHA during pregnancy provides immunomodulatory regulation in the initiation of parturition by influencing sRAGE and IL-6 levels, which may explain its ability to reduce the risk of preterm birth.
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