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Eaves LA, Harrington CE, Fry RC. Epigenetic Responses to Nonchemical Stressors: Potential Molecular Links to Perinatal Health Outcomes. Curr Environ Health Rep 2024; 11:145-157. [PMID: 38580766 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00435-w] [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] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We summarize the recent literature investigating exposure to four nonchemical stressors (financial stress, racism, psychosocial stress, and trauma) and DNA methylation, miRNA expression, and mRNA expression. We also highlight the relationships between these epigenetic changes and six critical perinatal outcomes (preterm birth, low birth weight, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, childhood allergic disease, and childhood neurocognition). RECENT FINDINGS Multiple studies have found financial stress, psychosocial stress, and trauma to be associated with DNA methylation and/or miRNA and mRNA expression. Fewer studies have investigated the effects of racism. The majority of studies assessed epigenetic or genomic changes in maternal blood, cord blood, or placenta. Several studies included multi-OMIC assessments in which DNA methylation and/or miRNA expression were associated with gene expression. There is strong evidence for the role of epigenetics in driving the health outcomes considered. A total of 22 biomarkers, including numerous HPA axis genes, were identified to be epigenetically altered by both stressors and outcomes. Epigenetic changes related to inflammation, the immune and endocrine systems, and cell growth and survival were highlighted across numerous studies. Maternal exposure to nonchemical stressors is associated with epigenetic and/or genomic changes in a tissue-specific manner among inflammatory, immune, endocrine, and cell growth-related pathways, which may act as mediating pathways to perinatal health outcomes. Future research can test the mediating role of the specific biomarkers identified as linked with both stressors and outcomes. Understanding underlying epigenetic mechanisms altered by nonchemical stressors can provide a better understanding of how chemical and nonchemical exposures interact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Eaves
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Cailee E Harrington
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca C Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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Kondracka A, Stupak A, Rybak-Krzyszkowska M, Kondracki B, Oniszczuk A, Kwaśniewska A. MicroRNA Associations with Preterm Labor-A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3755. [PMID: 38612564 PMCID: PMC11012198 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
This systematic review delves into the connections between microRNAs and preterm labor, with a focus on identifying diagnostic and prognostic markers for this crucial pregnancy complication. Covering studies disseminated from 2018 to 2023, the review integrates discoveries from diverse pregnancy-related scenarios, encompassing gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders and pregnancy loss. Through meticulous search strategies and rigorous quality assessments, 47 relevant studies were incorporated. The synthesis highlights the transformative potential of microRNAs as valuable diagnostic tools, offering promising avenues for early intervention. Notably, specific miRNAs demonstrate robust predictive capabilities. In conclusion, this comprehensive analysis lays the foundation for subsequent research, intervention strategies and improved outcomes in the realm of preterm labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrianna Kondracka
- Department of Obstetrics and Pathology of Pregnancy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (A.K.); (A.K.)
| | - Aleksandra Stupak
- Department of Obstetrics and Pathology of Pregnancy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (A.K.); (A.K.)
| | - Magda Rybak-Krzyszkowska
- Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, The University Hospital in Krakow, 30-551 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Bartosz Kondracki
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Oniszczuk
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Anna Kwaśniewska
- Department of Obstetrics and Pathology of Pregnancy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (A.K.); (A.K.)
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Bao Y, Wu L, Liu Y, Fan C, Zhang J, Yang J. Role of CircCHD2 in the pathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus by regulating autophagy via miR-33b-3p/ULK1 axis. Placenta 2024; 145:27-37. [PMID: 38039841 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication with a high incidence in women; however, its pathophysiology remains unknown. Our previous study suggested that the circCHD2/miR-33b-3p/ULK1 axis may be involved in GDM pathogenesis. However, the mechanism through which circCHD2 regulates GDM development requires further investigation. We found that high-glucose (HG, 25 mmol/L) significantly induced the expression of circCHD2, increased autophagy and apoptosis, and decreased cell viability in human placental trophoblast HTR-8/SVneo cells. In contrast, the downregulation of circCHD2 significantly attenuated the effects of HG on HTR-8/SVneo cells. MiR-33b-3p downregulated in the placenta of GDM patients was reduced by HG and detected as a target of circCHD2 using bioinformatics analysis, a dual-luciferase reporter assay, and qRT-PCR assay. Further studies showed that the inhibition of miR-33b-3p significantly blocked the effects of circCHD2 downregulation on cell viability, apoptosis, and autophagy in HG-treated HTR-8/SVneo cells. ULK1 is a target of miR-33b-3p, based on bioinformatics analysis, a dual-luciferase reporter assay, qRT-PCR assay, and Western blot analysis. Compared to miR-33b-3p, ULK1 is upregulated in the placenta of GDM patients. ULK1 overexpression notably blocked the effects of miR-33b-3p mimics on cell viability, apoptosis, and autophagy in HG-treated HTR-8/SVneo cells. These findings suggested that circCHD2 acts as an autophagy promoter via the miR-33b-3p/ULK1 axis to induce apoptosis in HTR-8/SVneo cells, suggesting that circCHD2 is a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for GDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yindi Bao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Lianzhi Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiaogan Central Hospital Affiliated of Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Xiaogan, 432003, China
| | - Cuifang Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
| | - Jing Yang
- Reproductive Medical Center/Hubei Medical Clinical Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
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He H, Wang Y, Wang H, Ma Y, Zhang P. Correlation between serum microRNA-122 and VEGF expression and pregnancy outcome in gestational diabetes mellitus patients. Pak J Med Sci 2024; 40:326-331. [PMID: 38356823 PMCID: PMC10862420 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.40.3.8467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) seriously influences the health of mothers and babies, and there are still no effective early diagnostic markers. Therefore, our study planned to probe the correlation between serum microRNA-122 and VEGF expression and pregnancy outcome in GDM patients. Methods This was a retrospective study of the correlation between serum microRNA-122 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and pregnancy outcome in GDM patients. Sixty GDM patients admitted to the Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang from January 2021 to October 2022 were included in the research group (RG), and another 60 healthy pregnant women were included in the control group (CG). Serum miR-122 and VEGF levels were quantified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The value of miR-122 and VEGF in predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve. Results Serum miR-122 and VEGF levels in the RG were higher relative to the CG. The total occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in the RG was higher relative to the CG (P<0.05). Serum miR-122 together with VEGF levels in the poor outcome group was higher relative to the good outcome group (P<0.05). ROC analysis revealed that miR-122 and VEGF could be used to predict adverse pregnancy outcome (P<0.0001). The area under the curve of miR-122 was 0.860, 95% confidence interval (CI) =0.793-0.926, and the area under the curve of VEGF was 0.780, 95% CI =0.694-0.866. Serum levels of miR-122, VEGF were positively related with abortion, preterm delivery, low birth weight infants, macrogenesis infants, and fetal development abnormalities (P<0.001). Conclusion The higher serum miR-122 and VEGF levels in GDM patients with satisfactory blood glucose control, the greater the probability of adverse pregnancy outcome, which should be paid attention to by clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei He
- Hongmei He, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Yi Wang, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Haijiao Wang
- Haijiao Wang, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Yulan Ma
- Yulan Ma, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Pan Zhang
- Pan Zhang, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
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Vedika R, Sharma P, Reddy A. Signature precursor and mature microRNAs in cervical ripening during gestational diabetes mellitus lead to pre-term labor and other impediments in future. J Diabetes Metab Disord 2023; 22:945-965. [PMID: 37975145 PMCID: PMC10638342 DOI: 10.1007/s40200-023-01232-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a pathological condition in which the placenta releases a hormone called human placental lactogen that prevents maternal insulin uptake. GDM is characterised by varying degrees of carbohydrate intolerance and is first identified during pregnancy. Around 5-17% of pregnancies are GDM pregnancies. Older or obese women have a higher risk of developing GDM during gestation. Hyperglycemia is a classic manifestation of GDM and leads to alterations in eNOS and iNOS expression and subsequently causes ROS and RNS overproduction. ROS and RNS play an important role in maintaining normal physiology, when present in low concentrations. Increased concentrations of ROS is harmful and can cause cellular and tissue damage. Oxidative stress is defined as an imbalance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant molecules that manifests due to hyperglycemia. miRNAs are short, non-coding RNAs that play a critical role in regulating gene expression. Studies have shown that the placenta expresses more than 500 miRNAs, which play a crucial role in trophoblast division, movement, and apoptosis. Latest research has revealed that hyperglycemic conditions and increased oxidative stress, characteristic of GDM, can lead to the dysregulation of miRNAs. The placenta also releases miRNAs into the maternal circulation. The secreted miRNAs are encapsulated in exosomes or vesicles. These exosomes interact with tissues and organs at distant sites, releasing their cargo intracellularly. This crosstalk between hyperglycemia, ROS and miRNA expression in GDM has detrimental effects on both foetal and maternal health. One of the complications of GDM is preterm labour. GDM induced iNOS expression has been implicated in cervical ripening, which in turn causes preterm birth. This article focuses on the speculations of oxidative and nitrative stress markers that lead to detrimental effects in GDM. We have also envisaged the role of non-coding miRNA interactions in regulating gene expression for oxidative damage. Graphical Abstract Holistic view of miRNA in GDM. I)(A) Placenta as a metabolic organ that provides the foetus with nutrients, oxygen and hormones to maintain pregnancy. Human placental lactogen (hPL) is one such hormone that is released into maternal circulation. hPL is known to induce insulin resistance. (B) ß-cell dysfunction leads to reduced glucose sensing and insulin production. Insulin resistance, a characteristic of GDM, exacerbates insulin ß cell dysfunction leading to maternal hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia leads to increased ROS and RNS production through several mechanisms. Consequently, GDM is characterised by increased oxidative and nitrative stress.II)Exposure to maternal hyperglycemia causes increased ROS and RNS production in trophoblast cells. Oxidative stress caused by hyperglycemia may lead to eNOS uncoupling, causing eNOS to behave as a superoxide producing enzyme. iNOS expression in trophoblast cells leads to increased NO production. iNOS-derived NO reacts with ROS to produce RNS, thereby increasing nitrosative stress. Expression of antioxidant defences are reduced. Hyperglycemia and oxidative stress may alter the expression of some miRNAs. Some miRNAs are upregulated while others are downregulated. Some miRNAs are secreted into maternal circulation in the form of exosomes. Oxidative stress markers, nitrative stress markers and circulating miRNAs are found to be increased in maternal circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Vedika
- Animal cell culture laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, SRMIST, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu India
| | - Priyanshy Sharma
- Animal cell culture laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, SRMIST, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu India
| | - Amala Reddy
- Animal cell culture laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, SRMIST, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu India
- Department of Biotechnology, SRMIST, Kattankulathur, Kancheepuram 603203 India
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Ren J, Jin H, Zhu Y. The Role of Placental Non-Coding RNAs in Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24055030. [PMID: 36902459 PMCID: PMC10003511 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24055030] [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: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are transcribed from the genome and do not encode proteins. In recent years, ncRNAs have attracted increasing attention as critical participants in gene regulation and disease pathogenesis. Different categories of ncRNAs, which mainly include microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are involved in the progression of pregnancy, while abnormal expression of placental ncRNAs impacts the onset and development of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs). Therefore, we reviewed the current status of research on placental ncRNAs and APOs to further understand the regulatory mechanisms of placental ncRNAs, which provides a new perspective for treating and preventing related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Ren
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Heyue Jin
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yumin Zhu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Correspondence:
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Illarionov RA, Pachuliia OV, Vashukova ES, Tkachenko AA, Maltseva AR, Postnikova TB, Nasykhova YA, Bespalova ON, Glotov AS. Plasma miRNA Profile in High Risk of Preterm Birth during Early and Mid-Pregnancy. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13112018. [PMID: 36360255 PMCID: PMC9690526 DOI: 10.3390/genes13112018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years evidence has been accumulated showing that miRNAs can act as potential biomarkers or targets for therapy of preterm birth, one of the most important problems in modern obstetrics. We have performed a prospective study of the miRNA profile in the plasma during the first and second trimesters in pregnant women with high risk of preterm birth (n = 13 cases and n = 11 controls). For the study group plasma blood samples at 9–13 weeks before diagnosis and at 22–24 weeks after start of therapy were selected. Using high-throughput sequencing technology we detected differences in the levels of 15 miRNAs (3 upregulated—hsa-miR-122-5p, hsa-miR-34a-5p, hsa-miR-34c-5p; 12 downregulated—hsa-miR-487b-3p, hsa-miR-493-3p, hsa-miR-432-5p, hsa-miR-323b-3p, hsa-miR-369-3p, hsa-miR-134-5p, hsa-miR-431-5p, hsa-miR-485-5p, hsa-miR-382-5p, hsa-miR-369-5p, hsa-miR-485-3p, hsa-miR-127-3p) (log2(FC) ≥ 1.5; FDR ≤ 0.05) during the first trimester compared with the control (non-high-risk of preterm birth pregnant women). All downregulated miRNAs in the first trimester from the placenta-specific C14MC cluster. During the second trimester no differentially expressed miRNAs were found. Our results suggest that the miRNA profile in plasma during early pregnancy may predict a high risk of preterm birth, which is important in preventing gestational problems as early as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman A. Illarionov
- Department of Genomic Medicine, D.O. Ott Research Institute for Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
- Resource Center “Biobank”, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Olga V. Pachuliia
- Department of Genomic Medicine, D.O. Ott Research Institute for Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Elena S. Vashukova
- Department of Genomic Medicine, D.O. Ott Research Institute for Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Alexander A. Tkachenko
- Department of Genomic Medicine, D.O. Ott Research Institute for Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
- Institute of Applied Computer Sciences, ITMO University, St. Petersburg 197101, Russia
| | - Anastasia R. Maltseva
- Department of Genomic Medicine, D.O. Ott Research Institute for Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Tatyana B. Postnikova
- Department of Genomic Medicine, D.O. Ott Research Institute for Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Yulia A. Nasykhova
- Department of Genomic Medicine, D.O. Ott Research Institute for Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Olesya N. Bespalova
- Department of Genomic Medicine, D.O. Ott Research Institute for Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Andrey S. Glotov
- Department of Genomic Medicine, D.O. Ott Research Institute for Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
- Correspondence:
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